07-22-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 22, 2002 • 6:30 o'clock p.m. ( #17) ORONO BASEBALL ASSOCIATION - LEE CARLSON BALLFIELD EXPANSION PROJECT - TRAIL Gappa explained that the Orono Baseball Association was granted a Conditional Use Permit for the construction of an additional baseball field at the Lee Carlson Complex in September 2001. A trail connection is needed across this property to connect the existing dead end trail from the Willow View Subdivision to the Old Crystal Bay Road trail. Gappa noted that a retaining wall will be needed between the top area at the top of the hill and the county highway. While the original plan reflects the retaining wall and trail as part of the ballfield project, the baseball association has received quotations from contractors for the project, and the cost for the additional trail and wall was approximately $100,000. Gappa stated that the association has raised a little more than $200,000 for the entire ballfield project, money needed for the new field and related improvements construction, so they do not have adequate funds to complete the trail portion of the project. Gappa reported that several options exist for potential funding for the construction of the trail portion. First, one source could be Park Dedication Funds, which are available for use in constructing new park and other recreational facilities. Gappa pointed out that currently there are • not sufficient funds to complete the project. Another funding option is Hennepin County cost sharing funding for trail construction. Gappa explained that in this program, the County provides funding for 50% of trail construction costs with the City responsible for the remaining 50% of the cost. Conversations with Hennepin County staff have indicated that this trail is on the County Trail System Plan and would be a high priority project, and funds may be available in 2003. Gappa pointed out that a possible funding option for the City's share of trail costs would be to use Municipal State Aid Funds, which should be adequate when County cost sharing funds are available. Sansevere asked if Hennepin County is willing to give 50% and state aid dollars provide 50 %, could they approve the project for OBA (Orono Baseball Association) contingent on receiving these funds. In addition, OBA would be asked to leave enough dirt for the trail portion as they grade. Moorse stated that the only question that remains is to be sure we get the grant. He reiterated that if the City does not get the grant funds, they don't have the retaining wall or trail. Sansevere stated that he would not support holding up the ballfield project contingent on getting the funds. • PAGE 32 of 35