Mr. Bryant noted that the Board was to establish a bid opening date for the Kempergrove Headwall Project. However, this project is not ready to be placed for bid and Staff has requested this item be tabled to a later meeting.
Mr. Bryant moved to table establishment of the bid opening date for the Kempergrove Headwall Project to a later meeting. Mrs. Wagner seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
MR. BRYANT advised the third reason for this Special Meeting was to allow for discussion and public comment regarding the recent Flower Show.
MR. BORCHERS stated he felt there was a need for additional shuttle buses as there was a long wait.
MR. BECK stated that he felt the show was fantastic and was impressed how the park was transformed. Mr. Beck noted that the pedestrian flow worked except for some very minor problems. Mr. Beck stated he felt there could be improvement with traffic flow and parking, especially with the turn-around area in the meadow. Mr. Beck advised he has really not heard any negative comments about the Flower Show and had hoped there would have been residents from the immediate area at tonight's meeting.
MRS. WAGNER agreed there was a problem with traffic flow and parking.
MARY MARGARET ROCHFORD, CINCINNATI HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - Stated they felt this was a winning project and agreed there were problems with parking due to the severe weather. They are looking forward to next year when the Rozzi Park might provide additional hard surface parking arrangements. Mrs. Rochford suggested that a temporary traffic light might be beneficial.
MR. BECK questioned the total turn out for the event.
MRS. ROCHFORD advised it was very close to the figures from last year and there was approximately 20,000 paid visitors. Mrs. Rochford noted there were vendors in attendance and guests also in attendance, as well as an increase in attendance by children.
Mrs. Rochford noted there was an additional $40,000 to $50,000 in expenses, such as additional police personnel and fire personnel and infrastructure improvements which were made.
MR. BRYANT stated the Board was very proud to have this event in Symmes Township. Mr. Bryant noted he talked with visitors, including vendors, to see what improvements could be made. The vendors indicated that they would like to have seen a better map indicating their locations, as well as for the displays and exhibits. There was also concern regarding the one tent that experienced ground water problems. Visitors also requested that there be additional seating and tables available. These concerns can be addressed for next year.
MRS. ROCHFORD stated that a map could be provided for next year. Mrs. Rochford noted there was plenty of seating available in the restaurants. Coney Island did have benches available. Staff has discussed the possibility of having a "family lounge" area next year.
MRS. WAGNER suggested that "one way in - one way out" might provide for better traffic flow.
MR. BORCHERS stated he felt the children's area was great. Mr. Borchers noted that it appears that the vendors were successful.
MR. BRYANT stated the Board enjoyed having an opportunity to present an award; however, it would have been nice to have had a slide show showing these winners.
MRS. ROCHFORD advised that has been done in the past, but there needs to be a place which would be dark enough. Mrs. Rochford stated that there is a need for more signage.
Mrs. Rochford noted that the vendors were very happy with the lodging accommodations and the many restaurants in the immediate area.
MR. BRYANT questioned how the set-up and tear-down might be changed to eliminate noise after hours. The house next to the Township expressed concern regarding problems during the Flower Show. The Township will try to address these issues next year.
NIGEL CHALKLEY noted this will be addressed. Mr. Chalkley stated he spoke with those residents after the show.
MRS. ROCHFORD questioned the comment regarding participation by non-profit groups regarding food.
MR. BRYANT noted that the Symmes Historical Society were present as a fund raiser. Mr. Bryant suggested that perhaps a non-profit group could be part of the food court next year. Mr. Bryant stated it is important to have these groups participate.
MR. BECK questioned how publicity worked.
MRS. ROCHFORD advised that many visitors were unable to "google" directions to the Park since it was noted as being in "Symmes Township".
MR. CHALKLEY advised that major corporations, including Cincinnati Bell and Duke Energy, had trouble finding directions.
MR. BRYANT stated that the Township is very sensitive to "Symmes Township" identity and suggested that there should be a link on the Horticultural Society's site to the Township's website.
MRS. ROCHFORD stated that they are very pleased with this new location. Mrs. Rochford further stated that the Township Staff was very cooperative and willing to help.
MR. CHALKLEY stated the Flower Show was very successful. The Township amazing to work with and this event should grow next year. Mr. Chalkley further stated they hoped to get more local businesses involved. Mr. Chalkley thanked the Board for its support.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m. |
Minutes
