HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-13 PARCPARC
JUNE 10, 2013 4:15 P.M.
Committee Present: Henry Davis Jr., Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Tim Scott
Citizen Members Present: John Whitty, Cheri Richmond
Other Council Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Derek Dieter, Oliver Davis, Karen White
Others Present: Kathleen Pettijean, Phil St. Clair, Mike Schmuhl, Katherine Roos
Agenda: - Bill No. 13 -38 Green Roof /Century Center
- Support for Public /Private Zoo
- Capital needs overview, Parks
Councilmember Henry Davis, Chairman of the PARC Committee called the meeting to order noting full
attendance including his two recently appointed citizen members. There were three items on the
agenda. The First bill 13 -38, was a resolution asking the council to support a "green roof" initiative at
Century Center. The presenter was Kathleen Pettijean speaking for an organization called "Greening the
Bend ". This group works toward environmental responsibility and sustainability. Perhaps their most
visible project to date has been the "rain barrel project" to capture rain water lessening the load on the
storm -water system while providing soft -water for home use. The "green roof" project is a proposal
which would need approval of the Century Center Board of Managers. A portion of the Center's roof
would be covered with vegetation lowering energy costs by providing natural cooling. The cost of the
projects would be from private sources at no initial cost to the City. The resolution asks the council to
support the proposal which if adopted would be forwarded to the Center's Board of Managers.
After brief discussion Gavin Ferlic moved for favorable recommendation. Tim Scott seconded the
motion and all offered support.
The next item under consideration was bill 13 -39 which requests the Council lend support to a
public /private partnership for the governance and management of the city zoo. The Potawatomi
Zoological Society desires to enter into a formal negotiated agreement with the City to run the zoo.
While the City would retain title all operations and funding would be under the Society's purview.
During the Council's question and answer period the fate of the current employees at the zoo came up
again and again. Henry Davis in particular spoke up to protect the current Teamster labor agreements.
Karen White and Valerie Schey echoed his comments. If negotiated with the City in the 2014 budget
process the new public private partnership would take effect in January of next year.
Finally contingent upon the protection of employees the council PARC Committee recommended
support after motions by Tim Scott and Dr. Ferlic.
The final item on the agenda a report from Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, was deferred to the 7:00
meeting.
Henry adjourned at 4:41 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
AM ®ryn vis, Jr.
Chairperson, PARC Committee