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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-25-05 Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture Parks, Arts,Recreation and Culture MARC]Committee The July 25, 2005 meeting of the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Derek D. Dieter at 5:34 p.m. in the Council Tnformal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Kuspa, White Kirsits,Varner and Rouse;Mayor Stephen Luecke, Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Brad Poulan, Judith Roberts, Mrs. Kopola, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Assistant Police Chief Rick Kilgore, Rick Walls, Carl Littrell, City Clerk John Voorde and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Dieter noted that two(2) items have been scheduled for the committee, namely an update form Rick Walls, Executive Director of the College Football Hall of Fame and a presentation on Bike/Pedestrian Plans by Judith Roberts. Mayor Luecke introduced Rick Walls to the Committee. Mr. Walls stated that he and his wife moved to Granger five (5) years ago and have an emotional attachment to the area. He worked at the Hall of Fame until he left in 1997 to work with the National Football Foundation. As the Hall's new Director he plans to look at the FHF budget line item by line item for better efficiencies. He has been in this position for four (4) months and is looking at a better bottom-line. The are organizing to be as efficient as possible. Their overall mission is to promote game leadership, however he believes there is a perception problem. As a 501C3 they promote scholarship,citizenship and performance. Council Member Dieter voiced concern that it took four (4) letter being sent to him in order to have him present today to give an update, with three (3) of those letter being ignored. He noted that attendance has not grown and revenues are down. Mr. Walls noted that he did not ignore any correspondence and that he sees the FHF as a stimulus for development. He stated that the FHF is an important part of the development puzzle. Dr. Varner noted that soon the 2006 proposed budget will be coming before the Common Council. He would like to know what kind of fund-raising Mr. Walls is heading and a copy of a 5-year plan. Dr. Varner stated that he is looking toward the elimination of funding by the city for this project. Mr. Walls stated that when the FHF structure was built that it was state of the art 10 years ago. He sees the relationship as a partnership and sees it as only getting better. Council Member Dieter noted that he is most interested in how the attendance figures are calculated. Mr. Walls stated that a new system was implemented in January/February of this year. Vista looks at demographics. Parks, Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)Committee July 25,2005 Page 1 Council Member Dieter stated he would like a breakdown of the monthly attendance figures to which Mr. Walls stated that"drop figures" are used which include event attendance, foot traffic, birthday parties, and anyone with a paid admission and anyone who uses the facilities. Mr. Walls noted that they are looking at regional marketing as well as national marketing. Dr. Varner inquired whether there have been attempts to partner with Nike, Adidas, etc., and if not why not. He stated that a BCS Series raises around$75 million. Mr. Walls stated that the NCAA used to sponsor a pre-season game, which is no longer done. He added that these suggestions are good,but complicated. Dr. Varner reminded everyone of the budget restraints which the city will be facing and suggested that there be another session set up for Mr. Walls to share additional information. Mr. Walls stated that he would be willing to return and also focus on youth activities. Council Member Kelly stated that the "Play it Smart Program" is a good program with almost 80%of the participants from Clay High School going on to college. Council Member Dieter thanked Mr. Walls for coming today and stated that he would be scheduling another meeting later this year. He then called for a presentation from Judith Roberts. Judith Roberts then presented a power point on bike lanes and provided a 20-page handout to the Committee (copy attached). She stressed that the presentation shows the "vision of what is possible". She noted the differences of bike lanes and bike trails, noting that there are no bike racks by the Chocolate Cafe or other key locations. She urged the city to incorporate more bike lanes and traffic calming devices, as well as public education programs. She noted that there are "Share the Road Programs", and billboards which could focus on safety. Council Member Dieter thanked Ms. Roberts for the presentation and apologized for the short period of time she had to address the committee in light of the lateness of the hour. He then adjourned the meeting at 6:03 p.m. Res s ectfully submitted, Counc ember a ere D. a Teter, airperson Parks,Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC) Committee KCF:kmf Attachment Parks, Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)Committee July 25,2005 Page 2