08-20-24 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – August 20, 2024 Page 6 Committee Member Rogers asked to discuss the ice rink. There is a whole list of things that need to be done and to hear there is no money for those projects is confusing. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said on the Park Improvement Plan shows how the money is allocated for each park. He thinks the amount for this park is $250,000. Council Liaison Rousseau said it came to Council and there was a budget, and items were removed line by line. There was no consideration of accessibility or additional pieces. Committee Member Olson wondered if there is a person who would reach out to businesses to see if they would donate money to the foundation to help cover fences or bushes. Council Liaison Rousseau didn’t think there is currently anyone who does that. She said that could be something to include when adding a new position in the Park and Recreation Department. She also thought that, as the EDC is starting to reach out to businesses, that might be a good resource. She said Council never discuss bonding to increase the value of what we’re getting. There could be other options. She wonders if a better option would be to stall this project for a year and put the Master Parks Plan together and save up some money for the park. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said the Master Plan includes updates that are required in the 25- year plan. Basically, this is a window to do more at these parks but it’s budgeted to do the minimum required. Council Liaison Rousseau said she asked the consultants what happened at Floral Park. They replied that we’re getting what the HOAs pay for it’s not the stuff that cities normally buy. Committee Member Olson said there is a really nice play set at Lake Valentine Road. She said Johanna Marsh has a small play set, but it’s nice, too. She feels those parks weren’t getting the minimum. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said the City definitely got more for our money before the pandemic. Council Liaison Rousseau said during budget discussions the Council wanted to put an additional $50,000 aside each year for these items. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said basically every two years there are two parks being improved. Committee Member Rogers asked if a park is slated to be upgraded, she wonders who decided that $250,000 is the right number. Recreation Supervisor Johnson replied it’s from the Park Improvement Plan. That was the allocated amount that was predetermined years ago. Committee Member Rogers asked how many years ago the Park Improvement Plan was written.