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1 <br />2 <br />3 <br />4 <br />5 <br />6 <br />7 <br />8 <br />9 <br />10 <br />11 <br />12 <br />REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br />DATE: 1/29/07 <br />ITEM NO: <br />Department Approval: Manager Reviewed: Agenda Section: <br />Item Description: Consider Planning Committee for the Harriet Alexander <br />Nature Center <br />13 BACKGROUND <br />14 The Harriet Alexander Nature Center opened in April of 1990. It is a teenager <br />15 turning 17 years old this spring. The Nature Center and the surrounding natural <br />16 areas have been an integral part of the community for many years largely operated <br />17 by committed and dedicated volunteers. Volunteers continue to be extremely <br />18 diligent and involved in the Center. <br />19 <br />20 Currently, there are many needs at HANC and the surrounding natural areas with <br />21 varying ideas and thoughts on priorities, direction, etc. It was staffs hope to be able <br />22 to engage in a comprehensive master planning process. After receiving a sample <br />23 proposal from Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates (see enclosed <br />24 proposal), it became evident that the required funds could not been identified at <br />25 this time but is recommended for the future. Given this, it seems to make sense to <br />26 create a volunteer planning committee similar to that of the Roseville Skating <br />27 Center Task Force that was created in 2005. That process was very open and <br />28 produced excellent results and recommendations. The makeup of the committee is <br />29 very important with a major component being the facilitator. Richard "Jake" <br />30 Jacobson did an exceptional job facilitating the Skating Center Task Force and has <br />31 agreed to facilitate this process. <br />32 <br />33 The Parks and Recreation Commission with the support of staff would like to <br />34 identify 2007 as a planning year for HANC utilizing a similar committee process. <br />35 This committee would utilize volunteer expertise. Attached is a suggested <br />36 approach for the Harriet Alexander Nature Center planning committee for your <br />37 review and thoughts. The committee would include one City Council Member. The <br />38 makeup may change slightly due to the availability of folks and further discussion <br />39 with the facilitator. <br />40 <br />41 POLICY OBJECTIVE <br />42 Creating citizen committees is consistent with past practice of the City. <br />43 <br />44 <br />OVER <br />