11-13-2024 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 November 13, 2024 Chair Anderson explained to the group the difference between the capital improvement fund and capital improvement projects. Mr. Stremcha explained that the question on the table for discussion is whether the items listed are still priorities or does the commission recommend, they be postponed to future budget years etc. One example of this would be the parks and recreation framework plan. Mr. Stremcha continued to explain that on one page is park improvements fund revenue and expenses, and the second page is park dedication fund and expenses. Ideally the commission could rank the expenditures and if not a priority, postpone the other items to future years. They are not currently in order of priority. Commissioner Goodwin asked if the items listed are set in stone and Chair Anderson said they are not. The Commission can give recommendations to avoid going into a negative balance. Chair Anderson confirmed that the liquor store transfer is the only additional income they will have going forward. Chair Anderson would like staff to give their own recommendations for expenditures ranked by priority then the commission could have a clearer discussion. Commissioner Niziolek said that Ridgewood East Park basketball court may not need to be replaced so soon since the school nearby has several courts. He also suggested that since the Lion John Weicht Park shelters are used the least out of the parks maybe their replacement could be delayed. Chair Anderson brought up whether a master plan is needed and is concerned about the amount of money currently in the budget for it. Commissioner Niziolek agreed. Chair Anderson and Commissioner Loidolt said that they need Mr. Baas, the Park Maintenance Foreman to be present to confirm if items need to be replaced or not. Commissioner Goodwin asked if these replacement projections are absolute. Mr. Stremcha said that not necessarily- projects could be stretched out if they are not failing quite yet. Chair Anderson said that typically this input would come from staff but right now that is not available with recent staff changes but he feels the commission can still make a recommendation based on what they know. Commissioner Loidolt said that these are placeholders that have been put in the schedule based on maintenance schedules and previous conversations, but it does not necessarily need to be done. There are items can be reevaluated by staff and pushed out. Commissioner Goodwin said it would be helpful to have Mr. Baas present. Mr. Stremcha said that Mr. Baas would be the one to determine if maintenance things can be pushed out or not. Commissioner Loidolt shared that he thinks the commission and staff could use the Play my Way data to help determine the priorities in a master framework plan. The commissioners agreed that the line items of $325,000 needs to be broken down into smaller categories so it is clear what the money would go for. Mr. Stremcha explained that with recent staff changes it has been hard to prepare the details. Chair Anderson said they have never had a line item with such a high number without details of the cost. Chair Anderson would like to have seen these numbers sooner. Once staff have had a chance to look this over with Mr. Baas the commission would like to see what is in that $325,000 total to be able to make clear choices on what could be taken out. Chair Anderson asked if any of the commissioners have any projects in mind that are not currently on the list that they would like to add. Mr. Stremcha asked if the current items listed are a priority to the commissioners and if their goal is to be revenue neutral. Commissioner Stewart asked what the park dedication estimates comes from. Mr. Stremcha said Zach Carlton with the City of Elk River Planning department can provide rEeEo erIN",A�'IJR�