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Smart choices and planning for the future was on the minds of members during the Edwardsville City Council meeting Monday.

During a work session before the regular meeting, Council members discussed entering into a contract with Indigo Design Inc. to develop a strategic plan for the future of Edwardsville City Park.

"I'll look at the city park's existing conditions, investments and improvements and develop a desired master plan that can be used down the road," said Doug Pickert, president of Indigo Design.

The Council tabled the proposal to enter into a contract with Indigo during the April 14 meeting until more information was provided. To help make this happen, Pickert was on hand at the work session to explain what the master plan would entail and to answer any questions.

Pickert said that the advantage of developing a master plan was to make sure the city's funds weren't wasted. He said instead of putting money into a quick fix to a problem such as drainage, the more practical solution would be to make the correct fixes that fit into the future so work doesn't have to be done twice.

"It's an opportunity for the city to look at where the park's going and moving in a direction that you all agree is where we want it to go and not wasting funds by not heading toward a long term solution," he said.

Council member Chuck Adams asked what the time frame would be in developing the master plan, to which Pickert answered 60 days.

"I going to try to keep scope fairly limited and straightforward to get the direction of where the park might grow," Pickert said, adding that as the population of Edwardsville continues to grow, the park needs to be ready to accommodate that pedestrian and vehicular activity.

Adams went on to ask what exactly would be provided for the city once the master plan was complete.

"You'll get solutions to potential vehicular and pedestrian use, drainage, and guidance of services for the anticipated growth of the community," Pickert answered, adding that he wanted to build the recreation program to match the population growth.

In the end, the Council approved, 5-0, the city entering into a contract with Indigo Design to conduct the park assessment for an amount not to exceed $4,160.

In other business Monday, the council:

¢ Approved, 5-0, minutes from the April 14 meeting.

¢ Approved, 5-0, payment of bills totaling $327,995.06.

¢ Read a proclamation by the mayor to make May 1, 2008 the Day of Prayer.

¢ Read a proclamation by the mayor to make the week of May 10 through May 17, 2008, the Nursing Home Week.

¢ Received a staff report from City Administrator Michael Webb. He reported that the adoption of the Bond Ordinance and Resolution for the Midpoint Benefit District has been postponed until the May 12 Council meeting. Closing of the bond sale is now scheduled for May 22.

Contract documents are being prepared for the Woodend Road project and a notice to proceed should be given in two to three weeks. The city is working with one property owner in the right-of-way dedication.

Work is continuing on the Eastside Sewer project on acquiring right-of-way and utility easements.

Staff is also working with the city engineer and appraiser to begin the acquisition process for Eastside Frontage Road.

The utility billing system is installed. The first quarterly bills were mailed April 30.

As Bonner Springs prepares to add a recycling service, bills are expected to increase by $3.50 a month. City staff has contacted Deffenbaugh to inquire about adding recycling to the basic garbage service at no additional cost to the current charge.

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