Pk Com Special Session Minutes 7.12.11

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Ms. St. Clair was interested on how the merger of the departments would affect the commission, staff, and operations. Mr. Winker indicated that the commission would have the same duties, charge and responsibilities as before; the only exception being that the staff liaison to the commission would be different. He also stated the recreation staff and their responsibilities would be as they are now; everything essentially the same. The exception being that they will be under the direction of the Community Development Department and have more clerical support. Mr. Winker explained the proposed merger will have the biggest impact on Park Operations, Golf Maintenance, and Forestry. The merger between Park and Street Maintenance will eliminate the duplication of resources; both divisions perform many of the same duties such as mowing, rubbish routes, and snow removal. The merger would improve coordination of these activities and reduce cost and wasted time. The merger would also afford the capability to put more resources and man power toward a common goal. More man power could be allocated to duties such as the annual street leaf collection, snow emergencies, storm damaged trees, etc. Ms. Dille asked whether the merger would hamper the department’s ability to obtain the same level of grant funding. Mr. Winker stated that there are many qualified grant writers in both the Community Development and Public Works Department, and felt it would not be an issue. He also stated the merger may even enhance the ability of securing grants. Ms. Gwendolyn Gaines-Beckwith did not want to see any more jobs lost, and asked if the merger meant the loss of more jobs. Mr. Winker could not promise her there would not be job cuts; but felt fairly certain there would be none. Mr. William Field moved to recommend approval of the new ordinance and the merger of the departments, Ms. Karen Dille seconded. Vote taken: all approved Citizen’s comments on the Agenda President Sweeney invited representatives to give a short overview of their proposed special event and to field questions from the commission. Mr. Sweeney indicated the commission was only being asked for their support of the events, and the approval of such events per policy is up to the Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry. th Mr. Gary Boyd gave a brief overview of University City High School Alumni Picnic scheduled for August 27 in Heman Park. st Mr. Jerry Bruce gave a brief overview of the Gate Way Cross Bicycle Race scheduled for September 21 in Heman Park. Ms. Dawn Deblaze and Mr. Michael Silverman gave an overview of the University City Jazz Festival scheduled th for September 24 in Heman Park. After the overview of each event, organizers fielded questions from the Park Commission with the biggest concern being parking. The Park Commission recommended unanimously supporting all three special events. The meeting ended at 6:05 pm.