05-29-12 Community & Economic Development Committee

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COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MAY 29, 2012 3:30 P.M. Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Karen White, Gain Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic Citizen Members Present: Patricia Crowley Other Council Member's Present: Tim Scott; Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter Other's Present: Navarre Middle School Students (16), Phil St. Clair, Pete Agostino, Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Kevin Allen, Gloria Norris, Whitney White, Claudia Welch, Vida Sims, Ray Thompson, Marylin DeShaw, Linda Wolfson, Jessie Davis, Henry Davis, Sr. Kathy Hahn Agenda: Bill No. 12 -48 — Requesting Belleville & Kennedy Parks receive more funding Bill No. 12 -46 — Waiving Late Filing of Deduction Application for Equipment at 2630 Prairie Avenue Bill No. 12 -49 — Discuss Adding Portion of Lincolnway West to Airport Economic Development Area Community and Economic Development Committee Chair Henry Davis called the meeting to order to consideration of Bill No. 12 -48. This bill asks the City for more recreational equipment and programs especially for youth during the summer at Kennedy & Belleville Parks. Henry and co- sponsor Oliver Davis were reacting to Tribune articles and subsequent calls from constituents taking exception to splitting insurance settlement money resulting from vandalism in Belleville Park with Howard park. The S. B. Kiwanis Club originally donated equipment to Belleville Park which was later destroyed by vandals. The City said the equipment could be replaced at a cost less than the insurance settlement. The Kiwanians asked if the balance could be put toward their next project for the City in Howard Park. Children from Navarre Middle School and other residents felt all the money should stay in their parks. Henry Davis suggested an inventory of equipment in the parks as well as a 5 year capital plan was needed. Phil St. Clair, Parks Director was called to respond. Phil used a handout (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) listing an inventory of parks city -wide and maps of those in the 2 °d & 6t' Districts in particular. Phil said the Park Department spreads resources over 51 facilities city -wide and has always done short and long -range capital planning. He also said the Park Department has not used a Park Bond for funding in over 30 years. Henry and Oliver both maintained the west -side of town was being shortchanged. Turning to comments from the public, the Council heard from seven area residents around Kennedy or Belleville who all said more playground and picnic equipment was