02-19-1998 Charter Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission February 19, 1998 Page 3 Commissioner Corson asked about the Park referendum, and Mayor Sullivan stated that this issue will come in the Spring. Mayor Sullivan reiterated the need to look at the overall picture, taking into account all of the City's needs and funds. Council Member Lyden indicated that discussion about where the City goes from here is premature, suggesting that financial priorities must be determined. Commissioner Dunn commented that the Charter worked. He added that the Charter Commission has no intention of acting to affect the general fund or road reconstruction. The Commission developed a five-year road improvement plan and, in Commissioner Dunn's opinion, it would be prudent for the City to establish a fund specifically for infrastructure--road repair. He added that it would be erroneous for this and future City Councils not to designate such funds, suggesting that it would be much easier to invoke the Charter if the funds already existed. Commissioner Turner asked when the financial plan would be available. Mr. Pecchia indicated that Staff is in the process of gathering information for the second Council work session in March. Commissioner Trehus asked if the Council is committed to the Park referendum. Council Member Lyden indicated that it is not known at this time whether or not the referendum will solidify. Mayor Sullivan agreed, stating the Council had given the "go ahead"to initiate the process; but that there is a land acquisition issue, and that all of the pieces must come together. Council Member Lyden added the need to review the financial implications as well. Commissioner Rehbine asked if there had been money set aside for the athletic complex. Ms. Vaske explained that there was a bond issue including $6 million for parks and the athletic complex. Mayor Sullivan clarified that the athletic complex represented an expenditure of approximately $3.5 million. Chair Montain broke down the areas of expenditure as land, roughly $1 million; improvements to the land, approximately $1.5 million; community parks, approximately $1 million; and, approximately $1 million for trails. He added that Council must approve a bond issue for these expenditures for public approval in June. Commissioner Rehbine expressed concern that the City is significantly behind on road reconstruction. Chair Montain responded that focus cannot go to one project; parks also need attention. Commissioner Rehbine suggested that perhaps bond limits should be increased, adding that roads should be a higher priority than a new complex. FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVMENT PLAN (CIP) Development and Use Of a Workable Five-Year CIP (Described in City Charter) - Chair Montain explained that the five-year CIP is described in the City Charter. He added that there 3