Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2016 11 02

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2016 Page 2 of 4 (HPT) renewal. The proposal is in the packet. Are you surprised at the percentage and amount that we discussed? Koertje says we were looking for something specific and this proposal is specific. It is reasonable and I don't think the percentage will cripple the fund. I don't foresee any large expenditures such as the Grain Elevator in the future. I am in support of the campaign for next year. Bacon says we had a study season with City Council (CC) and the staffing proposal is scaled back from what the business consultant recommended. Any additional staffing is appreciated. Currently, I have one person helping me. Keany says the Museum Master Plan was presented at the study session with CC, and they are in support. They were concerned about staffing costs. Any funding from other sources within the City revenue stream would help. Sharing funds from the HPT would be helpful. Further discussion included what other possible future funding is available to help with Museum O&M. Discussion included putting HPT on the ballot in 2017 with enabling language that allows the Museum to use up to "X" percentage of money for O&M. On the 2018 ballot, one idea was to put a property tax for a period of time (3-4 years) for the Museum campus expansion. Grants and donations within that time frame would shorten the property tax. If the 2018 ballot item passes, there may not be a need for the HPT funds. Fahey says either way, you are relying on a sales tax. The HPT is a sales tax. The 2018 ballot item might be a property tax. I am more comfortable with a property tax because it is more stable. Keany says CC did discuss alternatives. This idea was new to CC when I brought it up but they were not adverse to having the conversation. Putting the HPT extension on the 2017 ballot gives it a good chance of passing. Koertje says residents might get confused between the HPT sales tax and a property tax in 2018. Cyndi Thomas says it's a great idea and I am in sup of it. Would the 20% be reevaluated each year or is it CC discretion? Keany says it would be CC discretion and be part of the annual budget process. Fahey asks if the Museum staffing would take precedence over the HPF needs for preservation. Keany says there will be a future CC so I cannot say if there would be changes in precedence. Chuck Thomas says if 20% is the maximum, it cannot be exceeded. Fahey says if the fund needed 90% to cover all of the submitted requests, would HPC get preference over the 10% or would it go to the Museum? This would be up to CC, is that correct? Alior Keany says if there is a big project that relies HPF funds in order to happen, that discussion will probably happen during the budget process. Elrod says will the ballot language say "up to 20°o earmarked for O&M for the Museum"? Will voters understand it? If, in three years, there is a change in the economy and the funds are not available, will residents be upset because the Museum will get Tess funds and programs might be cut? Keany says the language will say "could be" earmarked for O&M. If programs are cut, the budget process is an open process and residents can be a part of it. Elrod asks if the ballot language for the sales tax to fund the Rec Center be the same as the HPF ballot issue. Keany says the Rec Center sales tax will go to the Rec Center and will not be reviewed every year. Funding can be cut back according to the revenue stream. For example, in 2008-2009, there were huge cuts in the City budget because of the closures of Sam's Club and Safeway. Stewart says the language will be "up to 20%". Cyndi Thomas says it has to be clear for the voters. Keany says the ballot language will say a continuation of the HPF tax with up to 20% funding O&M for the Museum. There is confusion in that some residents think that the HPF already funds the Museum O&M. Mellish says I don't think we are writing the ballot language tonight. Are we heading in the right direction towards a conceptual agreement? We have discussed a Task Force that could contribute towards this effort. It could be made up of some people in this room along with outside citizens.