08-22-2012 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 22, 2012 The Director noted that some of the projects may not be as out -of -reach as one might think. He noted that the city has approximately $900,000 in the Park Land Acquisition Fund, and the cost of easement acquisition could come from that fund. The Director stated that the Commission has no vision to develop any new parks in the City. Therefore, Park Land Acquisition dollars could be freed up for other purposes. The City Administrator noted that there are two houses yet to be acquired on Round Lake, if it is still a priority to acquire those properties as they become available. The Administrator noted that historically the City has only used the Park Land Acquisition Fund for property acquisitions, but it could be used in any way the Council decides, even for items that are not park - related. Sanders noted the discussion for a trail improvement through the northeast quadrant, and suggested that these funds could be used for acquiring the necessary properties and /or easements for that trail. Montour asked about funding for replacement of playground equipment, etc. The Administrator indicated that this type of improvement is generally programmed into the General Capital Improvement Plan which is funded by the General Capital Improvement Fund as well as the 10% Fund. He noted that parks and trail needs are then prioritized against the City's other capital improvement needs. Montour noted that the Parks & Trail Improvement Program Priority List includes $200,000 in playground equipment replacement. Montour suggested that the General Capital Improvement Plan include an annual amount for playground equipment or a separate fund be set up for this specific need. There was discussion that the need to replace playground equipment centers around improved safety of new equipment, ADA needs, as well as general updating of the equipment. The Director noted that when the City put the electrical franchise fee in place, there was discussion about setting aside $45,000 per year for the completion of trail projects. The Director was not sure that had been done. The Administrator pointed out that trail work is paid from the 450 Fund, and noted that approximately $150,000 for the Water Works Trail completion, $81,000 for sidewalks on Little Canada Road, and $90,000 for sidewalks on the Rice Street Phase II Project would come from that Fund. He also thought previous trail projects have been paid for by that fund, but didn't have immediate access to the exact dollar amounts. Sanders noted that another possible park land acquisition would be the commercial property adjacent to Pioneer Park, and noted the Commission's recommendation that that land be purchased if it becomes available at a reasonable cost. 4