Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2009

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Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood advised that he would obtain that information for the next meeting. Commissioner Backous thought that resident input would be useful to make this decision as well. Motion by Commissioner Backous, seconded by Commissioner Shryock, to table the request for funding for the City of Anoka Aquatic Center, to gain additional information. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Johns, Commissioners Erickson, Backous, Barr, Hansen, and Shryock. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner LaMere. Parks Supervisor Riverblood confirmed the information wanted by the Commission including the cost comparison with surrounding cities, Andover and Elk River; the profit and loss information on the Anoka Aquatic Center; and some resident input on the subject. Commissioner Barr questioned if the residents are even aware that there is a savings for Ramsey residents at the Anoka Aquatic Center. Chairperson Johns advised that it could be advertised in the newsletter or Ramsey Resident. Commissioner Erickson questioned if a survey could be added to the City website to gam resident input. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that it would be fairly easy to add a survey option to the City website to gain input on this item, and thought a decent response could be gained. He advised that the April 1, 2009 deadline by the City of Anoka is so that the Ramsey resident rate could be included in the brochure for the Aquatic Center and stated that it is also announced at the center when persons are purchasing season passes of lessons. Case #4: Request for Letter of Support for Elk River Trail Connections Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that occasionally the City of Ramsey and Elk River get together to review their trails and ensure that connections and plans match for the future. He advised of an upcoming project in Elk River which would fund a trail from their downtown area, along the river, to Babcock Park. He stated that the City of Elk River is applying for two grants and requesting a letter of support from the City of Ramsey. Chairperson Johns thought that it was an exciting project, connecting their downtown all the way to the boat landing. She was in favor of drafting the letter. Commissioner Shryock commented that she also liked the project and was excited to see it corne forward. She was also in favor of the supplying the letter of support. Commissioner Backous stated that he works in the area. He advised that a small building had burned down some time ago and the City had turned it into a park with a water feature that is family friendly. Park and Recreation Commission/February 12, 2009 Page 5 of7