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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-21-08 Minutes SBBPC OUTH END OARD OF ARK OMMISSIONERS RM EGULAR EETING J21,2008 ULY The Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on st Monday the 21 of July 2008 at the O’Brien Administration & Recreation Center, 321 E. Walter St., South Bend, Indiana for its regular meeting. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting were duly given as required by law. Park Board members present were as follows: Mr. Robert Goodrich, Vice President Dr. Thomas Kelly Mr. Garrett Mullins Park Board members absent were as follows: Mr. Robert Henry, President Staff members present: Phil St. Clair, Superintendent; Betsy Harriman, Administrative Director; Bill Carleton, Fiscal Officer; Susan O’Connor, Recreation Director; Randy Nowacki, Director of Golf Operations; Terry DeRosa, Zoo Director; Richard Payton, Development Director; Mike Dyszkiewicz, Maintenance Superintendent; Thomas Bodnar, Park Board Attorney I.The meeting was called to order by Board Vice President Robert Goodrich at 4:01 p.m. II.The first order of business was the interviewing of interested citizens. 1.District Golf Association Presentation- Terry Bland Mr. Terry Bland, President of the South Bend District Golf Association, talked about the Association raising money for golf programs like Junior Golf, college scholarships and tournaments like the Men’s Metro. A lifetime achievement award named after Mr. Dick Walker was presented to the Park Board and was accepted by Phil St. Clair. They were given this award for the many years of assistance with the Metro tournaments and the support they have given golf in the South Bend area over the years. 2. Report by South Bend Baseball Club, LLC Mr. Terry Coleman reported on the recent 13 game home stand by the Silverhawks. The team is 19-11 and in contention for the playoffs. Three games had attendance over 5,000. Paid and actual attendance is up 10% from last year with over 45,000 in paid attendance for July with six games remaining. The San Diego Chicken is coming back in August, as well as Pops at the Cove. The neighborhood development project is still continuing. The Gates property will be taken possession of soon which will provide extra parking in the short term. - - 1 - - 3. Cemetery Project- Amy Herdman Ms. Amy Herdman, Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Committee, requested a special appropriation of the preparation for a preservation plan for the cemetery project from the City Cemetery Trust Fund. The plan will help identify public safety and cosmetic concerns so they are sure that they are prioritizing the work that they want to do in an appropriate and safe manner. 4. LaSalle Park Electrical Project- Murray Miller Mr. Murray Miller was not present. Mr. Mike Dyszkiewicz talked about how the electrical workers union would put additional power at LaSalle Park and how it would be a good asset to have this done. Since Mr. Miller was not present, the project will be discussed at the next board meeting. 5. Kennedy Park Storm Sewer Project- American Structurepoint, Inc Mr. Scott May of American Structurepoint, Inc. talked about doing a storm separation project for Kennedy Park area and explained what would be done to complete the project. Director St. Clair mentioned that he spoke with the engineers about his concerns and recommended approval. Dr. Kelly moved that the Kennedy Park Storm Sewer Project be approved as presented. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. 6. NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Contest- Jerry Price, Sr. Mr. Price was not present. III.The next order of business was unfinished business. Mr. Bodnar updated the Board on the status of the bids for the land parcel in Rum Village. He reported that a bid was opened Friday from Charles Hayes & Assoc, Inc. for $35,000. He requested the Board approve his request to advertise for a public hearing to be held at the next Board meeting on August 18, 2008. Dr. Kelly made a motion to advertise for a public hearing to be held August 18, 2008 and allow Director St. Clair to execute any documents explaining the status of the bid and the authority to file the rezoning petition. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. IV.The next order of business was new business. 1. Requests for Use of Parks- Betsy Harriman a. Community BBQ and Car Show- Pinhook Park- August 30 Ms. Harriman and Mr. Derrick Perry gave an update on a community BBQ and car show at Pinhook Park on August 30. Insurance and security are in place and Mr. Perry wants to have final Board approval before he proceeds any further. The Board expressed their concerns about a wedding event at Pinhook that same day and Director St. Clair wanted to know what would happen if the requirements are not met.. Ms. Harriman assured the board that all issues have been met to her satisfaction and the event should be approved. Dr. Kelly made a motion granting approval of the event pending the final approval from - - 2 - - Ms. Harriman on the terms of the contract. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. b. Crop Walk - Howard Park - September 28, 2008 c. Hope Ministries - Family Fair at Coveleski C Lot - August 10th Ms. Harriman asked for approval for a peace rally at Seitz Park on October 30 by the Kern Road Mennonite Church, the Crop Walk at Howard Park on September 28, 2008 th and Hope Ministry’s Family Fair at Coveleski C Lot on August 10. Mr. Mullins made a motion to approve the events. Dr. Kelly seconded the motion and the motion carried. 2. Opening of Ice Rink Repair Quotes- Mike Dyszkiewicz, Nick Gaul Mr. Dyszkiewicz introduced Mr. Nick Gaul, the Pool and Refrigeration Supervisor. Mr. Dyszkiewicz spoke about the history of the Ice Rink problems from last winter. Sealed quotes were solicited from three companies. They are as follows: Edward J. White -$53,868, Fisher Refrigeration -13,768, Hermann & Goetz -$46,817 Mr. Dyszkiewicz requested that he review the bids again to make sure that the specs are met and that he would be ready later in the meeting. 3. Potawatomi Park “Fun for All” Project- Community Foundation of St. Joseph County Mr. Larry Meteiver of the City Legal Department explained that the Potawatomi Park Fun For All Project is being managed by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. They are holding a matching grant to match a Kellogg Foundation grant of $400,000 for improvements at Potawatomi Zoo. Board approval is needed for the Community Foundation to administer what needs to be done with respect to the wording and managing the construction at Potawatomi Park. Director St. Clair talked about the project and the partnership with the Community Foundation. The opening of the project is scheduled for July 26. Dr. Kelly made a motion for approval of the “Fun for All” service agreement. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. 4. Request to Approve Indemnification Form for Haunted House Parking- Loretta Kollar Ms. Kollar requested that staff be allowed to work with Deb Thomson Real Estate, Bernardo’s For the Bride, and the Farmer’s Market to indemnify them for use of their parking lots during the Haunted House event at Newman Center. Mr. Mullins made a motion give staff permission to work with the cosponsors of the event. Dr. Kelly seconded the motion and it was passed. V.Approval of Minutes Dr. Kelly made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on as mailed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mullins and approved. VI.Approval of Maintenance Vouchers - - 3 - - A motion was made by Mr. Mullins to approve maintenance vouchers for June 2008 totaling $1,208,153.78. It was seconded by Dr. Kelly. There being no further discussion, the motion was passed. VII.Business of the Director 1. Director St. Clair Phil reported that the Department’s budget hearing with the Common Council is tonight immediately after this meeting. He said he has had discussions today with Parks & Recreation staff on the impact that House Bill 1001 will have on the Department for the 2009 & 2010 budget. The largest cut in Fund 201 for 2009 will be a capital reduction of approximately $900,000. In addition, there will be a reduction of six positions, but park facilities should be running as in the past. He didn’t feel programming will be cut, but the scope of some programs may be reduced. The only line item with a major increase will be for gasoline. Fund 203 will not be impacted directly because it is completely funded by user fees. For 2010, an additional $1.4 million will need to be cut from Fund 201. If no additional revenue sources are identified an additional 24 full time positions and approximately 200 part time positions will be cut. Facilities and activities that could be impacted by these cuts include closing the swimming pools, eliminating the summer playground, track and junior baseball programs, closing the Rum Village Nature Center, closing the Howard Park Senior Center, closing King and Black Centers, closing the Conservatory and Greenhouses, closing the East Race Waterway, closing Newman Center, closing Howard Park Ice Rink, and closing Studebaker Golf Course. The Potawatomi Zoo was not impacted at this time because of the effort to maintain its accreditation. Any cut back in staff or services would jeopardize its accreditation and that would mean a significant reduction in the animal population because animals that are on temporary or permanent loan from other zoos would be removed. He stated this was the starting point to begin talking about 2010 and where new funding options can come from and the long term future of Parks and Recreation in South Bend. He reminded the Board that we are one of seventy-three nationally accredited parks and recreation agencies. We run an efficient and effective operation and there is not a lot of “fat” to cut. He hoped that starting tonight we have the opportunity to work with the community to find ways to adequately fund these facilities; facilities that we must have in a community of this size. The staff is aware of the situation and we are all going to do our best to move forward and try to look for funding initiatives that will help us in 2010. VIII.Comments by the Recreation Director 1. Ms. O’Connor reported that the Kid’s Triathlon will be this weekend at Potawatomi Park. And immediately afterward will be the grand reopening of Potawatomi Park. 2. Our first national youth softball tournaments will be held beginning July 30. They are a 10 and under and a 12 and under tournament. They will be held at Newton Park as well as Belleville. - - 4 - - 3. Summer programs are starting to wind down. IX.Comments by the Golf Operations Director 1. Mr. Nowacki reported that the irrigation project at Elbel is completed. There was minimal damage to the course. The punch list is being completed. Mr. Goodrich complimented the staff on how well the course looks. 2. 80% of capital projects have been completed. New timbers are being installed around the tee box at #6 at Erskine. A new cart path is being installed on #6 at Erskine. 3. August 1 is the Superintendent’s Outing at Elbel. All spots are sold out. 4. Club championships are being played at Elbel. X.Comments by the Zoo Director 1. Director DeRosa reported that the improvement project is underway. A meeting with the contractor was held today and work will start on the flamingo building and other areas soon. XI.Comments by Maintenance Superintendent 1. Mr. Mike Dyszkiewicz informed the Board that he would like to have them accept the quote from Fisher Refrigeration for the Ice Rink repairs. He felt they met the specifications that were given to all the vendors. He felt their familiarity with the facility allowed them to know exactly what need to be done. He recommended they award the quote to Fisher Refrigeration for $13,768. Mr. Bodnar reported that all three vendors had the required affidavits included with their submissions. Dr. Kelly made a motion to award the quote to Fisher Refrigeration for the amount of $13,768. Mr. Mullins seconded the motion and it was passed. 2. Mr. Dyszkiewicz informed the Board that all five splash pads are operating. They are at King Center, O’Brien Center, Southeast Park, Coquillard Park, and LaSalle Park. 3. A mini pavilion has been put up at O’Brien Park, as well as the installation of a waterless bathroom. 4. The new playground at King Center has been completed and the Potawatomi Park all access playground is finished. 5. The areas around the splash pads have been sodded, as well as fencing has been installed. 6. The Fredrickson Park observation deck has been completed in partnership with the Boy Scouts, Kil Architecture/Planning, and AEP. 7. The Muessel Park tennis courts have been removed and quotes have been solicited to pave the area for a parking lot as was requested by representatives of the area. A pavilion will be installed also. - - 5 - - XII.Comments by the Development Director 1. Mr. Payton reported his division is working with staff to promote the reopening of Potawatomi Park this Saturday and the Kid’s Triathlon. 2. The master plan process is doing surveys in various locations. Community meetings will be held in August to get additional input. 3. “Staycations” are being marketed with the St. Joseph County and Mishawaka Parks Departments, as well as the Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau. An interview was done recently on Sunny 101 to promote the opportunity of people staying closer to home to save money. 4. The Superintendent’s Golf Outing will be held August 1. The maximum number of foursomes has been reached. Four sponsors are featured with the outing. Mr. Doug Warnell requested a contact to speak to regarding establishing an adult flag football league. Director St. Clair suggested he speak to Susan O’Connor. XIII.There being no more business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 5:11 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held Monday August 18, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the O’Brien Administration Center. Respectfully Submitted, William Carleton Executive Secretary - - 6 - -