2002-12-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1863 December 16, 2002 would be lost to this project, onto school property. They also indicated that over 25 community organizations endorsed the project. The proposal met the City Administration's primary requirements that it neither displace or minimize any existing recreation fields or other facilities nor increase the City's budget allocations for park maintenance. Ms. Welsch offered and Ms. Colquitt seconded a motion to accept the recommendation. Shari LeKane-Yentumi, 6939 Dartmouth, and director of University City East, a grass roots community organization, stated that she did not represent the School District or the Parks Department. She wanted to correct the record by offering a copy of the written statement she provided to the Parks Commission, the Mayor and Mr. Ollendorff to the City Clerk. She read a quote from Kim Loomis, Athletic Director at the High School, who offered to provide upkeep and maintenance for the field at Jackson Park (not for the entire Heman athletic field.) She reiterated the benefits that she expressed at the November 26, 2002 Parks Commission meeting, i.e. showcasing Heman Park, increased revenues and community engagement, and increased leverage for further funding opportunities. Sources such as Cardinal Care Foundation could cover staffing needs, maintenance needs, community support, programming, mentoring, tutoring, etc. She cited comments by Kenneth A. Sole (Childrens' Hospital) about the Jennings community who, a year ago, when they received the "healthy kids at play" initiative were able to leverage an additional $1.5M. She said that approximately 25 foundations work with Children's Hospital; the more usage generated by University City, the more foundation support they could get. She then introduced Kenneth A. Sole, community development specialist for the "Healthy Kids at Play" initiative which represented the Danforth Foundation, Childrens' Hospital, Cardinal Care Foundation, the Rams and about 15 other funders. He said that their goal is to help improve the safety and wellness of children in the community. They will give University City the resources to improve the community. Mr. Munkel asked if the Foundation would fund building the stadium, dugouts, irrigation, drainage improvements, and score boards. Mr. Sole answered in the affirmative. Mr. Munkel then inquired about liability for the completed project. Mayor Adams answered that the Parks Department maintains existing ball fields and would also maintain the new facility. Mr. Wagner asked the City Manager for an estimate of the annual upkeep cost of this stadium. Mr. Ollendorff estimated several thousand dollars. He expected other associated resources would make up the difference. Ms. Welsch wanted to know who would design the stadium; Mr. Sole said they had designs but would be willing to accept University City's input. She also clarified that the agreement was between Cardinal Care and University City. Mr. Wagner asked that U.City East agree to help acquire matching funds. Ms. LeKane-