HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B - PROS Bond MeasureEUGENE 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.
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The staff materials for that work session indicated that a bond measure for a parks and recreation
projects would be presented to voters in November 2006.
Policy Issues
Should the City wait until 2006 to prepare a bond measure, after completion of the Parks, Recreation,
and Open Space Comprehensive Plan, or send a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Bond Measure to
the voters in 2004?
Council Goal Action Priority
This project relates to a number of council goals, including sustainable community development, healthy
natural and built environment, accessible and thriving cultural and recreational opportunities, and fair,
stable and adequate financial resources.
Financial and/or Resource Considerations
A PROS Bond would provide funding for development or acquisition of new assets and renovation of
existing infrastructure. However, these new assets would likely increase maintenance and operation
needs. Current and potential future gaps in maintenance and operation funding need to be addressed,
and are a subject of future work products with the PROS Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, any new
bond would have an impact on the City's debt capacity. If the council decides to proceed with
consideration of a 2004 bond, staff will work to develop several funding options.
Other Background Information
The PROS Comprehensive Plan process has included extensive public outreach and involvement over
the last 18 months. Staff, consultants, and members of the Mayor's PROS Committee have synthesized
this information into common trends and issues. Completed Comprehensive Plan work products,
including the newly drafted Parks and Open Space Analysis Report, are available on the City's Parks
and Open Space website.
Timing
On July 14, the council will discuss the possibility of placing a bond measure on the November ballot
for parks, recreation and open spaces. Continued discussion of a November ballot measure will occur
on July 21. If a financing plan is adopted that requires a bond measure, the council will need to take
final action on a resolution by August 9, 2004, to place a measure on the November 2004 ballot. The
council agenda includes a meeting on July 26 for this purpose.
OPTIONS
The council has the option to support the completion of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Comprehensive Plan and preparation of a prioritized list of funding needs for 2006; or, to direct the City
Manager to prepare a list of possible items for a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space General Obligation
Bond to be presented to the voters in 2004.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the completion of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Comprehensive Plan and
preparation of a prioritized list of funding needs for 2006.
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SUGGESTED MOTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Andrea G. Riner
Telephone: 682-4909
Staff E-Mail: andrea.g.riner~ci.eugene.or.us
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