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~ I I Council Meeting Minutes April 12, 1994 Page 4 Council Business Park and Recreation Director Maurie Anderson presented a request by the Pike Lake Elementary School PT A for funding of additional playground equipment. The 1994 CIP has $10,000 allocated for accessibility playground improvements and most of that money was to be spent at Pike Lake. The PTA is requesting $15,000, but the Community Involvement funds have been exhausted and there is not an additional budget to fund the request. The Park Board recommended that $10,000 be contributed towards construction of the project. Benke asked if City crews could be used to reduce costs generated by this project. Anderson acknowledged that City crews are extremely busy with other park project, and the earliest time when crews would be available is in 1995. Kathy O'Neil, PI'A, said the PTA proposes installation of an handicapped accessible structure, improvements to surfacing and drainage, and wheelchair accessibility. The total cost of these improvements is $45,000, and the school district and PTA have indicated they would provide $15,000 each. Gunderman asked if the school district contribution reflects inhouse labor costs. O'Neil said the school district proposes the improvement of the surfacing; and would finance the costs associated with the wheelchair access and the sand. and timber areas. Gunderman suggested that the PIA begin research into possible matching fund programs; and asked what element would be eliminated if the City did not provide the additional $5,000. O'Neil feels that some of the free standing pieces could be installed at a later time. Gunderman feels that the joint efforts of the City and school district have created an excellent park facility, and suggested the City research the possible funding of that additional $5,000. Benke suggested that the staff review the budget status for any changes in anticipated cashflow which would allow for additional funding. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Williams, to MAKE A 510,000 CONTRIBUTION TO THE PIKE LAKE PIA FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESSmLE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT PIKE LAKE SCHOOL; AND DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO RESEARCH ADDmONAL FUNDING OPTIONS AND REPORT BACK TO COUNCn. ON APRIL 26, 1994, COUNCIL M.t;.t;'nNG. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. City Manager Matthew Fulton explained that Council directed staff to meet with Ramsey County and the Park Board pertaining to issues regarding the Rice Creek Trail. At the Park Board meeting, Ramsey County provided an overview of the project and responded to concerns of the trail location and safety issues association with crossings at Silver Lake Road and Long Lake Road. The County indicated its intent to install fencing between the trail and railroad tracks and pedestrian safety barriers at the Silver Lake Road intersection. The safety barriers would force trail users to stop and move slowly around the barriers. Afterward, the Park Board approved a motion that the Rice Creek Trail be completed along the railroad right- of-way as proposed by Ramsey County and felt that the County has address all of the safety concerns. Council Business Pike Lake Playground Equipment Request Report 94-091 Rice Creek Trail Issues Report 94-092