| | | | | | | | | City of Independence | | AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET |
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| | | | | | | | Agenda Title:
22-751 - A resolution affirming the City Council's intent to refrain from adding the 97-acre former Rockwood Golf Course to the City of Independence Parks System and declaring the City Council's intent to further refrain from moving the solar panel park from the property at this time. |
| | | | | | | | Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution. |
| | | | | | | | Executive Summary:
On January 18th, 2022, the City Council considered Bill No. 22-710, a resolution adding the 97-acre former Rockwood Golf Course to the City of Independence Parks System and declaring the City Council's intent to move the solar panel park from the property. The resolution was requested by Councilmember Mike Steinmeyer and former At-Large Councilmember Mike Huff. The City Council referred the item to the Parks Commission as well as the Public Utilities Advisory Board for review and recommendation; both groups recommended against approving the resolution. |
| | | | | | | | Background:
On January 18th, 2022, the City Council considered Bill No. 22-710, a resolution adding the 97-acre former Rockwood Golf Course to the City of Independence Parks System and declaring the City Council's intent to move the solar panel park from the property. The resolution was requested by Councilmember Mike Steinmeyer and former At-Large Councilmember Mike Huff. The City Council referred the item to the Parks Commission as well as the Public Utilities Advisory Board for review and recommendation.
On February 17th, 2022, the Independence Parks Commission adopted a resolution recommending against this action; a copy of that resolution is attached. The Parks Commission advises the City Council that the Commission believes that at the present time the proposed addition would not be in the public interest because of the negative impact it would have on the Department and the use of the existing parks by the general public. Specifically, the Commission identified that the proposed action is inconsistent with the City's adopted Parks Master Plan and would present an additional financial burden to the Department for land acquisition, park construction, and park maintenance costs.
On February 24, the PUAB voted 5-2 to support the Park Commission’s Rockwood Resolution. |
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Fiscal Impact:
The City acquired the former Rockwood Golf Course for $985,000 using funds from the City's electric utility. In accordance with the City Charter, any entity acquiring this land would need to compensate IPL for the cost of the land. The Parks/Recreation/Tourism Budget manages a wide array of park, recreation, and facility assets. There is not room in the budget for the cost of this acquisition, nor are there funds available for the construction or maintenance of park assets at this site. Finally, the City would need to thoroughly review the Purchase Power Agreement with MC Power and the financial implications of terminating the lease on the solar farm earlier than stated in the contract.
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| | | | | | | | | Department: City Manager's Office | Contact Person: Zach Walker |
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| REVIEWERS: | | Department | Action | | City Managers Office | Approved | | Finance Department | Approved | | City Managers Office | Approved | | City Clerk Department | Approved |
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| Council Action: | Council Action: |
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