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Page 4 of 4 <br /> 127 The subcommittee notes that the annual capital cost estimates for the Parks and Pathways areas <br /> 128 as they are represented in this report do not yet reflect the recommendations of the Master Plan <br /> 129 implementation process, but are rather best staff estimates at this point, although the totals <br /> 130 involved represent the needs outlined in the Master Plan, and associated cost estimates. <br /> 131 <br /> 132 <br /> 133 Street Repair/Replacement and Street Lighting Capital Needs. While there is a significant <br /> 134 funding shortfall projected for Streets and Street Lighting capital needs, the subcommittee does <br /> 135 not recommend taking a specific action for at least 3 years to correct those shortfalls. This is at <br /> 136 least partly because the primary source of funding is State MSA (Municipal State Aid—i.e. gas <br /> 137 tax) money, which has been decreasing recently due to changes in driving habits, and which may <br /> 138 be re-configured by the legislature in the coming years. In addition, the Street Maintenance <br /> 139 Fund balance, which is typically maintained at about$11 million in order to support the interest <br /> 140 earnings that are applied to annual street projects, has grown to about $13 million at this time, <br /> 141 which allows for some time to consider a plan of action for street funding once any potential <br /> 142 State funding changes are better known. <br /> 143 <br /> 144 The subcommittee does recommend the following near-term actions related to Streets and Street <br /> 145 Lighting capital funding: 1) Monitor any changes to MSA funding at the State level; 2) Consider <br /> 146 revising the current policy with respect to Pavement Condition Index (PCI) standards for <br /> 147 replacing City streets; and 3) Consider reviewing the ability to adjust the City assessment policy <br /> 148 to provide some additional funding for street projects to make up for decreased MSA funding. <br /> 149 All of these topics would be appropriate to charge to the Public Works, Environment, and <br /> 150 Transportation Commission for study. <br /> 151 <br /> 152 <br /> 153 Other Recommendations The subcommittee further recommends that, if the State follows <br /> 154 through on a plan to re-work the Market Value Homestead Credit program for 2012 and beyond <br /> 155 in such a manner that the City's approximately$450,000 in current annual excess levy is no <br /> 156 longer required to cover the lack of MVHC reimbursement from the State, that excess levy <br /> 157 capacity be applied toward tax-supported capital funding needs—either to reduce the impacts of <br /> 158 the recommendations in this report, or to fund other capital needs. <br /> • <br />