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MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 1992 PAGE 2 ,"•~. I'i:~,t~ ~'~ f'ua l !Y . '~:y ~~ ~' Fred Storti, Principal of Brimhall School, presented three reasons for the proposed improvements; 1) safety, 2) equipment needs to be developmentally appropriate for physical education classes, and 3) needs to be handicap accessible and usable. He explained that any funds received will be turned over to the school district, equipment will be purchased and installed by the district, and become district property. Baldwin commented on a letter from Parks and Recreation Commission member Steve Schugel expressing his objections to the funding. Ciernia expressed concern regarding the possibility of setting a precedent for future requests, likely upcoming reductions in local government aids which would negatively impact the city's finances, and the fact that the Falcon Heights School project was considered an investment in the city's park system. He stated he would like to help but did not feel it would be prudent as the city has similar needs and funds should be invested in recreational areas in Falcon Heights. Gehrz expressed concern regarding playground safety and that by denying the request the city has given an advantage to one area of the city over another. She stressed that Falcon Heights children attend Brimhall not by choice but due to boundaries established by the district. Baldwin commented on the fact that the goal of the city is to cooperate with the school district in providing educational/recreational facilities and stressed that the city does not deal with schools but with the district. He indicated he was in favor of assisting in the financing as it works toward the goal of cooperation in the recreational area. He felt that the request for funding should come from the school board and that a contract should be drafted similar to the contract addressing the Falcon Heights School equipment. Jacobs did not feel that rejecting the request would impact decision making in Roseville and Lauderdale. He stated he shared Ciernia's concerns, felt the city must be prudent in expending funds, must take care of city needs, and felt the school district should look at funding for the project. He stated he could not endorse the proposed funding. Baldwin indicated he had no problem with expending the funds however felt that it might be best to hold the-vote over to the next meeting when all members would be present if it was acceptable to the other members. All members agreed to the suggestion and the item will be placed on the March 11th agenda.