Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/09/1999

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Motion failed for lack ora second. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that 50 percent could be utilized anywhere, including the trails, which were of benefit to everyone. He stated this recommendation could be amended to indicate that all trust fund interest earnings would be redistributed to all 18 districts. Commissioner Johns stated she agreed with this. She stated the smaller districts, which did not have money coming in, would not benefit by a 70/30 percent division. She stated the 30 percent would then be divided among the districts, and will go to trails. She stated it was a priority that they needed to make improvements and keep up with the maintenance, however, they more opportunity to make more considerable improvements with 50 percent for use among the smaller parks. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that the distribution of the interest earnings to all eighteen districts would provide that they always have funding available. Chair Cook suggested they utilize the 70/30 percent division, and divide the interest earnings between the eighteen districts, to provide the districts would always have some funding. Commissioner Droegemueller stated this might result in a mandate by the City Council to apply the funds to areas other than those proposed by the Commission. Chair Cook stated a 50/50 percent division would provide too much discretionary spending capability, and the City Council could require the Commission to do something completely different with the other 50 percent. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that he was concerned that they might lose the districts entirely, and that a 70/30 percent division might be too close to the present policy. Commissioner Droegemueller commented that it appeared at the last Commission meeting, that some of the council members were not in favor of the 17 districts. He stated he liked staff's proposal, which gives the appearance of cooperation with the Council's ideas, yet the Commission maintains the districts and some of the control. Chair Cook stated he believed they should act with integrity, decide what they think is the very best proposal, and request that. He added the Council had the right to decide what they think is best with any recommendation that comes forward. Commissioner Johns stated the districts were comprised of areas that were divided by major roadways, and if they were made larger, they would have to cost more. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated the districts were already quite large. He noted a child might have to travel a mile to get to a park in the area of Highway 10. Commissioner Droegemueller stated there were community parks to be utilized in these situations. Park and Recreation Commission/September 9, 1999 Page 10 of 14