City Council Study Session Summary 2002 08 13

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track resurfacing, as well as the HVAC system and lighting at the Library as examples. He suggested increasing the fees at the Recreation Center to raise money for renovations. Council questioned the priority level of the City Hall renovations, specifically why it was rated as a priority (1) when the Community Park was rated as a priority (2). There was discussion that the space being vacated by the Police Department will not be functional, and that it will require some funding to make the space useable. Council requested a list of City Hall safety, ADA, and customer service issues. In further discussions, Council requested a map of proposed trail improvements and questioned whether trail improvements could be included in the Open Space Master Plan. Judge Bruce Joss expressed his concerns to Council regarding the Municipal Court remaining at City Hall when the Police Department is relocated. He cited the audio system and court security as his main areas of concern. He explained that Louisville Municipal Court is a Court of Record and the current audio system is not very functional in that respect. He stated that when the Police Department relocates, the Municipal Court would not have the ability to readily call for a backup officer, when necessary. He explained that many individuals with outstanding warrants in Louisville also have outstanding warrants with other jurisdictions. He described the process for escorting no prisoners through the building, past employees and the public, and stated that there is emergency access and/or exit for staff in the current situation. In addition, when the Municipal Court conducts a jury trial, it is necessary for staff to use lobbies, offices, and other conference areas to accommodate the trial. Nancy Varra, City Clerk and Municipal Court Administrator, agreed with Judge Joss and expressed concern for everyone’s safety. Council agreed to include the total cost for a Municipal Court in the new Police Department building. Discussion turned to the Community Park, with the Mayor suggesting that the City use the $500,000 reserved for the park to begin designing & building a park. Council members agreed that other amenities could be phased in over time. Tom Mayer requested that the Via Appia underpass be placed out for bids. Michele Van Pelt agreed, stating that if voters at the November election approve the bond issue, the need for an underpass at Via Appia would increase. The Mayor suggested that Council reclassify the priority (2) list into priority (2) and (3). He explained that if a new major retailer locates in the former KMart building, increased sales tax revenues from this retailer could be used to fund the priority (2) list. In addition, the Mayor suggested using the same criteria to prioritize the priority (1) list. Council agreed. 3