Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/21/2020

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Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the planning team is going to attempt to work with the developer to make the area near the buildings the park space, along with the sports fields. He stated that the developer has been very receptive and believed that there is a way to include the historical barn buildings and sports fields. Chair Bennett stated that he agrees that seems like a great approach and was happy to hear that the developer is open to that idea. He stated that would also address the concerns related to the size and limited use identified by Commissioner Sis. Councilmember Heinrich asked if the develedication fee would cover the cost to improve the barn buildings. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that any reuse of the building would be expensive and noted that staff would look at the model created by other park organizations. He commented that the HOA could be a logical partner. He stated that projected uses and responsibilities for maintenance and terms of use would be identified. He stated that if the buildings and agreement for public use could be secured, the improvements could be considered on more of a longer-term phased approach. He stated that there is a lot of opportunity that could still be reviewed and stated that staff is simply asking for direction on whether to pursue the reuse of the barn buildings, noting that the reuse would not be covered solely by this development through its Park Dedication obligations, but with funding in the future that could be generated by additional developments in this area of the City. Commissioner Bayer commented that this would be a smaller park than the traditional 40-acre plot. He commented that this area of Ramsey does need a park and asked if something could be added that would be unique to the site. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that the barn buildings and programming that could occur would make the site unique. He commented that this is an opportunity that speaks to the heritage of Ramsey. Commissioner Bayer stated that having the barn buildings would help to meet e by retaining the character and providing a building that could still be used by the public. He agreed that having the barn buildings would be an amenity. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that there may be historical preservation funds and other sources that could be obtained to help rehab the buildings. Commissioner Guck commented that he spends a lot of time in the Carver Park and agrees that the barn buildings would be an asset to the community. He stated that the aesthetic creates the value of the park and commented that the historic buildings do provide intangible value. Councilmember Heinrich asked if pursuing State preservation grant funds for this use would compete with an application for the old town hall site. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that certainly there is opportunity to receive funding for different projects in the same community. He noted that the Park and Recreation Commission/May 21, 2020 Page 4 of 8