Title
Paynes Prairie Sheet Flow Project Operations (B)
This item involves a request to receive an update from staff on the status of the Paynes Prairie Sheet Flow project and to review recommendations from the Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Public Works Committee regarding public access.
Explanation
On December 4, 2014, the City Commission referred the Paynes Prairie Sheet Flow Project operations alternatives and costs to the Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Public Works (RCAPW) Committee. Representatives of GRU, the Audubon Society and Sierra Club were invited to the meeting to discuss this matter.
The RCAPW Committee discussed this item and received a presentation from staff on January 8, 2015. After the presentation, the Committee received input from several Alachua Audubon Society members, the Sierra Club, and interested citizens in support of opening the park for public use as soon as possible. After much discussion, the committee approved the recommendation shown below.
Fiscal Note
Currently the City’s General Government budget does not have funding allocated for operation of the public access elements of the Paynes Prairie Sheet Flow project. Staff has estimated costs for the operation of the public use elements in the park to be $51,492 for weekend operation starting May 1st through the remainder of FY15, and $126,800 for 7 day service in FY16. Fiscal resources need to be identified.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) receive an update from staff on the status of the Paynes Prairie Sheet Flow project; 2) direct the City Manager to include an increment for City Commission consideration as part of the FY16 budget for operating costs covering daily public park use; 3) direct the City Manager to prepare an agenda item for City Commission consideration with options for funding operating costs covering weekend public park use from May 1, 2015 through the end of FY15; 4) direct staff to continue to explore all partnership opportunities inclu...
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