08-20-07 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. Superintendent St. Clair reported that the Mayor has redirected $1,000,000 from unspent funds to Potawatomi Zoo to go toward repairs to meet accreditation in 2009. This money will be appropriated by the Common Council in the next month. In addition, this Saturday, we will be going before the Council's Personnel and Finance committee to present our 2008 budget. Included is an additional $400,000 in capital for next year. A committee of Park staff will be meeting to address priorities for the Zoo capital. 2. Superintendent St. Clair commented that the Zoological Society is not in a postian to take over the operation of the Zoo, despite reports by reports in the media. 3. He discussed the 2008 budget with the Board. In addition to the operating budget, 'a capital budget is also being submitted. This will allow us to get going on capital projects much sooner than in the past. A Development Director is being added to address fund raising and the possibility of setting up a park foundation. The Park Department will take over the city-wide mowingprogram for all City owned lots, as well as privately owned overgrown lots that arecitedby code enforcement. Revenues will come from billings of departments responsible for the properties. The Department is also taking over two grant presgram~ from Community and Economic Development, the Afterschool Program and BuildingBlocks. VIII. Comments by the Recreation Director 1. Ms. O'Connor updated the Board on the pro~~ress at the Leeper Tennis Complex. 2. Ms. O'Connor related that the national men's and women's major fast pitch tournament was played the first week of august. There were seventeen men's teams and twelve women's teams. It was a very long; l~at week. Because of adverse weather the women's tournament was not finished and the winner was chosen by the ASA using criteria from the tournament rule book. She thanked all the maintenance staff for their long hours and dedication. 3. Fall softball leagues hive started with 58 teams. 4. This summer 1, I ?? breakfasts were served at the playgrounds; 27,6101unches were served; and there ~~ere 51,496 participants used the playground program over the summer. 5. Attendance at Potawatomi Pool was 9,097, 6,539 at Kennedy Water Playground, and 8034 at the East Race. 6. The concerts were rained out last night and the last concerts will be held next Sunday. 7. The Kid's Triathlon had 537 participants. 8. The Skate Park competition last weekend had 24 competitors. Attendance is being affected by the construction along Michigan St. IX. Comments by the Zoo Director 1. Mr. DeRosa thanked the Mayor, Councilwoman Puzello and Superintendent St. Clair for the $1.4 million for the Zoo to help repair the infrastructure. --3--