Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/09/1987

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tYO_r Reimann stated that he would be in favor of developing a multi-use rail system to be used for hiking, biking, horseriding and snowmobiling ~ not ~otorized stnner vehicles. MS. Dogie noted that the ~ile club is eligible to a1~ly for c~m funds to develop trails. Ms. Norris stated that a trail system would be~e a city liability. Chairman Lichter stated that he feels a trail system would be a plus for selling property in the southwest corner of the city; it makes sense to begin acquiring land for a trail system as land develops. Comcilmember Cox stated that the budget process will begin in May this year and suggested that the Parks Co.mission prepare a plan for develolm~nt projects and their time frame for Co~cil review. Councilmember Cox also noted that the City ~ decided to go ahead with a fire department; it may be that supporting eguil~ent of that department will have to be stored at Central Park; maybe that could he worked in with the Park's need for a building with water and bathroom facilities. Co~cilmember Cox referred to Chairman Lichter's question regarding the priority of developing Central Park versus neighborhood parks and stated that Central Park and River's Bend Park are the two primary priorities; things can be accomplished at both parks at the same time. Chairman Lichter stated that the Park C~mmission is not aware of any plan that ~-~ been prepared regarding the development of River's Bend Park other than that included in the L~GON application. Cou~cilmember Cox stated that Council is saying that the t~o priorities are Central and River's Bend Parks; the City will also work with those neighborhoods n~-"c-/ing to develop small kiddy parks too. Ommissioner Hetland stated that in 1982 the City committed itself to developing Central Park and i~guired as to h~w it happened that the City now has to develop two l~rks at the same time. Mayor Reimann stated that he views development of River's Bend Park as a tool to attract homes sales and increase the incoming tax increment re;enue; that increased revenue received can be used to develop things in the western portion of the city in order to continue to broaden the tax base. One park does not have a higher priority than the other. Qmmissioner ~etland stated that the City has long needed a park to serve it's existing residents and now attention is being directed towards developing a park to serve ~le that might be moving into the City. Co~cilm~ber Sorteberg stated that City is not backing away from it's commitment to Central Park and that is reflected by the improvements that have taken place there in reoent years. Councilmember Cox noted that up mtil new, little or no tax dollars have been s~ent at River's Bend Park and there will be a lot of activity and use Joint City Council-park & Recreation/March 12, 1987 Page 3 of 7