#11 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Park and Recreation Department Conference Room, 11th Floor, City Hall Monday, August 16, 2004 3:30 p.m. Present: Bob Aldrich, June Bailey, Dennis Brunner, Colleen Craig, Glen Dey, Bobbie Harris*, Janet Miller Also Present: Joe Johnson - Schaefer, Johnson, Cox and Fry, Architects; Brenda Satterlee - Linwood Elementary School; Julie Hedrick and Martin Libhart - USD #259; Dennis Lively - American Legion, Arthur Gossett Post 273; Tony Madrigal - La Familia Senior Community Center; Richard Lopez - Service, Employment and Redevelopment (SER) Jobs for Progress; Dr. Robert White and Patty Larraga - Institute for Minority Health, Education and Research (IMHER); Marsha Mendenhall and John Stevens, Schweiter East Neighborhood Association (SENA); Rosemary Weber and Debra Foster - GreenWay Alliance; and Doug Kupper, Mike North and Maryann Crockett (staff) President Bailey called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the July 26, 2004, Special Meeting were reviewed and approved. The minutes of the July 12, 2004, Regular Meeting were reviewed and approved as corrected. On motion by Miller, second by Aldrich, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to provide a public agenda at the meeting to allow for public comment on issues not specifically addressed on the agenda. PUBLIC AGENDA The following individuals spoke: * Martha Munse commented that parkland is valuable in general and especially a park like Pawnee Prairie. She said there seems to be a trend of removing land from park use. She mentioned the water treatment plant and police substation in Herman Hill Park and the school at Linwood Park. She said she thought the Board needed to hear from citizens about protecting parks. She said a report from the "Visioning Wichita" project listed parks right behind jobs and education as issues the public thought were important and that they were concerned about. She said you can't stop development, but there needed to be balance in the community. * Ed Catt stated that Pawnee Prairie Park was a really unique park in the entire park system, not only because of its size and that fact that it is relatively unspoiled, but also because of the wildlife habitat it provides and its use as an educational tool on environmental issues and biological diversity. He said he strongly recommended that the Board not put the sewage treatment plant in Pawnee Prairie Park and besmirch the land. He said if the sewer plant were located there, the park would never be the same. REGULAR AGENDA 1. Discussion of Fence at Linwood School. Director Kupper stated that the School Board had requested permission to install a fence on the west side of the Linwood Elementary School located in Linwood Park. Joe Johnson from Schaefer, Johnson, Cox and Fry, Architects, introduced the following individuals: Brenda Satterlee, Principal, Linwood Elementary School; Julie Hedrick, Supervising Architect, USD #259 and Martin Libhart, Chief Operating Officer, USD #259. Mr. Johnson briefly reviewed the background on the item and how the decision had been reached to locate the school in the northwest section of South Linwood Park. He referred board members to an aerial map of the school, which depicted the proposed fence along Hydraulic, Harry and Osie Streets. * Brenda Satterlee stated that since the school opened in March, staff at the Linwood Recreation Center has been very active on the school site council and has also assisted school staff in submitting a "Healthy Schools Grant". She also mentioned that the school's Latch Key program utilizes the pool and park and that the park and school were a wonderful blend. She stated that the reason for the fence was to address safety issues along the north and west sides of the school site. She said children played different sports such as soccer, kick ball and softball in the area just west of the school along Hydraulic and Harry. She said because they were extremely busy streets and children often don't look before running into the street after a ball, USD #259 staff felt a fence would help eliminate the problem. She also mentioned that State Regulations governing the Latch Key Program require that play areas be fenced. Joe Johnson clarified that the fence was a discontinuous enclosure, which didn't have gates. * Julia Hedrick handed out a smaller version of an aerial map of the school and stated that typically schools have some sort of fencing on the site, but not to keep people out. She said neighbors are welcome to play on school playground equipment. She stated that the budget for a chain link fence, which they were aware there was some concern about, was between $12,000-$15,000. She said they had also explored the possibility of a wrought iron fence, which increased the budget to $40,000-$50,000. She also mentioned the possibility of brick columns at the entrance to the school off of Hydraulic with some type of student artwork. She said USD #259 was open to suggestions and options, but that they were primarily concerned about student safety. Joe Johnson referred board members to the map, which showed the offset fencing to be used for ingress and egress onto school grounds at South Hydraulic, North Hydraulic, and south of Harry close to the school building. * Martin Libhart commented that recess was currently being held inside Linwood School. He said construction of the fence was a safety issue and that it was common for schools to be fenced. He said USD #259 encouraged public use of school facilities and play equipment. He also reiterated that kids don't stop and think before they go out into the street chasing a ball. He said USD #259 was willing to do what they could to address park board members concerns. He concluded by asking if there were any questions. President Bailey opened the discussion for public comment. The following individuals spoke: * Rosemary Weber asked how tall the fence was. Mr. Libhart responded six feet. * Marsha Mendenhall asked why the fence ran from Hydraulic to the school on the South. Mr. Libhart commented that Osie was a public street with a large amount of traffic. In addition, he said people often parked along it to eat their lunch. * Nancy Boewe asked if playground equipment was going to be installed on the West side of the school. Mr. Libhart commented that originally they had planned on moving the play equipment from the old school; however, he said they were exploring the new playground equipment systems and that equipment would be placed somewhere on the west side of the school in the future. Bob Aldrich asked why the fence installation wasn't addressed in the initial planning stages. Mr. Libhart admitted that was a good question and commented that it was staff error that the issue was never raised for discussion. Mr. Johnson explained that the matter arose when staff applied to Central Inspection for a fence permit. Bob Aldrich also expressed concern that the chain link fence blend with other park amenities. Mr. Libhart explained that there was currently chain link fencing in the park along Hydraulic, the pool, softball diamonds, and tennis courts. He added that there was wrought iron along the canal route bike path. Aldrich mentioned the possibility of decorating the fence like what was done at 13th Street and Zoo Boulevard near the Sedgwick County Zoo. Director Kupper mentioned the department's use of black vinyl coated chain link fencing at tennis courts and other areas. He said it blends in with the environment, it is not as expensive as wrought iron, it is easy to repair and replace, and it lasts a long time. Glen Dey mentioned the possibility of green-coated fencing. Director Kupper commented that black blended better. Responding to a question several questions from Janet Miller regarding budget and site development, Mr. Libhart explained that the $12,000-$15,000 for chain link fence had been included in the budget. Julia Hedrick also explained that once the building construction is complete, other site issues are addressed such as playground equipment, fencing, and landscaping. There was general discussion concerning the installation of brick columns to match the brick on the building and the possibility of using student art work from the "Arts Partners" program; main entrance to the school; how the students accessed the area west of the building (from the courtyard area on the west side of the building); and the fire access at the southwest side of the complex (by the bus loading area). Responding to a several questions from President Bailey, Brenda Satterlee explained that the east playground is utilized by kindergarten students and the west area by students in grades one through five. She added that there were usually around 150 students in the west area at any one time. She also said that utilizing the City's ball diamonds was an option; however, that needed to be coordinated with Park staff. President Bailey asked about tree removal. USD #259 staff assured the Board that no trees would be removed to accommodate installation of the fence. Janet Miller commented that she didn't know, from an artistic or aesthetic point of view, about putting up a chain link fence across a large part of what appears to be the front of the school. Julie Hedrick commented that on site, it really did look like the back of the school. There was brief discussion concerning the type of playground equipment to be installed on the west side of the school in the future. Director Kupper commented that the department would like to look at the design and safety surfacing. Mr. Libhart said USD #259 would provide that information. Bob Aldrich conceded that he could understand why the fence was needed around the playground. Dennis Brunner said he thought the fence might also provide a safety barrier for children using the school play equipment on weekends. *Bobbie Harris present. Janet Miller commented that the chain link fence in the rest of the park was obviously meant to keep people out. She said she was for anything that would indicate to the public that they were welcome, including signs on the fence at the school. She said the Board assured the citizens of Wichita that the area would be kept open as a public park, and that they were going to hear about it when the fence goes up. She said people are going to see this as the Board going back on its promise. She added that the Board thought they knew what the completed school was going to look like; however, many months later a fence is being erected as a barrier. She said development of a project doesn't necessarily stop with the project approval, and the Board needed to remember that when they approved other projects on park property in the future. On motion by Dey, second by Aldrich, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to approve the proposed fencing program, utilizing the chain link with plastic coating of an appropriate color, to make it as natural as possible. President Bailey asked USD #250 staff to coordinate the playground equipment with Director. 2. Relocation of the World War II Monument at McAdams Park. Director Kupper commented that Phil Blake, Sons of the American Revolution, had completed an inventory of all the war memorials in Wichita in an effort to obtain federal funds for a memorial repair program (Operation Ensign). Dennis Lively, American Legion, Arthur Gossett Post 273, introduced himself and stated that his organization was proposing to move the World War II Monument, located at Ohio and 13th Street in McAdams Park, to a more prominent location in front of the concession building at the ball fields where it would be visible from 13th Street. He said they would also like to install a flagpole, two commemorative benches and refurbish the monument lettering. He added that in the future they would also like to install Kansas and Missing In Action flags and lighting, as well as sell granite bricks for a memorial walk up to and around the monument dedicated to World War II Veterans. Mr. Lively referred board members to background information on the monument including an article from the Wichita Eagle dated 5/30/04 entitled "A monument to dignity in adversity". He explained that Bessie Halbrook, who was 96 years old, was the only surviving member of the "Double V Victorettes"; the group responsible for raising the money to purchase and install the monument in 1946, which he said was quite an accomplishment for seven black women at that time. He said they would like to get the project completed this summer and added that Ms. Halbrook has indicated a desire to attend the rededication. He also showed the board pictures of the monument at its current location and a reproduction of the proposed new location and amenities, including memorial bricks, benches and flagpole. Bob Aldrich asked about current and future project costs. Mr. Lively indicated that the organization was currently taking donations and fundraising. There was brief discussion on limiting the number of bricks around the monument and whether the area could accommodate wiring for lights. Colleen Craig asked about maintenance of the memorial. Mr. Lively said American Legion, Arthur Gossett Post 273, would take care of the flags and upkeep of the monument. Responding to a question from Bob Aldrich, Mr. Lively said the organization would be willing to "adopt" the monument. Janet Miller commended Mr. Lively on the project and the American Legion's efforts. She clarified that the flagpole lanyards would be internal. Mr. Lively agreed. President Bailey asked about the possibility of moving the memorial to Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. Lively explained that because of the history of the Double V Victorettes, they would like the memorial to remain within the community. Glen Dey stated that he has visited the area and agreed that the monument is hidden by the trees at its present location. On motion by Dey, second by Brunner, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to authorize movement of the monument and adoption by American Legion, Arthur Gossett Post 273. President Bailey requested that Mr. Lively let the Board know when the new memorial was being dedicated. 3. Request by El Zocalo - Woodland Park North. Director Kupper briefly reviewed the item stating the El Zocalo was present to officially request use of North Woodland Park for construction of a new facility to house La Familia; Service, Employment and Redevelopment (SER) Jobs for Progress and other agencies. Tony Madrigal, President, La Familia Senior Community Center Board, began his presentation by requesting clarification that the agency's lease was with the City. He also asked who had jurisdiction over North Woodland Park. Director Kupper explained that the ten-year lease was with the Board of Park Commissioners, acting as the City's duly appointed representatives overseeing park issues. He further explained that North Woodland Park consisted of land owned by both the City and the Park Board. He added that the City of Wichita had jurisdiction over all City property. Janet Miller further clarified that the Park Board reviewed any issues or projects that affected any land listed in the parks inventory or any other area that is maintained by the Park Department. Mr. Madrigal introduced the following people. * Marion Madrigal, Friends University commented that La Familia was a great facility in a great location and that they would like the opportunity to enlarge the facility in order to provide additional services. She said a larger facility would also provide more opportunities for students to practice their Spanish language skills and complete community service hours required by the State. * Patty Larraga, Institute for Minority Health, Education and Research (IMHER) said the Institute was currently housed at La Familia. She said they provide a number of services including health screening, referral information, medical assistance, and transportation for seniors and the community at large. * Richard Lopez, Director of SER stated that SER provided employment and training activities and senior programming and that the new facility would also house SER's administrative offices. The following people also introduced themselves: * Brenda Kelley - Kansas State University; * Bob Reyes - Independent Consultant and LaFamilia Board Member; * A. Sanchez- Wichita State University, School of Community Affairs - commented that a number of groups were collaborating to provide services for this growing ethnic population; * Carmen Turner - Wichita State University; School of Nursing and Institute for Minority Health, Education and Research - commented about using the community center to offer WSU nursing students practical experience and community service; * Dr. Robert White, Medical Director, Institute for Minority Health, Education and Research (IMHER). Mr. Madrigal stated that he had been President of the La Familia Senior Community Center Board for the past five years. He said they had been at the same location for the past twelve years and that they did not want to move somewhere else. He commented that 60%-70% of Hispanics were diabetic, and referred to the services provided by IMHER. He stated that the Board wanted to bring other services needed in the community into the facility and that this was an opportunity for the Park Board to help. He said they have looked at other locations, but that they were not convenient or didn't work for them. He said they would like to construct a 30,000 square foot facility and that Woodland Park was the perfect location. He said they would like to start youth programming and continue serving senior citizens. He asked that the Park Board help them help the community. He commented that he grew up in Kansas City, MO and that his local community center (funded by the United Way) was a big influence in his life. He said he understood the Park Board's concerns but asked the Board to look at the request from their hearts and help La Familia see that what they have established continues. He concluded by saying that they were begging for the Park Board's help to use the area at Woodland Park to build a new center. President Bailey asked Mr. Madrigal to define exactly what they were asking for. Richard Lopez said they would like to lease the area in northwest Woodland Park and construct a 25,000 square foot facility. Bob Aldrich asked how many acres they wanted. No one could answer the question on total acreage needed for the project. Patty Larraga commented that currently the park was underutilized. She said the park is also in poor condition and mentioned the lack of bathroom facilities, water fountains, and cracks in the tennis courts. She said the new development would improve the park as a whole. Bob Aldrich asked where the City owned property was. Director Kupper commented that the western lots from the river were City owned. He said the Park Board owned the eastern two lots. He added that a 30,000 square foot facility would probably be between 3/4 to 1 acre in size. It was generally agreed that with the addition of a parking lot, the facility would take approximately 2 acres of parkland. Bob Aldrich asked why the other properties they looked at weren't convenient. Tony Madrigal stated that they don't have money to buy property in another area. Janet Miller clarified that their current building does not house all the services they were talking about providing. Bob Aldrich asked about the possibility of constructing a two-story building, which would take up less park space. Tony Madrigal stated that it would be more expensive to provide handicapped access in a two-story facility. President Bailey opened the discussion for public comment. The following individuals spoke on the issue: * Rosemary Weber, GreenWay Alliance said as a member of the Guadalupe Clinic Board she commended La Familia for the services they were providing to the community. However, she said she was concerned about developing facilities in parks because they tended to end up being more than what was originally agreed to. She asked about the possibility of finding a new location in the 21st Street Enhancement Area. She also asked about the possibility of putting the swimming pool back in the park. She said the City did not have much parkland and it was being whittled away. Mr. Madrigal explained that La Familia didn't have any money to buy land. Patty Larraga commented that one of the previous 21st Street Enhancement Plans had the El Zocalo building located at 21st Street and Shelton. She said their plan was to build at the same location as the existing building. Bob Aldrich clarified that the facility was for the entire community, not just Hispanics. Patty Larraga said that services were available to the whole community. * Debra Foster, GreenWay Alliance stated that she was pleased to see so many community groups working together because that was her neighborhood. But, she said a park was not the place to build a not-for-profit organization headquarters. She said there is a shortage of parkland in Wichita and that if land is taken at Woodland Park; it will have to be replaced. She added that the TEA funding request to enhance the pathway on the southwest side of the park had been submitted to the State. Patty Larraga stated that the building would be back from the path. She added from a health education standpoint, they would like to incorporate use of the pathway into helping the community get physically active. Ms. Foster said she thought that was wonderful; however, the proposal would take away parkland, which she said would set a terrible precedent and she wanted to know where the line was going to be drawn in the future. She said parks were for all citizens, not just one group. * Marion Madrigal commented that El Zocalo was not just limiting the space to one organization. She added that there were so few places in the community where people felt safe; that the center would draw people and that it was one of the few places that they could go to get one-on-one interaction. Mr. Madrigal commented that they didn't want to move to another area, unless the City was going to build them a new park. He said locating El Zocalo in the park was best for the community, to help children, seniors and people with medical problems. He said in this particular situation, it boiled down to what was best for the community. He commented that although he didn't live in the area, he supported the area and again mentioned that the community center in Kansas City, MO made a difference in his life. He said he wanted to give back to the community. * Brenda Kelley said she would like to address El Zocalo's mission statement. She said their idea was to bring in other non-profit organizations as well as WSU, Friends and Newman, not as permanent residents, but provide meeting rooms and classrooms and allow them to use the facility. She said this was not a "closed network" by any means. * Marsha Mendenhall said she supported what La Familia was trying to do and thought the two-story building that would not take as much park space was a better idea. She said she is totally opposed to taking away parkland that belongs to the citizens of Wichita. She said she supported letting them build where they were now located. * Nancy Boewe asked for clarification that the El Zocalo community center will be replacing and expanding the building that is already located in the park. Patty Larraga explained that the building would be a community center that would also house several non-profit organizations. She said it would provide youth activities, but not necessarily be a recreation center. She added that there would be a gallery to showcase art and that they hoped to enhance the park, rather than take anything away from it. She said the area they wanted to expand into was not much compared to what they would be bringing into the area. She added that the needs of the neighborhood where not being met and that La Familia was attempting to meet them. She said that's why they wanted permission to enhance Woodland Park. Bob Aldrich asked about engineering plans for the facility. Brenda Kelley explained that they did not have that information with them, and asked how she could provide the architectural aerials and renderings requested by Mr. Aldrich. Bob Aldrich said he would get with her after the meeting. He again mentioned the feasibility of a two-story building with elevators. He suggested that facility design was a "give and take" situation and mentioned working together. He commented that the location was City owned property that La Familia had been using for at least ten years. He said a two-story structure would take up less park space. Richard Lopez said the original concept had been a two-story building, but that the design really stood out in the neighborhood. He said the revised plan was a one-story structure, facing southwest that they felt blended in with the surrounding green space. Bob Aldrich said he was looking for a happy median. * Dr. Robert White stated that diabetes was an epidemic disease for many minorities. He said he helped start project ACCESS, which has funded a number of different clinics and organizations. However, he said he does not feel that it has reached the populations that need the most help, for cultural and other reasons and because of that; he would like to see the El Zocalo center proposal fly. Dennis Brunner said he liked the concept and might be willing to give up green space that was not being used. He stated that this concept could bring people to the park. He said; however, that he wanted to see exactly what La Familia was talking about in terms of building design, and referenced the requests for additional information the Board made back in October 2003. He said he would like to continue discussion of the La Familia proposal if they provided drawings and other information previously requested. There was brief discussion concerning the parking area for the building. Bob Aldrich asked how much more land would be required for parking for a 30,000 square foot building. Richard Lopez commented that the parking lot would be whatever size the City required. Bobbie Harris clarified that the Board was discussing making a recommendation to the City Council, that the land La Familia wanted to build on was not park board land. President Bailey said it was her understanding that the Board was making a recommendation to the City Council. Bob Aldrich also clarified that the proposed building, to be built in the exact same location in North Woodland Park, would become a City-owned facility once it was built. Director Kupper said once the facility was built, it belonged to the City. Bob Aldrich requested visual renderings of both a one and two-story facility in additional to the number of acreage needed for each. Glen Dey mentioned that he had not heard what ideas were advanced to the 21st Street study group. He said he wanted to know what other alternatives for facility locations were proposed. He said the corridor stretches all the way to I-235 and included proposals of new parks in those areas. He said he would like to have some feedback regarding those discussions. In addition, he said in October 2003 he requested a study be conducted to confirm that there were no other properties available in the area around Woodland Park. He commented that information on that request had not been addressed. Janet Miller mentioned that she had spoken with Nalini Johnson, the City's principal planner on the 21st Street Revitalization Plan and she indicated that there was no official recommendation on a site for the El Zocalo facility. She stated that she had several questions about the services and training to be provided by SER such as how many people the programs served, in what specific areas did the people come from, and how much space SER would use in the proposed center. She commented that many of the things that were talked about were provided by recreation centers, but not employment training. She said she didn't know if employment training was really an appropriate park and recreation use. Richard Lopez commented there was employment training at Atwater Park and that at one time, all parks provided employment training, when the City had money for that type of training. He said approximately 6,000 square feet would be used for English, computer, educational and GED training. He said the remaining 2,000 square feet would be used for the SER administrative offices. Responding to Janet Miller's question concerning clientele, he stated that anyone residing in Wichita was eligible to participate in the program. Janet Miller clarified that this was the same SER project that was working on locating a facility six or seven years ago and mentioned the old Arts and Crafts building on Arkansas. Richard Lopez said they provided senior programming, as well as employment training services for seniors and others. Glen Dey asked where the current services would be located while the proposed building was being constructed. Patty Larraga said they had not gotten that far on planning. Bob Aldrich asked what percent of the building is being used for offices and what percent for community involvement. Richard Lopez estimated that 15% of the building would be used for administrative offices. President Bailey asked how would El Zocalo determine what non-profit groups could use the facility? Richard Lopez commented that about 5,000 square feet was set aside for use by other organizations. President Bailey asked if this was rental space. She also asked how El Zocalo would determine who pays rent and who does not. Patty Larraga explained that all the organizations would pay rent based on how much space they used. Brenda Kelley commented that there would be no duplication of services. Responding to another question from President Bailey regarding status of the group's business plan, Brenda Kelley stated that they provided a business plan when they applied for the federal grant. President Bailey asked about the status of the group's business plan, projected operating expenses, potential funding sources and other items the Board requested at the October 2003 meeting. She said she didn't see where any of those items had been provided and added that if a vote were taken today, the proposal would not get her vote. Brenda Kelley indicated that she wasn't present at that meeting, but that she could provide all that back up information. It was requested that the information be provided as quickly as possible. President Bailey expressed concern that the Park Department would be inundated with requests to use park property from other not-for-profit groups. Janet Miller commented that other agencies don't get park property to build on; they have to go out and seek donations. She mentioned her involvement with the Mid-Town Community Center. She said other non-profit groups would love to get parkland to provide services. Colleen Craig asked about the status of the grant application. Brenda Kelley said $1,000,000 had been approved and that they had just hosted a reception at La Familia for Senator Brownback that afternoon. Bob Aldrich asked if that was enough to build the proposed facility. Richard Lopez commented that building costs were projected at $3,000,000 and that they were currently raising funds. He concluded by stating that they wanted to stay where they are needed and wanted. Brenda Kelley commented that their desire is to stay where they are currently located. Bob Aldrich asked about any stipulations of the federal grant. Ms. Kelley stated that information could be provided with the packet, along with the business plan. Aldrich moved, second by Miller, to defer the item until the September meeting in order for El Zocalo to provide the information the Board requested at the October, 2003 meeting. Bobbie Harris stated that she wasn't sure it was the Board's task to decide the value of the programs being offered. She said it seems that the Board's issue is whether they want to give up parkland for a community center, not whether it was a good/ fiscally responsible program, which she felt should be decided by the City Council and City Attorney. She said the Board needed to focus on the issue of whether they should give up parkland for a building. She said she would be willing to give up 5 acres of parkland to build a building if it would create usage of the surrounding parkland. She said she felt strongly about the community learning center concept and although it may take away parkland, she thought that it would bring people to the park. She said would rather see 5 acres of parkland used a lot, rather than 10 acres of parkland not used at all. She said if the center creates more park use; she would be in favor of that. She apologized for offending the land people or the fact that granting the proposal may set a precedent. Bob Aldrich asked about the possibility of constructing the proposed building on top of where the existing structure is located. There was discussion concerning the size of the building. Janet Miller stated that the proposed structure was five times as large as the existing building. She also added that she didn't know if a job program was appropriate park and recreation use of the park. She said the only way the Board could determine whether it is appropriate park and recreation use was to find out more about the facilities and how they are to be used. President Bailey said she was interested in reviewing the 21st Street corridor development to see if the proposal would work with the park. She said she was not interested in selling off any parkland, especially since there was a shortage in that area. Janet Miller commented on the 21st Street Corridor Report, stating that less than 1% of the land in the area is park. In addition, she said the plan calls for adding additional park space in the area. President Bailey called the question. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Director's Update. Director Kupper reported briefly on the following items: * Status Report - Riverside Tennis Center - stated that the City received three written responses to the Request for Proposal and that an interview panel had been set up for Wednesday, August 18 to review presentations. * Status Report - Linwood Park Land Replacement - staff has not located vacant property within the immediate neighborhood of Linwood Park (bounded by George Washington on the West; Pawnee Street on the South; Kellogg on the North and three blocks East of the canal route on the East). He said staff was trying to locate property with a value of approximately $180,000, which was equal to or greater than the appraised value of the 4.6 acres of parkland used for Linwood Elementary School. * Status Report - Planeview Park Land Replacement - said the project was completed. Responding to a question from Janet Miller, Director Kupper reported that the State was holding the skate board park grant funds until the Linwood Park land replacement issue was resolved. * Schweiter Park Tennis Court Replacement - reported that staff met with members of the Schweiter East Neighborhood Association (SENA). He commented that staff had contacted the wrong group back in 2001 regarding removing the tennis courts in the park. He said replacement of the tennis courts has been reprogrammed into the 2005 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which is projected to be approved this fall. He said they have also discussed installation of a picnic shelter at the park and temporarily fixing the tennis courts so that they are at least playable until they are replaced. President Bailey asked about the status of the electrical issues. Staff reported that Public Works had been contacted regarding the condition of the panel box at the courts. Glen Dey requested that Director Kupper assign staff to follow-up on the repairs at the park. * Marsha Mendenhall - thanked the Board and staff for all their help and handed out correspondence dated 8/16/04 thanking Glen Dey, Bob Aldrich and Director Kupper for visiting Schweiter Park. The correspondence also included a list of needed repairs and pictures of the condition of the tennis courts, electrical box, basketball courts, and baseball diamond at the park. * Tony King - commented that he had seen City staff repairing the electrical box today. He asked about the status of the $10,000 estimate for resurfacing the tennis courts. Director Kupper said the company could not guarantee repair beyond one year and the City could not accept that kind of guarantee. He said staff was working on a repair estimate. * John Stevens - said he wanted to thank the entire Board and especially those who took the time to go out to Schweiter Park. He thanked Director Kupper for his immediate response to the water drainage problem under the playground equipment and said he hoped that other items on SENA's list would be addressed as well. * Sidewalks at Harrison Park - reported that concrete work was being completed on the sidewalks at Harrison Park within the next month. * Sidewalks at Harvest Park - Dennis Brunner provided pictures for board member review of Harvest Park. He said the park is located along Westlink, which is basically a drainage ditch with roads along each side. He said there is a crosswalk at Westlink and Harvest that leads to nothing. He said there is no sidewalk on the West side of Westlink and no sidewalk from that point to get to the swimming pool at the park. He said it is a busy street and people have expressed safety concerns to him. He asked if there were any long-range plans to install a sidewalk there. Director Kupper commented that staff was taking a look at the lineal footage and costs. * Hope Street Youth Group - Director Kupper recognized Austin Green from the Hope Street Youth Group and commented that the group has requested installation of a drinking fountain at Spruce Park. Janet Miller welcomed the group and said it refreshing to see young people interested in park issues. * Elections in September - reminded board members that annual election of officers was scheduled for September. * Shrine Plat - President Bailey said she wanted to thank Bob Aldrich and Dennis Brunner for representing the Board at the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) meeting. Bob Aldrich reported that the vote was 8-4 against the 30-foot easement. Bob Aldrich asked about initiating encroachment proceedings against neighbors adjacent to the park properties south of 13th Street. Mike North commented that staff could send a letter giving the neighbors a certain amount of time to remove their property from parkland. The next step would be to ask the Police to ticket those who do not comply. Director Kupper commented that a survey of the area needed to be completed first. Janet Miller asked about the background on how the park property was acquired. Director Kupper explained that when the area was platted, two parcels were set aside for drainage and parks. Mike North indicated that the encroachments have been long standing and that the neighbors will not go quietly. Dennis Brunner commented that he did not feel he and Mr. Aldrich were properly prepared for some of the questions that were asked by the MAPC. He said they didn't convince the MAPC of the value of the proposed use of the property and the need for the easement, and the opposing speaker left the MAPC with the impression that it was little more than a drainage ditch. There was brief discussion concerning board members communicating with their respective City Council members. Bob Aldrich said he would like to pursue development of the two park parcels. Presdent Bailey said she was disappointed that the Board has now lost the ability of ever developing a hike/bike trail in the area. 5. Executive Session. On motion by Dey, second by Aldrich, IT WAS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY that the Board recess into executive session for consultation with legal counsel on matters privileged in the attorney-client relationship relating to Ordinance #125 and that the Board return from executive session in approximately ten minutes at 6:20 p.m. The Board returned from executive session at approximately 6:25 p.m. No action was necessary as a result of the executive session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. ___________________________________ June Bailey, President ATTEST: _____________________________________ Maryann Crockett, Clerk Recording Secretary Park Board 8/16/04 (Contd.) Page 13 of 13 1 13