02-18-2016 Parks & Rec minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 18, 2016 Chair Miller stated the Commission needed to select a new Vice Chair. Ray nominated Horwath. Darling seconded the motion. Horwath accepted the nomination. The motion passed 6 – 0. Ray made a motion to approve the minutes from the December meeting. Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 – 0. The Director reported he has not heard from the City Engineer about final cost estimates of the project. At the last meeting, the Commission had voiced their concerns over the cost of the project. The Director reported that at the last meeting the Commission had made a recommendation to the City Council to increase the cost assessed to new residential, commercial and industrial development. The Council approved this recommendation and the new residential fee is now $3500 and the new commercial and industrial development tax is 7%. This puts Little Canada right between Maplewood and Roseville in terms of the cost assessed. Chair Miller asked how this fund is used. The Director explained the fund has been used to buy park land in the past. The most recent use was to purchase the properties on Little Canada Road. Chair Miller reported the Parks and Recreation Commission had recently attended a City Council workshop to address the status of the Transition Planning Committee. The Committee shared the proposed Parks and Recreation mission statement, as well as the proposed goals of the Parks and Recreation Department. Chair Miller noted the City Council offered positive feedback and explained the City Council would like to see the Committee review and finalize the ideas. Chair Miller suggested the Parks and Recreation Commission have a workshop before the March meeting to discuss the Transition Planning Committee’s plan. He noted Committee Chair, Councilman Fisher, offered to attend the workshop. The Director agreed this was a good idea. Horwath suggested the Commission ask the City Administrator to be present at the next meeting to answer any questions the Commission may have about the impending changes including the Director’s transition to part time. Chair Miller asked if Katie McGinnity or Don Bowman’s positions would be affected. The Director said they would not as his transition to part time would cover the budget shortfall. Miller also noted the City Council would like to see more input from the Parks and Recreation Commission in the future. MINUTES NOEL DRIVE SIDEWALK REPORT PARK LAND AQUISTION FUND TRANSITION PLANNING COMMITTEE ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR