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Mediation Services in their role as a dispute resolution organization. <br /> <br />City Council referred the request for support from Anoka County Mediation Services to the <br />Budget Committee. <br /> <br />Case #11: Need for Additional Ballfields. <br /> <br />Bev Swanson, President of RYAA, was present and submitted a petition to City Council <br />signed by 400 persons requesting that Council appropriate dollars to develop two new <br />ballfields in Ramsey. Bev Swanson noted that registration for spring and summer sports <br />increased by 25% in 1989 and 30% in 1990 and an additional 25% increase in registration <br />is projected for 1991. Bev Swanson stated that there are not a sufficient number of <br />ballfields in Ramsey to accommodate the number of children in the spring and summer <br />programs. Due to the lack of fields, no practice time can be scheduled and many games are <br />limited to 3 or 4 innings of play time. Bev stated that if the additional ballfields are not <br />developed or if more of the existing fields are not lighted, the organization anticipates that it <br />will have to deny participation to approximately 190 children in 1991. Bev also noted that <br />one way to generate revenue to support the fields would be to rent the fields out for <br />tournaments. Bev Swanson stated that she realizes that it is expensive to develop fields, <br />but suggested that costs could be kept to a minimum by eliminating outfield fences and <br />utilizing volunteer labor and equipment with the City providing the technical direction. <br /> <br />Mayor Reimann inquired if lighting additional fields would eliminate the problem. Bev <br />Swanson replied that lighting additional fields would accommodate two more teams but <br />would not allow for any practice times or general citizen use of the fields. Bev stated that <br />development of two more fields provides a greater amount of potential. <br /> <br />Mr. Otto stated that there is sufficient space Northeast of the Park Center in Central Park to <br />accommodate the development of two softball fields. <br /> <br />Mayor Reimann noted that he is in the process of meeting with Federal Cartridge regarding <br />the possibility of acquiring additional land adjacent to Central Park. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley stated that recognizing the long-term need for recreational facilities and the <br />City's ability to raise funds, the only option available is to ask the taxpayers if they are <br />willing to finance the additional park facilities. Mr. Hartley suggested that a referendum to <br />finance these types of improvements be included on this year's election ballot. Mr. Hartley <br />recommended that in the interim, the City borrow funds from the Landfill Trust Fund to <br />begin development of two additional ballfields that would be ready for use in 199t. <br /> <br />City Council directed Merland Otto to prepare a report regarding facts and figures related to <br />developing two additional ballfields for Council review on July 24, 1990. <br /> <br />Councilmember DeLuca requested being provided with more information regarding the <br />potential for generating revenues through leasing the fields for tournaments. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley stated that in the interim, he, Bev Swanson and Mayor Reimann will meet to <br />discuss the most cost effective way to utilize volunteers to develop the ballfields. <br /> <br />City Council / July 10, 1990 <br /> Page 6 of 14 <br /> <br /> <br />