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City Council Minutes Page 8 <br /> October 19,2015 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Councilmember Wagner indicated at a recent meeting the parks and recreation <br /> commission chose to keep a $25,000 placeholder in their budget for sign <br /> replacement,but they are hesitant to spend that much until they know how much the <br /> entire plan will cost. She stated her concern was ensuring the commission, council <br /> and staff all have the same intent. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated signage is an important part of operating a city <br /> park but shouldn't burden a limited budget without having budget plans in place. <br /> Mayor Dietz asked that other funding sources be considered to pay for signage and <br /> didn't feel the parks and streets budgets should pay for all of it when signage is a <br /> benefit to the entire city. <br /> Mr. Portner stated further discussion can be had regarding funding options. <br /> Dave Anderson stated the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this and <br /> noted$25,000 is 8-9% of their annual budget. He stated he has serious concerns <br /> about the cost of implementing this plan. He asked Mr. Hecker to allow the <br /> commission to review the concepts to provide their input, stating a very creative <br /> group volunteers their time and energy on the commission and as park stewards. He <br /> stated they would like the opportunity to say what their `front door'would look like. <br /> Councilmember Olsen asked about the four gateway signs and expressed how <br /> important it was to give a strong first impression when entering the city. <br /> Councilmember Burandt asked if there was any problem with delaying the approval <br /> of the plan so the park and recreation commission could review it. <br /> Mr. Portner and Ms. Gardner indicated any further work would require an additional <br /> payment to Visual Communications but the current plan could be shared with the <br /> commission. <br /> Mayor Dietz asked if this could be added to the November Park and Recreation <br /> Commission meeting. <br /> It was the consensus of the council to allow the Parks and Recreation Commission <br /> to review the wayfinding sign plan and their feedback provided to council. <br /> ------------------------- <br /> Mayor Dietz indicated he's heard ridiculous rumors about the Elk River Municipal <br /> Utilities (ERMU) increasing utility rates because of the recent incorporation of 300 <br /> new commercial and residential customers from Connexus Energy. He stated the <br /> rumors are false, rates are not increasing, and ERMU will continue to communicate <br /> the correct utility rates to their customers. <br /> ---------------------- <br /> UREJ <br />