Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/01/1998 - 02/17/98 Work Session

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Todd Cook, Park and Recreation Commission, cautioned that cities wait too long to purchase land for parks/green space. When they finally realize they need to do something about this - the land is gone or it's too expensive to buy. He reported that the Park and Recreation Commission does a five-year plan every year showing what we feel is needed and where we are going. He suggested that Council seriously look at this plan. He has seen other communities wait too long and then they have to count on other communities to provide recreation for their residents. With regard to a community center - he believes it is more than a recreation opportunity. It's an opportunity to give our own community something everyone can rally around. We do not have a main street to rally around nor do we have a recreational area to rally around. He suggested maybe the City should work toward having a bond referendum by the year 2003 to start a community center. Ramsey needs an identity - there's no community feeling. Ramsey is part of the Elk River community and part of the Anoka community. Councilmember Haas Steffen agreed that she would like something in our own community for our own families to be able to participate in - but again, the entire financing plan for the City has to be reviewed. Jill Johns, Park and Recreation, stated that you have to work with communities around you. You need something viable for the area and also something giving us an identity. Councilmember Haas Steffen stated that she has had a couple of calls fi.om people wondering if there is somewhere to hold wedding receptions. An example of need is - the City of Ramsey is having its Commission Appreciation Dinner in Ham Lake. A community center could be used for a lot of things. Mr. Cook agreed that it could fill a whole myriad of needs; for example, crafts, theater, recreational, cultural center, meeting rooms and banquets. Councilmember Haas Steffen mentioned the 300+ acres of County Parks also located in Ramsey. Mr. Droegemueller stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is aware of these parks but one is just getting developed now and the other is scheduled for about 10 years out. He noted that there is also 40 acres along the Mississippi West that could be slated for a community center. Mr. Deemer commented that the City map on the wall of the Council Chambers is about eight years old and he thought it would be nice to get a new one that maybe pulls down behind the Council table or something like that and also that the different types of maps could be combined. Mayor Gamec commented on the brochure that the City of Andover puts out. It is full of information about their city, who to call, etc. and he stated that Council will be looking at something like that for Ramsey. Councilmember Haas Steffen brought up volunteers again. She felt that if there are specific jobs to do, we will get volunteers to do them. She talked about planting trees in memory of someone, etc. We should have volunteer opportunities and then also think of ways to thank them. Council-Commission-Staff Work Session/February 17, 1998 Page 5 of 6