HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983 [05] May 02ST. JOSEPH PARKS COMMISSION
May 2, 1983
A special meeting of the St. Joseph Parks Commission was held in City Hall
at 8:00 p.m. on May 2. Members present were: Blanchette, Gretsch, Hewitt,
Klein, Manderfeld, Pfannenstein and Taufen. Also present were liaison, Reber,
Rod and Gun Club president, Ken Hiemenz and Police Chief, Lorentz.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed-leasing of the rifle
range in Millstream Park to the St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club, and to decide
the best method of infor~ing the public of the proposal in order to get the
best response from the public. Good response is necessary because the Rod
and Gun Club will make a decision to, either proceed with the plan or reject
it depending on public opinion. The Park Board has voted to object to the
leasing proposal based on the fact that it would pollute the park atmosphere
and create a potential danger of being involved in law suits in the event
accidents occur. The Board would consider changing its objection if the public
opinion is greatly in favor of the action.
The original plan was to prepare a notice to be published in the St. Joseph
Courier, which would explain the proposal, and a questionnaire to be enclosed
inthe water/refuse bill being sent to the city residents.
Hewitt proposed appearing at public meetings to present the proposal; then
follow up with questionnaire. Lorentz suggested placing notice in Courier,
and questionnaire in meter bills could possibly get accurate response. Blanchette
motioned to put information in Courier and follow up with survey in water bill;
Taufen seconded.
The question arose--do we want to survey people in the township. Reber said
park belongs to the taxpayers. The rifle range is city property which the
residents of the township would have use of once it is established. The
decision should be left up to the taxpayers.
Whether the police department would use the rifle range would be up to the
range master after it is established. A user fee would be charged them the
same as any other user. Even though other police departments have their own
safety master, the local range master would rule. Chief Lorentz opposes the
protective measures.
Lorentz reported "Keggers" were getting out of hand. He said Centennial and
Millstream Parks were used regularly for these parties. He asked how the
Board fe]t about this. Blanchette reminded him of the ordinance which prohibits
beer and other alcoholic beverages in city parks unless the entire group is
camping. Police to control this.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Nel Pfannenstein
Secretary