1980-07-22 Parks and Rec Comm Minutest 1n
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Park and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
July 225 1980
Present: Mills, Williams, Finn, Bayless, Gustafson,
Selander, Stein, Larry Shaughnessy and
Dick Ploumen
Absent: McMpnigal and Lterski.
Minutes of June meeting approved.
Larry Shaughnessy and Dick Ploumen were present at
the meeting to discuss the status of the current budget
and the budget procedure for the next fiscal year, Larry
Shaughnessy reported that the January 1, 1980 balance
in the Park Fund was $106,320.00, Additional park con-
tributions through June 30, 1980 amounted to $5,697.98,
Park contributions of approxi,mately $2,000,00 will be
due in the second half of 1980. To date, the charges
to the Special Park Fund have included legal fees and
appraisal fees on the Wachler Property, and have amounted
to $930,00. However, charges in the second half of 1980
for such things as the purchase and installation of the
Rogers Lake Playground equipment will be assessed against
the Fund.
Mr. Shaughnessy reported that the Park Fund money
is invested in a common investment fund with the rest
of the City's money. At the end of the year, the average
investment rate over that year is apportioned among all
of the invested funds of the City's various units. The
funds are invested primarily i,n bank certificates of deposit..
A considerabel amount of time was devoted to discussing
some of the problems with the City`s budget process as
related to the Park's Commission. The Commission felt
that there is a general lack of communication over sources
of the Park Commission's money and the manner by which
its money is spent. This general lack of communication
and confusion over the spending process led to the suggestion
that the City assign one specific staff member who will
act as a liaison with the Park Commission. The Park Commission
could then look to this individual for the resolution of
any questions or problems it might have concerning its budget
and the spending process.
There was further discussion on the need for input
into the budget process by the Park Commission. It was
suggested that there be discussions between the Commission
and Dewey Selander in the Recreation Program to determine
budgetary priorities for the upcoming year. The Park
Commission's input into this process should take place no
later than August of each year, since the Council generally
takes action on the budget in early September.
It was agreed the Dewey Selander will work with Dick
Ploumen to approximate the Recreation Program's budget
requests for next year and will present his 1981 requests
for discussion to the Park commission at its August meeting.
It was further suggested that we attempt to obtain a firm
idea about large monetary expenditures which are expected
for 1981 so that those items can be included into the
proposed budget as line items.
Commissioner Bayless asked if the Commission could
be provided with advance copies of the new budget before
the August meeting. He further asked that budget information
be made available to the Park Commission on a regular
basis showing monthly expenditures against the Park Fund
on a line item basis. Messers. Shaughnessy and Ploumen
indicated that they would attempt to comply with each of
the requests.
The Commission then generally discussed its budgetary
priorities for 1981. They were as follows:
A.
An extra
City
employee for park maintenance.
B.
Additional
equipment to maintain the City's
baseball
diamonds.
C.
The need
to
limit and control consultants' fees.
D.
The need
to
provide access to Wentworth Park
from The
Avenues.
3. Park Signs.
Commissioner Mills reported that the Police Chief
requested that park hours be included on the new signs.
The Commission then reviewed a picture of the proposed
sign. It was approximated that the lumber along for the
six park signs would be $1,200.00. Dick Ploumen indicated
that the labor and installation of the signs would be
accomplished at no cost to the Park Commission.
-2-
A motion was made be Commissioner Gustafson to authorize
Dick Ploumen to spend $1,500,00 for cedar with white,
routed letters, and to further authorize Dick Ploumen
to proceed with the purchase of the wood and installation
of the signs. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Williams. The motion was passed unanimously.
Dick
Ploumen
indicated
that i.t
would be possible to
route letters on
both sides
of the
signs.
4. Friendly Hills Tot Lot,
Commissioner Mills reviewed the history of this Park
and stated the Commission had to decide what would be
done when the present park equipment breaks down and whether
shade tress should be planted in the Tot Lot, Commissioner
Finn agreed to call the City Attorney to see whether the
property could be sold by the City. No action was taken
on this matter at the present time.
Wentworth Park Access.
The Commission once again discussed the problem of
access to Wentworth Park from The Avenues, Commissioner
Finn made the motion to authorize the City Manager to
investigate the best routes from The Avenues to Wentworth
Park and to advise the Commission at its next meeting what
alternatives are available. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Bayless. Motion passed unanimously.
6. The next Park Commission meeting is scheduled
for August 26, 1980.
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfullys�j�ubm�itted,
J s P. Stei.n
retary