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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 7, 2005 Mr. Baxter asked if there would be space for a workout facility. Mr. DiSalvo said, no, the plan is based on improving what the Rec Center has right now. Mr. Stein said, for example, if you move skate rental into the team room, there would be another room where skate rental is now that could be used for something else (make a game room or expand concession). Perhaps the multi- purpose room could be turned into concession’s birthday party area. Mr. Stein said that the plan lets the Rec Center grow with what it has, plus adding all of the rec programs to be run properly. Mr. DiSalvo and Mr. Stein were asked how the money would be obtained. Mr. DiSalvo said he did not have an answer at the present time. The initial building was built with bonds, but the people did not vote on them; the Mayor just got them. Then there was a levy not too long ago to raise it. Based on information from the Finance Department, Mr. DiSalvo said that on a $150,000 home, approximately $30 to $35 goes to the Rec area. Mr. Stein said that the revenue must come from the front door, and if the Rec can’t keep the programs running, the people won’t come. This is the challenge. Mr. DiSalvo continued that the Rec must have a plan and go forward with it. This includes the entire Rec, not only the tennis area. There are issues that need immediate attention. We can no longer sit around and wait to see what happens. We need to be proactive and provide a realistic 5-year plan. Mr. Kelley said that, as a resident of North Olmsted, the schools facilities are proposing a levy, probably tonight, pushing for a new middle school and updating facilities around the city for sports programs (football fields, baseball fields, soccer fields). Last meeting Mr. Kelley brought up Fairview and its Gemini Project, where the City recognizes that the schools have to work together with the city. The City is on one side and the Schools on the other, and there is no communication between the two. It would be in the best interests of the citizens of North Olmsted that this would be included at the same time as the school levy. Someone must talk to someone about this matter. Different entities cannot be at odds, or the Rec Center will be going in circles forever. Mr. Kelley said that Mr. DiSalvo and Mr. Stein have a fantastic idea. However, it means going to the taxpayers to get the money. Now, are they going to vote for the Rec, or are they going to vote for the schools (football, baseball, soccer fields, Middle School)? There will be too many things thrown at the electorate at the same time. Mr. Kelley hopes that the Rec communicates with the School Board. He knows that the papers indicate that there are great things going on between the School Board and the Rec Center, but he does not see it happening. Mr. Kelley asked Mr. Jesse if the City has an opinion about the project. Mr. Jesse said that his concern, and he talked about it with the Mayor, though he’s reserving judgment because of tax implications, is that within the next ten years in the City of North Olmsted there must be decisions made as to what the priorities are. Anything that will be done will be expensive. $3 million dollars was spent fixing Lorain Road, 80% paid by the state and federal governments. The state’s subsidy is declining very rapidly. On the other hand, it doesn’t cost that much to raise $4 million (like the fire department); that means about $18 for a $150,000 house. However, every $18 adds up. So, Page 4