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MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
FOR THE CITY OF WICHITA, KANSAS

held in the Park and Recreation Department Conference Room
March 23, 2001 - 10:00 a.m.

Present:  M.S. "Mitch" Mitchell, President; June Bailey, First Vice President; Leon Robinson, Second Vice President; Joe Todd; Douglas R. Kupper, CPRP, Director of Park and Recreation; and Jan Morgan, Recording Secretary.

President Mitchell called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
	Approval of the minutes of the 3/12/01 meeting - Mitchell requested that the words "Oak Park" in paragraph two, page two be changed to "North Riverside Park."

	Bailey requested that approval of the minutes be deferred, pending review by the other Board members.  Approval was deferred.

	Discussion of RFP's received in connection with the old City Arts Building located at 25th and Arkansas - Kupper provided rating sheets for two proposals submitted by the Wichita Public Library and the School District.  He also provided copies of the proposals themselves.  He reviewed the main components of each proposal and stated it was staff's recommendation that the Park Board approve the proposal submitted by the Library.

	Bailey asked if District Advisory Board #6 had approved the Library's proposal.  Kupper answered they had, at their meeting earlier this week.

	Mitchell asked what two branch locations were being closed and moved into this building.  Kupper replied it was the Minisa and Marina Lakes branches.

	Lucy Burtnett, 811 Wiley, asked Mitchell if she could make a comment.  She wondered if the non-profit groups (Head Start, H.O.P.E. and Acts on Truancy) which would be occupying space in the building were the same groups proposed by SER. Kupper said they were.

	Bailey asked if there would be meeting space for neighborhood groups to assemble without being charged.  Kupper answered the library would be able to provide this type of space.

	Mitchell expressed surprise that there were only two proposals submitted.  Bailey explained this was probably because of the price of building renovations.


	Todd asked what maintenance services would be provided.  Kupper replied that the Library would be contracting with Public Works to provide any and all maintenance, including mowing the grass, safety surfacing for playgrounds, fencing, and any other necessary maintenance.

	The Board expressed their support for the Library's proposal.

	BAILEY moved, ROBINSON seconded that the Board approve staff's recommendation to accept the Library's proposal for the use of the old City Arts building located at 25th and Arkansas.  Motion passed 4-0 (Johnston, Niernberger and Sanders were absent).

	There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.




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