Committee sets July budget workshop as members push small annual CIP and dedicated parks staff

The Parks and Trails Advisory Committee set a budget planning workshop for 5:30 p.m. on July 15 to begin preparing project and CIP requests for the coming years. Members recommended considering an annual CIP allocation—examples discussed ranged from $15,000 to $25,000 per year—to build toward larger projects rather than seeking one‑time large appropriations.

Committee members also discussed staffing needs to maintain parks year‑round and suggested phasing in additional maintenance staff dedicated to parks so the city can manage tree maintenance, trail repairs and seasonal upkeep more proactively. One member said Kane is developing a multi‑year staffing plan that could add positions every other year to address workload.

The committee discussed longer‑term projects and timing: ideas mentioned included planning for a splash pad around 2030, and beginning planning for the Shady Lake bed and a proposed bridge to link east‑west trails. For near‑term maintenance, staff (Joe Palin) will prepare an estimate to repair flood damage under three bridges (sand removal and rock placement) so a contractor can install fencing in an August–September window.

Next steps: staff to prepare cost estimates for trail paving and flood repairs, and to present potential CIP allocations and staffing scenarios at the July 15 workshop to inform council’s budget process.