07-16-07-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JULY 16,2007 2 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the Park Fund could no longer be utilized for maintenance proj ects. She reported that the Legislature enacted several changes to the Park Land Dedication Statute in 2004. She explained the new law specifies Park Dedication funds could no longer be used for ongoing operation and maintenance. She reported the statute was amended in 2006 to state Park Dedication Funds could be use only for acquisition, development, or improvement of parks and not for ongoing operation and maintenance. She stated maintenance projects must be funded from the General Fund. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson reported the PTRC identified the following as possible funding sources: Bonding, Park Referendum, TIP District Funds, and a Levy Increase. She stated the PTRC encourages the City to pursue other alternative funding sources as well whenever possible such as: Federal and State grants, Cooperative Agreements, Scholarships and Partnerships, and Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funds. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated two projects that have been listed in the CIP as utilizing Municipal State Aid Funds include the CP Rail Bridge and the County Road E Bridge. She stated that staff was to come back to the City Council with MSA fund balances and with reaffirmed cost estimates. Mayor Harpstead asked about MSA funding and Snelling Avenue. Engineer Giga replied the spreadsheet is based on previous direction received from Council and on state aid funding eligibility. She stated Snelling Avenue was pushed out to 2010. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the estimates for the projects at the County Road E bridge and the CP Rail Bridge were reviewed. She commented staff feels comfortable with the current estimates; however, every year the proj ects are not completed, cost estimates will likely mcrease. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson reported a Cooperative Agreement with the State does not seem to be the appropriate funding mechanism for the County Road E Bridge Project. She stated staff is looking for direction from Council on the next step for both the CP Rail Project and the County Road E Bridge. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson reported the PTRC attended numerous workshops for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Grant and heard a strong message that trails should not be looked at simply as a recreational benefit, but should also be considered a necessary alternative mode of transportation. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the PTRC requests the City Council consider establishing a dedicated fund for park and trail enhancement. She stated this would serve as the Park Improvement Fund for park and trail development, renewal, and maintenance. She reminded Council that the current Park Fund could be used for new projects but not for maintenance.