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City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Sports _ The MCAS versus the Parks Department

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 24 2008, 11:15 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=11224&TM=47767.69

QUOTE
Under MCAS, City Loses Again
It appears that the Michigan City Area Schools can't stand success. Look at all the great press recently. Students attacking each other, attempted poisoning of teachers, 50 percent drop-out rate, and now what very little is left of a growing girls basketball program is being squashed.

I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder toward the whole school system employee protection system. I am an entrepreneur, and a business owner and in my world if you don't get things done to go forward you lose your gig. Period.

Our school system seems to embrace laziness, apathy and greed. I am an Elston graduate and have lived here most of my life. I have personally directed hockey camps here with Chicago Blackhawks and NHL All Stars. The Michigan City Park Department, led by Darrell Garbacik, helped put together these great opportunities for our local kids, and he and his staff have a great attitude toward our city and, from what I read, they have helped with Mr. Butler's Girls Basketball Academy.

I would guess that Mr. Butler spends countless hours of volunteer time and effort to do something positive. He has built this program to the regional level and should feel very proud. Guess what MCAS, you are breaking Mr. Butler's heart.

Do we need to do an economic impact study to show the economic benefits this town, its residents and business of this program. It brings young athletes and good people to town and they spend money. I suppose MCAS isn't interested in the girls basketball team selling more tickets, which create revenue and increase the fan base, which is a positive thing.

I hope it isn't too late to fix this. MCAS should roll out a red carpet to Mr. Butler and furnish the best gym and facility we have for this program, and if not, Mr. Butler's phone will ring from a neighboring town and they will roll the red carpet out to him and Michigan City loses again.

We wonder why we can't grow our town and bring good people here to live. Until we fix our school system and its attitude, the downward spiral will continue. Mr. Butler, "Keep Diggin", you have a great program that needs to continue.

Tim Jahnz

Michigan City


http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=11225&TM=47767.69

QUOTE
Schools Wasted Cash Fighting Girls
I have previously shed light on the Michigan City Area Schools' decision to block our Michigan City youth girls basketball program (Michigan City Basketball Academy) from using gyms while never actually telling our program why we were being denied.

Out of courtesy to MCAS I left out a few details hoping that they would come to their senses, but I see that was a pipe dream. I am curious if the taxpayers of Michigan City know just how much of their money was wasted by MCAS and its legal staff fighting to ensure a group of MCAS kids would not be allowed to use facilities that they allow other MC Park and Recreation programs to use freely without question. I ask the school board president to release that information to the public so they can truly get a picture on this waste of money. They had no problems forking over thousands to their attorneys to ensure these kids could not use an empty gym, I guess their attorneys are more important than our kids, as it would have cost them nothing to let them play.

Now I see that School Board President Clyde Zeek has fingered MCHS Athletic Director Robert "Bear" Falls as the person responsible for our program's demise. Given all the conversations I personally had with Mr. Falls related to this issue I find it ironic that he always claimed to support our program, and was working to see we got gym time, as he believed our program was a great feeder system for our MCHS Lady Wolves basketball program.

Something sure smells funny surrounding this issue to say the least. He was in favor of our program, saw its relevance, and yet has sought to deny us access to gyms sitting un-used?

Seems somebody needs to figure out which story they are going to tell. I cannot believe MCAS can do business this way, or does morality have no place in our school administration now?

How can we expect students to respect a school system when this type of action is allowed to take place?

Roger Butler

Lady Wolves Basketball Assistant Coach

Organizer, Coach

Michigan City Basketball Academy

Posted by: Ang Mar 24 2008, 11:20 AM

I am not surprised the School Board blamed Bear for this! They can't take responsibility for their own actions so they blame the little guys!

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 24 2008, 11:26 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=11226&TM=47767.69

QUOTE
Sad To See Girls Program Stymied
After reading Mr. Butler's letter stating that the Michigan City girls Basketball Academy program would not have a season, I immediately contacted Roger Butler and Brian Studtman and offered them the use of the Martin Luther King Center's gym. Mr. Butler informed me, though, that, unfortunately, their program has already missed the registration deadline and so their season must remain a no-go, even though they would now have a gym to use.

It deeply saddens me to hear that yet another program serving Michigan City's youth has come to an end because of political differences. As I have said before, it is high time that we put aside our personal dislikes, political opinions and unfair practices and come together for the youth of our city. There is room for no preferential treatment for some and exclusion of others (which I do know a "representative" of the Park Department has done).

It is when, and only when, we work as one city serving the one future of our youth that we will be successful in providing them a promising future.

And with that, I extend a welcome to any area program serving the city's youth to utilize our gym to do just that - to serve the youth in a positive and promising manner.

Rodney McCormick

Sports Coordinator

Martin Luther King Center

Michigan City


http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=11219&TM=47767.69

QUOTE
Why Did Schools Deny Use Of Gym?
The Michigan City Area Schools board has denied the girls Michigan City AAU basketball program a gym to have games in. Even after we were willing to pay for the gym, the check was sent back.

You ask why - that's the same question as a parent I am asking. I have been with this program for six years with both of my girls participating. They have learned so much through this program and to sit there and have to tell my 13-year-old daughter she can't play this year because there is nowhere to practice broke my heart, along with hers.

Do you realize that three-fourths of the girls who play for the Michigan City High School team came from this feeder program, how it is such a good program that they went to sectional and WON, and how they moved on to regionals this year, plus two Duneland Athletic Conference titles. But now what does the future hold, girls?

My daughter's team at Barker Middle School went undefeated two years in a row because of this program. These girls learned team work, friendship, respect, sportsmanship and integrity and now that's going to be taken away.

WHY? Did you know at least 40 to 50 girls in Michigan City are involved with AAU? These coaches don't get paid for what they do, the time they put in is totally voluntary on their part. Their only reward is to see the faces of these girls when they make their first basket or their first three pointer, or when they win a game. It's the joy they get from sharing their skills with these girls, they let them know it's OK to lose, and tell them we will work a little bit harder the next time.

I'm not the only one who is angry and upset - grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends took the time to see these girls grow and play each year with the skills they have learned.

Michigan City, let's not just sit around, let's find out why this School Board denied this program gym time.

Lynnette Kosakowski

Michigan City

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 24 2008, 11:28 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=11174&TM=47767.69

QUOTE
Academy Loss Threatens Girls Basketball
I echo the sentiments of Mr. Butler and Ms. Smith who wrote about the fate of the Michigan City Basketball Academy ["Lack of cooperation puts end to girls Basketball Academy" and "School vs. park struggle hurts kids," Thursday].

Nine years ago my daughter was fortunate enough to be an initial member of this wonderful academy. When she was a freshman she, along with other girls who had spent many weekends playing basketball all over Indiana and other states for the five years as part of Michigan City Basketball Academy, said she hoped she and her teammates could help make a difference in the Lady Wolves basketball team. Anyone who has attended one of their basketball games would have to admit a difference has been made.

Players who have been involved in this academy such as Missy, Katie, Natalie, Emma, Kenya and Bianca have all made a difference and have grown up together on the basketball court. Brian Studtman's dream of improving girls basketball in Michigan City by starting this academy has come true in the fact that Michigan City High School now has not one, but two Duneland Athletic Conference Championships for girls basketball and also a Sectional Championship for the first time in 10 years.

Why would the administration decide to pull the plug at a time when the girls have winning seasons, conference and sectional championships and are being recognized around the state as a team to watch?

Jeers to the MCAS school board and administration for not allowing Michigan City Basketball Academy to have some gym space to practice in. Cheers to Brian Studtman for having a dream and working hard to make it come true. Cheers to Roger, Paul, Jim, Dave and all the other coaches and parents who volunteered their time to help with fundraising, score keeping, chaperoning and providing moral support to the girls during the initial years of this institution.

A lot of hard work had to be done to get to where the Lady Wolves basketball program is, and I am very proud to say my daughter was a part of this journey. She learned about hard work and to never give up. She has memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Thank you, Brian, for not giving up on your dream, and I hope somehow the academy will be able to be brought back to life so other girls are able to experience the same feeling of pride that Missy and her friends had as they held up that sectional trophy. Hard work does pay off, and the Lady Wolves basketball team is proof of that.

Jill Johnson

Michigan City

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 24 2008, 11:30 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=11162&TM=47767.69

QUOTE
Lack Of Cooperation Puts End To Girls Basketball Academy
I am writing all of you to let you know that the issues surrounding the youth girls basketball program have forced us to bring the program to an end for this year. After nine years of operation representing Michigan City girls basketball on both a regional, state and intra-state level, we have been forced to cancel our program.

This is due to the inability of the Michigan City Area Schools and Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department to put differences aside and consider those they claim to represent - the youth.

It is both saddening and frustrating that we as a community could not come together and show our support for a program that has proven to be effective through the success of our Michigan City Lady Wolves basketball program.

Nearly 100 percent of those student athletes were members of this program, and a direct correlation can be drawn between the efforts of coach Gary Collins and his staff in making this program successful. The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department has been gracious enough to step up for us through the years, and I feel they have gone as far as they can go in support of our program.

Our program was left with no choice but to cancel the program after exhausting all avenues with the MCAS to gain gym time - gym time only - to prepare our youth to take part in this season. We did not seek financial, managerial or organizational support from MCAS, all we desired was the opportunity for our MCAS students to use a gym that was sitting empty. We did not seek to use the Wolves Gym at MCHS, only a gym with a 3-point arc that they would be playing on during our season.

While I am not privy to the actual reason this request, which was submitted in August 2007 and continually requested up to March 2008, was denied, I only know that the losers in this are the youth. It strikes me as odd that several other Michigan City Parks and Recreation programs such as MCUBO, Piranhas, soccer, football, wrestling, softball and others were allowed access, but the youth girls basketball was denied.

Needless to say the parents of all of these kids and parents of past members are very upset and seeking answers that would make sense of this whole situation. They feel, to paraphrase their concerns, as if their children are being singled out or discriminated against, to say the least. At this point I do not know how to answer their concerns.

We have always tried to combine academics, athletics, sportsmanship, respect and integrity as mottos of our program. I think if you were to poll those community programs in our area that we have competed against over these nine years they would confirm our kids employ these values both on and off the athletic fields.

Roger A. Butler

Co-Organizer

Michigan City Basketball Academy

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 24 2008, 01:15 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=11205&TM=38671.14

QUOTE
Park Board Blasts MCAS
End of basketball program for girls blamed on breach of contract by schools.

Jason Miller
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Park Board placed the responsibility for kicking a young women's basketball program out of school-owned gyms directly on the laps of the Michigan City Area Schools.

"The demise of the Michigan City Girls Basketball Academy lies squarely on the Michigan City Area Schools," Park Board President Phil Latchford said Thursday night.

"The park department has exhausted every available option to help the girls get gym space in our schools. We appealed to the administration and we appealed to the school board - to no avail," he added.

Latchford read a statement into the board's record Thursday admonishing the school system for the move, which had been brewing for several weeks. The basketball group, which has served as a feeder system for the Michigan City High School basketball program, currently has nowhere to play.

Park officials say it's because the school demanded the parks pay facilities fees for the group.

They used school gyms during the past nine years under an agreement with the park department, which - until earlier this year - allowed them to use school facilities without charge.

According to park officials, the school recently breached that contract, telling the park department it would have to pay to use school facilities.

At first the department balked, but eventually wrote a check to the schools which Latchford said was returned to the park department within hours of its receipt.

The school system then kicked the girls out of the Wolves Den.

"Our relationship with MCAS has been tremendous for so many years," Park Board member Tom Milcarek said. "I'm very surprised and shocked that this is happening. I can't see why it happened. I'm baffled."

Michigan City School Board President Clyde Zeek said Thursday night the school board hadn't been dealing with the issue, saying MCHS Athletic Director Bob "Bear" Falls was the "only one directly involved."

"I really don't know how to react because it's not something we're privy to," he said.

Former park board president and current city councilman Bob McKee said Thursday the school district breached its 20-year contract with the park department and could be setting a precedent for further breaches.

"For this group to be denied facilities with a contract in place doesn't make a lot of sense," McKee said. "What's next do we lose the Piranhas (swimming club), Pee Wee football, the drum and bugle corps show (which is held at Ames Field)?

"This is just a terrible thing."



Contact reporter Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.

Posted by: JHeath Mar 25 2008, 08:45 AM

Maybe I'm not seeing something here...but what about the gyms at Marquette, the Boys & Girls Club, or the Naval Armory? Why not seek out another venue rather than just let the program die out and go through all of the unnecessary drama? Where there's a will, there's a way, folks.

Posted by: kharris Mar 25 2008, 09:44 AM

QUOTE(JHeath @ Mar 25 2008, 09:45 AM) *

Maybe I'm not seeing something here...but what about the gyms at Marquette, the Boys & Girls Club, or the Naval Armory? Why not seek out another venue rather than just let the program die out and go through all of the unnecessary drama? Where there's a will, there's a way, folks.


What about considering the possibility of using the YMCA building for the park department programs?

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 25 2008, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(kharris @ Mar 25 2008, 10:44 AM) *

What about considering the possibility of using the YMCA building for the park department programs?


No one can use the Y until the electric bill is paid, which is a very sizable hurdle for any non-profit organization.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 25 2008, 11:21 AM

QUOTE(JHeath @ Mar 25 2008, 09:45 AM) *

Maybe I'm not seeing something here...but what about the gyms at Marquette, the Boys & Girls Club, or the Naval Armory? Why not seek out another venue rather than just let the program die out and go through all of the unnecessary drama? Where there's a will, there's a way, folks.


That is a good thought, but keep this one thing in mind. Only ONE of those organziations (including the MCAS) has a written agenda set by the community, which saids, and I quote

"We will make our community an integral part of the Michigan City Area Schools."


Posted by: Ang Mar 25 2008, 11:46 AM

Having worked at Plant Planning, and done the facility scheduling, I can tell you how the process works:

1. April--all the schools submit their usage schedules for the next school year to Plant Planning who then enters them into a scheduling program.
2. Next, Parks & Rec turn their stuff in in May for June through June, these are entered into the program. If there are any conflicts with the MCAS, then P&R is notified of the conflicts, they adjust their schedules and resubmit. On and on until all of their events are scheduled
3. Any other NFP group in MC who wants to use the facilities for young people (groups for MCAS students get priority) are next.
4. All others

The Athletic Director has no say in who uses what after all the Athletic events are scheduled--he can recommend but has no actual decision. So for the board to blame Bear for this mess is totally out of line IMO. Typically, the building principals decide who get to use their buildings, except for P&R. The MCAS has an unwritten agreement with P&R that Zilla Field (Marsh school playground) be used free of charge (Zilla Field is owned by P&R) and in return, P&R get second dibs on school facilities and use them free of charge. If any fees are paid, it is only custodial fees if the group doesn't clean up after themselves.
So, if the board wants to push the blame off themselves, technically Mark Francesconi should be to blame as he is the building principal, not Bear. But personally, I can't see Mark saying no to this group. And besides that, they wanted the middle schools, not the high school, so those principals should be blamed.
This is just more of a pissing contest between MCAS and P&R. Personally, I think that since MCAS breached the agreement, P&R should send the MCAS a bill for the use of Zilla Field back dated to the first day of school at Marsh, I mean the day the doors first opened and the first student walked in. That would really show 'em wouldn't it?

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 25 2008, 12:09 PM

The key figure in all of this is Michael Harding. It is his sockpuppets on the board who hold his agenda over the rest of the board. If you actually got a board who was willing to work WITH the community, instead of for his own interests, this stuff wouldn't keep happening. The YMCA has had problems with the MCAS in the past, and this isn't the first problem that the park board has had with Harding either. It starts at the top of the food chain.

Posted by: JHeath Mar 25 2008, 11:36 AM

It's great to understand those things, but what's really needed here is a solution to this specific problem.

Posted by: Dave Mar 25 2008, 12:02 PM

I suppose this whole thing is now moot, but it seems to me that someone in power (I haven't said the mayor have I? Am I implying it? Damn right I am!) should have called the parties into his office and basically said something to the effect of "You guys have 24 hours to work this out. I am going to call the papers in two minutes and tell them that I've had you here for this meeting, and that you have 24 hours to work this out. If you can't work this out, you gents better dust off your resumes, because I'm either going to fire you, or if I can't fire you, I am going to make your lives so miserable you're going to wish that I could have. You boys may enjoy your little turf battles, but guess what -- this whole city is my turf! Now get the hell out of my office and fix this!"

And for the record, I'm not into sports in the least amount. This may be my first post in the "City Sports" forum. But this whole debacle is just another quality of life issue that makes MC look bad to the rest of the world. The parties involved in this have made MC look stupid -- again -- and need to be taken to task for it.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 25 2008, 12:11 PM

Now THAT is the mayor we have been missing for about a generation now. Its too bad that person isn't in office, because half of these stupid piddly fiefdoms that have popped all over town would be gone.

As to what we need to do to fix it... Unfortunately if the MCAS isn't willing to work with the park board, then I think Jenn hit it on the head. The program needs to move on to negotiate with other entities in town. I wish the YMCA was still around to help this program out, like they did with the parks department last year, but that is too little, too late.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 26 2008, 12:52 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=11397&TM=53748.05

QUOTE
MCAS Board Addresses Use Of School Gyms
Members approve use of Wolves Den for April 19 All-Star basketball game, discuss situation with Girls Basketball Academy.

Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The MCAS board Tuesday voted unanimously to waive the fee for The News-Dispatch 2008 Charity All-Star Basketball Game on April 19.

Proceeds will go to the United Way of La Porte County.

Since 2005, it has been the school board's policy to require anyone who seeks a fee waiver for use of MCAS facilities to appeal to the school board.

Other discussion centered around the Michigan City Girls Basketball Academy, whose season was canceled this year because the girls had nowhere to practice or to play their games.

"The bottom line is, if policy was followed we wouldn't be here tonight," MCHS Athletic Director Bob "Bear" Falls said.

Falls has been assigned to investigate the relationship between the school corporation and the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department. He wouldn't speak directly to the girls basketball situation, but simply said procedure is not being followed.

As athletic director, Falls said, he has an obligation to protect the Wolves Den, "the ninth-largest high school gym in the country, not in the state, but in the country."

He is doing his best to keep the gym empty on Sundays to allow for proper cleaning and maintenance.

Board President Clyde Zeek acknowledged the existence of a contract between the school corporation and the parks and recreation department.

He said, however, the board will not allow the park department to determine how MCAS uses its facilities.

City Councilman Bob McKee spoke strongly to the girls basketball program.

"It builds character. It teaches a young person how to win and how to lose. It teaches them about hard work and dedication," McKee said. "It breaks through the barriers of race and social status that so often plague our society because it teaches teamwork and reliance on others."

He said he wants "an honest answer as to who made this decision (to deny access to the girls program)."

If an administrator made the decision, he suggested disciplinary action against that person. If it turns out to be a board decision, he said he wants to see minutes containing the public vote.

Park Superintendent Darrell Garbacik told the board a check from his department paying the fee for use of the gym was returned.

Zeek said he soon will meet with Phil Latchford, president of the park board, and with Mayor Chuck Oberlie in an attempt to resolve some issues between the school corporation and the park department.

He said he will "try to get resolution, to respond positively to the dilemma we find ourselves in."



Contact reporter Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.

THE CHARITY HOOPS EVENT
The News-Dispatch will host Hoops Away for The United Way: The News-Dispatch 2008 Charity High School All-Star Basketball Game.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19.

Tickets are available at The News-Dispatch office or by calling (800) 489-9292, Ext. 403. The cost is $5 per ticket, and children ages 5 and under will be admitted free. Tickets may also be purchased at the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce or at The United Way in La Porte.


Posted by: JHeath Mar 26 2008, 01:10 PM

That's nice...host the charity event, but forget the program that would benefit the young girls in our community and that helped make our HS Girls' basketball program what it is today.

What's wrong with this picture? Find another venue, park board! Don't let the program just flounder and fail.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 26 2008, 01:17 PM

I am also really disappointed that no one actually had the testicular fortitude to step up and explain themselves for turning down the girls program. Way to teach accountability to the kids.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 26 2008, 01:31 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=11377&TM=56145.27

QUOTE
Negative Attitudes Among Boards Hurts Youth
Sen. Barack Obama says we need change in America, which is very much true. Positive changes in Michigan City are needed and need to happen quickly.

I'm not surprised at all about Michigan City Area Schools and the Parks Department feuding over gym floors and who should or should not use them.

Their uncaring, bull-headed and just plain ridiculous decisions will once again cause a negative effect for the youth of Michigan City. I really can see why the youth are frustrated, bored, uncaring and lost. This has caused me to once again address the negative attitudes of adults in this city. Why stop something that has been successful for a number of years?

The programs help create self esteem, better involvement in sports, success in providing our youth advancement at higher levels and, most important, provide our youth an outlet from crime, drugs, gangs and violence.

One individual I talked to was not impressed with the idea of having a prayer vigil and rally to gather residents to talk about combating the violence in Michigan City. I was told it's not going to work, good luck, I won't be there.

These are people who are not about change. They are still living in the past and quite frankly not in the future either. This individual also stated they are one of the people who is vehemently against other programs using the gyms because it costs money to do the floors, it costs money to have a custodian there. Bad excuse after bad excuse.

We here in Michigan City are out own worst enemy, and the ones who suffer are our children.

Some of these boards need to be cleared out and replaced with some youth and people with positive attitudes. When that happens, then and only then will this city catch up with the rest of Indiana, or should I say all other states.

Stopping these programs will be a big mistake and a real hard slap in the face of our young who watch every move we make and hear every word we say. They imitate what we do and say, and, if it's negative, they will respond negatively.

Let's stop the negative attitudes, the bickering and feuding over nothing. Our youth are supposed to be our future, but if Michigan City keeps a stranglehold on them constantly, we will have no future.

Grow up and stop being immature and ask yourselves (MCAS and Parks Department), are we part of the problem or are we part of the solution?

Chester Hawkins

Michigan City

Posted by: JHeath Mar 26 2008, 02:13 PM

QUOTE
...are we part of the problem or are we part of the solution?


I ask my kids this one all the time when they're uncooperative. Gets the point across quite well.
Mr. Hawkins is right. There are quite a few elected officials who need to ask themselves this question, and then be able to have the courage to answer it with honesty.

Posted by: lovethiscity Mar 27 2008, 05:45 AM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Mar 25 2008, 12:17 PM) *

No one can use the Y until the electric bill is paid, which is a very sizable hurdle for any non-profit organization.

The Park Department master plan calls for almost $6 million just to do a new office building on the lake. Why do we need to be the only city on the great lakes to have the park office on the beach? Chicago with all their festivals can get by without having prime office space on the lake. Why not use the $6 million to purchase and rehab the YMCA building? A permanent home for the Park sponsored Basketball, swimming and maybe get the gymnastics program back. An office that would be more accessible to more people. A Park Dept. that would offer more year round activities.


Why this will never happen: the park board and admin. will never allow their arrogant ego's to get out of the way of what is actualy the best thing for Michigan City.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 27 2008, 08:01 AM

When we were looking at what it would take to save the Y, most of the general estimates for saving the building were a fraction of the $6 million you are looking at in their budget.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 27 2008, 11:35 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=11455&TM=49128.95

QUOTE
Trying To Serve The Youth While Dealing With Adult Controversies
MCAS, Parks Dept. look to fix issues of gym use, cancellation of girls AAU program.

Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Not surprisingly, Michigan City Area Schools and Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department have different versions of the apparently winding road leading to the girls AAU basketball season cancellation.

Brian Studtman, the founder of the Michigan City Girls Basketball Academy, said his goal is to provide girls with an opportunity to acquire basketball skills.

More importantly, he hopes the program teaches the girls about social skills, responsibility, teamwork and the value of academic achievement.

Despite the recent controversy over who is responsible for cancellation of the last season, Studtman said he is grateful to both the school corporation and the park department for support.

"I'm grateful to the park department and the school administration," he said. "Mr. (Michael) Harding has been supportive. I see him at many athletic events. He used to coach an AAU-sanctioned team."

Studtman is also an assistant coach for the Michigan City High School girls basketball team.

The Michigan City Basketball Academy and the girls AAU team

are one and the same at the moment, he said.

In the 2007 season, some 44 girls from fourth through eighth grade participated.

Park Superintendent Darrell Garbacik said he has a letter from MCHS girls coach Gary Collins in which Collins refers to the AAU team as a "feeder" organization for the high school team.

Betsy Kohn, director of communications for MCAS, says the middle school basketball programs are the school corporation's feeder programs.

Studtman says both programs contribute to the success of the high school program.

Kohn said this year's saga of the canceled season began Sept. 7. Jeremy Kienitz, the park department's recreation director, applied to use the Elston gym from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays for the Men's Basketball League. It is sponsored by the park department.

The school corporation agreed and on Dec. 7, he requested an additional two hours. The request was granted.

On Jan. 3, The News-Dispatch published an open call for girls to audition for an AAU team between 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Elston gym.

Because that time was reserved for the men's league, administrators got curious and found the AAU team was using time reserved for the men's league.

"That's a violation of policy," Kohn said.

One group is not to give their gym time to another group.

Back in 1988, when the school corporation needed land from Zilla Park to expand Marsh School, the park department donated the land.

Since that time, the park department is right under MCAS on the priority list for use of school facilities. MCAS does not charge the park department.

MCAS officials question whether the AAU team is a park department program.

AAU officials were told they would have to pay for gym time which came to just over $300 for four hours, according to Studtman.

The park department cut a check for the $300 for AAU, but the check was returned. It was hand-delivered to MCHS and it was hand-carried back to the park department on March 10.

"We couldn't accept a check from the park department because we don't charge the park department for use of the facilities," Kohn said.

On Jan. 25, Dave Williamson, director of plant planning for MCAS, informed the park department the AAU girls cannot play when the gym is reserved for the men's league.

On Feb. 29, Garbacik said, he received a letter from MCAS saying the park department cannot sponsor the girls AAU team. MCAS considers the team to be a community group, a designation that drops them to the third tier on the priority list. It also puts the team in a position of being required to ask the board for a fee waiver.

MCHS Athletic Director Bob "Bear" Falls said Tuesday some organizations are not following the rules. Rather than appearing before the school board to ask for a fee waiver, they go to the park department.

Back in 2001, Studtman said, he was told by MCAS officials his best hope of getting the fee waived was to secure sponsorship from the park department.

Garbacik noted the park department has sponsored and supported the girls since 2002.

In 2005, when the state cut its contribution to MCAS by $1.5 million, the school board began to charge everyone - except the park board - to use its facilities.

Since that time, those who request a fee waiver are required to make that request to the board. Although school administrators can approve use of the facilities, only the board can approve a fee waiver.

Today, MCAS School Board President Clyde Zeek will meet with Phil Latchford, president of the park board, and Mayor Chuck Oberlie. They will attempt to reach a solution on this matter and on others involving the park department.

"I just hope what happened this year doesn't affect the program for next year," Studtman said.

"I hope in Michigan City, we all can be a team for the benefit of our youth."



Contact reporter Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.


Posted by: Dave Mar 27 2008, 02:31 PM

QUOTE
As athletic director, Falls said, he has an obligation to protect the Wolves Den, "the ninth-largest high school gym in the country, not in the state, but in the country."

He is doing his best to keep the gym empty on Sundays to allow for proper cleaning and maintenance.


Oh, for crying out loud. Let the kids use the gym until 10 p.m. or whatever, and get some cleaning crew in there to do the work overnight before 7 a.m. Monday morning. This is hard to figure out?

Posted by: Ang Mar 27 2008, 03:00 PM

In Bear's defense, it is not that easy to just "get a cleaning crew in there." That gym seats over 7000 people, it IS the 9th largest high school gym in the Nation (and in a couple record books). To properly clean it, it takes a minimum of 5 custodians working 5-8 hours. Cleaning the Wolves Den is not a matter of just pushing a dust mop across the floor. There are two levels of fold up bleachers with a smaller gym behind each of the balcony bleachers. There are two sets of restrooms, plus entry ways, corridors, and stairwells.
The kids mess it up pretty bad during the week and Sunday's are usually spent in there doing a thorough cleaning, typically over two shifts. The reason Sunday was picked is because it is against IHSAA regulations to practice or hold sporting events on Sunday. Theoretically, no students are supposed to be using the gym on Sunday therefore that is the best day to clean it. This was actually determined by Plant Planning, who supervises the custodians, not the Athletic Dept.

However, having cleared that up, I think that Bear could've come up with something better, or fully explained the reasoning behind that remark, as I did above.

Posted by: Dave Mar 27 2008, 03:19 PM

I stand corrected. Thanks, Ang, I've never been in the gym.

Couldn't they do something like limit the kids' access during the practices so the cleaning crew could clean the bulk of the place and clean the area used by the kids after they leave? Or change the time of the MCGBA events so there would be enough time to do the cleanup after it was done?

Is this another problem with a relatively simple solution that has evaded the "Powers That Be"?

Posted by: lovethiscity Mar 27 2008, 08:57 PM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Mar 27 2008, 09:01 AM) *

When we were looking at what it would take to save the Y, most of the general estimates for saving the building were a fraction of the $6 million you are looking at in their budget.

That would still leave plenty for the "JOE DOYLE< BOB MCKEE<DARRELL GARBACIK" Bath-House down at the beach.

Posted by: Ang Mar 28 2008, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(Dave @ Mar 27 2008, 03:19 PM) *

I stand corrected. Thanks, Ang, I've never been in the gym.

Couldn't they do something like limit the kids' access during the practices so the cleaning crew could clean the bulk of the place and clean the area used by the kids after they leave? Or change the time of the MCGBA events so there would be enough time to do the cleanup after it was done?

Is this another problem with a relatively simple solution that has evaded the "Powers That Be"?



No, it's not really that simple. There are PE classes in there all day Mon-Fri, then after school there is practice. Not just basketball, either. The whole gym building is full until about 9-ish. This is why there is such a need for a field house. Here is a typical after-school day in the Wolves Den: You will find track or X-country runners in the hallways (until is gets warm enough to be out doors), the cheerleaders are in one of the balcony's or upper gym, the Wolvettes (dance team) are in the lobby between the gym and pool, baseball is usually on the main floor and softball has one of the upper gyms. Fall and winter sports are worse because there are more of them (sports). After the MCHS students finish with the gym, Parks & Rec comes in for their basketball games, etc.

On the flip side, the high school is assigned a certain number of custodians per shift. The grave yard shift has the fewest custodians. These guys typically clean the hallways, restrooms, and common areas. Mid-shift works on classrooms, etc and days mostly follows kids around cleaning up after them. The school is HUGE and if IRC, there are only 12 total custodians plus one Foreman assigned to MCHS. Each custodian is assigned an area with a list of specific things that need to be done each day. Some days have different tasks. (This I know because I am the one who typed up all the work schedules way back when I worked at PP). It is really a HUGE undertaking to rearrange the cleaning schedule--trust me.

Plant Planning has tried to get more custodians at MCHS, but Admin "can't afford" the extra payroll. Right now there is one day shift and one 2nd shift custodian assigned to the whole gym building. This includes the main gym, two upper level gyms, four stairwells, four restrooms, the pool and locker rooms, two PE locker rooms, the teams' locker rooms, the weight room, the athletic trainer's offices, Heritage Hall, two concession stands, a basement (under the pool) and the Athletic Dept. offices. Crazy, huh?

Posted by: JHeath Mar 28 2008, 10:53 AM

QUOTE(Ang @ Mar 28 2008, 10:25 AM) *

...Plant Planning has tried to get more custodians at MCHS, but Admin "can't afford" the extra payroll. ...

I wonder how many custodians would be afforded in the place of one Admin person. Maybe we could do with one or two less over there.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 28 2008, 10:53 AM

QUOTE(JHeath @ Mar 28 2008, 11:53 AM) *

I wonder how many custodians would be afforded in the place of one Admin person. Maybe we could do with one or two less over there.


Or more...

Posted by: southsider2k7 Mar 28 2008, 02:27 PM

Good for Chuck stepping in and trying to fix this. Hopefully we see more of this leadership.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=11492

QUOTE
Oberlie Talks To MCAS, Parks
Agreement reached, and girls basketball program may be back on the courts soon.

Jason Miller
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The recent dust-up between the Michigan City Parks Department and the Michigan City Area Schools looks like it will come to an end soon.

Mayor Chuck Oberlie mediated a sit-down between representatives from both institutions Thursday.

"I feel very good about the meeting," MCAS School Board President Clyde Zeek said Thursday as he walked out of an hour-and-a-half meeting in Oberlie's office. "Given the circumstances, I'd say this is the best resolution for the situation."

Oberlie, Zeek and Park Board President Phil Latchford met in the closed-door meeting Thursday to hash out a disagreement between the school and parks department. That rift caused the stoppage of a local girl's basketball program.

The school district recently stopped allowing the Michigan City Girl's Basketball Association to use school gymnasiums in what park officials called a breach of a long-standing contract.

The contract allowed organizations under the park department umbrella to use school facilities for free.

School officials have yet to explain the move, but Oberlie said the trio came up with an agreement that will "straighten everything out," and allow the girls to get back on the court.

"I'll have a draft of a conclusion this week that the three of us will sign, then it will have to go before their respective boards," Oberlie said. "I believe we've found a proposal that is good and in the best interest of everyone involved."

Last week Zeek told The News-Dispatch MCAS Athletic Director Bob "Bear" Falls was handling the issue, saying he'd had nothing to do with it. Latchford had said Zeek and school board member John Kintzele had been involved in negotiations aimed at resolving the issue.

Both men said Thursday, however, the other had been helpful in dealing with the issue that, until handled by Oberlie, couldn't be settled.

"Mr. Zeek has always returned our calls and has been willing to meet," Latchford said. "He's been a gentleman."



Contact reporter Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.

Posted by: Dave Mar 28 2008, 06:56 PM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Mar 28 2008, 03:27 PM) *

Good for Chuck stepping in and trying to fix this. Hopefully we see more of this leadership.




Gee, two days after my "take them to the woodshed" post. I'm really beginning to really think city hall reads this board.

Posted by: lovethiscity Mar 28 2008, 09:25 PM

QUOTE(Dave @ Mar 28 2008, 07:56 PM) *

Gee, two days after my "take them to the woodshed" post. I'm really beginning to really think city hall reads this board.

Well Oberlie sure must not pay attention to his monthly meetings with his dept. heads. They surely brought this to his attention months ago. If not, why are they still his dept. heads? That would be like sending Al Walus to Arizona during Super Bowl week on an education junket after the hiring debacle in the Sanitary dist. oh wait he did send him....... never mind.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Apr 2 2008, 07:09 AM

QUOTE(Dave @ Mar 28 2008, 07:56 PM) *

Gee, two days after my "take them to the woodshed" post. I'm really beginning to really think city hall reads this board.


I don't care what it takes... If that was it, great! If not, that's cool too. Strong central leadership would solve a lot of the problems where it seems we have so many groups competing against each other for limited resources. Its almost as the pie gets smaller, the dividing lines get deeper. Instead of working together to make less go further, we work together less, and get way less accomplished. If you look at someone like Rich Daley, he doesn't allow the infighting to occur. Even if you don't like him, the City of Chicago has a very definite direction.

Posted by: Dave Apr 2 2008, 10:46 AM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Apr 2 2008, 08:09 AM) *

I don't care what it takes... If that was it, great! If not, that's cool too. Strong central leadership would solve a lot of the problems where it seems we have so many groups competing against each other for limited resources. Its almost as the pie gets smaller, the dividing lines get deeper. Instead of working together to make less go further, we work together less, and get way less accomplished. If you look at someone like Rich Daley, he doesn't allow the infighting to occur. Even if you don't like him, the City of Chicago has a very definite direction.


I was being somewhat facetious about that "woodshed" thing.

I do agree that we need some leadership. On the other hand, I don't like the Chicago model, which has always impressed me as being a "who you know" and a "who you buy off" situation. Leadership with what's best for MC in mind is what we need, not a bunch of petty dictators trying to run a bunch of little fiefdoms. If the people we have would actually start working together, use a little common sense, learn to admit it when they commit errors, and then correct those errors and move on -- then we'll be on track towards something better.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Apr 3 2008, 07:08 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=11682&TM=33155.07

QUOTE
Council Hoping MCAS, Parks Resolution Found
Members table idea to force the two organizations to settle contract dispute.

Jason Miller
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The Common Council came up with a resolution for the contract impasse between the city's park department and school district, but members Tuesday held out hope it won't be needed.

"Let's hope it doesn't become necessary to take it off the table," Michigan City Council President Ron Meer said Tuesday.

The council unanimously voted Tuesday to table a resolution to force the two organizations to settle a contract dispute that forced park department athletic events out of school district facilities.

Park Board President Phil Latchford and MCAS School Board President Clyde Zeek met with Mayor Chuck Oberlie in Oberlie's City Hall office last week seeking a resolution to the issue. It arose in the fall when the school district began to ask park groups to pay to use school facilities.

Latchford and Zeek signed an agreement drawn up as a result of that meeting, and in response Oberlie asked the council to table its resolution as both the park and school boards look to sign off on it.

Oberlie said the agreement won't be released until it is approved and signed by both boards.

For some 20 years, the two entities worked off a contract that exempted park groups from paying rental and usage fees to use school facilities.

"I am hopeful that next time we meet there will be a solution," at-large councilman and former park board president Bob McKee said.

The school and park department have been haggling over the contract dispute for months, but the issue came to a head last month when the Michigan City Girls Basketball Academy was essentially kicked out of a school gymnasium.

Park officials said in order to get the girls back on the court, the department sent payment to the school district. The check was returned and the park's request to use school facilities was denied because the contract wouldn't allow the park department to pay.

"In view of the agreement between the park board and the school, they're hoping an agreement will settle the issue," park board attorney Pat Donoghue said Tuesday. "(The council's resolution) would be superfluous if the two sides agree. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Let the kids play."



Contact reporter Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Apr 3 2008, 07:18 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=72&ArticleID=11512&TM=33726.9

QUOTE
Ridiculous Snit
Schools, Parks Behave Like Children

Editorial

While it appears that ruffled feathers have been smoothed and egos massaged in the ridiculous snit between the Michigan City Parks Department and Michigan City Area Schools, no one should get their hopes up until both the School Board and Park Board sign off on the deal brokered by Mayor Chuck Oberlie.

"I'll have a draft of a conclusion this week that the three of us will sign, then it will have to go before their respective boards. I believe we've found a proposal that is good and in the best interest of everyone involved," said Oberlie.

Let's hope he's right and this awful incident can be put in the city's rearview mirror.

The only thing the community learned from this whole mess is that when it comes to the city's children, the egos of adults are more important.

What was discussed in a 90-minute closed-door meeting in Oberlie's office Thursday afternoon hasn't been revealed, but the fact that the mayor had to get involved in the first place speaks volumes about the pettiness and childish behavior from both sides.

The root of the dispute goes back to a 1988 agreement between the two when the city deeded park land to MCAS for the expansion of Marsh School. In exchange, the Parks Department was allowed to use school gymnasiums for park programs. That agreement chugged along without much concern until the School Board this year refused to allow the Parks Department to operate the Michigan City Basketball Academy, an AAU program that is the feeder system for the successful Lady Wolves basketball team.

As a result, the season was canceled. That left the girls out in the cold while the adults on both sides were more interested in marking their territory than in solving their differences.

Both sides claim to have the interest of children at heart in their programs. It's too bad it took a closed-door meeting with the mayor to remind them of that.

Our Opinion
The Issue: School Board and Park Board presidents finally meet to solve basketball dispute, but it's too late for girls AAU season.

Our Opinion: It took far too long for the so-called adults in charge to sit down and work out an agreement. The whole episode is embarrassing to the city.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Apr 10 2008, 10:13 AM

Now that I have thought about it for a few days, I have a couple questions... Why did Oberlie step in here? When the Y was in trouble, his exact words were... "If I help you, I have to help everyone." My next question would be why for YEARS has he not stepped into the quagmire that is the MCEA versus the MCAS? I would think the school system as a whole would be more important than a single park program.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=12024

QUOTE
Mayor Hopeful For Settlement
The Zilla Square Agreement of 1988 is the source of much of the ongoing controversy between MCAS, Michigan City parks.

Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Despite the school board's rejection of a memorandum of understanding with the city's park department, Mayor Chuck Oberlie remains hopeful an agreement can be reached.

On Tuesday, the Michigan City Area Schools Board passed a motion, presented by board member Jim Kintzele, which told the park board the memorandum of understanding needs more work.

At Kintzele's suggestion, the school board agreed to form a negotiating team consisting of himself and board President Clyde Zeek and Kintzele plus Superintendent Michael Harding. The board asked it also include two park board members along with Park Superintendent Darrell Garbacik.

A mediation session took place March 27 involving the mayor, Park Board President Phil Latchford and School Board President Clyde Zeek. The park department "sponsors many recreation programs," the memorandum says. It includes baseball, soccer, swimming, track and field, basketball, football, golf, volleyball, Summer Festival activities, karate, skateboarding and others.

Harding told the board the memorandum of understanding contains contradictions of the Zilla Square Agreement of 1988.

That agreement was signed when the park department agreed to give a portion of Zilla Square Park to MCAS so it could expand Marsh School.

In return, the park department was granted no-charge access to school facilities.

A disagreement about the accord reached the point of raised voices when the Michigan City Girls Basketball Academy canceled its 2008 AAU season lacking an agreement on the use of gym space.

The school corporation's position was the team could not be considered a park department program and was not entitled to use the facilities as the park department might, for no fee.

AAU program representatives could have requested a fee waiver from the school board, but never did, according to Michigan City High School Athletic Director Bob "Bear" Falls.

At one point, the park department slated the academy to play in a school gym right after the men's league, Falls said.

The corporation said that move violates policy. Only the specific organization to which gym use is granted can use it during its specified time. One organization is not permitted "piggy back" onto another group's gym time, according to MCAS.

Park Superintendent Darrell Garbacik argued the park department has sponsored the AAU team since 2002.

In a memo to school board members, Harding wrote, "MCAS must maintain the right to manage the facilities which include maintenance, activities and procedures."

Falls says the Wolves Den is one of the system's busiest gymnasiums.

"We have to have time to clean it properly," said Dave Williamson, director of plant planning.

"A facility not being used by MCAS is considered to be available for park use," according to the memorandum of understanding.

Harding said he wants to know who authored the memorandum.

"It would appear to be heavily slanted toward the positions taken past, present and future of the M.C. Parks and Recreation Depart-ment," he said.

Oberlie said he is hopeful.

"The school board recognizes the (1988) agreement, and they agreed to more talking," he said.



Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@thenewsdispatch.com.



Posted by: JHeath Apr 10 2008, 11:37 AM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Apr 10 2008, 11:13 AM) *

Now that I have thought about it for a few days, I have a couple questions... Why did Oberlie step in here? When the Y was in trouble, his exact words were... "If I help you, I have to help everyone." My next question would be why for YEARS has he not stepped into the quagmire that is the MCEA versus the MCAS? I would think the school system as a whole would be more important than a single park program.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=12024

The Park Dept is part of the City, and Chuck is ultimately responsible there. This is most likely why he has stepped in on this issue. Not so much because of the one specific issue, but because it's a City department.

As far as the MCEA v MCAS issue, it's quite a mess. Yes, the school system as a whole is very important. However, he's not really in a position of any power to do much about it. He's not a part of the bargaining team. It would seem inappropriate for him to step in to this one.

Posted by: Dave Apr 10 2008, 11:39 AM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Apr 10 2008, 11:13 AM) *

Now that I have thought about it for a few days, I have a couple questions... Why did Oberlie step in here? When the Y was in trouble, his exact words were... "If I help you, I have to help everyone." My next question would be why for YEARS has he not stepped into the quagmire that is the MCEA versus the MCAS? I would think the school system as a whole would be more important than a single park program.



Well, to be fair to Oberlie (something I really hate to do, southsider), this dispute is between two city departments, whereas the the issue with the Y was the ongoing viablity of a non-city government not-for-profit corporation. There is a substantial difference there. Granted, the "If I help you, I have to help everyone," statement does show him to be something of a jerk, seeing as I would expect the major to be helping everybody. Not just his buddies, like getting his secretary a paying position at the Main Street Association without having to interveiw for the job, or letting one of his buddies hire his brother-in-law with multiple DUI convictions to a job requiring driving a city vehicle.

Posted by: Ang Apr 10 2008, 12:12 PM

QUOTE
"A facility not being used by MCAS is considered to be available for park use," according to the memorandum of understanding.

Harding said he wants to know who authored the memorandum.


I believe the memorandum was issued by Linda Anast in 2002. I remember we had this same issue come up when I was at PP then. Only the "bad guy" was the then Director of Plant Planning, Cary Laramore. Parks won the dispute and that's why the memorandum was drafted and approved by Dr. Anast. IIRC

Posted by: lovethiscity Apr 11 2008, 05:27 AM

This makes the idea of the Park Dept taking over the YMCA for an office/rec center sound even better. We have organized a movment on doing just that. If you would like to help contact RedDevil or myself for details.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Apr 11 2008, 07:03 AM

Big picture, that is a really good idea in concept. Part of the problem that the NFPs in MC are having is that there are just too many of them. Like any business sector, sometimes there is a need for consolidation to service the customers better. Uniting NFPs in MC would be a good move, and eliminate duplicity in some areas.

Posted by: lovethiscity Apr 11 2008, 09:55 PM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Apr 11 2008, 08:03 AM) *

Big picture, that is a really good idea in concept. Part of the problem that the NFPs in MC are having is that there are just too many of them. Like any business sector, sometimes there is a need for consolidation to service the customers better. Uniting NFPs in MC would be a good move, and eliminate duplicity in some areas.

We do not expect them to resurect the YMCA. We want them to abandon the plan to build a new office on the beach. The price tag they have for this new office $5.6 million. We want them to buy, rehab and move their office to the empty YMCA building. This way the community ends up with a recreation center and save the city about $3 million!

Posted by: Dave Apr 11 2008, 10:07 PM

QUOTE(lovethiscity @ Apr 11 2008, 10:55 PM) *

We do not expect them to resurect the YMCA. We want them to abandon the plan to build a new office on the beach. The price tag they have for this new office $5.6 million. We want them to buy, rehab and move their office to the empty YMCA building. This way the community ends up with a recreation center and save the city about $3 million!


Of course, if one takes into consideration political considerations -- all those yummy construction contracts for the cronies, the chance (which would have to approach 1) of cost overruns for said cronies, and the opportunity for the Charles Oberlie (or would it be the Al Walus?) Building, the likelyhood of recycling the YMCA is probably pretty low.

But maybe I'm too cynical. I suppose there is a chance this could happen. I certainly wouldn't bet against RedDevil getting it done!

Posted by: JHeath Apr 15 2008, 12:09 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=12211&TM=51400.8

QUOTE
4/15/2008 10:25:00 AM
Gym Use Resolution Up For Debate

Jason Miller
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The City Council will introduce a resolution tonight that one member calls a "kick in the pants" to both the city school system and parks department.

The resolution will ask the Michigan City Area Schools to comply with a decades-old contract that allows park groups to use school gymnasiums. The two agencies have been haggling over gym use for more than a month since the MCAS refused to allow an AAU basketball group to use school facilities.

"I think it's just a statement by the council saying quit acting like school kids and do what's best for the community," at-large Councilman Joe Doyle said. "They have to understand, if they want community support, they've got to give the community support."

The School Board last week shot down an agreement between the two agencies drawn up by Mayor Chuck Oberlie after a closed-door meeting with School Board President Clyde Zeek and Park Board President Phil Latchford.

School Board members said they wanted to do more research on the agreement and tweak it a bit.

Doyle said Monday the contract, which has been in effect for some 20 years, stands on its own and should be adhered to.

The council also plans to vote on a resolution supporting an effort by city officials to look into possible sites for a new police station.



Contact Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Apr 16 2008, 01:23 PM

Interesting to see the park board, err, City Council chosing to get involved in this matter...

Posted by: Ang Apr 16 2008, 04:41 PM

At least the City Council understands that they speak for the people, not themselves. I think they are speaking for the people on this issue and if they can get it resolved, then they are doing exactly what their constituents voted for them for. (??)

Posted by: JHeath May 7 2008, 08:31 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13156&TM=38203.29

QUOTE
5/7/2008 10:16:00 AM
Parks, MCAS Stalled, But Still Talking

Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Nothing was settled at a Tuesday meeting between representatives of the Michigan City Park Department and Michi-gan City Area Schools, but at least they are still talking.

At stake is the use of MCAS facilities by park department programs as well as community programs which may or may not be park department programs. That definition depends on who's making that judgment.

Representing the Mich-igan City Area Schools were board president Clyde Zeek, board member Jim Kintzele and Superintendent Michael Harding.

For the park department, board president Phil Latchford, board member Bryant Dabney and Superintendent Dar-rell Garbacik were present.

On March 27, Mayor Chuck Oberlie held a mediation session be-tween the two sides and each took a memorandum of understanding to its respective board.

At its April 8 meeting, the school board decided the document needed more work.

On Tuesday, Latchford asked why community groups have been treated differently in the last year than they had been treated in the last 20 years.

In 1988, the two sides signed an agreement in which the park department could use school facilities in exchange for some Zilla Park land that made it possible to build an addition onto Marsh School.

The agreement allowed MCAS to be first in line for use of its facilities for athletic or other school-sponsored events, Harding said.

The park department, according to the 1988 agreement, has "the first right of opportunity to use the facilities deemed appropriate" for no fee, he added.

Third in line are community groups associated with neither the schools nor the park department. To have the fees waived, those groups must appeal to the school board.

MCAS athletic director Bob "Bear" Falls pointed to some inconsistencies.

"How can I turn down the Soul Steppers and how can I justify (turning down) Jim Larson and his AAU basketball team but the (girls) basketball academy gets in?"

The park board says the girls team fits under the park department's um-brella.

But what about the boys or the Soul Steppers? Garbacik said those groups need to ask the Park Board to be included as part of its programs.

Roger Butler, one of the coaches of the girls team, told The News-Dispatch on Tuesday, "Everybody makes this mistake. We really are not an AAU team, but we play in some AAU tournaments."

Butler said the basketball academy doesn't make cuts.

Because the girls play in some AAU tournaments, he said, the organization buys health insurance for the players through AAU and the park department provides liability insurance. Insurance was a matter of discussion at Tuesday's meeting, with Harding worried about exposing the school corporation to liability through the community groups.

For the school corporation's part, Harding said, "We have to serve all kids," without regard for their ability to pay.

Butler said he and another coach, Paul Friedrich, who also has been a volunteer coach for MCAS, sponsored some of the 60 players.

"Twenty-five percent of our girls didn't pay anything at all," he said.

Harding said it would be easier for MCAS if the high school coach were to be in charge of the community team.

As for money, he said the funds of a team under the control of MCAS would have to go through the Department of Local Government Finance.

Kintzele said MCAS respects the Zilla Park agreement, but the two entities still need to discuss specifically the use of the Wolves Den and the "umbrella effect of the park board." Kintzele wants to know exactly how and when a group comes under the sponsorship of the park department.

"Are we obligated to accept every group you accept?" Zeek asked.

Dave Williamson, director of plant planning for MCAS, pointed out that it costs the school corporation money to take on new groups, including the cost of electricity.

"We gave up some real estate in 1988," Latchford said. "You forfeited some rights."

The groups will meet again at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the MCAS administration center.



Contact Deborah Sederberg at dsederberg@

thenewsdispatch.com.

Posted by: Ang May 7 2008, 09:12 AM

This situation is just rediculous! It's getting way out of hand.

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik May 8 2008, 11:51 AM

This is another example of the local boards and councils treating MC like they own the joint. The people are shut out and these two bodies bicker.

Posted by: JHeath May 14 2008, 09:20 AM

From the end of the Scheimann article.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=13425&TM=41051.82

QUOTE
5/14/2008 11:08:00 AM
.....

The board action to fire Scheimann was included in a series of personnel recommendations put forth by MCAS Superintendent Michael Harding. Board member Beryle Burgwald requested separate action be taken on the resignation of Gary Collins from his position as head coach of the Michigan City High School girls' basketball team.

There was speculation Collins was forced out as coach because he contacted the board in regard to its decision to prevent access to the high school gymnasium by a local youth basketball program.

Burgwald wanted the public to know where each board member stood on the controversial resignation by asking for a separate vote.

"Tonight we take formal action and I thought it ought to be separate," Burgwald said. "If we're going to get blame or praise, we ought to be on record for it."

The board voted 4-2 in favor of accepting the resignation, with Kathryn Lee, Clyde Zeek, Jeff Jones and Nate Gipson approving. Burgwald and James Kintzele voted against it. Board member Rick Carlson was absent.

Burgwald and Kintzele said they did not have enough information to decide on the matter. Kintzele said the board should be given enough information to understand the reasons for decisions and suggested the board conduct exit interviews with "anyone who resigns."

Kintzele said, "I would like the public to know that all (personnel) decisions come from administration and not from the board. We either accept or reject."

Jones felt it was important to clarify that Collins was only resigning from his coaching position and not his position as an elementary school physical education teacher. Jones said, "There is no question about his efficacy as a teacher."

Jones said the board's only job is to hire, supervise and, when necessary, fire the superintendent, who handles all other personnel decisions.

"We don't have seven HR directors up here," Jones said. "We have to trust the administration."

Board President Clyde Zeek said state law prohibits the board from discussing personnel matters in a public board meeting. Zeek said that, since Collins submitted a resignation, he accepted it "at face value."



Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.



Posted by: southsider2k7 May 14 2008, 11:04 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=13341&TM=47675.42

QUOTE
Schools Reaffirmed Park Agreement In '03
It seems clear from the letters in this space that a significant number of readers are interested in what is happening in the current discussions between the Michigan City Parks Department and Michigan City Area Schools regarding the use of MCAS facilities by Parks Department programs.

I am sure they appreciate your reporting of the events surrounding these discussions ("Parks, MCAS stalled, but still talking," Wednesday). Although generally informative, your reporting has omitted an important fact regarding the relationship between the two boards, one which was described in Park Board minutes of April 3.

Sometime prior to year-end 2003, MCAS decided there was a need to expand Marsh School by roughly 40 feet to the south. Before MCAS could do such a thing, however, MCAS needed to seek the approve of the Park Board, and did so in December 2003. As part of the approval process, it was necessary for MCAS to reconsider and, if it so determined, to reaffirm all terms and provisions of the 1988 Parks Department/MCAS facilities use agreement.

This was done in a resolution prepared by the MCAS attorney and adopted by the Board of School Trustees on Dec. 18, 2003, after the Park Board generously gave its consent to the expansion project. The construction project was funded by school board bonds issued in 2006, and the expansion was completed only recently.

The documentation may be found in the records of both boards and of the Michigan City Board of Works and Safety. I hope your editorial board can agree that the Parks Department, its board and the community at large can be forgiven if they were surprised, and perhaps disappointed in the attitude and actions of MCAS in the fall of 2007, given the reaffirmation of the agreement in December 2003.

Patrick E. Donoghue

Michigan City

Patrick E. Donoghue is attorney for the Park Board.

Posted by: Dave May 14 2008, 11:41 AM

QUOTE
Jones felt it was important to clarify that Collins was only resigning from his coaching position and not his position as an elementary school physical education teacher. Jones said, "There is no question about his efficacy as a teacher."


I just wanted to say that there isn't much of a question as to his efficacy as a basketball coach either -- I would think that 14 - 0 conference record would pretty determinative.

Posted by: JHeath May 14 2008, 12:06 PM

QUOTE
Jones felt it was important to clarify that Collins was only resigning from his coaching position and not his position as an elementary school physical education teacher. Jones said, "There is no question about his efficacy as a teacher."


Dave is right--you can't question his efficacy in either position. But, he is looking elsewhere. For Jones, and the other school board members who accepted his resignation, to not see this is incomprehensible. (I'm still shaking my head at this whole ordeal).

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik May 14 2008, 01:45 PM

Ron Meer said the board is basically ducking its duty (I am paraphrasing), and this same thing with the Board hiding behind procedural rules happened when the issue of the Supt. was reviewed. Dump them, I say.

Posted by: southsider2k7 May 22 2008, 11:38 AM

This is a big shot across the bow...

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=13732&TM=48947.68

QUOTE
Minority Youth Denied Access
In a recent News-Dispatch story regarding the negotiations between Michigan City Area Schools and Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department officials dealing with the use of MCAS facilities, a statement was made by Athletic Director Robert Falls about the Soul Steppers Program and a boys AAU basketball program being run by Mr. Larson.

His quote was "how could he allow the Michigan City Basketball Academy girls program use of facilities after denying these programs access to facilities." Why would you deny these programs access to begin with? It would be hard to find anyone who has witnessed the Soul Steppers' performances in person to not understand what a great program this is and the benefits these youth gain by being active in the program, and not being out on the streets. And I personally know Mr. Larson and his boys basketball program fit the same mold, by allowing youth to be a part of something positive.

These programs contain one common denominator - minority youth, and it is very offending to me that Mr. Falls and MCAS seem to continually harass and target these kids. What can our community offer these kids to keep them involved in anything other than the street culture.

Instead of harassing them you should be embracing them. The youth in my mind are our greatest asset. Treat them with dignity and respect and learn to see the pearl that lies inside as I have.

But do as you do now, continually harass them and seek to limit their opportunities, and you will reap the benefits of higher crime rates, student drop out rates and all the other misgivings that come with not embracing our youth.

Roger A. Butler

Michigan City

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik May 22 2008, 02:46 PM

Oh, please! Instead of making such accusations, Mr. Butler needs to produce facts to substantiate this Molotov cocktail.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Jul 31 2008, 10:55 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=16363&TM=47119.85

QUOTE
Girls Team Did Well Despite Odds
I thank all the young ladies and their parents and or guardians for taking part in the spring and summer basketball leagues held at the Courts of NWI in Valpo this year.

These young ladies represented both Michigan City and Michigan City Basketball Academy with the utmost sportsmanship and respect, and should be commended for that.

This group of young ladies was denied access to a gym by Michigan City Area Schools to practice, while facing teams that were practicing together as many as three times a week, yet still found a way to stay positive and have fun as a group.

They as a team of both seventh and eighth grade girls managed to compile a record of 23-2 over both leagues, going undefeated in the spring (16-0) and winning the spring session hands down, then they went on to rattle off six more wins and finish as runners-up in the summer league.

As a coach I would love to take credit for this accomplishment, but I simply cannot as this was the desire and hard work from these young ladies, and not letting the negative atmosphere in their school system define them as a team.

So to Allison M., Aubria C., Aubria S., Ashely E., Felisha S., Gabi S., Jessica K., Kelsey P., Keyshana C., Tonea H., and Toni M., I say "job well done."

I also thank Paul Freidrich and Dave Pawloske for their assistance as well. You all worked together as a team, never worried about egos, and showed our community what you can accomplish when you work together.

Coach Roger Butler

Michigan City

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Jul 31 2008, 12:57 PM

This is what you could call a scathing indictment. We need a new Board.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Aug 19 2008, 09:56 AM

Congratulations Michael Harding, you've done it again.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=16777&TM=43189.68

QUOTE
Basketball Academy Leaving Michigan City
The Michigan City Girls Basketball Academy will end its operations in Michigan City after 10 years of working with the girls of Michigan City. We had hoped the Michigan City Area Schools, athletic director, school board, and its administrators would give some consideration to the local youth, but they continue to resist letting these young ladies anywhere near a MCAS gym, so we chose to end this squabble and move on.

We will move our Basketball Academy a little south and west to a school corporation that has welcomed us with open arms, as we once were here in Michigan City until this mess began. It's sad that we will not be able to work with the girls of Michigan City after all the success they achieved, but we were given no other options by MCAS and its cronies.

We will still do what we love to do, just with another group of youth girls wanting to improve the game they love to play. We thank all the young ladies we got to work with, along with their parents and guardians, for the many years we had to spend with them. We encourage them to keep working hard, and playing the game they also love. While we will miss you all, we will check in on you when we can from time to time.

Brian Studtman and Roger A. Butler

Michigan City

Basketball Academy

Posted by: Dave Aug 19 2008, 02:32 PM

Can't say I blame them a bit.

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Aug 20 2008, 08:15 AM


The Board has to be replaced.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 9 2008, 12:42 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17261

QUOTE
Park board gives MCAS 30 days, or else

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

A lawsuit will begin if longtime Zilla agreement isn't mediated.

MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Area Schools Corp. has 30 days to reach an agreement or enter into mediation with the Michigan City Park Department over use of school facilities.

If not, a lawsuit will be filed.

At a press conference Tuesday, Park Board President Phillip Latchford said a notice of default was sent Sept. 5 to Clyde Zeek, president of the Board of School Trustees. It gives MCAS one last chance to work out differences over terms of the April 12, 1988 agreement between the two parties.

The agreement - known as the 1988 Zilla Square Playground Agreement - was reached to give MCAS the use of park land for an addition to Marsh Elementary School. In exchange, the parks programs was to receive priority use of MCAS facilities at no charge other than custodian fees.

Zeek said Monday night he had not seen the letter, but is trying to set up a meeting with the seven-member board to discuss it. He reconfirmed the board's disagreement with the park board's interpretation of the contract. On behalf of MCAS, he said "we did not feel we needed a mediator."

Jim Kintzele, MCAS board member, wants the situation figured out.

"My position is, we better settle it. An agreement should be reached which is fair and honest." He said that, regardless of his opinion, board action requires four votes out of seven.

Park Department Superintendent Darrell Garbacik said his department and MCAS have worked well for 20 years but, a year ago, MCAS denied access to certain park department groups. The Park Department was told it couldn't use the Michigan City High School gym for adult basketball or for any weekend events, and couldn't use any school facilities for girls' basketball. Long-standing procedures for scheduling facilities were changed.

Superintendent Michael Harding sent a letter to Latchford on June 9 stating the MCAS goes by State of Indiana School Laws and Codes and must control scheduling, use and costs of outside activities. The statement said MCAS wouldn't consider requests for "activities that are in conflict and/or competition with school district programs."

Latchford said nobody wins in the current situation.

"They're playing hardball, with the goal of keeping taxpayers out of facilities. Unfortunately, this is a lose-lose for taxpayers."

Garbacik said he is perplexed by the dustup because the parks department hasn't done anything different than it did the previous 20 years in making requests for school facilities.

Park Board Attorney Patrick Donoghue said if litigation goes forward, he will request an injunction to revert to previous policies and practices until the case is settled. The original agreement also calls for MCAS to pick up all legal costs incurred by the park department for the case.

"In 35 years of practice, I have never encountered something like this," Donoghue said. "The school board has many, many problems to attend to. This should not be one of them."



Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.

Posted by: JHeath Sep 9 2008, 12:45 PM

QUOTE
Park board gives MCAS 30 days, or else

There wasn't a better headline?

Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 9 2008, 12:49 PM

QUOTE(JHeath @ Sep 9 2008, 01:45 PM) *

There wasn't a better headline?


I like mine personally laugh.gif

Posted by: JHeath Sep 9 2008, 12:52 PM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Sep 9 2008, 01:49 PM) *

I like mine personally laugh.gif

I agree. It's way better than "...or else". Come on, my kids wouldn't even be afraid or nervous about someone saying that to them.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 9 2008, 12:53 PM

QUOTE(JHeath @ Sep 9 2008, 01:52 PM) *

I agree. It's way better than "...or else". Come on, my kids wouldn't even be afraid or nervous about someone saying that to them.


How about

"Parks Dept to give MCAS something to cry about"?

cool.gif

Posted by: digger262 Sep 9 2008, 02:05 PM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Sep 9 2008, 02:53 PM) *

How about

"Parks Dept to give MCAS something to cry about"?

cool.gif


I moved out of MC 15 years ago but still come 'home' often to visit family and friends. I always enjoy my time in MC and frequently follow happenings in the ND online. It never ceases to amaze me some of the things the city government and MCAS does, but this one might just take the cake. I wonder if Harding has ever heard the saying 'leaders lead'? If he can't see this is extremely divisive for the school system and the community, he should be shown the door immediately. If, and I don't think this is the case because other systems are willing to make accommodations, what has been done in the past was done incorrectly, fine. But step up and find a solution acceptable to all. Same thing with the school board. Someone on that board needs to come out and say "let's make this work" instead of just saying it can't. What a joke.

Posted by: Ang Sep 10 2008, 09:07 AM

QUOTE
How can we be leaders when our leaders mislead?


I have to give Darrell Garbacik some credit in regard to his comment about it working well in the past. That is a HUGE understatement. This I know for a fact as I did facility scheduling for a couple years. I know the hell Darrell had to through sometimes with Cary Laramore (then Director of Plant Planning) to get scheduling. Dr. Anast had to finally get involved. So, for Darrell to say what he said and down-playing past problems shows, to me, what a big man he is. I've always liked Darrell and did my best to work with him.
This situation is just outta control, and if Linda Anast were still Superintendent, it would have NEVER happened!
I hope P&R sues the pants off MCAS, AND I wish they would start charging a usage fee for Zilla Field. They should charge the same amount that MCAS charges for rental fees and make it retro back to 1988!! Oh, but Admin is so fat, MCAS couldn't afford the bill because of all the Admin salaries they have to pay.

This situation really bothers me, if you couldn't tell!

Posted by: JHeath Sep 10 2008, 09:20 AM

If they do move forward with the suit, they may have to do so without Darrell G. He just resigned from his position as the Parks Superintendent. The story isn't posted online yet, but we'll post it ASAP.

Posted by: JHeath Sep 10 2008, 09:22 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17277&TM=41005.93

QUOTE
9/10/2008 11:03:00 AM
Harding talks of 'misinformation'

Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch

MCAS Superintendent speaks of Parks disagreement with system.

MICHIGAN CITY - The superintendent of schools spoke to what he called "the information and misinformation" floating about the community regarding the disagreement between the Michigan City Area Schools and the Michigan City Park Board.

Superintendent Michael Harding's comments said both sides have been talking about the matter throughout the spring and summer.

Harding said a letter from Park Board President Phillip Latchford, which Latchford told The News-Dispatch was a "letter of default," arrived at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The letter gives MCAS 30 days to either reach an agreement about the park department's use of school facilities or enter into mediation.

On April 12, 1988, the park board agreed to grant MCAS the use of park land for an addition to Marsh Elementary School and MCAS gave the park department priority over other groups in the use of MCAS facilities when the school corporation isn't using them.

And there's the rub: "When the school corporation isn't using them." Harding and Michigan City High School Athletic Director Bob "Bear" Falls have said MCAS reserves the right to use the facilities, including the Wolves Den, for maintenance and cleaning.

"The Parks and Recreation Department has not been refused the use of our facilities," Harding said.

At least a portion of the disagreement centered on a men's Sunday afternoon basketball league and its request to use "a 7,000-seat gymnasium for its Sunday afternoon games," Harding said. "As alternatives, our three brand-new middle school gymnasiums were offered."

Some disagreement also swirls about a girl's basketball organization known as the Girls Basketball Academy. Harding said school officials have not seen evidence of its status as a not-for-profit corporation. As far as Harding knows, the group does not account for its money for fees and uniforms in the same way the school corporation is required to take care of money.

The basketball academy does not serve as a feeder organization for the MCHS girls team.

"Our feeder program for our girls basketball program are our middle and elementary programs," he said.

Harding does not see the need for mediation. He believes MCAS and the parks and recreation department functioned as partners throughout the summer when youngsters from the city's day camp program used the Elston swimming pool and the MCAS hosted two Drum and Bugle shows, one in July and another in August.


Posted by: Ang Sep 10 2008, 10:45 AM

Harding is an ass

Posted by: JHeath Sep 10 2008, 10:59 AM

QUOTE(Ang @ Sep 10 2008, 11:45 AM) *

Harding is an ass

I think SSider said it best:
QUOTE
Congratulations Michael Harding, you've done it again.

Posted by: Ang Sep 10 2008, 12:19 PM

Except he forgot to add, "You Ass!" at the end.

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 10 2008, 01:22 PM

Instead of namecalling-- and believe you me, I understand how good that can feel--we need to state objectively how Mr. Harding is failing the kids. In this case, he was unable to reach an agreement about the use of the facilities, and the Girls BBall Academy moved away.

This does not mean that he is supposed to give in to any demand of the Parks and Rec, but he does have to comply with the agreement, and he is bound by honor as the Supt. to do what is best for the kids.

Posted by: Ang Sep 10 2008, 01:35 PM

I'm not calling him names, I'm describing his personality. "Ass" is an adjective in this case, not a noun.

but I do see your point.

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 10 2008, 02:32 PM

And I see yours!

Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 17 2008, 01:44 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=17419

QUOTE
Zeek's opinion out of touch
On Sept. 14, The News-Dispatch was courteous enough to once again allow school board president Clyde Zeek to make some attempt to answer why the MCAS still is embroiled in a battle over gymnasium, or facility usage with the Michigan City Park and Recreation Department.

It seems Mr. Zeek has a passion for getting his viewpoint out to the public lately via The News-Dispatch. Maybe the school board election campaign is fueling this passion, or at least stimulating it. One thing that is painfully clear is that the MCAS, and Mr. Zeek's opinion on this matter, are out of touch with our community, and changes based on which way the wind is blowing at that given time.

Let's take a step back in time when this issue became public knowledge back in March. Mr. Zeek and Athletic Director Bear Falls requested a meeting with the Girl's Basketball Academy to attempt to decipher what could be done to end this debacle. At this meeting, the Girl's Basketball Academy handed over financial records, expired usage contracts and many other pertinent documents to bring this issue to an end and simply allow these kids to take part in their sport of choice. Shortly after this meeting, Mr. Zeek took the opportunity via The News-Dispatch to deny any knowledge of the issue and laid the blame at Bear Falls' feet.

Then, when the issue was brought before the school board, officially Mr. Zeek recanted his previous statements and acknowledged he took part in this meeting and was confused because he had been watching CNN? Now, Mr. Zeek would like for us of all to believe the MCAS has been more than gracious with MCAS facilities and that it's the Park and Recreation Department that shoulders the blame for this whole mess, as they were letting just anybody claim they were a organization operating under the auspices of the Park and Recreation Department.

In my opinion, the Park and Recreation Department has a bit more credibility at any given moment over MCAS, and the records show clearly what organizations they are involved with. Now if all this rhetoric by Mr. Zeek was not enough, he now has a desire to claim he has knowledge of what feeder programs are, and wants to explain the MCAS position of facility usage based on this prowess of the issue.

The strange thing about this prowess Mr. Zeek claims to be anointed with is, there are many organizations MCAS allows usage of facilities that are Park and Recreation affiliates, such as Piranhas swimming, MCUBO baseball, etc. The only organization they chose to deny usage was the Girl's Basketball Academy, and Mr. Zeek claims now the denial was based on the fact that the schools are the true feeder systems of high school athletics.

If this truly is the stance of MCAS, why do they only apply this directive to only girl's basketball, as these other sports are available through MCAS as well? Seems Mr. Zeek's attempt at clarity only serves to muddy the issue even further when he opines the MCAS views as well as his own. The Girl's Basketball Academy chose to end this debacle with MCAS by closing its operations in Michigan City and starting new in another community, it seems this has only fueled Mr. Zeek and the MCAS to continue this war of words.

Roger A. Butler

Michigan City

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Sep 17 2008, 01:57 PM

Is Mr Z from the at-large seat? I think this is going to be contested next election...

Posted by: southsider2k7 Sep 17 2008, 02:07 PM

QUOTE(Roger Kaputnik @ Sep 17 2008, 02:57 PM) *

Is Mr Z from the at-large seat? I think this is going to be contested next election...


This is from the NDs article about the candidates

QUOTE
Three candidates are seeking one Michigan/ Springfield Township district seat on the Michigan City Area Schools Board, including incumbent Clyde Zeek.

A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Zeek holds degrees in education. A former school superintendent, he also served as executive director of the Urban Enterprise Association. Zeek frequently points to the need for parents to be actively involved in the education of their children.

William Greene is the former owner of Greene's BP AMOCO on Franklin. He has been a member of the Summer Festival Committee for years. Greene wants to board to settle its dispute with the park board over use of school facilities by community organization. He believes the school board should honor its 1982 contract with the park board.

In addition, he said he finds it difficult to determine "who's running the schools. I have talked with board members and the superintendent about an issue and they claimed they knew nothing about it.

"And the teachers need a contract," he said. "Keep the teachers happy."

Christopher Lafollette, the third candidate, did not return calls about his candidacy from The News-Dispatch.

Posted by: JHeath Sep 19 2008, 02:22 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=17450&TM=59100.64

QUOTE
9/19/2008 11:15:00 AM
Board votes to sue MCAS

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

Parks says school system refused to change position on facility use.

MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Park Board voted Thursday to file a lawsuit against the Michigan City Area Schools Corporation, after the school board refused to change its position on use of school facilities.

Park Board President Phil Latchford said the park board was notified of the MCAS position in a letter received Sept. 16. The Park Board had given MCAS 30 days to reach an agreement before going to court.

The board claims MCAS defaulted on an April 1988 agreement between both parties. The agreement allowed MCAS to use park land for an addition to Marsh Elementary School, in exchange for giving parks programs priority use of school facilities.

But a year ago, procedures for scheduling facilities were changed and certain park department groups were denied access. The Park Department was told the Michigan City High School gym was no longer available for adult basketball or any weekend events. The girls' basketball academy was prevented from using any facilities, under claims the activities duplicated school district programs.

Park Board member Tom Milcarek said he'd been optimistic that reaching a resolution.

"Common sense would tell you this is very easily settled because we have been doing the same things for many years," Milcarek said. "We are in a situation in which common sense doesn't seem to apply."

He cautioned school board members who are running for re-election to resolve the matter before the elections because the lawsuit "could affect who gets elected and who doesn't."

Darrell Garbacik, superintendent of the city's park department, said he is committed to assisting the board with the lawsuit.

"They tell us they're not going to change their position, but they conclude by saying they would be open to additional discussions," Garbacik said. "That's the kind of approach we've been dealing with throughout. It's their way or no way, however this board has a contract to enforce. There's no other choice for this board."



Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.

Posted by: Ang Oct 17 2008, 10:05 AM

QUOTE
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18178&TM=43089.24

Parks gives MCAS one last chance
Letter to be sent to system before lawsuit.

MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Park Board has decided to give the Michigan City Area Schools one more opportunity to enter into mediation before filing a breach of contract lawsuit.

The unanimous decision was made at the board meeting Thursday. Park Board President Phil Latchford will send a letter to the MCAS board early next week, along with a copy of the legal complaint drawn up on the board's behalf.

A deadline for a response from the MCAS will be set for 14 days from the date of the letter.

"We've asked two times to enter into mediation and were denied," Latchford said. "I propose we offer one more time, out of fairness to the citizens of Michigan City, who are going to bear the costs. It would seem to be the only responsible thing to do for the school board to enter into mediation."

The Park Board voted in September to file a lawsuit against the MCAS after the school board refused to change its position on use of school facilities. The Park Board said MCAS defaulted on an April 1988 agreement that gave MCAS use of park land for an addition to Marsh Elementary School, in exchange for giving parks programs priority use of school facilities. A year ago, procedures for scheduling facilities were changed and certain park department groups were denied access.

Pat Donoghue, board attorney, presented a draft complaint for review by board members on Thursday. If MCAS agrees to enter into mediation, the complaint will not be filed in court. However, if the complaint goes forward, it asks the court to order both parties to engage in mediation. Other provisions in the complaint ask for the Park Department be given the same arrangements for scheduling and use of the school facilities as they've had for 20 years. The Park Board will seek recovery of its legal costs from MCAS.

Donoghue said a reverter clause in the complaint would restore ownership of the property to the Park Department, with the option of leasing it to Marsh School.

"When it comes to taxpayers spending money for this, it's a concern for the Park Board and other government units," Donoghue said. "It would not surprise me if a lawsuit like this would run tax payers about $100,000. That's a lot of money."

Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 17 2008, 10:16 AM

Just in case people are thinking the teachers might be part of the problem in their contract negotiations just remember this... An agency completely independent of the MCAS is having the EXACT same type of problems in the Parks Department.

Posted by: lovethiscity Oct 17 2008, 09:17 PM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Oct 17 2008, 11:16 AM) *

Just in case people are thinking the teachers might be part of the problem in their contract negotiations just remember this... An agency completely independent of the MCAS is having the EXACT same type of problems in the Parks Department.

Separate group and it is a separate problem. It all started when the schools denied access to the FREE use of the school gym by the Girls Basketball academy. Is this academy really a Park Dept. program? Which would entitle them FREE use of the gym. Why is our Park Dept. operating this academy in a different city? If it is a private group as the schools claim, then it does not qualify for FREE use of the school gym.

FREE use= lights on electric meter spins, heat on gas meter spins, school employees opening the gym time clock runs, insurance? administrative costs? Clean up, maintenance, wear and tear. All real costs, where does the funding come from? The school budget. Can we afford to allow the Park dept. to put added burdens on the failing school system? I think not. Could this be why two former Park Board Presidents (Joe Doyle and Bob McKee) are now campaigning for Mr. Dulaney and Bill Greene (park employee). Manipulating a school board race for the sole interests of the park dept. is so wrong.

I do believe as a community the use of facilities is good since the powers to be can't see the need of a Community Center. But to abuse the agreement between the Parks and MCAS putting a financial burden on a failing school system is a disservice to our children. Maybe it is time for the Park Dept. to take a real serious look at the YMCA.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 18 2008, 07:38 AM

I hate to say this but if it involves financing right now, forget it. Our lending system is for all practical purposes shutdown right now. All of those big grandoise plans we had for things around town are over unless we have cash to spend. Forget the northend improvements and anyone buying the YMCA to develop it, because no one is lending right now. Capital is gone.

Posted by: lovethiscity Oct 18 2008, 07:21 PM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Oct 18 2008, 08:38 AM) *

I hate to say this but if it involves financing right now, forget it. Our lending system is for all practical purposes shutdown right now. All of those big grandoise plans we had for things around town are over unless we have cash to spend. Forget the northend improvements and anyone buying the YMCA to develop it, because no one is lending right now. Capital is gone.

Your right! But, Michigan City is sitting on about $4,000,000 in the Boyd Development Fund as part of the riverboat agreement of suitability. This would be what was at one time referred to as the Mayor's slush fund. It would be the same fund that was used to purchase Ruby Woods. With more money added every year, could you tell me of a better use for the money. This money is supposed to be used for development projects as Michigan City sees fit. Problem is Michigan City does not seek input from the tax payer on how any riverboat money is spent, this is according to the Governor's evaluation on the riverboats.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 19 2008, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(lovethiscity @ Oct 18 2008, 08:21 PM) *

Your right! But, Michigan City is sitting on about $4,000,000 in the Boyd Development Fund as part of the riverboat agreement of suitability. This would be what was at one time referred to as the Mayor's slush fund. It would be the same fund that was used to purchase Ruby Woods. With more money added every year, could you tell me of a better use for the money. This money is supposed to be used for development projects as Michigan City sees fit. Problem is Michigan City does not seek input from the tax payer on how any riverboat money is spent, this is according to the Governor's evaluation on the riverboats.


Another interesting add on to that is that the operational budget is getting a much higher percentage of the boat funds this year... in other words instead of watching spending, we are burning through what was our capital fund.

Posted by: Roger Kaputnik Oct 20 2008, 09:25 AM

I think the boat funds are essentially steady but the overall budget is down, so the percentage of boat funds is up. Can someone check if the overall budget is down compared to the last coupl'a years?

Posted by: lovethiscity Oct 21 2008, 05:27 AM

QUOTE(southsider2k7 @ Oct 19 2008, 10:52 AM) *

Another interesting add on to that is that the operational budget is getting a much higher percentage of the boat funds this year... in other words instead of watching spending, we are burning through what was our capital fund.

The Boyd Development Fund is different than the Gaming tax fund. It is part of the "Agreement of Suitability" that was barely approved by the State. (must be in place for the boat to operate) It must be used according to the agreement.

Posted by: southsider2k7 Oct 21 2008, 07:24 AM

Interesting. I did not know that. Thanks for the info!

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