Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Section 3 . Plan Develooment Process <br /> <br />A. Public Participation <br /> <br />Development of good masterplans involves not only the ideas and creativity of the writers <br />but must also include the participation of recreational users. For some five years the <br />Council has been mulling over park improvements after receiving staff input concerning <br />upgrading and maintenance of parks facilities. In 1994, the city staff made a conscientious <br />effort to contact members of sports organizations, service clubs, and interested <br />individuals. A committee was appointed by the Mayor in early December, 1994 and the <br />first committee meetings were held December 6th and January 3rd. Public notices were <br />filed and public hearings were held on four occasions in January, 1995 (9th, 12th, 17th, and <br />18th) to allow for public participation and input. To encourage participation, four local radio <br />stations aired public service announcements. A copy of the public service announcement <br />is included in the appendix at the rear of this document along with affidavits of publication <br />of notice in the local paper. Newspapers and radio media covered each of the public <br />hearings and articles were written and news items aired on the subject of the meetings. <br />The public hearings were held in different areas of the city for the convenience of <br />attendees. <br /> <br />B. Data Collection <br /> <br />The information forming the basis of this masterplan was gathered by city staff members <br />under the direction of Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities, with cooperation of the <br />City Engineer's staff. Mr. Boots also met with committee members and conducted the <br />public hearings. He solicited public comment and received numerous letters in support of <br />various recreational needs. <br /> <br />C. Compilation <br /> <br />The City Council authorized the staff to secure the services of a professional engineer <br />experienced in the masterplanning, site planning and development of parks in the region. <br />The staff recommended and Council approved hiring Terry Brannon of The C. T. Brannon <br />Corporation, a Tyler consulting engineer. Brannon's role was to compile the data collected <br />and produce cost projections for various alternative projects under consideration. <br /> <br />D. Priority and Goal Setting <br /> <br />Responsible staff member for maintenance and operations within city owned parks in Paris <br />is Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities. Using input received from the public, data <br />collected and compiled, and recommendations from the consultant, Mr. Boots had <br />oversight responsibility for the development of priorities contained in these plans. His <br />fifteen years with the city, most in his present capacity as Director of Community Facilities <br /> <br />-3- <br />