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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-April 18 2016 Minutes - 1 - SOUTH BEND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING APRIL 18, 2016 The Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, April 18, 2016 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: Mr. Mark Neal, President Ms. Amiee Buccellato Mr. Dan Farrell Park Board members absent were as follows: Ms. Amy Hill, Vice President Staff members present: Aaron Perri, Director of Parks; Brian Powell, Financial Specialist III John Martinez, Maintenance Superintendent; Paula Garis, Special Events Supervisor; Michael Schmidt, Park Board Attorney I. The meeting was called to order by Board President Mark Neal at 5:05 p.m. II. Approval of Minutes of the March 21, 2016 Regular Board Meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on March 21, 2016 by Dan Farrell, second by Amiee Buccellato, approved. III. Approval of the Parks & Recreation Vouchers for the month of March, totaling $1,178,404.00 Motion to approve Parks & Recreation vouchers by Dan Farrell motion, Amiee Buccellato, motion carried. IV. Interviewing of Interested Citizens Request for citizen input on items not listed on the April 18, 2016 Park Board Meeting agenda. None present. V. Report by Organizations 1. Potawatomi Zoological Society 2. South Bend Botanical Society 3. South Bend Cubs – Not Available Potawatomi Zoological Society Board Member Dave Nufer, presented for Marcy Dean, on behalf of the Potawatomi Zoological Society; Zoo’s opening day was April 1, 2016, due to weather the opening day was met with limited visits; following week provided excellent weather with greater attendance. - 2 - Carousel construction has been completed, opening took place April 16, 2016. Additional landscaping to be completed but not a deterrent to opening day. South Bend Botanical Society Heidi Gray, Manager of Conservatory provided the board with an update of continuing activity & fund raisers for the DJ Sensory Garden which included the following: Trivia Night / Drumming Circle / Annual Plant & Flower Sales. SB Botanical Society had an article presented in the Senior Life publication. VI. Unfinished Business 1. Kil Architecture /Planning – Potawatomi Conservatory Green Roof Project Greg Kil of Kil Architecture / Planning provided an update on the Potawatomi Conservatory Green Roof Project. Figures have been submitted to the Park Staff, Green the Bend and The Botanical Society with a budget less than $75,000. Current plan is to open submitted quotes and have a recommendation for approval at the May 2016 park board meeting. Copies of prospective drawings were submitted to the board for preliminary review with a request for questions. Finalization will take place within the next few weeks. Director Perri ask Attorney Michael Schmidt to provide information on the action requested & required on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park Board and the Botanical Society. Attorney Schmidt provided the MOU outlines legally the responsibility of the project presented last month, stating the project does allow Park Board review of actions taking place, however the project is being funded by private non-profit group. Greg Kil reiterated the Park Department will not have any financial responsibility for the project. The financial responsibility lies with Green the Bend working together with the Botanical Society. The project will take place on Park property and to date meetings and discussion have taken place with Park Maintenance Director John Martinez to insure all standards are being met to be verified and certified. Director Perri pointed out the following 3 key points of recognition (1) the appreciation of the group to fund the project, 2) no financial expectations being required by the South Bend Park Department, and 3) recognizing the Botanical Society will maintain and be responsible for uninstalling and restoring it back to its original condition if ever needed. Attorney Schmidt elaborated to the Board their option, due to the project being completed by private funding according to state law, the board would need to determine how bid quotes will be handled; would they be open in a public setting or will bids be open privately by those contracting the service. Attorney Michael Schmidt made the recommendation to the Board to make a motion to execute the MOU between the Botanical Society and the Parks Department. Following this motion he advised the Board to make another motion to accept the agreement to allow Kil - 3 - Architecture, John Martinez (Director of Park Maintenance), Botanical Society, and Green the Bend to open and review bids and present selected contractor at the next board meeting. President Mark Neal calls for questions on the agreement for Greg Kil of Kil Architecture, Director Perri, or Green the Bend. Ms. Buccellato questions the reading of the agreement concerning the botanical society having no additional say? It was clarified by Attorney Michael Schmidt the agreement is written to reiterate expectations of the Park Board and the agreement between the Botanical Society and Green the Bend. Motion made by Amiee Buccellato to accept the MOU of the South Bend Parks & Recreation Department and the Botanical Society of South Bend. Second Dan Farrell, motion carried. Amiee Buccellato, motion to accept bids/quotes to be opened by Kil Architecture with Green the Bend & John Martinez, representative of the Parks Department to review the quotes and present to the Park Board’s May board meeting to notify the board of selected contracted. Second Dan Farrell motion carried. VII. New business President Mark Neal issued statement of modification of the agenda for the benefit of the expediency for the public; moving agenda item (7-02) Chief Steve Cox – Fire Station #9 Update to item 1 and item 7-01 Dog Park Lease to item 2. 1. Chief Steve Cox – Fire Station # 9 Update Chief Cox, Central Fire Station 1222 S Michigan St; provided to the Park Board a presentation regarding the intent to locate Fire Station #9 on the grounds of the Potawatomi Park. Chief Cox provided the following concerns and/or issues with some possible solutions. South Bend Fire Department has 11 Fire Station locations. Potawatomi Park and Fire Station #9 are located in the same district. The current building was built in 1926, reaching 100 years of age and has remained a single engine fire station throughout its duration. The fire station’s personal have outgrown the living space and are unable to have access to modern fire equipment. The geographic location of fire station #9 and its obstacles to emergency response in the district include: limited bridge access to get to the south side; other man made obstacles such as the location of the railroad tracks on the north side of East Jefferson and south of the river. Providing only 2 routes to avoid the train tracks. The proposed fire station will improve service in this area along with providing ambulance service which is not currently available. The location of fire station #9 will provide ambulance service to District #3, #8 & #9 - 4 - 2004 DOZ station location studies suggested a fire station be located in this area, however viable property in this area is limited and any available building space is not suitable for fire station needs. Propose fire station #9 would serve River Park, Sunnymeade, and Wayne street area locations. A centrally located area is need to service areas from Logan Street out to Jefferson & Eddy Street. There is a “choke point” within the district that limits response teams to access both sides of the district without the use of Mishawaka Ave. which is a heavy traffic commercial corridor. The use of Mishawaka Ave permits the noise generated into a commercial area and not a residential area. Allows easy access to both east and west ends of the district. The district holds several time risk occupancy: Nuner School, IUSB, John Adams High School and Jefferson Intermediate School. The proposed location is right next door to John Adams High School & IUSB and allows first responders access more rapidly. The proposed fire station #9 would allow the relocation of river rescue from S. Michigan to the new proposed site going from a 6 ½ minute response time to a 1 minute response time using the Memorial Park Boat Landing, which is the site of boat rescues. Personal located at this site would be public safety divers or swift water rescue specialist along with their other firefighters and EMS capabilities. This proposed location of fire station# 9 would allow for a “safe place” within the Potawatomi Park area. Most of the business’s in the area which are considered safe zones are closed in the evening. The fire station would be open and occupied 24 hours 7 days a week providing the “safe place” for children, teens and adults. Swift water response public educational programs can be partnered for greater opportunity with the children at the station. An extensive deal of public outreach was conducted regarding residents expectations of the fire station location, staff, and responsiveness. Public meetings have taken place with the River Park Business Association, River Park Neighborhood Associations, Sunnymeade Neighborhood Association, the Board of Public Safety, Administrative Staff of Adams High School and other residents in the community. The proposal of Fire Station #9 is one that will add value to the park in conjunction with offering of valuable community services and programming. Concerning alternative sites for Fire Station #9 that have been suggested: River Park Furniture Building site was purchased before being listed, removing it as a possibility. Old Nuner School, a community green space that is consistently in use by residents, and the location is too far to the East and within a residential area located far from the commercial corridor. Suggestion of a building being placed across from IUSB and next door to Adams High School which was - 5 - welcomed by the School administration. Additional suggestions of the old Qualex site, its location is too far on the Westside of the district, adding a delay of response to those located on the Eastside. Currently the Qualex building is still in private ownership, along with a 2 story building that must be eradicated and remediated and is also located on a blind intersection. Suggested use of vacant or abandon buildings along Mishawaka Ave. There are currently no vacant houses or buildings along Mishawaka Ave that would meet the needs and/or concerns of fire station #9. It has been of the utmost importance for several years, for us to consider the different options of locations & cost for the proposed fire station. Keeping emergency response and the public’s interest in mind, as we wish to be good stewards of the public’s space and its funds. The proposal is an alternative in cost vs the purchase of a large piece of property and removing existing structures. The proposal is to build a fire station that is “part of the park” as oppose to building a fire station “in the park”. We are taking concerns of the public serious such as the concern regarding a station that would be in close proximity to the conservatory and the blocking of sunlight; the amount of acreage requested and plans to modifying a design using the least amount of acreage, minimizing the station’s footprint in the park. Request for the Hot Spot or Call Distribution; higher call volumes shown in presentation in light purple, lower call volumes are shown in light blue. Within the district areas of greater population the call volume is higher. Due to the current layout this would be the reason for the chosen central location. The call volume is a study of the last 3 years. Each station is also assistant to another station so it’s important to review calls not only for the district in which the station is located. Interviewing of Interested Citizens on the Fire Station #9 Bill Dunn, 1620 Southwood Ave. South Bend, IN 46615 a resident of River Park and on the board of the River Park Neighborhood Association. Addressing the board on behalf of the President of the River Park Neighborhood Association. Stated that a survey was put together and issued on the association’s Facebook page after Chief Cox March informational meeting of the fires stations proposal. Received 69% in favor, 29% against and 6% no opinion regarding the poll. Reason given against use of the park were: loss of green space, noise of sirens when answering call for those using the parks and street congestions when leaving for a call. Alternatives given by the poll; Nuner field, expand current fire house, and use property free from the 1000 house program or commercial holdings no longer used, and build it anywhere else. When ask, concerns for those in favor of the use of the park responses where consistent; most unaware of its existence in River Park, others felt a bigger fire house is needed; the location be in River Park and that location would result in better response time and services; the propose space was - 6 - underutilized. Idea for the proposed fire station usage given as opportunity for events such as school visits, resident interaction, unity or urban gardening and sited Safe Place, emergency shelter storage of supplies & water and CPR training, medical support for park users and interim CPR for endangered pets. Exercising training for fireman would be more useable in a larger facility. Board took the items into consideration and the majority of the board voted for Fire Station# 9 as proposed. Janice Maciulski 1117 S 31st Street, South Bend, IN 46615 a member of the River Park Neighborhood Association but representing herself as a citizen of the City of South Bend. Made mention that both a park & fire station are important, but disagrees that they need to be together. Per her research it would cost $627M for an acre of land in Central Park, however noting this is not Central Park emphasizing the concern is with devaluing park property. Janice stated her concern of locating a fire station within the park as an effort to save money, is a direct contradiction of valuing park property and park usage. Requested the park board take a walk in the Potawatomi Park area and look for green space, stating the only green space in this area is Potawatomi Park. Defining a park as an area of land set aside for passage of common use, where certain types of activities are restricted to permit individuals to escape the intensity of urban life. It has been stated this is land is not in use, however this doesn’t mean it will not be utilized in the future. Currently it doesn’t mean the space is a bad. Another major concern is the decimal level of the fire engines being a danger and the causes of permanent hearing loss. With concerns of the location being near the kiddie pool, gardens or the conservatory can be dangerous to those with special needs. Stated she is concerned there are no negative responses given and no other location can be found in River Park. She ask for the fire station to stay out of the park and please seek another location, Surely agreeing there are needs for fire and ambulance services to be improved, but not on park property. Lastly stating our parks are a valuable commodity. Mr. Szabo Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN Points out the difference in one location to another location is “bologna” followed by the request to bring the heat map back up. As Mr. Szabo continues he says the Fire Department’s refusal to consider a more responsible facility solution for Fire Station #9 is unacceptable and emphasizes there abuse of using what he considers “free land”. He believes the cost of the new facility should be paid for based upon the value of the park land. It’s impossible to see that locating a fire station within the park is anything other than disastrous to surrounding schools and those private residents in the city. Proof should be demanded of the many programs sited are being well utilized from the current station, even if this information exist, this is not enough to justify the taking of public park land and turning into a circus. Seeing the fire departments own hot spot map, the moving of the station cannot be justified from moving it from it currently location to the park. The fire station’s hot spot map demonstrates the current location best serves the greatest needs in the area. Moving west would only decrease their effectiveness, referring to this solution as “stupid and irresponsible”. Mr. Szabo believes the city is not displaying fiscal responsibility for not purchasing property when funds are being utilized for round-a-bouts within the city. Properties located to the west of the current station should be acquired providing the opportunity for the existing station to be included in the plans, saving funds and less need of new construction. - 7 - Randy Kelly, 3rd District Common Council Representative, Understandable of the concern of the loss of park property, Mr. Kelly says he takes significant issue with the Fire Dept. being referenced as “stupid and irresponsible. Having spoken with Chief Cox, there have been considerable consideration and diligence for a number of years regarding this move. It’s a tough call, but from his perspective it is the right call. Mr. Kelly commended Chief Cox for all the involvement and actions to consider the input of the community to make the proposal even better. Stating as the 3rd District Representative he is in support of Fire Station #9 and hopes the board will be as well. Sunnymeade Neighborhood Association Representatives, Jill LaFountain, 1224 Longfellow Ave & Matthew Emery, 1625 Southwood Ave, South Bend IN 46615. Jill stated they too held a public meeting and also a survey on their neighborhood association Facebook regarding Fire Station #9. Discussion concerning the proposal has been very positive, concerning the uses of the facility, very similar to that of the River Park Neighborhood Association. It is reassuring to those in the Sunnymeade neighborhood knowing they will have greater access to first responders when needed. Regarding the noise level in this part of the neighborhood, we have the train tracks which can be more obtrusive, this is just part of living in an urban setting. Matthew Emery expressed the safety component of having the ambulance so close is very reassuring. Living five houses from the park having the Fire Station located in the park is an excellent idea. Dave Nufer, Business Owner 2409 Mishawaka, Ave – Owns two businesses in the area and has owned one almost 40 years now. Is appreciative of the advantages of having an ambulance service in the area as it improves the time of receiving service from 6 minutes to 4 minutes. Is 100% in favor of moving the Fire station #9 to Potawatomi Park, has attended 6 meetings with Chief Cox and his extensive public information meetings to make the public aware of the proposal. Stated Chief Cox is requesting 1 acre of land of 60 acres to put public safety #1 priority. Parks Board and the city have made a priority of keeping green space available. As a board member of Potawatomi Zoo Dave Nufer has made many efforts in working with the fire department to educate young citizens about the fire department. Mentioning he takes issue with the negative comments regarding Chief Cox. Chief Cox has been very professional and forth coming with the proposal. Fred Greiner, 825 S 33rd Street, South Bend, IN Past president if the River Park Neighborhood Association & Current President of the Business Association. Speaking as a private citizen and addressing the board on what is being asked of them, which is to balance 2 public goods. Both are created and maintained for the benefit of the public. Park serves the public by providing space for recreation, and the Fire Dept. serves the public by saving lives and property. What has to be given up is minimal and the location is not of pivotal use. The benefit is locating the Fire Station where it can better serve the community. - 8 - President Neal advised per the agenda the Park Board is not required to take any action at this point and the process has not reached a point of discussion with the Park Board. It was the board’s request for an update of Fire Station #9. President Neal did request any of any additional comments from Director Aaron Perri and any questions from the board regarding Fire Station #9 presented by Fire Chief Cox. Director Perri stressed the difficulty of the topic and clarification that park land is not free, and is no way free to develop on and not something the board or the staff under his watch would endorse heavily. It will and is the responsibility of the Park Department to continue an open dialogue and explore the proposal of Fire Station #9. Director Perri mentioned what would be the “value added” by partnering with the Fire Department for Fire Station 9, and emphasized there was no discussion this evening on this. Mr. Perri elaborated on behalf of the Board their appreciation on the update from Chief Cox. Board member Dan Farrell commented on his appreciation of the comment from Chief Cox on his wishes to have the Fire Station be part of the park, not in the park. Mr. Farrell requesting an explanation on the opportunity for shared resources? Chief Cox expressed ways to operate with the conservatory with heating and cooling, by building as green as possible keeping the majority of cost down. Also building exercise equipment for the staff and how the workout areas outside of the fire house accessible to the Adams High School Staff. Giving access for Kids Kingdom and the Sensory Garden minimizing the current trees in the landscape. This will be public use on public land. Not asking for free land anticipate building something that is community friendly. Board member Aimee Buccellato ask, is there a current timeline in place at this time? Chief Cox currently a timeline has not been established and neither have design plans began, as would be expected with a project of this size there are legal issues to tie down. If all concerns and issues are not taken care of in a timely manner the possibility of construction availability in this year may become an issue, due the amount of construction projects going on at Notre Dame. Board member Buccellato followed by encouraging continuous communication and maintaining a visible and holistic approach to design and construction. President Neal thanked everyone for their contribution to the conversation regarding the proposal of fire station #9 and is looking forward to additional discussions with the public, Park Board and the City Council in reaching a balanced decision for the community as a whole. Mr. Szabo approach the Board asking if it were permissible to have follow questions and/or comments. President Neal denied any follow up questions at this time and encouraged more dialogue when more venues would be available on this topic. - 9 - 2. Dog Park Lease (701 Niles LLC) Director Aaron Perri provided a lease agreement to the Park Board for property located at 525 Niles Ave, the former Madison Children Center triangle yard. The location has informally been used as a dog park and has now been acquired by a new developer with intentions of developing on the site in the future. The property owner’s current desire is to donate the site to the Parks Department at a $1 year lease amount, for usage and maintenance of the site. Park staff has been diligent at preparing and completing all needed signage and legal proceedings, so that at the approval of a lease agreement the site can continue to function as a dog park. The lease agreement is in alignment with the Parks Department 5 year master plan, which calls for some amenities for dogs. The Parks Department is excited to offer this solution in the interim basis while exploration of full time accommodations would look like. A timeline of future or possible development of a site are not known at his time, however, Director Perri believes the dog park will be an asset to the City of South Bend. Question: Mr. Dan Farrell, will this be the first dog park for the city. Response: Director Perri, that this would indeed be the city’s first dog park. Question: Mr. Farrell question of any liabilities to the city to having a dog park? Response: Attorney Schmidt stated as he approached the concept of a city dog park he was originally a bit skeptical due to the legal liability. Advice was sought by insurance providers and other cities on how current dog park areas have proceeded with issues of liability. From the inquiry, Attorney Schmidt noted the appropriate warning signs will be sufficient notice to patrons upon entering the dog park and no additional insurance policies are recommended. With the information received from these outside sources, from a legal perspective there was not sufficient reason provided not to grant acceptance and approval. Director Perri added rules have been crafted by following the precedent of other locations providing community dog park locations. Stating the park maintenance staff are working to divide the area into small dog & large dog locations. Mr. Perri then noted his excitement and said he is anticipating a bit of a splash to welcome the dog park to the public. Question: President Neal, What is the timing of the proposed opening? Response: Director Perri gave an approximate opening to 2 weeks President Neal noted the excitement for the enhancement to the city of public space. Also noting the Board’s comfort through the reassurance of legal in this regard. Dan Farrell, noted currently the property’s informal usage as a dog park would make the transition one of ease. Director Perri added that the common council’s current draft resolution concerning a dog park would put the park board & department ahead in planning. - 10 - Question: President Neal ask would this be an annual lease? Response: Director Perri replied the lease will be $1 per with a 30 day notice, month to month. Motion to approve & sign the Dog Park Lease Aimee Buccellato, second Dan Farrell; motion carried. 3. Consideration of the Elbel Special Advisory Committee Recommendation Park Board member Dan Farrell, as a member of the Elbel Special Advisory Committee, provided the board with an update of the committee’s progress. Mr. Farrell commended the committee for the excellent work on the 45 day process which included receiving public feedback, and reaching a set of recommendations for consideration. Mr. Farrell noting his favor of the recommendations and will entertain any question regarding the recommendations and the process. Emphasizing recommendation #4 which included the establishment of other advisory committees provided feedback on a regular basis. Director Perri provided information on the other 5 recommendations: 1. Engage a golf course management consulting firm to review all three city golf courses. This would allow for providing input on greens and turf operations, management, as well as other complimentary uses and environmentally sustainable course maintenance practices. 2. Ecological Assessment Consultant to assist with the park system wide natural resource management plan. Portions of this are required for park reaccreditation next summer; the interest of the public are aligned with this recommendation. 3. Collaboration with local experts, city departments, stakeholders, public sector are embedded in the contractual terms of the consultants. 4. Covered above by Dan Farrell. 5. City of South Bend Parks & Recreation will manage and maintain Elbel Golf Course for the 2016 year; funds will be designated for 2017 (please note: future use decisions deferred). 6. Monthly progress reports of the above, be integrated into the public agenda of the Park Board, Common Council, and the Special Advisory Committee. Comments by Aimee Buccellato – Attended the first meeting and expressed appreciation for the progress and productivity of the Special Advisory Committee during the 45 days. - 11 - Comments by President Neal - Pleased that embedded within the recommendation these actions be completed on a park wide basis. Meanwhile acknowledging the current budget challenges and maintaining the all this be done with prudent financial oversight. Call for a motion to accept recommendation from the Elbel Special Advisory Committee. Motion Aimee Buccellato second Dan Farrell motion carried. Director Perri noted going forward the Elbel Recommendation updates & progress will be highlighted on a monthly basis under unfinished business. 4. President Mark Neal – Consent Agenda Format President Mark Neal proposed the use of the Consent Agenda as a means to be more efficient and effective for issues of monthly routine items, noting all these particular items are currently a matter of public record and are available as such. President Mark Neal recommended items such as monthly park vouchers, uses of parks, request for arborist licenses all be put forth in a single motion or consent agenda format, acknowledging all are previously reviewed prior to the scheduled Park Board, in an effort to concentrate on larger items requiring more attention. Ms. Buccellato wished to clarify items on the agenda are made public and if so requested would be available for discussion. Director Perri included also available on the Park webpage is information on park usage, construction progress reports, agenda information, and other valuable information for the public. Attorney Michael Schmidt advised to separate the minutes allowing for each Park Board member to acknowledge individually their approval to meet legal requirements. President Mark Neal seeking proper protocol for adopting and using the Consent Agenda Format in next month’s Park Board meeting. 5. Approval of Arborist License a. Higher Ground Tree Care, LLC 12586 Heather Park Drive, Granger, IN 46530 b. K&R Tree Service, 1724 S Grant Street, South Bend, IN 46613 c. Leonard’s Landscape & Tree, 16487 Jackson Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46544 d. Evergreen Landscaping, 208 Meridian Street, Mishawaka, In 46544 Per Attorney Schmidt each company has provided the required insurance and documents, recommends approval Motion to approve Arborist License A through D by Dan Farrell, seconded Aimee Buccellato, motion carried. - 12 - 7. Request for use of Parks Paula Garis advised A-F for repeat events, G will be returning paperwork not completed. H. Memorial Hospital in attendance to give presentation of the event. A. 3 for 3 Triathlon – Michiana Family YMCA – Howard Park River Walk September 25, 2016 B. Angel of Hope Spring Remembrance – Pinhook Angel of Hope Garden – May 7, 2016 C. Angel of Hope Infant Loss Program – Pinhook Park Angel of Hope Garden October 9, 2016 D. Angel of Hope Candlelight Program – Pinhook Park Angel of Hope Garden December 11, 2016 E. NIMBA (Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association) – Rum Village – June 26, 2016 F. Mama’s Against Violence – Coquillard Park – May 28, 2016 G. South Bend Summer Jam – Coquillard Park – June 4, 2016 H. Memorial Children’s Hospital Benefit – East Race (Duck Chase) & Howard Park August 13, 2016 Representative for Memorial Children’s Hospital Tim Conley, Balfour Beatty Construction, 116 E Bartlett Street, South Bend 4660. Agency construction manager for the new children’s hospital serving Memorial. In an effort to give back to their client would like to host a fund raising event as a thank you for contracting their services. Event to take place mid-afternoon and completed by 5pm. After approval would need a gaming permit also. Motion to approve request for parks A-H except for G by Aimee Buccellato, second Dan Farrell Motion carried. VIII. Business by Director Aaron Perri Made the board aware of a recent change by the City to merge all IT operation under one roof, with several personnel changes affecting the Park Department. Director Perri also announced Matthew Esau has been offered the Director of Marketing position. As well as, Coordinator of Special Projects to begin on May 9th and will shift responsibilities of Board Secretary to this position. Director Perri also publically acknowledged the enthusiasm of the Pokagon agreement. The Bowman Creek Project which will receive $500,000.00 over the next 5 years. Howard Park $2.25M over the course of 5 years. How the funds will effect Howard Park? At this time a plan has not been established, however the 5 year Master Plan is in place which sets out the priorities and needs of the park system but it is not a blueprint for exactly what goes where, when and how the money is spent. Focus will be on the regional cities program affecting what is referred to as the Blueways region affecting the area from Leeper Park to the - 13 - farmers market, entailing seven different parks. Director Perri says looking forward we are having discussions with two different firms to develop a master plan for that particular area. The goal is to have a firm hire in about six weeks and would encourage the publics input. Newman Center was slated for demolish, however research revealed that the Park Dept. doesn’t own the building or land leaving no board action to be taken. Regarding the South Bend Cubs 20 year lease agreement, which is renewable every 5 years via correspondence. The correspondence has been received making an official renewal for the 2nd consecutive term. LaSalle Park Upgrades & Charles Black Center Expansion part of the park bond approximately 3M of the 5M is being used for the project. The site has EPA issues before ground can be broken, these issues must be address. A public presentation from the EPA is set to be held on Tuesday May 24th at the Charles Black Center. It is believed after this meeting work can begin for the summer. Portions of the park will be closed during the testing, basically 1 acre sites at a time. Question: President Neal inquired concerning the work timeline? Response: Per Attorney Schmidt at this point the City is doing all that can be done, however we are awaiting a letter of written approval from the EPA stating work can proceed. Response: Director Perri added we are hoping to know more by the May 24th meeting. Google Trekker is in town, and the Park Department will use this device to video the East Race Walkway, Run Village Nature Center, Golf Courses, and the Potawatomi Zoo. Budgeting process has started, this is a new process, which is priority based programing. Will provide more detail as we progress forward in the process. Director Perri announcing the City has made the initial move towards integrating areas of what may be consider “quality of life” and centralizing these services. Mentioning this will ultimately guide the direction of the department moving forward. Recreation 1. 9 outdoor movies throughout the parks in the city (i.e. Pinhook, Byers, Potawatomi, Elbel) 2. Extending the season for East Race rafting. 3. Adding Arts on the Race - 4 Saturdays this summer. 4. Athletic field rentals are open and all the fields are in use. 5. Summer jobs being filled throughout the Park – advertising via the centers 6. Superintendents Golf outing Friday August 5, 2016 - 14 - Golf Package provided to the board with a full report included. 1. Closed for 2 days for peak time irrigation – Elbel green 15 still closed should be open by months end. 2. Open house schedule for April 29, 2016 – Elbel Club house is undergoing renovations and should be in exactly shape by open house date. Director Perri submitted a letter from a City of South Bend resident offering praise and gratitude to the Park Maintenance Team for outstanding work completed on Pinhook stated its recent work has made Pinhook appearance is the best he’s seen in 25 years. Dan Farrell also commented on the change made by Marketing from a pdf to an actual email, eliminating one step for the consumer to receive information. IX. Comments by the Maintenance Superintendent Provided a presentation on who and what Back the Bend is and some of the projects being done. Leeper Steam Project; 50 volunteers (Notre Dame Students from the School of Engineering) assisting in the work of laying 5,000 bricks. Gave an overall site plan of a minimum 4 year project, currently in stage 1 of the project, which includes a new sidewalk, Stage 2 included 8 walkway lights, tilled gardens, and trash containers. Partnership for Leeper Steam Project include; Notre Dame School of Engineering, South Bend Park Foundation, South Bend Community School Corporation, Foegley Landscaping, Rose Brick, Pemberton Davis and Wissco Irrigation. Project completed or are in service with South Bend Maintenance Staff River Walk clean up with 137 students assisting in the work; Bowman Creek clean up Martin Luther King Center & Keller Park spreading of mulch The East Race mural – which was prepped by Amy Roush and her daughter Some of the odds & ends being completed by Maintenance: Elbel Pro Shop remodeling work; Striping of the soccer fields; Upgrades completed at Rum Village; Niles Ave Dog Park completed with the use of repurposed material using low funds. Centralized mowing started today; the excel program is up and running; MLK HVAC is being constructed with engineering. Potawatomi parking lot with Zoological Society is in works; the Kelly basketball concrete to be completed May 31: Outreach with the MLK Center for summer employees to assist in summer projects. - 15 - No other questions or comments from the Board, meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m. by President Mark Neal. The next regular meeting will be held May 16, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the O’Brien Administration Center. Respectfully Submitted, Ron O’Connor Executive Secretary