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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-10-99 Parks & Recreation r 3 Commftttt Z port: Parks and Recreation Committee �0 the Common tountfl of the tftj1 of 0outb 11140: The May 10, 1999 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer at 4:45 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, King, Varner, Ujdak, Coleman, Sniadecki; Terry Bland, Phil St. Clair, Betsy Harriman, Matthew Moyers,Bill Carleton, Chad Kilmer, Lew Powell, Mike Dyszkiewicz,Matthew Morse, Susan O'Connor, Vicki Roth, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the purpose of the meeting was to receive an update and have discussion on the Summer Parks and Recreation Program. Phil St. Clair welcomed the opportunity to provide an overview of this years program. Chad Kilmer then reviewed the golf course operations. He noted that the mission statement and goals of providing affordable golf of good quality. He reviewed the major parts addressing administrative, maintenance, Pro Shop Operations and Junior Golf for children from 8-17 years of age. Council Member Kelly complimented the department for the fine shape that both Elbel and Erskine are in this year. Council Member Aranowski noted that the non-reverting fund for the golf carts has helped substantially. Betsy Harriman, Administrative Director, reviewed her duties regarding park security, grants, Cove and FFH activities, ADA requirements and neighborhood strategic planning. Council Member Ujdak asked for an update on Pulaski Park; and Council Member Pfeifer inquired about the proposed mural for Pulaski Park. Betsy noted that she would get back to them. Bill Carlton,Fiscal Officer, reviewed a handout (copy attached) addressing revenues and expenses for all funds in the Park Department. Susan O'Connor, Director of Recreation, noted that the City of South Bend maintains eighteen (18) parks. She then provided a handout addressing programs in the park & recreation department. It was inquired as to why the LaSalle Center was not open on Saturdays. It was noted that staffing was limited. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about "Safe Zones"like they have in LaPorte County,and it was noted that "Safe Centers" are in existence in the City of South Bend. Council Member Aranowski also noted that Susan is the Co-Chair of the Softball Tournament at Belleville Park later this year. Vicki Roth,the Zoo Director,noted that the zoo is accredited by the American Zoological Association, with there being 184 zoos receiving accreditation nationally. Admission fees were increased from $ 3.00 to $ 4.00 and from $ 2.00 to $ 2.50 with $ 1.00 of each admission going into a non-reverting fund. Zoo attendance is up and there are many educational programs being provided. $30,000 has been ear-marked for new signage and $50,000 is anticipated from the State of Indiana to be used for the chimp pavilion. Matthew Morse reviewed the concessions operations and Mike Dyszkiewicz,Maintenance Superintendent, noted that his budget is $ 3.8 million with 1,400 acres of green space being maintained as well as street islands. Council Member Pfeifer was advised upon her questioning that dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than six feet (6') when in the parks. Parks and Recreation Committee May 10, 1999 Page 2 Phil St. Clair noted that the administrative offices and recreation center are to be moved to the old O'Brien School by the end of the year. He noted that the bid opening for the water play ground at Kennedy School was to take place last Friday, however no bids were received. The matter has been referred to John Broden, the City Attorney. No commercial pool builders are located in South Bend. Council Member Pfeifer asked to be kept updated since she is in contact with the Kennedy Neighborhood Association members. Mr. St. Clair also noted that Newman Center has been closed due to high levels of lead from the gun range. The clean-up of the entire area would cost $ 47,000. He will be recommending to the Mayor that the gun range not reopen. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member Pfeifer noted that the Council Attorney had requested on Council Member Hosinski's behalf for an update on the sidewalks in Leeper Park. Mr. St. Clair noted that they have been working with Lawson/Fisher. This Wednesday they meet with the wage committee to determine the prevailing wage,and next Monday they plan to go out for bids. Bid opening should take place by the Park Board in June with work to begin by July 1st. Following further discussion, Council Member Pfeifer adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer Chairperson,Parks and Recreation Committee Attachments