05/19/1998 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 5/19/98 was concern on his part as to the total cost of developing a ball diamond once the land ~.~. ,, was purchased. In light of the fact that some residents are still experiencing flooding, it did not seem to be a good idea to spend money to purchase land for potential development in the future. He felt it would be a luxury at a time when the city could not necessarily afford luxuries. • Mr. McKay said he agreed with Mr. Gareau. He reminded Mrs. Brown that the residents of Barton/Bradley might not want more recreation sites in their area. Also, the city owns property that could be developed into recreation areas before we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase and develop new areas. We are spending the taxpayers' money. • Mr. Miller said he concurred with the comments of Mr. Gareau and Mr. McKay. He is concerned because the request to purchase the Barton/Bradley property did not include along-term plan. He does feel that our city needs more ball fields because we have fewer than surrounding communities. The fields we do have are very well maintained and an effort has been made to decrease the size of the dirt infields. Also, he mentioned to Mrs. Brown that there is a walking path and benches at the northeast corner of the park. • Mr. O'Grady said, as Chairperson of the Finance Committee, he knows very well that we have to keep an eye on our budgets and city resources right now. We also have to have a vision of the future. He feels, if we have an opportunity to grab green space, we should do so. He was in the minority, but would have liked to have seen the purchase go forward. Nancy Saegel, 5248 West Park, lives across from diamond #2, and enjoys seeing the children playing and the All Scouts Weekend activities and Homecoming. She has lived there for more than 30 years and does not complain very often. However, she does believe the park is saturated. She thinks it is fun to live by the park; but, when she drives home in the early evening, she is petrified that someone is going to step out from all the lined up cars. Years ago, a former mayor showed her along-term plan for the park. Where did it go? Regarding along-term plan for the Barton/Bradley property, Mayor Musial said the proposal to purchase was first brought forward by the previous administration. This administration is involved in establishing short and long-term strategic plans, which incorporate not only this aspect but also include the capital improvements plan of the city. He has not seen a previous plan involving North Olmsted Park. Axel Hoyer, 23477 Greenwood Lane, the vice president of the hot stove league reported on the progress of the Birch School ball diamonds. The hot stove league has met all their obligations with the exception of the tree barrier for Mrs. Koziol's property. As soon as Mrs. Koziol determines what type of trees she wants, the project will be completed. Mr. Hoyer reported that the opening day activities for hot stove were very successful. The weather cooperated, and more than 560 children paraded down Lorain Road to the park where everyone had a wonderful time. Also, the opening night fund-raising activity held ~~ at St. Clarence's pavilion was very successful. Over $4,000 was raised. Mr. Hoyer said 9