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LAN KSTON Jeff <br /> From: RHAY Tim W <br /> Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 10:32 AM <br /> To: ANDERSEN Chris F; LANKSTON Jeff <br /> Cc: SCHERMERHORN Tracy A <br /> Subject: Request for Serial Event @ Scobert Park - Waiving Reservation Fees <br /> I've been contacted by Cheryl Reinhart, representing the Scobert Park Subcommittee of the Whiteaker Community <br /> Council, requesting the establishment of a "Sunday Market" at Scobert Park each Sunday, June - August. The stated <br /> "motivations" given for the request are: <br /> a. To bring Whiteaker neighbors together once per week in Scobert Park <br /> b. To displace and disrupt the drug dealing and drug use that constantly plagues Scobert Park <br /> c. To draw attention and involvement from people who want to keep the park open, safe, and free of hazardous trash <br /> (syringes, needles, and broken glass) <br /> As you might expect, I have no difficulty supporting the stated goals /motivations from a maintenance and operations <br /> perspective. Further, the final recommendations from the Scobert Park DAC, dated March 19, 1997, include items 18 - 21 <br /> (page 3) which call on the City to encourage community events of various types in the park (acoustic music, low- impact <br /> organized events, art shows, educational programs). The proposed event(s) could actually include most or all of these <br /> "categories" of activities. <br /> The subcommittee has no financing. They are requesting the City waive park reservation fees or, if not, keep any fees to <br /> an absolute minimum. <br /> Now, I was contacted by Jim Johnson this AM re: the Nancy Ellen Locke /Friendly Area Neighbors objection to reservation <br /> fees (Chris was "cc'd) and directed not to charge a damage /security deposit, but to charge a $10.00 reservation fee to that <br /> group. In the interests of equity, I would conclude the same would hold true for the Whiteaker request, though the situation <br /> at Scobert Garden is certainly more serious and severe that exists at Washington Park and I'm happy to cooperate in any <br /> effort that could actually improve conditions there. <br /> And, just to add to the mix, I was contacted Monday PM by the Asst. City Manager for the report and supporting materials <br /> relating to the Scobert DAC because he was meeting on Tuesday AM with Bob Emmons and one of his supporters from <br /> the Whiteaker area relating to Scobert Garden. <br /> Given all the above, I didn't want to take any action without making sure we all agree on the correct course. <br /> Should I charge the Scobert Subcommittee $10 /event day ($130 for the summer) with no deposit. (a goodly sum for the <br /> group, I would imagine) or, will the City waive the fees in the interest of cooperating with the WCC to attempt to make the <br /> situation at Scobert Garden better? (It's certainly more than a N.hood Assn. picnic /meeting - and has far different goals.) I <br /> would not be opposed to waiving the fees, except that it might be seen as "inconsistent" and re- energize the Neighborhood <br /> Association /Park rental fees discussion. <br /> Direction, please. <br /> Thanks, -Tim R <br /> 1 <br />