Agenda - Council - 09/24/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor LeTourneau stated that the bond rating is an important aspect to the City's financial security and providing good stewardship. Councilmember Musgrove asked for additional information on the park budget and financing proposed from capital. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the $50,000 proposed to come from the capital maintenance fund would provide for trail maintenance only. He explained that the City has been in the business of overlaying trails for many years with an allocation of $10,000 per year but the City was falling far behind. He noted that in 2019 the budget was increased to $40,000. He stated that the $50,000 increase was proposed in order to keep up with the projected maintenance demand, similar to the road projects, in order to keep the trails safe and in good condition. Councilmember Musgrove asked if that increase would continue annually. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that the total amount of $90,000 would remain constant for at least the next few years while the City catches up. He stated that there would perhaps be a small decrease in the future but noted that there will also be trails added and inflation in the future. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she does not see a line item for street reconstruction. Finance Director Lund replied that $500,000 was included in the 2020 budget for maintenance but street reconstruction is not part of the general fund levy. She stated that the 2020 street projects would be funded through MSA and the remaining available street reconstruction funds. She confirmed that the road funding for 2021 is still undetermined. Councilmember Heinrich referenced parks and recreation and was surprised to see that budget is higher than fire protection. She asked if trail maintenance is included in that budget as well. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that of the $90,000 allocation for trail maintenance, $40,000 would come from the general fund similar to 2019, but the increase of $50,000 would come from the capital maintenance fund. Finance Director Lund provided additional clarification on the specific line item for trail maintenance within the park and recreation budget. City Administrator Ulrich stated that perhaps this is a good time to discuss the concept of attempting to gain additional revenue from parks users, specifically ARAA. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that currently the City charges $12 per field per day to stripe the fields, which has an actual cost to the City of $112. He stated that the actual cost to the City per season is $170,000. He stated that for soccer ARAA pays $20 per week and the cost to the City to provide the maintenance is $230,000. He noted that football is the cheapest because the association does their own striping and the City only does the mowing, which has a City Council Special Work Session / September 3, 2019 Page 7 of 17