07-23-2018 Council Meeting Packet

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2, 2018 DRAFT 4 Director DeGardner said 2018 trail maintenance is going ahead as a budgeted item. The 132 future trails projects for 2018 (red section along Lake Drive and Century Farms North 133 trail) will go forward. Council Member Manthey remarked that it would be good to 134 provide that information on the city website so residents can become easily aware when 135 they see construction. 136 137 Mayor Reinert recalled that the recommendations coming forward from the Park Board 138 contain lots of trail work but he recalled that the council has had much discussion about 139 play structures and provided a budget that would get things done in that area. He really 140 needed additional information in order to see the sense of moving on trails. He sees the 141 opportunity now and has a clear vision of the economics. 142 143 Director DeGardner clarified that the only project that has been authorized at this time by 144 the council is the Birch Park project. But the Park Board has sent forward 145 recommendations for the rest of the budgeted funds. Staff will need further direction on 146 proceeding with other 2018 projects. Mayor Reinert concurred. 147 5. Phase I Recreation Complex Concept Plan – Public Services Director 148 DeGardner reviewed his written report. He is providing concept information (as 149 developed by WSB & Associates) on different possibilities. As far as costs, there is 150 information attached. 151 152 Mayor Reinert thanked staff for the information. 153 6. Anoka County Regional Economic Development Initiative – Community 154 Development Director Grochala noted this initiative to bring Anoka County to the front 155 on economic development. Initially the priorities of this initiative are identified as: 156 marketing, identifying sites (readiness), and roles. Mr. Grochala said he has been named 157 to the executive committee for the group and will look forward to bringing very up to 158 date information to the council. He feels it is an important time to “wet our toes” to see 159 how this evolves. The City is being asked to contribute $1,200, which he proposes to 160 come from the City’s economic development budget. At this time he feels this is a good 161 initiative that will benefit the city. 162 163 Mayor Reinert asked if there is a specific vision and Mr. Grochala said that development 164 of that is underway, including looking at getting away from negative connotations and 165 promoting the area as a good place to do business. 166 167 Mr. Grochala explained how economic development considerations are processed now 168 and how that could be bettered. 169 170 Council Member Stoesz asked for the total budget at this point; Mr. Grochala said 171 $40,000. 172