Minutes - Council - 03/24/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and recommendation of the Park and Recreation Commission to approve the Work Plan as presented, $7,000 for a drinking fountain/misting station, authorize staff to issue a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for The Draw project, and to adopt a resolution authorizing application for a MnDNR Trail Grant for the Trott Brook Trail project, which is consistent with the 2015 Parks Capital Improvement Plan. Mayor Strommen asked that the motions be separate so she is able to abstain from action on the DNR Trail Grant as she is employed by the DNR. Councilmember Riley stated he would not support an expenditure for the monument signs as it is costly and such signs are not used by residents in the same way as play equipment or the drinking fountain/misting station. Councilmember Kuzma stated about $3 million was spent on developing The Draw but it is difficult to locate so he supports signage to help residents locate that beautiful amphitheater. Councilmember Shryock stated Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood made a good point that the funds to be used were placed by developers into the Park Trust Fund for park purposes. She agreed with Councilmember Kuzma that creating an identity and place in The Draw and Elmcrest Park would be extremely useful and fits with the Council's Strategic Planning to create identity for Ramsey as well as value by drawing residents into a sense of place and pride in Ramsey. Councilmember Shryock stated staff and the Park and Recreation Commission consider intentional uses for these funds. With regard to the Trott Brook trail, she felt it has been a long time coming and will provide an important connection. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he appreciates Councilmember Riley's comments but agrees with the importance of communicating through park monuments, which is a critical part of the City's identification. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to Approve the 2015 Parks Capital Improvements Work Plan as presented including the issuance of an RFQ for the proposed monument at The Draw, and purchase a drinking fountain and misting station for two neighborhood parks. Further discussion: Councilmember Johns stated her support for the signage as The Draw is difficult to find and will add a professional sign aesthetic that fits the Master Sign Plan. Mayor Strommen asked if signage options will be considered. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood described the options that will be included in the RFQ for a well - defined Kasota stone eight -foot high monument plus sign options and alternate construction method to provide more choices. Mayor Strommen stated she also struggles with the point raised by Councilmember Riley about the best use of Park Trust Funds and thinks signs are a reflection of the City's identity, but signs do not build identity. Signs should also have a defined purpose (i.e., way finding, event information) and the park's intent needs must be clear to determine whether a sign is the best way to achieve that need. City Council / March 24, 2015 Page 6 of 14