CC_Minutes_2011_0711 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,July 11,2011 Page 14 Chair Etten noted that the Master Plan process and the survey both overwhel- mingly indicated the highest priority was for trails and pathways, and that the proposal's dollar figure had been increased accordingly; in addition to land acqui- sition for more open space as another priority. However, Chair Etten noted that the majority of the proposal was to take care of current facilities, including path- ways; and took into consideration that those funds required were not limited to those of the City, but included federal funds, as well as some funds from the county depending on the particular situation. Chair Etten noted that the City's Public Works Department added pathways as part of their reconstruction projects as indicated; and that the City's Parks and Recreation Department was only one part of the total picture and funding option. Councilmember McGehee opined that, one way or another, no matter which de- partment sought funding, it came from taxpayer funds. Mr. Brokke reiterated that the survey had been fully vetted and considered in pre- senting this proposal; with this representing step 1 and focusing on existing items, other than the land acquisition as previously noted. Mr. Brokke advised that the next step as outlined in the RCA was to move forward with potential options, af- ter this first step to connect constellations. Councilmember Johnson provided further commendation on the Commission's strategy for whether to consider a sales tax option or not and for a nexus provid- ing future direction for that strategy. Chair Etten advised that the rational was based on the next two (2) years and vari- ous options to pursue. Councilmember Willmus opined that the group was here tonight to gauge the City Council's comfort level with the proposal as outlined. Specific to Step 1, Coun- cilmember Willmus advised that he was comfortable with the projects outlined in the RCA. When looking at funding earlier in the process, Councilmember Will- mus advised that he was more focused on a referendum; however, based on focus- ing dollars on existing items, with the exception of trails, he was now leaning to- ward bonding. Councilmember Willmus opined that he didn't' think it was ne- cessary to go out for a referendum for maintenance items (e.g. water main breaks), but that maintenance of existing needs should be put with community needs. Mayor Roe sought clarification that the Commission was seeking City Council guidance for their next steps; but that they were not recommending a referendum this year, but rather an abatement bond process; and questioned their timetable over the next few months.