5.c) City Administrator ReportSCANDIA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: October 2, 2017
To: Parks & Recreation Committee
From: Neil Soltis, Administrator
Re: Parks update
Comprehensive Plan — Following this cover is a copy of the draft Vision and Overall Goals for the
Comprehensive Plan along with Goals and Policies for the required elements of the plan. The City Council and
Planning Commission will be meeting on October 4 to discuss the Vision, Goals, and Policies in advance of a
Comprehensive Plan Open House to be held on Tuesday, October 24. The Parks and Trails goals and policies
have not changed significantly from the 2007 plan. Please review and comment on the proposed Parks & Trails
goals and policies.
2018 Budget — The Council is continuing to review the 2018 budget. At its September meeting the Council set
the maximum property tax levy and certify that amount to the County. Operationally there are only
inflationary changes in the General Fund Parks budget. In the Public Works budget funds have been included
to refurbish the wooden identification signs are the skating rink and the lighted ballfield. On the capital side
funds have been budgeted for the resurfacing on the tennis courts at the Community building. Assuming that
remains in the budget there will be a discussion at to how pickleball should be incorporated into the project.
The Parks Capital Fund budget includes $15,000 for a gazebo / shelter at Lilleskogen Park based on 50% of the
cost coming in the form of a donation or grant. Before that occurs there will need to be a discussion on the
park plan and where a shelter can be located outside of the wetland setbacks. Levying property taxes for the
Park Capital fund was discussed but not included when setting the maximum levy amount for 2018.
Volunteer projects — In 2017 the City created a volunteer policy. In 2017 volunteers were used for buckthorn
removal at Wind in the Pines and painting the bleachers at the lighted ballfield. It would be helpful if the
Committee identified volunteer opportunities that could be promoted on the City website.