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-Rev! sect AGENDA ITEM NO. 6A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director DATE: February 11, 2001 TOPIC: Consideration of Resolution 02 -14, Approving a Special Election for Recreation Complex, Neighborhood Park Improvements and Trails Referendum VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority BACKGROUND At the February 4, 2002 Park Board meeting, the Park Board members unanimously recommended to the City Council, " That an $8.6 million referendum be placed on the ballot for a special vote on Saturday, April 27, 2002, for the development of the recreation complex, neighborhood park improvements and trails." The proposal is based on many years of planning and citizen input on how the city can best meet the recreation and leisure needs and desires of the community. Many Lino Lakes residents have expressed a desire for recreation facilities comparable to those in other communities. In March, 1997 the City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Park Board's recommendation to pursue a referendum to enhance the leisure opportunities for residents such as trails, neighborhood parks and development of a recreation complex. In November, 2001, after months of discussion, the City Council authorized staff to move forward with a spring referendum. A "Referendum 2002" committee was formed and has met regularly over the past several months. The content of the proposed referendum is a result of a lot of research, discussion, and effort by city staff, the "Referendum 2002" Committee, and members of the Park Board. The referendum consists of three major components: development of a recreation complex, improvements to 16 neighborhood parks, and the construction of trails. Recreation Complex Development of a recreation complex has been a priority for the city since 1991 when the Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan was developed. The plan indicated that the city's growth and increased number of structured sports participants might necessitate the development of a recreation complex. As a result, over the next 10 years the city evaluated potential sites, authorized negotiations for acquisition of land and subsequently, with the approval of the Environmental Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Park Board, and citizens of Lino Lakes, purchased 67 acres of land at the southeast corner of Birch Street and Centerville Road for $925,000.