Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/09/2001 - Not Signed

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plan, a public hearing is held for final considerations before forwarding to the City Council's Finance Committee. The City Council will then conduct a CIP for 2002 in December of this year, which would include the first year of the Commission's five-year plan. Two new projects have been requested for consideration so far this year. They are as follows: · Climbing wall for Central Park · Irrigation for Titterud Park In addition, staff receives frequent requests for more trails or connections, including the proposed segment from Lake Itasca Trailhead, east to C.R. #83. City Administrator Norman stated that the last couple of years the Central Park expansion has been cut and it will continue to be cut due to the lack of funds. He explained that he has had various conversations with the property owner, Jerry Bauer, and he is still interested in developing housing in that area. It was discussed that if the property were to develop with housing he would dedicate the north portion of the property adjacent to Central Park to the City continuing through the gun club (property east of Variolite) to continue the trail system. The one thing that Central Park is missing is a picnic area, which could be included if the property is developed and Mr. Bauer has expressed interest in such a project. If that trail corridor were obtained there would be a connection from Central Park to Elmcrest Park. Mr. Norman recommended that the Park Commission place that connection on the Capital Improvements Plan, which would include 35 acres with the trail connection. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that he could argue for leaving Central park on the Capital Improvement Plan because it could be expanded and the City has been talking about the expansion for 10 to 15 years, but on the other hand if there is a trail corridor that connects to Elmcrest Park to Central Park part of the expansion need would be met. Chairperson Cook stated that the reality is that they can't afford to buy the land and if Mr. Bauer develops the land the park dedication would not cover what he is willing to donate. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that the City Council did approve receiving proposals for a Master Trail Plan and that could be used to better defines the trail route. Commissioner Ostrum inquired if they need to be considering the loss of additional fields they were planning on by the expansion of Central Park. Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that the concept plan for the expansion of Central Park was done before Elmcrest was part of the park system. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that at the last Council meeting he made a presentation for the 2001 Capital Improvement projects. He explained that there were four projects included in the request, which included Rivers Bend Park irrigation and playground equipment, which were approved, Solstice Park, which was approved. The Pit Latrine was discussed and the Council expressed concern with an all wood structure so they recommended a block structure. Park and Recreation Commission/August 9, 2001 Page 3 of 5