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BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, June 14, 1999

Present:	June Bailey, Lucy Burtnett, Joe McLeland, M.S. Mitchell, Leon Robinson 

Absent:	Pat Consolver and William Sanders

Also Present:	Blaise Plummer, Law Department; and Tim Martz, Janice McKinney and 
Maryann Crockett (Staff)

AGENDA

President Burtnett called the meeting to order at approximately 3:35 p.m.  The minutes of the 
regular meeting of May 10, 1999, were reviewed.  Mitchell noted a correction on page 3 that 
“parks were closed from 12:00 Midnight until 6:00 a.m., unless otherwise posted.”  The minutes, 
as amended, were approved.  

1. Discussion of vacant lot at Tyler and Maple.  This item was deferred from the May 10, 
1999, meeting.  Acting Director Martz referred board members to a map of the area that 
indicated that Swanson, Buffalo and Pawnee Prairie Parks were in close proximity to the 
proposed site.  There was discussion concerning “pocket” parks, acquiring acreage that was 
difficult to get to for maintenance purposes and park size relative to maintenance issues.    

Mitchell asked about the plans for the independent living center.  McLeland said that it 
looked like Mennonite Housing was going to develop the center on approximately 1.91 acres 
of the site.  Mitchell suggested that Park staff rough draft a plan for the site using both the 
3.44 acre and 1.53 acre configurations.  Staff indicated that a draft plan was possible; 
however, normally neighborhood input was received prior to site development.  Mitchell said 
he would just like to see what was possible on the two different sized lots.  In addition, he 
suggested that this item be deferred another month.

Robinson mentioned the possibility of acquiring the Greiffenstein School site on S. 
Washington.  He said there had been discussion concerning USD #259 demolishing the 
school due to damage from the recent tornado.  It was the consensus of the Board that there 
was a deficit of park acreage in South Wichita.  Burtnett asked staff to ask representatives of 
USD #259 about future plans for the site and report back to the Board.

McLeland also asked if staff had access to a list of properties that could be acquired at a 
reduced price due to tax foreclosure.  He commented that was how Mennonite Housing 
acquired the lot at Maple and Tyler.  Staff responded that Property Management might have a 
list.  They added that park acreage deficits needed to be reviewed in conjunction with the 
Comprehensive Plan and Park and Open Space Plan.  

2. Cowskin Concerns.  Acting Director Martz referred board members to an article from the 
Wichita Eagle dated Friday, June 4, 1999, entitled  “Cowskin Concerns.”  There was 
discussion concerning design and maintenance of the low-water bridge.  Staff explained that 
the bridge, designed by Mid-Kansas Engineering Consultants, had been approved by City 
engineering staff, the Pawnee Prairie Park Advisory Committee and had received the proper 
state inspections and permits prior to construction.  They indicated that vandals were 
continuously plugging the drain holes in the bridge and that staff had been exploring ways to 
prevent this activity from occurring.  They further indicated that there has been an unusual 
amount of erosion and silt along the creek as a result of recent flooding in the area.  Board 
members requested that staff be directed to check the bridge when they are in the park for 
normal maintenance/clean-up activities.     

3. Pave 29th Street North West of Greenwich Road.  Acting Director Martz referred board 
members to a copy of City Council Proceedings dated May 11, 1999.  He explained that 
money in the Park Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget had been shifted to the paving 
project to provide access to the parking lot at the Northeast Soccer/Baseball Complex.        

OTHER ITEMS DISCUSSED  

? Mitchell requested an update on development of the vest-pocket park downtown.  Martz 
reported that the architect was currently in the process of redesigning the project.  There was 
discussion regarding the water feature.

? Bailey requested an update on soccer activities at Schell Park.  Martz reported that City staff 
has asked the soccer group to put their requests in writing.  He added that there may also be a 
special Park Board meeting to discuss the issue with the soccer group and Schell Park 
neighbors.  There was discussion concerning  “youth” activities, various alternative locations 
such as 37th and Ohio, Pleasant Valley School and South Lakes Sport Complex/Park and the 
fact that the soccer activities have outgrown the fields at Schell Park.

? Bailey inquired if any land was available for park purposes in the South part of the City as a 
result of the recent tornado.  She mentioned that people may not be rebuilding and that land 
may be available for purchase by the City.  Mitchell said he had inquired about Lake Shore 
Mobile Home Park, but that the price was too high.  Bailey also asked about FEMA 
reimbursement.  Acting Director Martz responded that FEMA would be reimburse the City 
100%.  

? Bailey asked what the status was on hiring a new Park Director.  Staff reported that 
management staff was reviewing approximately ten applications from both internal and 
external applicants.  

? Burtnett asked about the status of the Facility Consultant Report.  Staff reported that they 
were attempting to get the item on the June 22nd City Council Agenda; however, they had 
not yet received the final report document.  There was brief discussion concerning the need 
for a special Park Board Meeting prior to Council action.

? Staff reported that board member’s comments and minutes of 5/10/99 Park Board meeting 
concerning the CIP were forwarded to the CIP Committee.   There was brief discussion 
concerning the Park CIP. 

? McLeland asked whether the Board needed to discuss park hours with regard to the River 
Festival Medallion Hunt.  It was the general consensus of the board that people break rules.  
There was also discussion concerning damage to parks and park areas during the hunt.  Staff 
reported that this year they sent the Wichita Eagle a letter with a list of parks and golf courses 
that were “off limits” for the hunt.  One suggestion discussed was to require that medallion 
hunt sponsors pay for any park damage.       

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:50 p.m.



						____________________________________	
						M.S. Mitchell, First Vice President  




ATTEST:


_____________________________
Maryann Crockett, Clerk

		Park Board 6/14/99 (Contd.)
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