Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/31/2004

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Bruce Jacobsen of Close Landscape and Architecture indicated the design team has focused their attention on South Park and East Town Center Park the last couple of months. He explained they have focused on water and green, and there have been a lot of discussions about how all those pieces fit together. The parks, trials and open space concept plan came out of that. He reviewed the parcels platted as part of park dedication, and reviewed the plans for the following parks: : · South Park · North Park · Town Center Park It was discussed that the ponds would have enough width and length for canoes and paddle boats to maneuver, and there could be skating in the winter. The ponds will reach a depth of six feet. The water features will not only be aesthetic, but will be filtered stormwater that will provide non-chlorinated water for the parks. Councihnember Elvig questioned what is included in the 4.2 million dollar obligation of the developer. Mr. Jacobsen explained there are things RTC has carried along as part of park construction that are not park dedication eligible. This includes things like rough grading that will need to be done anyway. The City is assured it will receive the 4.2 million dollar value. The figures for the plans at this time, which includes the grading, is estimated at approximately 6.4 million dollars. RTC will be trying to lower the prices. RTC has committed to providing the plans as they have been presented, regardless of the price. Counci hnember Kurak inquired if the soft cost of design work is included in these costs. Assistant Public Works Director Olson responded in the negative. Councihnember Kurak noted this is a benefit, as normally the City would just receive land or money, not the design work as well. Counci hnember Elvig questioned what documentation the City has regarding the improvements. Assistant Public Works Director Olson replied the plans for South Park and East Town Center Park are 95 percent complete. Mr. Jacobsen reviewed the construction schedule. Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained staff wholeheartedly agrees the improvements RTC has committed to are way above what would have been required for park dedication. However, the hole is within the downtown area. Civic Square Park was estimated at 6.4 million dollars and Downtown Commons was estimated at $900,000, for a total of $7.3 million dollars. Wi]at is shown in this park proposal for these parks is rough grading and seeding, which would leave tiqem as greenspace until it is determined where the money will come from. City Council Work Session/August 31, 2004 Page 2 of 9