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 discussed that an application/request for this funding can be withdrawn in the future if it is 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