Laserfiche WebLink
Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts and Entertainment Committee <br /> April 3, 2003 <br /> Page 2 <br /> process taking a minimum of two(2) months. <br /> Council Member Coleman stated that"there is overwhelming evidence that there cannot be a better <br /> time to go forward,and that time is of the essence in light of the historically low rates". He further <br /> noted that the time is right for the city to consider these proposals. He noted that there are many <br /> challenges to the labor force. He stated that"the real purpose is to create jobs in a bad economy", <br /> noting the similarity of this proposal to the New Deal. <br /> Mr. St. Clair stated that the last Park bond was in 1983 for the East Race Waterway. The zoo <br /> bond issue was in 1979. Mr. St. Clair stated that the Park Master Plan is scheduled to be <br /> completed in January 2004. <br /> Council Member Coleman stated that redistributing money within the capital budget without raising <br /> taxes would be the best route. It would require the prioritization of projects. It would be his hope <br /> that the Park Superintendent would bring his recommendations to the Council, so that they could <br /> be included in the process. It is also his hope that the Zoological Society would be a partner in the <br /> process so that dollars could be leveraged. He stated that if participation is enhanced that it may <br /> avoid "getting bogged down in a remonstrance". He suggested that the guiding skeleton be the <br /> Park Master Plan which is currently being developed. <br /> Robert Goodrich, a member of the Park Board, voiced initial concern, but noted that he is <br /> interested in the process. He noted concern over the non-reverting funds which lowers the <br /> financial needs in other areas. He stated that he is open to the idea, and suggested that perhaps a <br /> Park Foundation should be discussed and formulated. <br /> Council Member Coleman stated that if necessary the ordinances governing the park non-reverting <br /> funds could be amended. He stated that "if the greater good could be addressed now that it may be <br /> a once in a lifetime opportunity". He sees this as a challenge and an incentive for the Mayor and <br /> the Park Superintendent to find existing dollars so that this could happen. He contended that every <br /> effort should be made for this to happen. He also noted that a Park Foundation may be good for <br /> future needs. <br /> Council Member Aranowski noted that the economic climate may not be like it is now for a long <br /> time. Council Member Kuspa stated that if the park system deteriorates that the city would spend <br /> more money later for upgrades. <br /> Council Member Coleman stated that to "not explore this possibility would be a disservice to the <br /> community". He stated that in the next several days he would sit down with the Mayor so that he <br /> could walk him through the process. He also noted that he would like the opportunity to speak <br /> before the Park Board. <br /> There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Coleman <br /> adjourned the meeting at 4:17 p.m. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Council Member Sean Coleman, Chairperson <br /> Parks,Recreation, Cultural Arts&Entertainment Committee <br /> KCF:kmf Attachments <br />