HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-15 Joint Meeting Community Investment & PARC** JOINT MEETING **
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT / PARC COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 25, 2015 5:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Committee Members Present: Gavin Ferlic, Henry Davis, Dr. David Varner (AB), Dr. Fred Ferlic
Citizen Members Present: Vacant
PARC
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Derek Dieter (AB),
Dr. David Varner (AB)
Citizen Members Present: LouElla Webster, Larry Clifford, Bob Emery, Pat Collins
Other Council Present: Tim Scott (AB), Valerie Schey (AB), Oliver Davis (AB),
Karen White (AB), Derek Dieter (AB)
Others Present: Phil St. Clair, Tom Capers, John Murphy, Denise Burkdall,
Cecil Eastman
Agenda: Discussion — Park Bond Approval
Gavin Ferlic chaired the joint committee discussion about the upcoming park bond recently approved by
the Council. This hearing and one scheduled for March 16th are intended to provide yet another
opportunity for the public and councilmembers to list and communicate how the expenditure of the
bond proceeds be prioritized.
Gavin introduced the Park Director Phil St. Clair who recounted the process taken to determine Park
needs which turned out to be about $35 million. Phil then described the series of 26 public meetings
held around the city to allow public input. The challenge he said is to balance wants and needs with the
available bond funds. The whole process has been detailed in the five -year park plan developed last
year. Phil indicated that deferred maintenance of existing park assets had to be a priority of the bond.
Moving to the Council comment portion of the meeting Gavin took the lead echoing Phil's call for
meeting deferred maintenance needs.
Dr. Fred Ferlic complimented the Park Department on the thoroughness and inclusiveness of the 5 year
plan. He went on to say that he felt the $35 million price tag of items listed in the plan was attainable
through fostering public - private partnerships. He called upon the two citizens members of his PARC
committee to speak of examples where this has already worked.
LouElla Webster told the story of the work being done at Kelly Park in her neighborhood with volunteers
providing "sweat equity" and private firms donating expertise and materials Kelly Park is being totally
redone.
Larry Clifford spoke of the collaborated effort currently underway to restore the rose garden in Leeper
Park.
Henry Davis acknowledged that South Bend is a very giving community; but said he said his constituents
were frustrated by the fact that bond spending had yet to be identified.
Dr. Ferlic then read a letter from Karen Schefineyer who is part of a group leading an effort to beautify
Howard Park.
Shifting gears to other bond related matters Gavin recognized City Controller John Murphy. John, in
turn, introduced the bond council Denise Burkdall whose firm is handling the bond process. She said
two amendments were needed for the bond to proceed. This first calls for budgeted monthly
repayment allocations. The other raising the debt coverage reserve from 125% to 150 %. Both changes
which would be requested in an ordinance were expected to garner Council support.
Gavin asked if there were any members of the public wishing to speak.
Tom Capers rose to remind the Council the parks are for everyone.
Gavin adjourned the meeting at 5:55 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson
Community Investment Committee
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
PARC Committee