HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-14 PARCSPARCS DECEMBER 8, 2014 2:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Derek Dieter, Henry Davis, Tim Scott
Citizen Members Present: Vacant
Other Council Members Present: Valerie Schey (AB), Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic,
Karen White
Others Present: Joe Shabazz
Agenda: 1. Ash Trees
2. Bill 14 -111 Kennedy Park Master Plan
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chair of the PARC Committee called the meeting to order with two items on the agenda.
The First item for discussion was the development of a public policy to address the dead ash trees
citywide. Many ash trees have fallen victim to the emerald ash borer much like the elm tree scourge in
the latter part of the 201h century. Dr. Ferlic stated the city needs to establish both a short and long
term policy addressing the removal of these diseased trees.
Opening the discussion Dr. Varner, said any policy ought to be based on fair criteria applied city wide.
He said a possible source of funds could be the cable vision fees the city receives annually. He also
suggested banning the planting of any new trees in tree lawns unless the property owner signs a waiver
of personal responsibility absolving the city from any future responsibility for the trees.
Explain the scope of the problem, Parks Director Phil St. Clair said there were 700 -800 dead or dying
trees in tree lawns citywide that need to come down. The added the city currently cuts nearly 500 trees
per year with 100 on city property while billing the rest.
Dr. Ferlic asked how much money was needed to address the problem effectively. Phil said $400,000 to
$600, 000 up front to either expand park equipment and crews or to begin contracting.
Councilmember Tim Scott refuted the efficacy of the tree removal program in Elkhart where the city
assumes all responsibility and has been cited as one we should emulate. He said Elkhart's policy may
sound good; but was poorly executed and wholly ineffectual.
Councilmember Derek Dieter said based upon the calls he has received, he wonders whether the tree
problem ought to be a priority at all.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic suggested that based upon existing data only 12.5% of property owners
need financial assistance to address removal and perhaps that level of assistance should be income
based.
Dr. Varner responded saying everyone should be treated the same. He suggested TIF funds as another
possible source of funds to address the problem.
Phil St. Clair said a comprehensive program could cost upwards of $1 million up front for personnel,
equipment, and tree replacement.
Councilmember Henry Davis maintained that trees can be seen as infrastructure therefore qualifying for
use of TIF funds.
Councilmember Tim Scott wondered about the availability of grants to supplement a program.
Dr. Ferlic summed up the discussion with a question. Who is going to formulate an overall policy and
how will it be funded?
Phil Sr. Clair said the Park Board would adopt a policy; but it would be dependent on available funding.
The second issue before the committee was consideration of resolution 14 -111 sponsored by
Councilmember Henry Davis. In short this resolution asks the Council to adopt the Kennedy Park
Improvement Plan prioritizing it for inclusion in a potential Park Board. The plan Henry referenced was a
list of improvements to address the needs at Kennedy Park as seen by nearby neighborhood groups.
These groups have met over the past couple of years to identify needs in the park.
Attending the meeting was a representative of the Roseland Rotary Club which has offered to raise
funds for a basketball court at the park. At present they were awaiting firm cost estimates and
ultimately a "go ahead."
Phil St. Clair reminded everyone of the recently adopted 5 -year park master plan. He said it contained
some if not all needs for Kennedy Park. The challenge remains how to fund capital costs and also
whether Kennedy's needs should take priority over other parks.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic said he could not support a resolution prioritizing Kennedy's need over
other needed park improvements.
Citizen Joe Shabazz spoke to the dire need to prioritize improvements for Kennedy Park.
On a motion by Derek Dieter, seconded by Tim Scott the resolution was referred to full Council
unfavorably with only Henry Davis objecting.
Dr. Felic adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson