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EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Bond Measure Discussion Meeting Date: July 14, 2004 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Andrea G. Riner www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-4909 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY This work session is to discuss issues related to a possible bond measure for Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS). The purpose of this discussion is to determine whether a bond measure should follow the completion of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan or be presented to voters before the plan is completed for the November 2004 election. A citizen committee appointed by the Mayor has been working with staff on the PROS Comprehensive Plan since August 2002, and is projected to complete the plan in early 2005. BACKGROUND A Parks and Open Space bond measure was approved by voters in 1998 for $25.3 million which included new park development and acquisition of open space as well as renovations of recreation facilities such as Amazon Pool. Funds from this bond are anticipated to be exhausted by FY 2006. Many successful projects have been completed with this funding, including the youth sports parks, neighborhood park acquisition and development, athletic field upgrades and acquisition of ridgeline open space. Some of these projects will complete their construction phase over the next two years. For additional information about the status of 1998 bond measure projects, please refer to the May 13, 2004, Periodic Report to Council available on the City's Parks and Open Space website. In 2002, a Mayor's Committee was appointed to begin work on a new Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Comprehensive Plan. This citizen committee is chaired by Councilor Nancy Nathanson and has been working closely with staff and consultants to conduct research and solicit public input over the last 18 months. The committee and staff are currently drafting the plan and expect completion in early 2005. The plan will provide a thorough examination of the City's needs for new assets, renovation of existing infrastructure, and a focus for acquisition of natural areas and open space. The plan will also provide direction for recreation programs and services, and will provide strategies for operations and maintenance of parks, recreation and open space facilities. A Draft Capital Improvement Plan and an accompanying maintenance and operations plan will be developed this fall. Council Action History On November 17, 2003, staff presented the Multi-Year Financial Plan (MYFP) to the Budget Committee. This plan identified both the capital and operating needs for the entire organization over a six-year period. Parks, recreation and open space needs were included in the MYFP. On November 19, 2003, the council held a work session on sequencing of financial measures to be presented to the voters. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040714\S040714B.doc