HomeMy WebLinkAboutMRB.agenda 2009 05 06 y�N S I �G
Memorial Review Board
City of Lansing
CHIG
Members
Maria Enriquez, Vice Chair REGULAR MEETING
Bonnie Bennett
Shatina Clinton AGENDA
John Kodeski, Chair
Angela Moore Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 6:00 P.M.
Willie Davis City Clerk's Conference Room, 91h Floor City Hall
Delaney Newberry
Linda Appling
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Memorial Review Board rules
4. Election of Chair&Vice Chair
5. Ratification of March 18, 2009 "Business" and Approval of
Minutes of March 18, 2009
6. Public Comment on Agenda Items
7. Leeper's Field
8. Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of
Lansing filed by Colonial Village Neighborhood Association for
an Elmhurst Park Plaque in memory of Nancy Young
9. Adjournment
Lansing City Clerk's Office
Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933-1695
517-483-4131 $ 517-377-0068 FAX
clerk.cityoflansingmi.com • clerk@lansingmi.gov
PARK BOARD MINUTES
July 11, 2007
Gier Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Claude Ramey, Brian Smith, Ronald Lott, Melvin
McWilliams, Dusty Fancher
MEMBERS ABSENT: Cynthia Ward, Pat Murray,
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Smith asked to add the Flying Aces to the agenda. Jemerson stated he wanted to talk about the
Master Plan.
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
BOARD MINUTES
June 13, 2007
Motion by Rainey to approve the board minutes as submitted, seconded by Smith.
Kibbey asked about the discussion under cemeteries, he noticed Ms. Stanaway stated one of the
first things to be done is to pay for one-half of the fence and the second is to develop the basin
area. Lott stated the fence was part of the board's approval, but he does not recall the basin.
Kibbey stated he was not aware the basin was on a list to be done. Kibbey requested this
sentence be struck from the minutes.
McWilliams and Lott both commented these were her comments and not what the board's plan is
and Lott is not sure we need to change this.
Kibbey asked Jemerson if the Fratcher fund comes to the Parks or if it is a free standing
foundation that can do what they want. Jemerson said these funds are managed by the National
City Bank and are to be spent on projects at Mt. Hope and the funds go to the City and we do the
project.
Jemerson stated Ms. Stanaway has been asked to sit in on the fence project and probably all of
the projects, but he believes the bottom line is with the department working with the bank. The
bank has a conunittee, and we make proposals to the committee as to funding projects.
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 2
Motion Carried
NEW BUSINESS
Lansing Flying Aces
Smith stated on the weekend of the 4th, an individual had gone to Elm Park to play softball and
provided Smith with a copy of a flyer that is posted all over the park that indicates the Flying
Aces have an exclusive lease to use the dome. Jernerson said it wasn't stated it would be just
airplanes.
Smith stated the individual had been there on Saturday to play softball, however they were flying
all over the park. On Sunday there were fewer people with no planes flying, but a gentleman
approached the individual and presented a posting that indicated exclusive use. The person from
Flying Aces would not allow the others to play softball.
Jemerson stated they have designated dates and times to use the park and he would look into this.
Master Plan
Jemerson asked if the board recalled during the marina controversy, the whole issue of the
Master Plan came about in terms of the marina not being or should not have been in the Master
Plan. We went back and looked at not only the marina but other items that council said should
have been out of the plan, but were still in it.
Jemerson stated he and the administration started talking about the Master Plan and the fact there
is a new Mayor who would like to see his agenda carried forward throughout each department.
We have completed a number of the items in this Master Plan and we were thinking this might
be a good opportunity for a mid-year update. To make changes to the plan to reflect not only
comments made during the marina controversy, but also to incorporate some of the wishes of this
administration; primarily looking at the Mayor's Grand Vision which not only talks about
marinas, but docking, fishing opportunities, and beautification along the river. Jemerson
indicated he would be communicating with the Board as we go along with this. The Mayor is
serious about amending the plan, the Lansing Boat Club, providing docking facilities.
Fancher stated since the last meeting she has been watching the RiverTrail and uses it and
noticed the Common Ground organizers are interested in building an amphitheater. She
commented with her background, she thought it would be interesting for the Board to look at the
property the Parks and City of Lansing have along the riverfront and what kind of joint effort
could be done with the Planning Board. She thought Bob Johnson could come in to talk about
what they are looking forward to doing and snake sure what Parks is doing with their Master Plan
does not work against the city's plan. She encourages going forward with looking at the Master
Plan and working with the planning board.
Kibbey stated he has had good luck over the years with using a master planning process as an
organizing process to help citizens groups to find what they are interested in doing and he would
be interested in the Master Plan process as an organizational development approach. He believes
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 3
it strengthens us in the budget process to the extent there is a good linkage to the projects on the
ground and the plans.
McWilliams asked if in talking about updating the plan are we talking about updating the plan
that would start in 2011 or are we talking about updating the 2005-2010 plan. Jemerson stated
he is suggesting looking at not only those comments/corrections that need to be made as
amendments and incorporated into the existing plan, but come April 1 we are ready to present a
grant proposal to the DNR for some new development along the river.
McWilliams asked if do you put something in the Master Plan and then decide whether or not it
is feasible during the period or do you look at it in terns of feasibility to decide if you even want
to put it in the Master Plan. He commented one of the big problems he had with the marina is
they heard of all of the engineering and things that had not been done; so to suddenly have this
something to be funded when it is a big plan and other issues have not been looked at.
Jemerson stated there is a process to amend the Rec Plan, which is a process, dictated by the
State. You need to submit any amendment to your rec plan through the same level of review you
subjected your rec plan to, which means public hearings and things of that nature.
Jemerson stated he would come back to this board with recommendations on amendments to the
Rec Plan. We could have public hearings before the Park Board and Council. What is stated as
far as a regulation is we have a public hearing, where there is a certain amount of notification
and it is run as a public hearing and there is a process dictated by the DNR.
McWilliams asked if the Rec Plan is different than the Master Plan. Jemerson clarified what
Kibbey was referring to as a Master Plan process relates more to a master planning process for a
park. The Rec Plan is to a master plan of our recreation development programming for a 5-year
period and what Kibbey is referring to is a master plan for a geographic area called a park.
Kibbey stated a Master Plan is made up of several little plans.
Smith asked if amendments need to go before Council. Jemerson stated yes they do.
OLD BUSINESS
Leeper Field
Kibbey stated this has been around for awhile and the reason this is on the agenda is for the
purpose of a motion. Kibbey asked the wishes of the board on this issue.
Lott moved the board recommends the naming of the field on the west side Richard Leeper
Field. Supported by Faucher.
McWilliams stated he thinks it is great that Mr. Leeper is so committed to this,but he is not sure
the record in front of this measures up to our protocol and is rather thin. McWilliams stated he
does not know anything other than what Mr. Leeper has said about his father, and his sense is
there are other individuals on those teams and he has no way of measuring the importance of this
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 4
father to other players on the team. He does not have a strong feeling to support this given our
protocol.
Kibbey advised new members that a summary of the protocol is that the board looks for someone
who has made a contribution to the system and Lansing and not so much a matter of individual
achievement. It is a matter if they have helped to build the league, helped build the system or
bring people into the system rather than individual achievement by any particular person.
Smith stated he echoed Kibbey's thoughts and in our guidelines the board have used it states
"make major contributions of a public service nature" and he will be voting no. Smith stated Mr.
Leeper has not provided this and he feels if this is passed it could start anybody who ever had
relatives who played in the city will want something named after a relative. The guidelines were
put together for a reason and his vote will be no.
Fancher asked to see the guidelines.
Kibbey asked for clarification if this had been reviewed by the Memorial Review Conunittee.
Jemerson said it was presented to them, he did not know how review it received, but it was
refereed to the Park Board for recommendation.
Smith asked if the Review Committee took action on it. Jemerson stated they did not.
Lott asked if the Review Committee is the final word. Jemerson stated no, the Park Board makes
a recommendation to the Mayor and the Mayor passes it onto council. In this case the Park
Board will also pass on their recommmendation to the Review Committee who will make a
recommendation to council and council will probably make the final decision. The Park Board's
recommendations do hold very heavily on what council does.
Kibbey indicated he was confused where this was in the Review Conunittee and that he had
spoke with Mr. Hubbell and they had turned it down.
Lott feels there has been effort made and this is not a key issue with him, but he understands the
rest of the Board's opinions.
Kibbey stated his other concern is that this field is essentially LCC's home field. Jemerson
stated they are allowed to use the field a certain period of the season, but Lansing Parks also uses
the field. LCC does not own the field, but it is their home field.
Kibbey had expected some sort of position from LCC on this, when you look at the number of
people who have been involved in this program over the years and he is not sure if this would be
their choice.
Jemerson clarified LCC was asked to have input on this and they did not and he had spoke with
the Athletic Director who said they did not have a position on this field as far as naming and they
were remaining neutral.
Motion to approve re-naming of Westside Field to Leeper Field. 1 yea; 5nays
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 5
Motion defeated
UPDATES
Air Conditioning at Gier
Fancher indicated it was 84 degrees in the meeting room. Jemerson said the situation has not
changed since the last update. Meyer Plumbing is in the process of securing the equipment and
once it is here, which may be fall, it will be installed.
Ramey asked if the contract has been signed. Jemerson said it is his understanding that it has
been signed, and we cannot enter into any purchasing agreements, which this company has
ordered the equipment, unless everything has been ok'd and the contract is signed.
Jemerson spoke with Marty Riel via cell phone and confirmed the A/C unit will be delivered in
August and should be ruruling by mid-September.
Lansing Boat Club
Jemerson reported there was a meeting which had two new people, the Commodore and Pete.
They are in the process of re-writing their by-laws and membership forms. They are ready to
have the trailer removed as it is vacant. Jemerson stated he had to remind the Commodore that
the trailer is in the LBC's name and he could not just take it, so the LBC are looking at the
options to remove it. The issue the LBC has is security and before they get rid of the trailer, they
need to have a plan in place to put a guard shed or something there to protect the boats.
Jemerson said in the thoughts of a marina there was a plan to have a building with contracted
security. The LBC still have yet to sign the lease, they want a five year and the city is saying a
one year with yearly extensions. The reason for a one year is because they need to get things
together regarding the operations of the LBC. The City is not looking at trying to get rid of the
LBC, but are interested in a boat club that would be open and available to the public and the
practices and operations reflect a publicly run facility.
Kibbey asked how long the LBC has to sign the lease. Jemerson said the committee wanted four
weeks. Fancher asked about liability with them not having a lease and being city property. They
have insurance, but the city would be sued also.
4th of July
Jemerson reported this year was a wonderful 4th of July parade and provided pictures. LPD
estimated attendance at 5,000.
Lott said the Lansing Exchange Club ran out of flags and they had 1,500 to hand out to kids.
Jemerson reported he asked staff to participate with a float; each community center, Turner
Dodge, Fenner, Sports and Special Recreation; staff were upset at first, but came through with
some great floats.
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 6
Lott stated he knows it is a problem in the summer, but a parade needs bands.
Fancher said at the Mason parade they had about 15 members of the Mason High School Band
on a trailer playing, which she thought was a good alternative.
Sycamore Driving Range
Jemerson reported it opened on July 6 and Kris Nicholoff was there and provided $4,000 in
scholarships ($2,000 for the driving range and $2,000 for two camps). The driving range is open
9 a.m. to 8 p.m., buckets of balls cost $5 small, $7 medium and $9 large bucket. There will be
two camps that MSU will sponsor to teach golf, because the Lansing First Tee volunteer group is
still going through the process of getting together, raising enough money to hire an instructor and
in their absence MSU has volunteered to put together the two camps. Camps will run July 30
through August 2, Monday through Thursday and August 6 through August 9. The fee is $50 for
Lansing resident youth ages 7 to 17 and the non-resident fee is $100. If residents are unable to
pay the $50, they may apply for the department's scholarship and may a small co-payment
thanks to Mr. Nicholoff and the Lansing Youth and Recreation Fund.
Web Site
Jemerson reported the Department is on the verge of opening a new web site on the City web
site. He was working with Don Ballard yesterday and today, inputting the golf information and
capital improvement program, which are the last two pieces for the web site.
Rivertrail South
Jemerson reported he just received today in the mail from MDOT the bid proposal package that
MDOT will be letting out in September, with bids back in October and construction will begin in
late fall. During the winter we will be clearing trees and brush for the trail.
Kibbey asked if anything was learned from Sycamore about starting ground clearing in the fall
so it will flood in the fall, winter and early spring.
Jemerson stated a lot was learned from Sycamore and the DEQ is on board and involved and will
know everything we do, as well as our own public service department.
Kibbey asked to be kept inforined, because the last time they were technically in compliance, but
he watched the water rise over the sediment fence. Kibbey asked if this section would go from
Mt. Hope to Scott Woods.
Jemerson clarified it would go from Potter Park through Scott Woods to Maguire Park at Jolly
and Aurelius Roads. Delhi is working on a trail system to connect with Lansing's.
Hunter Pool
Jemerson reported we do have a contractor who will be doing the design. This is a company that
has a lot of experience and is the company that put in the spray pad at Hawk Island. Kibbey
Park Board Meeting—July 11, 2007 Page 7
asked when this would be done. Jemerson stated we have the designer, but the construction
dollars are still tied up in the legislature; we are watching Bill 4828.
CORRESPONDENCE
Kibbey asked if there is going to be further discussion on changes to City golf courses, would it
be possible to meet with someone from the Mayor's office ahead of time to develop some
guidelines for reviewing proposals so that the board agrees on what to use for criteria.
Jemerson recommended the board request of the Mayor that he briefs the Park Board on any
future changes or recommendations that he may have for golf.
McWilliams thought this had been asked to be done at a previous meeting.
Kibbey stated he had attended 2 evenings of Sunsets with Shakespeare and the first night there
were 82 in attendance and the second night there were 75. He received a letter thanking us for
"the continued, incredible support of the Parks Department."
Kibbey reviewed the information of activities.
Smith asked if there was time for election of officers. The board agreed to elect officers at the
August meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved August 8, 2007
N S I�G
.. Chris Swope
j c Lansing City Clerk
HI � �'
April 3, 2009
Murdock Jemerson, Director
Lansing Parks and Recreation Department
8th Floor, City Hall
Lansing, MI 48933
Re: Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of Lansing filed by
Richard Leeper to rename the Baseball field at Westside Park to Leeper's Field
Dear Mr. Jemerson,
I am writing this letter on behalf of the Memorial Review Board. At its regular meeting held
March 18, 2009, the Board received public comment from Richard Leeper stating that you
have no objections to the baseball field at Westside Park being renamed to Leeper's Field.
The Board respectfully requests either a written statement from you regarding your opinion
on this matter or for you to appear at its next regularly scheduled meeting on May 6, 2009
to answer any questions. A response by April 30, 2009 would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
A�
Kevin Reeves
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Lansing City Clerk's Office
Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933-1695
517-483-4131 $ 517-377-0068 FAX
clerk.cityoflansingmi.com $ clerk@lansingmi.gov
SI
. Chris Swope
Lansing City Clerk
C, G
April 3, 2009
Anita Beavers, President
Colonial Village Neighborhood Association
3010 Boston Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48910
Re: Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of Lansing filed by
Colonial Village Neighborhood Association for an Elmhurst Park Plaque in memory
of Nancy Young
Dear Ms. Beavers,
I am writing this letter on behalf of the Memorial Review Board. At its regular meeting held
March 18, 2009, the Board received and reviewed the above referenced application. The
Board respectfully requests that you or a member(s) of your association appear at its next
regularly scheduled meeting on May 6, 2009 to answer any questions. A response by April
30, 2009 would-be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Kevin Reeves
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Lansing City Clerk's Office
Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933-1695
517-483-4131 $ 517-377-0068 FAX
clerk.cityoflansingmi.com $ clerk@lansingmi.gov
Draft Official Proceedings of the
City of Lansing Memorial Review Board
March 18, 2009
Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Maria Enriquez at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Maria Enriquez, Vice Chair
Linda Appling
Willie Davis
Angela Moore
Delaney Newberry
Members Absent: Bonnie Bennett
Shatina Clinton
Jolu1 Kodeski
Others Present: Mark Leonard, City Attorney's Office
Kevin Reeves, Chief Deputy City Clerk
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Maria Enriquez at 6:30 p.m. Discussion
was held regarding the Board's difficulty in getting a quorum of members to attend
meetings. Mr. Leonard indicated that quorum requirements would be contained in the bi-
laws but the City Attorney's office does not have a copy on file. Vice Chair Enriquez
stated that she would send copies of the Memorial Review Board bi-laws to Mr. Reeves.
2. Approval of Agenda
Member Appling moved to amend the Agenda to include Item 7a Questions to City
Attorney and to add a new item New Business before Item 11 Adjournment. Motion
Carried.
3. Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2007
Member Newberry moved to approve the Memorial Review Board Minutes of July 11,
2007. Member Moore seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
4. Public Comment on Agenda Items
Mr. Joe Schramek gave an overview of his application to rename the Sycamore Driving
Range in honor of Paul Bondeson. Mr. Schramek stated that as a result of his work with
Parks &Recreation Director Murdock Jemerson, the proposed project has been amended
and there is no need for Memorial Review Board action.
Mr. Richard Leeper gave an overview of his application to rename a baseball field at
Westside Park for his father, Johnny Leeper. Mr. Leeper stated that the field is property
of Lansing Parks & Recreation Department and Director Jemerson has no objections to
the renaming.
5. Election of Chair &Vice Chair
Member Moore moved to nominate Member Kodeski as Chair. Member Newberry
seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Member Davis moved to nominate Vice Chair Enriquez as Vice Chair. Member Moore
seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Member Davis moved to nominate Member Newberry as Secretary. Member Moore
seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
6. Approval of 2009 Meeting Schedule
Member Newberry moved that the Meeting Schedule of 2009 be amended as follows:
May 6, 2009
July 1, 2009
September 2, 2009
November 4, 2009
Member Moore seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Member Moore asked that the Clerk's office request that Board Members notify the
Clerk's office by 3 p.m. the day of a scheduled Board meeting if they will not attend the
meeting. If it appears that there will be no quorum, the Clerk's will notify the Members.
7. Memorial Review Board rules
Mr. Leonard indicated that he could not speak to the Board rules until he receives a copy
of the bi-laws. Vice Chair Enriquez stated that she would send copies of the Memorial
Review Board bi-laws to Mr. Reeves. The Item was tabled until the next meeting.
7a. Questions to City Attorney
Member Appling asked Mr. Leonard to explain the powers of the Board to inquire into
the background of an applicant before the Board. Mr. Leonard called the Members
attention to City Code of Ordinances Section 1034.09 (g)(1) which states, in part:
The Memorial Review Board may require the applicant to provide such
additional information as is necessary for the Memorial Review Board to
make an informed report and recommendation and that can reasonably be
produced by the applicant in a timely manner.
Mr. Leonard stated that the Board has broad powers to inquire about applications
before theirs. Additionally, Mr. Leonard stated that the Board may wish to
consider amending the application form to request additional information of
applicants.
S. Leeper's Field
Member Newberry moved that the Clerk's Office draft a letter on behalf of the
Board to Director Jemerson asking about Mr. Leeper's application. Member
Appling seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Member Moore asked that the Members be given an opportunity to review letters
drafted by the Clerk's Office prior to being sent.
9. Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of Lansing filed
by Joe Schramek to rename the Sycamore Driving Range in honor of Paul
Bondeson
Member Newberry moved that the Clerk's Office draft a letter on behalf of the
Board to City Council stating that because the original application was voided by
the applicant, the Board recommends no further action by Council. Member
Moore seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
10. Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of Lansing filed
by Colonial Village Neighborhood Association for an Elmhurst Park Plaque in
memory of Nancy Young
Member Newberry moved that the Clerk's Office request the applicant to appear
at the next meeting of the Board. Motion carried.
11. New Business
The Board discussed the matter of naming a memorial in honor of Malcolm X.
There is no application pending before the Board but there has been a speaker on
the matter in the past. The City Clerk's Office will provide copies of the minutes
from that meeting to Members.
The Board agreed that topics for discussion at a future meeting should include the
Application format.
12. Adjourmment
Adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
I
Administrative Rules of Operation
Memorial Review Board
The Memorial Review Board shall vote annually on a schedule of meting times.
The meetings shall be held at these times unless cancelled for lack of agenda items or
rescheduled by consensus.
The Memorial Review Board shall annually elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chair or
vote to retain current officers.
At the Scheduled time of a meeting, the Chair shall act as presiding officer. If the chair
is absent the Vice Chair shall act as presiding officer.
If both are absent but a quorum is present, a presiding officer shall be decided upon by
consensus.
A quorum shall consist of three members or fifty percent of those appointed and duly
sworn in as members(whichever is greater). No meeting shall commence until a quorum
is present.
The presiding officer shall call the meeting to order and present the items on the
agenda.
When an agenda item is before the board the presiding officer shall recognize all
speakers and when in the opinion of the chair sufficient discussion has taken place shall
call for a motion to dispense with this item. Any board member may at this time
request further discussion. When a matter is voted on, the vote of a majority of those
members present shall be accepted as the decision of the board.
/V ov- 2-0,03
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During the meeting a staff person or someone designated by the presiding officer
shall take minutes. These minutes shall be approved or amended at the next meeting
and a copy made available to the City Clerk.
Any application before the board shall be handled in a manner consistent with
Ordinance 1034.09 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lansing.As stated in
section G1 thereof"Failure of the applicant to timely provide the information shall not
relieve the Memorial Review Board of it's obligation to make a report or
recommendation to council within ninety days of it's receipt of the application."
Upon completion of all specific agenda items any board member may bring other
matters for discussion.
When all matters have been discussed the presiding officer shall ask for a motion to
adjourn.If a majority of those members present vote to do so the meeting is adjourned.
Upon three consecutive unexcused absences it will be recommended to the Mayor that
the Mayors office will ask for that member's resignation.
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City Of Lansing
Memorial Review Board Minutes
July 11, 2007
The Meeting was called to order 5:31 PM
Members present William Hubbell (Chair), Maria Enriquez (Vice-Chair), John Kodeski-
(member), Shatina Clinton(member). Guests: Richard Leeper
Minutes of June meeting were approved.
Application of Richard Leeper to Name ballfield.
In honor and memory of JohnR Leeper (Aug 13th,1923- July 30th,2001)
Nicknamed Johnny Leeper, Richard's father was a minor league baseball player who
gave up his dreams of being in the Majors to serve in WWII. As a member of the
,armed forces Johnny played morale building games in Africa. After War Johnny went
into softball and won many trophies. Son mentioned several bars that supported his
father;(Parks Dept. to supply documentation) The form the memorial would take would
be a stainless Steel plate engraved "Leepers Field at Westside Park" a foot and a half
long and six inches high. (see enclosed application)
At the last meeting, the City Attorney suggested changing our quorum. So, it was
moved and passed unanimously to amend administrative rules to delete "or 50% of
those duly sworn In as members (whichever is greater)"
It was noted that David Keeney is resigning
It was noted that Michael McFadden has been reported to have Mayor's office ask him
what his intentions about membership are.
The internship discussion —The State Journal reported 125 interns were designated to
be assigned to Lansing, where are they?
A letter has been sent by the Board to Council for an intern. It was referred to General
Services Committee.
Walk of fame ceremony delayed until they contact live honoree. Nomination process
continues on internet.
There being no further business we adjourned at 6:15PM
t
City Of Lansing
Memorial Review Board Minutes
July 11,2007
The Meeting was called to order 5:31 PM
Members present William Hubbell (Chair), Maria Enriquez
(Vice-Chair), John Kodeskf(member), Shatina Clinton(member).
Guests:--.Richard Leeper
Minutes of June meeting were approved.
Application of Richard Leeper to Name ballfield
In honor and memory of JohnR Leeper (Aug 13th,1923- July
30th,2001)
Nicknamed Johnny Leeper,Richard's father was a minor league
baseball player who gave up his dreams of being in the Majors to
serve in VJWII. As a member of the armed forces Johnny played
morale building games in Africa.
After War Johnny went into softball and won many trophies.
Son mentioned several bars that supported his father;( Parks Dept.
to supply documentation)
The form the memorial would take would be a stainless Steel plate
engraved "Leepers Field at Westside Park" a foot and a half long
and six inches high.(see enclosed application)
At the last meeting the City Attorney suggested changing our
quorum. So, it was moved and passed unanimously to amend
administrative rules to delete "or 50% of those duly sworn
In as members (whichever is greater)"
It was noted that David Keeney is resigning
It was noted that Michael McFadden has been reported to
City of Lansing
Memorial Review Board
Maria Enriquez, Vice-Chairperson Linda Applin�
820 N. Pine St. 4010 Thackin Dr.
Lansing, MI 48906 Lansing, MI 48911
W—335-8564; C—449-1039 H—393-3491; C—719-5651
Email: enriquezmrrayahoo.com Email: drwho721gaol.com
At Large Appointee (exp. 06/30/07) .3 Ward Appointee (exp. 06/30/11)
Bonnie Bennett Willie D. Davis, Jr.
907 Chicago 1136 Shepard St.
Lansing, MI 48915 Lansing, MI 48912
H—371-1750 H—294-1031
Email: friend so fcomstock@..yahoo.com Email: davisw2@1cc.edu
4Ih Ward Appointee (exp. 06/30/04) 1"Ward Appointee (exp. 06/30/09)
Shatina Clinton Delaney Newberry
1805 W. Saginaw 2000 Sunnyside Ave.
Lansing, MI 48915 Lansing, MI 48910
H—944-2384 H—303-3541
Email: shatina77aiotmail.com Email: delaneynewberry@yahoo.com
At-Large Appointee (exp. 06/30/08) 2nd Ward Appointee (exp. 06/30/10)
John Kodeski Angela Corley Moore
520 S. Verlinden 825 Sparrow Ave.
Lansing, MI 48915 Lansing, MI 48910
C—230-9986 W—432-7311; Fax—432-1430
Email: j ohngrel i sh-store.com Email: corleya a,sbcglobal.net
At-Large Appointee (exp. 06/30/10) At-Large Appointee (exp. 06/30/09)
Support Staff
Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk
Kevin Reeves, Chief Deputy City Clerk
124 W. Michigan Ave., 9t1i Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
W—483-4131
Email: cswope a,lansingni.gov
Email: kreeves ,lansingini.gou
Draft Official Proceedings of the
City of Lansing Memorial Review Board
January 14, 2009
Meeting was called to order by Michelle Greko, Lansing City Clerk's Office at 5:30 p.m.
Members Present: Linda Appling
Angela Corley-Moore
Delaney Newberry
John Kodeski
Absent: Maria Enriquez, Vice Chair
Bonnie Bennett
Shatina Clinton
Willie Davis
Others Present: Michelle Greko, City Clerk's Office
Richard Leeper
1. Called to Order
The meeting of January 14, 2009 was called to order by Michelle Greko, Lansing City
Clerk's Office at 6 OO;pim iMs. Greko mentioned that a quorum,wasrnot;present.
Member Moore stated thbt when,i{she notified the other members of the meeting,
Shatina Clinton had indicated that she is considenngresigning from thexboard.
Member Moore suggestedito Member Clinton thatV folrrnally'submitya I:etter of
resignation to the d6Zlerk's Office
11. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Member Newberry to approve the agenda for tonight's meeting. Motion
Carried
Ill. Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2007
Moved by Member Moore to approve the Minutes of July 11, 2007. Motion Carried
IV. Public Comment on Agenda Items
Ms. Greko stated that since a quorum was not present at tonight's meeting items on the
agenda for approval could be discussed but not voted upon and would have to be
tabled until the next meeting.
Mr. Richard Leeper gave an overview of his application for renaming a baseball field at
Westside Park after his father.
V. Election of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary
Moved by Member Appling to proceed with the Elections for Chair and Secretary and at
the next meeting to vote on the Vice Chair to give Vice Chair Enriquez the opportunity
y�N S
Memorial Review Board
City of Lansing
K r '
Members
Maria Enriquez, Vice Chair REGULAR MEETING
Bonnie Bennett
Shatina Clinton AGENDA
John Kodeski
Angela Moore Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 6:00 P.M.
Willie Davis City Clerk's Conference Room, 91" Floor City Hall
Delaney Newberry
Linda Appling
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2007
4. Public Comment on Agenda Items
5. Election of Chair& Vice Chair
6. Approval of 2009 Meeting Schedule
7. Memorial Review Board rules
8. Leeper's Field
9. Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of
Lansing filed by Joe Schramek to rename the Sycamore Driving
Range in honor of Paul Bondeson
10. Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of
Lansing filed by Colonial Village Neighborhood Association for
¢ ,ASS an Elmhurst Park Plaque in memory of Nancy Young
11. Adjournment
Lansing City Clerk's Office
Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933-1695
517-483-4131 $ 517-377-0068 FAX
clerk.cityoflansingmi.com • clerk@lansingmi.gov
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;JdA McDonald Chris Swope, City Clerk
staff to the MernOrlal FPeviaw Bd 9'' Floor City Hall
517-483.4141 124 W, Michigan Ave
Lansing MI 48933
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February 15, 2008
Chris Swope
Lansing City Clerk
121 W. Michigan Ave., 9th Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
Subject: Application to Rename the Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached is the subject application(original plus 5 copies). In summary, it proposes to rename
the subject golf center to the "Paul Bondeson-Sycamore Driving Range and Learning
Center". Paul Bondeson first learned the game of golf at Sycamore Golf Course at the age of
10. Paul won local junior tournaments in Lansing, and made the Top 16 finish in the Michigan
State Amateur at the age of 16 in 1956. He moved to Florida with his mother the fall of 1955
and returned to Lansing for summer vacations where he entered Lansing and State golfing
events. He became a PGA golf professional and sprang onto the National PGA scene with a 2nd
Place finish in the 1962 Doral Open.
On October 3, 2007, I sent an E-Mail and hard copies to the Mayor and the City Council on the
subject matter. I was unaware of the proper procedure to apply for a name change to a City of
Lansing facility or property or street. On November 14,2007, I attended the monthly meeting of
the Memorial Committee of the City of Lansing. The meeting was scheduled for 5:30 PM but
only two members attended. The meeting adjourned for a lack of a quorum of members present.
I met William Hubbell, Chairperson for the committee and another female member. William
spent some time with me and explained the procedures involved as they are shown in municipal
code in Chapter 1034 Naming and Renaming of Public Memorials. He also provided me the
application form and asked that I send it to the City Clerk when completed.
The application package consists of the following:
• Front page of application form, an attachment on alternatives, and the list of citizens
supporting this application. Attached to the original copy is a$300 check.
• The text planned for the front side and backside of the tribute plaque to Paul Bondeson. A
cost quote from Sewah Studios of Marietta, Ohio. I also show two examples of the tribute
plaque with the proposed Revised Ohio Design.
• Two articles that tell the story of the career of Paul Bondeson: March 14, 2003 issue of Golf
World Magazine, "Promises Fulfilled"by Lorne Rubenstein; and `Rondo" by Jim Hiskey.
Document showing my involvement with Paul Bondeson.
Respectively,
Joe Schramek
604 Berwyn
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
(313) 278-2924
ischrame&att.net
s Nc APPLICATION FOR NAMING
ti
AND RENAMING MEMORIALS
IN THE
. CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN
fC H J.G
Additional Information on Application:
Alternative 1: Includes:
• Renaming the Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center" to the "Paul
Bondeson-Driving Range and Learning Center".
• Two-sided tribute plaque to Paul Bondeson installed close to the club house, or on
the walkway to the driving range or near the practice putting green. The front
side of the marker will show a photo of Paul Bondeson at age 15 with a story of
his youthful golfing career and experiences in Lansing and Michigan and his adult
career as a touring PGA Golf Professional. The second side lists the specific
highlights of Paul Bondeson's golf career and his work in Golf Course
Management.
• Wall or table display in the clubhouse showing memorabilia of Paul Bondeson.
Includes golf magazine and newspaper articles and photos of Paul Bondeson.
Alternative 2: Includes:
• Same as Alternative 1, except drop the renaming of the Sycamore Driving Range
and Learning Center.
• Includes two-sided tribute plaque and the wall or table display in the clubhouse.
We the undersigned, do hereby request and support the (re)naming of:
Sycamore Drivinq Range and Learning Center to Paul Bondeson-Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center
NAME ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER DATE
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ff you or your group have additional comments please feel free to attach them to this fonn:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY.
Date received by the City Clerk Date referred to the Memorial Board Date Referred to Council
We the undersigned, do hereby request and support the (re)naming of:
Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center to Paul Bondeson-Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center
NAME ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER DATE
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If you or your group have additional comments please feel free to attach them to this form:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY.
Date received by the City Clerk Date referred to the Memorial Board Date Referred to Council
We the undersigned, do hereby request and support the(re)naming of:
Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center to Paul Bondeson-sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center
NAME p ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER DATE
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If you or your group have additional comments please feel free to attach them to this form:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:
Date received by the City Clerk Date referred to the Memorial Board Date Referred to Council
Paul Bondeson-Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center
In 1950, Paul Bondeson rode his bike 2 1/2 miles to
play a
la round of golf here for $.25. In 1953, Paul and
his friend Joe Schramek won a Best-Ball event event
' for boys under 13 with a score of 30, 3 under par.
Paul learned the game of golf on Lansing's golf
tir
courses: Sycamore, Red Cedar, Waverly and
Grosbeck. Paul won the City Class B (Agesl3-14)
tourney in 1954, and placed 2ndin the 1955 Class A
(Agesl5-17) tourney in 1955. Paul moved to St.
Petersburg, Florida in the fall of 1955. There, Paul
won the St. Pete City Match Play, 4-Ball and the
Jaycee Junior titles. In the summer of 1956, he came back to Michigan
where he was a Top 16 finalist in the Michigan State Amateur. Back in St.
Pete, Paul's golfing ability was noticed by Jack Grout, visiting Pro from the
Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. He hired Paul as his assistant. At
Scioto, Paul met Jack Nicklaus. Jack was already a champion junior golfer
in Ohio and nationally. Jack and Paul played practice rounds where they
matched their long drives and scores. Paul left Scioto and tried an acting
career in New York City and did a stint in the US Army. In 1959, Paul was
a pro at the Northbrook Country Club in the Chicago area. Here he met and
married his lovely wife Shirley Limly in 1960. In 1962. Paul Bondeson
sprang onto the PGA golf scene with a 4 stroke lead in the final round of the
1962 Doral Open, but lost on the last hole to Billy Casper by one stroke.
Paul beat his idol, Ben Hogan, his friend, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer,
Sam Snead, and other famous golf pros.
Front Side of Plaque
P.O. Box 298 m Phone: 740-373-2087
Marietta, OH 45750 Toll Free: 888-557-3924
www.sewahstudios.com ® ® 888-55(SERgH)
email: sewah@sprynet.com Fax: 740-373-3733
Joe Schramek
604 Berwyn
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Dear Mr. Schramek,
Per your request I am sending you this price quote for 1 historic marker"PAUL
BONDESON".
Pattern: Revised Ohio
Size: 39"x 43"
Text Size: 5/8 inch-with sentence bullets
Caption: 1 inch
Sides: Different(caption and text on side and caption and photos on side 2)
$2,460.00 Price includes 7' mounting post and shipping charges.
The cost for each photo is $75.00. The only other cost that you might incur is $200.00
for gold leaf lettering if you choose that in your color scheme.
Thd�k you,
Ta my Brad
Manufacturing America's Finest Historical Markers Since 1927
L L'f E j
For �years after people he'd be t�
sor nethEng special, Paul Soendesoo is just that.
What a gong, strange trip it has laeeau
By Lorne Rubenstein
- Golf World
h He's confined to a wheelchair now, 17
t. months after a car accident rendered
him a quadriplegic -- and four decades
after he squandered a four-shot lead
with seven holes left to lose the 1962
Bondeson has found serenity Doral Open. Paul Bondeson sits at the
that eluded him when he Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in
played. Palm City, Fla., in late February,
Photographs by Greg Fas e- surrounded by friends who have
organized a pro-am to raise funds that
will help him and his wife, Shirley, cope with enormous medical costs.
Chi Chi Rodriguez is hosting the event, called the Chi Chi & Friends
for Bondo Pro-Am Invitational. Bruce Fleisher is here, a day after
winning the Verizon Classic. Former major championship winners
Gary Player, Orville Moody and Bobby Nichols are here. Bondeson
greets them all.
"Hey Rocky," Bondeson says to Rocky Thompson, the Champions
Tour player, "how did you get so much better looking?" J.C. Snead
comes by. Bondeson, 63, flashes a big smile, the same one that was
all over newspapers when he was a teenager and winning many
amateur tournaments, first in Michigan, where he grew up, and later
in Ohio and Florida. "Hey, you son of a gun, this is fantastic. I may
never run a 100-yard dash again, but the heck with it."
Later, after the 125 or so amateurs and professionals have enjoyed a
day's golf, they will give him a standing ovation. Those who know him
well are aware of what he has been through -- a world of woe -- and
that he was cursed with that heavily weighted word, "potential." He
wasn't supposed to miss reaching the heights. But drinking and drugs
beat him. And he beat himself.
Jack Nicklaus knows what might have been. He's not at Palm Cove
because of a prior commitment in Mexico, but he donated generously
to the event. Nicklaus and Bondeson met in 1957 at Scioto CC in
1
found himself trying to qualify for the L.A. Open. But he failed. He
drank away his feeling of failure. This time it was beer.
"It went down real easy," Bondeson says. "I sat there and drank a
few more, then turned to a guy and said, 'Can you live on this? Do I
need to eat?' Something Was lacking in me. The drinking made me
feel so intense. I can see now that you drink like I did to fill a void,
but I didn't know that then."
Bondeson took a four-day, cross-country trip to New York, where he
pawned his clubs and suitcase and a trophy. His visions weren't of
winning tournaments but of becoming an actor. At an actors' studio
he and Robert Redford became friendly. Bondeson landed in the East
Village at the time of the beat writers and poets, including Jack
Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso.
"I got into peyote, then mescaline," Bondeson says. "My values went
from wanting to do something in life to nothing. I spent a year there.
I lived on the streets and slept in Central Park and in subways. I went
to the movies on 42nd Street for 10 cents in the morning,just to
have a place to rest. I bottomed out. The way I was living was a fast
way to nothing, but there was such passion on the way to self-
destruction."
One June day in 1959, the bottomed-out Bondeson put on an old
trench coat, bought himself a can of beans and made his way by
subway and train to Winged Foot GC in suburban Mamaroneck, N.Y.
The U.S. Open was on. Bondeson wanted to catch a practice round.
Walking along one fairway, he spotted Nicklaus.
"I was feeling self-conscious, dressed like a village guy," Bondeson
says, "but I looked at Jack, and I thought I saw his head snap back,
like he recognized me."
Bondeson skulked back to New York. After spending a year in the
Army, he returned to St. Petersburg. He'd lost 50 pounds, and his
mother was shocked at his appearance and deterioration. She had her
son committed to a state mental hospital. The institution had a nine-
hole course. A kindly social worker took an interest in him and
encouraged him to play. His game started to come back.
He got a job at Twin Brooks driving range and par-3 course after he
was released from the hospital. Murle McKenzie Lindstrom, a friend of
his from high school in St. Petersburg who would go on to win the
1962 U.S. Women's Open, helped him land a job as a teaching pro at
Green Acres CC in Northbrook, III. There he met Shirley Limley, who
was working as a receptionist. They were married in 1960. Some club
members liked his game and offered to sponsor him on the tour. But
he arrived at the inaugural Doral in 1962 having made only one check
in 15 tournaments, for $192.50.
At Doral Bondeson was tied with Bob Goalby for the 54-hole lead and
a stroke ahead of Billy Casper, with whom he would play in a group
including Ben Hogan the last day. He was leading the tournament by
3
"Serenity." But serenity eluded
them.
"I was moving forward, although
� Kthere were periods where I still
'!struggled with the drinking and old
habits," Bondeson says at his
" r 'home. There is a photo sequence of
his phenomenal swing with a driver,
framed on a wall, from the March
Bondeson's peers marveled at i sound,
1964 issue of Golfing magazine. It's
hs
powerful swing,shown in a 1964 headlined, "Put a big turn in your
sequence, status shot." The photographs show
a man whose technique was
flawless. The same swing sequence would turn up on a wall in the
temporary clubhouse at the place where Bondeson eventually worked.
"I got the ultimate chance when Wayne Huizenga invited me to work
at The Floridian," he says. "Wayne was phenomenal and still is."
Huizenga°is former CEO of Blockbuster Entertainment and owns the
Miami Dolphins and Pro Player Stadium in Miami, as well as having
many other wide-ranging business interests.
Bondeson started at The Floridian in 1994 and was instrumental in
creating Huizenga's showpiece course. It gleamed. Nick Price showed
up there one day and noticed the swing sequence. "I thought, 'Oh my
goodness, who is thatT " Price says. "I had no idea who Paul was.
John McNally, the pro at The Floridian, told me it was Paul Bondeson.
I thought his swing was amazing and asked where this guy was. John
told me he was right outside."
Price and Bondeson played a few holes together one day. Bondeson
played in his work clothes. "He was so easy to talk to," Price says.
"He was always eager to talk about the swing, which fascinates me.
Paul is a good, all-around person. He has always been very friendly to
me."
Things were looking up for Bondeson. He made money in the booming
stock market. He hadn't taken a drink for a decade and was studying
the Bible regularly with fellows who call themselves a band of
brothers: Hiskey and his brother Jim, golf instructor Carl Lohren,
former tour pro Marty Fleckman, amateur golfer Larry Fenster and
Billy Burke, the pro at North Shore CC on Long Island.
Then came the accident, on Oct. 16, 2001.
"We'd bought a mountain home in Murphy, N.C., in the western part
of the state in a corner near the Tennessee and Georgia state lines,"
Bondeson is saying in mid-February at his home. "We heard that a
local school was trying to raise money and were just about to make
the turn into the school when somebody making a U-turn hit us.
Luckily, there were paramedics on duty at the school, and they got to
us right away."
5
Paul Bondeson didn't win the 1962 Dora] Open. He got lost for a long
time. But he has found himself.
"What you guys did for me, well, I'm just so proud to be a golf
professional," he says to his friends at Palm Cove as the proceedings
conclude. He's smiling and crying at the same time. He's fulfilling -- in
the present and in a different way -- that unlimited potential he so
often squandered.
March 14, 2003
7
It's not uncommon. Paul often outdrives Jack, although Paul believes Jack may be
stronger physically.
"Good shot," Jack says. Jack loves this. Paul is the only one who can give him
competition. They've played three times together this week. In all three rounds, both of
them have scored under par. Often, only one shot separates them.
Today will be another tough test.
When the two juniors are playing, it's all golf. But on occasion, like today,they joke with
each other.
Jack Grout, the head pro and instructor for both of the boys, has sent them out on the
back nine and told them to keep out of the way of members, who are accustomed to
playing the front nine during the late afternoon.
The boys carry light canvas bags.
Both par the tenth hole.
On the eleventh, a par-5, Jack drives first. He places his shot directly in the middle of the
fairway. Paul pulls his drive into the fairway bunker on the left. Jack again plays first and
puts his 3-wood 30 yards short.
Though Paul is more than 250 yards away from the green, he believes he's within reach.
But only one club will get there: his 3-wood.
When Jack sees him pull his 3-wood out of his bag, he shakes his head. He's thinking no
one alive can hit a 3-wood out of this steep-faced bunker.
Paul sees things differently.
The ball is sitting up like it's on grass. He's sure he can pull off the shot. Taking no time,
he places his feet in the sand, waggles the club and fires the ball out of the sand like a
cannon ball.
Jack closes his eyes in disbelief.
The ball rips the air, but its trajectory is too low. It bangs into the heavy grass lip of the
bunker and rockets into the sky.
Jack watches it arch 20 feet in the air and begin to fall in Paul's direction.
Paul can't see it. "Watch out!" Jack yells. Too late. The ball lands squarely on Paul's head.
begins to take shape. Getting back into golf loosens the grip drugs and alcohol have on
him.
When he's released he begins to practice daily. Within six months, he believes he's ready
to compete against the top professionals in the world.
His high school buddy, Jack Nicklaus, has completed his four years at Ohio State and is
preparing for the PGA Tour, too.
In just the sixth PGA event of 1962, Paul catches fire, inspired in part by playing a
practice round with his childhood idol Ben Hogan, and ties Bob Goalby for the lead after
54 holes. That Saturday night he stays up until 5 am partying.
That Sunday Paul is paired with Billy Casper in the final group. Jack Nicklaus is three
shots back and playing in the second to the last group. After ten holes, Paul leads the
tournament by three shots.
"I thought I was invincible," Paul says now. "The eleventh is 380 yards. Playing
downward. I thought I could drive the green and I did. Rolled it almost between
Nicklaus's legs." Paul two putted fora birdie. With seven holes to play he held a solid
four-shot lead.
"Then my head starts telling me," Paul says, "you don't deserve to win. You're a drunk.
Anyone who stays up all night drinking doesn't deserve to win."
On the twelfth, a par-5 hole usually unreachable in two, Paul pulls his tee shot into the
bunker. "The lip in front of me isn't high," Paul says. "I think I can reach the green, so I
choose one of my favorite clubs—a 1-iron.
"I mash it, but it comes out low and buries under the top edge of the bunker. The sand
nearly covers the ball. I'm lucky to even get it out and end up with a double bogey.
Which I follow up with another double on the 13th. My four shot lead is gone.
"I settle down;par fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and seventeen, but Casper has me by a shot
as we tee off on eighteen.
"I hit a big drive and have a 9-iron to the green. Casper needs a wood on his second, hits
a good shot and makes a par. I play my 9-iron to within ten feet of the hole. I think I can
make this putt. When it's a couple of inches from the hole it's dead center. But at the last
second it dips down into the hole, and lips out.
"I can't believe it. But when I open my eyes, I can believe it. 'I don't deserve to win.'
"I finish second. Nicklaus third. Ben Hogan fourth."
Paul must be cut from the car.
He awakens two days later in the hospital in Murphy. He cannot move anything. Nor feel
anything. Except his head, and it won't move. His doctor informs him his head is locked
in a halo—a steel band the width of his forehead, which is wound around the top of his
head. His spinal cord has been severed.
Through no fault of his own, Paul is now a quadriplegic. He will never drive a car, never
walk and never play golf again. He will need Shirley to bathe, dress and feed him.
Shortly thereafter Babe calls and says that Chi Chi Rodriguez, Gary Player, himself and
20 pros are giving a day to raise some money to help Paul with mounting medical bills.
"When you see Paul, you're going to be surprised," Babe tells me at the time. His
question makes me curious.
"Because he's totally paralyzed?" I ask.
"No. Something else."
"What else could there be?"
"His face."
"What about his face?"
"He's got a perpetual smile." Babe says. "It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen. He
never stops smiling."
I arrive the Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in south Florida a month later just as Shirley
is helping Paul get out of their van and into his motorized wheelchair.
"Jimmy Hiskey." Paul's cheeks are pink. He's smiling just as Babe had described.
"Thanks for coming. Isn't this great, having everyone here?"
"Everyone loves you, Paul," I said, stunned by his bright countenance, so noticeable that I
almost ignore his lifeless body. I walk beside him as he motors himself toward the front
door of the sprawling clubhouse.
"I can't get over this," Paul says, "all these guys coming down here. Your brother, Chi
Chi, Gary Player. It's just great. You know, Jimmy, some of us learn easy, but God had to
hit me with a two-by-four to get my attention."
"That's why you're smiling?"
"You might say that. I'm not conscious that I am smiling. I'm just aware that God has a
future for me here as He does in heaven."
Shirley stands. Paul needs some attention. Food, medicine, I don't know what. I ask her
for one more question.
She nods.
"Is there something else that makes you smile?"
Paul doesn't answer.
Except for the wann breeze, there is silence.
For a minute or two.
Then he says: "His amazing grace. It is sufficient."
i
Joe Schramek's Experience with Paul Bondeson and Paul's Golfing Career
Apparently, Paul might have even been motivated even more to perfect his game, as a result of
this experience at competitive golf. Attached is Golf World article by Lorne Rubenstein. It
sums up the life of Paul Bondeson, and even infers that Paul first played Sycamore Golf Course
where the greens fees were $.25 at one time. Other articles are included that describe similar
stories on the events of Paul Bondeson's life. These articles above give a rather complete list of
his accomplishments in the professional golf arena and his involvement with Jack Nicklaus in
Columbus when both were 17 years old.
Both Paul and I attended high school in Lansing. I went to Lansing St. Mary's and Paul went to
Lansing Sexton. We would meet once again and for the last time in a football scrimmage during
our Sophomore year. Paul was the starting center for Sexton Little Reds or Junior Varsity. In
our Junior Year, my dad transferred from his job as Chief Engineer at the old Duplex Truck
Company on Hazel near Cedar Street to Fuller Transmission in Kalamazoo, and Paul moved to
Florida with his mother when his parent's divorced. I heard that Paul was doing pretty well at
golf in Florida and that he was known for his prowess at driving a golf ball.
About 5 or 6 years ago, I was in Lansing and I visited Sycamore Golf Course to check it over. I
noticed that the golf course was still in business and it cost$2.00/round. I also noticed that the
60-80 sand trap was removed from the 9th hole. About 3 years ago, I was in Lansing to attend a
family reunion and I took my clubs along so I could play Sycamore once again after 50 years. I
was shocked to see the course being dismantled. I was staying near the Waverly Golf Course
and I went there. The attendant told me that the Sycamore Golf Course was being revised to a
learning center for beginning golfers. At that time, I got the idea that Paul Bondeson was
probably the best golfer to be produced from golfing as a youth on the Sycamore Golf Course in
years past. On September 9, 2007, I was in Lansing to attend Lansing St. Mary's Class of 1957
High School reunion. I went to the Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center and the new
building that currently rests about where the large sand trap used to be for the 9th hole on the old
course. The clubhouse was closed as it was about 10:00 AM on Saturday. I could see the 10-20
places for hitting balls on the driving range and the 4 or 5 greens placed at different yardage from
the tees. I could visualize each of the holes from the old course even though nature had return
the grounds to their natural state of long ago. For the moment, I was back 50 plus years and
enjoying all the fond memories of playing golf on this simple yet challenging course.
Draft Official Proceedings of the
City of Lansing Memorial Review Board
January 14, 2009
Meeting was called to order by Michelle Greko, Lansing City Clerk's Office at 5:30 p.m.
Members Present: Linda Appling
Angela Corley-Moore
Delaney Newberry
John Kodeski
Absent: Maria Enriquez, Vice Chair
Bonnie Bennett
Shatina Clinton
Willie Davis
Others Present: Michelle Greko, City Clerk's Office
Richard Leeper
1. Called to Order
The meeting of January 14, 2009 was called to order by Michelle Greko, Lansing City
Clerk's Office at 6 0&p m Ms. Greko-mentioned that a quorumr;was°not-present.
Member Moore stated.".that whenishe-notified the other members of the meeting,
Shatina Clinton had indicated that she is considering.resignin,gfrom the board.
Member Moore suggesteditp Member..,Clinton that``she formally'submit`a_Jetter of
resignation to the City-,Clerk's Office
11.Approval of Agenda
Moved by Member Newberry to approve the agenda for tonight's meeting. Motion
Carried
Ill. Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2007
Moved by Member Moore to approve the Minutes of July 11, 2007. Motion Carried
IV. Public Comment on Agenda Items
Ms. Greko stated that since a quorum was not present at tonight's meeting items on the
agenda for approval could be discussed but not voted upon and would have to be
tabled until the next meeting.
Mr. Richard Leeper gave an overview of his application for renaming a baseball field at
Westside Park after his father.
V. Election of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary
Moved by Member Appling to proceed with the Elections for Chair and Secretary and at
the next meeting to vote on the Vice Chair to give Vice Chair Enriquez the opportunity