09-15-15 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2015 Page 6 that water service should be requested now as it is too expensive to add later. Council Liaison Grant said she would talk to Terry Maurer or John Anderson to see if it makes sense to request water and sewer being stubbed in for future use. It was noted there is really no rush but the Committee agreed to create a list of what they would like the developers in general to include in the parks. Item 4.A. - Water Tower: Acting Chair Straumann returned the conversation to the water tower. He stated that solar gardens and a geothermal energy source are being discussed and suggested a meeting with the AHATS group regarding desired water tower amenities if available space to do so. Discussion ensued about the Readiness Center facility located next to the City’s development area. This facility, which includes offices and a gymnasium, belongs to the National Guard. Staff Liaison Grant said had that facility included a Community Center at the time it was constructed, it would have cost the City twenty-five percent (25%) of the cost of the Community Center, so the City did not pursue. She also stated that the adjacent land is still available to the City. The discussion continued about the use of that facility and stipulations about age and use. Staff Liaison Grant said the City believes this could be a great partnership for use of indoor space – the National Guard for training and the City for recreational use – as the location and access are convenient. She will speak to Mary Lee and other representatives about a potential partnership. Regarding the space next to the Readiness Center, options for desired use include one outdoor field, one indoor dome field which would be a multiuse field (to include a walking track for seniors) which could be used for lacrosse, soccer, indoor baseball practices, and track and field. Recreation Staff Member Thelen indicated Vadnais Heights charges $250 an hour for rental. Acting Chair Straumann asked Staff Liaison Grant and Recreation Staff Member Thelen to research to see what the related costs could be for an indoor dome. Approaching sponsors who could advertise in the facility was also discussed. Other suggestions for the land included a history center or some type of environmental center building similar to the Tamarack Nature Center. The discussion returned to the water tower and viewing platform. Council Liaison Holmes stated the City Council is interested in an observation area. Acting Chair Straumann suggested speaking to AHATS about any potential environmental problems. Council Liaison Holmes indicated Public Works Director Terry Maurer said a new water tower is a ways down the road as the City has enough capacity now to start development. Eventually as people move in to the development area, a water tower will be built. D. Other unfinished business None. 5. REPORTS A. City Council Report The following points were discussed: