Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/08/2007

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Motion by Commissioner Shryock, seconded by Commissioner Hansen, to recommend park dedication of $22,275 and trail fees of $5,400 for Pine Prairie in cash upon final plat approval with the developer constructing the trail. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Olds, Commissioners Shryock, Hansen, Barr, Erickson, and LaMere. Voting No: None. Absent: Johns. Case #2: Consider Support for Anoka Aquatic Center for 2007 Civil Engineer II Linton explained the City has supported the Anoka Aquatic Center with a cash contribution for the past nine years. The issue has been addressed at the Finance Committee and Council meetings with the decision being to continue on a year to year basis. This program is supported from the charitable gambling fund, so it should be reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission then forwarded to the City Council for action. Commissioner Shryock stated she had a lengthy conversation with Chairperson Johns regarding the community center, swimming area and other areas ~ in the City. She indicated they wanted to have the community center and have it happen. If they are continuing to give money to another City when they could have an entity in the City, are they working towards their goal. She wondered if they could discuss using the money to help support HealthQuest or any other group who would want to come in and provide these services. They thought they needed to have serious discussions regarding the community center and how they could make it happen because it will bring more businesses in along with jobs. Acting Chairperson Olds wondered if Commissioner Shryock wanted to use the funds for something else. Commissioner Shryock indicated she would like to research this further if there was time. Acting Chairperson Olds thought people would be less likely to use an indoor facility where it is meant more for exercise rather than enjoyment. Civil Engineer II Linton did not think there was an opportunity to take these funds and use them at an operating business in the City to buy passes for people to use. He noted they do have a placeholder in the Town Center Development where they want to build the community center and the City will need to join with someone to build a community center. He stated he knew this was still a priority to get the community center because it will bring people in. Commissioner Shryock stated they would like to use this as a basis for future discussion and they really do want a community center. She wondered if rather than directing the park money to build parks in the Town Center, they should direct it towards a community center. Parks/LTtilities Supervisor Riverblood stated that given the Commission discussion, they could choose to have Council decide if this is a good place to spend the money; and maybe recommend that in future years that the funds be invested in Ramsey. Park and Recreation Commission/February 8, 2007 Page 3 of 6