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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/2005 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 15, 2005 Minutes of the November 15, 2005 Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. PRESENT: Chair Russ DeFauw; Committee Members Loren Hegland, Charlie Maus, Tina Rankin, Erica Robinson, and Jim Sheldon Parks and Recreation (arrived at 6:55 p.m.); Director Randy Johnson; Valleywood Golf Course Manager Rick Dodge; Recreation Superintendent Scott Breuer (arrived at 7:00 p.m.). ABSENT: Lee Strom ITEM #1. Chair Russ DeFauw called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. ITEM #2. Approval of Agenda Mr. Johnson requested the addition of two items. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Tina Rankin to approve the agenda with the addition of Item 4.G. Informed Consent and Release Form, and Item 4.H. Committee Resignation. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0 ITEM #3. Approval of the September 2005 Meeting Minutes MOTION: by Tina Rankin, seconded by Loren Hegland to approve the September 2005 meeting minutes as presented. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0 ITEM 4.A . Park Bond Survey Final draft copies of the park bond survey were distributed for review. Decision Resources will conduct field testing of 40 call samples during the next couples of weeks. If all goes st well, they’ll start the survey December 1. Good results would be that the survey shows 20 to 25% strongly support the referendum. A Decision Resources representative will be invited to attend a future Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting to review the survey results with the Committee. - 1 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 15, 2005 ITEM 4.B. Update on Valleywood Clubhouse Study Copies of the National Golf Foundation Clubhouse Feasibility Study were distributed for Committee review. Mr. DeFauw noted the Incremental Revenues and Earnings tables and questioned whether a new clubhouse would be that big of a draw given some of the negative golf factors present. Mr. Dodge replied that in addition to the clubhouse, there would be other outside contributing factors. The clubhouse food and beverage service would be a factor in keeping people around after their golf rounds. Mr. Johnson stated that it wouldn’t be the clubhouse alone, but would be added marketing also. Mr. DeFauw asked, given the assessment of other course clubhouses, if we did nothing would rounds be up 1,000 rounds? Mr. Dodge responded that given the discussion of a new clubhouse, the disappointment would be detrimental. Mr. DeFauw asked if the time per round is a factor, would a new clubhouse encourage people to hang around? Mr. Dodge stated that yes, golfers equate it with the time on the course, not time in the clubhouse. Ms. Robinson stated that she’s always felt the atmosphere at Valleywood is not conducive to spending time in the clubhouse after a round of golf. Mr. DeFauw said, “If we’re going to succeed with this, we’re going to have to have more than parking lot logic to convince the general non-golf population” Mr. Hegland stated that by building the banquet facility, it will help with the number of rounds, linking your tournament rounds to the banquet facility. He suggested it should be done without bonding, but rather with capital improvements money. Mr. DeFauw questioned if the Committee should go to City Council and suggest they use their funds for Concept A – building and relocated a new, high quality clubhouse without dedicated banquet space – and proposing a new plan we’re going to institute to encourage / fulfill a recreation experience for the taxpayers of Apple Valley? If we’re committed to the mission of covering your variable costs, but not your fixed costs. Mr. Sheldon questioned how many rounds can be played at Valleywood and staff will feel good about it as far as wear and tear on the course is concerned? Mr. Dodge responded that 30,000 to 35,000 rounds would be very busy and a good goal to get back to. The pace of play has been good since going to the ten-minute tee times on weekends. Mr. DeFauw suggested Concept A with a long term goal of Concept C. He asked if there are any quick fixes to use as a possibility of attracting additional rounds? Staff noted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that needs to be considered in any remodeling of the clubhouse. - 2 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 15, 2005 Mr. Sheldon suggested Valleywood should be a first rate golf course, and if the banquet facility comes on top of that, it’s great. If it’s a course that Apple Valley residents can play for a reasonable fee, they’ll play. Mr. DeFauw questioned whether City Council could be convinced to take the money from the Capital Improvement Fund. Mr. Hegland suggested that it behooves Council to do the upkeep of the city facility. The City owns the course, we need to invest in the amenities. Mr. DeFauw believes this is the kind of thing voters want to hammer as for special interest groups – “allowing an elite group their play area.” With Concept A we’re in the park and recreation operation and we cover the operating costs. With Concept C we’re in the business with cash flow. Staff estimates that approximately seven percent of Apple Valley residents use Valleywood as least once a year. Discussion was held on making the course more attractive by lowering rates or making it more accessible to surrounding community residents. Mr. DeFauw noted that non-residents don’t vote or pay taxes. If we stimulate more participation by Apple Valley residents, it’s come full circle from making money to providing a park and recreation experience. Mr. Sheldon doesn’t believe the (golf) resident base is large enough to support an increase in number of Apple Valley golfers. Mr. Dodge cautioned against making 2005 a benchmark year; there were consideration factors of rates and weather. When asked what strategy staff would incorporate to promote increased revenue, Mr. Dodge suggested expanding sales of season passes. Discussion continued on increased rounds vs. revenue, vs. Apple Valley resident usage. Mr. Sheldon questioned what the Committee is trying to accomplish, increase rounds, etc. He suggested that until it’s determined what they want, they can’t decide what kind of course they want. “What are you selling, where are you going?” Mr. Johnson stated that as staff, they’d like to have 30,000 to 35,000 rounds with the majority being Apple Valley residents. Mr. DeFauw suggested that the mission should be “How do we get as many residents as possible to become stakeholders?” If this goes to vote it’s a deadhorse. Committee and staff need to go to City Council and tell them Apple Valley residents will be able to play Valleywood. He would like to take Concept A to Council and suggest a cooperative agreement with private industry to run the banquet facility, with the idea that it would be more of a resource for Apple Valley residents. Mr. Dodge was asked to come up with some ideas/scenarios to increase Apple Valley resident play. - 3 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 15, 2005 ITEM 4.C. Valleywood End of Season Report – Proposal for 2006 Rates MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Loren Hegland to accept the Valleywood Golf course proposed rate schedule, striking the new non-resident season pass, as a base rate and developing an option for 2006 discounted schedule fees for Apple Valley residents with a goal to increase resident participation and building their support. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0, Abstain – 1 (Sheldon) MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Tina Rankin to allow staff discretion of offering Apple Valley and Eastview High School golf team resident-rate season passes to non-resident students. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0, Abstain – 1 (Sheldon) Staff will meet with City Council at a future work session to discuss clubhouse scenarios. ITEM 4.D. Naming of the Southern Athletic Complex The name Quarry Point Park has been forwarded to Dakota County and the Minnesota Valley th Transit Authority for their consideration in naming the transit station at 157 Street and Pilot Knob Road. ITEM 4.E. Legacy Park Update Committee requested a discussion of the park naming policy be added to the January Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee agenda. Staff thanked Committee for their work and support of the grant application currently under consideration at Metropolitan Council. ITEM 4.F. Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center / Redwood Pool Update. Staff reported a good summer for the pools and participant numbers and revenue reports were reviewed. Overall, the aquatic program is covering their operation and maintenance costs. Staff does not project a need to change rates for this program at this time. Committee asked to see rate structures for the facilities next year. ITEM 4.G. Informed Consent and Release Form Forms were distributed to Committee members for their consideration in making their name, address and phone numbers available as public information. - 4 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 15, 2005 ITEM 4.H. Committee Resignation Mr. Sheldon thanked the Committee and Staff for the privilege and honor of serving on the Committee. He has returned to the law firm of Severson, Sheldon, Dougherty and Molenda which represents the City of Apple Valley, and therefore; has submitted his resignation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee effective immediately. The Committee and Staff thanked Mr. Sheldon for his participation as a valuable member of the Committee. A commendation plaque will be presented at a later date. ITEM 6. Adjourn There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned. MOTION: by Tina Rankin, seconded by Russ DeFauw to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0, Abstain – 1 (Sheldon) - 5 -