07-12-2007
CITY OF EDGEWATER
RECREATION/CULTURAL SERVICES BOARD
JULY 12, 2007 6:30 PM
EDGEWATER CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman, Tom Tipton called the meetingto order. Members present were: Kat
Bearsley, Mike Visconti, Debra Sopko, Tom Tipton and Joe Fishback. Also present was
Jack Corder, Director of Leisure Services.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mrs. Bearsley moved to approve the Minutes of the January 11, 2007 meeting, seconded
by Mr. Visconti. The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER, DEBRA SOPKO
The Board introduced Debra Sopko as the newest member to the Recreation/Cultural
Services Board.
NEW BUSINESS
Possible Ramifications of State Property Tax Reduction
Mr. Corder stated the State has rolled back rates to 2006, a ten percent hit on the budget
for this year. In January, the constitutional amendment vote comes up to reduce taxes
more, and could add another 30 to 40 percent in cuts. He said the Leisure Services
Department has already made a ten percent cut, but if we have to go to 30 or 40 percent
more, the park areas will definitely suffer. Some park areas may have to be closed, and
some departments may have to be consolidated. We have now taken over the mowing
and maintenance of the medians again and we will get no additional employees. Certain
ballfields also need special attention, due to the type of grass and much of our equipment
is already old. Programs have also been contracted out to save money. Being a bedroom
community with not much industry, our city will take a bigger hit than others. The Board
discussed the need for new industry and the city being more helpful to the businesses we
already have.
Mr. Tipton stated he would like to know why so much of our tax money goes to the
county, and the county gives us nothing in return. Mr. Corder stated we do not have even
one county park in Edgewater. A list of the Department maintenance schedule and type
of work was handed out to Board members and discussed at length.
Recreation/Cultural Services Board Minutes
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July 12, 2007
Status of Projects
Mr. Corder stated the amphitheater roof project is still in litigation and nothing can be
done until this is settled. He said many projects are on hold, due to the state property tax
reform. The shuffleboard project at Rotary is also being held up. However, he noted that
the soccer complex is almost complete, due to his department providing most of the
labor. He said it should be open at the end of August for the fall season.
Review of By-Laws
The Board entered discussion on the present by-laws which require the Board to have 7
members and 4 present for a quorum. Two recent resignations and the lack of any
applications on file for this Board has been a consistent problem the past few years.
Members discussed amending the by-laws to reflect a 5 member Board with a quorum
being 3 members as a solution to this problem.
Mrs. Bearsley made a Motion to send a memo to Council to amend the
Recreation/Cultural Services Board by-laws from a seven (7) member board, to a five
(5)member board, with three (3) members making a quorum. Mr. Fishback seconded the
MOTION and it CARRIED 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
None at this time.
MISCELLANEOUS
None at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Fishback MOVED to adjourn, seconded by Mrs.
Bearsley.
Minutes submitted by
Barb Kowall
Recreation/Cultural Services Board Minutes
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July 12, 2007