03/03/1998 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 3/3/98 playground area has been installed, and the contract will be let for the installation of the playground equipment when the weather breaks in the spring. There will be approximately $55,000 left to spend additionally on Clague Park. The general area for new rest rooms has been determined and the electrical lines and sanitary water lines have been installed to that point. Other upgrades to accommodate the residents' wishes will be decided after conferring with Council's Recreation Committee and passage of the appropriations. Mr. Bouman then asked what was meant by the words "declaring an emergency" on legislation. Mr. Limpert explained that it meant the legislation would go into effect immediately after the Mayor signed it. Without the emergency clause, there is a 30 day waiting period. Since comments from the audience are not always audible, Mr. Limpert invited Mrs. Chavez-Anderson to come to the microphone again. Mrs. Chavez-Anderson said that her comments were not meant as a slam on St. Patrick's Day, and she did not mean to offend anyone. She simply wanted to make the point of promoting cultural diversity. Mr. O'Grady agreed that cultural diversity was something to which we should all be more attuned. Mr. Gareau said he would welcome the opportunity to discuss the Cinco de Mayo holiday and its significance to members of the community who celebrate it. He believes all cultures should be recognized for their individual contributions. Mr. Miller felt it should be made clear that the Council meeting date was changed because it affected a number of Councilpersons as well as people in the community who may want to attend the meeting. Council does not want to deny anyone access to meetings. He thanked Mrs. Chavez-Anderson for bringing her concerns to Council. Margaret McKay, 5197 Columbia Road, said she felt St. Patrick's Day was a good day that began with Mass. Although there is a parade, the celebration continues with a gathering of Irish families and friends for the awarding of Irish Mother of the Year. It is a day that brings family and friends together in a religious way and it brings joy and happiness. If there are other similar ethnic celebrations, that is also good. She wanted it to be clear, however, that the celebration would not end in time for a Council meeting. Sharon Hartzell, 4566 Porter Road, asked about the $75,000 that was to be received for the telecommunications tower that was built in Clague Park and the monthly fee to be received by the city. Finance Director Copfer said that a portion (about $50,000) of the $114,000 came from the former Deerfield recreation property that was sold by the city. Law Director Gareau commented that the money was to be earmarked for Clague Park. Mrs. Copfer said that it had been, and the other portion of the $114,000 was from 75% of the $75,000 fee. The monthly fee will be going into the Recreation Fund for various recreation purposes. ~. 7