Open Space and Parks Sales Tax Task Force Agenda and Packet 2023 04 03

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Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 Page 2 of 3 Parcels that have not yet been classified will be included with the next update to the PROST master plan in 2024. There are a number of parcels that still need to be classified. Director Bailey reviewed the 7-year trends for Parks and OS operations and acquisition and capital. Mayor Maloney noticed the increase in parks costs appears to be outpacing spending in open space. Members agreed that is something that needs to be explained to voters. Mayor Maloney noted that in 2021 Council allocated additional General Fund money to pay to boost parks maintenance. We need to be able to explain that to voters. He would like to see an asset management program in place for both programs so we don't defer maintenance. Mayor Maloney noted that if the tax does not pass there will need to be discussions of what to close or the impacts will be. City Manager Durbin added that this may not be the time to ask for more in this ballot issue because if this doesn't pass the impacts are severe. Cross reviewed an outline of communications planned for the PROST Department for the remainder of the year. Part of it is dedicated to educating the public about properties and teaching about open space properties and parks. It will include a social media campaign. Mayor Maloney stated staff is working on a polling contract. Once the pollster in on board the questions will need to be determined. Durbin reported that staff had a conversation with staff from Colorado Springs about their recently failed ballot issue. Bailey noted the ballot question did ask to double the tax level and was very long. It may have overwhelmed the voters. Colorado Springs is going back at their April 4 election with a shorter question that does not ask to increase the rate but extends the tax for 20 years. Public Comments - None Moshak noted she had supplied some information in the packet about ballot measures around the state. Mayor Pro Tern Fahey stated that this year we may want to just ask for an extension of the tax with no increase. She said perhaps ask to keep the tax in perpetuity, but not ask for more a higher level of taxation. Moshak reviewed the tax rates for the surrounding communities and some history.