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Conceptually, we like the project. Staff would like to be involved on <br /> suggestions for materials, and the locations for installing/planting them. <br /> When you speak of "partnering" with businesses along the channel, we hope <br /> that means that they are underwriting costs, or some of them, particularly <br /> on the maintenance end. Our crews mow and maintain the area at a certain <br /> level now. To the extent that placement of new vegetation and furnishings <br /> doesn't significantly add to the current routine maintenance, there should <br /> be no problem in adding them. In creating landscapes where smaller mowing <br /> machines are needed, we would ask that such be underwritten by the <br /> sponsoring business(es). Rose bushes and other high maintenance plant <br /> materials, as well as emptying trash receptacles, are also beyond our <br /> present capacity to care for. <br /> On the public side of matching a private investment, our opportunities to <br /> assist exist most easily in with project design and coordination--something <br /> we can accomplish by adjusting our work program for something this small. <br /> For capital outlay, our opportunities lie in finding any savings in the <br /> Parks Services operating budget, which can best be determined as we move <br /> into June (end of year). At this point, Dick Morgan (Parks Maintenance <br /> Manager) estimates he can only match a $1,000 offering from the businesses. <br /> For $2000 dollars, one could buy a couple of the nice concrete tables <br /> (nearly indestructable) that we have started using, and have enough left for <br /> several trees and/or shrubs. Whether we can increase the offering later <br /> remains to be seen. <br /> With this much of a response, I think the project can go back to you or <br /> people in the neighborhood to see what the business participation might be, <br /> and better determine the scope of the project. I should say that Dick was <br /> firm on wanting the concrete tables. They are not that much more expensive <br /> than wood, and become cost beneficial about the first time you go out to <br /> repaint or replace vandalized wood planks. <br /> Before I let go of your attention, I want to share an idea that Tim Laue is <br /> very supportive of; perhaps you already know of it: Having a small capital <br /> account that would provide match money on donations and volunteer projects <br /> in parks. He is thinking of wanting to match the $2300 that has been raised <br /> to improve Friendly Park in his ward. There has been other interest in the <br /> past, and will be in the future, that would be nice to honor with a match <br /> from the City. I think Tim would welcome your support on this. <br /> --John <br /> --Boundary (ID UcVnOFPvRaBVyjgJlpcLSw)-- <br /> Page 3 <br />