Council to consider repeal of policy granting indefinite parks‑and‑rec privileges to current and former mayors and council members

Councilman Zacharias introduced a resolution to repeal a prior parks and recreation user‑fee policy that grants current and former city council members and mayors free use of parks and recreation services with no expiration.

Zacharias said his review of the city code found a conflict with the city’s code of ethics, which prohibits employees from using city facilities or supplies for private gain if they are not lawfully available to the general public. “This is likely a violation of the the city's code of ethics,” Zacharias said, and he said the city attorney agreed. He described the repeal as housekeeping and asked fellow council members for support when the item returns for a vote.

Council members discussed whether councilmembers are considered employees under different sections of city policy. Councilman Streetman asked whether councilmembers count as employees for purposes of benefits; Zacharias responded that the code of ethics treats councilmembers as employees for that code. Councilman Chandler urged caution and said the council should avoid inconsistent language that calls members employees in some contexts and not others. Councilman Brown said employee discounts (for city employees) differ from the lifetime privileges at issue and argued employee benefits are not the same as gifts from outside vendors.

Zacharias said he plans to work with Parks and Recreation staff on possible modifications and anticipated bringing an amended resolution back at the next meeting. The transcript records discussion but no final vote on the repeal.