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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 24, 2012 Page 13 taxes rise from $5,600 to $10,000 during that time, Mr. Sparks questioned what he was being asked to support through this action. While liking parks, Mr. Sparks stated that he was not a big user of them other than walking; however, he questioned the need for $17 million to make them better. Mr. Sparks expressed his disappointment that the citizens didn't get to vote in this decision-making for use of its public monies. Eugene Bahnemann,2656 N Lexington Avenue Mr. Bahnemann stated that, living across from City Hall, he laughed at how this City was run, whether contracting out grass cutting and lights on continuously all night. Mr. Bahnemann opined that Councilmember Johnson wanted to spend money like it was coming out of his ears; however, he questioned those on fixed incomes. While the City Manager received a raise every year, Mr. Bahnemann opined that he would be satisfied with just his perks. While continually bring- ing up his issues with the weeds at City Hall directly across the street from him, Mr. Bahnemann advised that it had yet to come to a head. Mr. Bahnemann opined that the way the City treated its people and neighbors was completely outrageous. Mr. Bahnemann, as a former fire fighter for over twenty-five (25) years, stated that he had voice his preference in the past for a nice, functional fire station across from his home; however, he was very disappointed in the "Taj Mahal" being built. Mr. Bahnemann noted his presence at the site today in the picket line for use of non-union workers; and opined that this was a terrible situation when it happened in your own yard; and further opined that it was time for housecleaning at City Hall from the top on down. With no one else appearing to speak for or against, Mayor Roe closed the Public Hearing at approximately 7:31 p.m. 12. Business Items (Action Items) b. Authorize the Sale of$17 Million in Bonds to Finance the Completion of a New First Station and Continue Funding the Park Renewal Program Mayor Roe sought to respond to those questions raised during public comment. Regarding the split in bond funds intended for the fire station and parks, Mr. Miller advised Mayor Roe that there were no reallocations proposed unless staff was so directed by the City Council. In response to park expansion versus park maintenance, Mayor Roe clarified that the vast majority of what was listed represented a backlog in upkeep of park facilities; with replacement of buildings needing replacement, or playground fa- cilities and/or equipment, basically a rehabilitation of facilities. Mayor Roe noted that, of the several new park properties shown on the list of facilities, those were new fields or facilities, but the vast majority was intended as a reha- bilitation of existing facilities. Mayor Roe clarified that $2 million of the funds