Council briefed on Public Lands, Golf and Economic Development budgets
May 22, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
In a budget work session the Council heard from Public Lands, the Golf Fund and Economic Development, including Park Ranger goals, smart irrigation, a goal of a self-funded golf program and Main Street business closures and the Open Streets program. No votes were taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| FY 2025-26 budget: Department of Public Lands | Discussed |
| FY 2025-26 budget: Golf Fund | Discussed |
| FY 2025-26 budget: Department of Economic Development | Discussed |
| FY 2025-26 budget: Office of the City Attorney | No action |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Budget
FY 2025-26 budget: Department of Public Lands
Discussed
Staff discussed bond interest rates, the Park Ranger program, seasonal employees, tree canopy, deferred maintenance funding, the Foothill Stewardship program and Foothill Plan timeline. They said irrigation is being replaced with smart meters and separate tree and turf irrigation, and that one Foothill project, the Bonneville Boulevard trailhead, was complete. The chief financial officer said bond interest will rise as more tranches are issued. Council members asked for Park Ranger metrics, data on safety around smaller parks, irrigation and water meter data, and a list of critical maintenance projects.
Item 2 · Budget
FY 2025-26 budget: Golf Fund
Discussed
Staff covered new programs, irrigation, water use, maintenance costs and the long-term goal of making golf a self-funded enterprise. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked for a report on alternative event uses of golf courses, and Council Member Dugan asked for data quantifying water savings.
Item 4 · Budget
FY 2025-26 budget: Department of Economic Development
Discussed
Staff discussed the Economic Loan Fund Program, the Open Streets initiative, declining business development and recent business closures around Main Street. Council Member Wharton asked for the cost of continuing Open Streets on Main Street and the implications of permanently closing it to cars; Council Member Lopez Chavez asked about safety measures and drawing technology firms downtown. Staff noted a new partnership between the department and the CRA.
Item 5 · Budget
FY 2025-26 budget: Office of the City Attorney
No action
Written briefing only on the General Fund portion; no discussion was held.
What residents said
Main Street business closures