HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PC-2012-03-13.pdfApproved by Parks Commission – 4/10/12
PARKS COMMISSION
March 13, 2012
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Attended by: Dan Krall, Chair; Suzanne VanDeMark, Vice Chair; Larry Fabbroni, Jr.;
Dan Klein; Jeanne Grace; Jim Dalterio, Cynthia Brock, Common Council Liaison, Svante
Myrick, Mayor; Ray Benjamin, Assistant Superintendent Streets and Facilities.
Minutes
S. VanDeMark agreed to take minutes for the March, 2012 meeting.
Organizational Structure
D. Krall expressed concerns about the structure of all of the organizations involved with
the parks. S. Myrick explained that the city is in the process of moving towards a more
programmatic budget process, not individual line items. There will be better
management with a programmatic budget. Ithaca City Parks will be considered in this
process.
Parks within the urban structure
S. Myrick said that as the city moves towards greater density, the public parks will
become even more important. The parks will be the “backyards” for residents. C. Brock
expressed concerns with making staff time more efficient and expressed concerns with so
many staff at Parks Commission meetings. S. VanDeMark suggested a position that
would oversee all parks. S. Myrick said that that is what will happen with parking;
currently there are 3 different people overseeing parking in some way.
Public Private Partnerships:
S. Myrick discussed the advantages of public and private partnerships within other city
organizations and city parks. GIAC is a good example. There is a separate 501c3 that
gives GIAC autonomy and flexibility. Friends of Stewart Park is in the process of
becoming a 501c3. Both Ray Benjamin and Jeanne Grace expressed concern with the
need for clear communication between the Friends of Stewart Park and DPW.
Parks Inventory Update
L. Fabbroni presented an update on the parks inventory. This inventory will be an up to
date information resource that assists the Parks Commission and other organizations to
improve parks for residents. This inventory will update a 2009 inventory. The goal for
the final inventory is August, 2012. The committee overseeing this is made up of
members of the Parks Commission, DPW, Common Council and Planning and
Development Department. S. Myrick said that this will be helpful as it relates to the
Comprehensive Plan.
Other concerns:
D. Krall voiced concerns over the Ghost Bike. This was to be discussed at the April
meeting. Special Events Fees are going through some changes. C. Brock will be
updating the commission on this.