HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/10/1991 Council Minutes1
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 10 JANUARY 1991.'
Mayor Harold Bisel called the City Council Work Session to
order at 4:30 P.M. Thursday January 10th, 1991. Members
present: Neal, Reinert. City Administrator, Randy
Schumacher; Don Volk, Public Works Director; and Daniel
Tesch, Assistant to the City Administrator were also present.
RECREATION PROGRAM
Mr. Schumacher began the session by reviewing the pros and
cons of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with our surrounding
communities, as well as the pros and cons of having our own
recreation program.
Council Member Reinert asked Mr. Volk what he felt about the
JPA vs. our own recreation program. Mr. Volk said that at
this moment he felt the JPA is better for Lino Lakes, but
that in a couple of years it would be better to be on our
own. Mr. Schumacher added that the cost of getting out of a
JPA in a couple of years might be too high, ie public
relations.
Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Volk to go over the facilities that
the other communities had that we do not have. Mr. Volk
began by stating that we have no beach house facilities. Mr.
Reinert asked about the Regional Park. Mr. Volk responded
that the County would probably not give us any special
privileges when it came to their facilities. Mr. Schumacher
stated that he felt the County should give us some
consideration as long as their facilities were in our city.
Mr. Reinert agreed. Mr. Volk continued that Lexington has a
lighted ball field, and Circle Pines has 3 park buildings for
interior programming that would be contributed. Mr. Reinert
looked at the photos Mr. Volk had provided, and inquired
whether or not we could construct such a building ourselves.
Mr. Volk replied that with a little help we could. Mr. Volk
added that these buildings are used for athletic, art, and
nature classes, just to name a few.
Council Member Reinert asked if we know at this time what we
need, and how much it will cost. Mr. Volk said no, but that
we should consider a consultant who will prepare a
Comprehensive Plan for city parks. This would tell us where
the city should be looking at acquiring parks, and what
facilities should be at each park. Demographics such as age,
population, and the popularity of programs would also
determine needs. Mr. Reinert did not want a duplication of
facilities in the area, Mayor Bisel agreed.
Mayor Bisel suggested that we begin our program
expand as needed. He did not want to see large
dollars expended early on.
In responding to a question on the Joint Powers
Mr. Schumacher reminded the Council of problems
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slowly and
amounts of
Agreement,
that would
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 10 JANUARY 1991
occur as the City of Lino Lakes grew and needed facilities,
and an area Recreation Board disagreed with our point of
view. We would have no recourse other than to leave the JPA.
Council Member Reinert stated that we need to look at the
basic issue, and not dwell on what happened with our
neighbors as it related to the Police Contract. Mayor Bisel
agreed, stating this is a totally separate issue. We need to
determine what is best for our residents in the future.
Council Member Reinert asked Mr. Volk if he had any financial
statistics yet. Mr. Volk responded that in his report it
states that the first year on our own the cost would be
$23,600.00 vs. $13,000.00 for the JPA.
Mayor Bisel said it was up to the Council to set our sights
and priorities. We need to know what we want, and compare
that to the dollars we have available. Mr. Reinert felt we
needed to be more sophisticated than that. Mr. Bisel
responded that would come later when we fine tuned the
organization based on demands. Mr. Volk stated that the
programming aspect is the cheapest part of this issue. We
need to know what the community is looking for before we
begin long range planning.
Mayor Bisel felt it would be beneficial to look at our local
service organizations for help, such as the VFW and Lions.
Council Member Reinert asked if the other cities were waiting
for a response from us with regards to the joint power
agreement. Mr Schumacher said yes. Mr. Reinert stated that
it was his opinion that Lino Lakes should coo out on its own.
Council Member Neal agreed, as did Mayor Bisel. It was the
consensus of the Council that we share programming, and offer
services to our neighbors.
Mayor Bisel asked what staff felt the next step should be.
Mr. Volk responded that we would be looking at job
descriptions for a recreation coordinator, and setting
priorities for our first years operation. Mr. Volk also
reminded the Council of the meeting on Saturday with all the
cities boards to discuss a Comprehensive Plan for parks.
When asked when we might start programs, Mr. Volk responded
this summer some time.
Meeting was adjourned.
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