2015-08-04_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 15, 2015 Page 9 operating without fee and allowing athletic organizations complete and priority use of thosefields for the most part). Councilmember McGehee expressed her wish that the Commission would look toward making those fields available to res- idents for their personal use versus their potential loss as an amenity. Commissioner Holt took issue with Councilmember McGehee’s misperception about deferring maintenance of park facilities, referencing the previous dedication of funds for maintenance through the Parks Improvement Program (PIP). Com- missioner Holt noted previous City Councils reallocating those funds to other are- as of city operations; and therefore, the Parks & Recreation Department no longer had funds available for necessary maintenance. Commissioner Holt clarified that it was not the Commission’s or Department’s desire for new or different styled buildings, but simply to address those deferred maintenance decisions, and grow the program back. As mentioned in previous meetings, Commissioner Holt re- stated the Commission’s and his personal appreciation of this City Council once again setting aside funding to maintain assets; and respectfully requested that those funds remain in place to avoid future issues. In reference to previous City Council decision-making specifically related to de- ferred maintenance issues, Mayor Roe suggested that there were no deferrals in- tended to seek new facilities, but rather not enough information was provided for them to make informed decisions and with their efforts to keep tax levies low. In the last few years, Mayor Roe opined that this City Council has made a concerted effort to keep an eye on community assets; and stated everyone at the table –the City Council and Commission –were all responsible to move those efforts for- ward in a positive way. Mayor Roe stated that the goal should be to make it clear what allwas involved in order to make better decisions, including long-term CIP listings and periodic updates, allowing current information on which playground, equipment, or items need replacing or repairs at any given time. Councilmember McGehee expressed her hope that this would actually be accom- plished, even though she found this City Council majority continuing to dig into reserves annually rather than fully funding the CIP. Councilmember McGehee noted that the PIP suffered the same fate and expressed concern that this may oc- cur with the CIP as well. Councilmember McGehee expressed her interest in sus- taining assets and not losing any gains already made with the decision-making of future City Councils. Councilmember Etten thanked the Commission for their report and the specific areas addressed, providing a recent anecdotal experience and teaching opportunity he and his son experienced on the boardwalk. Councilmember Etten also noted the community service opportunities after renovations he’d participatedin and the favorable comments he’d heard about improved lighting at various facilities in addition to accessibility and amenities in new bathroom facilities.