What's Wrong With This Scenario?
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS SCENARIO?
Tomorrow, at the June 2, 2010 Park Board meeting, the Board will be voting on approving the amended $45M Regional Parks Capital Improvement Budget for 2010 to 2015. This Board action is being requested by the Park Board's Planning and Project Management Department. A significant chunk of the $45M is from the Legacy Amendment Funds.
Unfortunately, the superintendent is recommending that the Board approve the $45M budget as presented even though planning staff has not done its homework in providing background information for the commissioners about the projects in the budget. There was never a study session for the new Board on the proposed Regional Parks Capital Improvement Budget for 2010 to 2015.
Consequently, the planning staff and the superintendent are asking the commissioners to vote on allocating $45M without providing the information necessary for the commissioners to make an informed decision.
How can the commissioners be expected to make spending decisions on projects they know little or nothing about?
Why didn't the planning staff provide information about the projects in the 2010 to 2015 Regional Parks Improvement Budget months ago?
Isn't it the planning staff's responsibility to make sure that the commissioners have the information they need to fulfill their fiduciary obligations? And isn't it important that it be provided in a timely manner?
Hopefully, the commissioners will take time during the Park Board meeting this Wednesday to take charge of this $45M decision by carefully examining the projects recommended by staff, by asking questions of staff and by making prudent revisions before voting on the $45M Regional Parks Capital Improvement Budget for 2010 to 2015.
For the three-page staff report, go to: www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=37&calid=646 and click on "Unfinished Business" on the "Regular" meeting agenda (pdf) and then on "Staff Report."
Arlene Fried, Co-founder of Park Watch