ELY CITY COUNCIL with PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

SPECIALMEETING

AUGUST 19, 2008

6:00 p.m.

Mayor Jim Doyle called a special workshop meeting of the Ely City Council and Park & Recreation Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday August 19, 2008 in the Council Chambers at Ely City Hall. Council Members present: Bob Ballantyne, Stephanie Mai, Bill Grove, Tom Winkowski (left at 6:15 p.m.), and Mark Banowetz (arrived at 6:20 p.m.). Parks & Recreation Commission members present: Suresh Ganu, Lisa Hinton, Jeff Hilleman, Mike Murray (arrived at 7:15 p.m.). Also present: Dave Rasmussen, Pat Stanek and Aaron Anderson City Administrator/Clerk.

The City Council met in special session with the members of the Park & Recreation Commission, pursuant to notice as required by State Code, to conduct a workshop regarding planning and development of the “new” Ely City Park parcel.

It was the general consensus that the June 14, 2007 Park Development Plan reflects the overall goal for development of the park, though the swimming pool item should be shown as a “possible future” feature.

There was considerable discussion regarding the Hoover Trail extension to the Ely Park and then to Dows Street, including where to establish a trailhead. One concept resulting from the Living Roadway Visioning process is a feature at Community Center Park that a gazebo like building that could serve as trailhead, performance center, and location for farmers market. This matter will be discussed at a later time.

There was general consensus that the City must get equal value from the Developer of Edellen Meadows for the portion of parkland that would be used by the Developer to get to the subdivision. This value could be in the form of money, services or other agreed on items.

There was general consensus that the first phase of developing the park should be:

• Ball diamond (softball), possibly useable for soccer on south side of park,
• Entrance via Hillcrest Street, entrance should include a culvert as needed for proper drainage. The entrance can basic and does not need to include curb & gutter or concrete/asphalt surfaced.
• Install parking lot that is shown from the Hillcrest St. entrance; rock surface at first.
• Grading and other drainage work that is needed to properly deal with runoff from the North Drive area and to prevent drainage problems for the back yard of homes to the south.

It was generally agreed that a softball diamond should be the first ball field built.

There was general consensus that a 3-year financial plan should be prepared that reflects how the initial park development phase would be paid for.

City Administrator Anderson was directed to: ask MMS Consultants to prepare budgetary cost estimates for the grading work needed to carry out the project and provide a cost estimate for the engineering services needed to prepare detailed grading plans for the project. Anderson was also directed to prepare a 3-year financial plan regarding this project, the first year would reflect a “strong” commitment of funds available, the third year a “softer” funding commitment.

Grove moved to adjourn. Motion carried – 4 to 0. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

James E. Doyle Jr., Mayor

Attest:

Aaron Anderson, Clerk/Administrator