City Council Minutes 2002 07 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting July 16, 2002 Page 10 improvements should be made when sales tax increase. She voiced her opinion that the expansion and improvements are unwise proposals that have the potential to hurt many of the residents. COUNCIL COMMENTS Davidson addressed the location for the police department and stated that the current library building and the post office building were evaluated for potential sites for the police station. He explained that there wasn't any money saved in those locations and both sites were problematic. He noted that the Via Appia site was specifically chosen because it was the most cost effective and its location was in the close proximity of the fire station, thereby making all emergency equipment in the same area. Mayer concurred with Mayor Davidson that a very detailed evaluation was completed on the needs of the police department. He addressed the issue that the bond issue will increase property and sales tax and stated that Council has considered the same questions raised by Ms. Wetrogen. He explained that while some residents will not be affected by a ten-dollar a month increase in property taxes, others will. He stated that a major capital project requires a large entry cost, and later the expenses are less. He agreed that the economical climate is not good, however, the voters of Louisville will ultimately decide on whether the municipal facilities will be expanded. Sisk stated that the Council has acknowledged citizens demands for a new library, and expansion of the Recreation/Senior Center. He noted that the issues raised would be decided by a vote of the people. He stated that, in an independent capacity, he is a strong advocate of passing the bond issue. He stated that the citizens' comments will be helpful in debating the issues and he thanked Ms. Wetrogen for her remarks. Wetrogen inquired about an article in the newspaper referencing the creation of a special tax district to keep Memory Square swimming pool open. She asked if her taxes would be tripled. Davidson explained that a newspaper reporter interviewed him about Memory Square swimming pool. He suggested the possibility of a special assessment, similar to Homeowners Association fees, for payment of amenities, such as the Memory Square swimming pool. Wetrogen stated that belonging to a Homeowners Association is a matter of choice, and the residents living near Memory Square swimming pool did not choose to be part of a Homeowners Association. Davidson explained that the bond issue is the result of a needs assessment for the Library and Recreation/Senior Center. He stated that the citizens have the fight to vote on the bond issue and that only the City's portion of the property tax would be increased. He reported on a downtown study, which established that the library and the Blue Parrot 10