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5 June 2004 <br /> To: City Council, City of Eugene <br /> From: Art Farley, Steve Johnson, Roxie Cuellar, Members of <br /> Mayors Committee on Parks, Recreation and Open Space <br /> Subject: Fall Parks Ballot Measures <br /> Below please find our ideas regarding two parks - related ballot measures that we are <br /> advocating be placed on the fall ballot. These could serve as starting points for your <br /> discussions at and for subsequent staff efforts after the June 9th works session. <br /> The principles behind our proposals, derived from citizen input for the new parks plan, are: <br /> (1) fiscal responsibility, by providing funds for operations and maintenance, <br /> (2) expansion of our parks system that balances interests in active recreation <br /> and developed parks with interests in ridgeline trail and natural area acquisitions, and <br /> (3) distribution of park projects and acquisitions equitably throughout the <br /> community. <br /> The Mayor's Committee has completed much of its work, acquiring and analyzing <br /> extensive citizen input and considering an inventory of available resources. We are in the <br /> final phase of identifying old and new projects for the future plan. Our proposals below <br /> reflect the prior plan and elements of new ideas from the updated plan. That Committee <br /> meets this evening, June 9th, to discuss and map projects; the results of that meeting <br /> should be folded into staff's effforts to define a measure based on the principles above. <br /> We urge you to direct staff to put together the measures outlined below for your <br /> consideration in July to be put on the fall ballot. <br /> Arguments for Going Ahead Now <br /> 1) Opportunity Costs of Waiting <br /> Suitable land is lost of other development (e.g., schools) <br /> Price of Land Increases <br /> Interest Rates Increase <br /> Lose staff expertise <br /> Lose partial negotiations on properties <br /> Lose momentum finally established after twenty years <br /> 2) Input to Mayor'sCommittee has indicated wide - spread support for expanded <br /> resources in both developedand undeveloped parks. The Committee conducted <br /> significant citizen input opportunities regarding future directions. <br /> 3) The proposed acquisitions and projects are consistent with the existing <br /> Parks and Recreation Plan (1989) and new plan under development. There has <br /> been substantial public input over the past two years that are reflected in basic <br /> elements of this proposal. <br /> 4) There will be little or no competition among measures. The County is not putting <br /> tax measures forward. The local option levy could alternate every four years <br /> with other levies. <br />