2015 – 2019 PARKS FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

The purpose of this case is to recommend the 2015 – 2019 Parks’ Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to City Council. The document outlines a 5-year plan  similar to the previous 2014 – 2018 plan, with the last year (2019) also functioning as a ‘place-holder’ for park projects with uncertain time-lines, or unidentified funding such as grants and Park Dedication fees paid by developers.

Additionally, projects (like the playground at Elmcrest Park) that were not completed in 2014, but begun, are shown for completion and payment this coming year.

The Parks 5 – Year CIP will be adopted by Council as part of the larger CIP document, usually corresponding to the General Fund budget in December.

The following is an excerpt from the anticipated larger city-wide all-category CIP, and includes an explanation on the CIP document and process:

"Enclosed is the Ramsey Capital Improvements/Capital Outlay Plan (CIP) for the years 2015-2019. It has been prepared in an attempt to anticipate major capital expenditures in advance of the year in which they are budget requests. Further, several projects may interrelate or require other improvements prior to initiation, which would cause delays without prior planning. Additionally, projects may require budgeting over several years or receipt of funds from other sources (i.e. grants) requiring planning completion prior to the funding year. Finally, the plan enables a snapshot of the identified capital needs of the community allowing for continual prioritization of these needs.

Approval of the CIP by Council does not authorize spending or initiation of a given project. It does, however, provide a guide for the community for a whole array of private and public decision-making, impacted by public capital expenditures. Therefore, the CIP should receive ratification only if the Council perceives actions contemplated within the plan as reasonable and planned within justified time frames. It shall further be noted that initial project design of public infrastructure projects identified within this plan often begins two years or more prior to the date of construction.

The CIP is not intended to provide for precise budgeting. Capital costs are projected as estimates. Upon each update of the plan, deletions, additions, delays, or other revisions may occur, reflecting changing community needs. These changes allow for budget refinements as a particular project nears actual construction."


Because future years' of the CIP consist of many variables, staff recommends a discussion of the various values and details associated with each project within 2015; and a brief, summary mention of future years' projects for 2016-19. 


Additionally, all capital improvements require on-going maintenance costs (day-to-day labor, utilities or annual expenses); and therefore, staff and City Council will evaluate very carefully the real and total costs of each capital improvement for consideration within the context of the General Fund operations budget at the time projects are brought forward for development.
 

Recommendation of the Parks 5-Year CIP document includes proposed funding sources and project cost estimates.

Staff recommends approval of the CIP as presented.

Based upon discussion, recommend a 2015 – 2019 Parks Capital Improvement Plan to City Council.