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96 In response to question by Council, Assistant City Manager Smith indicated that in the preliminary budget the Capital Program had been pretty well outlined, but that during the review process, adjustments had to be made. He believed that it might be possible by late September for administrative staff to reexamine that II aspect. He also pointed out that in addition to de- velopment costs, consideration must also be given to maintenance costs. The interest expressed by citizens in the need for parks and open space was noted, evidenced by the various petitions and correspondence received, wherein the City was urged to acquire certain properties. As a means of providing funding capability for the City, the possi- bility of setting up a park fund was suggested, either as part of the General Fund, or by means of a bond issue . As the discussion continued, Council noted its own con- cern regarding future funding, not only in Parks and Recreation, but in all departments. At the' same time', Council expressed the belief that acquisition of addi- tional needed park space could not be rejected but that funds might need to be accumulated bit by bit. Assistant City Manager Smith advised of a possible sig- nificant source of funds through the Housing and Com- munity Development program, through which funds might be included for parks. Comments by Council included concern that those funds could not be counted, on in any case for an indefinite time, and that there should be not only goals and priorities, but also a means of im- II plementation. It was suggested by Council that the Commission' s role, other than an advisory one, should also be one of ad- vocacy, to determine what the citizens want. Director Weeks responded that this was one of the frustrations of the Commission, and that one concern was whether and how far they can proceed, that the process might put undue pressure on Council; whether the two or three major projects for which plans have already ,been prepared should go ahead, knowing the financial situation, or __ pursue efforts to find out what the citizens want. With regard to certain parcels already acquired, such as Palm Park, but not yet developed as parks, it was indi- cated by Council that such acquisitions are desirable, if possible, so that even though economic conditions might cause a delay in development, the property is there when such conditions improve. It was also noted, however, that staff and Council agreed that under current circum- stances, there was little capability of acquiring addi- tional property at present. During additional discussion, the Commission members 4 II indicated a sense of frustration with respect to efforts to plan parks for which development may be some time several years in the future . In response to concerns expressed by Chairman Knecht, Council assured the Com- mission that they should carry on with long range planning for park development. -2- Adj .Mtg. w/P&R 8/11/75