Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/13/2000

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners, Johns, Asfahl, LaMere, Ostrum, and Rolfe. Voting No: None. COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Approve Year 2000 Capital Improvement Program/Workplan Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that as part of the year 2000 budget approved by City Council in December of 1999 five park capital improvement projects were included. These proposed improvements have a variety of funding sources as well as differing levels of effort required for project completion. The following is a listing of the projects, the funding source, a summary budget and timeline; Bleacher Replacement/Retrofitting $0 The Minnesota Legislature passed a bill in 1999 known as the "Bleacher Safety Act". The bill would have required substantial modifications or replacement to Ramsey's nine bleachers. The bill was subsequently modified in 2000 to exempt the five row bleachers - therefore action is not required. The $21,000 budgeted was intended to be funded by the capital equipment replacement fund. Central Park Expansion $32,000 This purpose of this expenditure is to set aside monies for the purchase of 35 acres east of Central Park for expansion. If the property were available before the monies saved are enough for purchase, the $32,000 could also be considered a land payment. The funding source would be the general fund. Elmcrest Park, Initial Development $20,000 This expenditure, funded from the Lawful Gambling Improvement program is intended to initiate the planning and development of Ramsey's 5th Community Park. The work will entail: boundary survey, topographic survey, wetland delineation and scaleable basemap. The above is necessary in order to prepare a park plan for bidding, dirt work and other aspects of park development. The Commission may also be aware that the annual land rent is being credited to this parks development with approximately $1,800 received to date. Staff is also in discussions with an area nursery for a tree growing partnership on the edges of Elmcrest Park. In addition, the proposed re-ditching project for Elmcrest creek may also result in fishing ponds for the park as well as supplying needed topsoil. Rivers Bend Playground $50,000 Each year the City has attempted to replace existing play equipment that does not meet Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines with new play structures. This project would be funded from the depreciated amount within the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund from the original late '80s purchase. Solstice Park Irrigation and Landscape $45,000 The majority of this $45,000 project, financed by the Landfill Trust Fund's interest earnings, would be for irrigation and landscape improvements. Staff may consider hiring different trades Park and Recreation Commission/July 13, 2000 Page 2 of 6