Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/08/2008

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open two days a week. She stated that. they are currently trying to get funding for more staff, which would allow them to staff more sites. Chairperson Johns questioned if they currently had any other funding contributing towards the $29,000 that was being requested. Ms. Geiss advised that different civic groups and individual have contributed money, such as Lord of Life Church, which contributes $5,000. Commissioner Shryock questioned how they were reaching the northern portion of Ramsey, as that is a different school district. Ms. Geiss advised that it has not happened yet. She stated that they are trying to get a handle on that area, but have not reached out through that school district as of yet. She advised that it does take time. She explained that some of those children do attend the summer program and that they have also spoken with Pact Charter School about becoming a bus stop for them as well. Chairperson Johns questioned what the partnership was with Alexandria House for $5,000. Asst. City Administrator Nelson advised that is part of the joint power agreement and explained that they are obliged by that agreement to make a donation of $5,000 to that organization. Commissioner Shryock questioned where those funds come from. Asst. City Administrator Nelson advised that the funding is from the charitable gambling fund. She explained that this is a lot of money but also a lot of need for this program. She advised that Youth First lives and dies every year. She understood the challenges that the Commission is up against and just wanted them to understand what the program actually does. She advised that with only one and a half staff members, they are short on funding. Commissioner Backous commented that any organization that could get kids to go homework sounds great to him. Ms. Geiss advised that any of the Commissioners were welcome to stop in and see the site and the kids anytime. Chairperson Johns thanked her for the work that she does and advised that it truly shows with the kids that were present at the meeting. She was concerned that there would not be enough funds in the charitable gambling fund as it starts with a balance of $200,000 and $195,000 of that is to be used for the skate park. Public Works Director Olson advised that there are already commitments to some of the money available in this fund. He advised that along with the large chunk of funds set aside for Alpine Park there is also $14,000 slated for a fishing pier along the Mississippi River. He advised that he had just figured out today that there would only be $11,000 available in the fund. He advised that recently discussed in a Council worksession was the fact that only 30 percent of the funding Park and Recreation Commission/May 8, 2008 Page 8 of 13