12-01-2016 Parks & Rec Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION December 1, 2016 The City Administrator stated staff moved $244,775 to the General Capital Improvement Fund from the Park Land Acquisition Fund to cover the cost of the top nine items on the Commission’s priority list. He explained the Acquisition costs are only placeholders for now, to ensure there is funding available for them. The City Administrator stated the first four projects listed on the priority list are scheduled to be funded in 2017, but this could be changed. He explained currently the Gervais Park Garden, Pioneer Park Drinking Fountain, Pioneer Park pond planting, and one of the playground area improvements would be funded. The City Administrator noted Councilman Torkelson, at the last Council meeting, seemed to be interested in looking for the community’s input in not only improving the play structures, but possibly redesigning them. Sullivan noted, although Horwath was absent, he had been interested in creating a destination park. The Recreation Supervisor noted it would be a good chance to make the park ADA compliant. The City Administrator stated the Council would like to see more research regarding a need for the Pioneer Park drinking fountain and potential options for the playgrounds. He explained that typically when the budget is approved the next year’s projects would be set and the following years are modifiable, but some projects, in this case for 20 17, can be approved, pending further discussion. This would allow a placeholder for the playground project and drinking fountain, but ensure more discussion occurs. Chu noted the budget will be positive by 2021. She thanked everyone for their work at the workshop and throughout the budgeting process. The City Administrator thanked the Commission for their hard work in the budgeting process and noted his appreciation in the Commission’s help brainstorming community projects. The City Administrator also mentioned the Council wanted the Commission to know that although the park shelter is lower on the prioritization list, because it is a big ticket item, the project should be looked at for its necessity not solely its cost factor. Chair Miller noted he would like to see smaller projects be phased in as well, and not only spend money for large projects. He thought the pickle ball court was a good example of a smaller project. The City Administrator stated he saw a consensus to fund the Gervais Mill Park Garden, but a possibility to change directions with the playground improvements. He also noted the Pioneer Pond Planting was a part of 2016’s budget being carried forward to 2017, and the drinking fountain for Pioneer Park was still under review. If the Commission wanted to reprioritize, the City Administrator noted that was the Commission’s decision. 11.16.16 WORKSHOP: CIP BUDGET REVIEW