Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/10/2004 - Joint with CC

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Commissioner Cook stated whenever they take money from a developer, they have to show how this benefits their development and maintenance of the parks would not be considered a benefit to the developments. Councilmember Elvig stated they talk about using the funds but he sees this as something that continues to grow over the next ten to fifteen years without touching it except for the interest earned. Chairperson Johns stated she agreed with the concept and thought on the whole is in the right direction. Councilmember Elvig wanted to propose they have x number of years where they do not touch the fund and he wanted to try to wrap some language around it. Councilmember Cook asked if there was a way to accept donations into this fund. Finance Officer Lund stated it would be listed as part of this. Councilmember Elvig proposed an initial three to four millions for a cap before they can use the fund. Councilmember Cook thought they would need to use the money for park maintenance before they would accumulate that much money into the fund. Case#2: Alpine Park Discovery Garden Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood stated the purpose of this case is to review in detail the Alpine Park Discovery Garden. This project has been on the Parks Commission five year Capital Improvement program list and has moved up and in 2003 the City Council authorized Staff and the Commission to move ahead with the planning and concept design work with this project. The purpose is to get a consensus agreement from the Parks Commission and City Council to move forward and bid the project. Park/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood reviewed the process the Commission went through to develop this park. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood introduced Ms. Regina Flannigan, Landscape Architect and Mr. Keith Christianson who made a presentation to the Commission and Council regarding this project. Councilmember Cook asked if the game was a competitive game where a family plays against each other or is it more of a puzzle. Mr. Christianson stated they would have two different levels to the game and it is competitive. Mayor Gamec asked if there were any environmental issues that had to be addressed with this plan. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood stated this development will not impact the wetland area. Mayor Gamec asked if there was anything else like this in the area. Mr. Christianson stated this is pretty unique and there are only a few other discovery gardens in the country. Mayor Gamec thought this was something unique and would be used by the schools in the area. Park and Recreation Commission/June 10,2004 Page 4 of 8