Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/12/2018

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ChairBennett asked whether both spaces will be built out simultaneously. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded he had hoped to have cost estimates tonight. Earlier costs show The Waterfont costs as $6 million and the Municipal Plaza at $3 million, and those figures are probably greater now. The Park system plan needs to be completed, to show what an equitable distribution amongst the parks and trails throughout the City community-wide. If things are done with value City-wide, like the splash pad and the restaurant pavilion, it makes a lot of sense. Things will be done incrementally. It will be interesting to think that these parks are catalysts for development. Chair Bennett asked whether the agreement with the adjacent apartment developer calls for a specific timeline. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded there was no agreed-upon timeline, as the concept plan was not even developed yet. He added he would like approval of the initial concept plan tonight, as well as a motion to authorize up to $5,000 of the contingency to, in part, develop a promotional magazine that describes to the public and developers what these park spaces will look like and will function like. It will be a marketing piece. Commissioner Andrusko asked about funding options. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded there are elements of the concept plan that are perfect for funding by the Livable Communities monies by the Met Council. There are also sustainable design elements, and bundling that up as a demonstration project causes means several hundred thousand dollars may be available in grant money. That is another reason to develop nice promotional materials to tell that story. Motion by Commissioner Trappen, seconded by Commissioner Andrusko to approve the Concept Plans of the Municipal Plaza and The Waterfront. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Trappen, Andrusko, Leistico, Sis. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Tchuinkwa and Commissioner Bayer. Motion by Commissioner Trappen, seconded by Commissioner Sis to authorize the use of up to $5,000 for promotional and marketing materials for Municipal Plaza and The Waterfront. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Trappen, Sis, Andrusko, Leistico. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Tchuinkwa and Commissioner Bayer. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided no updates. Chair Bennett noted he volunteers regularly as a coach for Anoka-Ramsey Athletic Association. The Association has struggled to find volunteers, and they are looking for great people who care Park and Recreation Commission/July 12, 2018 Page 4 of 5