The question was raised by Wizard concerning possible efficiencies that might
be achieved by merging Park Board and Public Works activities. Some have
recently been completed.
CLIC recommended that the storm sewer system of the Park Board be
transferred to Public Works. The reason was that the Park Board in CLIC's
opinion had been ignoring maintenance of the system, and that by transferring
to Public Works the work would get done and the money saved by Park Board
could be used to help them address their other needs.
Paving of the parkway road system as well as the parkway lighting was also
removed from Park Board responsibility to Public Works.
The Park Board in their recent agreement with the mayor has received funding
for an aggressive approach to their infrastructure gap. The concern is that
the Park Board will use their funds not only for their infrastructure gap but
will pursue projects that expand the park system as well. If they do so they
will once again fall behind on maintaining their facilities. In this
aggressive approach to fund the Park Board, Public Works has been left
without adequate money to fund the gap in their infrastructure gap.
You can argue that the Park Board is separate, but when it comes down to the
taxpayer of Minneapolis, when one agency is able to push for more money for
their account, either another agency (usually less glamorous such as Public
Works) or the taxpayers will pay the bill. Anything that can be done to
achieve efficiences in providing the services we expect would be appreciated
in my mind.
Bob Gustafson
13th
