Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/10/2011

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Commissioner Barr questions that this seems a lot like the Elmcrest building request and yes ARAA is funding it themselves, soccer wants to try to come up with a way to fund there's also and they all want buildings and how do we make it happen and how do you allow one to happen and not the other. Chairperson Shryock stated she had that similar thought and that the size of the project is the only thing that allows this to be pushed through so quickly. Vice Chair Olsen wanted to state that it's not that the Commission doesn't think this is a good idea but the Commission has a concern also on the table and that is the Elmcrest Park building request. She continued to explain that when the Commission looks at individual projects we have to look at everything on the table and the discussion they are having is a larger discussion. Commissioner Barr understands their need but wants to be careful how they handle this. Motion by Commissioner Fyten, seconded by Commissioner Barr to approve Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association's proposal to fund a storage and batting cage building at Central Park with further investigation by staff and council. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Shryock, Commissioners Barr, Bennett, Chubb, Fyten, and Olsen. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Minke Case #5.2 Recommend City Council Resolution Supporting the Mississippi River Trail Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated he prepared a slide to discuss in greater depth what the MRT is and also how it relates to economic and tourism which is the essence of the resolution. The purpose of this case is to motion to City Council to approve a resolution supporting the Mississippi River trail bikeway such that we can be in the running as a host City to explore this initiative further and do it right. Chairperson Shryock asked about the timeline on some of the community engagement schedules and are we in the loop on all of that. Parks Supervisor Riverblood responded to the affirmative. Vice Chair Olsen feels it is incredibly important to push for a trail like this and bring more people and money into Ramsey. Chairperson Shryock stated another key support position is we are close enough to connect with links that are already there. As soon as this is all hooked up people can use these trails to get to work in Anoka or the Cities and as this process goes it will continue to improve our development in the COR there in so many ways. This not only helps our tourism but gives our residents other options of getting to work. Commissioner Bennett feels it's a great opportunity to promote the City of Ramsey and has a nice effect on local businesses. Park and Recreation Commission/November 10, 2011 Page 3 of 4