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STAFF REPORT <br />DATE:02/04/2026 <br />CONSENT <br />TO: CITY COUNCIL <br />FROM: Interim Public Works Director – Adam Swanepoel <br />AGENDA ITEM: Parks Commission Work Plan <br />CORE STRATEGIES: <br />☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services <br />☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future <br />☒ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Per Section 3.12.540 of the Lake Elmo City Code, the Parks Commission is responsible for <br />creating an annual work plan, which encompasses a list of projects, maintenance tasks, <br />programs, and objectives for the year. Staff has developed the 2026 work plan based on the <br />previous year's plan and the suggested capital improvement plan. <br />This work plan aims to evaluate and subsequently execute the overarching goals of the parks <br />division while detailing the projects that the Commission and staff will undertake in the <br />forthcoming year, allowing for adaptability to emerging priorities. The projects are categorized <br />as follows: <br />Planning / Project and Development– This section addresses the larger long term park <br />projects and funding opportunities. Projects that will be carried out in the upcoming year. <br />o This would include projects approved through CIP. <br />o Preparation and planning for larger projects for the following year. <br />Maintenance & Refurbishing – Projects in this category are carried out by public works <br />staff and does not necessarily rely on the Park Dedication money for funding and is based <br />off the 2026 parks annual budget. Much of the maintenance by public works staff is daily <br />operations along with weekly and monthly inspections. <br />Additional Park Initiatives - Establishes goals and ways in which staff and the <br />commission can increase the use of city parks and promote community engagement. <br />Launch new and creative ways to reach park users, gain insight on future needs. <br />Finance – How, specifically, does the Parks Commission want to spend and budget Parks <br />and Recreation funds? <br />o This will of course go hand-in-hand with planning and audit but this specifically <br />should focus on next tasks to be carried out in terms of budget.