City Council Minutes 2023 01 24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2023 Page 4 of 5 Helen Moshak, Louisville, suggested the City find experts to help the City look at ways to split the tax or change the tax in ways that could expand its uses. She supports getting community input in the process. Cynthia Come, Louisville, stated everyone in Louisville values open space and parks. She stated there needs to be good communication to the residents about this ballot issue. We need to get the question right. Mayor Pro Tern Fahey stated it is critical to get this on the ballot in November and get it passed. She would like input from the City's boards, staff, and experts on how to do this ballot issue. Councilmember Brown agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Fahey. He noted the need to continuing to maintain the level of funding and service. Councilmember Leh agreed with his colleagues and wants to make sure we put forward the best measure and don't leave this to chance. He would like to make sure equity is included in the conversation around the tax and how it can benefit all people in the community. He noted the great open space in the county has limited the space available for affordable housing and that should also be in the conversation. Councilmember Most stated she wants to make sure the affordable housing conversation does not get convoluted with the open space conversation. The parks and open spaces make us a more open and accessible community. Mayor Maloney stated this amenity is highly valued in Louisville. We all want it on the ballot and the funding from this tax is paramount to maintain parks and open space. Mayor Maloney suggested the Council create a task force to work on this. It should include two members from the Open Space Advisory Board, two members from the Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board, and one from the Sustainability Advisory Board as well as possible representation from the former EDI Task Force and/or EDI staff. The group could take input and craft ideas on how to create the best ballot language to put in front of community members. He would like it to also include himself and Mayor Pro Tern Fahey. Councilmember Most asked that the boards consider EDI in their appointments. Staff will work with the boards to have each one nominate who will serve on the Task Force. Staff will bring back a formal resolution to create the task force at a future Council meeting.