2015.01.13 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 1, 2014 Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission Page 4 Public Works Director Wyffels commented that there has not been any recent discussion about the parks in the Exchange area. The pond location on the no rth end of the property has been approved by Council. There are areas on that site that would not be suitable for a pond because of contamination. Environmental folks suggested this location. Room was left for a soccer/lacrosse field. The pond will require lining. No contaminates will seep into the ground. Pond discussion will take place in the next phase which is phase 2. It was suggested that more discussion take place with Council about the parks in The Exchange. Chair Frischman asked that when there is more of a timeline from the Rice Creek Watershed District, we would appreciate that coming back to us to see the bigger picture. VIII. Announcements A. Council Report – Council Member Strub  The City agreed to a contract with Johnson Controls regarding energy efficiency. The City will be doing an inventory of the entire City and speak to energy efficiency. This may be advantageous to the City for cost- savings in areas such as heating and cooling. It could save the City between $40,000 - $60,000 per year.  Budget process – Council on September 9 agreed to a preliminary budget number. The City has an overall budget of $14 million dollars. $13 million of that is operating budget. Proposed property tax increase is 1.9% for 2015. This includes additional hours for the New Brighton Community Center frontline staff which is very beneficial. The budget process will not be finalized until the end of December. There will be a public hearing December 2. In December the City sets a maximum levy. The proposed levy is 1.9%. Cannot be increased, but can be decreased.  Council did approve the re-opening of Sunny Square Park ice rink. Council Liaison Strub thanked citizen Kvaal, Director Breuer and staff and this Commission for their work in making this happen. B. Chair Updates Chair Frischman thanked Commissioners Brunell and Fields for attending the Council meeting where this was approved. C. Commission Reports on Parks Driftwood: Parker. Bushes need trimming, middle of soccer field warn down. Freedom: Brunell. Football field is lined there. It has games every Wed in October. Hansen: Fields. Not present. Hidden Oaks: Frischman. No updates. Innsbruck: Kunesh-Podein. No updates. Meadow Wood: Eischen. Work on playground equipment. Should be complete in another week or two. Silver Oaks: Lundberg. Absent Sunny Square/Veterans: CM Liaison Strub. No updates.