Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/31/2012

Home

Ms. Olsen explained that the project was combined with North Commons and Elmcrest because the Park and Recreation Commission does not want to place priority on one neighborhood over another. She indicated all residents had the same assumed presumption and when the facility and bathrooms are built, it will increase the value of the residential properties in these two areas. Ms. Olsen commented on the cost savings that will be realized if both play structures are purchased and installed at the same time. Councilmember McGlone asked if there is any neighborhood that would not want more of an investment made in their neighborhood park. He felt there would always be that need. Councilmember McGlone stated he had advocated for a land inventory and sales of land to pay for park improvements. He indicated if the City received the money from sales of land, he would support using it to make park improvements. Councilmember McGlone noted buildings are more expense, create issues with maintenance, electricity, and sewage. He stated his daughter plays soccer and he would prefer a "porta-john" over using the bathrooms at the Anoka fields. He did not feel residential property values would increase if there is a park in the area, noting people moved into this area before the park was there. Councilmember McGlone stated he also received an e -mail last winter that he found to be offensive because he is a parent in the organization, believed the e-mail contained many untruths, and that its intent was to garner support to pressure the City to move this project forward. Councilmember McGlone stated he thinks a building belongs in Elmcrest Park but does not know if this is the correct time. If constructed, he supports a multiuse building with support from the athletic associations. He preferred to slow the process until excess land is sold. Councilmember Backous stated he would believe that if the Draw Park wasn't constructed at a cost of $1.1 million within a matter of several years from conception to finish. He agreed with the need for more concentrated and higher quality parks and to get rid of pocket parks and excess land and concentrate into larger parks with better amenities. Councilmember Backous noted this is part of that plan to get rid of excess inventory and while he supported creating a plan, he was not willing to wait three to four years to build up the parks that the City has. City Administrator Ulrich advised that Councilmember Elvig was unable to attend due to a family commitment but wanted to express his support for both play structures and the building at Elmcrest Park. He noted the City does not have a fully developed recreational program and relies heavily on partnerships and athletic associations to help operate the buildings, registrations, and run tournaments. The first step, as discussed at the joint meeting, is to define what the City wants and it appears to be a multiuse building including winter activities, to consider location and design to accommodate that intent. City Administrator Ulrich stated the City has a cost estimate but it is not based on an actual building design so that would be the next step, to make an investment in the design by hiring an architect and then solicit additional partnerships with other athletic associations. Councilmember Strommen stated she favors moving forward with the playgrounds and seeking other partnerships but this will be a City building and ultimately the City's responsibility. She stated the reality is that the inventory of properties found that most were dedicated and there were not a lot of revenues to be had through sale of excess properties. Councilmember Strommen City Council Work Session / July 31, 2012 Page 15 of 18