City staff updated commissioners on multiple operational and capital priorities, including the community center schematic design, a proposed land transaction in the Fields district, restrooms and pathway work, and summer programming preparations.

Steve (staff) said the community center schematic design is nearing completion and the project will move into design development; staff aim to produce a solid cost estimate for budgeting by April and to present budget materials in the city’s June–July budget process. He emphasized that impact fees can pay for capital costs but that ongoing operations and staffing must come from the general fund.

Why it matters: the community center is a major capital and operational commitment. Staff emphasized the need to firm up construction cost estimates and to identify ongoing funding for operations and staffing before budget hearings.

Steve also reported that the City Council included a nonbinding letter of intent on its agenda to move forward with due diligence on acquiring future parkland in the Fields district in northwest Meridian. He said about half the property would be donated and half purchased, and staff hope to complete due diligence and move toward a purchase and sale agreement with a target of closing in March, subject to easements with Intermountain Gas and other outstanding details.

Other staff updates: Mike Barton reported restroom installation at a trail hub and multiple restroom buildings for the golf course (two on foundation, two more ordered). Mike and others discussed a sidewalk at Fuller Park to improve access to the elementary school, and a Five Mile Creek pathway extension under Highway 16 that will move to design and likely be built in summer 2025. Garrett reviewed operational planning for the community center, including staffing plans, pool and HomeCourt fee studies, and the priority‑use agreement for school and league partners at sports facilities. Skyler has already distributed field allocation notices to major user groups for the 2025 season.

Commissioners asked about volunteer roles at the community center; staff said volunteers will be welcome to augment operations but the city will not depend on volunteers for core staffing. Staff also said HVAC replacements were approved for HomeCourt to address condensation and operation issues.

Staff highlighted the Parks annual report and ongoing event planning for 2025. No formal policy decisions or votes were taken during the staff‑reports segment; updates were informational and staff indicated further briefings and formal actions would follow as projects proceed.