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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br />DATE: 1129107 <br />ITEM NO: <br />Department Approval: Manager Reviewed: Agenda Section: <br />Item Description: Consider Planning Committee for the Harriet Alexander <br />Nature Center <br />BACKGROUND <br />The Harriet Alexander Nature Center opened in April of 1990. It is a teenager <br />turning 17 years old this spring. The Nature Center and the surrounding natural <br />areas have been an integral part of the community for many years largely operated <br />by committed and dedicated volunteers. Volunteers continue to be extremely <br />diligent and involved in the Center. <br />Currently, there are many needs at HANC and the surrounding natural areas with <br />varying ideas and thoughts on priorities, direction, etc. It was staffs hope to be able <br />to engage in a comprehensive master planning process. After receiving a sample <br />proposal from Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates (see enclosed <br />proposal), it became evident that the required funds could not been identified at <br />this time but is recommended for the future. Given this, it seems to make sense to <br />create a volunteer planning committee similar to that of the Roseville Skating <br />Center Task Force that was created in 2005. That process was very open and <br />produced excellent results and recommendations. The makeup of the committee is <br />very important with a major component being the facilitator. Richard "Jake" <br />Jacobson did an exceptional job facilitating the Skating Center Task Force and has <br />agreed to facilitate this process. <br />The Parks and Recreation Commission with the support of staff would like to <br />identify 2007 as a planning year for HANC utilizing a similar committee process. <br />This committee would utilize volunteer expertise. Attached is a suggested <br />approach for the Harriet Alexander Nature Center planning committee for your <br />review and thoughts. The committee would include one City Council Member. The <br />makeup may change slightly due to the availability of folks and further discussion <br />with the facilitator. <br />POLICY OBJECTIVE <br />Creating citizen committees is consistent with past practice of the City. <br />