02/19/2008 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 2/19/2008 recreation Master Plan. City Council did authorize and support the creation of that Master Plan which was professionally prepared with the input of landscape architects and architects and those who really have knowledge and skill in that area who guided the administration through the process. She believes the parks and recreation Master Plan provided an avenue for people to participate who might not have otherwise been afforded that opportunity. She believes the administration did go above and beyond when the formation of this plan was well over a year in the making, and provided every avenue for the public to participate in public meetings which were all notified according to our requirements. Surveys were filled out, and public officials could be contacted. The administration does not make any contention that the input gained is scientific or representative of the entire community, but it was information that was gleaned during that process from users and various constituent groups, which was found to be very valuable. The administration will be bringing the plan forward to City Council in March. Through that process, every resident of the city and any individual will have the opportunity to have their opinions heard. She thinks what will be brought forward will be found to be an exceptional plan at the right price. She looks forward to making that presentation and answering all detailed questions our residents might have about that proposal. Councilman Gareau noted that Council will provide a forum for residents to attend and ask questions of the administration and Council. First, though, Council must complete work on the budget before moving to this issue. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Angela Connelly-Prada, 4561 Martin Drive, sent the letter signed by numerous citizens regarding the Rec Center Master Plan. She is a frequent user of the Rec Center and feels that the people who are using the facility were not asked for input. She has never seen any information posted at the Rec Center. There is concern about the elimination of tennis. They are not trying to cause trouble, but are working to try to tell the administration what is working well already and what should be kept in the plan. They are looking for more thorough asking of the people in the community what they would like to see in this plan. Mayor O'Grady replied that sometimes things take on a life of their own. If there's questions asked of the right people, the Planning Director in this case, he thinks many of the issues the citizens are concerned about aren't problems. For example, there is no plan to do away with tennis. If people have questions, call or stop in at City Hall-the administration will be happy to talk to them. Gayle Harmon, 4354 Dover Center Road, agrees with Angela Prada that they feel strongly about getting input regarding the Rec Center. She has 20 years experience in financial analysis and market research. She is concerned about the fact that she did not see participants at the Rec Center being asked for input. She has looked at studies from other cities and has concern that North Olmsted can sustain operating the Rec Center without a strong revenue base. It is important for residents and other users to be 6