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5b Director's ReportCITY OF MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUB J: Park & Recreation Commission Todd Hoffman, Park & Recreation Director October 17, 1996 Director's Report Park Task Force: The Trust for Public Lands is on board and the city council has approved the retaining of Decision Resources to conduct polling. More from Jim Manders and Frank Scott during committee reports next Tuesday night. Five Year Capital Improvement Program: The commission's Five Year CIP needs to be completed through the year 2001. City auditors have requested that the Finance Department maintain complete records of capital improvement plans for all departments. Look for this item on your November agenda. 1997 Budget: If you read the October 12th edition of the Chanhassen Villager, you are aware that the city's initial budget requests exceed proposed expenditures by $800,000. City council and staff members will meet again to review the budget on Monday, October 21. Project Update: Community Development Block Grant Accessible Trails: The department initiated a CDBG project at Lake Susan and Lake Ann Community Parks at the beginning of this week. Accessible pedestrian trails will be installed to allow access to ballfields and other areas within the parks. Hennepin County, through the CDBG Program, will be reimbursing the city approximately $26,000 in expenses as a result of this project. Roundhouse Park: Initial grading work has been completed; however, due to the need to work on other projects, Roundhouse Park has been "moth balled" for the year. Unexpended 1996 capital improvement funds will be transferred to year 1997. Park & Recreation Commission October 17, 1996 Page 2 3. Galpin Blvd. Parkland: The developer of Forest Meadow has completed their grading operations on the parkland within the past month. They have turned the site over to the city. 4. North Lotus Lake Park: A variety of improvements associated with the installation of the in-line skating/ice hockey rink are being completed. o Pheasant Hill Park Landscaping: The entrance to Pheasant Hill Park from Woodduck Lane has been landscaped with the bituminous trail being extended to the road within the past sixty days° 6. Chanhassen Hills Playground Expansion: Our crew is currently working on the expansion of the play area at Chanhassen Hills Park. This is a hold over project from 1996. 7. Chanhassen Estates Play Area: Upon completing Chanhassen Hills, it is hoped that the crew will have time to install a playground held over from 1995 in Chanhassen Estates Park. Comment: If commissioners get the feeling that we are trying to be in ten places at one time, you're absolutely right! Eagle Scout Project: Mike Bott, an Eagle Scout with our local Boy Scout Troop completed a pedestrian bridge at Curry Farms Park within the last month. Westwood Church Community Clean Up: Members of the Westwood Church Youth Group volunteered to clean up the downtown on Wednesday evening, October 16. Jeff Marks, Youth Director, coordinated the event. The city provided a project map, trash bags, a disposal site, and a camera for pictures. Look for publicity in a future Chanhassen Villager edition. Proposed Chanhassen Ice Arena: This project is currently on hold awaiting staff prioritization of the potential uses for Lots 4 and 5, Chanhassen Lakes Business Park. Todd Gerhardt, Assistant City Manager, is administering this study. Lake Ann Ballfield Lights: Contracts have been signed on the project. The completion date is April 15, 1997. Creekside Addition Trail: Schoell & Madson Engineers have been retained by Heritage Development Company to provide professional services associated with the construction of the Creekside (Bluff Creek) trail. Through the development agreement with Heritage Development, the city will pay all engineering, design, and construction costs. Full trail fees were collected as a part of the Creekside Development to assist in paying these expenses. Park & Recreation Commission October 17, 1996 Page 3 Twin Cities & Western Railroad Underpass: The City Attorney's office is currently negotiating with TCWR to acquire easements allowing the Bluff Creek trail to pass underneath the existing railroad tracks. A culvert is currently in place to allow for this use. The budget proposal forwarded by the commission to the city council for 1997 includes dollars to improve this trail and underpass. Minnesota Recreation & Parks Association Annual Conference: Jerry, Patty, Kara, and I will all be attending the annual conference in Duluth on November 6-8. Commission members are certainly welcome to attend. Interested members should contact me.