2015.01.27 Work Session Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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the city that works for yOlJ Present: Absent: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Council W orksession January 27, 2015 5:00 pm Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Parks and Recreation Director Sandy Breuer, and Community Assets and Development Director Craig Schlichting Guests in Attendance: PREC Chair Jeanne Frischman NEE Parks Discussion/Jones Lake Lotter stated staff was seeking direction from the Council on how parks should look like on NEE. Director Breuer provided comment on the discussions held by PREC over the past two years regarding parks on the NEE. It was noted the south park was built out with matching funds from the County and a Local Trails Connection Grant. She reported focus for PREC has been on the north park and further discussed the options for this park. She anticipated the park would cost $4-5 million and stated the City had approximately $846,000 available in the park fund. Councilmember Burg asked if the park would be passive or active. Director Breuer reported the recommendations for the park were based on the comments received from the public, which was to pursue an active park. She commented that an active park would require more parking. PREC Chair Frischman anticipated that ride sharing would be popular to sporting events. Councilmember Burg questioned if the park had enough space to manage a ball field. Director Breuer believed that the site had enough parking and space for a ball field. She discussed the need for a lit ball field in the City. Councilmember Bauman stated she was in favor of the City pursuing a lacrosse/soccer field instead of a softball field. She indicated she did not want parking to become a concern for the new homes within NEE. Director Breuer noted that a lacrosse/soccer field would be more multi use than a softball field. Further discussion ensued regarding the potential amenities and needs for north park. Councilmember Strub was sensitive to the needs of the surrounding homeowners, however, he also wanted a viable park that would meet the needs of the community. He understood that three of the City's current parks had inadequate ball fields. He encouraged staff to pursue funding options for the park. Councilmember Bauman wanted to see more than one park option brought forward. She discussed her concerns regarding a lit park and future maintenance expenses for City parks. Councilmember Burg believed that the Council should hold further discussions about the north park being active. 1 Lotter suggested that staff review all of the park options and report back to the Council. Director Breuer requested comment from the Council on the potential purchase of 26 acres surrounding Jones Lake. She