09-28-05 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREA nON COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28. 2005 Page 2 of! 0 . . Approve the July 26, 2005 Minutes. Committee Member McClung had the following correction: . Members Present; Plarming Commission: add Commissioner McClung. MOTION: Committee Member Williams motioned, seconded by Committee Member Crassweller to approve the July 26,2005 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Moore stated that Committee Member Straumann has good news to share with the Committee. Committee Member Straumann stated that he was appointed the new Chair for the Ramsey County Parks Commission. He provided a brief overview of the process with the Committee. Mr. Moore noted that this is the first time a citizen from Arden Hills has held this position with the Ramsey County Parks Commission in addition to also being a member of the PTRC. He congratulated Committee Member Straumallll and wished him well with his new appointment. 3. COUNCIL UPDATE . Council Liaison Larson provided the Commission with a brief update on the following Council activities: . Reviewed the Rice Creek Corridor Event, which took place at the Armory Center. . City Council has decided to go forward with the Highway 96 landscaping between Lexington A venue and Highway 10. The plan is to landscape the median and install an irrigation system. The project will go out for bids this winter with the intent to begin the project in the spnng. . TCAAP - They are moving forward with their own appraisal in ordcr to get a better handle on the actual land value. City Council discussed this on Monday night noting that the thought was that it would be worthwhile to meet to try and determine how the highest bidder would be treated, determine the best use for the land and identify the areas that would not be developed. Indicated that it is Staffs belief that they are closer to ail agreement noting that they are still meeting. . 2006 budget - City Council approved an increase in the levy noting that they have a total of $7.9 million for the budget, which is $ I million less than last year. . He stated that they were discussing the possibility of increasing the levy by three to four percent and also discussed the possibility of the four percent increase going to the General Fund with I-percent going to park expenditures. He stated that in the context of a broader budget discussion during the work session Council discussed trying to find better ways to fund the City parks. He indicated that there was general support for it and reviewed potential . funding options. He noted that a suggestion was made to increase the levy by I-percent adding that he did not support this as it is a one-time funding option and he believes that