Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/18/2010

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CASE # 2 2011— 2015 PARKS FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Background: The purpose of this case is to recommend the 2011 — 2015 Parks' Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to City Council's Finance Committee or directly to Council. The document outlines a 5- year plan somewhat similar to the previous 2010 — 2014 plan, with the last year also functioning as a 'place -holder' for park projects with uncertain timelines, or unidentified funding such as grants and Park Dedication fees paid by developers. Observations: It should be noted that while trail projects are mentioned within this document, a detailed trail priority plan will be developed as part of the Statewide Health Improvement Program this winter. Disseminated separate from the agenda will be a staff recommended draft 2010 — 2015 Parks' CIP plan. The Parks 5 — Year CIP will be adopted by Council as part of the larger CIP document as soon as December 14th, 2010. The following is an excerpt from the larger City-wide all -category CIP, and includes an explanation on the CIP document and process: Enclosed is the Ramsey Capital Improvements/Capital Outlay Plan (CIP) for the years 2011-2015. Tt has been prepared in an attempt to anticipate major capital expenditures in advance of the year in which they are budget requests. Further, several projects may interrelate or require other improvements prior to initiation, which would cause delays without prior planning. Additionally, projects may require budgeting over several years or receipt of funds from other sources (i.e. grants) requiring planning completion prior to the funding year. Finally, the plan enables a snapshot of the identified capital needs of the community allowing for continual prioritization of these needs. Approval of the CIP by Council does not authorize spending or initiation of a given project. It does. however, provide a guide for the commumity for a whole array of private and public decision -making, impacted by public capital expenditures. Therefore, the CIP should receive ratification only if the Council perceives actions contemplated within the plan as reasonable and planned within justified time frames. It shall further be noted that initial project design of public infrastmctu re projects identified within this plan often begins two years or more prior to the date of construction. The CIP is not intended to provide for precise budgeting. Capital costs arc projected as estimates. Upon each update of the plan, deletions, additions, delays, or other revisions may occur, reflecting changing community needs. These changes allow for budget refinements as a particular project nears actual construction.