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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/29/2008 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE July 29, 2008 Minutes of the July 29, 2008 Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair Russ DeFauw, Committee Members Cindy Hart, Tina Rankin , Patrick Sullivan, Lee Strom, Chris Steadman; and Parks (arrived at 6:35 p.m.) and Recreation Director Randy Johnson; Tradition Development Representatives Jacob Fick and Rob Wacholtz. ABSENT: Charlie Maus ITEM #1. Committee Chair DeFauw called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ITEM #2. Approval of Agenda MOTION: by Lee Strom, seconded by Patrick Sullivan to approve the agenda as presented. VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0 ITEM 3.A . Agenda Items – Cobblestone Lake Park Proposal Originally, $900,000 in matching funds from Tradition Development and $900,000 in park dedication funds were committed to Cobblestone Lake Park development of the base park area. Staff reports that this has been a very good partnership. They are the only developer Parks and Recreation Director Johnson has worked with in thirty years that has put up their own money for park development. Tradition Development representatives Jacob Fick and Rob Wacholtz were in attendance to outline their park completion plans. They believes it will take another $1 million to finish Cobblestone Lake Park and are willing to commit Tradition Development’s match dollar for dollar the amount Apple Valley puts into the project. $340,000 has been earmarked within the 2006 Park Bond Referendum toward construction of restroom facilities, gazebo, picnic shelter, etc. With $225,000 from Park Dedication Funds, the City would be providing a total of $500,000 in additional funds to the project. Dual trails are complete, irrigation is in, sod/seed are going in within the next couple weeks. Connection will be made on the southwest side to Quarry Point Park as construction allows. The plan is to wrap up as much of the interior park area as possible in 2008. Cobblestone Expenditure Summary was included in the agenda packet for review. Chair DeFauw noted that the Statement of Expenditures shows Enebak Construction Company as an affiliate/subcontractor of Tradition Development. Enebak also has partial ownership in Tradition Development. Chair DeFauw requested confirmation that the construction contract process was handled appropriately. - 1 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE July 29, 2008 Director Johnson assured the committee that staff has reviewed the prices with City attorneys and City engineers to confirm their viability. Chair DeFauw questioned the 8% construction management fee? He noted that the park enhances Tradition Development business, but the City pays to manage it at a cost of $142,000. He believes that when a “for profit” entity is getting such a benefit in terms of land value, they should cover the management fees. Mr. Wacholtz stated that on a project this size there is a management responsibility; a person on site to manage vendors so City staff doesn’t need to be there. Director Johnson noted that other City construction projects are paying between 8% and 10% for management services. Committee Member Strom also noted the management fee. He rationalized by comparing other projects the City has done; i.e., Kelley Park. Because of the park, the area is drawing interest that someone will reap business benefit from in the future. Committee Member Rankin questioned why the Committee was having this discussion on park fund expenditures when it had already been settled with the $900,000 agreement. Director Johnson agreed that the $900,000 was for park development, but noted the additional funds now requested would be used for additional amenity options within the park. Park Maintenance Superintendent Adamini suggested that with a 1.25 mile trail around the lake it would be advantageous to have permanent restroom structures. Without the approval of additional funds, the City of Apple Valley will still receive ownership of the park, but without the additional amenities. The opportunity and incentive, at this time, is to have matching funds from Tradition Development. Chair DeFauw noted that he doesn’t like the idea of incremental cost. Mr. Wacholtz stated that Tradition Development has done this project in phases. They’ve done this with other projects, like Lakeville, without a problem. They received a nicer park sooner. Chair DeFauw questioned if the Committee gives this proposal a favorable vote will Tradition Development supply the management fee in the future, so every dollar the City puts in goes to the park, as a courtesy? Mr. Wacholtz stated that the 8% is a true cost that should be a part of the project cost. Tradition Development will consider having it come out of their side of the expenditures. Committee Member Strom suggested that with the $340,000 of the bond referendum plus the $225,000 from park dedication, Tradition Development might move the management fee to 4% paid by Tradition Development. Mr. Wacholtz thinks they’ve been very generous and so is the park. He will have to talk to Tip and Jake Enebak. Chair DeFauw noted that the City has also been very generous with this park, but there are also 49 other parks. Cindy Hart stated Cobblestone Lake Park is a beautiful park. It’s unique. It’s a public park and she would like to see it finished. We should be proud of it. Director Johnson noted that it’s estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people will live in the area. They deserve a park in this area. The City just spent $500,000 of park dedication funds on Kelley Park’s 3.5 acres. It’s a great park system and everyone should be proud of it. When asked the timeline, Mr. Wacholtz noted the good pricing currently available and Tradition Development’s desire to get the park finished soon. - 2 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE July 29, 2008 Committee Member Strom questioned whether this will complete the park: will this finish the dream of ten years ago? Director Johnson suggested trusting Tradition Development; they’ve earned that trust. He believes it is a fair project and the City should get it done. MOTION: by Tina Rankin, seconded by Cindy Hart recommending City Council approval and authorization of a $225,000 expenditure from Park Dedication Funds to complete Cobblestone Lake Park. VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0 ITEM 4.A. Other – Money Magazine Best Places to Live: Apple Valley is #24 th Copies of Money Magazine’s article ranking Apple Valley 24 of the top 100 Best Places to Live. Also available were copies of the Mpls St. Paul Magazine’s article showing Apple Valley among the 20 Great Neighborhoods Where Home Values are Strong on their list of Best Places to Live. ITEM 5. Adjourn There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned. MOTION: by Patrick Sullivan, seconded by Lee Strom to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0 - 3 -