05-24-05 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 24, 2005 Page 5 of6 . Chair Henry stated that he is interested in how the City Council deals with parks in a developing area ofTCAAP and whether there are revenues from the developing area that would benefit parks in general. Committee Member McClung suggested that the PTRC review and begin work to make the case that they need allocations from the General Fund. Chair Henry agreed stating that the PTRC should work to determine how they plan to pay for park needs. He asked ifthe City Council would be willing to have this discussion. Council Liaison Larson suggested approaching the Council to request a discussion around funding sources for parks. He agreed that there is a need to address the funding issues. Committee Member Wheeler stated that it would be a good idea to have a policy in place before TCAAP happens. Committee Member McClung agreed stating that it would be good to have the policy established and have support from the Council on the policy before TCAAP happens. Chair Henry asked how the City funds street projects, sewer upgrades and maintenance. Council Liaison Larson stated that the City has enterprise funds to pay for street projects and storm water. He stated that the City also receives funds from MSA, State funding, from the Levy, from . Enterprise funds, small amount in grants each year and assessments on property. MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller motioned, Committee Member Straumann seconded, to recommend to City Council to identify, as a first priority, on a list, a determination of the source of revenues that would support future improvements in parks and trails. Motion carried 6-0. Committee Member Crassweller noted that one of the items done over the last couple of years is Buckthorn r'mloval. He stated that if the City is serious about buckthorn removal that they should begin to allocate a specific dollar amount each year for removal. He suggested that this be made into a long-term, armual project with specific funding. Committee Member McClung agreed stating that the PTRC should discuss this with City Council as part of the process to deal with diseased trees. Committee Member McClung suggested that they also include the intra-park trail from upper Freeway Park to lower Freeway Park. Chair Henry asked if the City could actually build a trail along Old Snelling for $121,000. Mr. Moore explained that the number came from the City Engineer and confirmed that it could be done. He stated that $168,000 would come from the Park Fund and other funding sources would be used to make up the difference. He stated that the $121,000 is just a portion of the cost for the . project, comes from the Park Fund.