Council still working on Creekside Campground

City officials continue to work through a maze of issues surrounding the future of Creekside Park, the City's overnight RV campground.

A joint City Council-Parks Advisory Board (PAB) workshop to discuss the future of Creekside Campground is set for Thursday, February 12 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The public is invited to attend. At their February 5 workshop, the Council was brought up to speed about the work done by the PAB so far.

Pauline Hardie, community development director, reviewed for Council the information that the PAB has been analyzing in their efforts to recommend improvements to the campground. This included: copies of the 1985 correction deed; the 1990 Master Plan; last season's data from the City's registration system; fiscal reports; concerns of the public; concerns of the PAB; and possible solutions.

Liam Hughes, PAB chairman, informed Council that the neighbors adjacent to the campground have collected signatures on a petition that outlines problems they see with the campground and possible solutions. He also indicated the PAB believes there are many issues that need to be addressed before a new site-plan can be created.

Councilor Wendy Holzman reported on the lack of restrooms issue at Clemens Park being addressed by the PAB. (See related story page 11.) She informed Council of the special meeting with citizens scheduled at the park Wednesday, February 18, at 4 p.m. and at City Hall at 6 p.m.

There was discussion about the grant available that could fund part of the cost of the Clemens restroom building. The deadline to apply is April 1. Asson and Andrew Gorayeb, city manager, cautioned against rushing the process in order to meet the deadline. Councilor Womack suggested proceeding with the application. If the grant is awarded to the City but the decision is made to not proceed with the restroom construction at this time, the City can elect not to accept the grant.

In other business, Councilor David Asson reported he and Mayor Chris Frye have been working on writing the action items determined at the goal-setting workshop. Asson has completed the goals of economic development, affordable housing, and improving public outreach. He asked for direction regarding connectivity and increasing the community and private-sector asset base.

Asson asked about the vetting process for hiring a new community development director. He wondered if it would be possible to form some sort of committee to vet the finalists before interviews take place. He suggested that establishing a vetting committee might be an appropriate action given the community's lack of trust in City actions.

Gorayeb will talk with City Attorney Steve Bryant and the City insurance providers regarding the legality and risk issues of such a committee. Womack suggested checking the City charter to see if there is anything about the council directing staff in hiring issues.

The closing date for applications for the community development director position is February 11, and as of February 5 two applications had been submitted.