The City Park Board of Commissioners generally meets the fourth Tuesday of each month except August. Meetings begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park. Please call (504) 482-4888 to verify specific meeting dates.
Board Meeting Minutes
March 2008MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
A meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. by Vice -President Perry. The meeting was held at The Pavilion of Two Sisters.
PRESENT: Commissioners Perry, Shreves, Marsiglia, Lupo, Hess, Brooks, Sanborn, Tregre, Broussard, Plough, Johnson, Cager, Claverie, Rogers, Romig, Schrenk and Watson
ABSENT: Masinter, Peronne, Katz, Weinmann, Midura, Adams, Brown, George, Morrell, Farnet, Brennan, Heintzen, Hoffman, DeBlieux, Trimble, Harold, Butler and Wise
STAFF: Robert Becker, Robert DeViney, John Hopper, George Parker, Beau Bassich, Minette Bruce and Denise Joubert
GUEST: Kathy Schrenk, Laura Burnett, Mark Schexnayder, Thomas Ferke, Kaye Florane, Larry Schmidt
Vice President Sally Perry welcomed everyone and congratulated Commissioner Dawn Watson, Secretary of Culture Recreation and Tourism on her recent appointment.
Chief Executive Officer Becker introduced Kaye Florane who gave an update on the Big Bass Rodeo which is being held in the Park on Saturday, March 29th. She reported registration will begin at 5:00am at the Timken Center. Becker thanked Kaye and her volunteers for their hard work in bringing the Rodeo back to the Park. Becker presented Kaye with a Robert Guthrie print of the Park.
Laura Burnett with Wallace Roberts and Todd gave a presentation to the Board on the progress of the Trust for Public Land - Big Lake Project. Laura Claverie inquired about lighting in the area. Becker responded that the Park would try to raise the money needed in order to install lighting, but that there were a number of desirable components for which additional money will have to be raised.
Commissioner Jackie Schreves gave a presentation to the Board on the fundraising and development of the Dog Park. She was assisted by Kathy Schrenk and Commissioner Mike Marsiglia.
In his report, Chief Executive Officer Becker reported the Legislature passed a variety of ethics reform laws that could affect Board members as well as the Staff. Becker is in the process of arranging a presentation from the Ethics Committee for all Board members to attend. The training session should take one to two hours to explain the laws and answer questions. The Board indicated they would prefer to attend the training session before the next Board meeting. Becker asked the Board to email any questions, so he can make sure the Ethics Board is prepared to address their concerns. Vice President Perry asked if all currently appointed Board members would have to complete a financial disclosure. Secretary Watson responded that the first day of reporting is May 15, 2009. Secretary Watson also advised the Board to ask the Ethics Committee if that requirement applies to our Board.
Becker also reported that the request for proposal (RFP) for Golf was mailed out. Becker will send the RFP to the Golf and Executive Committee for their review. Vice President Perry reported President Masinter would like every Board member to drive by the North Course and see the work that has been completed. Commissioner Johnson asked if the RFP included the Driving Range. Becker replied that the driving range was included in the proposal.
Chief Financial Officer Bruce reported that due to the slow nature of activity in the winter months, a loss was expected for February; however, the loss was less than anticipated.
Chief Operating Officer Rob DeViney reported FEMA claims are at thirty two million and expected to grow. He also reported that Phase 3 of the Sidewalk project around Bayou Metairie has started.
Becker introduced Tony Biagas, Director of Athletic Services, and reported he was selected by the Allstate Sugar Bowl Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as the recipient of the 2008 Distinguished American Award. Staff as well as several Board Members attended an award luncheon in his honor. Biagas gave an update on the progress of Pan American and Tad Gormley Stadiums. He reported the renovations at Pan American are scheduled to be completed by July. Tad Gormley Stadium renovations are moving at a much slower pace due to the age of the stadium and several unexpected issues. The completion date of renovations at Tad Gormley is scheduled for mid August.
Becker reported that the Museum is installing two new Alexander Calder sculptures, "Planes Escaping" in front of the Sculpture Garden. Becker also reported the City Council has passed the Park's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) legislation. The Council set restrictions that would cap the TIF at ½ million and six years. Becker thanked Councilwoman Midura, Councilman Fielkow and Councilwoman Hedge-Morrell for their help in negotiations with the City's staff. The money from the TIF can only be used for public amenities.
Chief Administrative Officer George Parker thanked all Board members who worked in the Amusement Park while the hiring freeze was in effect. Parker also reported our exemption request has been granted and we were able to hire several position. Becker thanked Secretary Watson for her work in helping the Park with the exemption request and indicated that until the freeze is lifted the Park will have to continue to file exemption requests for various positions.
Committee Reports
A&E - Commissioner Edmund Schrenk reported the committee has met on various projects. The committee reviewed the plans for the Dog Park and recommend that the plans be accepted. Schrenk, Becker, Commissioner Robert Lupo and Commissioner Oakland Adams met with the Corps of Engineers on various locations for the new pump station on the Orleans canal.
Athletics - Commissioner Marsiglia reported there have been discussions that Tad Gormley Stadium should try and pursue different types of events since Pan American will be hosting the majority of football games. See Tony Biagas report on Pan American and Tad Gormley updates. Becker informed the Board that the City has decided to enforce parking regulations on the neutral grounds. Becker has met with several officials in reference to this ordinance and until further notice the City will enforce the regulations on Marconi. Marsiglia asked about Delgado students parking in the Park. Bassich replied that Delgado pays the Park $5,000 for students to park. Commissioner Jane Brooks asked if the City would consider designating a portion of the neutral ground for parking. Becker proposed that parking be allowed on the neutral ground from Navarre Avenue to City Park Avenue for special events.
Golf - Commissioner Will Tregre reported he toured the North Golf Course with Becker, President Paul Masinter and DeViney to review the progress, which he reported was going very well.
Concessions - No Report
Development - Commissioner Susan Hess reported that the committee will adopt the endowment fund as a special initiative. The committee members will begin contacting Board members in reference to their pledges.
Special Events/CITO - No Report
Horticulture and Grounds - Commissioner Brooks reported that tree trimming has begun on the Wisner Bike Path.
Nominating Committee - The committee has met and elected Susan Brennan as the Chair of the Committee. The committee is currently reviewing applicants. There are two immediate openings and if anyone has any nominations forward them to Becker.
NOMA - No Report
Legal - No Report
Public Relations - No Report
Stables - No Report
Tennis - No Report
Botanical Garden - No Report
Friends of City Park - Commissioner and The Friends of City Park President Diann Sanborn thanked everyone that attended Lark in the Park. The money will be used for improvements at Storyland. The Friends of City Park is currently looking to hire a full time Executive Director.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:35p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22nd at The Timken Center.
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Denise Joubert
Recording Secretary
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June Rogers
Secretary
