PRECA 08-13-1980 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-3- This chart is intended to show the total cost of a facility without attempting to pre-judge which facilities the city would be interested in developing in a city-owned facility. The initials (LL) and(RL) designate the area planned for de- velopment of specific facilities. Some of the facilities such as picnicking could be relocated, others such as water based activities cannot. It would be tempting to say that some of the development fi(jures are high but it must be re- membered that reduced development costs inevitably result in higher maintenance costs. If the City should attempt to gain implementing agency status it would have to develop the entire facility since the entire site barely meets minimum size requirement for a regional park. The City would then be eligible for development funds and operation and maintenance funds if they ever become available. Ramsey County would also have to give permission to the City to develop and maintain the Rush Lake portion. The City,under this option, would be required by Metro Council to conform to its development guidelines for regional park development. Should the City decide to develop as a city park it will have to negctiate with Ramsey county for access through the Rush Lake site. There are, however, some significant advantages to this option. They include; • 1. More local control over development 2. Potential elimination of facilities such as major group picnic facilities and nature center, etc. 3. The City would be eligible for up to $200,000 develop- ment grants Acceptance of Lawcon grant funds would require de- velopment of an improved boat launch and swimming facility. The state is making strong efforts to tie any ;park grant monies to improving water access in the metro area. 4. Total control over operation and maintenance functions, however, the concept of a New Brighton Park for resi- dents only is unrealistic. Disadvantages in this option include; 1. High city development costs 2. Permanent committment to operation and maintenance expenses. In addition to the operation and mainten- ance costs included earlier, there would be signifi- cant expenditures for equipment. An initial outlay of approximately $40,000 with yearly replacement costs of $5,000-10,000, The City will also incur some additional administrative and policing costs. 3. Some insist that the City can afford to develop, operate and maintain the park if development is kept to a minimum and the facility is designed for resi- dents only. This argument ignores the fact that some of the most expensive facilities; roads parking, trails and beach are considered minimul development. These facilities are relatively expensive to maintain.