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ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING <br /> MINUTES FOR MAY 1, 2000 <br /> the Dakota Rail to Trail project was also discussed at this meeting. <br /> Flint gave the Park Commission a brief update on the progress being made with the Dakota Rail <br /> to Trail project, noting that Mn/DOT feels it should be preserved as a transportation corridor, with <br /> Hennepin Parks leasing the land as a trail corridor from Mn/DOT. Flint stated the City of Orono <br /> is continuing to pursue this project. <br /> (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS <br /> None <br /> SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES <br /> (#5) NAVARRE PARK <br /> Status of Plans, Specifications and Construction Schedule <br /> DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Status Report <br /> Silber stated she has spoken with the DNR, �vho has indicated at this time thev have zero money <br /> allocated to their grant program due to the legislature not allocating funds to this program and also due <br /> to the fact that they are not included in the Governor's budget. Silber commented this program ma��still <br /> be funded this year, but at this time they are unswe what��ill occur. Silber stated apparently the <br /> DNR grant program will be allocated 8.� million dollars in next year's budget. Silber recommended <br /> submitting a new application ne�t year to see whether Orono would be eligible for a portion of those <br /> funds. <br /> Silber stated the DNR has chosen not to visit the applicant sites at this time due to the uncertainty <br /> regarding the funding of the program. Silber noted the grant is normally a�varded in June, �vhich <br /> may be delayed this year due to the lack of funding. Silber stated the DNR should know within the <br /> ne��t week or t«�o whether they will be a���arded any funding for this year. <br /> Meyers suggested Orono's local legislature representative be contacted regarding this grant <br /> application. <br /> McDermott stated the Park Commission should perhaps delay a decision on«�hcther to proceed <br /> forward with the improvements to the Navarre Park until May to see��hethcr there�vill be funding <br /> available in the grant program. <br /> Gappa stated if the funding is not available this year, they could proceed with purchasing the play <br /> equipment. Gappa noted the City Council is committed to this project and are ready to proceed <br /> forward with the plans and specifications. <br /> McDermott stated one option��-ould be to approach the City Council about the possibility of loaning <br /> the Park Commission the other$80,000 to enable the City to complete the entire project rather than <br /> delay it over a number of years should the grant money not be available. <br /> Page 2 <br />