Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/18/2021

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Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that he has not spoken with the entity about aeration but did discuss the possibility of collaborating on programing. He noted that they are working with Anoka County to host an ice fishing program this winter at Sunfish Lake. Commissioner Olson asked if the DNR stocks Sunfish Lake and whether it would be more attractive to the DNR if the water body were aerated. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that the DNR will not stock areas like this that have poor or no fish reproduction with no public boat access. He stated that the City can buy fish or pay the DNR to stock fish. Councilmember Musgrove stated that the item has been on the CIP for many years and asked why this item has not moved forward. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that all the projects take time to develop. He stated that the CIP has a lot of worthy projects, but it takes time to develop and create plans and specifications. He recognized the staffing shortages and changes he has experienced in his department. Councilmember Musgrove asked if there would be a large cost difference in having a consultant develop the plans. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that there is still staff time used to work with a consultant. He stated that he is unsure of a consultant that has done that type of project but believed there is probably one out there. He noted that hopefully an aerator would be able to use solar power. Councilmember Musgrove suggested reaching out to the Anoka Conservation District (ACD) to find recommendations for consultants. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that he could reach out to ACD staff and perhaps they would have a recommendation on a contractor. Commissioner Walker stated several months ago he requested for a breakdown on how $1,500,000 is budgeted for park maintenance. He stated that he has not seen those numbers, therefore it is hard for him to approve a CIP when he is unsure of the cost to maintain what the City already has. He stated that he would not support a new boardwalk until he is aware of the current maintenance costs. He referenced the next case related to Park Dedication fees and noted that he supports $4,400 as that falls in line with similar cities such as Andover and Blaine. Commissioner Walker left the meeting. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that the City budget is available online, which includes the park department line items. He provided additional details on potential aeration equipment that could be used. Park and Recreation Commission/November 18, 2021 Page 3 of 12