6.0. SR 02-28-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to Mayor and City Council February 23, 2000 Page 3 the Commission accomplished many of the goals it established in early 1999. They continued with Park of the Month, they toured a number of city parks in September of 1999, they conducted a volunteer recognition picnic to thank their partners in park development, and the Commissioners have increased their efforts to visit sites of plats as they are being developed. The proposed 2000 goals include updating the Master Park and Trail Plan, development of a five-year capital improvements budget, and investigating regional park opportunities. Work on the Master Park and Trail Plan update has already begun. The Commission reviewed a number of parks at their February meeting and a similar workload is proposed for the March meeting. At the January 8th retreat the Commission endorsed development of a five- year capital improvements budget which will be discussed later in this memo. Later on this agenda, the Commission would like to discuss with the City Council their ideas for regional park opportunities. Other 2000 goals include increasing overall communication of the Commission's goals and work to not only the City Council, but to the general public. Also, on the top of the Commission's list is improvement to park signage and to continue the partnerships and relationships with community organizations. Review Proposed Budget Staff and the Commission have developed a proposed five-year capital improvements budget in order to implement park improvements and to plan carefully the expenditures over time of the park dedication funds. As of January 31, 2000, there was $628,375.85 in the park dedication fund. Staff has identified a portion of the park dedication funds for trail improvements. Approximately $146,000 has been "set aside" to fund various trail improvements over the next five years. The remaining funds will be spent on park improvements such as playgrounds, landscaping, shelters, land acquisition, etc. For 2000, the Commission has agreed in concept to the following policies for the five-year capital improvements program: On an annual basis, the park dedication fund will be divided into five equal increments for planning purposes. o Of the amount available for 2000, ($65,000), approximately $30,000 will be dedicated to a large playground structure in parks to be identified through the Master Park and Trail update process. The Commission, however, is interested in identifying one or two parks for which up to $100,000 may be spent for a large playground structure. o Approximately $10,000 will be set aside each year for improvements in undeveloped parks such as Gagne. Activities in these parks may S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\CCREPRTS\jointmtg.doc