RECOMMENDATION:
That
the level of funding for park openings be adjusted as outlined in this
report;
That
the 2004 Schedule of Park, Open Space and Facility Openings be approved as
outlined in Appendix A;
That
parks, open space and facility opening costs be absorbed within approved
operating and capital budgets.
PURPOSE:
The
purpose of this report is to seek Committee and Council approval to adjust the
level of funding for official openings of parks.
BACKGROUND:
The Official Park Opening
Policy approved and put into place by Mayor & Members of Council in June
2002 laid the groundwork for park opening celebrations. The original policy helped ensure that
Town of Markham park openings were handled consistently across the municipality
and that staff and Council had a shared understanding of their respective roles
and responsibilities in the process.
During 2003 staff identified
that the elements captured for park openings needed to be expanded to include
sod turnings, building expansions and facility openings. The 2004 anticipated schedule of park,
open space and facility openings is attached as Appendix A. In the future, the Special Event
Coordinator will work with the Building and Park Construction Committee to
ensure that in the fall of each year a report will be brought forward for
Council to approve a schedule of park, open space and facility openings for the
upcoming year. This will allow
staff to plan and adjust capital and operating budgets accordingly.
In addition, our experience
in 2003 taught us that managing an opening celebration is the responsibility of
many individuals across multiple department work groups. During the fall of 2003 staff worked
with the stakeholder groups across the organization to detail the process and
responsibilities of each group.
Appendix B outlines the actions and responsibilities of each group as
these celebrations are planned, organized and executed.
FINANCIAL
CONSIDERATIONS:
Funding
for 2004 park, open space and facility openings are included in capital
budgets. In addition, the 2004
parks maintenance budget has been increased by $22,000 to accommodate site
preparation, set up and post event clean up as per the policy.
The
2002 parks opening policy established three levels for park openings and funding
for each level. Staff are proposing
changes to funding as outlined below.
|
|
Existing
Funding |
Proposed |
Includes |
|
Level
1 |
$300 |
$500 |
§
Balloons,
ribbons, professional photographer and invitations to 1,000
homes
§
Add: Cold drinks and cookies or cake
for 100 people
|
|
Level
2 |
$850 |
$2000 |
§
Balloons,
ribbons, face painter and/or balloon artist, professional photographer and
invitations to 1,000 homes
§
Add: steamed hot dogs, cold drinks and
cake for 200 people
|
|
Level
3 |
$6,000 |
No
Change |
§
Balloons,
ribbons, face painter or balloon artist, professional photographer,
invitations to 2,000 homes and tent rental
|
The
key driver for increasing the Level 1 funding is the provision of beverages and
food. Level 2 increases are related
to food and celebration entertainment.
Funding for the changes are provided through park capital accounts. The proposed amounts are upset
limits.
BUSINESS
UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:
The
process outlined in this report was developed with input and consultation from
Planning and Urban Design, Corporate Communications, Council Assistants and
Asset & Operations staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
Park,
Open Space and Facility Opening Procedure – Appendix A
Process
for the Opening of Parks, Open Space and Facilities – Appendix
B
|
|
|
|
|
Stu
Taylor, Director, Strategic Services |
|
Jim
Sales, Commissioner,
Community
& Fire Services
|
Q:\Strategic Services\Shared
Data\Reports\Openings\Parks, Open Space & Facility
Openings.doc
