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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-88 Parks & Recreation enmmmttu Itrpnrt 4 Wu tie Ulummon &lounrtl of tip Mtn of Smdlii end: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE The March 28, 1988 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Sean Coleman at 4:00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Voorde, Niezgodski, Luecke, Duda, Soderberg, Coleman, Puzzello, and Slavinskas; James Caldwell, James Aranowski, Karl Stevens, Joe Radecki, James Wensits, Mike Gamble, Charlie VanParis, Dick Maginot, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Coleman noted that the individuals on the Parks and Recreation Committee included Councilman Soderberg, as Vice-Chairman, Councilman Zakrzewski, Councilman Niezgodski, and himself as Chairman. Councilman Coleman noted that the first item on the agenda was to introduce Mr. James J. Aranowski, who would be a citizen member on the Committee. He then made available resumes of Mr. Aranowski. (copy attached) . Councilman Coleman then noted that the second item on the agenda was to update the Committee with regard to the Rum Village Park situation. He used a flip chart to update the Committee with, regard to this issue. He briefly highlighted the thirteen items from the memorandum brought to the Committee's attention at its last meeting of February 15, 1988. He noted that he and the Council Attorney had met with the City Attorney since then. He also noted that he had met with Chief Hurley, Chief Radecki, Captain Riddle, and the Council Attorney to further discuss the issues raised. He was advised that the predominate violation last year in all of the parks throughout the City was alcohol use. He further noted that as a result of this meeting it was agreed that "directive patrols" be used by the Police Department. Officers would be assigned as a part of their regular patrol to the Rum Village Park area. They would respond to activities and would check in at the nature center at least on a daily basis. The Park Police would work in conjunction with the Police Department. He then passed out a copy of the "directive patrol" (copy attached) . The Council Attorney then updated the Committee and noted that she had presented a comprehensive memorandum addressing each of the thirteen issues raised in the letter dated February 23, 1988. The memorandum basically highlighted the applicable state and local law addressing each of these items. As a result of this review it was her recommendation that certain areas of the City code namely Chapter 19 be revised and updated so that there are uniform regulations for all of the City parks. Councilman Coleman then handed out a copy of the memorandum dated February 24, 1988 from now retired Superintendant James R. Seitz. (copy attached) The Memorandum addressed the cost totals for the installation of gates at the two park entrances of Rum Village Park which would total approximately $750. 00 and the installation of two-foot posts along Ewing Avenue and Gertrude Streets for an approximate cost of $6, 120.80. Karl Stevens, acting Park Superintendant, noted that in addition to the costs estimates that there would be continuing maintenance charges which would be additional costs factors to consider. He noted that in his opinion closing by the use of gates would hinder the patrolling of the Park Police and well as the Police Department. He raised serious doubts with regard to the installation of both the posts and the gates. Councilman Niezgodski agreed with Mr. Stevens position and . believed that such installation would hinder the Police Officers in carrying out their duties. He also noted an increasing problem of individuals using three-wheeled vehicles in the parks. Mr. Aranowski noted that when he was employed at Elbel Golf Course that the gate installation caused more problems than it solved. Mike Gamble noted that the Police personnel have been checking in at his office and that there was a noticeable increase in Police presence. Councilman Slavinskas noted that he had spoken with park personnel and that they had also noted an increase in Police presence. Councilman Puzzello noted that when she had problems at Boehm Park that activities were curtailed by Police visibility. Councilman Soderberg noted that although problems may be addressed currently at Rum Village Park that they are now shifting over to Potawatomi. He noted that he had met with the officers and that the constant complaint was that citizens that live near the parks do not feel safe due to the individuals who are in them. He further noted that he has personally sited many Michigan plates being driven by 2 such individuals. He hoped that all parks would be policed and that all illegal activity would be curtailed. Councilman Coleman noted that with the effort and cooperation of the Police Department that there would diligent monitoring of all illegal activities throughout all of the City parks. Following further discussion Councilman Niezgodski made a motion seconded by Councilman Coleman that the Committee recommend that there be no installation of gates or posts at Rum Village Park. The motion passed by a two to one vote with Councilman Soderberg being in the minority and noting that Councilman Zakrzewski was absent. The Committee also voiced favorable support for the Council Attorney to proceed ahead in revising Chapter 19 of the Municipal Code dealing with parks and recreation activities. Mike Gamble suggested that the Committee consider using dusk as a possible curfew deadline, however, the Council Attorney noted that many of the parks have 3Rtany softball and baseball games that go far beyond the dusk time period as well as lighted tennis courts going beyond that period of time. Charlie Van Paris questioned whether the Prosecutors Office as well as the press will follow through if in fact there is to be continued police activity in the park system. The Council Attorney noted that to date the Prosecutor's office has responded positively and she expects cooperation in the future. Councilman Coleman then passed out an "Artist's Rendering" of the Frederickson Park (copy attached) and it was noted that there have been changes since the drawing was prepared. Councilman Coleman also noted that a Resolution would be considered this evening James R. Seitz for his more than twenty eight years of service in the Park Department (copy attached) . Councilman Slavinskas noted that Mark Rodriguez, a volunteer for the East Race, noted that several international competitions were being scheduled and that he had been advised that the Park Department would not provide personnel for timers at such events. Karl Stevens noted that the Park Department has never provided "timers" and related personnel and that such positions were filled by volunteers in the past. Mr. Stevens did stress, however, that the Park Department does provide security as well as safety individuals for such events. 3 Councilman Puzzello questioned whether the Common Council had a representative on the East Race Committee. Councilman Voorde stated that he would follow up on that issue. There being no further business to come before the Committee Councilman Soderberg made a motion seconded by Councilman Niezgodski that the meeting be adjourned. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Councilman Sean Coleman, Chairman Parks and Recreation Committee SC:srk Attachments 4