Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/13/2000

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Commissioner Droegemueller replied that he thinks the City has under budgeted the maintenance needs of the City for parks. Commissioner Ostrum stated that can't remember too many times that the City Council has not granted a request by the Park Commission. Chairperson Cook stated that another reason for moving forward with Elmcrest Park is because the City could take a lot of flack from residents for purchasing a community park and then letting the land sit vacant. The City has come a long way with the parks program and thinks they should continue with the process. Mr. Cook stated that he feels the overall C.I.P. is a good plan, but expressed the need to find funding for the critical trail linkage areas. He suggested funding one link each year. Motion by Chairperson Droegemueller, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to recommend that City Council adopt the 2000-2004 Parks Capital Improvements Budget. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Droegemueller, Johns, Asfahl, and Ostrum. Voting No: None. Case #2: Recommend Policy for Recreation District Accounting Modification Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that-at the City Council and Park and Recreation Commission work session of September 21, 1999, the subject of how park dedication proceeds are accounted for and allocated was discussed. After a lengthy analysis of the pros and cons of the existing system (Recreation Districts) there was a consensus agreement that modification to the current practice was in order. The revision would provide for increased flexibility in park spending citywide - but maintain Recreation District integrity by reserving some dollars for only neighborhood park and open space enhancement. The new system would distribute the moneys as follows: 50% of park dedication contributions would be retained within the District generating the cash - for improvements within or bordering that District. · 50% of park dedication cash would be retained in a "city-wide district" for capital improvements in any or all districts for any park and trail projects. · Interest earnings on the city-wide district would be retained within that district. Interest earnings over the aggregate of the 17 districts would also be applied to the city-wide district unless specified Parks/Utilities Supmwisor Boos noted that the moneys that are currently in the Recreation Districts would stay within their district. Boos distributed a draft resolution that addresses the policy change. Motion by Commissioner Ostrum, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to recommend that City Council approve the resolution revising the Recreation District accounting system. Park and Recreation Commission/January 13, 2000 Page 3 of 5