Commission approves $1.4M shade structure and $267K temple parking upgrades using downtown TIF and parking funds

The Salina City Commission voted 5–0 April 14 to approve a proposed shade structure at Santa Fe and Ash streets and to fund an upgrade to the nearby Temple parking lot, drawing on a combination of field‑house off‑site parking funds and the downtown new‑business TIF account.

Interim City Manager Jacob Wood presented the plans and a cost estimate for the shade structure developed by Salina 20/20 and architect partners; staff described the shaded steel canopy and shade sails as an effort to increase downtown event capacity and comfort at the City Lights stage and the farmers and art market. Salina 20/20’s Guy Walker and Salina Downtown’s Leslie Bishop spoke in favor of funding the structure, noting downtown foot traffic, market growth and future private redevelopment that incentives could spur.

The two‑part funding plan approved by the commission used $463,000 remaining in the field‑house off‑site parking fund and drew the balance from the downtown new‑business TIF account, which staff said currently holds about $2.5 million in fund balance with roughly $1.7 million already committed to previously approved projects. Staff told the commission the TIF continues to grow (roughly $1 million annual collections were cited) and that payments to prior transferees are paid out over time rather than as a single immediate draw.

The shade‑structure estimate presented at the meeting was $1,400,000; staff estimated the Temple parking lot improvements at approximately $267,000. Temple representative Mary Landis said the congregation is running a capital campaign (about $230,000 short of a $1 million goal) and asked for city support because the lot is heavily used by the public for events and hospital visitors.

Finance Director Debbie Pack described the mechanics of the downtown TIF and clarified that recent commitments previously set aside are paid out across the life of the TIF; commissioners discussed the fiscal availability and the long‑term plan for the downtown funds. Commissioners emphasized that the parking lot project was closely allied with downtown activation and public uses, including parades, festivals and nearby hospital foot traffic.

The commission also discussed several design and timing items: electrical lighting and fans included in the shade‑structure estimate, a likely 10–12 week manufacturing lead time once ordered, and sign/branding options for the entry arch. Salina 20/20 said it could proceed to order after execution of the development agreement amendment and noted the electrical budget could be altered to reduce cost if desired.

Votes at a glance: - Approve repair/upgrade of Temple parking lot (estimated $267,000) and approve shade structure project (estimated $1,400,000); fund with field‑house off‑site parking funds ($463,000) and downtown new‑business TIF balance; direct staff to draft agreements — Motion passed 5–0. - Consent agenda (minutes and three construction awards totaling not to exceed amounts listed in agenda) — Motion passed 5–0. - Plat and other individual votes listed later in the meeting are recorded in the meeting record (see Votes at a glance, below).

Ending: Staff will return with the amended development agreement and schedule for fabrication and installation; Salina 20/20 and downtown organizers said the canopy will be managed as a new downtown amenity expected to increase event usability and foot traffic.