12-20-05 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

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he Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for operation and maintenance of approximately 20% the buildings and improved grounds owned by Ramsey County. Parks and Recreation is responsible for over 6,000 acres of parks and open space. Generally, it is proposed that the regular ice arena fee increase $5.00 per hour for each of the two budget years. It is proposed that the regular 18-hold greens fee increase $1.00 in 2006 and 2007. Other golf course fees are scheduled to increase proportionally. The entrance fee for Battle Creek Waterworks is proposed to remain at $5.50 in 2006 and increase to $6.00 in 2007. The public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for October 28, 2005. A truth in taxation hearing will be held on December 13, 2005. Service Levels and Performance Measures As part of performance measurements, Parks and Recreation analyzes beach and park surveys to determine levels of service. Due to budget constraints, Parks and Recreation has not been able to provide park maintenance or park service staff during the evening hours. Coordinators who greeted reservation groups, provided light janitorial services and locked buildings in the evening were eliminated from the budget. Mr. Jenni suggested that having Park Service Coordinators to welcome guests is important and exhibits good customer service. Mr. Jenni asked whether volunteers could provide this service. Mr. Mack explained that consistency is a problem. Tamarack has been successful having volunteers perform specific project work. 16he Commission expressed concern about two critical focus areas: ❑ Concerned about areas of diminished service. ❑ Capital asset management, revenues from tapped out sources, new revenue, concern about diminished service to public in parks with reduced maintenance personnel. Mr. Mack stated that the results of the parks surveys will come before the Board of Commissioners. Chair Straumann asked for a motion to accept the Parks and Recreation budget as proposed. Mr. Jenni moved, seconded by Ms. Falkowski to accept the Parks and Recreation budget as proposed. Motion carried. SYSTEM PLAN Parks and Recreation staff has been working on the system plan and has received draft maps from the consultant. The system plan will emphasize major areas of importance and will identify major facility needs and potential partnerships, such as collaborating with the National Guard at TCAAP for trail access and a future nature center. Commission members suggested that mountain biking be considered in other areas of the County in addition to Battle Creek. Parks and Recreation intends to work with the National Guard to establish cross-country skiing trails at TCAAP. The Department has received requests from cross-country skiers to provide snowmaking at TCAAP or Battle Creek Regional Park in order to have guaranteed snow. lot. Paul offers downhill skiing/ snowmaking at Como Park, which is fully levy supported. It could be mutually beneficial to Ramsey County and the City if the snowmaking operation were moved to Battle Creek. 2