City Council Minutes 2023 01 24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2023 Page 3 of 5 Mayor Pro Tern Fahey would like to see a plan for what is going to happen and who will be doing which items. She also would like to see how there can be more coordination with the Parks Board, the Open Space Board, and the Sustainability Board on these issues. Mayor Maloney noted the report shows that staff is over performing compared to funding. He also agreed with the public comments that sustainability needs to be considered in this process and that a similar process is needed for the open space division as well. DISCUSSION/DIRECTION — OPEN SPACE & PARKS SALES TAX RENEWAL Director Blackmore stated the existing Open Space & Parks 10-year 3/8% sales and use tax, approved in its current form in 2012 by Louisville voters, will expire at the end of 2023. This sales and use tax was originally implemented in 1993. The tax was modified in 2002 to allow the tax revenues to be used for the operation and maintenance of open spaces and parks; the percentage and length of term remained the same. This same percentage, term, and purpose was approved again by the Louisville voters in 2012. The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department, in coordination with the Finance Department and City Manager's Office, requests City Council consideration and direction as the tax will be "sunsetting" this year. Council can consider and actions needed to place this renewal on the 2023 ballot. Public Comments Sherry Sommer, Louisville, stated people in Louisville support open space and people expect some of the money should be set aside for acquisition. Jessamine Fitzpatrick, Louisville, stated it is a critical time for this to be considered as the tax will sunset this year. We need to get this right. She suggested considering changes to the language on the ballot. She noted the City's boards and outside organizations could offer help. Cindy Bedell, Louisville, stated she hopes the ballot issue will pass and would like people to understand there are different types of open space. She would like to encourage habitat preservation in the use of open space. Josh Cooperman, Louisville, expressed his support for renewing the sales tax. We love the open space and need to maintain it. He suggested using some of the funds for sustainable uses in parks.