The Pullman City Council, Idaho, approved putting two bond issues on general election ballots this November, including one to relocate City Hall from its current location on Paradise Street.
The other would ask voters to renew a $2.4 million, 10-year Parks and Recreation bond passed in 2007 to continue work on a number of parks projects.
Both bonds will need a 60 percent approval from voters in the general election with a turnout of at least 40 percent of voters who participated in the primaries to pass.
The new, larger bond, not to exceed $10.5 million, would purchase the Encounter Ministries church building on Southeast Crestview Street for a new City Hall, in which the city would acquire space for a new recreation center, senior center and city administrative offices. The building includes a full size gym, several classrooms, garage, storage areas and an unfurnished commercial kitchen, as well as restrooms, showers and a parking lot.
The bond includes an estimated $800,000 for construction of an event center in Lawson Gardens and about $500,000 to purchase property for a future Fire Station No. 3.
The bond would be paid over 20 years. Passage of the bond would increase property taxes on a $200,000 house by about $88 a year.
The smaller bond issue would update Reaney Park's restrooms, showers and pool liners; make Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated improvements to Sunnyside Park; update City Playfield; develop paths; renovate the Kruegel Park picnic shelter; complete several other parks; and purchase a portable stage, among other parks developments.
The bond, originally approved in 2007 and expiring this year, was for about $2.2 million. The city could fund $2.4 million in new projects were voters to approve a new 10-year bond.
The council also heard from Garren Shannon and Francis Benjamin, co-chairs of the Pullman 2040 initiative to outline a vision for the city for the next 23 years.
In the next two decades, Pullman residents want a revitalized downtown, preserved parks, paths and trails and an overall vibrant city, among other things, according to more than 600 citizen responses collected over the last several months by Pullman 2040.
Initial results indicate Pullman residents tend to avoid bringing visitors downtown for what they say is a lack of shopping, restaurant and entertainment opportunities. College Hill, Grand Avenue and Bishop Boulevard were other locations frequently avoided, according to the responses.
Benjamin said task forces designated to research issues such as economic development, education and wellness have until Aug. 15 to collect information before the committee begins work to draft a visioning statement and make an action plan. Implementation is scheduled to begin in October.
