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Chairs update executive committee on parks master plan, charter revision timeline and transit service improvements
Summary
Committee chairs reported that the parks 'Plan to Play' update is expected in spring, the Charter Revision Committee will begin early planning for a potential 2026 ballot, WeGo plans summer service improvements including changing Route 6 weekday mid-day headways from 60 to 30 minutes, and planning’s housing and infrastructure study will offer recommendations in March.
Several committee chairs used their updates to flag near-term work for the council.
Parks and budget: Chair Gadd said the parks department communicated an anticipated timeline for the Plan to Play update and the committee will coordinate presentations during budget season so departments can spotlight priorities briefly before budget and finance hearings. Gadd said community engagement around the plan is expected as part of the update.
Arts and libraries leadership: Gadd also noted the Arts Commission has a new interim director, Ashley Batchelder, and libraries have appointed a new director following an interim period under Terry Luke; the library director is expected to appear at budget hearings.
Charter revision: Chair Capp said preliminary planning for the next charter revision process should begin soon because timing is tight if amendments are to appear on the 2026 ballot; early public engagement and idea development are expected this summer and fall.
Transportation and housing: Chair Parker reported the sales-tax surcharge for the Choose How You Move program is being collected and highlighted proposed WeGo summer service changes: the Lebanon Pike Route 6 midday headway would move from 60 minutes to 30 minutes on weekdays, which Parker called a “massive improvement” for riders. Parker and others said planning’s housing and infrastructure study is expected to provide more substantial recommendations in late March and that joint committee meetings will be scheduled to review the findings and community engagement plan.
Boards and commissions: The rules chair (Speaker 2) is coordinating a briefing with the mayor’s office on mayoral working groups and anticipated legislation affecting boards and commissions; possible dates discussed were the week of March 17 (March 20 or April 3). Finally, staff noted parade banners and Council outreach materials are nearing completion.
