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CASE 1996 - 2001 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Public Notification: This year, the CIP was discussed in detail during the June, July, and August Commission meetings, in addition to a public hearing at the July meeting. Background: As the Finance Committee is aware, each year the Park and Recreation Commission reviews the existing Five-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and proposes, for approval, a revised Five-Year Plan. As has been the case in past years, the first year of the plan (1996 in this case) is proposed as a budget request. The balance of the program represents the priorities of the Commission at this time for future years. The caveat is that changing conditions may impact programmed expenditures, particularly in latter plan years. The past three years (1993 - 1995) have focused on neighborhood parks. A secondary focus has been on linkages between park resources (trails) and community parks. The next six years have a slightly different focus. Development of neighborhood parks, concurrent with subdivision development, continues to be a top priority. It is notable, however, that each plan year has in it an allocation toward a community play field, park or trail. Programmed dollars are requested from the Park Trust Fund (from developer park dedication fees), Landfill Trust Fund interest earnings and tax increment proceeds. The Council has also approved a dedication of Lawful Gambling proceeds toward park and youth activities. The intent of the CIP, as it relates to the above funds, is that the expense does not appear in the plan unless the dollars are available within the cash flows within each fund. The Park Trust Fund allocations are either existing dollars or those projected to be available fi.om development occurring within the plan time frame. It is expected that available revenues beyond those noted above will be allocated to community parks in the case of increased interest earnings from the Lawful Gambling and Landfill Trust Funds. Also, that increased park dedication payments will be allocated to the appropriate park district. When a source of funding is not readily available, the proposed expenditure is allocated from the General Fund. The CIP cover narrative in each year explains that General Fund expenditures are not at all certain and either needs voter approval, such as a bond referendum or specific programming and allocation by Council at a later date. As has been the case the past few years, Council approval of the CIP does not authorize expenditure approval. This approval (or request thereof) usually occurs in February or March of each year. However, staff has been planning 1996 park improvements with citizen groups for about a year. Proposed 1997 projects will be initiated within the next six months. This process ensures that impacted neighborhoods have adequate opportunity for input. It also means that if Council has concerns about any proposals in this plan, we need to be aware of them. These concerns either need to be answered adequately or the plan needs to change to reflect Council desires not reflected in the proposed plan.