Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/10/2003

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Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that he felt the "cart" may be ahead of the "horse" because there were not clear answers regarding staffing or sewer and water issues. He suggested that the Commission request that the City Council release the $215,000 from the CIP to provide funding for the needed design and specifications for Elmcrest Park. City Engineer Olson reiterated that they should have a lot of answers regarding sewer and water in the next few months. City Administrator Norman stated that the Park development money would come from the Park Trust Fund and with the projected build outs in the City, the fund should have no problem replenishing the fund. Councilmember Kurak stated she felt that because of the economy, constructions costs were low right now so the parks access roads and parking lots should be constructed now with paving. She stated that she did not feel it made sense to use class 5 materials as it would cost the City more in the long run. City Administrator Norman reiterated that he did not feel the capital fund was the issue but, rather, funding for the maintenance and upkeep. Commissioner Shryo. ck stated that she agreed with Councilmember Kurak that it made more sense to construct the roads now and not to use class 5 materials. Commissioner Olds stated that as long as it was clear the Park Trust Fund was going to be replenished, he also supported completed the roads now using pavement and not class 5 materials only. Councilmember Kurak stated that she felt it was in the best interest of the City to get the infi~astructure in place as soon as possible. Commissioner LaMere questioned whether there was staffing to handle the maintenance issues at the park now. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that the park is on a minimal mowing schedule now and that would need to be increased once the fields were in use for soccer. He also stated that the expense is for striping of the fields alone will cost approximately $3,000 annually. Chairperson Johns stated that she thought the fields were to be used for the smaller children's soccer for the first few years, so striping would be unnecessary. Commissioner Olds also stated that allowing field usage for small children for the first few years was a good idea as it would have less of an impact of the fields themselves and would allow the turf time to develop. Park and Recreation Commission/June 12, 2003 Page 5 of 9