City Council Minutes 2014 10 14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 14, 2014 Page 17 of 23 on Open Space. He felt it should be made clear what is being spent out of the Open Space Fund. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton agreed the long range plan for the Open Space Fund is the right thing to do, but now is not the right time to abruptly change the fund scheme. When Council begins their discussion on the Open Space Fund and open space acquisitions, they must consider there will be limited open space available. He felt there will be a surplus of funds available and Council should discuss how this funding should be spent. He stated if the funding for parks is changed it would have to be done over a five -year process. Council member Stolzmann stated it is never the wrong time to do the right thing. She looked forward to future discussions on the phasing plan and made several suggestions on different scenarios. She stated if the tax isn't used for what it was intended the voters will not support the tax. She felt it breeds mistrust in government. She stressed the importance of transparency and trust in government. She looked forward to discussion on a policy. Council member Keany noted there is a $600,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Open Space Fund. Council member Stolzmann felt having a policy is a step in the right direction. Council member Lipton stated by substituting general fund money for open space would mean something else will have to be reduced. When revenues begin to level off, the Council will have to decide on what to give up. He stressed the Council must look at the whole picture. Mayor Muckle asked Council if they supported the general principals of the draft policy on the Open Space and Parks, specifically the concept of growing or maintaining the acquisition amounts. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton stated he did not have enough information. He also noted the Council does not know what acquisitions are available. He did not support the principals of the draft policy. Mayor Muckle stated the Open Space Advisory Board maintains a list of desirable acquisitions. Council member Keany felt this conversation would be best discussed at a study session and not this evening. He felt it was part of a larger discussion and does not affect the budget. City Manager Fleming noted it is almost $1 Million and noted this would require changing multiple department budgets.