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BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, April 12, 1999

Present:	June Bailey, Lucy Burtnett, Bob Martz, M.S. Mitchell, Leon Robinson

Absent:	Pat Consolver and William Sanders

Also Present:	Stuart Kowalski, Group Effort Associated for Racers, Inc. (G.E.A.R.); Larry 	
		Hoetmer, Tim Martz and Maryann Crockett (Staff)

AGENDA

President Burtnett called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m.  The minutes of the regular 
meeting of March 8, 1999, and the special meeting of March 15, 1999, were reviewed and approved. 

1.	Discussion of Request from Delano Business Association and Delano Neighborhood 
Association to Name Park Area.  Acting Director Martz briefly reviewed the item referring 
board members to a map of the area which was included with the agenda.  He said the alternate 
proposal was to name only the area directly around the Ben F. McLean Memorial Fountain 
“Delano Park”.  There was brief discussion concerning the proposed amphitheater and “way- 
finding” plan.  It was suggested that the item be deferred until the next board meeting, pending 
notification of the associations of the alternate proposal.  It was also suggested that Mary Lou 
Rivers be invited to attend the meeting to respond to the idea.

	On motion by Mitchell, second by Bailey, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to defer the 
item until the May 10, 1999, meeting.  
 
2.	Review and Discussion of Non-Exclusive Use Agreement with G.E.A.R. for a portion of 
Emery Park.  Stuart Kowalski, G.E.A.R., began his presentation by explaining that G.E.A.R. 
was a national not-for-profit organization associated with the National Bicycle Association.  He 
commented that the group has been operating the BMX track at Emery Park since 1986.  He 
briefly explained the non-exclusive use agreement stating that although the track was maintained 
by G.E.A.R., it was open to the public when not being used by the group.  He said as part of the 
non-exclusive use agreement they would like permission to build a concession/ registration 
building and storage building on the site.  He referred board members to a map of the BMX track 
and surrounding area at Emery Park.  He said one of the goals of the group was to eventually 
make the track financially independent and they felt that construction of the 
concession/registration building would help them attain that goal.  He also commented that they 
were trying to attract national competitions, which would not only be economically beneficial for 
G.E.A.R. but for the greater Wichita area as well.

	

									Park Board 4/12/99 (contd.)


	There was discussion concerning the cost to race at the facility, competitive age groupings for 
races, number of races held and times of races, tree plantings to screen the activities and lights 
	from the mobile home park to the south of the track, term of the proposed non-exclusive use 
agreement, City’s percentage of concession sales and track lighting.  Acting Director Martz 
stated that the Park Department had agreed to assume the cost of bringing the park into 
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards by paying for the sidewalk 
curb cut.  He added that the plans for the concession/registration and storage buildings have been 
reviewed by the City’s Design Review Committee (DRC).  

	On motion by Bailey, second by Martz, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to approve 
the non-exclusive use agreement with G.E.A.R. and authorize the group to construct 
concession/registration and storage buildings.  

OTHER ITEMS DISCUSSED     

•	Bailey reported on a meeting she attended with the various soccer groups.  She said 
she asked them to reach a general consensus as a group, identify their needs, what they would 
like to see accomplished, what they are willing to do, and what they expect from the City.  She 
said there was also discussion concerning the City forming soccer leagues.

•	Bailey reported on the Grove Park project stating that Cornejo & Sons, Inc. had 
agreed to do some work at a reduced cost to the City.  She also said that KGE was willing to 
donate part of the lighting.

•	Mitchell asked how the Latino Soccer League games were going at the 37th and Ohio 
location. Staff reported that there had been no incidents since moving the games from Schell 
Park.

•	Bailey requested that the Board be furnished a copy of the information that was 
presented to the City Council on the playground improvement plan.

•	The Board also asked for a copy of the letter that was sent to interested citizens 
requesting input on the City’s Capital Improvement Program 2000-2009. 

•	There was also brief discussion on the status of the Facility Consultant Report.  
Acting Director Martz reported that staff was reviewing the corrected report and that they would 
attempt to schedule a presentation to the City Council sometime in May.

•	The Board asked about the plans for consolidation of grounds maintenance.  Acting 
Director Martz reported that this issue was being discussed by staff.

Board members offered their congratulations to Bob Martz on his election to City Council.




									Park Board 4/12/99 (contd.)


There being no further business, the meeting  adjourned at approximately 5:05 p.m.



							___________________________________
							Lucy Burtnett, President  


ATTEST:


_____________________________
Maryann Crockett, Clerk