HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-09 Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment~~-
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PARC COMMITTEE (Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts 8~ Entertainment)
February 23, 2009
Committee Members Present: Ann Puzzello, Chairperson; Timothy Rouse, Vice-
Chairperson; AI "Buddy" Kirsits; Citizen Member-
Martha Lewis
Other Council Members Present: Karen White, David Varner, Henry Davis, Tom
LaFountain
Others Present: Jamie Loo, Jeremy Toschlog, Rita Kopala,
Catherine Fanello, Dennis Andres, Beth Leonard,
Mayor Stephen Luecke
Agenda: Bill No. 09-09 -Morris Fund #416 Appropriation
Bill No. 10-09 -Art in Public Places Fund #250
Bill No. 09-18 -Morris Bond Refunding
BILL NO. 09-09 APPROPRIATION -MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IMPROVEMENT
FUND #416
Chairperson Ann Puzzello opened the PARC Committee meeting by introducing Dennis Andres
the Executive Director of the Morris to make a presentation.
Dennis explained the request of $25,000 from fund #416 was for a new water heater and 120
gallon storage tank for the Morris. Fund #416 is one used exclusively for capital improvements at
the Morris. The fund dollars are generated by a ticket surcharge on events at the Morris. On a
motion by Tim Rouse, seconded, by Martha Lewis and supported by all, the bill goes to Council
favorably.
BILL NO. 10-09 APPROPRIATION FROM FUND 250 FOR ART IN PUBLIC PLACES AND
CLOSING
Beth Leonard, Director of Financial Management for the city made the presentation. She said
fund #250 was a general grant fund that included dollars form the Green Trust to fund Art in
Public Places. Of the $59,850 requested fifty thousand dollars would go to the Community
Foundation to help pay for a kinetic exhibit by South .Bend native George Rickey in the downtown.
The remaining dollars would be for additional art in Jon Hunt Plaza.
Councilmember Henry Davis asked if the money could be used for local youth artists programs?
Ms. Leonard said the funds could not.
Martha Lewis and Councilmember AI "Buddy" Kirsits asked how many pieces were to be in the
exhibit and where they would be placed.
Ms. Leonard said the Community Foundation would make those calls.
On a motion by Councilmember Kirsits, seconded by Martha Lewis and supported by all, the fill is
sent to the Council favorably.
BILL NO. 09-18 MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PROJECT
Approves the sale of Redevelopment Authority Bonds to refinance earlier Morris bonds at a lower
interest rate.
City Controller Catherine Fanello explained the net savings would amount to over $426,000
dollars.
Councilmember Rouse suggested all bonds outstanding be studied for refinancing saving
potential.
Councilmember Henry Davis asked about the city's credit rating.
Both, Mayor Luecke and Controller Catherine Fanello stated the solid foundations and good
financial management resulted in a very favorable double A (AA) rating.
Councilmember Rouse motioned and Martha Lewis seconded all supported a favorable
recommendation to full Council.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Puzzello
adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Puzzello, Chairperson
PARC Committee