Commissioners share ideas, discuss budget cuts
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

As council members and commissioners discussed goals for the 200809 fiscal year, they acknowledged that budget constraints will put a damper on many ideas they were suggesting.

Proposals to build a dog park, improve infrastructure and create a practical multiuse trail system will be harder to accomplish in the current fiscal environment.

The city will see big cuts because of the state deficit, Councilmember Keith Millhouse said last week.

"We're going to get hammered from Sacramento this year."

Commissioners pitch ideas

Members of the parks and recreation commission identified several projects they hope to see completed in coming years. Proposals include the installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Arroyo Vista Park, the establishment of a dog park, and playground replacement or improvement at several parks.

The dog park could be located on the west end of High Street near city hall and the new post office, which is scheduled for completion within two years.

Many residents have said they want a dog park so they don't have to travel to Thousand Oaks.

Canine parks are inexpensive to build and easy to maintain, said Mary Lindley, director for the parks and recreation department.

Officials determined there wouldn't be any traffic or parking problems at the proposed location, but said the park would have to be fenced securely since railroad tracks are nearby

"The dog park looks good in theory but it's going to be a challenge to come up with funds," said Millhouse.

In another matter, it was suggested that a ball wall, initially proposed for Campus Canyon Park, instead be built at Mountain Meadows, a location that would easily serve a greater number of youngsters.

A concern, however, voiced by Councilmember Janice Parvin, was that the wall would likely become a magnet for graffiti.

She proposed that the city install surveillance cameras in all public parks to discourage and catch vandals.

"This would take money away from other projects, but it's much needed to protect parks," she said.

Concerns on vacant land

During a meeting with the planning commission, Parvin expressed concern over the fate of the property that had been set aside for Home Depot. Representatives of the home improvement store said recently it would not be built as planned due to economic constraints.

The project may or may not be developed in the future, but in the meantime, a large parcel in a prime commercial area will remain vacant because a competitor can't occupy it, said Parvin.

"I want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. If companies bail out at the last minute, there should be safeguards for the city," she said.

Parvin was also concerned about an unsightly property south of Los Angeles Avenue in downtown Moorpark that belongs to the California Department of Transportation.

The site has tumbleweeds, rotten buildings and decaying blacktop, she said. While the city is working to improve Los Angeles Avenue aesthetically, this property remains blighted. "It's time to put the pressure on the state; they can hide it or clean it up but we shouldn't have to look at it anymore," Parvin said.

Council and commission members also talked about the city's multiuse trail system. The trails need to be connected and usable for all, said Councilmember Roseann Mikos.

Commission seeks purpose

Moorpark Arts Commission members, who have been meeting quarterly for about a year, said they are still seeking to understand their purpose.

The arts commission was formed to review proposals for art in public places and to provide input on other art-related matters.

"The arts commission has very little function," said its Commissioner Clint Harper, who made a plea for more involvement with the operations of the High Street Arts Center.

"There's nothing in the city's top 10 priorities that refers to the arts," said Commissioner Dennis Swinburne.

The definition of art in public places is also vague, according to commission chair Jean Amador.

Developers are required to integrate art into their commercial projects, but the commission doesn't have any guidelines to follow when it evaluates proposals.

Councilmember Roseann Mikos agreed that the role of the arts commission should be expanded. "They should meet more frequently and have a clear purpose," she said.