Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/12/2009

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1) Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes dated February 12,2009. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Johns, Commissioners Erickson, Backous, Barr, Hansen, and LaMere. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Shryock. COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Consider Policy for Accepting Park Donations, Monuments, Memorials and Other Improvements Al Haugen advised that the City of Ramsey currently does not have a program to accept park donations, monuments, memorials and other improvements. He advised that the City does have an Adopt-a-Spot program, which is used for trash removal and other similar improvements. He stated that Staff did research other communities to develop a draft policy for accepting park donations, monuments, memorials and other improvements. He explained a policy used by the City of Chanhassen, which accommodates the demand for citizens that would like to create a memorial. He stated that the City of New Hope has a policy for the renaming of park facilities. He presented the draft of the policy for the Commission and stated that he would stand by for questions. Chairperson Johns thought this was a good idea, as citizens have come forward wanting to do things of this nature. She felt it was a proactive effort for the City. She confirmed that the donations would become park property and the City would take ownership. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that this would be a working document and changes could be made in the future as needed. Chairperson Johns questioned if the donor would purchase these items or the City would purchase the items. Al Haugen advised that several cities allow people to make donations and in turn receive recognition in the form of a tree or bench. He advised that in the draft form there is language covering the cost of items that could be donated. Commissioner Backous questioned if any thought had been given to recognizing individual efforts or volunteerism, rather than the donation of physical items. He questioned if something of that nature would be included in the policy. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that another policy has been drafted to more formalize the volunteer program and recognition within the City. He advised that a number of businesses and residents make donations to the City, which if not slated for specific items goes into the Park Trust Fund to be used to park improvements system wide. Al Haugen stated that point seven of the policy makes an alternative available for items that do not quite fit into the administrative approval could then be considered on a case by case basis. Park and Recreation Commission!M:arch 12, 2009 Page 2 of 15 .