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Roseville, MN - Official Website Page 9 of 22 Commissioner Azer noted that, while Roseville is a destination community, its parks were also destinations; and noted that more parks would be utilized, or if existing parks were increased (e.g. Lexington Park), it would only serve to further enhance Roseville as a destination community. Commissioner Azer opined that she had never been in a community where there was so much pride in its parks as there was in Roseville; and opined that while currently a secret, that information needed to get out. Commissioner Simbeck, as a newer member of the community, advised that one of the reasons his family had moved to Roseville was due to its park system and amenities. Living across from Reservoir Woods, Commissioner Simbeck recognized how great of a facility it was; and how he and his wife kept commenting on how great it was to live in Roseville, opining that people obviously recognize that as well and use facilities, as indicated by survey results. Commissioner Simbeck expressed his appreciation for tonight's dialogue, given the important decisions before the Commission and City, opining that things were moving in the right direction and expressed his happiness at being a part of the process. Commissioner David Holt opined that the survey results indicating how many people were utilizing the parks served to validate the system as well used and valued by the community; and emphasized the theme begun last fall that the City Council and community recognize the Parks and Recreation system as an essential service, and be included in discussions when spending decisions were made and priorities determined for infrastructure. Commissioner Holt opined that the value of the parks and recreation system was why many chose to live in Roseville, in addition to area schools, and while maintenance was a part of that, many wanted more and people were willing to put funds toward those things they valued most. Commissioner Holt further opined that the options and choices of what the City Council purchased, and the community's willingness to make that investment in what they term as essential service appeared obvious. As the longest-seated commissioner off and on over the last twenty (20) years, Commissioner Pederson advised that she had a lot of background in the parks and recreation system, and that she also fit in the over-55 age demographic. While having raised their children in Roseville, she noted that she and her husband still loved the park system, and it was one reason they remained in Roseville. Commissioner Pederson opined that parks and recreation is essential as it kept Roseville healthy, noting the over- 55 age demographic in the community evidenced not only people staying in the community perhaps because their homes were being paid for and health care was close by, but also those older residents were able to remain healthy longer due to their ability to walk more, stay active, and get together socially due to the park and recreation amenities, and the City's parks and trails. For those having used the amenities all of their lives in Roseville, Commissioner Pederson opined that they were as essential as fire, police and roads, and also served the family as a whole. Commissioner Pederson asked that this Master Plan not be shelved, but be effectively used to first maintain and upgrade existing facilities and infrastructure to keep people using it and to keep bringing families into the community. As a long-term volunteer, Commissioner Pederson opined that this community had something other communities didn't, and had a current City Council who understood that. With things having been pushed aside for some many years, Commissioner Pederson asked that trails and park systems be kept up to help take care of the community. Commissioner Ristow thanked Councilmembers for tonight's joint meeting, noting that this group of Commissioners was very aggressive and would pursue the initiatives identified in the Master Plan process and survey. Commissioner Ristow specifically addressed a local sales tax, having been a supporter for many years; and expressed his frustration that the City Council didn't take advantage of the interest expressed by the City's legislative delegation on the City's pursuit of such an initiative to tap resources from shoppers, whether Roseville residents or not; and asked that current Councilmembers make a stand on whether or not to support such an initiative once and for all, and if they were supportive, to get it accomplished. http://www.cityofroseville.com/Archive.aspx?AMID—&Type—&ADID—I 125&PREVIEW—YES 7/25/2011