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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-2015 MinutesSOUTH BEND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 17, 2015 The Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday August 17, 2015 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: Ms. Amy Hill, President Mr. Mark Neal, Vice President Ms. Aimee Buccellato Park Board members absent were as follows: Staff members present: Phil St. Clair, Director of Parks; Bill Carleton, Director of Financial Services; Amy Roush, Recreation; Paula Garis, Recreation; Randy Nowacki, Director of Golf Operations; John Martinez, Interim Maintenance Superintendent; Mark Bradley, Director of Marketing L The meeting was called to order by Board President Hill at 4:00 p.m. IL The first order of business was the interviewing of interested citizens. 1. Richard Walling spoke on behalf of "Save Elbel" — referring to not selling the Elbel Golf course. 2. Marsha Kaiser, President of the Women's 18 Hole League, advocate not to sell Elbel Golf Course. 3. Unidentified gentleman spoke on behalf of Disabled Veterans requesting transparency with transactions pertaining to sale of Elbel. Prefer City not sell the golf course. III. Report By Organizations 1. Potawatomi Zoological Society- Not available 2. South Bend Cubs — Speaking on behalf of Joe Hart (absence from meeting) was South Bend attorney, Richard (Dick) Nussbaum. Dick spoke in regard to two areas. First, he elaborated on a benefit by Midwest Baseball League on sharing official Midwest Baseballs with personalized signatures, of which he shared with Phil St. Clair in appreciation for his support and the diligent efforts of the Park Department working with Coveleski Stadium. Presently, Richard Nussbaum is the President for the Midwest Baseball League. Second, Mr. Nussbaum spoke to clarify an article published by the South Bend Tribune, headlined City is Striking Out. Throughout the years Dick has represented the City working on behalf of promoting minor league baseball in the South Bend Community. - -I -- Dick cited previous Mayor Roger Parent with taking a leap of faith and building Coveleski Stadium. Dick recited steps along the way to maintain and keep minor league baseball as an integral part of the community. Among many he brought to the forefront the risk by former Mayor Joe Kernan to organize a consortium to purchase the Silver Hawks at a premium to preserve minor league baseball in South Bend. Fast forward to today where Dick acknowledged the direct contributions totaling more than $7M made on behalf of current South Bend Cubs owner, Mr. Berlin. As well as the current attendance of nearly 300,000 year to date. Overall Mr. Nussbaum suggested the economic impact of minor league baseball in our community has been the focal point of development and prosperity to the local region. 3. South Bend Botanical Society- Not available IV. The next order of business was unfinished business. None to speak of V. The next order of business was new business. 1. Request for Use of Parks- Paula Garis a. Paul Gill representing Pilgrim Baptist Church requesting to use LaSalle Park August 29t' for approximately three hours to bring "Praise in the Park" benefiting the residents of the LaSalle Park neighborhood, approximately 35 invited guest with an expected 75 guest in total. Mark Neal made a motion to approve. Ms. Buccellato seconded the motion and it passed. 2. Request to Approve Arborist Licenses a. Slusser's Green Thumb, Inc. Mark Neal made a motion to approve. Ms. Buccellato seconded the motion and it passed. 3. Professional Service Agreement between the South Bend Board of Park Commissoners and the St. Joseph County Probate Court Mark Neal made a motion to approve. Ms. Buccellato seconded the motion and it passed VI. Approval of Minutes Mr. Neal made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on August 17, 2015 as mailed. The motion was seconded by Ms. Buccellato and approved. VII. Approval of Maintenance Vouchers A motion was made by Mr. Neal to approve maintenance vouchers for July 2015 totaling $1,134,206.05. It was seconded by Ms. Buccellato. There being no further discussion, the motion was passed. VIII. Business by Director St. Clair 1. Working with Skullers on boathouse transfer 2. Edge Adventures currently at Mayor's office for review 3. 2016 Budget scheduled for August 26, 2015 4. Park Bond meeting with Mayor on Wednesday to review projects - -2 -- 5. ISC softball tournament review — overall went well IX. Comments by the Deputy Director X. Comments by the Director of Golf Operations 1. City Metro had some weather challenges, however pleased with result 2 22" Superintendent Golf outing was held and was a success 3. Storm water audit was discussed and will have follow up accordingly 4. Replacement of portion of fence at Studebaker golf course, approx. 368feet XI. Comments by Maintenance Superintendent 1. Mr. Martinez informed the Board during the ISC softball tournament his team had 600 hours 2. Press Ganey offered 44 volunteers to assist in clearing 115 feet of river bank from Keller Boat Ramp to Keller Park. 3. Reiterated the Storm Water Audit with the audit coordinator 4. Discussed the cleanup of the Pinhook Park pavilion and exterior maintenance power washing. 5. Reviewed the Park Bond and emphasized projects may not always be in public view and these projects will continue throughout fiscal 2016 6. Howard Park Ice Rink has been focus to develop time line and working with Public Works for development and bids. XIL Comments by the Director of Marketing 1. Foundation Board meeting canceled due to lack of quorum 2. ISC softball tournament marketing was successful partnering with WNDU 3. Passport to Play at St Pats Park, 150 attendance 4. REP for the non - alcohol beverage contract 5. 2016 department calendar should be available in December 6. Photo library updated XIIL There being no more business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 5:02p.m. by President Hill The next regular meeting will be held September 21, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the O'Brien Administration Center. Respectfully Submitted, Ron O'Connor Interim Executive Secretary - -3 --