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Parks and Sustainability Committee

Thursday, June 16, 2022 · 3:00 PM AM · Council Chambers/Virtual

TL;DR

The Parks and Sustainability Committee discussed an ordinance regarding the use of Metro-owned parks, focusing on how Metro Council members and government agencies are charged for park usage. After debate about event fees and park access, the committee ultimately recommended the ordinance for approval.

Key Decisions

  • Amendment to Park Usage Ordinance Recommended for Approval
  • Waiving Park Fees for Metro Government Events Discussed, with potential exemptions for certain government-sponsored events
Agenda PDF Minutes PDF

Agenda

  1. Call to Order

    Chair Fowler called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.

  2. Roll Call

    Chair Fowler introduced the committee and non-committee members present. A quorum was established. *NOTE: All committee and non-committee members present attended virtually, except Council President James, Council Member Hollander, and Council Member Kramer, who attended in Chambers.

  3. Pending Legislation
  4. 1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 42 OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING USE OF METRO OWNED PARKS. (AMENDMENT BY SUBSTITUTION)
    Ordinance
    Action: recommended for approval
  5. Adjournment

    Without objection, Chair Fowler adjourned the meeting at 3:22 p.m.

  6. Untitled item
  7. 1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 42 OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING USE OF METRO OWNED PARKS. (AMENDMENT BY SUBSTITUTION)
    Ordinance
    Action: tabled

    A motion was made by Committee Member Parker, seconded by Committee Member Holton Stewart, that this Ordinance be tabled. The motion to table carried by a voice vote.

  8. Clerk(s)

    Cheryl Woods, Assistant Clerk Olivia Bennett, Assistant Clerk

  9. page break
  10. Non-Committee Member(s)

    Council President David James (D-6), Council Member Bill Hollander (D-9), and Council Member Kevin Kramer (R-11)

  11. Support Staff

    Hollie Hopkins, Jefferson County Attorney's Office Beth Stenberg, Council Financial Analyst

  12. 1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 42 OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING USE OF METRO OWNED PARKS. (AMENDMENT BY SUBSTITUTION)
    Ordinance

    A motion was made by Vice Chair Peden, seconded by Committee Member Holton Stewart, that this Ordinance be recommended for approval. The following spoke to this item: - Council President James - Chair Fowler - Committee Member Holton Stewart - Council Member Hollander - Vice Chair Peden - Committee Member Parker The following was discussed: - Metro Council Members and other Metro Government agencies would not be required to pay the city for activities within the parks - Metro Council is currently being charged for using park items they purchased - Question about whether there are exceptions when parks are used free of charge - Question about what is considered a Metro Council event, and when should the Metro Council be charged for events - Question about whether Metro Council has to pay for special events, historical events, and Metro Council sponsored events in the parks - The Mayor is not charged for sponsored events in the parks - Question about whether there is a need to discuss budget implications with Metro Parks and the Office of Management and Budget - Question about putting limits on the number of events and who would enforce them - Metro Council events held in the parks are currently submitted annually - Question about whether tax payers are being charged for events for which they should not be charged Committee Member Holton Stewart requested to be added as a co-sponsor.