Agenda Packets - 1995/09/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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UNAPPROVED Page 14 August 21, 1995 1 Ms. Mary Saarion, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry explained that in April 2 there was an article in the newspaper and an article put out by the League of MN Cities in 3 regard to the safety hazards of some playground components (Animal Swings). These 4 swings are very old and have been in the park system for many years. The articles stated 5 that deaths and serious injuries have occurred as a result of the swings hitting children 6 who run in front of the playground equipment. The articles also requested that cities 7 consider removing the swings. This was brought to the city's attention by concerned 8 residents and presented to the Park& Recreation Commission. The commission • . .. . •.-. e . ..- • e ■- . -. .- ■ . ‘.,.•.., . '. . . lo infant swings which could be installed on the existing frames. To replace the eight 11 swings would cost$1,200. The Park and Recreation Commission would like to use 12 contingency funds to replace this equipment. Ms. Saarion stated that other options could 13 include removing the equipment and not replacing it, or just replacing a few swings at a 14 time. 15 16 Mayor Linke stated the city's insurance carrier has recommended that the city remove the 17 animal swings. 18 19 Council member Hankner stated she has strong feelings about use of the contingency 20 funds. She feels some type of policy needs to be addressed on the use of these funds. If 21 the Council wishes to approve the use of contingency funds for this use, she would also 22 request that contingency funds be used for tree plantings at the Silver View Park 23 ballfields. 24 25 Council member Trude stated she wanted this issue brought before the council and when 26 children's lives are at risk, she does not want to see a squabble about where the funds are 27 coming from. Contingency funds are for unplanned expenses. It would be unfair to the 28 children if the City removed the existing equipment without replacements. 29 30 MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Linke to allocate funds from the Contingency Account for 31 the removal and replacement of playground equipment. 32 33 MOTION/SECOND: Hankner/Quick to AMEND the motion and add the purchase of 34 trees for Silver View Park to be funded with Contingency Funds as well. 35 36 Mayor Linke stated he would vote against the amendment as it is not the same type of 37 liability issue. Also the residents have already agreed to phase in the tree plantings. 38 39 Council member Hankner noted that residents only agreed on the phasing in after the City 40 Council told them there was not money available for the plantings. She feels this is also a 41 liability issue as the balls end up in the yards of residents and could easily injure them. 42