Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/08/2001

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Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 City Council reviewed the proposed entrance plan for Central Park. By consensus, City Council recommended the Commission consider the stone sign and associated landscaping only at this time. Another suggestion was to include "City of Ramsey" on the face of the sign. City Council was informed that the Park and Recreation Commission would examine the new proposed project to recommend a funding source. At the time of the meeting Mr. Boos did not identify a funding recommendation. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that the Commission was told to come up with a plan to beautify the entrance at Central Park and then when a plan is brought before the Council they are told what they can or cannot do. Chairperson Cook stated that he thought the idea was to showcase the park as being a premier park in the City of Ramsey. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that they may not need to have a pond, but without irrigation there will be no landscaping. He inquired if the Council is requesting that the entrance be paid for out of the park budget. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos replied that staff did not specifically ask that question. Commissioner Droegemueller inquired if there had been any decisions on using lawful gambling funds. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos replied yes. He explained that the Commission has advertised for some time offering a $5,000 match for anything that the Commission would be a benefit to the City. No requests have been made to date this year. Commissioner Ostrum inquired if the Council gave any indication as to how much money the Commission could spend on the entrance to Central Park. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos replied no. He explained that it appeared that the Council felt that the project could be handled in phases. Commissioner Johns stated that it is hard to proceed forward when they are unclear as to what the Council is looking for. She felt that the cost of the project should be shared because they were requested to do the project by the City Council. Chairperson Cook stated that he was concerned with phasing the project. He felt that the Commission was asked to address a situation and create something to distinguish the park as Ramsey's premier park and he did not feel that installing just a sign accomplished that. Commissioner Droegemueller suggested tabling action until they are presented with funding options. Commissioner Rolfe stated that they could hold off on the project until the Commission begins working on the C.I.P. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that he would not be favor of phasing the project, because the City will end up with a partially finished project. Park and Recreation Commission/March 8, 2001 Page 2 of 8