HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-09 PARC Committee.~ ~ :" ~ -
`'~~ PARC COMMITTEE
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AUGUST 10, 2009
Ann Puzzello, Chairperson, PARC Committee called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m.
The following were in attendance:
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Tim Rouse, Martha Lewis, Citizen Member
Other Councilmember's Present: Henry Davis, Tom LaFountain, Karen White
Other's Present: Dennis Andres, Gary Gilot, Tom Price, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,
Rita Kopala, Ed Ronco
Agenda: Bill No. 55-09 - Appropriation - Morris/Palais Fund #273 -Ticket Stock
Discussion on Blackthorn -Don Inks
Bill No. 55-09 -Appropriation Morris/Palais Fund #273
Chairperson Puzzello called upon Dennis Andres, Executive Director, Morris Performing
Arts Center/Palais Royale for the presentation. Mr. Andres said the Morris Center
solicits sponsors to underwrite the cost of ticket stock and envelopes. With the $5,600 in
hand this ordinance requests the dollars be spent. Councilmember Rouse motioned
favorably seconded by Martha Lewis. All affirmed a favorable recommendation to
Council.
Report -Don Inks -Blackthorn
At the Council's request, Don Inks, Director, Economic Development, provided an
update on the Blackthorn golf course. He said construction of the course was funded
with $8.4 million in Redevelopment bonds. $2.3 million remain outstanding. Debt
service amounts to $650,000 a year. Pay off is in 2013. He went on to say that from its
first years in the mid-90's the course operated with a surplus. Of late due to competition
and the economy it runs at a slight deficit. In response the Redevelopment Commission
has solicited bids for both management contracts due to expire this year and for
appraisals for possible consideration to self the course. Councilmember Henry Davis
asked if the city was being aggressive enough looking at alternatives to manage or sell.
Mr. Inks responded saying the RFP for management was for short-term (3 years) with a 1
year provision if sold during that term.
Oliver Davis asked about the proceeds of a sale. Mr. Inks said the course was jointly
owned by the Redevelopment Authority and Airport Authority so proceeds would be
theirs. Councilmember White asked Mr. Inks to provide a summary of TIF funds spend
on Blackthorn. Councilmember Varner questioned the approximately $100,000 annual
management contract. He said we might be better off selling the course to a private
entity then collecting taxes. He also asked if there were any problems with the buried
sludge on site. Both Inks and Gary Gilot said there were none they were aware of.
Under miscellaneous, Councilmember Henry Davis asked that the basketball courts at
Alonzo Watson Park be maintained.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
Puzzello, adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Puzzello, Chairperson
PARCS Committee