By PAULENE POPARAD

It could cost you more if you break the rules at Lakeland Park this year.

The Burns Harbor Park Board asked the Town Council on Wednesday to increase the minimum park fines levied through the town Violations Bureau from $15 to $50. Council member and park liaison Toni Biancardi said all departments are reviewing the fines they charge and most are asking for a $50 minimum fine.

Park director Kim Burton said typically park staff warns visitors if they are breaking a rule, like parking in a no-parking area. If the vehicle isn’t moved, police are called.

Other offenses can deal with engaging in prohibited acts, ignoring hours of park operation and letting dogs run unleashed. Commented board president Leann Perrine, “(Dogs) could be a major liability if a kid is bitten or pushed in the water.” Burton said unleashed dogs have been a nightmare.

Board member Clark Hamilton asked if the Park Department gets the money paid to the Violations Bureau for park fines. Biancardi said she would research the matter.

Hamilton said park rules keep those areas family-friendly for visitors. “Our parks are for recreation and leisure and that’s where you should be able to go.”

In other financial matters, the Park Board adopted the same Lakeland entrance fees and rental schedule used last year with no increases; gate fees and boat rentals only are collected between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shelters, the gazebo and the arts and crafts building are available for rental year-round.

Members also instructed Clerk-treasurer Jane Jordan to deposit all funds collected from gate and rental fees into the park’s non-reverting operating fund, which currently has over $8,000 in it. Burton said the Park Board has the option of placing some, none or all of the income in a second non-reverting capital fund it never used.

The board made its decision based in part on the fact money can be transferred from the operating to the capital fund but once it’s in the latter, the money can’t be withdrawn.

Perrine reported negotiations are as close as they’ve ever been to having Arcelor Mittal donate the land used as Shadyside Park to the town. The park began under a lease with Bethlehem Steel and talks regarding a transfer of title bogged down when the steelmaker went bankrupt and ownership changed hands twice.

"With any luck, maybe we can accomplish what we’ve been trying to do forever,” said Perrine. When the donation looked imminent years ago the park bought a picnic shelter for Shadyside but due to the delay, some parts were used for other park improvements and other parts will need to be replaced.

When Burton asked what projects the board would like to do, Perrine said install a play structure at Shadyside for children ages 8 to 11. Member Dawn Ruge said struggling trees in a high water table on Lakeland’s north side should be removed.

Other ideas discussed were possibly installing some form of kid-friendly art along the Lakeland walking path, and sponsoring a triathlon involving walking, swimming and biking. Hamilton offered to investigate what a triathlon would require the park to do and he asked the public to show if there’s an interest in the art walk and/or triathlon.

Burton announced that Saturday is Lakeland’s popular monthly movie night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the arts and crafts building. Refreshments will be served and a family-rated movie will be screened.

Burton said she was contacted by Lamar outdoor advertising about whether the Park Board had reached a decision regarding one or two billboards being installed at Lakeland to boost park revenue. View Outdoor Advertising also expressed a similar interest. The board, with member Ron Day absent, decided not to pursue the matter. “That’s pretty much on the back burner,” said Perrine.

Posted 3/6/2008