09-07-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION September 7, 2017 Community Services Manager stated the project will cost approximately $50,000. Although the Capital Improvements Plan does have $35,000 set aside for this project, the LCRA has offered to sponsor the project. Ray asked where the budgeted money would go. The City Administrator stated he would discuss that further when the budget planning process was discussed. Chu asked if the LCRA could be given a formal thank you. Ray explained the LCRA had donated the scoreboard and included the organization’s name at the bottom. The Community Services Manager noted the current signage for the field name and number was hard to read and staff had discussed the possibility of moving it. He stated he would talk to the LCRA about a thank you. Chair Miller stated it was nice to see funding for parks activities from a source other than the City. Darling made a motion to commemorate a plaque for the LCRA’s efforts in funding the Gilbertson Field project. Chu seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. The City Administrator stated the prioritization list needed to be reevaluated so staff can prepare the Capital Improvements budget. He explained a few items had been added to the bottom of the list for the Commission to consider. The City Administrator noted the City Council had decided not to pursue the Sculley property for a nature area due to other priorities and issues with the site. He stated the Commission’s input could have an impact on the Council if they felt differently. The City Administrator reported a tunnel underneath Edgerton Street for the walking path would cost approximately $300,000. He stated the culvert would cost $210,000 and it would cost $80,000 - $90,000 to raise the grade of Edgerton Street to allow for a tunnel underneath. The City Administrator explained Ramsey County will soon do maintenance to the road, and it would be cost effective to align this project with the scheduled maintenance. He noted he spoke with the Community Services Manager about a midblock pedestrian crossing, with flashing lights, as a project alternative which would cost about $7500. The City Administrator reported the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) fund is not as constrained this year as last. He explained a surplus in the general fund allowed $500,000 to be transferred to the CIP fund and local government aid was expected to be around $250,000. The City Administrator noted the fund served more than just park activities, but it was much healthier than last year. He asked the Commission to look at what projects they want to fund so staff can begin budgeting. The City Administrator reminded the Commission the CIP budget was not levy dependent so they had until December to prepare a final prioritization list. 2018 BUDGET PLANNING