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.
In accordance with the American With Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact George Parker at (504) 483-9359 describing the assistance needed.
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, January 24, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. by the President. The meeting was held in the Administration building.
PRESENT: Commissioners Lupo, Brooks, Chase, Clarkson (Baxter) Fernandez, Fierke, Giffin, Guidry, Hoffman, Johnson, Katz, Laborde, LaFranca, LeGrand, McKeithen, Palumbo, Pappalardo, Pettus, Schoen, Schrenk, and Tregre
ABSENT: Commissioners Bingler, Brennan, Brown, DeBlieux, Farnet, Hales, Payton, Powell, Romig, Shreves, Sloss, Slone and Vesich
STAFF: Bob Becker, Rob DeViney, Kevin Cox, George Parker, John Hopper and Denise Joubert
GUESTS: Michael DeShazo, Susan Hess
President Robert Lupo welcomed everyone and introduced Mary Johnson and Jackie Palumbo as Friends appointee to the Board.
On motion of Hoffman, seconded by Marsiglia, the Board voted to go into executive session in accordance with La. R.S. 42:16, et seq. The purpose of the executive session was to discuss strategy related to the claim of Lisa Laraway arising out of her former employment with the NOCPIA. A roll call vote was held and following voted as indicated:
The following Commissioners voted yes: Brooks, Chase, Fernandez, Fierke, Giffin, Guidry, Hoffman, Johnson, Katz, Laborde, LaFranca, LeGrand, Lupo, McKeithen, Palumbo, Pappalardo, Pettus, Schoen, Schrenk, Tregre.
At the conclusion of the executive session, the Board voted to come out of the executive session. Thereafter, a motion to adjourn was made by Hoffman, and seconded by Marsiglia. No action was taken during the executive session.
Becker requested the December board minutes be modified to reflect the following change: Richard presented his financial audit and reported there was one management letter comment regarding cash handling at the Tennis facility. In addition he stated additional policies and procedures have been adopted and controls have been implemented to ensure timely preventative and detective identification of all cash receipts. The December minutes were approved with the correction noted.
In his management report, Chief Executive Officer Becker reported Celebration in the Oaks was very successful, with a record attendance of over 150,000 people. Increases in expenses occurred due to additional event security. A discussion took place in regards to security within the Park and security for Celebration in the Oaks.
Becker prepared a listing of some of the major indicators of activity in 2011 and a comparison of those with 2010. President Lupo commended the staff for their hard work which is reflected by the increase in revenue.
John Hopper reported over 600 volunteers from Bristol Meyers are scheduled to come to the Park. The annual direct mail appeal raised more than last year. The Monteleone family made a donation to install LED lights on the columns at the front entrance of the Park.
Committee Report:
A&E - Commissioner Edmund Schrenk updated the Board on various projects in the Park. The catering complex has been completed, Miniature Golf project anticipates bidding in March and upgrades have begun at the Peristyle. We are waiting for the State to appoint consultants for the splash park.
Athletics - Commissioner Andrea LeGrand updated the board on several upcoming events. She also reported on the request received from Joe Bean of the NAACP in regards to hosting football games in the Park. Work has begun to repair two fields at the Quadraplex and should be available to rent by March 1st. Commissioner McKeithen requested basic rates be posted on the website.
Golf - A design review meeting was held with all consultants on the new championship golf course. Planning is moving into final construction drawings. A revised agreement was submitted to the Bayou District Foundation for their consideration. The committee anticipates the project going to bid by mid-June, with a completion date of late 2013 or early 2014. President Lupo thanked Commissioner Will Tregre for all his work on this project.
Development - Susan Hess reported sponsorship has been secured for thirty holes for miniature golf. The endowment for the Soccer Pavilion has exceeded its goal of $500,000. The Park received a $100,000 donation from the Rosemary Foundation. Commissioner McKeithen reported her firm made a donation of $125,000 to sponsor a golf course at the new championship golf course.
Finance - Commissioner Bill Hoffman reported year to date the Park is ahead of budget. Management is reviewing concession operations. Joey Richard presented recommendations to the Committee in regards to Cash Management.
Special Events/CITO - No Report
Horticulture and Grounds - Commissioner Jane Brooks updated the Board on various projects. A representative from Dana Brown and Associates gave a presentation on the wetlands at Festival Grounds. Two arborists examined the Overcup oak trees on Roosevelt Mall and recommended fourteen trees for removal. The Committee recommended removing and replacing eight trees in 2012 and six trees in 2013. The Board recommended placing an article in the newspaper and signage to make the public aware of the situation.
NOMA - No Report
Nominating - The Board voted unanimously to elect Will Tregre, Dessa Giffin and Andrea LeGrand for three open At-Large positions. Commissioner Katz reported the Nominating Committee currently has one vacancy, if anyone is interested in serving on the committee contact Katz.
Legal - The Committee is reviewing ongoing legal issues.
Public Relations - No Report
Tennis - Commissioner Errol Laborde reported the Park will host USTA Sanctioned Tennis tournament on March 23- 25th.
Botanical Garden- No Report
Friends of City Park - Dessa Giffin reported work continues on Lark in the Park. The theme for this year is "Love Makes a Grand Entrance", with the funds dedicated towards the entrance into the Botanical Garden. Giffin thanked all Board members who attended Toast in the Oaks.
Dog Park - No Report
New Business: Becker reported in 2011 the State Legislature passed a law requiring Ethics training for every state employee and commissioner in 2012.
Public comment was then invited; there were no public comments.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 4:00 pm.
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Denise Joubert
Recording Secretary
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Jackie Shreves
Secretary
