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

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Commissioner Loss asked if people would still be able to ice fish on Sunfish Lake if an aerator is installed. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that would be part of the design process. He believed that newer systems would not create open water but stated that signage would still be posted to alert to possible thin ice. He stated that he would prefer to find a system that does not create thin ice. He continued to review projects within the CIP. He noted that the playground replacement policy has also been included within the CIP and reflectively shows one playground replacement per year. He noted that although streetscape is not technically a park element, park staff maintains that asset and therefore that has been included in the CIP as well. Councilmember Musgrove stated that as described, the City would pay to plant the trees, which would normally be provided through development. She asked if the City would want to attempt to be reimbursed through development. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that he would propose to use TIF funds. He noted that TIF and other City programs are sometimes used to encourage development and therefore this would be similar in that the trees would already be planted and growing in the right place. He stated that the public would benefit by traffic calming and beautification, the land price would potentially increase, and the developer would not need to pay for the trees. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she would want to ensure that Ramsey residents that would in essence pay for the trees would be reimbursed. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided additional explanation on how TIF is generated, noting that it is not property tax dollars, and how the City can use those funds. Acting Chair Sis asked if that side would also receive sidewalk. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that side would eventually have sidewalks when development occurs,but that would not be a part of the tree planting project. Councilmember Musgrove asked if that project would cover some of the trees within the existing planted area that have not survived. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that those would be replaced through regular maintenance activity. He noted that one was blocking a pedestrian crossing sign and will not be replaced. He provided details on a potential disc golf course and second off-leash area, which are new additions. Councilmember Musgrove provided input on the potential location for an off-leash area, landscaping and questioned whether the site is within the wellhead protection area. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that he did not believe that a dog park would have an impact on the wellhead protection area. Park and Recreation Commission/November 18, 2021 Page 4 of 12