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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1983.11.02 - 38748OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION BUDGET REVIEW November 2, 1983 The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman Lewis Wint in the Parks and Recreation Commission's conference room. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Lewis Wint, Vice Chairman Carol Stanley, Secretary Jean Fox, George Kuhn, Pecky Lewis, Jr., Dr. Joseph Montante, Daniel Murphy, Richard Wilcox. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Hat -old Cousins, John Gnau. ALSO PRESENT: Debbie Sands, Intern, Therapeutics Parks and Recreation R. Eric Reickel, Manager Jon J. Kipke, Assistant Manager Charles Ross, Chief, Administrative Services Joseph Figa, Chief, Design & Development Sheila Cox, Accountant Arnold Johnston, Chief of Parks Michael Thibodeau, Chief of Golf Golfers David Livingstone, Doug Brown, Barney Johnson Chairman Wint welcomed the Messrs. Livingstone, Brown and Johnson to the informal session held for. the Commission to review staff's proposed 1984 budget. Mr. Reickel stated that the proposed 1984 revenues of $6,182,350 were based upon millage revenue and fees and charges, a 1.4% increase over last year's budget. He noted that this was the first year that the assessed valuation had not given more revenue than the previous year. The proposed operating budget of $5,o96,150 is 7.4% higher than the original 1983 budget. It was noted that we will spend $133,000 less than expected in 1983. Salaries for 1984 show a 7% increase based upon the 32% received by employees -Salaries July and the County Executive's recommendation for 1984. A major organizational change was recommended for 1984; a new Recreation Section "that would consolidate all special programs and activities under one administra- tive center". Five new positions were included in the new section, one of which received prior approval from the Commission. An allocation of .$260,000 was proposed for operating equipment; however, any item over $1,000 would still require Commission approval. The remaining balance of the $6,182,350 proposed revenue budget, after the pro- posed operating budget of $5,096,150, the $260,000 for operating equipment, and \ an adjustment of $323,800 for depreciation, is $1,150,000. The-$1,150,000 is the amount available for capital outlay, with the main emphasis going to the south end of the County. (Commission Budget Review, November 2, 1983) An environmental center, enabled through a $200,000 matching Land and Water grant, will be constructed at Independence Oaks. A research project was included in the budget that would provide information for updating the master plan and indicate trends for the future. FEES AND CHARGES: Mr. Reickel explained how we, through a survey of other golf courses in the area, set our golfing fees. Every attempt is made to be self-supporting and keep a middle-of-the-road fee so as not to be in direct competition with private enterprise. Mike Thibodeau, Chief of Golf, explained the following proposed increases for 1984 golf fees.. It applies to 18 holes only: Weekday: Resident $8.00 to $8.25 Non Resident 8.75 to 9.00 Retirees & Juniors, Monday to Friday, prior to 4 p.m.: Resident $4.50 to 5.00 Nor Resident 5.25 to 5.50 Weekend or Holiday: Resident $9.50 to 10.00 Non Resident 10.25 to 10.50 {` Golf Cart Rental for Retirees: $4.50 to $5.00 for 9 holes 8.00 to 9.00 for 18 holes It was also recommended that we not provide storage for personal carts at our courses.due to space and liability. Staff recommended elimination of prepaid annual greens fees at White Lake and Springfield Oaks, the only two courses that offer the annual fee. Mr. Thibodeau said that 157 annual greens fees were sold in 1983, of which 107 were senior citizens and that persons paying those fees monopolized the courses. It was noted that seniors can receive a 50% reduction of regular rates. Doug Brown, David. Livingstone, and Barney Johnson, golfers at White Lake Oaks, voiced their opposition to any fee increases and the elimination of the annual greens fees. Mr. Brown also suggested that we hire P.G.A. pros for our pro shops. Mr. Reickel explained our operational procedures and the factors that govern how our monies are spent; ie, capital equipment, depreciation and administrative overhead. Mr. Johnson thanked the Commission for giving the golfers the opportunity to address the Commission. (Commission Budget Review, November 2, 1983) Mr. Reickel explained that, in the past, we had given discounts to seniors >, for electricity at Groveland Oaks. Staff recommended that practice be dis- continued. An informal vote was taken and the Commission indicated its support of the Fees and Charges as proposed. PERSONNEL: Mr. Reickel outlined the proposed organizational changes for 1984 and explained the need for the proposed five new positions; two assistant naturalists (one already approved); an adaptive programmer for Therapeutics; a clerk typist for the Accounting Department and a volunteer coordinator to consolidate the many active volunteers in the system. He felt the volunteer coordinator position would be self-supporting and one that would be capable of generating revenue. Mr. Ross noted that we presently have 76 full time positions authorized but staff intends to fund only 72 of those positions.. Chairman Wint questioned whether an additional person should be added to the Therapeutic Section and noted that the Therapeutic Supervisor was originally hired to do programs and c:oord i tiate act i v i t i e,s . Mr. Kipke outlined some of the many functions of the Therapeutic Recreation Section and the special programs that the Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor had picked up and the additional responsibilities not related to Therapeutics. He said there had been a definite program expansion and it should be decided whether to continue the expansion or cut back on some of the programs. Discussion followed on what the Commission's role is in providing recreation for local units of government. Informal votes were taken on the positions. The Commission indicated its support only for the additional assistant parks naturalist and a.clerk typist for the Accounting Department. Commissioner Lewis voiced concern about the Red Oaks Driving Range. He felt it should be at least a "break-even" situation. Mr. Reickel said the range would have to break even in 1984 or he would recommend that the driving range be leased. The Commission, in an informal vote, approved the proposed budget, as amended. They directed staff to have it ready for approval at the Commission's December 7, 1983 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 12:22 p.m. Jean M. Fox Betty Gust Secretary Recording Secretary NEXT MEETING: November 16, 1983, 9:30 a.m. (tentative)