HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-09-01 Parks & Recreation r y
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The April 9, 2001 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson,Council Member Sean Coleman at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, King, Kelly, Varner, Pfeifer,
Ujdak, White, Coleman and Kirsits; Citizen Member William J. Kuminecz, Mayor Stephen J.
Luecke, City Attorney Charles Leone, Larry Magliozzi, Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, Paul
McMinn, Joe Sergio, Jim Frick, Colette Bigi of Granger, Corey Clapper Bob Wilson, Adam
Taruscki, Phil Maternowski, Jeff Kelly, Phil Misle, Matt Mulligan, Terry Bland of the 'ottt.b
tt rributtU,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Coleman suggested that the meeting be moved to the Council Chambers in light
of the persons assembled there. The meeting was then re-located. Council Member Coleman
introduced the members of the Parks and Recreation Committee namely Council Members Ujdak,
Aranowski, King and himself; and William J. Kuminecz as a citizen member. He suggested that
anyone wishing to address the Committee sign the sheet at the podium.
Council Member Coleman noted that this Committee meeting was scheduled in order to receive a
presentation from the Park Department on the proposed skate park facility.
Mayor Luecke opened the presentation noting that the funds originally proposed for a skate park
facility were not in the park budget, but rather in the general capital budget. The Mayor noted that
he hoped to move forward on the project but agreed to work with the Council since no process was
in place. He concluded that the Administration would be filing a resolution for Council
consideration which would authorize moving forward on the project before anything is started on
the skate facility. He thanked all those in attendance for coming.
Phil St. Clair, Park Superintendent, stated that he has been in that capacity for eight (8) years. A
12,000 to 15,000 square foot inline skating and skateboard park is proposed to be constructed at
O'Brien this year. He noted that there are 300 facilities of this kind in the United States
constructed last year and that a like number will be constructed this year. The cities of Valpariso
and Niles, Michigan have skate parks. Mr. St. Clair stated that between $ 4- 5 million are spent
each year on community parks for maintenance. $ 250,000 from COIT funds are being proposed
to fund the construction of such a park in South Bend.
Paul McMinn,Assistant Recreation Director, stated that skating facilities are now receiving national
attention. A 1st class facility is proposed for South Bend which would include lessons and
partnerships with private entities. The City has 75 parks, however there are limited activities for
12 to 17 year olds. The proposed park would be open nine(9) months of the year.
Following the formal presentation, Council Member Coleman than asked the Council if they had
any questions.
Council Member White inquired about the location and accessibility for the total community to the
proposed site in light of the limited public transportation provided on the weekends. She noted that
busses stop operating at 6 or 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
Mr. St. Clair stated that they did not want noise or lighting to be a problem to the neighbors. He
also wanted parking to be provided,and with a park at O'Brien there would be adequate
Parks and Recreation Committee
April 9, 2001
Page 2
supervision by the City. He noted that the South Gateway Association was supportive of the
proposed location.
Council Member White inquired as to how the other park needs would be prioritized in light of
such a large expenditure on one(1) park activity.
Mr. St. Clair stated that his department has in place a five (5) year master plan and that all needs
and priorities need to be addressed in light of that plan.
Council Member Kirsits inquired about the proposed location noting that his sons were excited
about the project until they heard where it was being proposed. Council Member Kirsits stressed
the need for a proper location and accessibility for the entire community; and then inquired about
fees, fencing and parking. Council Member Kirsits suggested considering locating this type of
park by the park trail system instead.
Mr. St. Clair stated that the park would be east of the parking lot and that the park would be on a
fee basis for admission. The entire area would be properly fenced. He noted that his department
has not considered locating the park by the park trails and that further research would have to be
done on that proposal.
Council Member Kirsits noted that many of the baseball parks throughout the city are in
"deplorable" condition and that many umpires are refusing to call games. He cited problems at
Keller, NW Little League, Leeper Park as being"pathetic". Council Member Kirsits stated that last
year he was forced to bring his own personal equipment to the ball parks to get the infields ready
for play.
Council Member Varner inquired about the neighbors which would be affected along the adjoining
streets to the proposed location. Dr. Varner suggested Dean Johnson Park as an alternative
location for the city to consider.
Council Member King asked Mr. McMinn to address the insurance liability aspects.
Council Member Aranowski suggested that more money be budgeted for supervision. Additional
questions were raised regarding the proposed hours of operation, safety wear and admission fees.
At this point, Council Member Coleman opened the meeting to remarks from the public.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the proposed park: Corey Clapper, Joe Sergio, Bob
Wilson, Matt Mulligan,Jim Frick,Adam Tsruscki,Jeff Kelly, Phil Maternowski and Colette Bigi.
No one spoke in opposition to the proposal.
The Committee and Council Members were then invited to ask further questions or make further
comments.
Council Member King expressed his support of the proposal citing the fact that the Park
Department had done its homework.
Chairperson Council Member Coleman expressed his support for the proposal and asked the
Committee to vote in support of a motion to consider a resolution from the Administration at the
Parks and Recreation Committee
April 9, 2001
Page 3
April 23, 2001 meeting supporting the skate park proposal and outlining a process for design and
operational considerations related to the park. The motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Coleman
adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Sean Coleman, Chairperson
Parks and Recreation Committee
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