Minutes - 1995/08/21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • ~J Page 14 August 21, 1995 MOTION/SECOND: Blanchazd, Hankner to approve the award for the Slurry Sealing bid to Struck and Irwin Paving for $33,136.96, to be funded from account no. 100-4470- 705, and authorize the Public Works Director to sign all change orders up to 15% of the bid. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried C. Consideration gf Removal and Replacement of Play~ound Equipment Usina Contingency Funds: Ms. Mary Saarion, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry explained that in April there was an article in the newspaper and an article put out by the League of MN Cities in regard to the safety hazards of some playground components (Animal Swings). These swings are very old and have been in the park system for many years. The articles stated that deaths and serious injuries have occurred as a result of the swings hitting children who run in front of the playground equipment. The articles also requested that cities consider removing the swings. This was brought to the city's attention by concerned residents and presented to the Park & Recreation Commission. The commission recommended that staff ask for some money to replace the existing animal swings with infant swings which could be installed on the existing frames. To replace the eight swings would cost $1,200. The Park and Recreation Commission would like to use contingency funds to replace this equipment. Ms. Saarion stated that other options could include removing the equipment and not replacing it, or just replacing a few swings at a time. Mayor Linke stated the city's insurance carrier has recommended that the city remove the animal swings. Council member Hankner stated she has strong feelings about use of the contingency funds. She feels some type of policy needs to be addressed on the use of these funds. If the Council wishes to approve the use of contingency funds for this use, she would also request that contingency funds be used for tree plantings at the Silver View Park ballfields. Council member Trude stated she wanted this issue brought before the council and when children's lives are at risk, she does not want to see a squabble about where the funds are coming from. Contingency funds are for unplanned expenses. It would be unfair to the children if the City removed the existing equipment without replacements. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Linke to allocate funds from the Contingency Account for the removal and replacement of playground equipment.