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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4H - 1998 Youth Initiative Bill STAFF AGENDA REPORT SUBJECT: 4ft PAUL HOKENESS, PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 98-XX SUPPORTING THE 1998 YOUTH INITIATIVE BILL FEBRUARY 17,1998 AGENDA NUMBER: PREP ARED BY: DATE: INTRODUCTION: In an effort to offset some of the development costs for Prior Lake parks we continue to apply for local grants and have been very successful in our efforts. In 1996, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill to provide over $16 million to repair, replace or construct parks and recreation buildings throughout the state. Communities, such as Cloquet, Fridley, Mounds View, Duluth and Cook County were awarded Youth Initiative Grants. The grants matched every $1 of local money or in-kind contribution with $2 of state money. During the 1998 Legislative session, the Legislature will consider a $40 million Youth Initiative Bill. Prior Lake Senator Claire Robling is a co-author of this bill. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association sent a letter to communities throughout Minnesota requesting support of this bill. BACKGROUND: In 1997, the City of Cloquet was awarded $400,000.00 to assist with the development of the 30 acre River Front Youth Recreation Complex. The City of Fridley also received funding to construct an additional 6,000 square feet onto their Community Center for Youth Activities. All of the funding awarded was used to construct or replace youth oriented facilities. DISCUSSION: The current Youth Initiative Bill proposes an unprecedented $40 million in funding opportunities for Minnesota's communities. Of the $40 million, $10 million will be used for projects within the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the remaining $30 million will be used for projects throughout the state. 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER TEMPLA TE.DOC FISCAL IMP ACT: AL TERNA TIVES: RECOMMENDATION: ACTION REQUIRED: REVIEWED BY: TEMPLA TE.DOC One possible state funded grant project for Prior Lake would be the proposed youth activity center at Lakefront Park. The . Lakefront Master Plan identifies a large picnic shelter with an estimated cost of $100,000.00, however, with additional grant money the City could combine a Youth Activity Center with the picnic structure. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops have requested the City build such a youth activity center at Lakefront Park. Staff has advised the local supporters of the proposed project that the requested facility cannot be constructed with out contribution from the organizations and/or grant funds. With the potential for state funded money, the City would be able to consider their request to build a permanent facility to house Boy and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, 4-H, and other community youth organizations. This facility would also be available to the public for group rentals and used for City sponsored activities. The alternatives are as follows: 1. Support the 1998 Youth Initiative Bill by passing a resolution documenting Prior Lake's support and correspond with Senator Robling to encourage support. 2. Table this Agenda item for a specific reason. 3. Deny this Agenda item for a specific reason. Staff recommends altzative No. 1 Mof!1: _~~s40nd part of the consent agenda to support the lfQU~rl. {/ RESOLUTION 98-XX RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SENATE FILE 2137 & HOUSE FILE 2560, THE YOUTH INITIATIVE BILL MOTION BY: SECOND BY: WHEREAS, the youth of our State need and deserve safe and attractive recreation facilities WHEREAS, local governments often do not have the financial resources to completely address the need WHEREAS, a cooperative effort between the State and local governments would increase recreation opportunities across the State NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE, that the Minnesota Legislature is encouraged to fund the $40 million Youth Initiative Grant Program, co-authored by senator Claire Robling, (Senate file 2137 & House file 2560) Passed and adopted this 17th day of February, 1998. YES NO I Mader I Kedrowski I Schenck I Petersen I Wuellner Mader Kedrowski Schenck Petersen Wuellner { Seal} City Manager City of Prior Lake 16200 E~M~JU:Xv~.q,~E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER February 18, 1998 Senator Claire Robling 325 Capitol, 75 Constitution Avenue St. Paul, MN 55111 Dear Senator Robling, This letter is a short note regarding Youth Initiative Grants. As you know, this program was established in the 1996 legislative session, and has been a great success. In this legislative . session you have co-authored Senate file 2137 and House file 2560 to help support out state cities, as well as Minneapolis and St. Paul. Last year, Youth Initiative Grants helped to make possible a number of projects benefiting the children of our state. Projects have included a Youth Center in Barnum, refurbishing a 4-H building for year-round programming in Cook County, and the renovation of a public pool in a Minneapolis neighborhood. In short, the money went to offering kids quality options for recreation and growth. The City of Prior Lake stands behind the program for several reasons, including the construction of community youth centers. Youth centers allow more opportunity for education and recreation programming, while offering a great location for after-school and seasonal programs. The facility allows for a variety of recreation options, from natural resource education to athletics to arts. There are benefits for the city, school district, and, especially, the community. You may be aware of the park projects currently underway in Prior Lake, one of which is the redevelopment of Lakefront Park including play equipment, picnic areas, outdoor skating, community band shell, athletic fields, and hopefully, with grant assistance, a youth activity center. This is the type of project that cannot happen without the help of programs such as the Youth Initiative Grant. Please join us in the further stipport of the Youth Initiative Grant program. (Senate file 2137 and House file 2560) Respectfully, Wesley M Mader Mayor MRP ABILL.DOC2/1 0/98 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior. Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 0\1< ,.