Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/2008

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Parks Supervisor Riverblood was unsure if the decision for park dedication had to be made tonight or if it could be deferred to the May meeting. He stated that the applicant seems to be suggesting that a comprehensive look be taken in the interest of the church. He stated that parking could be shared between the church and Central Park and the church could also hold annual picnics at the park. He explained that the storm water pond could also be shared and advised that there are many other options for collaboration of the church and the City. He advised that a Park Dedication cash rate can be applied, but explained that nothing stops the City from looking at the whole property to find a mutually beneficial solution. Chairperson Johns questioned when the deadline would be for a decision. Commissioner Backous advised that they would like to get going quickly and advised that they would like to. go before the Council at the next meeting and break ground in the spring. Chairperson Johns thought that the use for the space, a church, went along so nicely with Central Park and advised that since they are both non-profits it would be nice to ensure that both parties received what they wanted from the negotiations. Commissioner Backous agreed that there are many options to explore and that it would be good to take the time to do that. Civil Engineer Linton advised that staff had discussed this week that they wanted to see more development on the plan and have time to respond to changes. He stated that the City Council is the final step in the process and would be the final word. He thought that it would be best if they had an opportunity to develop a plan with the church and then have the City Council review it at the second meeting in May so that staff would have enough time to determine the dynamics of a land versus cash dedication. Commissioner Shryock thought that it is important for the church and staff to have a dialogue about the entire area. Leon Fisher advised that they would like to see what they could work out together. Chairperson Johns wanted to encourage that idea as well and thought it would be best for all parties to sit down and plan it out together. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that there was nothing that precluded the Commission from holding a special meeting with the church before the City Council reviews the plans so that they would be able to discuss the opportunities and also save the church some money. Chairperson Johns questioned if the Commissioners would have to be present at the meeting with the church or if staff could just be present. Park and Recreation Commission/ April 1 0, 2008 Page 13 of 18