Item 2E: Resolution Placing PROS Bond Measure on Ballot

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Adoption of Resolution 4869 Calling a City Election on November 7, 2006, for the Purpose of Referring to the Legal Electors of the City Of Eugene a Measure Authorizing the Issuance of a Maximum of $25,490,000 of General Obligation Bonds for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Projects Meeting Date: May 8, 2006 Agenda Item Number: 2E Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Johnny Medlin www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-4930 ISSUE STATEMENT At the April 10, 2006, City Council work session, the council provided direction to develop a $25 million General Obligation bond measure for the November 2006 ballot for acquisition of park lands, partnership funding for the West Eugene Wetlands Environmental Education Center, and partnership funding with Eugene and Bethel School Districts for the construction and replacement of synthetic sports fields. BACKGROUND In response to a City Council request to provide project ideas for a potential parks bond focused on time- sensitive items and projects with low operations and maintenance costs, staff developed a potential project list consisting of three tiers. These three tiers of projects were discussed at a work session on February 13, 2006. The discussion resulted in a decision to focus the bond efforts on park land acquisition ($18.25 million) and the West Eugene Wetlands Environmental Education Center ($1.75 million) for a total of $20 million. At the April 10, 2006, City Council work session, the council asked for the bond measure to be increased to $25 million. The additional $5 million was targeted to partner with Bethel and Eugene school districts in the construction of new synthetic turf sports fields and for the City portion of costs for the replacement of surfacing at the existing four City/district partnership synthetic turf sports fields. The existing four City/district partnership synthetic sports fields were built on Eugene School District property but were jointly funded and maintained by the district and the City on roughly a 50/50 basis for both capital and maintenance costs. Use of the fields is jointly managed by the City and school district, with input from the Synthetic Turf Sportfield User Committee made up of members from the City, school district, community user groups, and neighborhood representatives. The district coordinates school use of the fields and the City coordinates community use of the fields. The goal for expansion of this city/school partnership to develop additional synthetic fields is intended to follow this model. In discussions with Eugene (4J) and Bethel (#52) school districts, a number of locations have been identified as potential sites for the synthetic turf fields. Eugene School District 4J has identified Cal L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060508\S0605082E.doc