9.i Discussion on transfer of funds to the Park Improvement FundFebruary 12, 2018
Neil Soltis
Scandia City Administrator,
During the Workshop on Feb 7, the City Council discussed the role of the Park and Recreation
Committee (PRC). I believe there was agreement with the written duties and functions document as
approved in 2012.
The primary functions of the PRC are: Long-range planning; Park development; capital improvement
planning; review of development plans, and Coordination with other parks agencies. However, the
Council agreed the PRC has recently been focusing the majority of its time on the secondary functions
of: Recreation programs; and Special events.
It was evident to me the Council wants the PRC to be "more proactive and less reactive." The real
question was how to accomplish this. Taco Days and Vinterfest take a lot of time to plan each year. One
idea was to create subcommittees to take on the planning for programs and events, thus freeing up time
for the PRC to focus on other things.
Finally, a big reason for the current situation is impact of the negative balance of the Park and Rec Fund.
Having a deficit in this account is proving to be very de -motivational. The feeling expressed was "why
plan if there is not money to implement the plan." One way discussed to address the fund balance issue
was using the proceeds from a potential sale of City owned land. I think this is a great idea. I also
understand that if this were to happen, the money would not be available for several months.
I do not want to wait several months. I would like the Council to show support for the PRC and provide
much needed motivation today! I would like the Council to consider and act on the following motion at
their next regular meeting:
Since there were approximately $400,000 if excess revenue funds from last year. I request a transfer
of $100,000 of that money into the Park and Rec Fund.
I understand that this is not the long term fix, but my hope is will be a good first step!
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Kronmiller
Scandia City Councilmember