The Planning and Parks Committee reviewed an initial draft of the 2026 capital improvement plan on July 21 and directed staff to apply a priority matrix that emphasizes grant-tied projects and separates mission-critical maintenance from aspirational investments.

Why it matters: the draft capital plan contains multiple park, trail and transportation projects that compete for limited capital funds and reserves. Committee members sought clearer priorities before presenting a final budget to the full Council.

City Administrator Lee explained adjustments to the 2025/2026 CIP that reflect a midyear payment to MoDOT for the Route 100 J-turns/left-turns project and the decision to defer several projects from 2025 into 2026 (Green Pines Park connector trail construction, trail resurfacing repairs and Anniversary Park parking-lot resurfacing). He said the MoDOT payment was a 2025 expenditure and that final accounting could produce small credits after project closeout.

Committee members asked about specific line items: a $1.5 million placeholder for a Main Street extension construction project was discussed and staff said that without required easements and a confirmed developer partner the project is unlikely to move to construction in 2026 and should be considered for removal from the 2026 construction list. Members also questioned items such as $500,000 identified for pickleball courts and smaller allocations for park drainage or parking repairs.

Action and direction: the committee did not adopt a final budget but directed city department heads to return with a prioritized, tiered project list that flags projects with external grant matches or funding that would be at risk if not encumbered in 2026. Staff will present a refined recommendation to Administration & Public Works and to Planning & Parks for recommendation to Council.

Discussion vs decision: committee discussion focused on prioritization and process rather than on specific final appropriations. Members emphasized maintenance needs (for example, pond/dam maintenance at Portner Park and stormwater issues) and the need to align reserve spending decisions with any potential ballot measures for parks/stormwater funding.

What’s next: staff will run projects through a priority matrix and return with a recommended 2026 CIP v2 listing and associated rationale for each item’s inclusion or deferral.

Ending: committee members asked staff to prepare a clear three-tier prioritization (mission-critical, beneficial, aspirational) to support an orderly public discussion and possible referendum planning for larger funding needs.