2004-05-12 Budget Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1920 May 12, 2004 optimistic, Mr. Ollendorff advised, but also is the only possible source of funding, and there is considerable competition for the funds. The bulk of the expenditure would be in the fifth year of the City's five-year capital plan, to be spent the fifth year. Loop merchants would like to use the $50,000 to purchase street lights, but Mr. Ollendorff recommended using the sum to buy underground wiring first, and then to add the street lights. The consultant has been approached for advice about what Phase One of this program should include. Mr. Sharpe suggested using the remaining $50,000 to pay for streetlights on Delmar Boulevard which would continue those lights to be installed by the City of Saint Louis into the University City end of Delmar Boulevard. Alternatives for Phase One are being sought along with the best advice from the consultant, Mr. Ollendorff said. The $50,000 amount is in the first year of the five-year capital plan, and it will be spent this coming year. Park Maintenance, Administration and Forestry - There are very few changes here. One change not yet accounted for in the budget, is the contract for pool operation. The budget was prepared prior to the decision to seek a contract for pool operation. In the next few weeks the City Manager will present a list of transfers of money within the budget, for instance for city-paid lifeguards to be changed to the contact. It will become a different line item. The one big change is not yet reflected in this current budget draft. Mr. Sharpe asked if the cost of replacement of toilets would fall under grant money, and the City Manager said it would be part of a Park Grant submitted next year. The Park Department requested a number of capital outlay projects which the City cannot afford: replacing Heman Tennis restrooms for $85,000; replacement of playgrounds for both younger and older children at Kaufman Park at $65,000; resurfacing the parking lot at Kaufman Park; rebuilding and lighting the Heman Park tennis courts for $300,000; the rebuilding of the bath house and an addition, at $500,000; and redecorating and some interior rehabilitation for $80,000 to $100,000. These items are not in the budget. Ms. Brot asked about whether the budget addressed the problem of diseased oak trees and the problems they cause if they fall down, and the City Manager said that this issue could be addressed. Ms. Welsch asked if an ordinance relating to trees was passed, if there would be money in the budget to pay for increased staff, and Mr. Ollendorff said there is none, but he assumed an ordinance would be accompanied by fees to cover this cost. Mr. Ollendorff said replacement of restrooms was as high priority with both the Park Department and the Park Commission, and that probably grant money would need to be obtained to undertake this job. Page 5