The City contracted with Godbe Research to examine public finance options in order to comprehensively examine options, and to obtain the public's opinion on the following issues.
1. Recreation Infrastructure Improvements for Current Facilities
A Recreation Infrastructure Study was completed in 2009. Overall, the study identified necessary infrastructure improvements over a 10-year period. While no health and safety issues were found, the park improvements represent maintenance repairs and "like-kind" replacements that address these valuable assets. The Recreation District is able to fund improvements in the amount $4.6 million over the next 10 years, but other improvements and projects totaling an additional $17 million have been deferred based on lack of adequate funding.
2. Availability of Cypress School District Surplus Property
Cypress School District (CSD) currently has four closed schools (surplus sites) within the City. Per CSD's consultant the recommendations are to sell, trade, or lease one or more of the surplus sites in order to generate revenue streams, both long and short term.
One such option made available to the Recreation District is to effect a long term lease-purchase agreement of a surplus site for the development of a park. Such a park could conceivably house athletic fields, picnic ramadas, children's play areas, and a gym, should the community desire construction of these elements.
In order to conduct a comprehensive examination of the matter, and to obtain the public's opinion on the issues, the City contracted with Godbe Research to present finance options and to conduct a research poll in order to determine whether or not the public supports going forward with the presented options.
At a minimum, this survey would assist Council by providing the following information:
- Evaluating funding options for the District to consider
- Determining importance of recreation services and facilities
- Gauging level of public's interest and prioritization of recreation services
- Measuring acceptable bond amounts and rank projects and programs for funding
This survey was conducted during the time period of June 4-9, 2011. A sampling of 500 residents was done with a high percentage of validity. The results of this poll can be viewed via this link: 2011 Recreation Priorities and Revenue Measure Feasibility Survey