Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/15/1984

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I I I Motion carried. Voting Yes: Hetland, Johnson and Lokker. McLean and Rustad. Chairman Donovan, Commissioners Lichter, Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Mayoz Gamec stated that maintenance of the sprinkler system should be considered; there have been some costs maintenance bills for the sprinkler system located on City Hall property. Mr. Ron Hetland referred to the agenda outline used at the Special Council/ Staff/Commission Chairperson Workshop meetings, Page 5, Item C.2 which co~ents on workload put on the Public Works Department by park improvements. Mr. Hetland stated that going with a sprinkler system that will require an excess amount of maintenance will force the City to increase labor force in the Public Works Department; the City might be money ahead to go with a system that will not require so much maintenance. Case %2: .Special City Council/Staff/Commission Chairperson Workshop Meeting: Chairman Donovan stated that he has been invited to participate in a City workshop regarding the City's policy on economic development. Chairman Donovan reviewed his particular comments made at the workshop of January 31, 1984. Discussion ensued as to whether or not the Park Board should get out and sell the idea of park bonds to the public; that there is a general mistrust for any arm of the government, even the Park Board. Chairman Donovan summarized it as it is not the Park Board's responsibility to beat the drums, but rather to respond to the drum call. Commissioner Lichter inquired if CDBG funds can be used for park development. Mayor Gamec stated that they could not; those funds must benefit economic development such as extending sewer lines, utility lines, assist a taxing district, redevelopment of homes and senior citizen activities. Chairman Donovan referred back to the Workshop minutes of January 31, 1984 and stated the need for a City Planner was discussed. Chairman Donovan stated that a City Planner could really be of assistance to the Park Board in applying for grants. Commissioner Lichter stated that with high density housing coming into Ramsey, there will be a new breed of people coming in who want active parks within the area. Chairman Donovan stated that from a Park Board point of view, economic development hopefully means increased revenues; increased reveneues equalizes increased services; part of those services should be parks. Commissioner Lichter stated that planning for economic development is fine but the City will also have to plan for the services the increased population will want. Chairman Donovan stated that in general, the Park Board has gotten away from the idea of smaller neighborhood parks, but if the City is going to take on high density housing, smaller parks is what we might have to go back to. P & R/February 22, 1984 Page 3 of 4