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FC #: 5 APPROVE ELMCREST PARK'S CONCEPT PLAN By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Background: On June 20, 2001, the Park and Recreation Commission concluded the Steering Committee's work on Elmcrest Park's Concept Plan by approving the attached park map. The plan represents the first phase of the park's development. The timing of the park development was intended to take advantage of the $100,000 Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission and Minnesota Children Families and Learning Department Grant and to meet RYAA needs. With the acceptance of the $100,000 in State monies the Park Commission and City Council designated an additional $262,000 in Parks Capital Improvement dollars. A draft first phase budget was developed which included a request to obtain bids for the earthwork at the site.. Action' on the matter was tabled twice and in July 2001, Council directed staff to work on the T.H. #47'access and get a determination on when the grant might "sunset." Observations: The Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning reports that paid expenditures consistent with the grant must take place before June 30th, 2002 to be eligible for reimbursement by the State. (The attached gant chart demonstrates that with January 2002 Council approval, the appropriate expenditures can take place in order to take full advantage of the grant). As for the T.H.#47 access issue, staff was finally able to conduct a meeting with the landowners on January 3rd, 2002 who only recently completed their move to the residence. The meeting was productive and opportunities to acquire an access are being explored. Work Plan: As indicated, a fairly tight timeline for ordering and completing the various activities prior to June 30th, 2002 exists. The first five items below are a priority in terms of establishing turf on the site for future soccer use and accessing the interior of the park. This represents an estimated value of about $308 thousand dollars. This total, along with in-kind contributions and possibly acquisition costs associated with the T.H. #47 access, should reflect the $400 thousand dollars in investment that the City Will need to demonstrate in order to receive the $100,000 reimbursement from the State. Staff is not requesting Capital Improvement Plan expenditures in excess of the $262,000 designated as part of the 2001 CIP work plan. Similarly, organized play on the soccer fields will not be allowed until the highway #47 access matter is resolved.