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MINUTES <br />PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION <br />MAY 3, 2012 <br />wanted to retain the property as he worked from the property in support of <br />his greenhouse business. <br />It was the consensus of the Commission that this parcel would be a great <br />addition to Pioneer Park. There was discussion on where the money <br />would come from for this purchase, and impact that this purchase may <br />have on proceeding with trail completion. The Director indicated that it <br />would come from the Park Land Acquisition Fund. Another use of the <br />Fund would be for easement acquisition related to the completion of trails. <br />The Director noted that the money has not been used for actual <br />construction costs. Maida was concerned that dollars are tight and there <br />may be higher priorities than the acquisition of this property. The <br />Commission agreed the availability of dollars for this purchase may be an <br />issue. <br />Steinert made a motion declaring that the Parks & Recreation <br />Commission is interested in pursuing the purchase of the property at the <br />southwest corner of Pioneer Park at the time that the property becomes <br />available, and noted that consideration of the impact of such a purchase <br />on other parks projects would have to be made at that time. <br />Motion seconded by Sullivan. <br />Motion carried 6 — 0. <br />COMMUNITY Jeff Heikke stated that he feels the former Norm's Tire property would <br />CENTER — be an ideal location for a recreation center given its proximity to City <br />FORMER Hall. Heikke reported that the asking price for the property is high at <br />NORM'S $1.2 million, but felt that if a recreation center was done right, it would <br />TIRES pay for itself. Heikke indicated that the buildings are in decent shape, <br />PROPERTY but likely not of a functional size for a rec center. He estimated that new <br />construction would be in the $80 to $100 per square foot range. <br />Fahey was not sure a recreation center was financially feasible for a small <br />city like Little Canada. Heikke felt the recreation center could be kept at <br />a scale that was appropriate for Little Canada, and at a smaller scale <br />would pay for itself. Heikke felt that the recreation center would be <br />highly used. Maida stated that the size and offerings would have to be <br />based on the City and its demographics. Maida pointed out that it might <br />be possible to partner with another agency, such as the YMCA, and also <br />suggested that offerings should include senior activities. Heikke agreed <br />that corporate partnerships are what helps pay for facilities such as this. <br />Sanders stated that he could envision a redevelopment of the site with <br />senior housing, as an example, that includes a senior center. <br />2 <br />