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for movie in the park. He stated that is why staff has investigated possible partnerships to help <br />reimburse some of those costs. He noted that he would supply the data to the Council prior to <br />the budgeting discussions. <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked if staff has considered pickleball courts. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that there is a serious group <br />of pickleball players that wanted to have courts in the City. He noted that staff was able to <br />provide courts by simply restriping some courts. He noted that one of the skilled players was <br />willing to donate his services as an instructor and therefore can offer free classes for the sport. <br />Mayor Strommen asked if there are any ideas for the future. <br />Councilmember Shryock stated that consistency is important. She noted that there is a wide <br />range of programs available and if they continue with that scope it will help to provide a base for <br />the program which can expand as it goes forward. She believed that it is important to keep the <br />programming consistent. <br />Councilmember Johns stated that trails should remain a priority to provide that connectivity for <br />people to access the activities in the parks. She stated that as a longtime member of the Park <br />Commission before joining the Council it has been nice to see the parks and programing <br />evolving over the years. <br />Parks Commission Chair Bennett stated that through the Comprehensive Plan update process <br />there has been a lot of discussion on trails and the desire for connectivity. He agreed that <br />consistency is important and could make the programming more sustainable. He stated that <br />often people are not aware of the programming that is available. <br />Councilmember Kuzma noted that the City is updating its website and that is an opportunity to <br />build in better publication of the programming. <br />2.04: Status of City of Ramsey Foundation's Support of The Draw Summer Events Series <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report. He <br />explained that during the recession the Ramsey Foundation stepped up and took over the funding <br />for The Draw Summer Events Series. He stated that the Ramsey Foundation may wish for the <br />City to be more involved in the funding for the concert series. <br />Dwayne Larson, Ramsey Foundation, stated that the Ramsey Foundation has ten Board members <br />and they have worked hard to raise funds for The Draw Summer Events Series. He stated that <br />the cost for bands has increased and as the events have become more popular there is demand for <br />bands with higher costs. He stated that the cost for the band is about $16,500 for the 11 events. <br />He stated that funding needs will remain around that level for the future. He stated that the <br />members of the Ramsey Foundation are getting older and are not able to go out and raise funds <br />and contribute the time needed to gain those funds. He stated that now that the events are more <br />popular they would like to request the City to contribute a higher level of funding for the events. <br />City Council Work Session / May 9, 2017 <br />Page 5 of 10 <br />