Marriott-Slaterville History November 2007 Emily Stanger asked about playground equipment and when it can be placed in the parks. Steve Stater said he realizes that the cottonwood trees at the Slaterville park are messy for a month; however, they provide shade the rest of the summer. He also feels a soccer field should be placed in the park. He would like to see good examples of boweries in other cities looked at. Mr. Brown responded that the committee has looked at boweries and have not found a bowery which has a kitchen in it as the Marriott Park has, which the committee feels is a wonderful addition. Gerald Bischoff opposed the parks being locked in forever as parks only. He believes the city needs to contract the mowing and maintenance of the parks because the city would save money. He does not feel that tennis courts would be feasible at the parks. Keith Slater suggested that the restrooms be away from the boweries. Joe Deru would like a urinal placed in the men's restrooms. As there were no further public comments, the council voted that the public hearing be closed and the public meeting re-opened. The council discussed the public hearing. Rob Smout asked about the parks being used for other uses. Bill Morris advised that when the city obtained the parks on July 1, 2007, from the L.D.S. Church, the agreement stipulated they could only be used as parks. Mr. Smout felt that the cottonwood trees at the Slaterville Park are a nuisance, however, he believes more trees should be planted. The council agreed that rules for the parks need to be in place. After discussion about the park committee remaining permanent, or being changed with new members, the council decided this should be resolved by the mayor. Delbert Hodson believes that there is still much planning for the parks needed. Mr. Morris noted that the city plans a bridge across the river and applied for several grants this year for this purpose, but failed to obtain them. The city will continue to work for the bridge. Playground equipment is part of the committee recommendations. Some improvements may require a site plan. He is concerned that the deadlines in the park committee report be flexible, based upon the revenue being available to make improvements. If the city does not get a grant the boweries cannot be built. Scott Van Leeuwen agrees that the time frame of the plan must be flexible. Mayor Keith Butler noted that parks are very expensive to run. Kim Slater believes that the tennis courts should be a low priority. He feels the Slaterville Park trees need to stay there as a barrier between the park and the roads. Mr. Hodson said the longer the city waits to update the parks, the more expensive it will be. The council voted to accept the committee's report unanimously. Mr. Hodson thanked the committee for their time and hard work. The second public meeting of the night was opened to consider potential projects for which funding may be applied under the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) small cities program for the 2008 program year. Suggestions for potential projects were solicited, verbally and in writing. The expected amount of the funds for this program year was discussed along with projects eligible under this program. A review of previously funded projects was given. Mr. Morris explained the money must be spent on projects benefitting primarily low and moderate income persons. The Wasatch Front Regional Council, of which our city is a member, is expected to receive approximately $1,837,624.00 this program year. All eligible activities covered under this program are identified in the CDBG Application Guide, and include public works facilities, water and sewer lines, and blight elimination. Also eligible are loan programs for private business that would hire low or moderate income persons, and housing rehabilitation for low or moderate income households. In the past, the city received CDBG funds for the construction of the senior center. The city's capital improvements plan has