Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/14/1997

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Commissioner Droegemueller talked about enlisting other groups/resources (i.e. Youth First) for monetary support to build a Center. A comparison of usage fees/costs was discussed. Commissioner Droegemueller clarified that the Commission's purpose is to advise and create a vision for the community. And that an idea such as this could be kept alive by interested residents who could envision a community center that wasn't necessarily funded by CIP monies. Commissioner Johns added that a $3-to-5 million range would most likely start some discussions whereas the original $1.8 million might not rouse as much attention. Chairperson Cook interjected that the relining costs of Elk River's exiting swimming pool was $1 million. Commissioner Rolfe talked about the Maplewood and Becker Community Centers and associated monetary benefits to consumers. Chairperson Cook added the necessity of creating a sense of community. Commissioner Rolfe noted the need for a starting point in this process. Mr. Boos inquired about the Commission's desire to expand the corresponding narrative to reflect the aforementioned. Commissioner Rolfe talked about a potential 18-month period during which public meetings/hearings could take place regarding a Community Center. Commissioner Droegemueller noted a probable fear of public officials to present a high-dollar project to voters for monetary support via possible bond funding. Commissioner Rolfe reiterated that currently there is no sense of downtown. Commissioner Droegemueller added that placement of a Community Center could help address this situation. Chairperson Cook inquired about completion of a feasibility study before 2002. Discussion ensued about a feasibility study and corresponding time lines. Commissioner Rolfe suggested having a artist's sketch available for resident view at the Ramsey Expo in 1998, and possibly a balsa wood structure. Mr. Boos countered having a picture of an already complete Community Center such as Becker's with an accompanying questionnaire/survey for resident input. He added this would be a more cost effective approach. Text narrative under the year 2003 related to a Community Center was discussed and agreed upon as follows: "It is assumed creative financing through partnerships will be required to fund this facility in addition to bonding." Mr. Boos talked about a balsa wood model concept and associated costs. Commissioner LaMere inquired about having a student construct a model versus a firm. Upon discussion, Commission consensus was to complete a general survey in the year 2000 and a feasibility study ($5,000) in the year 2001. In the meantime, pictures of other community centers will be shown to generate interest/input from the public. In the year 2002, $20,000 would be labeled as undesignated. Mr. Boos added there will be future need for mini-narratives to accompany the various projects. Motion by Commissioner Droegemueller and seconded by Commissioner Johns to submit proposed budget amounts with corresponding years as discussed and revised to the Finance Committee for approval. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Cook, Commissioners Droegemueller, Johns, LaMere, Ostrum, and Rolfe. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Asfahl. Park and Recreation Commission/August 14, 1997 Page 3 of 5