PRECA 05-07-1980 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Report No. 79-44Q '' .Tiny 2, 1979 ~; LONG LAKE REGIONAL, PARK Apparently the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will soon`be entertaining a recommendation by their staff to adopt a joint powers agreement with New Brighton for .the joint operation of the Tang Lake regional park, The capital cost and the operating cost of the park are proposed to be shared between Ramsey County and the City of New Brighton on a 75/25 cost shar~.ng basis. The grojeCted`operating cost for the City of New Brighton for Phases I - VI from 1979 - 1984 is estimated at almost $87,OOU. The annual cost of operation each year thereafter: not factored for inflation, would be $3~,QQQ, 'This annual pperating cost does not inlcude any anticipated cost for equipment capital out-lay. The development cost for the park is to be funded by the Metropolitan Council. While Ramsey County is the implementing agency as designated by the Metropolitan Council, it is due to New Brighton's expressed interest in having some degree of control over. the planning and operation of the proposed park-that is leading the City to-also be a potential participant in the ongoing operating, maintenance cost for the site.:-The moment of decision for the City Council may soon be near relative to formally deciding the level of commitment that the City of New Brighton in fact wants to assume for the proposed park. The County Board may receive their staff recommendation July 16th.: _ I have great concern, and I have detected concern among members of the City Council about the City's maintenance obligation-for parks in general, for the possible City maintenance Obligation which would accrue with the development of Long Lake Park. Unless the City's cost obligation is somehow met by a new revenue source, I believe that the City will lac hard pressed to meet its obligation for maintenance of the park in the `long run, I therefore question the wisdom of the City assuming a Share of the .operation and maintenance cost of the park when this ongoing obligation could be shifted to the County as part of their obligation for operating regional parks. Philosophically I also have a problem with some joint sharing arrangements, While on paper the lines of responsiblity are delineated, in practice the lines become clouded and communications seem to break down. The end result is poor accountability and ultimately poor service tca the public. Items. not covered by the initial resolution are to be resolved by'"'negotiation", where there a.s always a potential