Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/13/1996

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Commissioner Ostmm suggested requesting a percentage of the general fund to complete other items. Chair Cook stated that nothing can be accomplished when the public outcry comes too late and the land is already developed. Commissioner Asfahl asked if there were any grants available. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that there is often a pile of restrictions that come with grants. Chair Cook stated that if they held back park development, the public would take notice. Commissioner Skinner stated that they would be going backwards in development. Commissioner Ostmm asked what percentage of the General Fund was necessary to incur the funds needed and stated that they needed alternative financing. Chair Cook stated that they need public input. Commissioner Droegemueller suggested a petition with signatures to get a feel of what the community wants. He added that he did not want to make any cuts. Commissioner Ostmm stated that he was against the idea of the Commission initiating a petition. Commissioner Skinner stated that the RYAA has a big influence. Chair Cook stated that the Commission should not come across as adversarial. Commissioner Ostrum suggested that the Commission meet with the Financing Committee and staff to discuss alternative financing. Commissioner Skinner suggested going to Council with alternative financing ideas and making a joint effort. Commissioner Johns suggested 1-2% of the General Fund be dedicated to the Parks/Recreation Improvement Program. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that the RYAA is directly involved with the addition of aglime in parks and could seek funding from them. Motion by Commissioner Asfahl and seconded by Commissioner Ostrum that the Commission request a meeting with the City Council's Finance Committee to identify other sources of funding at a July meeting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Asfahl, Ostrum, Droegemueller, Johns, LaMere, and Skinner. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that if there were no possible finance alternatives, then the Commission could be serious about making changes to the C.I.P. Chair Cook stated that there was a need for a sense of community in Ramsey. He added that a Sports Center would create that type of atmosphere. Commissioner Ostrum suggested making videos of the Parks Systems in Ramsey. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that this could be a possible Cable TV project. Commissioner Asfahl stated that she would do a project with Cable TV on Emerald Pond Park. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that he would do a project with Cable TV on Central Park. Commissioner Ostrum stated that he would do a project with Cable TV on River's Bend. Park and Recreation Commission/June 13, 1996 Page 6 of 7