HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-16-15 Joint Meeting Community Investment & PARC** JOINT MEETING **
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT & PARC COMMITTEES MARCH 10, 2015 6:00 P.M.
Community Investment
Committee Members Present: Gavin Ferlic, Henry Davis, Dr. David Varner, Dr. Fred Ferlic
PARC
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Karen White, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Noly Casey, Phil St. Clair, Mary Bundy,
Ken Andrysiak, Anthony Hughes
Agenda: Discussion — Park Bond / Master Plan
This joint committee hearing of the Community Investment and PARC Committees was chaired by
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic.
The Council set the hearing to engage citizens and Councilmembers in discussion regarding spending
priorities for the recently approved $5.8 million Park Bond. Priorities will have to be assigned in that the
5 year Park Master Plan identified over $32 million in possible expenditures. The Council wanted to
provide another chance for citizens to express their own sense of priorities for where the bond proceeds
best be spent. Councilmembers were also encouraged to set priorities as they saw them.
Gavin Ferlic first called upon any members of the public to voice their opinions.
Noly Casey of 1902 Fremont spoke to the needs of Fremont Park. She said the park should be an
attractive family oriented gathering place. A splash pad, restrooms, an improved basketball court, park
benches, grills and tables were listed as wants for Fremont Park. She went on to add that Kennedy Park
needed better lighting, grills, and tennis courts.
Mary Bundy spoke to the needs at Howard Park.
Ken Andryziak focused on Sorin Park. He said the park had one table, no benches and no grills. In
addition the lighting was poor and often out of order.
Anthony Hughes expressed what he would like to see at Coquillard Park, which included a splash pad
and a running track.
Turing to the Council for comment Gavin Ferlic recognized Henry Davis first. Henry voiced a number of
concerns. He said it was difficult to assign priorities when there was no cost for any items on the list. He
also felt the City should commit money to projects up front, thinking this disclosure would help spur
private partnerships. Finally because the bond proceeds were to fall short of what needs to be done,
other sources of funds like TIF and grants should be explored for park needs.
Dr. Fred Ferlic's comments took a "job well done" tone as he congratulated the Park Department for
their master plan which included significant public input in its formulation. He added that we should
continue to promote the idea of public /private partnerships.
Tim Scott expressed appreciation for all the public interest and involvement. More specifically, Tim
continued to promote Pinhook Park as a destination park. He mentioned Fremont Park's potential as a
youth park and noted Riverside Park has none of the usual amenities leaving it all but totally
undeveloped. Another idea he pushed was the planting of wildflowers in parks to reduce mowing costs
and enhance the beauty of the parks.
Derek Dieter emphasized that the Council wants to incorporate citizen priorities into the Park
Department priorities. He also felt Fremont Park ought to be developed.
Gavin Ferlic thanked the public for coming out, He thought simple investments in the parks like tables,
grills, benches and rest rooms were important amenities that would greatly improve the parks.
At the point Gavin called upon Phil St. Clair for comment. Phil said every effort was made to hear and
incorporate citizen input into the 5 year plan.
Phil said the first priority for him was to address deferred maintenance items first. He then added he
would try to incorporate Council priorities into the action plan.
Gavin adjourned the meeting at 7:12 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson
Community Investment Committee
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Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
PARC Committee