2014-05-27 Study - Budget Comm Devl

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Heman Park Community Center Ms. Riganti stated that there was a significant increase to the building’s maintenance of 433 percent. She stated that again, staff is dealing with an older facility. They are trying to retrofit the building and improve the aesthetics in anticipation of upcoming rental events. There is still a demand for this facility and bookings have slightly increased from the previous year. In terms of the performance of the Heman Park Community Center Ms. Riganti stated that staff is looking to the Heman Park Master Plan for guidance with respect to the long-term disposition and use of the facility. Aquatics Ms. Riganti stated that there is a slight decrease in the budget for miscellaneous improvements. She stated that this year improvements were made to the pool house, although the intent was to perform major cosmetic improvements to the facility. Ms. Riganti stated that staff discovered that the stucco had a hole in the exterior so some of the budgeted funds were used to repair the hole. She stated that there were approximately 1,000 visitors to the pool over the last three days – opening weekend. Centennial Commons Ms. Riganti stated that there was a major increase to the budget due to the new marketing campaign. Mayor Welsch asked Ms. Riganti why the pension contributions for Centennial Commons had decreased when it seems to have gone up in all of the other program areas. Ms. Riganti stated that she would have to defer the question to the Director of Finance. Ms. Charumilind stated that there are two employees who work at both Centennial Commons and the Community Center and their salaries and benefits have been allocated to come out of the Community Center budget. Mr. Sharpe asked Ms. Riganti the price of a senior citizen membership? Ms. Riganti stated that she would have to provide the exact amount later, but there is also a program called Silver Sneakers and Senior Fit which offers a certain discount for income-qualified individuals, so the rate is going to vary depending on the income level. Public Parking Garage Ms Riganti stated that there were no significant changes to the budget. Economic Development Retail Sales Tax Ms. Riganti stated that this budget has subsequently been reformatted and will be provided to Council at a later date. As a reminder, she stated that use of the sales tax is governed by Missouri State Statute, Chapter 67, as well as 120.520 of the City’s Municipal Code that sets forth specific criterion by which any project receiving funding must adhere to. Ms. Riganti stated that this year, along with the City’s own projects, staff requested applications from qualified individuals, groups and organizations. All applications were reviewed to ensure that they met the requirements of the th Code and priorities established by the EDRST Board. Next a public hearing was held on April 9 to gather input which was used to develop staff’s recommendation to the Economic Retail Sales Tax rd (EDRST) Board. On April 23 the EDRST Board adopted a $575,000 budget for the use of the funds, which is close to the anticipated revenues from the sales tax. Ms. Riganti stated that the recommendations are outlined in the attached memorandum and it should be noted that a number of these projects provide an economic benefit City-wide. The Loop Special Business District, U-City in Bloom and the Chamber are some of the entities that the City partnered with in the use of the funds. Mr. Crow asked Ms. Riganti if the City would be utilizing RFP(s) for some of the larger budgeted items in the EDRST fund like the Collaborative. Ms. Riganti stated that with respect to the