At the forefront of the meeting was the budget update, which underscored the city’s ongoing financial challenges in managing park and recreation needs. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the park dedication fund, which had a cash balance of over $456,000 as of March 31, with revenues primarily from investments. However, no park dedication fees had been collected for the year, and there were no earmarked funds for the years 2025 to 2034. The necessity for a comprehensive approach to the CIP was highlighted, emphasizing the importance of aligning project requests with available funding and breaking larger projects into smaller components to manage costs effectively.

The meeting delved into the high debt burden faced by the city, which impacts property and utility tax rates. The city carries approximately $36 million in debt, higher than neighboring Mounds View’s $10 million. A strategic shift towards reducing reliance on debt through cash-based funding for projects was discussed, with an emphasis on adhering to the financial plan to mitigate the city’s debt burden. Illustrating the financial implications, it was noted that borrowing $1 million at a 5% interest rate would result in total payments of around $1.6 million over 20 years.

The commission also focused on specific projects within the CIP, notably the impracticality of funding an $8 million initiative related to HGA. The discussion acknowledged the challenge of developing a comprehensive financial strategy to update the CIP, considering fiscal uncertainties that might jeopardize local government aid. Proposals for McKnight Fields and other park developments were scrutinized, with an emphasis on the need for city council approval for both the project and its funding. The allocation of $500,000 for the parking lot development at McKnight Fields was questioned, with concerns about whether this should be funded through park or road maintenance budgets.

Discussions extended to Polar Park and Casey Lake, where the need for ADA-compliant upgrades was emphasized. The potential addition of Ninja Play equipment and the removal of underutilized structures were also considered. The commission agreed on the importance of enhancing park accessibility while managing costs, with discussions on potential revisions to plans for the years 2026 to 2035.

The meeting also touched on the proposed park passport program designed to incentivize community engagement with local parks. Estimated to cost between $3,000 and $6,000 annually, the program would encourage residents to visit all parks in North St. Paul, taking selfies at each location to receive prizes. The initiative aims to engage the community creatively, with promotion strategies including signage, flyers, and social media outreach.

Commissioners addressed logistical concerns associated with the program, such as tracking participant progress and selecting prizes. Discussions included using QR codes for program promotion, integrating scavenger hunt elements, and potentially incorporating a history tour of the parks. The commission concluded with a plan to outline the program in a written proposal for presentation to the city council.