07/13/1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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BUDGET WORKSESSION AUGUST 8,1996 5. Safety Education, Safety Committee 6. Capital Outlay includes a pickup, mower and low profile trailer. The department is getting a lot of pressure from residents to upgrade their playground equipment and the trail system. Possible sources of revenue for these items include Dedicated Funds, General Funds, donations and grants. Mr. Asleson discussed the building concerns and maintenance of current parks. He also described the vehicles used in his department. Council Member Lyden asked if the crews used noise control devices. Mr. Asleson said yes. He also noted that his crew takes pride in what they do and they listen to the wants and needs of the residents. Council Member Bergeson asked if a new trails come from developers. Mr. Asleson said not all of them. He budgets for trail construction in established neighborhoods. Council Member Lyden noted that there is $15,000 in the proposed budget for trail maintenance and asked why no dollars are being requested for establishing additional trails. Mr. Asleson explained that if the survey currently in progress indicates a need for trails, he will discuss a referendum with the City Council. Council Member Lyden noted that an environmental group was established by the City Council. He indicated that they should have a budget. Mr. Schumacher noted the need for startup funding. Mr. Asleson explained that he is submitting an application for a grant. He will keep the Council updated on this matter. Council Member Lyden asked if the community wanted to hold a very large celebration, where would it be held. Mr. Asleson noted several places and explained that the City does hold an Earth Day celebration. This could be used as a City celebration. Council Member Lyden asked where fireworks could be held. Mr. Asleson suggested the Regional Park. Mayor Landers noted that a 1/2 ton pickup with a plow is included in Capital Outlay. He asked if the plow would be a straight plow or a "V" plow. Mr. Asleson explained that he is looking at a "V" plow. The cost difference is $1,200 to $1,500 more. Council Member Neal noted that he had been thinking about the need for an athletic complex and asked if it could be located on the vacant land just south of Schwan's Foods on Lake Drive. Council Member Bergeson felt that this property was to valuable to take off of the tax rolls. Mr. Asleson noted that he has contacted a lot of people with land outside of the MUSA. They all have indicated that they want to hold onto their land knowing that it is becoming more and more valuable. He explained that he is concentrating on recreational opportunities in the local parks. Originally, the Park Board had discussed an athletic complex on both the north and south side of the City. However, PAGE 10