09-28-05 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 28,2005 Page 5 of 10 . . He encouraged Committee Members to attend if they have the opportunity, as it would provide them with the opportunity to receive questions and hear the feedback between City Council members and the residents. . The Storm has thrown most plans to the back burner Chair Henry asked for an update on the Old Highway 10 railroad underpass trail. Mr. Moore stated that he spoke to the URS Engineers and was told that they are still talking with Canadian Pacific Staff about the design. He clarified that Canadian Pacific does not have any problems with the City installing a trail. He explained that the City is trying to get some preliminary drawings done with a cost estimate but have not gotten that far yet in the process. He noted that the attorneys are also working with URS. Chair Henry referenced the budget funding for parks stating that when he reviewed the assessment list for the paving project he noticed that there is a vacant lot on the west side of Old Snelling, which is a remnant of the Lindy's Park grant, and asked why the City hasn't sold this piece of property. He explained that he raises the question only because he thought the land might be the size of a lot and the City could sell it as such. He asked if there are other properties within the City that are not being used that could be sold. Council Liaison Larson explained that this was discussed noting that one of the problems was . due to how it was originally purchased. He explained that there was not a lot that could be done with this piece of property, as it is a small, triangular-shaped piece of property. He stated that it would make sense to sell it to an adjoining property. He indicated that there are a few pieces of property throughout the City that could be considered and reviewed with the Committee. Committee Member Williams asked if Staff could review the properties and update the Committee. Mr. Moore stated that due to the storm cleanup he does not have the resources to do this adding that he could get a response back to the Committee in two to three weeks. Chair Henry agreed stating that he should take care of current issues first and provide the Committee with an update at a later date. Committee Member Williams asked what the relationship should be between the City Council, the PTRC and Staff with respect to forming the budget for City Parks. He noted that the Mayor removed I-percent from the Parks budget and expressed frustration that the PTRC had no input on the budget process. He explained that from his past experience decisions for the Parks budget would include input from a City's Parks Committee, their City Council and Staff. He clarified that he understands that the Park Committee would not manage the budget but they should have some input to it. .