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June 19, 2000 Page Three Revised June 27, 2000 Westlake. Another citizen then stated that the City can’t be compared to those sister suburbs, as they aren’t as landlocked as North Olmsted. Mr. Limpert interjected that the purchase of the property for recreational purposes is important for the future of North Olmsted as, in years past, there has been a flight from western areas of Cleveland for a higher quality of living. North Olmsted must look to being a place to “stay” rather than being a place to be “from.” Mayor Musial stated that $530,000 has been appropriated for the Recreation Department this year. Mr. Jenkins said the money is being spent for a canopy roof, to relocate lighting on Diamond 2, and then deferred to Mr. Morgan, who stated that the tennis roof would be fixed with a rubber coating. New rubber flooring with a 10-year warranty would be installed in the ice arena. A sound system, coin-operated lockers, and event lighting are also part of the rink renovation. Engineering studies for North Olmsted Park will look at replacing the outdoor tennis and basketball courts. Plans will also include new shuffleboard courts. The actual construction would take place next year, pending City Council approval. There was general discussion about vandalism in the parks that must be checked. One particular lighting area in the park by a phone booth has been broken and not replaced for some time, and a fire has been set in a nearby outbuilding. The lighting will be replaced shortly to discourage further vandalism in this particular location, with a view to encourage protection of all parks and recreation areas in future. Mr. Bouman was then given the floor to discuss his objection to purchase of the Bradley property. He argued that the city debt is now more than twice that of our sister suburbs and that the Mayor has no engineering studies to support the City’s proposal within the next 10- 15 years. Mr. Bouman continued by stating that the cost for the City would be too much for the City to absorb at the present time in view of its long-standing debt, and looks rather to the property behind the Recreation Center for development. A copy of his argument is attached to these minutes as Exhibit A. Mayor Musial then rebutted Mr. Bouman’s argument with his statement that some of the property would be used for development of recreational areas, but most of the property would be used as “green space” for future generations to enjoy. He indicated that the cost of development is too speculative to ascertain for 10-25 years from now. The land value won’t go down. We must grab whatever land we can get now, while it is available. Nine acres are available for purchase for active and passive recreational purposes; about 5 to 5-1/2 acres useable for active recreation. Recreation Commission Meeting June 19, 2000