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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-04 Parks, Arts, Recreration and Culture Parks, Arts,Recreation and Culture WARM Committee The October 11, 2004 meeting of the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman at 4:20 p.m. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner,Kuspa, Coleman,White and Kirsits; City Clerk John Voorde, Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, Andrew Nemeth, Mr. Scheffineyer, Laurie Guy, Rita. Kopola, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Coleman noted that he called the meeting to receive a presentation on the Park Master Plan and to discuss Summer in the City. He noted that he would like to have a presentation on Summer in the City first, in light of the lateness of the hour and if necessary reschedule the presentation on the Park Master Plan.. Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair provided a two-page handout to the committee entitled "2004 SIC Expenses(8/16/04)" (copy attached). He noted that the anticipated cost for Summer in the City was estimated to be $102,600; while the actual cost was $124,185.95. Revenues were projected to bring in $48,000; but only $41,843.16 was raised. Infrastructure improvements included an additional $15,431.73 and South Bend Police Department costs for overtime were$15,235.09. Mr. St. Clair stated that the festival began approximately thirty (30) years ago as an Ethnic Festival., and that it has had "a great run". His biggest concern is about the one-day format. Almost everyone really enjoys the parade. Council Member Pfeifer noted that many cities have fairs and inquired whether they have problems. Mr. St. Clair thought that the Taste of Chicago may have had a shooting incident. Council Member Kelly stated that he enjoyed going to the Ethnic Festival and tasting the many different foods. He believes that it was successful and perhaps it should be reinstated. Mr. St. Clair stated that there are different health regulations now in effect and that there are not as many volunteers. Council Member Dieter stated that he believes the city needs to look at other programs which it does very successfully such as Art Beat, and softball and golf programs. The Summer in the City event has become a"hassle and a headache" Council Member Puzzello stated that she and her family enjoy the festival and especially the parade. She noted that Ronald McDonald is"out of this world". Dr. Varner stated if this is a hiatus year, the parade should be kept and perhaps include the Pioneer Auto Club and McDaniels motorcycles. Art Beat has gone beyond all expectations for far less security costs. The 4-H Fair is the proper venue for a carnival-like event,and he does not believe that the current Summer in the City is very family-oriented. Parks, Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)Committee October 11,2004 Page 1 Council Member Kirsits stated that he believes that originally the Department of Community and Economic Development used to run the Ethnic Festival, which was very successful. Art Beat is not only a success with our residents but also with our business owners. Mr. St. Clair noted that the late Gwen Stiver ran the Ethnic Festival originally through the early 199O's along with many volunteers. Council Member Kelly noted that Laurie Guy was present and perhaps she could comment on whether Art Beat or some thing similar could be carried out successfully. Laura Guy noted that much time and money is needed for Art Beat along with a host of sponsors. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she really like the old Ethnic Festival, and that perhaps the rides draw a certain element which was not present when church organizations and Mom and Pop groups were more involved. Council Member Coleman noted that he would like to continue the discussion on Summer in the City and that he would reschedule the presentation on the Park Master Plan. He then opened the floor to the public. Andrew Nemeth of 922 East Jefferson, South Bend, Indiana 46617 stated that the Ethnic Festival was fantastic. However its time and come and gone. More programs like Art Beat should be pursued. He also suggested investigated the Health Department Codes to see what is really necessary. Mr. Scheffineyer of 300 South St. Louis noted that he is the President of the neighborhood group where the Center in the City festival is held. He stated that the operating loss for this year's event was $113,000 and not the $22,000 referenced by the Park Superintendent. When you add in the infrastructure expenses the loss becomes$128,000 for this one-day event. He stated that he would support an event which focuses on eating like the old Ethnic Festival, but would not support a carnival. He encouraged the city to look at the car concept also. Council Member Coleman stated that this will not be the final discussion on Summer in the City,but is a good starting point. Mr. St. Clair stated that time is an issue since he needs to notify vendors in the next ten (10)days. He stated that he would share the Council's comments with the Mayor. Council President White inquired as to what was the next step and what would be the role of the Council. Mr. St. Clair stated he would talk to the Mayor, since"it is his call". Dr. Varner stated that if an additional appropriation is going to be necessary, the Council cannot be cut out of the discussions, since no additional monies were budgeted for next year. Parks, Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)Committee October 11,2004 Page 2 Mr. St. Clair stated that he would come back for an extra appropriation if necessary. Council Member Coleman noted that he has been involved in the internal discussions on Summer in the City in his capacity as Chair of this Committee. He noted that the number of rides were decreased for this year. He noted that there are many challenges and that he would prefer a festival which focuses on the family. He suggested that the Park Superintendent report back to the Council after he talks to the Mayor. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Coleman adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Sean Coleman Parks,Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)Committee KCF:kmf Attachment Parks, Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)Committee October 11,2004 Page 3