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Roseville, MN - Official Website Page 8 of 22 <br /> facilities and infrastructure; however, he supported having that larger vision for the <br /> future, and in a broader sense, how they related to each other for prioritization and <br /> timing; and to incorporate that into the larger CIP picture to determine what funding <br /> makes the most sense for a particular time, for current and future City Councils and Parks <br /> and Recreation Commissions to provide guidance to them. <br /> As for bonding, Councilmember Johnson opined that it was important when requesting a <br /> bond for maintenance or upkeep of park infrastructure, that the amount requested is <br /> realistic and can ensure proven results in a given time frame, such as 2-3 years <br /> depending on the type of bond under consideration. Councilmember Johnson asked that <br /> the Commission keep that in mind as they attempt to achieve their financial goals. <br /> Mayor Roe questioned how individual Councilmember comments match Commissioner <br /> processes with various working groups. <br /> Chair Etten noted that the community and Commissioners were expectantly awaiting <br /> survey results, which had served to validate the Master Plan process. Recognizing the <br /> current economic times, Chair Etten advised that the Commission was cognizant that <br /> some things in the Master Plan could not be accomplished now; however, he indicated <br /> that many things could be done. Chair Etten provided five (5) reasons for short-term <br /> needs to be addressed: <br /> 1. Deteriorating items/facilities in existing parks to make them safe and upgraded; <br /> 2. With the last 2-1/2 years involving substantial community engagement, now is the <br /> time to address those needs while at the forefront of awareness of residents; <br /> 3. Opportunities are available in SW Roseville for federal dollars for trails, through <br /> coordination with the Public Works Department, but the money needed to be <br /> available to get in the grant cycle; <br /> 4. Bonding money is relatively cheap right now; and <br /> 5. This City Council is deeply versed in the Master Plan, having been intimately <br /> involved in its creation, updates, and understanding it, and future City Councils <br /> may not have that much information. <br /> Chair Etten opined that Councilmembers seemed ready to look at various packages, and <br /> the Commission was interested in facilitating this program now. <br /> Councilmember McGehee advised that, as a resident in SW Roseville with no real park, <br /> but a great trail, she was most concerned with still being unable to cross Snelling Avenue, <br /> even though the Public Works Department had been lobbied for years. Councilmember <br /> McGehee spoke in support of a bridge crossing Snelling Avenue that would be <br /> handicapped accessible, that would also allow access for those residents to other <br /> community parks and facilities safely. <br /> Chair Etten recognized those concerns, and that a large part of the Master Plan included <br /> connections for parks, including a possible bridge over Snelling Avenue, and how to get <br /> people connected safely, whether recreationally or for commuting purposes. <br /> Commissioner Pederson advised that she also serves as a Ramsey County Parks <br /> Commissioner, and one of the duties of the Ramsey County Active Communities initiative <br /> is looking at pedestrian/bicycle-friendly trails throughout the County; and one of those big <br /> projects is proposed for Snelling Avenue. Commissioner Pederson advised that she would <br /> provide Councilmember McGehee with contact information with Ramsey County for <br /> additional information. <br /> Chair Etten noted that this was one of the tasks of the Commission to determine what <br /> other organizations are already working on connections and how the City can partner with <br /> them. <br /> Councilmember Willmus expressed his surprise that skating center and HANC usage was <br /> as high as indicated; and questioned if other things had come as a surprise or area of <br /> interest for Commissioners. <br /> http://www.cityofroseville.com/Archive.aspx?AMID—&Type—&ADID-1 125&PREVIEW—YES 7/25/2011 <br />