Public Parks Hearing

[Joe Ott]

I think I've read here something to the affect of there used to be about 70,000 residents in Lakewood. Now there are ~50,000. I believe I also read here we have more city workers than ever before and the city can't be kept up? The little park at the end of Edanola on Sloane can't be groomed because the Parks Dept. is broke and there's no one to do the work (their words not mine)? We've lost 20,000 people and we need 30 more police? I don't get it. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but sometimes all this doesn't make too much sense.

This tells me there are huge inefficiency in city hall and those inefficiencies are either not seen by out leaders and or just aren't being addressed.

How is it that in this city we are doing less with more?

Suzanne, did Ryan have any of his presentation/information outlined and or documented? Can any of it be posted here or to his website?

[Dee Martinez]

Mr.Ott

Part of this is simple math of course. The city gets most of its money through income taxes. With fewer people here to pay the tax the income is pretty flat. By the same token the city hasnt physically gotten any smaller. It still has the same park acreage to maintain and the same number of streets to patrol (the 20,000 who have left didnt just leave from one area of town).

And as population has gone down in Lakewood the poverty level has gone up. Poverty and crime are undeniably linked.

I think Mr Schwegler has a good point in saying, if not in so many words, that all Lakewood parks are not created equal. Some of them are important parts of our community and recreation life while others (the one you mentioned at Edanola and Sloane) are nice but to me,hardly woth a major civic investment. And yes, there probably are a few "parks" that really could just be as they say "de-comissioned" without a major impact to our quality of life.
Common sense might indicate that there is also a big difference between a community group "adopting" the pocket park on Edanola and a volunteer group assuming responsibility for a large operation like Lakewood or Madison Park.

[Justine Cooper]

Jim,
No offense but my guess would be that a large group of teen boys would not be so quick to leave if my kids and I, or another mother and her kids showed up and sat next to them! A few over 6' men, some in intimidating suits, yes! I am sure!

You said there were a lot of good suggestions being thrown out at the meeting and there are good ones on this thread, which ones are being put into ACTION? I am BURNT out on hearing the city is out of money when the taxes are so high!!!! That is NOT what we need to hear! All these discussions and meetings, please tell me one thing that has changed in the last couple months?

[Bryan Schwegler]

All these discussions and meetings, please tell me one thing that has changed in the last couple months?

Unfortunately, as is the case all to often with government at all levels, I think the answer is nothing.

[Joe Ott]

Part of this is simple math of course. The city gets most of its money through income taxes. With fewer people here to pay the tax the income is pretty flat. By the same token the city hasnt physically gotten any smaller. It still has the same park acreage to maintain and the same number of streets to patrol (the 20,000 who have left didnt just leave from one area of town).

I don't buy it. That's is part of the problem but it still doesn't answer why less is being done with more.

You know, what used to be the Detroit Big 3 lumbered along for years doing the same old thing thinking they didn't need to be competitive. Where are they today? People moved onto better products.

[Justine Cooper]

In all seriousness, how do you attract new home buyers if the bottom line is "the city has no money to fix the broken playgrounds or secure the parks"? At what point can any of see any of the great suggestions being thrown out actually put to use?

[Suzanne Metelko]

2. It would be appropriate to bring up the other members of council in reference to a vote on actions put forward by a member of council. That's not what you're saying. I'm well aware of what it takes to pass something in council. What does that have to do with attendance at Ryan's meeting?

3. Are you saying that all city council members and the mayor are required or compelled to attend all public issue meetings and if so did Ryan attend Ed Fitzgerald's safety meeeting? I only ask because of you including them in your statement. Doesn't make sense to me.

Sharon, my point is that this was a public hearing about an issue that was critical to our quality of life. As a representative, if you want first hand input and hope to develop concensus, all parties need to be there. Yes, Ryan attended the safetly meeting(s). As someone who represents a public asset I believe it is my responsibility to attend any meeting that may impact the entity I represent. Council members, in particular at large council, represent the entire city; when citizens take the time to come out to deliver public comment, that's an opportunity that leaders shouldn't miss.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Justine

The will not run from you like from me. You would need more people, enough of a critical mass to make it uncomfortable.

You and a couple friends with a cell phone and camera would be very powerful.

I would never suggest for anyone to put themselves where I put myself. Walking North and South Lane at night.

But I would suggest groups can do it anytime anywhere.

At some point, we have to jump in the water.

As for the budget, I got my copies this morning and we are digging, if you would like to help, that would be great. Also dissecting some legal stuff and the city too.

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[Jim DeVito]

You and a couple friends with a cell phone and camera would be very powerful.

That is usually when the police are called on me.

[Bill Call]

Police used to work as crossing guards when needed. Eventually it was seen that Park Guards would save the city money working as crossing guards. This took staff from Parks that had to be covered.

I hate to cause trouble but if the if some of the 35 parks employees are acting as crossing guards what are the 31 crossing guards doing?

And how does acting as a crossing guard in September affect the condition of the parks in July?

[Stan Austin]

Bill--- Every single one of those 31 crossing guards is sitting on their duff, drinking coffee, and just thumbing their nose at you!

[Jim O'Bryan]

I think I've read here something to the affect of there used to be about 70,000 residents in Lakewood. Now there are ~50,000. I believe I also read here we have more city workers than ever before and the city can't be kept up?

Joe

There is the same number of park personnel as years ago, but now they are asked to do more things.

No increase, no decrease, just more work, some having nothing to do with parks.

FWIW

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[Joe Ott]

No increase, no decrease, just more work, some having nothing to do with parks.
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A lot of people, to stay competitive and keep their jobs, are asked to do more.

[Jim O'Bryan]

No increase, no decrease, just more work, some having nothing to do with parks.
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A lot of people, to stay competitive and keep their jobs, are asked to do more.

Joe

This goes back to my point with Bill Call. It is so easy to sit in our offices and say we need more from you. We need more because of our taxes. But it is nothing more than grandstanding unless we have the numbers.

The fact remains. Same amount of works, and now they take care of I-90, crossing duty, graffiti removal, moving offices, etc.

At some point, they become overworked and under appreciated. Then everything suffers.

Then summers comes and you are looking forward to a little help, from part timers, and learn, sorry not for you this year, but can you go get that graffiti on Elmwood and Madison.

If you were at the meeting it is easy to understand how this got out of control. It really was. doesn't make it right, just easier to understand.


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[Bill Call]

Bill--- Every single one of those 31 crossing guards is sitting on their duff, drinking coffee, and just thumbing their nose at you!

AHA!!! I knew I was the only one around here who did anything!