01-24-1994 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Joint Meeting of City Council and School Board January 24, 1994 Page 2 e 5.1. Interview of Library Board Applicant/Murray McNair The Council interviewed Mr. Murrary McNair who had submitted an application requesting appointment to the Library Board. 5.2. Consider Library Board Appointment COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO APPOINT MURRAY MCNAIR TO THE LIBRARY BOARD FOR A THREE YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31,1996. COUNCILMEM8ER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 5.3. Update on Planninq Commission Applications The City Clerk informed the Council that the City has received one applicant for the Planning Commission vacancy. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION TO EXTEND THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE FROM JANUARY 21 TO JANUARY 28. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 6.1. Consider LCMR Grant Proposal - Mike Niziolek e Mike Niziolek, a District 728 teacher, appeared before the Council to request support for a grant application. The grant being requested is for a program called ELK, which stands for Environmental Learning Key. The program goals would be to establish an environmental education program and site in the City of Elk River. The site being proposed is Woodland Trails Park. The goal would also be to promote environmental education for students and citizens in Elk River. Mr. Niziolek indicated that matching grant funds are necessary to increase the leverage and likelihood of receiving a grant. Mr. Niziolek noted that funding for the program would cost about $258,000 which would include the developing of a nature center and environmental education sites in the Woodland Trails Park; supporting a community environmental education program; and development of future environmental education sites on naturally significant areas. The Council discussed funding of this program. Mr. Niziolek indicated that no funds have been designated from the School Board at this time. The Council discussed the future cost of maintenance of the building and the ongoing cost of a coordinator at the site. Councilmember Scheel questioned the validity of the request to preserve certain pockets of land in a City that is growing so fast. Mr. Niziolek indicated that he is committed to saving the green spaces available in the City - of Elk River. Councilmember Dietz noted that the school children would get the most benefit from this project. e Dave Anderson, Park and Recreation Commissioner, indicated that Mr. Niziolek presented this request to the Park and Recreation Commission. He indicated that the Park and Recreation Commission felt that at some point in the future there will be a building constructed at Woodland Trails Park. He indicated that although this request may seem a little premature, it might be wise for the City Council to consider the request as the building could be constructed for much less right now due to the grant money available.