01/03/2012 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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DL sr1►b tat. aY YN K. St 1 cir\ 1— WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item 4 Date: January 3, 2012 To: City Council From: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director Re: Recreation Complex Funding Discussion WS — Item 4 Background The Park Board recently explored /discussed various grant funding opportunities for development of the Recreation Complex. The potential of utilizing Legacy Grant funding was discussed at the November Park Board meeting. Ms. Kelsey Johnson, Grant Specialist with WSB and Associates identified several grant opportunities at the December meeting (see attached). Near the conclusion of this meeting, Mayor Reinert requested that this topic be placed on tonight's work session agenda. There has been some discussion on exploring the potential of constructing a portion (i.e. 1 baseball field, or 3 soccer fields) of the Recreation Complex. According to Jason Amberg, Vice President of Brauer and Associates, the anticipated costs for minimal development of a 275' youth baseball field is $180,000 - $205,000. I have also attached a phasing plan that was developed in 2007. This plan divided the Recreation Complex into four development areas. Base development costs were prepared for each phase and "Add -on" items (i.e. field lighting, scoreboards) were identified. Staff suggests that a significant portion of the development costs (regardless if it's for one field, Phase #1, etc.) be committed prior to pursuing grant opportunities and donations. Grant programs typically require matching funds. Committed funding sources must be identified during the Grant application process. Committed funding creates a definitive timeline which provides a better environment for seeking donations. Absent significant committed funding, the timeline for development is "whenever we get enough dollars," which makes it difficult to generate enthusiasm/commitments from potential donors. The financial circumstances of the local youth sports association signify that they are not in a position to contribute substantial dollars for construction. Rather, youth sports association funding arrangements typically revolve around auxiliary components such as batting cages, scoreboards, etc. Requested Council Direction Staff is seeking council direction related to this topic. Attachments Recreation Complex Grant and Funding Opportunities Memo from Kelsey Johnson, November 29, 2011 Development Phasing Plan for Recreation Complex including estimated development costs (2007)