04-03-2014 Park Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APRIL 3, 2014 Maida asked the timeline for fund raising. Sanders stated that there should be an answer on the status of the grant request this month. He also reported that a foundation has been approached with a $7,500 funding request. Sanders stated that the sale of pavers would continue and suggested that an additional $5,000 to $10,000 should be raised by groundbreaking. He also estimated some major corporation donations totaling $5,000 to $15,000. Sanders suggested that if all this fund - raising is successful, the project should be close to its goal. Fahey asked the impact of taking $34,800 from the Park Land Acquisition Fund. The Parks & Rec Director reported that the Park Land Acquisition Fund was established 30 years ago or more and is funded through park dedication fees collected via building permits for new construction. The Director noted that Fund has been used to acquire park land in the City. There is currently over $900,000 in the fund, and the Director indicated that there are no major park land purchases currently identified in the Park Master Plan. Therefore, the Director felt that it was reasonable to use a portion of these funds for other purposes such as the construction of this trail /sidewalk through Veterans Memorial Park. Sanders noted that this sidewalk is a part of the Parks Master Plan. Sanders noted that while the request is to fund the sidewalk improvement from the Park Land Acquisition Fund, the parking and street improvements would be funded from the Street Improvement Budget. The Director noted that this would be a Council decision, but requested a recommendation from the Commission. Fahey felt that the sidewalk improvement would be a plus for the City and indicated her support for funding it from the Park Land Acquisition Fund. Sullivan agreed. Maida asked if the 3 parking stalls proposed would be adequate. The Director noted that the site does not lend itself to a parking lot improvement. Sanders indicated that the Veterans Committee felt that some handicapped accessible parking should be added along the street. It was also felt that there would likely be only 1 to 2 visitors to the Park at a time, therefore, the 3 spaces would be adequate. Sanders noted that when large events are held at Veterans Memorial Park, it was felt that parking in the area could be used. Fahey recommended that up to $35,000 in Park Land Acquisition Funds be utilized for concrete walk improvements that are proposed as a part of the Veterans Memorial Park project. Motion seconded by Steinert. Motion carried 6 — 0. 2