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Director Nelson described some future Capital Improvement projects that were currently unfunded, and where there was an expressed need, including 5th Avenue storm drainage, playing fields, storm drainage systems, entryway enhancements, Cordilleras Creek wall repairs, and new park initiatives such as a skate board park. She said that unfunded projects that could be funded through the Gas Tax Construction Fund included a Bair Island Connector Road, major traffic mitigation projects, Blomquist extension from Seaport to Whipple, and Roosevelt Avenue reconstruction. Director Nelson said there were some funds in OlD 1-65 that could be used for remedial work on Cordilleras Creek. Mayor Howard asked her colleagues for comments. In response to Vice Mayor Ruskin's question, Director Nelson said the proposed $500,000 for parks included the improvements already discussed by staff and neighbors for Stulsaft and Stafford Parks. Council Member Rain said he wanted staff to explore expanded Library parking. MEMO 3/24/98 In response to Council Member Ira's questions, Director Nelson said a total of almost $2.2 million was already encumbered for specified or on-going projects, but all of the projects did not have to be completed in anyone year. She said there was currently $175,000 left in the street payment management program, and there was a way, administratively, to transfer money into that program. Finance Director Ponty said, "Over the last couple of years the Council transferred $700,000 from the General Fund monies into the Gas Tax Construction fund for gas tax related construction projects... basically curb to curb projects. Currently we have a balance available in that fund of $2.2 million in projects. What we are suggesting is that, due to the constraints of getting that work done, we continue working on the projects currently appropriated, but not put that full $700,000 in the Gas Tax fund over the next two years... Put $200,000 in the Gas Tax Fund and keep half a million for the Council to decide if it should go to other projects or operations." Director Ponty said the encumbered $2.2 million worth of projects was enough to keep staff busy for the next two years. City Manager Everett said that staff was working on the revenue side of the budget, which hasn't been brought to Council yet, and a big component of that would be funding all the new police officers authorized by Council. He said balancing the budget was doable the first year, but the City was facing a potential deficit the next year, and by not transferring $500,000 out of the General Fund in the second year, the potential deficit would be reduced. ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING STUDY SESSION MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 MARCH 23,1998 MINUTES Page No. 348 PAGE 3