07-25-11 Personnel & Finance Committee

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f�^..r�+"\. � � ' �........,�.. .. `� ;. ' PERSONNEL AND FINANCE JULY 25, 2011 Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain, Chairperson; Oliver Davis; David Vamer; Karen White Other Council Members Present: Henry Davis; Ann Puzzello; AI Kirsits Others Present: Mayor Luecke, Kathy Cekanski-Farrand; Phil St. Clair; Gary Gilot; Gregg Zientara; Heidi Gray, Catherine Toppel, Peter Helland Agenda: Bill No. 40-11 —Appropriation Conservatory Bill No.41-11 —Appropriation Miracle Park Bill No. 11-47—Quality Animal Control Committee Member David Varner called the meeting to order at 4:20 p.m., noting full committee attending. He turned to Mayor Luecke for opening remarks. The Mayor briefly explained the purpose of this capital fund request underscoring the city's responsibility to maintain park facilities by investing in their long-term capital needs. The Mayor then asked Park Superintendent Phil St. . Clair to explain the specifics. Phil provided artists renderings, a site plan, and cost projections for the investments, in the Ella Morris Conservatory, the desert dome, and the conservatory upgrades for the Council. (see attached.) He spoke of upgrades to the glass, and the HVAC in the buildings. He said the growing houses were beyond repair and would be torn down. Chairperson Tom LaFountain opened the hearing for Council comment. Councilmember Varner went first saying that the City has a responsibility to keep facilities gifted to the City in good order. Other potential donors might be more likely to come forward if we do a good job of stewardship. Councilmember Henry Davis was next. He wanted to know if the city keeps a parks needs list and if so what on the list was in the second district. He reiterated a need for a dumpster and lighting at the 2"d District recreational centers. Councilmember Oliver Davis urged keeping up facilities we already have. Councilmember Ann Puzzello voiced support for the Potawatomi requests. Councilmember Kirsits asked if the city was going to continue to grow flowers for its own use. Phil said the City would not. Turning to the public comment portion Chairperson LaFountain recognized Heidi Gray of 517 Webster. Representing the Botanical Society, she spoke in favor of the proposals. In the Council portion, Councilmember White asked, what criteria was used for the prioritization of projects. Phil St. Clair responded saying there wee 3 general considerations. 1. Public Safety. 2. Costs to operate. 3. Responsibility to maintain. Ultimately Oliver Davis moved to recommend favorably. Councilmember White seconded and all affirmed. Bill No. 41-11 —Miracle Park Noting the city administration asked for a continuance until the next meeting on August 8, 2011. Councilmember Oliver Davis motioned. Councilmember Varner seconded and all agreed to continue Bill 41-11 until August 8, 2011.