09-05-12 Personnel & Finance (2)

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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting September 4, 2012 Page 2 --+ The Common Council's Priories —� The Mayor's Vision and Strategy —� The Mayor's Priorities The Common Council's Priories: Mr. Neal then highlighted the eight (8) primary priorities identified by the South Bend Common Council namely: • Economic Development [Jobs, living, working & investing in South Bend] • Public Safety [Police, Fire & Neighborhoods] • Parks [Fifty -seven city parks] • Curbs, Sidewalks & Streets • City Corridors • Vacant & Abandoned Housing • Code Enforcement • Quality of life Mr. Neal stated in response to questions from the public that the city invests in parks on a "needs basis" which address small work projects but not large ticket items. It was noted that Council Member Gavin Ferlic is the Chairperson of the Parks Committee. Council Member Ferlic encouraged persons to contact him with regard to their concerns and he passed out several of his business cards. The Park Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at O'Brien Center. Council Member Ferlic added that the Park Department has a Master Plan which guides the department on goals and short and long -term investment projects. At this point in the Committee meeting, many residents voiced concerns which are summarized as follows,[ names and addresses were not given when each person spoke]: • A resident presented to Council Member Ferlic a multi -page plan for Kennedy Park, noting that she believed it has been overlooked. The plan was developed by a focus group and lists various upgrades which they believe are needed. She stressed that the area has many neighborhood children, many of which cannot afford to pay the fee at the water park. Some of the park improvements requested included the planting of more trees, more landscaping so that it would not look like a desert. • Another resident stated that improvements at Kennedy Park might help the values of the homes in that area, noting that the park used to be very family- oriented however much of the equipment has been eliminated.