XCC Special Session Meeting Minutes, 01/07/10, Page 5 downtown revitalization, and parks and recreation, Councilwoman Felton noted she was called to take the survey, and she felt the questions were very biased; therefore, she did not think the results were believable in regard to Parks and Recreation. She feels the survey did not tell citizens that the City is broke. They should have had more questions dealing with Police and Fire. She feels Recreation is important for the kids, but there’s just no money for it right now. ‘They should have been asked if they want to KEEP Police and Fire, and if so, how do they want to pay for it? Councilwoman Mills agreed. She desperately wants Parks and Recreation back, but she cannot promise something that she cannot deliver. Further, she does not want to jeopardize the safety of our City—we need to maintain police and fire service levels first. Councilman Louderback inquired about the current balance of the “Rainy Day Fund.” Mr. Bazelak said the current balance is approximately $2.7 million. Councilman Louderback asked why they couldn’t use some of that to bring back Parks and Recreation. Mr. Percival said the survey indicated citizens are looking for recreational opportunities, but Council and staff need to determine what is the best way to do that, Councilman Caupp agreed; people don’t want what we had ... they want MORE. Yes, they want a basketball program, quality parks, quality recreation programs, etc., and a lot of other things. Mr. Percival said residents also want things that the City of Xenia cannot provide, such as a bowling alley and a movie theater. The City will never build, own, and/or operate anything like that. Councilman Caupp said people always mention that they want a bowling alley, but they are closing ‘everywhere! Mr. Lewis said Xenia had a bowling alley ... a really nice one ... and it closed. Councilwoman Mills feels residents visit bowling alleys a few times a year, but not Also, she noted the participation numbers for Xenia’s Summer Programming (acti park from 9 a.m. to 2 pm., Monday-Friday, and the schools provide a free lunch) has declined over the years. Sometimes there were more workers than children. Councilman Louderback felt that was a management failure, Councilwoman Mills said or maybe people just want something more or something different than what was being offered. Mayor Bayless said they need to keep the survey results in the forefront and figure out a way to present this information to the citizens of Xenia. Mr. Percival said they need to pull together a group of individuals to help them get this information out to the voters. Obviously with the Police and Fire component, their union reps will be in the forefront because their services have a direct impact on our citizens. He felt the street component was another critical issue, because the $150,000 that is in the current budget for street improvements is just not enough. Mr. Merriman distributed a handout regarding the 2020 Vision Plan and the 2010 Initiatives, which include the following and were identified by the Citizen Survey results: © Levy Campaign Initiative ‘* Economic Development Strategy—He felt they need to look for private businesses to provide movie theaters, bowling alleys, ete. ‘* Downtown Revitalization Program ‘* Street Rehabilitation Strategy—Based on the proposed dollars that could be generated via an Income Tax increase, they need to determine a strategy for street improvements.