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02-04-1998 • .0-` LINCOLN PARK TASK FORCE Organizational Meeting February 4, 1998 Minutes The meeting was called to order and a welcome was extended by Councilman Speedy Wolfe. Each member of the task force was introduced and an election of officers took place. Mr. Willie Montgomery was elected Chairman, Mr. Rodney Jones, Vice Chairman and Mrs. Doreathe M. Cole, Secretary. Councilman Wolfe turned the meeting over to Chairman Montgomery. Chairman Montgomery stated that the purpose of the task force was to provide the community with an avenue to voice their concerns and needs. He thanked Wayne Saunders, City Manager, and Mayor Bob Pool for their assistance in establishing the task force. Councilman Wolfe will be the voice or liaison to the City Council, however, all council members can be contacted Chairman Montgomery read a copy of the Lincoln Park Improvement Committee which outlined recommendations for improving Lincoln Park (copy attached). He also stated that the purpose of this meeting was to establish a list of items the community would like to see in a park that would be built on Bloxam Ave. and E. Desoto St. The size of the area is approximately 3 acres Vice Chairman Rodney Jones stated that he was happy to see such a large turnout and encouraged everyone to continue coming to the meetings. Member Aurelia Cole stated that the task force was a wonderful idea and that we have a multicultural community and all needs need to be addressed. In order for the meeting to move along smoothly, all personal needs should be forwarded to Mr Montgomery. Chairman Montgomery informed the group that all recommendations need to be ready for the Parks and Recreation Committee by February 11, 1998 Park Issues The task force voted to name the park the "William N. McKinney Park". Councilman Wolfe gave an update on the status of the 3 acres of land. According to Councilman Wolfe, the school board will lease the property for the park to the city at a cost of $1 00 per acre for 99 years They are waiting for a plan that will show what will be done with the property. Mr Saunders stated that there is a seven (7) or eight (8) step process which includes funding through grants Several members of the audience voiced concerns about the location of the park which include drug activity, poor lighting, isolated areas, and the lack of security. ..„..' Chairman Montgomery felt that with a park and plenty of activity for law abiding citizens, the drug activity would be reduced greatly. Mayor Pool stated that the lights will be replaced with vandal proof coverings, and hopefully this will be done soon. Chairman Montgomery also stated that no loitering signs would be posted. He encouraged the community to get involved by identifying people who break the law and doing all we can to help the police do their jobs Member Janusiak reaffirmed the problems that exist. Member Alexander Montgomery suggested a curfew for persons age 16 and under and more police visibility. Several members stated that the young people feel lost with nothing to do and no place to go for fun, and that a park with activities planned would provide the young people with an opportunity to change their lives Chairman Montgomery thanked everyone for his or her input, but reminded everyone that the purpose of this meeting was to create a list of things the community would like to see on the playground. The following items were suggested- Covered Pavilion (with bbq pits) *Community Building (with bathrooms) Jungle Gym Swings Basketball Courts Nature Walk (include exercise areas) Softball Field Swimming Pool Volleyball Court Skating Trail * Community Building: meeting room, TV room, game room, exercise room. A fence needs to surround the entire park. A motion was made and seconded to close on the above list It was agreed that the task force would meet the first Wednesday of each month, and that announcements would be circulated with the agenda included. The next meeting will be held on March 4, 1998, beginning at 7.00pm. Task Force Members Present: Willie Montgomery Patricia Hobensack Rodney Jones Aurelia M. Cole Joe Janusiak Doreathe M. Cole Lisa Jensen Rena Clark Wilbert Montgomery Mattie Jones Charles Forth Craig Hill Rev. Anthony Jones Audience Attendance: 41 p-' LINCOLN PARK TASK FORCE February 4, 1998 To: Parks & Recreation Committee The Lincoln Park Task Force met with community members on February 4, 1998. After much discussion of wr at the park should consist of, we established the following list. Covered Pa vilion (with bbq pits) *Community Bt. ilding (with bathrooms) Ji ngle Gym Swings Bask atball Courts Nature Walk (include exercise areas) r` Softball Field Swimming Pool Volleyball Court Skating Trail Community Building: meeting room, TV room, game room, exercise room. A fence needs to surround the entire park. Willie Montgomery Chairman r--