Recreation and Parks Commission (special meeting)
6 p.m.
City Yards
Public Works Building, second floor
233 W. Mountain St.
On the agenda: Key issue #1: A City staff recommendation, based on the recent Nexus Study, to permit the City to spend money collected through the residential impact fees (RIF) on any park project in the city, based on priorities set by the City's Department of Public Works. Contrast this with the current methodology under which 90% of the funds collected are spent in the one (of three) park districts from which the fees were collected. The staff report suggests that this additional flexibility would make more RIF funds available for acquisition of new parkland and more expensive (and expansive) plans, such as athletic fields, community centers or specialty parks, such as a dog or skate park. Key issue #2: City staff recommendations related to the design concept for Desiderio Neighborhood Park. Staff recommendations, which are based on prior input by Commission members and the public, include a 12-space parking lot and a public restroom. This vision seems to stray from the conceptual plan - adopted in 2007 by City Council - that included a meadow-like environment with natural features and modest park amenities and features. Ideas that emerged during the public hearings include walkways, site furnishings, picnic areas and play equipment, all within a drought-tolerant and durable landscape, as well as a dry stream bed through the center of the site to for infiltration and runoff.