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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-February 11 2016 MinutesSOUTH BEND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL PARK BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 The Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on February 11, 2016 at the O’Brien Administration & Recreation Center, 321 E. Walter St., South Bend, Indiana for a special board meeting regarding Elbel Park/Elbel Golf Course. Park Board members present were as follows: Mr. Mark Neal, Vice President Ms. Aimee Buccellato Mr. Dan Farrell Attendance Aaron Perri, Director of Parks, Ron O’Connor, Park Board Secretary, and acting Park Board Counsel Ben Dougherty (regular park board counsel Michael Schmidt unable to attend). Meeting Called to Order Meeting called to order by Vice President Mark Neal, @ 5:04 pm. Mr. Neal introduced the Park Board members and provided an apology for the absence of Park Board President, Amy Hill. VP Neal welcomed everyone in attendance (with an approximate total of 100 individuals) with a reference to the meeting’s agenda, and asking any of those who would be addressing the board to please keep the comments to 3 minutes. By adhering to a three minute cap it would allow everyone wishing to speak, an opportunity at the podium. Mr. Neal also noted that Executive Director of Parks, Aaron Perri, has a prior commitment and depending on the length of the meeting may need to leave early to fulfill previously scheduled obligation. Meanwhile, all other Park Board members would remain for the duration of the special meeting. Review of Past Board Proceedings Mr. Neal addressed the group beginning with a discussion concerning prior minutes of the Park Board, more specifically the absence of attendance by the group Elbel for Everyone from the September 2015 park board minutes. With a sincere apology Mr. Neal advised the public their concerns have been addressed and protocols have been put in place to assure timely and accurate reporting. Mr. Neal provided the public with action to introduce an amendment of the September 2015 board meeting adding the inclusion of Elbel for Everyone and posting the amendment within the body of the minutes for today’s Special Park Board meeting. Vice President Neal ask for the reading of the amendment by Park Board Secretary Ron O’Connor as follow: September 2015 Amendment - Elbel for Everyone – Represented by a group of approximately 15 to 20 individuals with a special interest in preserving the green space at Elbel Park/Elbel Golf Course as a Nature Preserve. Introducing Elbel for Everyone was Ricky Klee and Jennifer Betz, followed by the brief interest and support of the remaining group. Attached are two documents provided by Elbel for Everyone which will provide details from their perspective as concerned residents; The Community We Could Become Summary and The Community We Could Become White Paper. Vice President Neal ask for discussion on the addendum of the minutes, without any opinion or discussion, request for a motion: Motion by Aimee Buccellato to accept the amendment to the minutes for the September 21, 2015 Park Board Meeting as read by Ron O’Connor, second Mr. Farrell motion carried. Future Board Business Protocol Vice President Mr. Neal presented future Park Board business protocols along with the issuance of a schedule of Park Board Meetings, indicating these will be accessible online and available to the media for publication. The schedule included meeting dates & times, due dates for agenda items, website posting deadline dates of meeting announcements, as well as the agenda itself. In alignment of the newly announced protocols, Mr. Neal noted while agenda items are listed under state statue, it is acceptable and/or possible there can be a change in agenda items within the 48 hour period prior to the meeting. Vice President Neal stated monthly Park Board meetings are generally scheduled for the third Monday of each month, however adjustments to the schedule may be made for various reasons (i.e. holidays, scheduling conflicts, etc.). Update of History and Current Status of Elbel Golf Course Director of Parks, Aaron Perri provided a power point presentation detailing a brief history, sequential timeline of activities, and the current status of Elbel Golf Course. Director Perri mentioned to everyone in attendance of the Special Advisory Committee established for the study, review, and recommendations concerning Elbel Golf Course. The Special Advisory Committee will began publicly meeting soon and will make available online documentation presented during the course of these meetings. Council Member Jo Borden provided written information regarding the Special Advisory Committee’s meetings dates, times and location. Also, information concerning a website & portal which will include meeting dates, times and location along with the power point presentation given by Director Perri. The Clerk’s office will be the repository for all information gathered, any questions or concerns can be directed there, responses and additional information will then be provided via the Clerk’s Office and the website. Public Input Elbel Golf Course Vice President Neal provided the public attending the meeting with the procedures for those wishing to provide input. Mr. Neal requested each person approaching the podium to provide their name and address and ask all comments be limited to 3 minutes or less. Additionally any answers to questions will be addressed online as well as comments from the evening’s meeting. Mr. Paul Blashco requested if at all possible could simple questions to be provided a response? Mr. Neal responded when possible a response would be given, however due to the time and the number of individuals wanting to speak, responses may be limited. The floor is opened to the public… Paul Blashco 322 E Colfax Ave South Bend, IN 46617 Question: 1. When was the decision to sell Elbel was made? Response: There has never been a decision to sell. 2. Parks Board does not act independently of the Special Advisory Commission, would the Mayor act independently of the Commission, can there be a guarantee of no action by the mayor prior to the 45 day Commission agreement to present a report? Response: Park Board Counsel Ben Dougherty, unable to respond on behalf of the mayor. Response: Vice President Neal advised any concerns of contractual items must go through the Parks Board in order for them to be legally effective. Mr. Blashco also noting a concern surrounding a media report the Mayor intends to pursue a lease option, citing when contact was made to the mayor’s office and the response given, it appears the Mayor believes he doesn’t need the consent of the Parks Board or the Common Council to pursue a lease option at any point. The public has spoken and it is clear the wishes are the property not be leased this year. Elbel for Everyone doesn’t feel it is being brought into the process when a lease option has not publically been removed by the Park Board or the Mayor. Mr. Blashco requested the Park Board rethink the treatment of the public parks and take the common good into account, and seriously consider what the residents want. Jessie Davis, PO Box 10205 South Bend, IN Concerns: Rhetorically questioned Director Perri’s statement regarding the sale of Blackthorn not being a city property but stated the ownership of Blackthorn was by the Redevelopment Commission. Stating the Redevelopment Commission is the City of South Bend and asked for more transparency be provided to the public. Mr. Davis also stated the sale of Elbel would be the 3rd disposition of property by the City of South Bend. Mr. Davis reminded the board that funds received are taxpayer funds and all those in position are there to represent the citizens, meanwhile the Park Board should keep this in mind. Bill Dunn, 1620 Southwood Ave, South Bend, IN 46615 Concerns: Mr. Dunn desired to amplify a phrase from Director Perri “lesson learned” that the board be more transparent; going forward a lesson for the park board and other city boards “show your cards up front”. Mr. Dunn believes the current process has not been one of complete democracy. Steve Frances, 54174 Juday Lake Dr, South Bend, IN 46635 Concerns: As the State Chairman of the Sierra Club, one of the nation’s largest environmental organizations present, and speaking on behalf of the Sierra Club, as their local leader. Mr. Frances expressed appreciation for the change of direction regarding the sale of Elbel Golf Course. Also noting the removal of the sale of Elbel does show a level of democracy. Mr. Francis stated the Sierra Club remains neutral at this point, as there are no definite details in place. Mr. Francis also asked the Park Board to take into account the following; 1. To protect the wetlands and the natural areas existing around the golf course that the city currently owns. 2. Implementation of sustainable practices in running the golf course with the possibility of controlling what is blended into the run off. 3. Consider how a public access on the golf course during the off season could be environmentally damaging under a lease agreement, expressing concern for protecting certain areas from public access. 4. Noting he is in support of the Local Option Income Tax to alleviate some of the financial burden of the City which indirectly may induce restraints on the City’s other park properties. Requesting other park properties be equally involved in the financial assistance as well and be included in the use of these funds and going forward. Marsha Kaiser, Andrea Ct, Mishawaka Concerns: As President of the Women’s League, speaking on behalf of the women’s league, sees Elbel Park/Elbel Golf Course as a “gift of nature” with 300 acres. Also Ms. Kaiser expressed the interest in golf is again growing and the game is increasing with the retiring baby boomers. Ms. Kaiser refutes some of the statistics reported by the city. Ms. Kaiser disputes the city’s explanation of income for the last 5 years, noting the failure to show the profit. Emphasizing even without making a profit the “gift” of Elbel is priceless. Keith Claro, 25955 Fox Tail Trail South Bend, IN 46628 Concerns: Reiterating the subsidizing of Elbel Golf at $2.00 per round, emphasizing all the parks are losing money. Concerned with the fairness of singling out an activity effecting a certain group of people (blue collar) and the impact on their future to participate in other more costly golf courses. Mr. Claro also comparing the revenue of other park programs (and/or facilities) mentioning Elbel is doing better than other locations. Edwin Rosado, 26445 Whippoorwill Dr, South Bend, IN 46619 Concerns: As a tennis coach he believes minor sports are important. Noting Washington High School uses the Elbel Golf Course as a practice site and emphasizing their dependence on Elbel Golf Course for high school sports. Also mentioned his love of the wildlife and habitat and expressing the need to have this location for city residents to enjoy. Christi Hass, 3808 (unknown) apt 3B, South Bend, IN Concerns: Christi began with Elbel doesn’t belong privately to Director Perri or the Mayor and should not be treated as such, but rather as a community property. Expressing the process has been almost completely without public input, noting she is not pleased with the past minutes not being made available or posted. Also expressing questions being asked should not have to wait for a response, but should be responded to immediately. Question: 1. Why were the September - December 2015 meeting minutes not made available until January 22, 2016? Why does the September minutes appear at the top of the list as if they were most recently edited? Why park minutes appear out of order? Margret Pfeil, 511 South St Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601 Concerns: Restating the meeting minutes of September have been a consistent issue, a clear explanation to what happen has not been received. Citing her appreciation for the action taken today to correct the course being chartered for Elbel, however, requesting her desire to have comments given today be a part of public records. Noting due to minimal time allowed she will continue the line of questioning from where Christi Hass left off. Regarding the September 2015 Park Board meeting Elbel for Everyone was listed on the agenda, however, comments by Jennifer Betz and approximately 20 others who attended were not referenced in the minutes and the agenda item itself was omitted from being posted online. Documentation gives the appearance that Elbel for Everyone was not present. Meanwhile wanted to express her appreciation for the amendment of the September minutes. Questions 1. Why did the minutes ceased to be posted at exactly the same time when Elbel for Everyone started first attending regular park board business meetings? 2. What is the process for grouping and posting the minutes? At this time Ms. Pfeil expressed appreciation to Director Perri for the explanation of a new process and said Elbel for Everyone looks forward to using the new process. 3. Stating the meeting minutes from regular park board meeting on December 16th remain an issue. As contacts the Parks Board made a verbal commitment to the members of Elbel for Everyone to notify them of any meeting dates of any proposal to sell Elbel. Designating a staff member to do so and the staff member failed to do. Despite the boards’ knowledge of the EFE concerns, EFE was not informed the meeting date was changed. Other community groups knew to be present on December 16th. How did this oversight occur and who is responsible? Expanding on her point of concern, during the December 16th Park Board meeting under the “comments of interested citizens” it is described as no one from the public present to speak. Only minutes later appears a discussion of the disposal of Elbel, as the minutes read “Resolution 3- 2015; Resolution of Board of Parks Commission of the City of South Bend, IN for the approval of the sale of Elbel Golf Course”. Jennifer Betz, 511 South St Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601 Concerns: Ms. Betz stated she was not pleased with the original minutes of the September Park Board meeting, but was satisfied the amendment was a step in the right direction. Ms. Betz stated when in attendance at the Park Board meeting in September 2015 it was requested by Elbel for Everyone the Park Board do something as public servants; it was requested that you not sell Elbel and properly investigate alternatives. It appears these request were ignored. Questions: 1. Why are you on the Park Board? How are you representing the public when request are made and then are ignore? Quoted from the August minutes listing groups and individuals who oppose the sale of Elbel. Reference was made regarding the September meeting and a white paper which was submitted with alternatives for the sale of Elbel. EFE were told they were early in September but noted two days later a report was submitted stating the survey of Elbel was completed and the appraisal was near completion. 2. How is it after being told EFE were early, 2 later other groups were told the survey was completed and the appraisal was done? Matthew Insley, 511 South St Joseph, South Bend, IN 46601 Question: 1. By what logic did the Park Board come to the conclusion of the sale of Elbel was agreed to in anyway by the community citizens? Mr. Insley noted the numerous times recorded in park board minutes of opposition of the sale of the park’s largest park. Failure of notification to EFE of the change for the December meeting was mentioned, as well that a vote was taken with agreement of the citizens for the sale of Elbel. It was also noted the City’s Common Council was sent a Statement of Purpose and Intent for bill 01-16. The letter did not advise of the notification failure, nor the submission of a White Paper which outlined alternatives for Elbel, and opposition of the sale. An email was sent requesting an explanation for the irregularities of the meeting minutes. It was formally requested the email document be included in the meeting minutes and the Park Board respond in writing within a week. Document submitted to the park board. Raquel Bulk (possibly Falk), 518 South St Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601 Concerns: Ms. Falk expressed her appreciation to Director Perri for addressing the concerns with the lack of information made available on the website. Noting the number one website for information regarding Park Board activities is this city owned and administered site. Expressing the Park Department’s website has for months (December 2015 & January 2016) published incorrect or missing Park Board meetings dates. The February 2016 meeting date was also incorrectly listed as February 10, 2016. This makes three Park Board meetings in a row with misleading or inaccurate information about meeting dates and/or times on the City’s own website, and its most popular means of accessing information. The City Administration’s own presentation on the sale of Elbel written by Brock Zeb to the Common Council on January 25, 2016, also listed an incorrect Park Board meeting date for December, noting it was scheduled on December 21, 2015 likely mislead by the using the City’s website. Chris Cobb, 215 E. Pokagon Street South Bend, IN 46617 Concerns: Mr. Cobb questioned the Park Board’s awareness of their role and their commitment and the integrity to the process, indicating in the December minutes the Q&A portion appeared the Park Board may have been unaware of what it was exactly that they were approving. Questions concerning the Park Board’s conduct, and the bill of sale for the appraisal. Questions: 1. Why was the truth not provided to Elbel for Everyone that the appraisal for Elbel was nearly complete? 2. When did the parks board actually read the appraisal? 3. If you didn’t actually read the appraisals, how did you learn about them? 4. If there was a presentation concerning the appraisal, who gave it, when was it given, who was present? Per Mr. Neal Brock Zeb gave a presentation. 5. Was there a public notice of a presentation concerning the appraisal? 6. Why was the presentation of appraisal not completed at a regular park board meeting? 7. Community Investment stated it had completed other studies besides the appraisal, where is the evidence of those studies of the ecology of Elbel? 8. Where is the evidence of the exploration of other funding sources, besides the sale of property, memos or reports created for alternative funding of Elbel? 9. Where is the analysis for keeping Elbel as a park, selling it to a non-profit, for continued or approved preservation of public access? Where is the analysis to keep Elbel owned by the city but allowing Elbel to be administered by a non- profit? Where is the analysis on other created partnerships to solve this minor budget issue without losing such valuable asset? 10. How can it be possible with such limited data and lack of exploration of alternatives, the Park Board would accept Community Investment’s suggestion without calling for further investigation or discussion of other viable options? 11. How can the Park Board responsibly send the Resolution forward, with a permanent recommendation, knowing so little about the appraisal, or the lack of other viable options for Elbel? What does the Park Board regard as its responsibility when forwarding Resolutions to the Common Council? Ricky Klee, 2010 Hollywood Pl., South Bend, IN 46616 Concern: Ricky quoted the December minutes “the sale of Elbel Golf Course made on the contingency that Elbel remain as a golf course has been the mutual agreement of the community, citizens, and the City.” Mr. Klee also gave an analogy of corporate shareholders and asked the following questions. 1. Does the board endorse the public process and their results of zero standards of accountability to the public? 2. If not, what will the board do to restore public trust and rebuild credibility? Mr. Klee suggested three initial steps to the board: 1. In a good faith gesture, formally revoke the sale of Elbel 2. Communicate to the public, Common Council, and the Mayor to submit a complete record and accounting of the sale of Elbel and to include the failures of the public process. 3. Commit to share this proposal of Elbel to many public meetings held at many places around the city. Rebecca Neal, 515 S Saint Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601 Concerns: Compelled by the presentation given by Director Perri, that the value of Elbel is not related only to cost, Ms. Neal read an article written in 1930 address by Richard Elbel. (Recorded reading of article). Kathryn Osborn, 517 River Ave, South Bend, IN 46601 Concerns: Ms. Osborn provided the Park Board members with a document - Expressed the disturbance by the lack of consideration for alternatives. Mentioned there hasn’t been any other evidence presented showing consideration was given to other options other than sale, outside of the “white paper” submitted by Elbel for Everyone. Ms. Osborn recommended citizens need to be a part of the solution, stating Elbel is not a liability but it is an opportunity. Ms. Osborn formally requested the document presented be entered into the minutes of the meeting. Document includes a series of fifteen questions (Regarding the history and future possible status of Elbel Park/Golf Course). Jerry Niezgodski, 1113 N Elliott, South Bend, IN 46628 Concerns: Appears the attitude in the past year given to Elbel golf course was to neglect the care and condition of the greens in order to degrade value of the property for sale. Why was the golf course allowed to decay to decrease the value, especially when the ownership belongs to the citizens of South Bend, and the city and board are to be the administrators of funds to care for it? Questions: 1. Did South Bend receive grant money for the removal of trees around the 1st tee and 2nd &18th hole? Who were the people and contractors? 2. Have developers approached the city to sell the tree farm? Has it been advertised? Dale Gibson, 220 Wakewa Ave, South Bend, IN 46617 Concerns: A long time beneficiary of Potawatomi Park and the South Bend Park Department, and as a South Bend resident Mr. Dale Gibson stated he believes parks are very important. Mr. Gibson opposes the sale of Elbel Golf Course, stating it is an irreplaceable asset which should not be sold. Mr. Gibson advises the Park Board that we are only trustees to improve it and to pass it along for others to enjoy. Chuck Bueter, 15893 Ashville Lane, Granger, IN, 46530 Concerns: Mr. Bueter began by addressing comments made by Director Perri concerning additional levels of sophistication for various uses of parks, protecting the unique ecological assets, and what we value. Mr. Bueter provided two articles; At Risk at Elbel Park, and Quantifying the Night at Elbel. Comments for the City & Residence risk of valuable resource - “darkness”. Requested that whatever is chosen to please incorporated three valuable tenants regarding lighting practices: 1. Lighting should be full cut off or lights should be shielded 2. LED lighting should be correlated temperature 3. Lighting should minimize glare, sky glow and light trespass. Requested that these principles be used not only at Elbel but all lighted areas of South Bend Parks. Bill Waite, 803 Birchwood, South Bend, 46619 Concerns: Bill Waite is a golfer who uses Elbel, and stated he is disappointed in the condition of Elbel, which he believes has come from neglect, also stating at one time Elbel was a “Gem”. Mr. Waite acknowledged he made his concerns known at the Mayor’s night out, but was frustrated the Mayor’s night out was not held at Blackthorn and not one of the City’s golf courses. Mr. Waite requested that Elbel not be sold, allowing future generations an opportunity to experience Elbel. Saying Elbel has been a place for community and not a place of sole ownership, please stop the sale. Jerry Szabo, Mishawka Ave, South Bend, IN Concerns: Mr. Szabo ask how did we get here? Questions the process of how we have arrived in this sad state of affairs? Further stating the Park Board needs to answer to the public for its part in the process which has brought the citizens to this point where the community must question the gross mishandling of our parks. The Park Department’s motto is to “protect & preserve” and the master plan makes no provisions for the selling of park land, it brings to a conclusion the Park Board’s interest lies in pleasing the mayor and not its duty to the public. The credibility of the Park Board has been destroyed, and the Park Board must now become responsible again to the public, for which the public no longer can trust. Mr. Szabo said moving forward the Park Board has an opportunity to regain this trust and confidence by having a willingness to serve the public first. Suggestion to secure lost trust and confidence: 1. Denounce publically any plans to sale Elbel 2. Declare to abide by the Special Advisory Committee’s findings; search for the power and determination over any mayoral intentions, and be willing to defend the right to do so. 3. Show the willingness to declare with every aspect of your power to preserve and protect our parks, including Potawatomi which doesn’t need a fire station. This process will not be one of ease, and will require determination & tenacity, but now is the time for do so. Mr. Neal ask for anyone else who wish to address the board with comments. Mark Piasecki, 101 Conestoga Lane, South Bend IN, 46617 Concerns: Mr. Piasecki said he would hope the city would keep Elbel as an asset; not selling or leasing. Referring that Elbel can be utilized as multiple use property, both as an accessible golf course, and ecological environment habitat. Mr. Piasecki referred to the November 2015 meeting, where presentation was given on a proposal for the new golf rates for 2016. The presentation showed a positive net income and the Park Board’s unanimous vote of acceptance of the proposal. However thirty days later the Park Board voted unanimously to sell Elbel, which is confusing to the public. Roberta Zurkowski, U S 20, Warren Township Concerns: Ms. Zurkowski is another golfer who has utilized Elbel for play during the last 20 years. Ms. Zurkowski stated it is a beautiful piece of property of both nature and golf. As former president of the Women’s St Joseph Valley Golf Association, Ms. Zurkowski mentioned last year marked 90 years of women’s golf in the community. Speaking on behalf of the golf courses in the area, and Women’s St Joseph Valley Golf Association, after 90 years the possibility of not being able to have tournaments, leagues or competitive match play at Elbel is a sad piece of history for women golfers. Ron O’Connor, Director of Financial Services SB Parks Department & Park Board Secretary Mr. O’Connor attended the podium and explained as the Secretary for the Board of Park Commissioners, it is his job to manage the minutes, agendas, and transfer of information for the City’s web page. Noting his recent appointment to both of the positions listed above as early September, Mr. O’Connor acknowledged the lack of transparency was not any intentional form of deception by the City’s Administration nor the Park Board Commissioners. Mr. O’Connor added, in addition to his newly appointed positions, other changes of personnel among the Park Department and the Park Board (Executive Director Arron Perri, Park Board Members Aimee Buccellato and Dan Farrell) and the loss of two position’s in the City’s IT Department created the perfect storm the lapse in communication. Mr. O’Connor stated simply it was failure as Secretary of Park Board to fulfill the job responsibilities and apologized to all parties involved, the public, the Park Board, and the City’s Administration for the breakdown in communication. Mr. O’Connor expressed that while it may appear intentional to some, it was truly human error and conveyed his desire to accurately fulfill his responsibilities to the city but greatly regrets any omissions of during this very crucial time. Following the comments by Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Ricky Klee approached the microphone and acknowledged in working with Mr. O’Connor, he has shown himself to be outstanding, professional, and honest in his work ethics. Jennifer Betz also stood and commented, albeit the explanation and apology by Mr. O’Connor was appreciated, it is ultimately the Park Board which approves the minutes. (Note: which was addressed at the beginning of the meeting by VP Mark Neal). An unidentified person thanked Mr. O’Connor for his apology and expression of responsibility. This meeting, however was to show the problem to be much larger than any one person to record minutes. It is a systemic problem and it has to do with the public view of the process. Reason for all present is that it is a mess, but with all participation it is possible to correct and the process would be avoidable in the future. Please use us as resources, we’re citizens who care about our city and include us going forward. Not at all is this on Mr. O’Connor’s doorstep, but it is on all of us. Bill Loux, 22033 Forest Hall Ave, Cassopolis, MI 49031 Mr. Loux announced he has been in the business for 40 years of operating and leasing golf courses. The idea of selling the golf course with the right stipulations or especially leasing the golf course to a local person whose heart would be in the right place, to one that could elevate Elbel and its programs, bring new golfers in, new ideas, help existing employees, train and bring in new people is not a postures idea. Mr. Loux is a fan of South Bend and the mayor, and could help the city and the citizens of South Bend. Left his business card for consideration. (***) Marks open comments made *** The problem with the lease is that it’s not possible to lease and have your heart in the right place in the lease. *** Mr. Loux disagrees Mr. Neal ask for anyone else wishing to address the board with comments. Jonathan Wheeler, 2500 Topsfield Rd, Apt 908, South Bend, IN 46614 Concerns: As an observer of past meetings and media publications, Mr. Wheeler has observed a very strong public opposition by the public to the sale of Elbel and the insistence by the mayor to sell or lease. Cited from the movie Beckett as an example... Encouraged regardless of your appointments having been made by the Mayor, mandating you please listen to the people. Ask the questions what does the mayor want? If he wants to lease Elbel ask the questions, why? You were hand selected by the mayor but it is to represent the public! Sally Derengodski, 17888 Amberwood Lane, South Bend, IN 46635 Concerns: With the 45 day Commission appointed and possibly already in process, it is now time to turn the page. Many are relieved on the cancellation of the sale of Elbel Golf Course, but now have turned to leasing. Sally has done research on the leasing of golf courses and presents the following 4 reason why courses lease: 1. To eliminate or reduce risk that can be transferred to the lessee 2. Personnel reduction cost 3. Lack of marketing expertise 4. Economy of scales Ms. Derengodski suggested we the citizens take on the leasing of the golf course. We have a marketing genius in Director Perri, let’s utilize that resource. Let us take on the risk, those who can do, do, those who can’t lease. Vice President Mark Neal, gave thanks to all in attendance and for voicing their thoughts, concerns and opinions about Elbel. Mr. Neal expressed his care and concern as a park board member for the city’s parks and the City of South Bend. Mr. Neal conveyed the finance challenges facing municipalities such as South Bend, the State of Indiana, and many others throughout the country which have come about over time. Mr. Neal explained tough financial decisions are essential and must be made each year, this is a reality of deciding to spend money or not spend the money. The appearance of at least 50 citizens, who bring lots of energy is also very valuable and that value is worth more than just money. Mr. Neal, as a Park Board member, would like to take advantage of the energy shown this evening and moving forward, let it be known the board wishes to make the best decision for all concern. Vice President Neal made known the Parks Board Meeting, on February 15th, there is no action or expectation of action on the agenda related to Elbel Parks/Elbel Golf Course. According to the special committee passed by resolution by the Common Council, park’s board will nominate a member to be a part of that commission during the regularly scheduled meeting. Motion for adjournment, motion second meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Ron O’Connor Executive Secretary