Minutes - Council - 07/08/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamee, Councilmembers Beahen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmembers Beyer and Haas Steffen. Case #3: Apple Ridge Park City Administrator Schroeder stated that Council authorized the purchase of an 83-acre parcel about 2,000 feet from the proposed Apple Ridge subdivision for a community park. At the same meeting, Council directed that staff negotiate with the developer on a tot lot as a part of the Apple Ridge subdivision. There is a six-acre parcel on the northeast side of Apple Ridge and Council has suggested proposing a park between one and six acres in size adjoining to that subdivision. In discussion with the developer, he is proposing the City could acquire whatever amount they want up to the price he's paying for that parcel. Staff'reviewed the situation relative to the Comprehensive Plan this City has gone through since 1977. There are no parks in the Comprehensive Plan in that district but for that 83-acre parcel. This neighborhood is deficient of parks to a greater degree than other areas of the community. There are a number of neighborhoods in the City that do not have parks. Mr. Schroeder suggested not looking at the six-acre parcel and that instead Council propose a park on the western most portion of the subdivision. The reason is the western location would provide the City the highest value in use. Proposing a one-half acre tot lot, the purchase price could be gained for something over $9,000. In looking at this issue further, Mr. Schroeder expected a $15,000 budget could adequately develop a nice tot lot (slides, swings, etc.). At the last meeting, Council discussed demanding that the western adjoining lots be covenants so they cannot be subdivided. Mr. Schroeder proposed using some of these for the park. The Park and Recreation Commission has not reviewed any of this issue. They will be meeting on Thursday and this will be brought to their attention. Council could take action, contingent upon Park and Recreation Commission review. Mr. Schroeder felt that the one-half acre on the west part should meet the needs identified by the City Council. Mayor Gamec pointed out that parks with swings, etc., are normally used by the younger children and he did not like the idea of a park of that nature so close to the highway. With it being on the west part of the subdivision, the Hall's Dover subdivision would be closer to it. He commented on having to be able to maintain it. Councilmember Beahen agreed this area is the better one for a park. Councilmember Zimmerman felt that a tot lot would not specifically address the park needs but some sort of park in this development would be an asset. He suggested something in size that would allow the older children - ages 10 to 12 and up to be able to play softball. Mayor Gamec commented that some of the City's parks do have a place for the children to play a game of softball but they are not used. Teri Svare commented on children growing up so fast that tot lots soon become a thing of the past. With regard to "sandlot" type of baseball games, she felt people are not even aware that there are places in the parks for these kinds of things. She suggested that the organized sports people are always looking for more space, maybe they need to be aware of these larger areas in City Council/July 8, 1997 Page 9 of 15