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City Council Minutes <br />April 30, 2018 <br />Page 5 <br />Mayor Dietz explained in the 1990s the city sometimes took land instead of cash but <br />didn't develop the land immediately. In many cases it is impossible to sell the land. <br />Giving up the land would revert back to the original owners and the only cost savings <br />would be from maintenance. <br />Mr. Hecker stated there are currently 13 undeveloped parks in Elk River. <br />Councilmember Wagner stated someone had the forethought to reserve the land <br />comprising Central Park in New York and having green space/open space is a benefit to <br />the city. Trails are also attractive to potential buyers. <br />Councilmember Westgaard wants to get away from funding mechanisms with "sunset <br />dates." He stated Elk River has been fortunate to avoid bonding on major projects in the <br />past. <br />Mayor Dietz stated most projects have a plan for how to pay for them except for the ice <br />arena. A sinking fund will not help the current issue but may help with future problems. <br />Councilmember Westgaard asked what the balance is between user fees and bonding. <br />Mr. Portner indicated the Parks and Recreation Commission are currently conducting a <br />study that may help to determine the answer to this question and reduce taxpayer impact <br />because of users. <br />Ms. Fischer asked why the city hesitates to use bonding since many other communities <br />seem to use it as a funding source. <br />Mr. Portner explained bonding is sometimes viewed as a negative and, to date no other <br />projects have needed to examine this source of funding. <br />3. Adjournment <br />There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk <br />River City Council at 8:22 p.m. <br />Minutes prepared by Katie Porath. <br />Tina Allard, City Clerk <br />P 0 V I R I I er <br />NATURE <br />