08-02-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION August 2, 2017 the drinking fountain at the Upper Shelter in Spooner Park for $3000. He noted it would cost an additional $1500 to put in a water bottle fill station. The City Administrator stated another smaller expense included additional bike racks in the parks. He estimated that would cost between $300 and $500 dollars depending on the style. Another topic that came up, explained the City Administrator, was screening around portable restrooms with a 9 foot tall cedar fence, and placing the restrooms on concrete pads for about $1500. He explained this was an issue at Pioneer Park where the restrooms were currently screened by pine trees. The City Administrator stated The Community Services Manager had suggested this as a potential Eagle Scout Project. The City Administrator reported the City was also looking at replacing the brick facade of the Old Fire Hall building for approximately $85,000 or replacing all four sides with EIFS or stucco for approximately $200,000. The City Administrator stated the General Capital Improvement Fund has additional dollars coming in due to a General Fund transfer of $500,000 and an estimated $243,000 from local government aid. He noted last year the City was cautious to balance the costs over a 5 year period, and this year’s dollars would help balance the fund out. The City Administrator reminded the Commission this fund is used for a variety of purposes including public works, maintenance, office supplies, trail improvements and other needs. Chair Miller suggested holding a workshop meeting to update the list and choose items for next year’s budget. The City Administrator stated the Finance Director would begin the budget this week, and placeholders could be used. He explained waiting would be fine since the budget would not be finalized until December and most of the items would not impact the levy. Chair Miller stated a workshop will be held at 5:30 on September 7th before the regular meeting. Horwath asked if waiting to upgrade the Pioneer Park equipment was safe. The City Administrator said the equipment is still structurally sound, and the City was waiting for the Master Plan to be finished to come up with a final idea for the play area. Schletty asked how items that may take a long time, but are rather important, like trail connections should be prioritized. The City Administrator stated that decision would be up to the Commission, but the City had attempted to purchase the trail connection from Payne Avenue to Edgerton Street in the past. He explained once the trail reached Edgerton it became very hard to continue west of there. The City Administrator stated there was farmland west of Edgerton and a trail wouldn’t be convenient until the property was developed. He noted it is also difficult to cross Edgerton especially in the middle of the block. The City Administrator