06-26-2023 City Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Stoesz inquired if there is adequate space in the proposed parking lot for school buses to navigate. Planner Larsen advised that there are no anticipated concerns about school buses as the lot was designed to support fire trucks. Councilmember Cavegn asked of soil issues due to the neighboring gas station and the holding ponds proposed next to the daycare and any safety concerns. Planner Larsen advised that the applicant has done its due diligence and no soil contamination was found; further, that the holding ponds will not have any standing water; rather the ponds will be infiltration areas. She also noted that the proposed outdoor proposed play areas are fully fenced. She does not have any concerns related to safety of the children at the daycare due to soil or the holding ponds. Planner Larsen will bring these applications forward for Council approval at the June 12 regular meeting. 3. 2024 Capital Budget Request Community Development Director Michael Grochala provided Council information on the City’s opportunity to submit a funding request for inclusion in Governor Walz’s 2024 budget. Based on the recent focus of funding distribution, he suggested to Council bringing forward a request to develop an inclusionary playground in the city; if the City’s request is granted, the city would be required to provide a 50% local match. Director Grochala noted that the deadline for Capital Budget Request submissions is June 16, 2023 so time is of the essence if Council wishes to bring this request forward. Council discussed the match obligation of the city and where those funds could come from. Director Grochala said that has not yet been determined and can be discussed over the coming months; options may include park dedication funds, an interfund loan, or levy. It was also discussed that an application/request for this funding can be withdrawn in the future if it is determined that the local match may be problematic. Councilmember Ruhland inquired of using an existing park in need of updating rather than establishing a new park location. Director Grochala proposed singling out existing city land to create a destination, including land at Tower Park or Country Estates Park. Councilmember Lyden expressed excitement about the possibility of getting the plans underway for an inclusive park. He suggested that perhaps land at or near the Rookery is considered as well. Mayor Rafferty said he is not in favor of that plan but is supportive of moving forward with a request so that the planning can begin. Councilmember Cavegn asked how long the City would have to use the funds if received and what would happen if the funding request was granted but local match funds were not available. Director Grochala explained that he believes a period of four (4) years is allowed for use of the funds if granted to the City. He also said that in order for the funding request to be granted, the City would need to prove that the match funds are available. Councilmember Cavegn also asked of annual park funding and whether match funds for an inclusionary park would impact the