XCC Special Session Meeting Minutes, 01/07/10, Page 6 © City Image Enhancement/Communications ‘© Recreation Enhancement Initiative—He noted the previous Parks and Recreation programs and construct didn’t work. They know that whatever the future holds, it needs to include the YMCA, Greene County Parks, BRACA, independent youth organizations, ete. © Comprehensive Plan Review and Community Visioning * 2011 Budget and Financial Contingency Planning Mayor Bayless said they really need to look at what's good for our youth. It is easy to mention movie theaters and bowling alleys, but is that really what we need? Councilwoman Mills said the City has already supported the youth basketball program, which would not have come to fruition without the City’s financial help. The city is not running the program, but due to our support, the program is up and running. She felt the City needs to continue to pursue recreational opportunities like that. We can help them, but we don’t need to be responsible and run the programs, which would certainly be cheaper than hiring a Recreation Director and subordinate staff. Mr. Lewis commented that the City of Beavercreek lists all of Greene County's programs along with their own in their recreation brochure. It makes it seem as though the City of Beavercreek is providing tons of programming, but in reality, they are just providing information on all the recreational opportunities available to their citizens. Councilman Caupp asked they get back on track and determine what they need to accomplish today. Vice President Miller said they need to decide the best approach to get more revenue into this City—Income Tax or Property Tax ballot initiative? Mr, Bazelak said if an Income Tax initiative is chosen, he has several versions of legislation to choose from: Option 1) One Ordinance for a .5% increase to include police, fire and streets; Option 2) One Ordinance for 25% increase for police and fire only; and Option 3) One Ordinance for a .25% increase for street improvements only. If Option 1 is not chosen, Council can decide to present both Options 2 and 3 or they can choose just one, He recommends Option I—a .5% income tax increase for police, fire, and street improvements presented as one ballot question. He reminded Council only an introduction is being requested today; a second reading would be scheduled for January 14, 2010 Councilman Louderback said his choice is the .5% income tax increase, all inclusive. Mr. Lewis felt if the issues were separate on the ballot, the police and fire unions would work hard to sell their issue, but the same effort may not be applied for the other issue. Vice President Miller also felt the .5% increase, all inclusive, was the best choice, They can attack it from all different angles ... police, fire, streets, etc. Another angle is the City of Xenia has only received one raise in 30 years. If they go with only a .25% increase, they will be facing another deficit ina mere 2 years. Mr. Lewis felt the main way to “sell it” is to tell people the facts ... which is, if the increase does not pass, there will be 10 public safety layoffs. Councilwoman Felton said the City cannot handle anymore police and fire layoffs/reductions. Councilman Smith asked for an explanation on how the proposed revenue would be spent. Mr. Percival said $500,000 would be spent on street improvements (resurfacing). Councilman Smith asked if that included costs associated with snow removal. Mr. Percival said no. He recalled several years ago, it was estimated it would cost upwards of $15 million to rehabilitate all the streets in Xenia. This projected $500,000 per year would start us down that path.