12-15-09 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES November 17, 2009 Page 2 of 7 A. Park Funding Presentation—Special Legislation—Mel Aanerud(continued) Mr. Aanerud indicated a local community could now establish a five year, ten Y or year two year Y plan for parks with specific funds. He stated the County would then assess accordingly and set aside funds for park expenses without excessive fees going to bonding agents.ents. At this time the Three Rivers Parks Board would endorse this piece of legislation if done at a regional level. Mr. Aanerud explained how the park fund would work if there was an excess and stated the legislation would need to create language to cover the funding after the five or ten years of the plan. He stated that Senator Foley and Congressman Newton were currently carrying the Y g legislation. The Anoka County Parks Department has endorsed it as well. Mr. Aanerud stated he was spreading the word on this piece of legislation to pp gain support from g neighboring communities to assist in creating park plans while setting aside funding to assist in these expenses. He asked the Committee for comments or questions and also asked for their support. Council Liaison Holmes questioned how large projects could be p expensed to the population and P if they could be spread out over two years. Mr. Aanerud explained that large projects could be done over several ears, as is being done with Y g a trail corridor in his community at this time. He stated this would have to be spelled out within the legislative plan. Chair Peck asked that staff explain how park items are being funded at this time. Ms. Olson stated most cities use the park dedication fee andspecial revenue fund to cover park items. She indicated that this fund was dwindling and additional funds would need to be transferred through the PIR fund. State regulations do not allow for maintenance projects to be funded from the special revenue fund. Mr. Aanerud explained that bonding was the only option at this time and that with it came interest and other bonding fees. The special legislation would eliminate the interest and bonding fees and the funds would become more cost effective. Council Liaison Holmes stated most of the park projects are done through matching ants and � g g �' taken from the capital improvement fund. She indicated she felt this special legislation was a i p g very good idea and would support it going forward. Further discussion ensued regarding the timeline of the legislation.