Olivet Parks Foundation gets occasional permit in‑lieu mentions; foundation funds used for equipment and events

During the Aug. 7 Planning Community Design Commission meeting staff and commissioners discussed the Olivet Parks Foundation as a possible place to direct in‑lieu tree mitigation funds if the city adopts a payment option when lots cannot meet planting requirements. Commissioners noted the foundation has flexible spending authority and has recently funded a body composition scanner for Five Oaks and supported trail maintenance and other park projects. Staff said the foundation is governed by a board and has been used for varied park needs. Rob Bridal and commissioners stressed that any city decision to accept in‑lieu fees would require a written policy to document the legal nexus between the fee and authorized park uses and to specify how funds are allocated. "We have to think out that there's nexus between the house I'm building and the parkway down there and what I'm contributing to," a commissioner said. Staff also highlighted an upcoming Parks Foundation‑sponsored roller‑skating event at Five Oaks on Aug. 16 and encouraged community participation. No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to consider the foundation as one possible recipient while recognizing the need for clear policy and accounting.