Minutes - Council - 05/12/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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reasons this project is proposed for immediate funding, as follows: (1) Paving of this segment will complete the first and most important east/west trail in Ramsey fi.om C.R. #116 (when that road work is finished in 1999) to within one-quarter mile of city limits at the border with Anoka. (2) Construction of the City-funded segment now provides for a good value (at $8.35 per lineal foot) because it is part ora larger project. (3) Some City administration costs are saved in terms of receiving bids, project coordination and inspection. (4) Having the trail completed in May allows for a full season of use for residents and the business community. (5) It is believed that a completed and connected trail system is a tangible, economic development benefit, in that area employees are using all existing segments during the day now. Mr. Norman stated that the Economic Development Commission discussed this issue and concurs with the findings just listed and recommend Council approval of the project. He added that the suitability of EDA funds for trail link construction is expected to be examined later this year as part of the overall CIP discussions. Until such time that EDA monies would be deemed as not suitable for trail construction, staff concurs with the Council's earlier decision that critical trail links are of a community benefit and this project is especially suitable, given the timing opportunity. Councilmember Zimmerman expressed concern about using EDA funds and asked that Attorney Goodrich review the legality of using these funds for trail links. Motion by Councilmember Beahen and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to authorize $10,914 in EDA funds be made available for the C.R. #116 trail, pending favorable review by the City Attorney. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Beahen, Zimmerman and Haas Steffen. Voting No: None. Absent: CouncilmemberBeyer. Case #8: Authorize Staff to Research Community Park Sites Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that the City's park and trail plan calls for a fifth community park in the vicinity of T.H. #47 in east-central Ramsey. He presented a case from the April Park and Recreation Commission which provides detail and site location maps of the proposed park (north of 160th lane and south of 167th Avenue) and a possible Central Park expansion. The Commission recommended that City Council authorize City staff to pursue both properties in terms of availability and potential acquisition costs. The Commission felt that both sites will be needed by the community, and the 83-acre site, if available for a fifth community park, will be of higher value for its larger space and proximity; however, without knowing the parcel's availability or purchase expense, the Commission didn't feel comfortable rating one over the other. Mr. Boos requested authorization to contact both land owners to ascertain the availability and purchase price. When this is known, staff can bring the issue before the Park and Recreation Commission and City Council for direction. This will probably coincide with the Park and Recreation Commission's five-year capital improvement program discussion beginning in June, and culminating with the public hearing in August. Paralleling the CIP timeline is the Comprehensive Plan process which will have specific recommendations on long term community needs for parks and open space. Mr. Boos City Council/May 12, 1998 Page 12 of 16