CC 06-28-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 28, 1999 15 . The total estimated cost for the park redevelopment would be $125,640. This amount is fairly significant comparcd to what was projected in the Capital Improvement Program this year. The projected cost to rcplace the playstructure and baskctball court was approximately $55,000. With regard to the condition of the park itself, Mr. Fritsinger stated that tl1e various structurcs are in need of repair or replacement. Thc primary cause for the condition of the tacilities is the poor quality ofthe soil present in the park. The park structures experience a great deal of heaving during tl1e spring tl1aw. In addition, the ongoing drainage problems havc also caused damage to tl1e facilities. One question which the Parks and Recreation Committee, as wcll as the City Council, has struggled with is what would be the long-term nature of any improvements tl1at tl1e City puts into the park. The City has an easement for the area; however, it docs not own the land on which the park is located. When Arden Manor Mobile Home Park was platted, tl1e City Council at thc time made the decision that, to satisfy park dedication, an easement would be sufficient. Along with this tl1ere were some improvements that the owner ofthc Mobile Home Park was required to make in the playground area. It does appear that this was accomplished to the satisfaction of both the City and tl1e owner. As long as tl1e Arden Manor Mobile Home Park exists, the City will be responsible for maintaining tl1e park structures easemcnt. . The City does not have any storm water easements within the Mobile Home Park. As a result, tl1e City has no legal responsibility for the drainage improvements proposed as part of this project. The City has attempted, tor many years, to encourage tl1e property owner to improve the drainage problems that exist in the park. The owncr has been reluctant to undertake the level of drainage improvements suggested by thc City. However, eventually, the Park owner did improve the drainage swale around the tennis and basketball courts, but did not undertake any of the otl1er improvemcnts previously suggested by the City. The Parks and Recreation Committee tried to consider what the overall benefit of improvements to the park would bc to the community and believe that the City's investment in the park is not only good for the Mobile Home Park community, but also good for the City as well. Continuing to put off thc rcdcvelopment would not be in the best interest of the community. The City recently completed a drainage rcport that identified all of the areas within the City that had a nced for drainage improvements. This area was rated high in terms of the nced for improvements in the area of$25,000. These improvements could be paid tor out ofthe SWM Fund. The remainder of the costs would primarily be funded out of the Park Fund. The currcnt balance of the Park Fund is approximately $460,000. A few years ago, the City Council had challenged tl1e Parks and Recreation Committee Commission to look at the type of projects available within the community and to prioritize these projects for utilization of the Park Fund balance. The Parks and Recrcation Committec felt that this project was a high priority. .