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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 3, 2012 <br /> APPROVED <br /> 91 park dedication funds but, until something like that pans out it is difficult to find funding. <br /> 92 The mayor recalled some positive ideas about volunteers and stretching grant funds. Mr. <br /> 93 DeGardner recalled past discussions about phasing the development of the park land. <br /> 94 The report before the council includes phases and it appears that a phase one would cost <br /> 95 in the area of$600,000. Again, it would be difficult for him to see any movement at all <br /> 96 without the commitment of some city funds. The mayor suggested that he likes the idea <br /> 97 of matching funds, where the city has some ownership but brings in other money. He <br /> 98 realizes that it is hard to get started but the project would have to start somewhere. The <br /> 99 city budget is already set for 2012 but he wonders if there are any possibilities this year? <br /> 100 <br /> 101 City resident Williams Combs was in the audience and noted that he is a member of the <br /> 102 city's Economic Development Advisory Committee as well as Centennial Little League. <br /> 103 He knows that the league teams are often forced to play outside of the city and that comes <br /> 104 at an added cost. He can verify that the need is there for more baseball fields. He <br /> 105 believes that Centennial Lake Little League Association is interested in fundraising and <br /> 106 he encourages the city to move forward on using the land for recreation. <br /> 107 <br /> 108 The mayor noted that he likes the idea of getting something going at the site just to get <br /> 109 people interested. Mr. DeGardner noted that an estimate for one youth baseball field and <br /> 110 a 40 spot parking lot is $180,000 to $205,000. <br /> 111 <br /> 112 The council discussed how the park complex could be started, even this year. They <br /> 113 discussed the concept of budgeting some money in 2013 or utilizing some fund reserves <br /> 114 in 2012. Administrator Karlson noted that the first step should be to consider what <br /> 115 would be the best first phase—what would best meet the needs of the city. Mr. <br /> 116 DeGardner confirmed that the need for additional recreation facilities absolutely exists. <br /> 117 Expanding facilities has been a balancing act. He noted that a soccer field has been found <br /> 118 to give the biggest bang for the buck since it is multi-use. A council member suggested <br /> 119 that the city put up signs at the land just to let people know that it's public property and <br /> 120 the intended use. <br /> 121 <br /> 122 Anoka County Commissioner and Board Chair Rhonda Sivarajah added that she's been <br /> 123 working with the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Director on grant opportunities and <br /> 124 so she understands that while it can be difficult to qualify for some funds such as Legacy, <br /> 125 there are other sources and she believes the County would be happy to assist the city in <br /> 126 efforts to access grant funds. <br /> 127 <br /> 128 Mr. DeGardner suggested that, if the city is on the road to committing funds, he <br /> 129 recommends that the plans from the past be reviewed to ensure they are still fully <br /> 130 pertinent. The Mayor suggested that staff take a look at the plans in light of the council's <br /> 131 discussion and for other possibilities. He is hearing some funding commitment on the <br /> 132 part of the council, for something initially such as a couple of ball fields, a couple of <br /> 133 soccer fields and parking. <br /> 134 <br /> 3 <br />