PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on February 9, 2009, at 12:01 p.m. with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Horsey, and Mr. Lewis. Mr. McGlumphy was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Ruane moved to table item #2 - Proposal to Leverage Neighborhood Stabilization Program Funding, so that members may be provided necessary information for its consideration, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ruane moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Presentation - Skate Park Recommendations (Dean Holden)

Mr. Holden of the Skate Park Committee reviewed a Presentation of the Dover Public Skatepark Project, entitled Say “Yes” to your Neighborhood Skateboard Park (Attachment #1). He advised members that the information provided was developed based on the current economic situation, feedback from members of the committee, members of City Council, and representatives of Kent County. He reiterated that the goals of the Skate Park Committee are as follows: show the need for skateboard recreation areas; gain the City’s desire to fulfill this need; and demonstrate how it would be included in the Parks and Recreation repertoire. Although initially it was the committee’s desire to make a presentation for the creation of a Skateboard Park, Mr. Holden stated that members understand the current economic situation and hope that by next year the economic environment would allow for “skate spots”.

It was noted that during their meeting of December 8, 2008, members were provided with an expanded list of all the sites reviewed by the Skate Park Committee and the pros and cons for their use as skate parks. The review determined that there were seven (7) sites preferred for further consideration. Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Holden indicated that the two (2) sites eliminated from the preferred list were Governors Avenue (Capital Cleaners) and PW2.

Referring to the committee’s criteria for considering appropriate sites, Mr. Ruane suggested that members also consider parking issues and what activities would be displaced (particularly in neighborhood parks). He suggested that the committee talk with these communities and noted that the presentation would educate the community regarding the concept of a Skateboard Park.

City Clerk’s Office Note: Due to technical difficulties, the meeting recessed at 12:12 p.m. and reconvened at 12:20 p.m.

Mr. Holden continued the review of the Presentation, as well as a video depicting skateboarding for those that are unfamiliar with the sport. He reiterated that this project is preliminary at this point, particularly since the focus has changed to “skate spots”. He stated that the committee is still in the process of working with the City and County and will be working with the community to obtain their support.

Mrs. Horsey felt that the “skate spots” was a good alternative to the skateboard parks and questioned the possibility of utilizing City owned parks for this purpose. Responding, Mr. Carter indicated that he will be meeting with members of the committee to further consider the options in this regard.

Updates

Members were provided the following updates:

Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update

Mr. Ruane reminded staff that during the last Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team meeting, there was an indication that there would be an inquiry made regarding the mapping and requested that staff apprise the committee of this matter. Responding, Mr. DePrima stated that the Team has looked into the idea of a letter of map revision. There is a question as to whether this would have any actual impact on any properties. The Team will not know whether it is cost efficient to have this accomplished until the bridge is completed, since it is changing the manner in which the stream functions.

Mr. Ruane requested that staff send a memorandum to update the community affected by the stream (residents of Lynnhaven Drive, Shadow Court, etc.) regarding the mapping issue and flood plain. He noted that flood insurance is a fairly expensive proposition; therefore, it is an issue for some of these residents.

Planning and Funding for New Library

Ms. Cyr, Library Director, reviewed the update information provided to members regarding the planning and funding for the new Library. She advised members that a public meeting will be held tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. allowing the public another opportunity to participate in the design of the building. It is hoped that by the end of March, the schematic designs will be completed and provide an exact idea of what the building will look like, what it will contain, and its future costs.

Responding to Mrs. Russell, Ms. Cyr stated that the size of the new Library was originally estimated at 52,000 sq. ft. and that it has been decreased to a 46,000 sq. ft. building. She stated that this decrease was recommended by the architect, explaining that a 52,000 sq. ft. building could not be built based on the original budgeted amount of $18.2M. Although there is a new budget for this project which is higher than the original budgeted amount, a final budget will not be known until the schematic design is complete. Ms. Cyr stated that the architect has assured staff that the reduction will not compromise the services that the library will offer to the public and noted that a priority is for the library to be placed and designed to allow for the expansion of the building if it is deemed necessary in the future.

In response to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima reminded members that a City/County Meeting (which may include all members of Council and Levy Court Commissioners to be invited) is scheduled to be held during the end of the month. The plan is for both Mr. Petit de Mange, County Administrator, and himself to make a presentation regarding joint services, as well as funding.

CDBG Program

Mrs. Harvey, Community Development Director, reviewed the Status of the FY2008 CDBG Program provided to members. She advised members that staff continues to work with Dover Interfaith Ministry to the Homeless in assisting them with the purchase of a building.

In response to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Harvey stated that she has requested clarification from HUD on the time frame for the receipt of the allocation so that meetings can be scheduled. She advised members that the application deadline is February 13, 2009. She assured members that the material will be provided to members prior to the committee meeting scheduled for consideration of the applications.

2008 Comprehensive Plan Update

Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that the 2008 Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for the Council Meeting later in the evening and that there is the possibility that members of Council will take final action regarding this matter.

Proposal to Leverage Neighborhood Stabilization Program Funding

Members were provided information entitled “NMTC/Leveraging Proposal - Questions and Answers 2/1/09” as well as an example of a Letter of Intent (Attachment #2). Although this matter was previously tabled (during agenda additions/deletions), at the request of staff and due to the receipt of information and attendance of representatives, Chairwoman Russell requested the desire of members regarding the consideration of this matter. It was noted that no action is being requested and that it was the desire to simply provide information to members at this time.

Chairwoman Russell relinquished her seat as Chair to Mr. Ruane.

Mr. Lewis moved to remove the matter from the table and allow Mr. DePrima to speak on this matter, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Mr. DePrima explained that no information was provided to members since staff expected to orally report to members their comments regarding this matter. He apologized to members for their anticipation of a written recommendation.

Mr. Ruane explained his understanding was that the matter would follow the City’s ordinary protocol, which would entail staff’s review and that an action form would be presented to the committee. The packet material indicated that the material would be sent out under separate cover, which has not been accomplished. He indicated his unreadiness to respond to an oral presentation without having the opportunity to review the report of staff (pros, cons, and recommendation). He reiterated that this matter should have been handled like all other items brought to the committee.

Mr. Lewis reminded members that during their previous meeting, Mr. Temple had indicated more detailed information regarding the plans would be provided to members, which has not been provided to date. Responding, Mrs. Townshend stated that this information was included in a packet for the February 2, 2008, committee meeting, which was cancelled. In preparing the information for this meeting, after discussing the matter with the Chair, City Clerk, etc., she stated that it was determined that this information was not requested by the committee.

In response to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Townshend stated that staff met with the City’s partnerships (suballocation) for NSP funds, including Mr. DePrima and Mrs. Mitchell. Mr. DePrima assured members that he and Mrs. Mitchell agree to the recommendation of staff and that Mrs. Mitchell was aware that he would be relaying their recommendation to members. Mrs. Russell indicated her preference for Mrs. Mitchell to provide her recommendation directly to members of the committee.

Mrs. Russell questioned the involvement of the presenters during their previous meeting as it relates to the issue, feeling that there must be benefits that would be provided to them.

Mr. Ruane relayed concern that the discussion was moving towards the issue. He reiterated his expectation for this matter to be treated like any other staff recommendation, which would include an action form that includes input from all principle staff members. He advised members that in discussing this matter with Mrs. Mitchell, she still has unreadiness.

Mr. Lewis moved to table the matter due to the unreadiness of members, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:17 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sophia R. Russell

Chairwoman

SR/JS/AC/tm/jg

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Attachments

Attachment #1 -   Presentation of the Dover Public Skatepark Project, entitled Say "Yes" to your Neighborhood Skateboard Park

Attachment #2 -   "NMTC/Leveraging Proposal - Questions and Answers 2/1/09"; Example of a Letter of Intent