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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-01 Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment Committ a ort: Darks', Zartation, Guitura1 arts & (Entertainut nt Committu The April 23, 2001 meeting of the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 5:45 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, King, Varner, Ujdak, Coleman,Kirsits and White;Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Dr. Fred Stump of the South Bend Community School Corporation, Robert Goodrich, Robert Henry, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Ann Bruneel, Jim Frick, Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, Terry Bland of the 'outhj i3tn zribuum,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Coleman welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that Park Board Members Robert Goodrich and Robert Henry were in attendance. Attorney Ann Bruneel and Mr. St. Clair made the presentation on Bill No. 40-01. They noted that the ordinance would approve the transfer of park property to the South Bend Community School Corporation who was represented at the meeting by Dr. Fred Stump. State law requires such a transfer to be approved by the Common Council. The property is adjacent to Greenlawn Avenue, between Mishawaka Avenue and Wall Street. Both the Park Board and the School Corporation have adopted resolutions approving the proposed transfer, with such actions taking place prior to today's Council meeting. Mr. Goodrich and Mr. Henry spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Aranowski that Bill No. 40-01 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mayor Luecke than introduced Mr. St. Clair who reviewed Bill No. 01-38 which is a proposed resolution showing Council support of the use of capital funds for the development of a skate park facility by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Mr. St. Clair noted that two (2) prior Committee meetings were held on this proposal which detailed the skate facility being proposed and included a lot of input from the Park Board, park staff and the public. Mr. Jim Frick of the South Gateway Association spoke in favor of the Resolution. Mr. Goodrich noted that the proposal is well thought out and would provide a unique recreational opportunity for young people. Mr. Henry also voiced his support for the project. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Aranowski that Bill No. 01-38 be recommended favorably to Council. Council Member Aranowski stressed the need for a better budget on the proposed facility than the one provided to the Council as of this date. He requested more financial details, as well as an ongoing update of construction in progress. He noted that he does not want other park projects neglected or their funds tapped for the skate facility. • Council Member Ujdak inquired whether Mr. St. Clair had received his letter on the skate facility. r Parks,Recreation,Cultural Arts &Entertainment Committee April 23, 2001 Page 2 Mr. St. Clair then responded to the key points of that letter as follows: * Percentage of hours of supervision: would have supervision at all times * Fees: Reviewing proposed fees schedules for residents and non-residents * Age Limits: Have not established limits as of this date, however are reviewing a minimum age between 8-10 years old as well as designating times for younger children to participate and specific locations * Size of the facility: 15,000 square foot facility is proposed based on the more successful facilities averaging between 12,000 and 17,000 square feet * Funding: COIT dollars are proposed however the Park Department would invite private partnerships however no private dollars have been offered as of now * Insurance: Yearly premium amounts are estimated to cost$5,000.00. * Location: O'Brien is proposed in light of its parking lot,access by public transportation, noise control. Council President Pfeifer inquired about an upper age limit, and was advised that no upper limit is anticipated. She also inquired about proposed fee amounts. Mr. St. Clair noted that upscale parks charge between $ 10-$ 12 for admission and rental of equipment. The proposed fees would be comparable to the ice rink rates which are $ 2.00. Dr. Varner encouraged the Park Department to create non-reverting funds to cover the ongoing maintenance of the proposed park. He also urged that $ 1.00 of each admission be dedicated to such funds. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, the Committee was advised that no bikes would be permitted at the park. Council Member Ujdak noted that he is conceptually if favor of the park however expressed reservations with regard to the timing being premature, especially in light of pressing needs for capital dollars for streets. He believes that the proposed budget is a"shot in the dark" at best; and that proper supervision of the park would require a significant dollar amount which are not reflecting in the figures being proposed in the budget. He also stressed that need to not neglect other park projects. Council Member Coleman offered to be involved as the liaison for design and operating policy considerations between the Park Department, Park Board and the Council. Following further discussion, the previous motion was voted upon and passed to recommend Bill No. 01-38 favorably to Council. • Parks,Recreation,Cultural Arts &Entertainment Committee April 23, 2001 Page 3 Under miscellaneous business, Council Member Coleman voiced the need to set up future Committee meetings to discuss the Park Rangers and the Police Department's role during the summer; and the establishment of priorities for the neighborhood parks by dollar amounts to be designated in each of the Councilmanic Districts. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Coleman adjourned the meeting at 6:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Sean Coleman, Chairperson Parks,Recreation, Cultural Arts&Entertainment Committee KCF:kmf Attachments •