PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met on June 15, 2004 at 12:10 p.m. with Chairman Pitts presiding. Members present were Councilmen Hogan (departed at 12:49 p.m.) and Ruane, and Mr. Truitt. Mr. Anderson was absent.

Agenda Additions/Deletions

Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

Seskinore Development - Parks and Recreation/Open Space Plan (Fox Hall Plantation Company)

In accordance with Article 5, Section 10, Subsection 10.16 of the Zoning Code, all residential developments shall provide recreational areas in a size equal to 275 square feet per dwelling unit, or one-half acre of land, whichever is greater. However, in no case shall the City require more than 10% of the gross area of the development be so dedicated or reserved when the gross area is greater than five (5) acres.

Seskinore Development consists of 5.0470 acres of land, situated on the west side of McKee Road, north of The Meadows. Mr. Greg Moore, Becker Morgan Group, presented the Active Recreation Plan for Seskinore Development (as on file in the City Clerk’s Office) which requires a minimum of ½ acre of active open space. The plan proposes two (2) separate areas of active open space, which totals over 23,800 square feet (over ½ acre). It was noted that the development is for residents 55 and older and that the improvements for the active open space is geared towards these residents, which includes a gardening area, horseshoe pits, and benches. Members were also provided details regarding the investment for these items, which total $33,478.

Mr. Moore explained that the age limitation for residents to be 55 and older will be a deed covenant. Mr. Burns, realtor representing the property owner, stated that the Federal Government sets the criteria, explaining that there can be no children, a certain percentage of the residents must be over 55, children visiting must limit their stay, etc.

Mr. Moore also advised members that after talking with Mr. Carter earlier, improvements will be made to the storm water area so that it will be more natural, including the shaping of the pond and landscaping of the surrounding area.

Responding to Mr. Carter, Mr. Moore stated that the extension of the sidewalk to the bench near the horseshoe pits was previously included in the DAC comments.

Mr. Hogan moved to recommend approval of the Open Space Plan for Seskinore Development as presented, with the inclusion of the extension of the sidewalk to the bench near the horseshoe pits and improvements to the storm water pond. The motion was seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING - PARKLAND RESERVE FUND

Mr. DePrima, City Manager, advised members that, periodically, Mr. Pitts will question him on the possibilities of acquiring funding for the Parkland Reserve Fund. Although he provided Mr. Pitts with some alternative ideas to achieve this goal, Mr. DePrima indicated that he had no position and that Mr. Pitts would need to acquire the support of Council.

Mr. Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, advised members that the proposed Recreation Center at Schutte Park Project is estimated at $2.7 million “turnkey”. The project is for the construction of a community center with gymnasium space to provide for indoor recreation space. Mr. Pitts stated that it is hoped that the State and County will provide financial assistance; however, the City must be prepared for this cost.

Members discussed many different financial alternatives.

Mr. Truitt moved to recommend that the City Manager and Finance Director be directed to include an annual appropriation for the Parkland Reserve Fund in the Annual Budget beginning Fiscal Year 2006. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried (Mr. Hogan absent).

Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that up to $400,000 of the overage on the carry-forward into next year’s budget be set aside for the Parkland Reserve Fund in order to show that the City has $1M for the gymnasium and are serious about the project. The motion was seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

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

Meeting Adjourned at 1:17 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    John W. Pitts

                                                                                    Chairman

JWP/jg

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