HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCPR-02-12-08 (Approved a /C%
CARMEL /CLAY BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Annual and Regular Meeting
February 12, 2008, 7:00 P.M.
The Monon Center East
1235 Central Park Drive East
CARMEL, IN 46032
MEMBER ATTENDEES MEMBER ABSENTEES OTHERS
J Engledow J Rosensteele A Kostrzewa
P Chester J Miller M Klitzing
D Dutcher S Dillon D Grisham
T Tolson Colleen Broderick
J Hagan Lynn Russell
J Ketterman Lindsay Holajter
Connie Murphy
Ben Johnson
Kate Schneider
Kristin Strychalski (intern)
Tonia Lopez
ROLL CALL
II. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Board Meeting of the Carmel /Clay Board of Parks and Recreation was convened at
approximately 7:00 p.m. on February 12, 2008 pursuant to notice. President Jim Engledow asked
Secretary Pattie Chester to take the roll. Board members present other than J Engledow and P Chester
included J Hagan, D Dutcher, J Ketterman and Tim Tolson. J Rosensteele, S Dillon and J Miller were
absent. Having confirmed the presence of a quorum, S Dillon called the meeting to order.
NOTE: Hereinafter these minutes will state the motion, followed parenthetically by the name of the one
who made the motion (listed first) and then the one who seconded it. For example the motion would
read, It was moved to approve the minutes...etc. (Dutcher, Tolson)." When a motion is carried but not
unanimously, the results of the vote will be listed i.e. "(Dutcher, Tolson; 6 to 2, with 1 abstaining). When
the motion was carried unanimously, a "C -Un" will be added i.e. "(Dutcher, Tolson; C -Un)."
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS None
IV. STAFF REPORTS Staff introductions and several reports combined to report the following:
1. Extended School Enrichment "ESE Report: Ben Johnson, the ESE Supervisor, distributed to
the Park Board a report that incorporated parent survey results to which he referred when he
mentioned the following:
i. Numbers of participants are ever increasing;
ii. The program is meeting and, in most areas exceeding, parent expectation;
iii. Staff is constantly seeking parent input and implementing workable suggestions including
the rescheduling of the designated focuses, i.e., allowing those going to a post school
activity from ESE are now allowed to focus on homework prior to anything else;
iv. D Dutcher complimented the program from his personal experience and expressed
appreciation for and encouraged continuing parent feedback opportunities.
2. The Monon Center "TMC Report: Kate Schneider, Recreation Supervisor, introduced IUPUI
Senior Kristin Strychalski who is serving as an intern from January through April. M Klitzing
explained that the intern arrangement with local colleges provides mutual benefits. Michael
distributed to the Park Board a report created from the result of a use survey sent out one time in the
Spring of 2007 with Carmel Utility bills. Colleen Broderick, Facilities Manager of TMC, stated her
view that an annual survey through such method was worth the cost. It was noted that while the
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information was collected prior to the opening and actual use of TMC, it highlighted the importance
of the Park and Recreation Guide despite the trend and interest in paperless communication and
promotion efforts. General questions and answers ensued. Michael next distributed a 2007
Program Report which Colleen and Kate were available address and they made the following
observations:
i. computer classes will be scheduled once a qualified instructor can be engaged.
ii. Inclusion Coordinator Tess Pintor is working on increasing inclusion programs and expects
more participation once folks are aware of them. Toward that end; she is attending
workshops and fairs and is coordinating with the Carmel Clay Schools, Westfield public
schools, the ESE program and plans to work with neighboring groups with the same focus;
iii. Revenue numbers were higher in the summer due to the outdoor aqua park; Michael
projected that aqua and fitness programs will play the greatest role in program revenues.
3. Claims Report: Audrey Kostrzewa (Business Services Manager) reported updates and /or changes
on a revised 2/12/08 claim sheet distributed at the meeting:
i. General Fund 101:
1. Pg. 3, second item on page. IPRA, 1/25/08, $1,410.10. As IPRA could refer to the
Illinois or the Indiana park and recreation association, the name of the Claimant is now
and will in the future be written out in full without abbreviation;
2. Pg. 3, third item on page has been added. IN PARK REC ASSOC, 2/11/08, $55.00:
includes membership for one additional staff member.
3. Pg. 4, first item on page. TRAVELERS, 2/28/07, $5,000.00: Notes changed to clarify
claim type. She explained that this claim is a not to exceed maximum which is the total
deductible amount for which the Park Board would be responsible under the terms of
City of Carmel insurance policy under which the Park Board is covered. Specifically, a
person who fell while roller blading on the Monon Trail alleged damages and filed a tort
claim against the City of Carmel. The City agreed to a settlement greater than $5,000
without first seeking input from park management. She explained that after receipt of
the first invoice from Traveler's for $5,000, a subsequent Traveler's invoice for
$1,242.69 was received. After investigation, D Grisham advised that while the Park
Board was responsible to pay the entire deductible of $5,000, the second claim
indicated that Traveler's had received or applied payment from another source,
suspected to be the City of Carmel. Audrey assured the Park Board that while $5,000
would be the maximum amount approved to pay, she would pay only that which is due
and owning. At this time, a check for $1,242.69 will be sent to Traveler's.
4. Pg. 4, second item on page. TRAVELERS, 12/31/07, $1,368.23: Notes changed to
clarify claim type.
ii. Revenue Facilities1047
1. Pg. 6. Executive Development Program, 1/2/08, two items for $385.00 each: Notes
column changed to include participant's name.
2. Pg. 6. Carmel Chamber, 1/23/08, 150.00 removed and replaced with Michael
Klitzing reimbursement request. To expedite payment due to the Chamber that had
been delayed by missing invoices, Michael paid the dues.
iii. Park Impact Fee Fund106
1. Pg. 7, second to last item on page has been added to support the purchase
approved by the Park Board pursuant to Resolution 01- 08 -08 -01 regarding the early
exercise of the purchase of 35 acres according to the terms of the lease purchase
agreement: PERELEMAN, JILL, 1/17/08, $884,367.54.
iv. Sub Totals and Totals: Also corrected to match the numbers.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS: J Engledow asked that the committee membership lists be forwarded
to the Park Board members for consideration of restructuring.
A. Standing Committees
1. Personnel Committee: Jim Rosensteele. No report.
2. Finance Committee: Jim Engledow. No report.
3. Arts in the Parks Committee: Sue Dillon. No report.
4. Properties Committee: Sue Dillon. No report.
5. Safety Committee: Joan B. Ketterman. No report.
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6. Central Park Process Management Committee: Michael Klitzing for Mark Westermeier. Michael
reported that a committee meeting will be scheduled upon Mark's return to address unresolved
issues.
B. Special Committees
1. Encroachment Committee: Michael Klitzing for Mark Westermeier. No report.
VI. ACTION ITEMS
A. Minutes Pattie Chester
January 22, 2008 Regular Park Board Meeting Minutes were approved as presented. D Grisham
confirmed that the referenced exhibits will be attached to the final executed minutes. (Chester,
Dutcher C -Un.)
B. Financial Reports Judith F. Hagan
Financial Reports were accepted as presented. (Hagan, Tolson C -Un).
C. Claims Jim Engledow
1. Approval of Insurance Premium Allocation. Michael Klitzing distributed a handout attached
as Appendix A and explained how without the benefit of a formula which Hylant was unable to
supply, he understood the City's allocation of the Park Board share of the Property insurance
premium and proposed to assess it among the park fund representing ESE, TMC and the General
park budget. Specifically, Audrey asked and the Park Board agreed, to authorize her to place the
Park Board allocated share of the City of Carmel insurance premium of $97,771.00 on the February
26, 2008 Claim Sheet as a pre- approved claim and to pay the premium. (Hagan, Engledow, C -Un.).
Michael thanked the City of Carmel Clerk Treasurer Diana Cordray and her office for their
assistance.
2. Claim Sheet February 12, 2008 was approved as presented above in IV(C). (Hagan, Ketterman
C -Un).
3. Park Bond Claim Sheet February 12, 2008 was approved as presented (Hagan, Chester C-
Un) after Michael and Colleen explained the following:
i. TMC staff uses table linens for non catered events;
ii. A boom lift is used to access difficult to reach light bulbs; and
iii. The access pool chair is a wheel chair which can be moved into the zero edge pool.
D. Acceptance and or acknowledgment of Monies Received Audrey Kostrzewa
Audrey reported receipt of the following donations /gifts to which the Board consented (Hagan,
Tolson C -Un):
RECEIVED FUND AMOUNT RECEIVED FROM FOR
1 -25 -08 Gift Fund $500.00 Will Wright Building Corporation Arbor Day
853 Sponsorship
E. Impact Fee Review Process— Debra Grisham
Deb distributed a summary sheet showing the impact fees collected by surrounding communities
without the benefit of some road impact fee information. Michael noted that Mark has notified Robert
Stevens of the Builders Association "BAGGI of the staff recommendation to proceed with a review
and potential increase in the fee. After discussion about the necessity to coordinate the review effort
with the final Master Plan recommendations expected to be finished in June of 2008, the Park:
Board directed that the Park Department staff begin the process to follow the legally prescribed
review procedure in a manner that will allow accommodation of the Master Plan recommendations
and report back to the Park Board in the next couple of weeks. (Dutcher, Hagan C -Un.)
F. Central Park Matters Michael Klitzinq
1. Cafe and Concessions operations Michael Klitzing
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Michael explained that Crystal Food Services, LLC "Crystal the Concessions and Cafe operator of
The Monon Center at Central Park, delivered notice of its election to terminate its Agreement with
the Park Board pursuant to Paragraph 2, the Early Termination provision, effective May 25, 2008.
He next refreshed memories with a summary of the legal processes followed to identify a cafe
operator and a concessions operator resulting in an amended Food and Beverage Policy and in an
agreement with Crystal. He noted that the cafe operations had not been successful and that its
hours of operation had been cut as a result. He next referred to a concessions analysis attached
hereto as Appendix B for reference and discussion. Michael next made the following
recommendations:
i. Accept the termination and complete the terms of the Agreement as set forth therein and to
the extent that it makes sense to effect the termination at an agreed upon earlier date,
authorize the Park Department Management, the Park Board President and the Park Board
attorney to take all steps necessary and appropriate to do so.
ii. Authorize the Parks Department Management to take all steps necessary and appropriate to
assume the internal management and operations of the indoor and outdoor concessions.
iii. Allow the Parks Department Management to review viable alternatives for the cafe and
provide recommendations to the Park Board.
As to Recommendation i, a meeting has been scheduled with Crystal representatives to discuss a
mutually beneficial exit strategy. As to recommendation ii, J Engledow asked to see an operations
plan to support his agreement that park staff is capable of managing the concessions. As to
recommendation iii, Michael indicated skepticism about any success from a staff operated cafe but
as mentioned would like to provide a recommendation after completion of further consideration and
market study.
After much discussion, the Park Board acknowledged and accepted from Crystal Food Services,
LLC, its election to terminate effective May 25, 2008, the Agreement for Exclusive Concession
Management Services, dated May 25, 2007 and to the extent it makes sense to effect the
termination at an agreed upon earlier date, authorize the Park Department Staff, the Park Board
President and the Park Board attorney to take all steps necessary and appropriate to finish out the
term of the Agreement on the terms and conditions as set forth therein on or before May 25, 2008.
(Engledow, Hagan C -Un). The Park Board next authorized the Park Department Management to
take all steps necessary and appropriate to assume the internal management and operations of the
indoor and outdoor concessions, starting with a viable business plan. (Engledow, Dutcher C -Un.)
2. Catering Operations Michael Klitzing
Michael explained that Crystal Food Services, LLC "Crystal the exclusive Caterer of The Monon
Center at Central Park, delivered notice of its election to terminate its Agreement with the Park
Board pursuant to Paragraph 2, the Early Termination provision, effective May 25, 2008.
After he summarized the conservative legal process used to initially select a caterer, he explained
that applicable Indiana law and the Park Board's Rules allow the Park Board to purchase "Services"
by any means that the Park Board's Purchasing Agent has deemed appropriate or by any procedure
set forth in the Park Board's Rules Manual. Accordingly, he told the Park Board that it may purchase
services through 1 of the following 4 methods:
Directly negotiate the contract with a provider;
Invite Quotes;
Issue a Request for Proposal; or
Bid the service.
Michael next made the following recommendations:
i. Accept the termination and complete the terms of the Agreement as set forth therein and
to the extent that it makes sense to effect the termination at an agreed upon earlier date,
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authorize the Parks Department Management, the Park Board President and the Park
Board attorney to take all steps necessary and appropriate to do so.
ii. Authorize the Parks Department Management, the Park Board President and the Park
Board attorney to take all steps necessary and appropriate to negotiate an exclusive
catering contract with Ritz Charles Inc. on terms and conditions that meet the Park
Board's financial and customer service objectives of The Monon Center operation,
consistent with applicable Indiana law.
Michael next reported that as to Recommendation ii, several members of the Carmel Common
Council who attended the Council's Parks and Arts Committee Meeting earlier in the day, expressed
interest in a preferred list of caterers rather than 1 exclusive caterer. He explained that he
understood that the basis for it was the concern that smaller groups be able to afford catering at
TMC. While he understood the suggestion and appreciated the underlying concern, Michael
explained that he believed the objective of serving more customers by providing more choices could
be addressed with the complementary use of staff operated concessions, the right cafe operator and
1 exclusive caterer who understood the "customer service" objectives. Coupled with his belief that
there is a benefit to documenting a 2 year history with an exclusive caterer arrangement, Michael
expressed concern about the ability to meet customer demand and expectations with a seamless
transition if a direction change is attempted in the short timeframe available given additional
personnel challenges inherent with a changed course. He noted that there are folks who have
booked the facility at dates beyond the May 25, 2008 termination deadline and explained the terms
of the contract by which they are protected (their choice to cancel Crystal and accept the services of
the successor, cancel with TMC or cancel both TMC and Crystal).
He next reminded the Park Board that the Ritz Charles, Inc. had responded to the initial RFP and
had not been recommended for selection as Crystal had the better financial package,a,,J tiiat-thu P
Ri-tz-Char-Iser. He had confirmed that the Ritz Charles is interested in serving as the successor
exclusive caterer and expressed confidence in the ability to arrange a mutually beneficial agreement.
Board members liked the idea of continuing use of a local service provider.
After more discussion including Michael's belief that vending services could be made available
during the absence of cafe service and confirmation of the understanding that Crystal had fulfilled its
obligations to date, the Park Board acknowledged and accepted from Crystal Food Services, LLC,
its election to terminate effective May 25, 2008, the Agreement for Exclusive Catering Services,
dated May 25, 2007 and authorized the Parks Department Staff, the Park Board President and the
Park Board attorney to take all steps necessary and appropriate to finish out the term of the
Agreement on the terms and conditions as set forth therein on May 25, 2008 or to the extent it
makes sense to effect the termination at an agreed upon earlier date. (Dutcher, Tolson C- Un.)
Next, the Park Board authorized the Parks Department Management, the Park Board President and
the Park Board attorney to take all steps necessary and appropriate to negotiate directly with Ritz
Charles, Inc. an exclusive catering contract on terms and conditions that meet the Park Board's
financial and customer service objectives for The Monon Center operation and which are consistent
with applicable Indiana law. (Ketterman, Tolson C -Un.)
3. Other Michael Klitzing. No items.
VI. Attorney's Report Deb Grisham
1. Tort Claims. No new tort claims were reported.
2. General: No report.
VII. Director's Report Michael Klitzing for Mark Westermeier reported the following:
1. Summary of City of Carmel Common Council Committee meeting:
i. COIT from the Central Park Bond for capital park projects currently totals $1.5 Million with
another $2 Million expected;
ii. There is interest in having the Park Board provide its fund accounting via accrual in addition
to the cash accounting method with an understanding that the State Board of Accounts cash
accounting method by which the Clerk Treasurer keeps the park books is the only official
record;
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iii. There is interest in the pursuit of a computer lab program;
iv. Michael answered questions about park project and master plan status, noting that Frisbee
golf has been requested;
v. Customer service is expected to be a high priority.
2. The Master Plan Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 19 at 6:00 in
Banquet Room A in TMC East with refreshments provided.
3. A list of continuing education programs in which staff is participating was distributed to report the
furtherance of staff development.
4. Vermont has recently acknowledged that several other park systems with their rec trac software has
experienced user challenges and is working on a fix; Lindsay Holajter is working on the balance of
the web site.
IX. Discussion Items
1. Dan suggested that camps that end at 3:00 present a pickup challenge and asked if the programs
could be extended or a bridge with the kid zone for instance, provide more time for pick -up.
2. Joan reported on a concern to add timers to the saunas and until they are installed to schedule
checks to make sure that users do not fall asleep. Colleen mentioned that warning signs are posted.
3. Michael addressed Joan's question about the as yet unresolved turnstile issues which Michael will
relate to Williams Architects.
X. Information Items
1. School Board. No report as Joe Miller was absent. Michael noted that he believed that Joe was
participating in a meeting involving the School Board.
2. Plan Commission. Dan Dutcher reported that the next meeting has a very light agenda and was
unsure as to the cause.
XI. Board Comments.
1. J Hagan asked about the process to obtain LEED Certification which Michael will address with
Mark upon his return.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made to adjourn at approximately 8:52 p.m. (Ketterman, Hagan C -Un).
Signature: Date: a a 6 OKY
Signature: 7. Date: 0
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