CCP 07-12-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 28, 1999 ,/", '15" -'C, -~:: } /,f'r~ ~-4;~ii"~t The total estimated cost for the park redevelopment would be $125,640. This amount is fairly significant compared to what was projected in the Capital Improvement Program this year. The projected cost to replace the playstructure and basketball court was approximately $55,000. With regard to the condition of the park itself, Mr. Fritsinger stated that the various structures are in need of repair or replacement. The primary cause for the condition of the facilities is the poor quality of the soil present in the park. The park structures experience a great deal of heaving during the spring thaw. In addition, the ongoing drainage problems have also caused damage to the facilities, One question which the Parks and Recreation Committee, as well as the City Council, has struggled with is what would be the long-term nature of any improvements that the City puts into the park. The City has an easement for the area; however, it does not own the land on which the park is located. When Arden Manor Mobile Home Park was platted, the City Council at the time made the decision that, to satisfY park dedication, an easement would be sufficient. Along with this there were some improvements that the owner ofthe 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 the owner. As long as the Arden Manor Mobile Home Park exists, the City will be responsible for maintaining the park structures easement. The City does not have any storm water easements within the Mobile Home Park. As a result, the City has no legal responsibility for the drainage improvements proposed as part of this project. The City has attempted, for many years, to encourage the property owner to improve the drainage problems that exist in the park. The owner has been reluctant to undertake the level of drainage improvements suggested by the City. However, eventually, the Park owner did improve the drainage swale around the tennis and basketball courts, but did not undertake any of the other improvements previously suggested by the City. The Parks and Recreation Committee tried to consider what the overall benefit of improvements to the park would be 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 the redevelopment would not be in the best interest of the community. The City recently completed a drainage report that identified all of the areas within the City that had a need for drainage improvements. This area was rated high in terms of the need for improvements in the area of$25,000. These improvements could be paid for out ofthe SWM Fund. The remainder of the costs would primarily be funded out of the Park Fund. The current balance of the Park Fund is approximately $460,000. A few years ago, the City Council had challenged the 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 Recreation Committee felt that this project was a high priority.