04-04-1990 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes April 4, 1990 Page 2 . The City Administrator updated the Commission on efforts to purchase additional parkland adjacent to the Ridgewood East Park, as shown on the Comprehensive Park System Plan map. Phil Hals informed the Commission that he has become aware that there is an older gravel mine pit and adjacent property for sale and inquired as to whether or not he should attempt to obtain additional information regarding this property. The Commission indicated its desire to know more about this parcel of property. A brief discussion took place regarding the Gospador property to the south of Orono Park and the Gagne property north of Highway 10 in the Waco Street vacini ty. The City Administrator indicated that it was unlikely the City could obtain any of the Gospodar property and that discussions are taking place with Mr. Gagne regarding potential park use of his property and the need for right-of-way if the Waco Street bridge is extended over the Elk River north of Highway 10. At this time Mr. Sanders reviewed with the Commission in detail the implementation section of the Master Plan. This implementation section starts on approximately Page 87. . In review of the priorities of the plan, it was noted that consistent with the Commission's opinion and the public survey, trail land purchase and development was listed as the highest priority. The next highest priority was development of the existing parks, especially the larger area parks such as the Woodland Trails Park and the Hillside Park. The third highest priority was the purchase of additional new parkland, and the fourth highest priority was the development of special use facilities such as a community center or an outdoor swimming pool. Mr. Sanders reviewed potential financing for implementing the park plan. The first source discussed was the City's Capital Improvement Program which in Elk River has stressed municipal street improvements. It was indicated by Mr. Sanders that park improvements have to also be considered in the capital improvement planning process. A second financing tool discussed was park dedication fees. It was noted that in Elk River these fees are typically spent on an annual basis for park improvements. It is recommended that these fees be accumulated for major land acquisition needs and that the annual park improvement activities be funded through the City Capital Improvement Plan. The third financing technique discussed was a park bond referendum for larger overall park development. State and Federal grants as a financing tool was also discussed. . The final major financing tool that was discussed was the use of donations from non-profit organizations which typically have monies available through its pull tab operation. It was noted that this donation area could be a significant source of revenue in the City of Elk River and that efforts should be made to obtain funding from this source. The remaining financial tools available for park acquisition and development are less likely to be available in the future but are included in the Master Plan as options to review on an annual basis.