2/7/2005 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 7, 2005 Mr. Stein said that, as a citizen for 28 years now, he believes that projects like this, new swimming pools, things that will costs big or even small dollars should go to the people. Some type of a survey should be given to the citizens, even showing pictures, and show them how much it will cost. If they want it, let them vote on it, and if they don’t, it won’t pass and it doesn’t get built. The Rec Center has tried to satisfy everyone, and it just backfires after doing inferior programs. Mr. Gerrity questioned the tennis people on where the high school students played. The boys’ teams start the first part of March and practice early in the morning at the Rec Center. Mr. DiSalvo said that the High School is definitely using the Rec Complex. The hockey team plays at the Rec Center; so does the swim team and tennis team. The baseball team is playing at the park. Mr. Kelley said that the schools should be told that there should be something for the Rec Complex because the Rec is supporting their teams. Mr. Kelley said that he talked to John Lasko about putting something on the ballot to make the Rec a top-notch facility. It’s needed. Tom (Stein) has been band-aiding the Rec Complex for 25 years. Even with the tennis project, neither the rink nor the pools have been addressed. Nothing will get done unless everyone is on the same page. Mr. Kelley agreed with Linda Powell’s idea that if they want to bring a tennis tournament to this facility, there must be at least one court added. That’s a quick fix. Tennis people would actually love what Tom Stein has proposed, but how will this be possible? Linda Powell then said that the former Commissioner wanted to develop a five or ten year plan, basically using what Tom (Stein) has pulled together (and bring in an architect). Mr. Stein said that there has been about ten five-year plans, and in 30 years he’s seen at least six of them. At that time, it was $35,000 to get the architectural designs completed. Mr. Stein said that there is no master plan. For example, if Ted leaves in five years, he’ll have another five-year plan, and the next Commissioner won’t like it and there will be another plan. Much of everything is repetitive. Mr. Jesse said that there is a real problem in organizations, both private and government, in transferring information. An example would be when Sandy (Purper) left after 28 years of experience, information to be used. How do you transfer ideas and information? There is no way to do that. The police chief retires and someone takes his spot, and how does the information get transferred? One of the goals to have is to get closer to being able to archive information and transfer it and have it ongoing with the new people that work. The $35,000 architectural plan was dropped, and there were budget crises, general funding was eliminated. Anna Kanis was asked if she had any input. She said she sees the long-range plan, but what is the first step? What has to be done? Mr. DiSalvo said that the next step would be the emergency issues. HVAC in tennis is currently beyond repair. Ms. Kanis asked what is wanted from the Page 7