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Pecan Park redesign for easier flow and added parking that can accommodate <br />the large amount of usage this park receives from weekend play and <br />tournaments throughout the year. <br /> Additional parking for Lomax Arena, in addition to extending out the arena <br />overhang. <br /> Nine playground replacements that are scheduled for fiscal Year 2022-2027. <br /> Wave Pool Splash Park feature anticipated for FY 2023 (currently prefunding). <br /> Fairmont Park West Slash Park anticipated for FY 2023 (currently prefunding). <br /> Addition of shade covering over all parks and outdoor fitness pieces. <br /> Addition of outdoor fitness equipment at multiple parks. <br /> <br />With recent changes in State law limiting the ability of municipalities to increase <br />property taxes, it will also be more difficult to fund park improvements with property <br />taxes. Cities will need other revenue options available in order to improve municipal <br />park facilities. HOT revenues would offer us an additional option for funding these <br />improvements. Also, this would help to show citizens how revenues from tourism <br />activity directly benefits the community. <br /> <br />Finally, it should be noted that during the current COVID-19 pandemic the use of our <br />parks and trails by both local residents and tourists have increased significantly. The <br />public seems to have a new appreciation for our park system, particularly our trails. At <br />the same time, the pandemic has caused our revenues and revenues in other cities to <br />decline. When revenues decline, a lot of cities consider reductions in funding park <br />improvements rather than reductions to other City services such public safety. The <br />availability of this option for funding park improvements would help La Porte fund park <br />improvements during periods of declining revenue sources. <br /> <br />Staff recommends City Council approve the attached Resolution supporting changes <br />to State law that would allow the City to utilize HOT revenues to support future <br />improvements to our park system, which would benefit our tourism industry. <br />ACTION REQUIRED BY CITY COUNCIL <br />Consider and discuss the possible adoption of Resolution 2020-24 supporting <br />changes to State law that would allow use of HOT revenues to support future <br />improvements to our park system that would benefit our tourism industry. <br />Approved for the City Council meeting agenda <br /> <br />Corby D. Alexander, City Manager Date <br /> <br /> <br />