Ord 2019-012/adopting the 2019 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

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Recommendations GOAL FF-1. PROVIDE ADEQUATE FUNDING TO ALLOW FOR A WELL- MAINTAINED PARKS AND TRAILS SYSTEM. Action FF-1.1. Continue to evaluate opportunities to leverage City funding as part of larger projects. Actively pursue additional funding to support the provision of a high quality parks and recreation system in San Marcos.To fund identified larger-scale capital improvements(e.g.,to implement portions of the riverfront parks system schematic plan)for the parks system, consider approaching the residents with a bond election. Action FF-1.2. Pursue additional potential funding sources. Funding needs to be set aside for the creation and development of parks as well as park maintenance.Around 65 percent of survey respondents would like to see maintenance improved in the riverfront parks system. One example of a funding source which could be used to expand the riverfront parks system is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Action FF-1.3. Develop a framework to determine rationale for appropriate funding source. It is suggested to pursue external funding sources when possible due to possible restrictions of funding. General Fund expenses(i.e., non-capital expenses)are mainly used for improvements or repairs to existing parks and facilities. Below are some examples of these types of funding sources. • Municipal bonds • Tax Increment Financing/Public Improvement Districts • Electric utility partnerships • Park improvement fee funds • Cash in lieu of conveyance of land • Utility bill contributions • Tree restoration funds Action FF-1.4. Establish criteria in the City's Capital Improvements Program (CIP)which includes cost of long-term maintenance as part of decision making. To avoid the scenario where the City is overwhelmed by the amount of effort required to maintain developed parks over time, it is suggested that the City assign funds for the maintenance and replacement of facilities on a regular basis.An effective planning method is to consider facility and amenity life cycles and determine anticipated preventive and repeated repairs for each resource in each park.Another option is to identify new park amenities which have less long-term maintenance costs over time. One example would be the consideration of splash pads over pools and the associated initial and long-term maintenance costs with each option. 138 City of San Marcos, Texas I San Marcos Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan