Minutes - Council - 12/08/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Williams referenced 37 acres in acquisition and stated that the parcel mentioned for the park is smaller, 24 acres, and asked for additional information on the difference. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided additional information, identifying the 24-acre parcel as well as the wetlands and trails surrounding the park area. Councilmember Riley thanked staff for the background information but did not feel that the case had yet been reviewed and did not think that the members of the public were yet informed of the full information in the case. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided additional details on the agreement with Northfork Inc. regarding park dedication. Mayor Strommen stated that it is the City's option to accept park dedication or land, noting that in most cases, it is more beneficial to accept fees but in this case, it would be more beneficial to accept land in order to create the community park. Councilmember Williams stated that she feels that the City is missing the opportunity to have the discussion regarding the CIP and the need for funds for those elements. She also feels that there is an absence of park equipment and would have felt more comfortable if there had been time to have a robust discussion around those things. She stated that without those discussions she would have a hard time making the decision whether to make this commitment for this major park. Councilmember Shryock stated that in terms of the location and process, this area and park has been on the radar for the Parks Commission for quite some time. She stated that in reference to the CIP, there is flexibility to allow things to move forward when the opportunity arises and other items fall back on the timeline. She stated that the focus has been on community parks rather than neighborhood parks in order to leverage resources. She asked for more information on where the funds would come from to acquire this property. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that over the past 15 to 20 years the focus has been not to accept tot lots and instead focus on larger parks with a good trail system. He noted that action is not critical tonight and therefore if a more robust discussion is needed, that could be done. He stated that if the City does not accept this land the City would have a hard time obtaining the deferral areas and would have difficulty creating a community park. He stated that the price would be much higher and noted that the possibility may not be available in the future as well as the sites develop in pieces. Mayor Strommen stated that she does not see this as a CIP issue and views the issue as a decision on park dedication and whether fees or land would be collected. She explained that the Park Commission has looked at this case and recommends accepting the land in this case because of the plans for a future park in this area. City Council / December 8, 2015 Page 6 of 9