I would like to offer some clarification to a statement made in the Feb 11. article, “Area seniors riled by city council’s attempts to solve senior center issue.”
The article states: “In a city that invests millions of dollars in recreation services for young people, seniors feel marginalized.” We do not invest millions in services; we do invest millions in capital facilities (parks and trails).
City Park and Recreation services offer classes and activities for children, youth and adults. Council policy mandates that total expenditures be balanced with at least 85 percent recovery of costs through program fees, rentals and grants/donations. In the 2007-2008 biennium, total expenditures for Park and Recreation services were $778, 616, with offsetting revenue of $769,328, for a 99 percent recovery rate.
The city has spent millions to acquire and construct parks. Our parks and trails are available for passive and active recreation by all age groups, and add value to our community by providing recreation and open space within our increasingly urbanized surroundings.
City Council has been asked to give $2,000,000 to a private senior center foundation for construction of a facility to house classes and activities targeted to the senior population. Council generally agrees that the city has some responsibility in providing a place for those services. Where we have yet to agree is what portion of that facility’s cost is the city’s responsibility, and how we should specifically be involved.
Our job as council members is to represent the entire community. To do so, we need your input. If you have comments or concerns, positive or negative, I invite you to make those known to council prior to our next discussion Feb. 24. The best way to express those is by e-mail to Kelly@cityofmillcreek.com. She will ensure that all council members have ready access to your comments.
Mike Todd
City Councilmember Mill Creek
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