Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/11/1996 - Joint with CC

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Chairperson Cook explained that it was hard to fit in necessary projects with $120,000 and to cut back to $72,000 would not even cover the lights at Central Park. Chairperson Cook explained Ramsey was a growing community with some of the nicest recreational facilities, and if they have to cut back on finances, they will not be able to accomplish minor items on their CIP. Commissioner Johns explained they tried to earmark' each year for one large project Chairperson Cook outlined that $100,000 has been spent at Centennial Park already in 1996. Commissioner Droegemueller stated a small percentage of tax money directed toward community areas would be appropriate. City Administrator Schroeder explained in the years from the mid-1980's to 1991 the park budget for the CIP was minimal, and in 1992 discussions began at the Council level regarding the state of the parks. He explained that Council determined to allocate $120,000 fi.om the Landfill Trust Fund available for three years. He explained that due to other draws on the Landfill Trust Fund, interest earnings have dropped to a projected average of $73,000 per year for the next eight to ten years. Commissioner Droegemueller stated the City was young in its development, and people will want a City with public safety and good recreational attributes. Councilmember Peterson explained as the City develops and improves, the cost to service and maintain it will increase. He stated that there was an alternative financing plan for the development of the park by the landfill. City Administrator Schroeder stated the sale of part of the land for the financing of the park was in the CIP, and he was concerned that if they sell the land too soon them would not be as much money. He explained they could get $225,000 fi.om the land in March and the park development would be $800,000 to $1,200,000. Chairperson Cook explained that there were many options for the sale of the land, but in order to meet the needs of the community, they needed the money as soon as they could get it. Commissioner Droegemueller stated he did not see Ramsey as falling behind other communities, and thinks Ramsey is a leader in some regards. He stated that more than park maintenance was necessary to move forward. Councilmember Peterson stated the nineties are times when they'must do more with less, and specific items can be dealt with on an "as needed" basis. Chairperson Cook stated that Ramsey was a model for parks and recreation and they needed to keep that position. He stated that 15 years from now the community will be too developed to add things such as trails. He expressed that the City has done a good job in getting park dedication fees for new developments, but the CIP keeps the parks going and that is where they are. lacking in funding. Chairperson Cook stated they have done well and need a commitment so they can continue to stay on track. Commissioner Ostrum pointed out that the Commission understood they were not being cut back, but they were asking for alternative financing. Commissioner Droegemueller explained they were Park and Recreation Commission/July 11, 1996 Page 2 of 4