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

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Commissioner Erickson questioned that if they did not use the $4,000 towards the Anoka Aquatic Center, would they be able to track the money to make sure that it is not used for something else rather than saved for the community center. Chairperson Johns reminded the Commission that they have spent $40,000 over the past ten years for the Anoka Aquatic Center. Commissioner Shryock questioned if there would be a possibility to have Anoka track the participation of Ramsey residents to compare so that they would be able to see if their decision had an effect on the participation of the residents of Ramsey. She advised that since the participation of Ramsey residents has been consistent, funding or not funding may not have an effect of the participation. Participation may not change whether Ramsey funds the program or not. Parks Supervisor Riverblood questioned if $11 would be a factor in whether or not their kids took swimming lessons. Commissioner Barr stated that it would not. Commissioner Shryock stated that given their financial goals she would recommend keeping the funds in the account at this time. Commissioner Erickson questioned that if they keep the money in the account can it remain in the account or does it have to be spent on something else. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that the account is closely watched and explained that for fund to be allocated they first have to be recommended by a Commission and then approved by the Council. He advised that the larger charitable gambling issue would come back in front of the Commission in May for discussion. He reported that ultimately the City Council would make the determination for the programming versus capital improvement issue for that account. Chairperson Johns stated that they used to have a matching funds program for capital improvements throughout the city. She thought that opening that account for use with programming was in essence opening it up to a can of worms. She explained that a lot of people have good programs and there is not enough money to support all of them and advised that they then have to pick and choose programs. She liked the idea of using the funds for capital improvements in the city so that there is something visible in the city when it is completed. She explained that $50,000 was taken from that account and went to programming that did not even come before this Commission. She explained that the play facility at Central Park was $50,000 and advised that they could have used the money for something like that. Parks Supervisor Riverblood urged the Commission to take action on the funding for the Anoka Aquatic Center. He advised that in fairness to everyone that is providing services, the Commission should hear what those people have to say in May relative to the other matter, and Park and Recreation Commission/April 10, 2008 Page 8 of 18