PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
CITY HALL,
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2010
REGULAR MEETING
1.
ROLL CALL.
Mr. Pawlowski called the meeting to order
at 7:04 pm. Present were Ms. Carter, Ms. Hammond, Mr. Pawlowski,
and Mr. Barletta. Absent were Mr. Boetcher, Mr. Dean,
and Parks and Recreation Director Mr. Carr. Also in attendance were Recreation
Coordinator Don Ross, Service Department Manager
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
A. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES. Ms. Hammond moved to accept the November 23, 2009 minutes; seconded by Ms. Carter. Ms Carter, Mr. Pawlowski, and Ms. Hammond voted aye. Mr. Barletta abstained. MOTION PASSED 3-0, WITH ONE ABSTENTION.
B. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 27, 2010 MINUTES. Ms. Hammond moved to accept the January 27, 2010 minutes; seconded by Ms. Carter. Ms. Hammond, Mr. Pawlowski, Ms. Carter, and Mr. Barletta, all aye. MOTION PASSED 4-0.
3. COMMUNITY
COMMENTS. There were no community
comments.
4. REPORTS
A. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT. The Board reviewed their copies of the Parks
Director’s Report to the Safety Committee, in Mr. Carr’s absence. Mr. Pawlowski remarked that he was impressed by the cost
savings from the awarding of the fireworks for the Fourth of July to a new vendor.
He also mentioned that he will request two items for the March agenda: a review
of the Parks Master Plan, and a review of Code 274, which addresses the
functions of the Park Board.
Mr. Pawlowski then asked for input concerning
the upcoming Fairfield County Historical Parks levy. He explained that he had
been contacted by an executive of the group. He compared the Historical Parks’
composition to that of a joint park district. The group is seeking support for
their .5-mill request. At present, they manage
40 historical sites, but can only afford to open five to the public.
Ms. Carter asked if there were local pertinence, stating that people in
Pickerington would probably be unwilling to pay taxes for something which
doesn’t directly benefit them. Mr. Pawlowski stated
that Pickerington residents are in the area served by the historical group, and
they can thus easily enjoy the sites.
Ms. Hammond asked what type of support
the group was seeking. Mr. Pawlowski said that no
specifics had been mentioned; the historical group was just gathering
information. Mr. Barletta noted that the group has sought passage of a levy
many times without success, adding that their goal was to add historical
elements to promote and expand tourism in the county. Ms. Hammond suggested
that communication with the group continue, but that she needed more
information before forming an opinion.
B.
COUNCIL
REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT. Mr. Barletta
reported that he had talked to
Mr. Carr about the Joint Park
District. In Mr. Barletta’s opinion,
there is interest in
forming one, but funding
approval is questionable. He suggested dropping the item from
Park Board meeting agendas
until the economic crisis lessens.
He reported that City
particularly fee structures.
how much. Several more items
must be scrutinized before the topic is ready for serious
discussion. Ms. Carter said
that, in the process, volunteers should not be discouraged.
Mr. Barletta responded by
saying that a volunteer program needs broad management,
And should not necessarily
come under the purview of the Parks and Recreation
Department.
Ms. Hammond agreed that a coordinator with administrative status in the
City would be appropriate.
Ms. Carter stated that many items need to be considered, such
as liability waivers, and
working lists of volunteers and contacts. Ms. Hammond thought
that motivating
participation would be a crucial factor.
5. BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS.
There were no items for discussion.
6. OTHER
BUSINESS. There was no additional business.
Pawlowski,
Mr. Barletta, Ms. Carter, Ms. Hammond, all aye. The motion passed 4-0.
MR. PAWLOWSKI
ADJOURNED THE MEETING AT 7:29.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:
___________________________________
Donald R. Ross, Recreation
Coordinator
ATTEST: ____________________________
Stephen A. Carr, Director, Parks and Recreation