Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/04/2003

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Mayor Gamec stated that he thought the Council should schedule a joint meeting with the Park Commission to discuss the different options for the site. Councilmember Elvig agreed. He felt that getting a better understanding of what the Park Commission has in mind for the different park project would be beneficial to him. Councilmember Kurak noted that a portion of the park dedication collected from Village of Sunfish Lake is directed to going towards this study. She stated that she did like the idea of creating an advisory panel because it will be a fairly large project that will likely include a housing concept. Mayor Gamec stated that he thought the Council needed to discuss the direction of the parks with the Park Commission. Councilmember Strommen noted that the issue before them is to initiate the planning process not build the park. Mayor Gamec replied that he would prefer to discuss the issue with the Park Commission first. Councilmember Cook stated that the City has had advisory committees for other parks that have been developed in the City. The City has to have a plan in place before they can commit to spend any money. This issue came from the Park Commission recommending that they move forward with the planning of the Sunfish Lake area. He suggested that the Park Commission meet with the residents of the area and then establish a committee. Councilmember Kurak inquired as to who they would invite to be part of the meeting because the land is not located in the middle of a neighborhood. Councilmember Cook explained that with Elmcrest Park the Commission offered an open invitation for anyone that was interested in assisting with the planning of the park and fi.om that meeting they formed a committee that was run by two members of the Park Commission. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood noted that Elmcrest Park is a community park and there was a lot more community interest. Councilmember Kurak noted that she would be honored to be on committee to design the Sunfish Lake area. Councilmember Elvig stated that he could agree with forming a committee at this time, but was not comfortable with appropriating funds. Councilmember Strommen replied that the planning process requires funds to be'spent. Councilmember Elvig thought that they should determine what they want before they start planning. Councilmember Cook noted that the Council already committed funds from the Village of Sunfish Lake development for the park. City Council/October 28, 2003 Page 13 of 17 P31