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Joan Giese, SRF Consulting Group, reviewed several examples of master trail plans that the <br />company has put together for other cities and the grants that were applied for and received by <br />these cities. She also stated the three main benefits to a master trail plan are: 1) the process can <br />be used to educate the community and gain community support; 2) conserve natural resources; <br />and 3) shows the community's vision to receive grants. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec questioned if there is a large amount of money that has been put aside for trail <br />development. <br /> <br />Ms. Giese explained that there are two large money pools for trail development 1) Legislative <br />Commission Natural Resources; and 2) Transportation Act of the 21st century. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that it would be worth the $18,000 for the master trail plan if <br />they would recoup the funds. <br /> <br />Ms. Giese, responded that the City would definitely recover the cost because it will improve the <br />quality of life and the vision of the City while also helping in receiving grants. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that the City already has a trail plan, and questioned what <br />SRF can do besides making a nice looking plan and questioned who would write the grant <br />applications. <br /> <br />Ms. Giese replied that grant writing would be the City's responsibility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen questioned if SRF ever wrote grant applications to which Ms. Giese <br />replied that SRF has assisted with writing grants. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen asked if SRF has ever written a plan that they would be rewarded <br />for their efforts if funds are received because of the plan, to which Ms. Giese replied no. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen questioned why the City should risk their money if SRF is not <br />willing to risk theirs. <br /> <br />Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that the master trail plan is a benefit for applying for <br />grants but also for planning the City as the whole. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated if the City spends $18,000 of the $22,000 available in the <br />budget, there would be very little money left to apply for grants. <br /> <br />Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted that staff has also been very successful in applying for <br />grants. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen questioned why the Park Commission couldn't do the same job and <br />hire a grant worker that works on contingency. <br /> <br />City Council/August 10, 1999 <br /> Page 14 of 16 <br /> <br /> <br />