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Councilmember McGlone noted this open space will remain, the City has a park that was never <br />dedicated, and that was the criteria used to determine where to start. He stated Peltzer Park was <br />considered to be "low hanging fruit" in what the City can sell in park inventory and that is how <br />Peltzer Park rose to be considered first. Councilmember McGlone stated the play equipment is <br />scheduled to be relocated to a nearby park, not taken out of the area. He believed it was never <br />going to get easier down the road to make a decision to sell park land. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated that is the case but the Council had the understanding that Peltzer Park was <br />under utilized; however, it appears now that is not the case. He believed the City had other <br />parcels that were not being utilized and supported considering them before considering parcels <br />that impact residents. <br />Councilmember McGlone pointed out this park equipment was to be moved to another location <br />where it will be utilized even greater. <br />Councilmember Strommen stated Councilmember McGlone is right but there is a difference in <br />what the City "can" sell and what it "should" sell. She supported discussion on a policy that is <br />clear and defines what is "underutilized" to provide guidance when making a decision on what to <br />sell. She stated the Council needs to be clear on the direction. In terms of moving the play <br />structure, Councilmember Strommen stated she had reviewed comments from residents who live <br />near the new park and liked it because their children would not have to cross the street. She <br />asked how the Council makes the decision to move a play structure and create that same issue <br />(children crossing a street) in this neighborhood. Councilmember Strommen commented on the <br />value for children to get to and from a park, have that level of independence, and be safe in <br />playing. She noted people look for that in a community so she thinks this is not a big investment <br />to keep/maintain Peltzer Park and noted it can be evaluated again later. <br />Mayor Ramsey asked if any Councilmembers are adamant in selling Peltzer Park. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated Park Supervisor Riverblood had first thought Peltzer Park was an <br />under utilized park and asked if he still holds that opinion. He stated he does not want to pit two <br />neighborhoods against each other for the play equipment. <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated staff knew this would be a difficult decision, as has been <br />proven, and it was hard to see this number of children using Peltzer Park and say it is not utilized <br />or is under utilized. He noted that when compared to Central or Elmcrest Parks, all are <br />underutilized but to this neighborhood it appears to be a good utilization given the low <br />maintenance costs and he would recommend not taking action and looking at in the future. <br />Planning Intern Brama stated there are an additional two parcels not currently being marketed <br />and the remainder of the parcels were dedicated. <br />Mayor Ramsey supported looking at the two remaining parcels that have not been dedicated. <br />Planning Intern Brama asked if the Council would like to adopt a policy prior to making these <br />decisions. <br />City Council Work Session / April 10, 2012 <br />Page 11 of 13 <br />