Consider Donation for Improvements to Central and Alpine Park.
 

The purpose of this case is to approve a request from the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) to implement certain improvements to the ballfields at Central and Alpine Park, and recommend that City Council accept this donation.

In the case of ballfields 1-4 at Central Park, much of the chainlink fencing and backstops are from the original installation in 1984, with the fencing bowed and misshapen.  ARAA's project would consist of replacing the fabric, and posts as necessary.  'Dugouts' would also be added to these fields.  The dugouts consist of fence panels to separate parents and spectators from the players benches.  (A photo of a similar dugout is attached.)

As for the proposed improvement to Alpine Park, this is not replacing fencing, but rather, adding a new electric power supply to the pavilion area, and the two batting cages that were also an ARAA project in 2014.

In the case of new, proposed capital improvements, the city must be mindful that the annual operation and maintenance costs are factored and accounted for, in the case of any improvements, donated or funded by the Park Trust Fund.  As for the subject of this case, aside from the electric service to the batting cages, the project will not 'add' new infrastructure to maintain. 

Another aspect of receiving donations for parks and public space is assuring that the intended project goes as planned, and contractors are insured and licensed to work in the city etc.  The attached document outlines some of these details (for a different project).  Before staff would bring this particular case to City Council, the agreement would need to be in place, and all the proverbial "T's crossed and I's dotted".

All cash funding shall be provided by ARAA and an estimated amount will be available at the meeting. 

There is a demand on staff time, to assist ARAA implement these improvements, however this is accommodated within the 2015 General Fund operating budget.

Staff recommends proceeding with the improvements identified in this case.

Motion to Recommend that, City Council accept the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association Donated Improvements to Alpine and Central Parks.