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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 2 <br />Bryce Shearen pointed to the survey results included in the agenda packet. He stated that the <br />open house was well attended. They wanted to capture as many opinions as possible so the survey <br />was provided online for residents who couldn't attend the open house. <br />Bryce Shearen discussed the survey results for Arden Oaks Park. He said Option 1 had the <br />greatest number of votes. It is the larger structure. The color palette was Option 5. <br />Bryce Shearen said the survey respondents selected Option 4 for Freeway Park had Option 4 had <br />the greatest number of votes. Option 5 was the chosen color palette, for this park, as well. <br />Bryce Shearen noted there was some discussion regarding the parks looking a little different. <br />Selecting the second color choice for one of the play structures may be an option. <br />Bryce Shearen discussed the cost. He said these play structures can be purchased using <br />competitive purchasing agreements to receive a discounted price. He showed the difference <br />between the retail cost and the cost with competitive purchasing agreement. MWP also offers <br />grants. He showed the prices of each park, after discounts and if the City applied for the grant and <br />were awarded the maximum grant amount. There is no guarantee that a grant will be awarded, but <br />with Council direction, they will get started on the application process. He said the grant amount <br />is capped and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. <br />Mayor Grant asked when the grant application opens. <br />Bryce Shearen said the grant opened at the beginning of August and will close in the middle of <br />October or when funds run out. <br />Councilmember Holden recalled the City received a grant from a playground vendor. She thinks <br />typically they quote you expensive cost and then give you 30% off. <br />Bryce Shearen confirmed. He said if the grant is not approved or we don't receive enough funds, <br />we would deny the grant and buy the equipment through the purchasing contract. He said there are <br />still a lot of moving pieces with both of these projects. Narrowing down these details will help the <br />projects to continue moving forward. Future discussions will include ADA access, adding trails <br />and a possible fence or barrier. <br />Councilmember Monson noted the budget is $150,000 for the playground structure. She looked <br />at Freeway Park. She noted that if we went with Option 4, through St. Croix Rec, we'd be there. <br />She asked for confirmation that there's no grant option for that one. <br />Bryce Shearen confirmed. The purchase would be made through the state purchasing contract. <br />Councilmember Monson asked if MWP offered Option 4. <br />Bryce Shearen said no. That is a different manufacturer. <br />