2011-09-06_PR Comm Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Harold Ristow commented on the significance of including shelter development early in the renewal program so as to involve the community and demonstrate how beneficial this is to the entire community. Along this same thought process, Etten spoke to how significant development of Central Park at Lexington might be early in the project timeline. CP Lexington is a heavily used community park as well as a very visual location that could act as a showcase for the renewal program. Pederson reminded the Commission that work in Central Park can potentially be supplemented by financial support from local foundations and friends organizations. BUDGET DISCUSSION 5. Brokke reviewed the most recent City Manager budget that included a number of adjusted cuts. The Park Improvement Program (PIP) continues to be identified for reductions in the 2012 and 2013 budget. It is very important that all resources remain in the Parks and Recreation Budget and that a thoughtful approach be given to the future Park Improvement Program. Commissioners were reminded that the Park Improvement Program has become more of a maintenance based operation rather than a development or improvement program. The City Council has asked for staff to share a vision for future maintenance needs and how future funding may be structured. Etten commented on the need to implement both a park improvement program that o provides for development and a park enhancement program that provides required maintenance to keep up our extensive park system. D. Holt recommended renaming the Park Improvement Program to better identify what o the funding is for, why it is needed and what the intended purpose of the funding is. Holt also commented on how he sees a large portion of the bonding money going towards maintenance needs that would have been taken care of with appropriate park improvement funding. DIRECTORS REPORT 6. Staff will be taking a proposal to the Council on Monday for rebuilding the Lake Bennet o fishing pier using DNR funding for the materials and maintenance staff for labor. Public Tree Master Plan Update – Boulevard tree inventory complete, park tree inventory o 80% complete. Staff will present the update to Council in late September and to the Commission in October. Arboretum Celebration Walk Update – The Central Park Foundation has contributed o needed funding to replace the current engraved bricks. Over the years, the older bricks have gotten harder to read. A foundation member researched other brick companies and found one that provides an engraved brick that guarantees it will not fade or wear away. Because this is an out-of-state company the replacement and ordering process is more complicated than in the past and has required scheduling of orders and installment 2 thth times each year – orders placed January 15 and July 15 each year with installation in the spring and fall. The Geyen Memorial in Bruce Russell Park is planned to be completed in September, the o walkways will be poured in the coming weekends and plantings will follow. OTHER 7. Etten reminded the Community of upcoming events – Wild Rice Festival on September o 17, 2011 and the Arboretum Plant Sale on September 15, & 16, 2011.