On Wednesday, the Board of Park Commissioners met to determine whether to pass a $24 million parks bond. Before voting, he made a strong presentation to his fellow board members. Following is the text of his presentation:
December 31 will be the end of my time on this board for a total 20 years as an appointee to the board of Park Commissioners, by two previous Mayors, Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel for two terms and Republican Mayor Lloyd Winnecke for 3 terms.
There have been many improvements to our Parks system. Outstanding citizens that care about this city such Steve Bohleber Jay Ritter, Gary Shetler as well as myself have serve as Presidents. All served with passion and concern, yet in the spirit of civility.
We now have our first female President, that I know of, Michelle Peterson who I think has been just as passionate as the other past Presidents. I am confident progress will continue to be made with the administration of Mayor Stephanie Terry. I personally wish her the best.
Before I go any further I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to the brethren in Colossians 4 vs. 6 which says; “Let your speech always be with grace seasoned with salt.” Which means in conversation and discourse, be absolutely at all times under all circumstance kind and gracious.
In 2022 the board in place at that time approved 2 bond issues. Here’s what I want to note; Series A bond was for 5.5 million dollars of which $5,050,000 in projected are listed with the amount of each to be funded. Series B bond is for $5,000,000 of which 19 projects were listed to be funded at $4,640,000 dollars.
So in 2022 the board in place at that time approved 2 bonds for a total of $10.5 million dollars. Take note: Bond B has Hartke Diving board $40,000 and Hartke Slide and Improvement $150,000 and Helfrich pool repairs $50,000. Both were closed for the summer.
Moving forward I want to reiterate that I have been on this board with 4 meetings to go for 20 years. At least twice in the last couple of months this board was kindly reminded that we approved the 5 year Master Plan which I will allude to. As to being reminded of approving the 5 year Master Plan I was President at that time. My signature is on the approval document.
Which leads me to the next point I wish to make. Our longtime highly respected councilwoman Missy Mosby has said on more than one occasion the need for the city of Evansville to maintain what we have as related to our Parks.
In 2006 the city talked about replacing seven swimming pools under the administration of Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. I am very thankful we were able to replace at least 2. Mosby Pool which was Howell and Rochelle Landers pool due to the closing of Tepe pool.
I am very thankful for Councilman Connie Robinson’s help ensure we would have new neighborhood pool due to the closure of Tepe pool in an underserved area. Parks director the late Dan Schall said in an article I read quote; “Our pools are 50 to 60 years old. We have exhausted our main power to keeping them up and operational.” End quote.
That was in 2008. Today Hartke pool is closed, Helfrich pool is closed and Lorraine Pool is on its last leg.
Look it up a city the size of Evansville with a population of over One hundred thousand residents should have at least 7 pools. Cleveland has 10.8 per 100,000 residents.
It is a quality of life issue. I am thankful the $10,000,000 initially proposed for a Giraffe Barn was removed.
Now let’s look at the amount of the bond issues approved 2 short years ago and the amount left with the removal of the Giraffe barn. The combined total comes to 24.5 million dollars. That is a 3.5 million increase.
In the document titled General Information Sheet relating to Proposed City of Evansville 2024 Park District Bonds he projects identified amount to less than $9 million dollars with the removal of the Giraffe Barn.
That would come to $15 million dollars of yet to be announced appropriations. That is akin to approving a blank check for $15 million dollars.
I am not only a member of the Parks board, I am a taxpayer.
The bond attorney stated that we can borrow another $30 million dollars next year.
Thank you for allowing me to express my views to the public who have every right to know.
I cannot approve something that I do not know what it being approved for. My vote will be no.
