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Councilmember Rader reported that after going on a tour of the fields that he understands the <br /> disrepair of the fields and asked the Mayor for an update on progress thus far. <br /> Mayor George remarked that since the City became aware of the complaints about the fields in <br /> June that it has been working diligently to draft a MOU with the Schools/Rec Department. Both <br /> parties are committed to work together on a weekly basis until the MOU is finalized with defined <br /> responsibilities. Both parties also agree that field maintenance must be improved. Mayor George <br /> announced that the City will put out a RFP to re-do Kauffman Park's field before the next <br /> playing season. She added that the City has invested over $1million in the City's fields in recent <br /> years by investing in dugouts, outfields and lighting. <br /> Assistant Superintendent Palumbo expressed the City's commitment to the fields and partnering <br /> with the City. <br /> The Committee discussed that Kauffman Park is currently undergoing renovations. Mayor <br /> George estimated that$800,000 is being spent on the project. Councilmember Litten suggested <br /> that a field renovation be included with the current project. Mayor George responded that a field <br /> renovation is not in the current scope of work and that the City needs the field specifications <br /> from the Rec Department. <br /> The Chair invited the following public comment: <br /> AJ Magner of Westshore Court—Mr. Magner asked the City to fix all the fields this year while <br /> there is intention. He encouraged the City to seek additional expertise and input from his group. <br /> Julia Toke of Parkwood Rd. —Ms. Toke spoke of her personal experiences as a customer of the <br /> Rec Department. She compared the services and offerings of the Rec to other cities and argued <br /> that Lakewood was inferior. She acknowledged that she has the privilege to participate in paid <br /> opportunities for her child and travel to other communities but noted that this does not foster <br /> equity in the community. <br /> Kevin Wenuroth of Grace Ave. read from the City's Property Maintenance and Safety Code to <br /> make the point that the City's fields are not in compliance with the Code. He questioned why <br /> citizens are held to high standards for the condition of their properties, but the City is not doing <br /> the same for its fields. <br /> Caitlin Magner of Westshore Court Ms. Magner asked for greater accountability and <br /> transparency from the city and schools. She remarked that complete field renovations are needed <br /> but not a substitute for daily, weekly, monthly maintenance. She reported that she has asked the <br /> Rec Department for its field maintenance plans and those were not provided. She noted that other <br /> communities have these resources in writing and provided copies for the record. <br /> Tom McGann of Lake Ave. —Mr. McGann encouraged the City to renovate more than one field <br /> this year. He argued that it is not overly ambitious to do so. <br /> Kristy Gibbons asked for more rec programming for children with disabilities. <br /> 2 <br />