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07-11-83 Parks Comm MinutesThe Parks Committee met at City Hall Conference Room on Monday, July 11, 1983 at 2:30 P.M. In attendance were Chairman Gayle Vidal, Francis O'Boyle, Paul Palmer, and Parks Superintendent Pieter Drent. Dry Bridge Park C. Vidal reported that she had talked with the County Commissioners regarding access to Dry Bridge Park. They are not interested in developing the road that borders the park. Supt. Drent and County Road Foreman Charlie Phillips have worked out the prob- lems regarding access. City Attorney Neier will be writing the County Commissioners for the necessary authority to spell out the terms of this arrangement, then we can proceed. Swimming Pool C. Vidal stated that everywhere she is questioned about what the Council intends to do about the pool. In spite of two editorials in the Daily Inter Lake, thus far no action has been taken by community groups, Chamber of Commerce, etc. She feels that all we can do now is to submit this to city voters. The County Parks Board has not indicated any intention of assistance. The County Commissioners have mentioned, but have not committed, an approximate $5,000-$10,000 next fiscal year, they are unable to help this year. C. Vidal feels that a bond issue should be put on the regular election, in the amount of $550,000 for a 10 year period. Councilman Nystul's Finance Committee will be asked to check on this. County authorities do not wish to become involved in a bond issue regarding the pool as they will be bringing the new court house to bond issue. Discussion followed about going citywide on the bond issue, then charging county residents for use of the pool. C. Palmer suggested that rather than ask the County for a specific dollar amount to instead ask for specific assistance, such as utilities, for cost maintenance. He also felt that the bond issue should be for more than $550,000 to cover contingencies. Parks Supt. Drent suggested that the County be asked to assist with 50% of overhead costs, utilities alone run near $ 10,000. C. Vidal stated that a swimming pool is a tremendous asset to a community but feels that there should be a definite charge for out of city use. C. O'Boyle questioned how enforcement on this could be accomplished. It was felt that unused potential existed between Community Development and down town merchants. Mayor McDowell suggested an inter local agreement with the county. A possibility of BOR Grant funding does exist. P. S. Drent advised that the applica- tion must be submitted by November 1, apparently there is no set limitation on funds this year. The application would be contingent upon the bond issue, for the city only with no county involvement. Drent reported that he would require assistance with floor plans, etc. He will advise as to dollar amount of this study. The Committee agreed to recommend applying for possible BOR funding. Drent reported that the wading pool was in operation for one very hot day. -1- Baseball Fields C Vidal asked about committee feelings on the possibility of a future center for all ball fields. She reproted that 12 of the existing fields experience heavy use. Possible land swaps with BN, placing the fields in Lawrence Park were discussed. Plans should be made in advance for the eventual location of all fields in one area. Parks Supt. Drent will be checking on relocation areas and C. Vidal suggested that the Mayor be directed to see what property might be available for sale by the City. Miscellaneous Chairman Vidal received a call from Stebbins Dean, of the Rotary Club, inquiring about a sign to advertise Rotary meetings. Signs already exist for the Eagles and Lions at their respective park areas. It would be desirable to have all signs located in one area. C. Vidal felt that a wooden sign board could be erected at park land near city entries at the north and south of Kalispell. C. O'Boyle stated that he was in agreement, as long as it would conform to standards and would not present a safety problem. Erection of the boards, signs and landscaping would be approximately $2,000 and the advertising service clubs would be asked to reimburse this amount. The city would furnish the spots and members of the organizations could do the work involved. C. Vidal will relay this information to Rotary members. The current suit involving the Pee Wee group was mentioned. Chairman Vidal reported that no decision has been made at this point. The committee will not act on this until the charge of discrimination has been proved. Meeting adjourned at 3:15.