07-13-05 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTRS CITY COUNCIL JULY 13, 2005 that a community survey is needed and that including a parks component in the survey will provide valuable input. Allan asked if the public participation component outlined in Task 5 would include open meetings. The Parks Consultant indicated that it would, but the format has not yet been decided. That format may include an open house or workshop meetings that the public is invited to, or both. Allan asked about the timing for conducting a community survey and how that would fit into the projected timelines for completing the Park Master Plan update. The City Administrator indicated that if the Council decides to proceed with a community survey, the process from start to finish may take six months. The City Administrator reported that he has learned that the Metropolitan Council will have guidelines out this fall relative to comp plan updates. The Parks Consultant indicated that these guidelines will be meshed into the process for updating the Parks Master Plan. It was noted that this as well as the community survey process may push out the timelines somewhat. The Park & Rec Director felt that the community survey process should begin as soon as possible as the results will be an important piece of information to the update process. The Park Commission Chair agreed. She also noted that the timeline is very aggressive, and indicated that pushing it out further would not be a problem. There was discussion about who would conduct the community survey, and the Administrator pointed out that Decision Resources did the City's two previous surveys. He further noted that Decision Resources does the majority of community surveys and is a very well respected and reputable firm. The Administrator will obtain a proposal from Decision Resources and will present it Co the Council. Allan suggested that in addition to Che community survey, the City puC a notice in its newsletter as well as on the Web site seeking input from residents on the park system. It was also suggested that a discussion forum could be broadcast on Cable TV. With regard to new facilities that the Parks Commission is looking at, the Park Consultant noted that consideration is being given to a skate park facility as well as making some improvements to the Round Lake park land. Allan suggested that some benches be installed at Round Lake. It was noted that there are still four properties to be acquired, but the City has taken the philosophy of acquiring the Round Lake properties as they become available. The Commission Chair indicated that paths, benches,