10.3. SR 04-02-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Eclty1� ,.,�� Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 10.3 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session Aril 2, 2018 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description Reviewed by Woodland Trails Regional Park Committee Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Discussion of a Woodland Trails Regional Park Committee. Background/Discussion The Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a timeline on March 14 to work on the Woodland Trails Regional Park grant project. The intention of staff was for the Commission to be involved with special work sessions this fall and winter as outlined in the below timeline to review nature play areas and picnic shelters. The special work sessions include public open houses overseen by the Commission. Staff intended the Commission serve as the committee as stated in the Commission Bylaws the Commission is to make recommendations to major improvements in city parks. Instead, Chair Dave Anderson added an action item at the meeting before the timeline was approved to request that a committee of stakeholders be involved with the timeline. While this added agenda item was approved by the Commission, the actual work or reasons for the committee were not made clear. Wayfinding should not be part of this project since it has already been approved by City Council. Chair Anderson stated that as the Woodland Trails Regional Park Steward he should pick out his fellow volunteer colleagues to serve as the stakeholders. Vice Chair Andy Solvedt recommended an application process be initiated for the general public. Staff is seeking direction from City Council on how to involve the public during the public open houses and Commission Work Sessions this fall and winter. Staff recommends the city use the Commission as the committee. If a separate committee is preferred by City Council, the city promotes a broader community representation and involvmenet to serve on a committee with the Commission as the lead. On December 13, 2017, the Commission was informed the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) approved full funding of$362,000 for Phase I development. In addition to the grant funds, the city allocated $125,000 as matching funds. Projects include adding a picnic shelter, a nature play area,buckthorn removal, an archery range, and wayfinding signage. The GMRPTC is a recommending body for the Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program under the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Their recommendation requires legislative approval. Once signed by the Governor, the DNR and city will enter into a contract for the grant funds. POWERED 6T A IR