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Isgriggs suggested that the city use some of the funds to improve roads in older parts of town.
"I don't think we should. We need to get the roads that we cut back first," he said, referring to roads that need improevment but were not included on this year's listtobe improved. "I don't think we should do anything until the older part (of town) is done - it's unfair.
"We have to take care of the older part of town before we move in the future," he added.
Alderman Paul Arand said the streets are a concern, but the city needs to continue to focus on a new sports complex.
"We will always have problems with the older streets," Arand said. "I am not saying not to fix them, but we need to move forward - we have needed a park for 25 years."
Alderman Bob Schmuke and City Administrator Russell Rost said that the funds would be dedicated for the park, but not "restricted" to the park. Rost called the move a "policy" to show the city's intent to develop the property while seeking grants.
The city already dedicated about $180,000 in funds from a cell phone lawsuit.
"Just because we put the funds into this account doesn't mean we can't use it in an emergency," said Schmuke. "When you go out for grants, you have to have dedicated funds."
"They look at that to see if you are serious about a project like this," added Arand.
The motion passed with a 6-2 vote.
Rost noted that the city has increased the amount of streets that are improved during the past four years other than this fiscal year. He said that the city had to fund a portion of the Highway 50 widening project out of the street department funds.
"I think we have made quite a bit of progress on our streets," added Arand.
Park Update
A committee dedicated to researching information about a new sports complex is recommending the city enter into an agreement with a design firm that specializes in park planning.
The East Park Development Committee, comprised of appointed city staff, elected officials and others, is recommending the city hire SWT to develop the plans for a future complex located on 44 acres of land recently purchased by the city.
Aldermen have debated the use of SWT, hiring a local design firm to develop a plan, or use a drawing submitted to the city by an engineering firm, Cochran.
Aldermen will take up the issue Monday, Nov. 16, during a committee meeting.
It would cost the city $25,000 to hire SWT to design the estimated $3.5 million park.
Plans call for new football, soccer, baseball and softball fields, as well as possible playgrounds, pavilions, concessions, walking trails and restrooms. Earlier this year, the Franklin County Youth Sports Organization (FCYSO) reorganized to promote the sports complex and raise funds to complete the project. The park will be located on 44 acres of ground located off Denmark Road south of Highway 50 for sports fields.
Committee members agreed that the city should hire SWT to plan the complex and seek input from residents.
SWT, which has met with a city committee, is a design firm that will work with URS to develop the city's comprehensive plan. SWT will suggest how the city can fund the complex - if it can be purchased up front, through bonds, or if the city should ask voters to approve a tax initiative.
