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 unless otherwise noted. Please call (504) 482-4888 to verify specific meeting dates.
Board Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
A meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. by the President. The meeting was held in the Pavilion of Two Sisters.
PRESENT: Commissioners Marsiglia, Broussard, Lupo, Fierke, LaFranca, Hoffman, Katz, LeGrand, Schrenk, Pappalardo, Shreves, Giffin, Heintzen, Masinter, Hess, Claverie, Brooks, McCranie, Breaux (represented by Stuart Johnson) Romig and Schoen
ABSENT: Commissioners Hemperley, Hales, Chase, DeBlieux, George, Brennan, Farnet, Laborde, Payton, and Hedge-Morrell
STAFF: Bob Becker, Rob DeViney, Adrienne Moore, Reece Anderson, George Parker, Meg Adams and Denise Joubert
GUESTS: Don Tillar, Jerry Plough, Dr. Dennis Gleiber, Ace Torre, Kathy Price, Will Tregre, Rocky Daigle, Skip Brechtel
President Mike Marsiglia welcomed everyone.
The May minutes were approved.
Dr. Dennis Gleiber of The Olinger Group gave a presentation of the results of the 2009 Needs Assessment survey. The survey reflects that attendance increased by 1/3 to just over 7 million visits per year. In addition satisfaction among our visitors is extremely high with more than 88% of visitors satisfied with their park experience. President Marsiglia commended Becker and staff on the positive results of the Assessment survey.
In his President's report, President Marsiglia reported on the 2010 Legislative session. The Park's general fund operating appropriation has been totally deleted from the budget which is a very discouraging development. He pointed out that the elimination of the appropriation from the general fund puts even greater pressure on the Park to increase our self-generated revenue and makes us heavily reliant on slot machine gaming revenue. In the State Capital Budget funding for our existing projects was continued. In addition the Park secured an additional $300,000 for the tennis project and $1,000,000 toward the construction of the Splash Park project.
Chief Executive Officer Becker reported the Park had a difficult month financially in May. At year end the Park should break even when you include Hurricane Gustav reimbursements.
The sponsorship agreement with Pepsi Beverages Company has been finalized and the Park will receive the first installment of $250,000 upon completion of the tennis center, which should be around the end of the year.
A request has been submitted to the Louisiana Recovery Authority for funding of the Splash Park.
The operators of Equest Farms have requested an extension to their lease. The Park has authority to extend the lease but will advertise and receive public comments on the request before acting on it.
Commissioner Bill Hoffman presented and reviewed management's recommendations for the 2010-2011 operating budget. The budget shows a slight increase over the 2009-2010 operating budget. The recommended budget recognizes a loss in State general operating support and addresses this loss of revenue through increases in self generated revenue and transfers from the 10-11 tax proceeds from the slot tax at the Fair Grounds. Commissioner Larry Katz asked if the Park receives Tax Increment Finance funding. Becker said the TIF funds go into the capital budget. After review of the budget, the Board unanimously adopted the 2010-2011 budget.
A resolution was unanimously approved to ratify the contract between New Orleans City Park and Durr Heavy Construction for Tri-Centennial Place Parking.
Ace Torre of Torre Designs presented the schematic design for Festival Grounds. The Park is hopeful the project will begin by year end.
Chief Development Officer John Hopper introduced Kathy Price who worked with Hopper on a video to update and thank private donors and volunteers of the Park. Dessa Giffin suggested putting the video on the website of the Convention and Tourist Bureau.
Committee Report:
A&E - Commissioner Edmund Schrenk updated the Board on various ongoing projects in the Park. Schrenk reported the committee met with the consultants from the Children's Museum to review the latest design concepts. Tri-Centennial parking project has begun and hopefully will be completed for Celebration in the Oaks.
Athletics - Commissioner Larry Katz reported on various events being held in Tad Gormley and Pan American Stadium. The U-12 baseball field has been completed. Tad Gormley hosted the AAU track meet and in lieu of rent LSU donated a track rail valued at $15,000. He also requested that the Finance committee review how expenses and revenues for special events that impact Athletic Services are apportioned in the budget.
Golf - Will Tregre reported meetings with Bayou District Foundation have been ongoing. Don Tillar reported golf had a great month and continues to receive compliments on the course. Becker reported that Don Tillar is relocating to Michigan with Billy Casper Golf. Becker thanked Tillar for his work and wished him well on his new opportunity.
Development - Commissioner Susan Hess reported the Capital Campaign committee is assembled and pursuing various projects. Commissioner Hess thanked Commissioner Paul Masinter for being a strong co-chair.
Finance - No Report
Special Events/CITO - No Report
Horticulture and Grounds - Commissioner Jane Brooks reported on additional improvements at Big Lake which include landscaping and irrigation being funded by Trust for Public Land. The committee also discussed training for staff and general contractors in regards to the Park's tree protection policy which was adopted by the Board in April.
NOMA - Commissioner Paul Masinter reported John Bullard has retired but will remain on staff as Director Emeritus. The museum is reviewing potentially substantial expenses for improvements. Love in the Garden is scheduled for September 24th.
Nominating - Board Members wishing to nominate potential candidates to serve on the Board should submit names to Becker or Commissioner Larry Katz.
Legal - The committee is reviewing ongoing legal issues.
Public Relations - Commissioner Laura Claverie reported the Park has over 7,000 fans on Facebook.
Tennis - No Report
Botanical Garden- No Report
Friends of City Park - Dessa Giffin reported the Friends currently have 3000 members. The committee is evaluating Summer Rum. Friends' Fest is scheduled for July 28th in Amusements.
Dog Park - Commissioner Jackie Shreves reported more than 2200 permits have been sold. Agility equipment is being donated to the Park. Susyn Stecchi, author of "So You Want to Build a Dog Park" visited the dog park and gave the Park a rating of five paws. Steechi was so impressed with the facility that she nominated the Park in a contest and a chance to win a $500,000 grant.
New Business:
Public comment was then invited; there were no public comments.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled Tuesday, July 27th at 4:00 pm in the Pavilion of Two Sisters.
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Denise Joubert
Recording Secretary
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Mike Marsiglia
President
