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The second recommendation is to engage with ecological assessment consultants not just with <br />Elbel but with all the major parks in the City. The purpose of this recommendation is to flush out <br />the valuable assets in all of our parks. There are some endangered species at Elbel and we really <br />need more information regarding them and the wetlands. <br />The third recommendation is that the existing work product developed in the advisory committee <br />on Elbel such as the ongoing engagement with local experts, City Departments, key stakeholders, <br />and the public be integral in the contractual terms of the City hired consultants. We want to make <br />sure the work done already is available to these consultants going forward. One of the strong <br />things which prompted this recommendation was the large level of public involvement. <br />The fourth recommendation is that the Park Department and Park Board, in conjunction with <br />public input, update the City of South Bend five (5) year Park Master Plan. Additional advisory <br />or standing committees must be formed. Throughout the entire process, it was invaluable how <br />much information was brought out from the community and other groups and it is important to <br />use that information to update the Master Plan to get everyone working from the same page. An <br />advisory or standing committee would serve as a resource for the Park Board and Park's Staff. <br />The fifth recommendation is that the Parks Department maintains and manages Elbel Golf <br />Course throughout 2016 and funds be designated as such for Fiscal Year 2017. The future use <br />question was differed at this time and will be contingent /informed by findings and outcomes of <br />Recommendations one (1) through four (4). Regardless of the outcome, public access must be <br />guaranteed and ecological integrity assured. <br />The sixth recommendation is that monthly progress reports be provided on Recommendations <br />one (1) through five (5) for both the Park Board and the PARC Committee by the Park's <br />Department. <br />Councilmember Jo M. Broden reported the Committee is disbanded as of April 15th 2016. She <br />expressed her hope that the conversations and planning will continue. With the help of the <br />consultants and the work of the Parks Department and Parks Board there will then be enough <br />data to make final decisions on the future of the park. <br />Councilmember Karen White reported the Parks Board met and accepted these recommendations <br />unanimously. <br />Chairperson Randy Kelly stated before the PARC Committee vote on their own approval for Bill <br />16 -45 he asked Aaron Perri to come and give an update on Elbel and the Park's Department as <br />the whole. <br />Aaron Perri, Director of the Park's Department, gave an update for the department. On the front <br />page of the Park's Department website is a button to take you to a page where all ongoing <br />projects are listed including all the construction projects and their timelines. People are very <br />excited about the Freemont Park Splash Pads and basketball court renovation which will finish <br />up at the end of July. Kelly Park should also be finished around July. Martin Luther King Jr. <br />Center is getting air conditioning and people are very excited about that. The dog park is opening <br />soon on Niles Ave. We now have the old Notre Dame Boathouse on the river and people will be <br />2 <br />