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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/2004 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 16,2004 Minutes of the November 16,2004 Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. PRESENT: Chair Russ DeFauw; Committee Members Loren Hegland, Charlie Maus, Lee Strom, Erica Robinson, Jim Sheldon(arrived at 6:55pm),and Tina Rankin(anivw at 6:52pm); Parks and Recreation Director Randy Johnson; Valleywood Golf Course Manager Rick Dodge; Recreation Superintendent Scott Breuer; Recreation Supervisor Steve Skinner. ABSENT: None ITEM#1. Chair Russ DeFauw called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. ITEM#2. Approval of Agenda Mr. DeFauw requested the addition of a skate park report. MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by Loren Hegland to approve the agenda with the addition of item 5.A. Other—Skate Park Report. VOTE: Yes—5, No—0 ITEM#3. Approval of the June 2004 Meeting Minutes MOTION: by Lee Strom, seconded by Charlie Maus to approve the June 2004 Meeting minutes as presented. VOTE: Yes—5, No—0 ITEM 4.A. Valleywood Golf Course Report/Rates for 2005 An addendum sheet of the 2005 fee proposals with corrected figures was distributed. Mr. Dodge prefaced his review of the reports with a brief history of the 2004 season. It was a difficult year due to weather conditions. He also noted that golf is a cyclical sport and it's in a downward slope. 2004 was comparable to 1987 in rounds of play. The top years were 2000—2001. The economy has been a large factor. However, staff reported that one of the big issues is not the cost, but the time involved. - 1 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 16, 2004 Fountain Valley golf course of Farmington has been sold to developers for $11 million, Brockway of Rosemount has closed, and Carriage Hills of Eagan is going to court regarding its potential sale. These will all have an impact on the number of rounds played at Valleywood during the upcoming seasons. The 2005 proposed green fees show a modest increase in rates. The season pass has been a tremendous deal. Additional options of ten-round and twenty-round passes available to residents of Apple Valley only were discussed. April, June, July, and August revenues were impacted by weather and down from 2003. September and October 2004 show an increase. As of November 16, 2004 the number of rounds of play have surpassed the 28,000 mark. In 2004, Valleywood Golf Course received a 3 '/2 star rating from Golf Digest's Best Places to Play in America, Rick Dodge received the Public Golf Course Promoter of the Year Award from the Minnesota Section of the Professional Golfers Association of America, and Valleywood's Teaching PGA Professional Mike Flaherty and his team finished 5th overall in the National Buick Scramble in Orlando, Florida. The St. Paul Pioneer Press also featured an article about Cloud, Valleywood's goose chasing dog. Mr. DeFauw noted that the average revenue per round is headed in the right direction. He questioned what strategy staff could incorporate to get it closer to the regular cost per round. Mr. Johnson reported that the twenty-round and ten-round pass cards recommendation came from the National Golf Conference. Surveys report people don't have the time for a season pass,but they still want to play. This is apparent with the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center and Arena ten-punchcards. The pass cards will be valid for a single season. Strategies for weekend rates and the speed of play were discussed. A driving range unlimited balls pass option was also discussed. Various promotion options were reviewed. Valleywood goes to the Fall Rate on green fees and cart rental after Labor Day. Staff reported that promotion of special rates are only as good as how fast you can get the information out there. Ms. Robinson suggested an e-mail distribution list for quick promotion notices to interested participants. MOTION: by Lee Strom, seconded by Jim Sheldon recommending approval of the Valleywood Golf Course 2005 Greens Fees as proposed, including the ten-round and twenty-round pass cards. Also congratulating Valleywood staff on their recognition awards. DISCUSSION: Mr. DeFauw maintained his concern about the revenue per round and his desire to raise the bottom rate. VOTE: Yes—7, No—0 - 2 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 16,2004 ITEM 4.B. Family Aquatic Center/Redwood Pool Report Mr. Skinner reviewed the information presented in the agenda packet. Mr. DeFauw noted that Redwood Pool is still having difficulty fitting into the break-even mission. Mr. Johnson stated that Redwood will probably not break even in its current configuration. With the pool's life expectancy, it will be something to look at with the next bond referendum. The 2005 City Budget proposal submitted to City Council earlier this year did not include any fee increases for these facilities. Assuming a normal year at the current rate, staff anticipates $35,000 to $40,000 in revenue from the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center and a deficit at Redwood Pool of approximately$10,000. Mr. DeFauw suggested that with the next bond referendum consideration be given to a lazy river at Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center, renovation of Redwood or the consolidation of activities and move to the Aquatic Center, etc. The Committee thanked Mr. Skinner for his comprehensive report. ITEM 4.C. Disc Golf at Alimagnet Park Disc Golf was described as playing golf with a frisbee. The "hole" is a basket on a pole. The objective of the game is to place the frisbee in the basket within the allotted number of throws per hole. The game has been around for approximately 30 years. There are several courses around the metro area. Staff reported mixed feelings about installing this in Alimagnet Park because of past contacts with the neighbors. A public meeting would be an option. Ms. Rankin stated that disc golf looks like a lot of fun. A lot of people don't know Alimagenet Park exists. This would be an environmentally friendly use. Testimonials included in the agenda packet show that if there is a problem of loitering in a park, installation of a disc golf course will bring a new clientele to the park. Ms. Robinson stated that she believes disc golf will go over well. Several schools have intramural disc golf leagues. Mr. Hegland expresses his concern for the course layout and potential interference between the golfers and pathway users. Mr. Sheldon also conveyed his concern for the layout of holes in the playground equipment area. This is a large park and he suggested clearing some of the brush to accommodate the course. He also recommended being sensitive to the park neighbors and not doing anything without notifying them. - 3 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 16, 2004 Mr. Maus concurred with Mr. Sheldon, there is a lot of brush in the park that could be cleared without cutting too many trees to accommodate the disc golf course. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Tina Rankin to approve in concept the addition of a disc golf course in Alimagnet Park. Directing Parks and Recreation Director Randy Johnson to continue investigation and refinement of the project. Also directing Mr. Johnson to schedule a public meeting of the park neighbors in conjunction with the January Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. DISCUSSION: Committee suggested staff pursue the easiest design plan, invite the neighbors in for the public meeting, and then decide in January the number of disc golf holes to be installed. This is an off-the-shelf item with a short lead time for installation. Mr. Strom suggested that cutting trees will bring in a different set of people vs.just the installation of the course. Ms. Rankin stated that she doesn't see the course as being that intrusive. She doesn't know if holding a public meeting is the way to go. A long time mission of hers has been to enhance the uses of Alimagnet Park. She's not convinced that a public meeting is the smartest thing to make it happen. Mr. DeFauw noted that as a public sounding board the Committee needs to follow recommended procedure. Mr. Sheldon said that people have a right to express their concerns. If a particular neighbor has issues of concern, it may be best to meet individually with that neighbor to address them. VOTE: Yes—7, No—0 ITEM 4.1). Summer Project Update Review of the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Department Summer Projects. Staff reported lots of public approval of the 2004 projects. ITEM 4.E. Awards and Recognition -4 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 16, 2004 Review of the Department awards and plaques received. In addition to Valleywood's awards, the Parks and Recreation Department received the Award of Excellence from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association for the 2003 project; Battle of the Bands. ITEM 5. Other— Skate Park Report Staff reported that the indoor facility at Hayes Park Arena did a little better for 2004 in attendance and revenue in comparison to 2003. Average attendance was approximately 10 to 12 kids per day. The differences between the tier II at Hayes Park Arena and the tier I at the Teen Center were discussed. The indoor area has rules of participation, an adult attendant on duty, and requires a parental signature on file. The outdoor area has easier access and is a drop-in facility ITEM 6. Adjourn There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned. MOTION: by Lee Strom, seconded by Tina Rankin to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 P.M. VOTE: Yes-7, No-0 - 5 -