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Minutes of a Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission August 6, 2007 North Olmsted Park Mr. Dailey said that Field #1 is being dragged to prepare for Hot Stove and the High School. This field is not used by the Rec Department. In dragging the field, the crew is pulling out brick, not stones or pebbles. The crew will repair the field. The City has not replaced new dirt in its fields for at least ten years. There should be new dirt brought to the fields every year. The Rec will try to partner with Hot Stove as part of a continuing maintenance program, and perhaps approach the schools for help. The insurance people came out and took a look at the fields as well. There was a report of a child who was hurt, so we wanted to make sure the City was not in violation of any liability issues. The risk management people advised that the City should look to repair the field in the near future. Mr. DiSalvo said that the Rec Department charges permit fees for the use of the fields, so it should be in good condition for use. Mr. Lasko asked if there would be an estimate of what it would cost to bring the field up to good condition. Mr. Dailey said yes, that prices are being looked at for the dirt and the grading. Mr. Lasko said that it seemed to him that once the Rec Department has those numbers, every field should be improved and that there should be a cost-sharing with the school teams in the maintenance costs, because there is a direct benefit to the schools by virtue of the fact that that is where they are holding their conference games. There should be an equitable participation in that cost. Mr. Dailey said that the Superintendent and Mayor will be sitting down together shortly to discuss this matter. Mr. DiSalvo said that about ten yards of dirt is lost per season. If you think about it, it won’t be much to maintain, once it’s up to its standard. Mr. Barker said that he believes that, based on what has gone on in the past, the City and Rec Department are becoming aware that maintenance is an important factor. Mr. Dailey said that for years many things have been neglected, and we all understand that maintenance is an important factor: parks, streets, etc. They can’t be built and ignored; they have to be maintained. OLD BUSINESS Bathrooms at the Park Mr. Lasko asked if the bathrooms at the Park were complete. Mr. Dailey replied that they have been th up and running since July 4 weekend. So far, there has been no damage done. One of the mirrors that had been installed cracked, and they were supposed to replace it this past weekend. As soon as Mr. Dailey got a chance, he would go to see if that had been done. Again, if the City maintains them and makes them look nice, the kids will do the same. If the City lets them deteriorate, that’s when the kids go in there and destroy because they feel that if no one else cares about them, why should they. Mr. Dailey did not agree with that, but he understands where they are coming from. Playground Equipment The playground equipment is working as well. The equipment for kids ages two through five is very successful. The kids are constantly using it. There is one concern: the digger can turn and dump sand on the walkway. The City has spoken with the Contractor, and it will come out to take care of that matter. Page 6