5.a) Chair ReportPRC Chair report — for July 1, 2019
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee
Monthly meetings of the 2020-2024 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) committee continue. The
committee is reviewing plans and means to fund roads, parks, fire, and other city assets.
While some funds are now in the park improvement accounts, longer term, funding will run out. The
parks have struggled, historically, with funding, due to limited residential developments and
consequently few park dedication funds to maintain and improve our parks. Current funding is from
donations, events such as Taco Daze or Vinterfest, park dedication fees, and grants. The committee
reviewed and asked whether some funding should be recommended to come from tax levies from
Scandia citizens.
Discussion item: Would the committee support and recommend a small tax increase for long term park
development to augment the above funding sources? The committee is considering this and has not
made a formal recommendation. The final decision would rest with the city council. As a CIP member, I
would like to get the opinion of the Parks and Recreation Committee to take back to the CIP committee
for final recommendation.
Query from Scandia Resident — GaGa Pit
Dubbed a kinder and gentler version of dodge ball, the game of Gaga Ball is played with a soft foam ball,
and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a
ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. GaGa is a kid's game,
played in an octagonal shaped pit, "the more the merrier," and is played at elementary schools. Google
"what is GaGa ball" for more information.
Scandia resident Mark Schroer contacted me on June 4 to ask if the city would have any interest in
supporting an Eagle Scout project to raise funds and build a GaGa pit on city park property. The project
would be completed in 2020. He has asked Julie Grieman if a pit could be located at the Scandia
Elementary school. However, per Mr. Schroer, Julie stated space is limited and the school cannot
accommodate.
I suggested Mark attend the public forum portion of the July 1s' PRC meeting to present the idea.
City Council meeting June 18
1 was unable to attend the June 18 city council. Patti Ray gave the report. The council accepted the
recent donation for the matching portion of the Cycling Scandia SHIP grant. Patti also reported on
progress of the Bone Lake trail, the Lilleskogen story boards, and planning already underway for
Vinterfest 2020. Thank you, Patti, for the report.