Park Commission Minutes 2-22-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park Commission Minutes – 22211, pg. 2 Council Liaison Report Ms. Ricci reported on the following:  Council continues with budget process.  Council has not had the opportunity to discuss recommendation by consulting firm regarding the feasibility of merging Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Departments.  Public meetings regarding fiscal year 11-12 budget will be held.  Council continues with Wilson buyout process.  Council has approved nonresident usage/fees for Heman Park Swimming Pool and all picnic pavilions. Ms. Dille raised the question if the consultant’s recommendation gave any consideration to not having access to obtaining level of grant funds received and indicated the recommendation gave no assessment of grant dollars obtained by the previous Park Director. Ms. Peoples inquired as to the lack of hard/statistical data to support the consultant’s recommendation. Ms. St. Clair stated upon her review of the flow chart, it was unclear as to what are the actual responsibilities of the staff; as well as not a clear understanding determining if all responsibilities will be covered. She also asked if input regarding consultant’s recommendation would be accepted. Ms. Palmer questioned how the proposed merger would affect the operations of Heman Pool. Mr. Sweeney indicated discussion and subsequent approval to reduced the number of Park Commission members th from nine to seven occurred at February 14 Council Meeting; and raised the question as to how Mr. Fitch was dismissed prior to Council’s approval. Ms. Ricci gave an overview of the boards/commission and Council’s goal to standardize and update the entire process. Ms. Palmer inquired as to who would have informed Mr. Fitch of his dismissal. Ms. Ricci indicated the City Clerk would have contacted Mr. Fitch. Ms. Peoples stated though Council is standardizing the process, an individual should be allowed to complete their term of service. Mr. Winker reported on the following:  The Department is moving forward on the 2011/12 budget; the City Manager is meeting with department heads and is finalizing a budget to be presented to Council in the very near future.  As stated last month, we acquired the St. Louis County Municipal Park Grant for work at Flynn Park. As of today we have yet to receive the detailed list of items approved for review and a prepared contract. Hope to see this soon so we can proceed with the work.  Consultant firm has completed a report for the City Manager with the recommendations for department’s partial/full merger with Public Works, reorganization, etc. and hopes everyone has received a copy of the recommendations.  Mooney Park playground equipment design display boards were submitted by the two leading design companies in early February and a meeting took place with the selection committee and the most popular plan was selected. The plan selected was from All Inclusive Rec and the equipment from Little Tikes Commercial. Individual Park Reports John Sweeney – Adams Park looks good; Flynn Park – muddy due to construction; tree trimming occurring in Lewis and Adams Parks Linda Peoples – Fogerty Park looks good; Greensfelder Park – not a lot to report. Karen Palmer - Mooney Park – very muddy, inspected wall – single stone block is completely loosen, cracked stones found; cracks in fissures.