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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 15, 2009 Page 7 Additional discussion included rationale for designation of PIP funds in the amount of $50,000 for boulevard tree removal, with Commissioners opining that that was completely out of the realm of parks, and had formerly come from Public Works funds; and removed the Department's ability to address purchase and/or replacement of play equipment, with a limited lifespan of approximately 13 years. Commissioners noted the potential impacts to funds in eliminating the current problems with the Emerald Ash Borer. Commissioners noted that citizens were already voicing their concern with reduction or elimination of certain services that the community had become accustomed to. Commissioners addressed the possi- bility of funding from the state and or federal government for this most recent tree epidemic, similar to the Dutch Elm issues and funding appropriations. Mayor Klausing noted that City staff is proactive in seeking funding from various sources. Councilmember Roe noted that, when Ash trees were planted, this was not a fore- seen problem; and expressed hope that other government agencies would eventu- ally provide some assistance. However, Councilmember Roe opined that the City may need to look at creative funding, even with that assistance, to provide match- ing funds. Councilmember Roe further opined that the Diseased and Hazardous Tree Program was probably put in the Parks and Recreation realm, since the For- ester was currently employed in that department. Commissioners noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission also served as the City's Tree Board; the possibility of homeowners covering costs for boulevard tree replacement as currently done in some municipalities; and citizens attending more local functions and utilizing their parks more during these difficult financial times rather than out-of--town vacations. Mayor Klausing encouraged citizens to contact the City Council with their com- ments, as well as the Commission. Further discussion included the Parks Master Plan process and increased opportu- nities for communication between the Commission and City Council; and whether additional joint meetings would be profitable as certain scenarios arise. Mayor Klausing encouraged more communications, not more meetings; noted that the City Council received agendas and meeting minutes of all Advisory Commis- sion meetings; and suggested additional formal and/or informal communication (i.e., a-mail or phone) during the Master Plan process. Mayor Klausing noted the success of the recent Comprehensive Plan Update process and the regular meet- ings of the Steering Committee, and suggested that may be a good process for the Parks and Recreation Commission to follow, allowing the process to be further institutionalized and open for public comment and observation.