Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/2012 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 Minutes of the November 1, 2012, Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair Lee Strom; Committee Secretary Darrell Retka; Committee Members, Russ DeFauw, Cindy Hart, Brenton Schulz, Patrick Sullivan, and Nick Suchy; Acting Parks and Recreation Director Tom Adamini; Valleywood Manager Jim Zinck; Recreation Superintendent Scott Breuer; Arena Manager Gary Pietig; Department Assistant Dorene Perkins Monn; Finance Director Ron Hedberg; Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist; Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer; and six members of the public. ABSENT: None ITEM 1. Committee Chair Lee Strom called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ITEM 2. Approval of Agenda MOTION: by Darrell Retka, seconded by Patrick Sullivan to approve the agenda as presented. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 3. Audience – 10 Minutes Total Time Limit – For Items Not on the Agenda Chair Strom invited anyone present wishing to bring an item not on the agenda up for discussion to please step forward. No one requested to speak. ITEM 4. Approval of the Minutes for May 2012. MOTION: by Darrell Retka, seconded by Patrick Sullivan to approve the May 3, 2012 meeting minutes as presented. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 5.A.1. Agenda Items – Business Request – Committee Resignation – Katherine Wright and Introduction of Nick Suchy as Youth Representative City Council accepted the resignation of Katherine Wright and appointed Nick Suchy as Youth Representative on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee during the October 11, 2012, City Council meeting. Acting Director Adamini introduced and welcomed Committee member Suchy. - 1 of 8 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 ITEM 5.B. Agenda Items – Kelley Park Area Development Report Associate City Planner Bodmer presented a summary of the Kelley Park Development project. In January, a concept plan for development around Kelley Park and possible expansion of the park, was presented to the Committee. The Committee was generally supportive of the idea of expanding the park, but wanted to talk more about the details. Since that time, the property owner IMH and Tintan Development have moved forward by submitting a formal application to the City for developing the area formerly known as the Legacy North and now called Parkside Village. rd Parkside Village is located on the northeast corner of Galaxie Avenue and 153 Street. Ms. Bodmer presented the Parkside Village Master Plan. Phase I includes the development of two multiple family buildings with a total of 322 units. The northwest corner of the site is shown as future commercial development. The lot area on the west side of Fresco Terrace would be a future mixed use, possibly residential and commercial. On the east side of Fresco Terrace along rd 153 would be more residential. One of the important considerations of the development has been maintaining view corridors from Galaxie Avenue into Kelley Park. The Galante Building, located between Galaxie Avenue and Galante Lane, is a four story building with 126 units. The first floor has direct connections to the sidewalks along Galaxie Avenue. Its community amenities include a roof-top terrace, party room, yoga studio, and club area. This site will be developed suburban intensified, a little more typical suburban development, with a walkable/active community experience. The building exterior is designed with rounded tower rdnd elements at the corners of Galaxie Avenue - 153 Street and Galaxie Avenue - 152 Street consistent with the city’s central village plan. The two ends of the four story building are broken up with a single story element that hosts the party room and club area in the middle. nd The Gabella Building, located between Gabella Street and 152 Street, will have 196 units. It will be more suburban in character with a little more green area. The farthest east side of the site will be maintained as open green space. The building will have a community area with amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor patio, indoor fitness center, internet café, club room, party room, yoga studio and game room. The building will be four stories and be broken up with a central community area similar to the Galante Building. One of the things City Council is considering in connection with the development is the expansion of Kelley Park by acquiring the four parcels shown as A, B, C & D on the presented map. Parcel A – Lot 1, Bock 4 at .56 acre, Parcel B – Lot 1, Block 5 at .63 acre, Parcel C – Lot 1, Block 6 at .66 acre, and Parcel D – Lot 2, Block 6 at .64 acre total 2.49 acres. When added with the existing Kelley Park of 3.16 acres, it will total 5.65 acres. The City Council and Economic Development Authority approved an agreement with the property owner to address delinquent obligations, proceed with the development, and further consider acquisition for the park. The City Attorney is in the process of drafting a purchasing agreement for the park parcels. - 2 of 8 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 Staff recommended the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee formalize its discussion, from January 2012, with a motion. First phase construction is scheduled to start in the spring with both buildings under construction at the same time. Committee member DeFauw asked the present negotiating cost and the funding source. Community Development Director Nordquist responded there has been an appraisal arranged through the City Attorney’s office stating a range of $600,000 to $700,000 for all four parcels combined. The price has not been finalized or the purchase agreement submitted to the developer. There are two funding sources identified. One is a small balance of park land acquisition funds that are available and second is an inter-fund loan. Part of the project provides park dedication/cash contribution back to the City for development of the remaining parcels. There is an exchange that will occur. While the City is paying for the park parcels it will be given cash, in amounts that are still being calculated, for park dedication at the time the building permit is issued. Staff has been working in the range of $500,000 to $700,000 for park dedication, but the City Attorney has ask staff to recalculate in different ways; using the original assumptions from 2004, and using assumptions based on the proposal being developed today. Committee member DeFauw stated the Committee has been asked to vote on a recommendation without knowing the price, the funding source, or how it will be structured. He noted more land for Kelley Park is desirable, and observed it will also enhance the position of the developer as they market and sell their properties. Director Nordquist assured the Committee, the City will maximize the amount of park dedication and minimize the amount paid, while recognizing there is a price to pay for the lots. If there is an inter-fund loan, repayment will be covered by future park dedication collections. Chairman Strom reiterated the benefit to be recognized by the developer if the park size is increased versus the building of additional multifamily homes on the parcels. He also noted that if townhomes are built on the parcels, it shrinks the view of Kelley Park almost turning it from a community park into an urban park between townhomes. nd Chairman Strom observed during the summer there are already many cars parked along 152 Street, especially with the Friday night concerts, people picnicking, and usage of the water facility. People living in the Cabella Building will have cars parked 18’ from their windows. Is there discussion for any additional parking? Director Nordquist stated the underground and off-street parking for each of the buildings will satisfy the parking requirements for those buildings. Director Adamini noted Parks and Recreation staff has talked conceptually, if and when the City acquires the property, additional parking should be added. Planning staff suggested Lot D could be potential surface parking dependent on park design as laid out by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. - 3 of 8 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Darrell Retka recommending City Council acquire the four parcels labeled A, B, C and D, legally described as follows: – Lot 1, Block 4; – Lot 1, Block 5; and – Lots 1 and 2, Block 6, THE LEGACY OF APPLE VALLEY NORTH, for park purposes. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 5.C. Agenda Items – Cortland Development Proposed Park Naming Interim Director Adamini stated rough grading is starting to occur along with utility installations within the Cortland Development. The development is located between County Road 42 and Dodd Blvd. With that development, the City will be obtaining property for a neighborhood park. The development property was previously owned and farmed by the Kohls family. Alan and Ron Kohls presented historical background and their suggestions for naming of the future park - Kohls Farm Park, Kohls Park, Kohls Park on Embry Path. At this time, until more development occurs (throughout the city), there are no funds available to build the park. Alan Kohls stated the family wants to put a family name on the park to give the neighborhood historical significance. Mr. Kohls stated the family has been very civic minded during the development of the area since the 1850’s. Family history information was included in the agenda packet. Committee members noted the proposal meets the park naming guidelines, but believe it is premature to send a name to City Council for a park that does not yet exist and we do not know when it will exist. Chair Strom stated it is good to bring up the suggestion now on the front end of the development. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Cindy Hart thanking the Kohls Family for their presentation, proposing the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee take the park naming recommendation under advisement, with it being reconvened as part of the process once park property is established within the Cortland development. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 5.D. Agenda Items – Arena Business Plan Arena Manager Gary Pietig and Finance Director Ron Hedberg were charged by City Council to develop a business plan. The plan will be presented at a City Council worksession November 8, 2012. - 4 of 8 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 After Valleywood Golf Course staff prepared a business plan in conjunction with the planning of a new clubhouse, it was suggested that as another enterprise fund operation, the Arena operations have a business plan as well, outlining the funding and general state of the facilities. Manager Pietig covered the arenas’ history, goals, marketing and sales, and future growth. Finance Director Hedberg addressed arena budget. The Arena operations cover the Sports Arena, located adjacent to the Apple Valley High School, and Hayes Park Arena, located in Hayes Park. The original concept of both facilities was to be multi-purpose facilities. The Sports Arena was constructed in 1976. Operation is a joint ownership between the City of Apple Valley and Independent School District #196. Hayes Park Arena was built in 1995. It has been a concern that the arenas don’t make money. Manager Pietig assured the Committee the arena staff is making every attempt to narrow the gap between revenue and expenditures. He predicted that in the future, the arena operations will show a profit. To do this, staff is looking at marketing and sales to generate additional revenue. They’re also investigating ways to reduce costs. In 1976 there were only two rinks south of the river, currently there are 18. A rate survey of those arenas shows Apple Valley in the mid-range for fees. Director Hedberg presented a 5-year projection outlining the goal of maximizing facility use, a multi-year budget, and generation of a positive cash flow in the second year, using assumptions to be adopted by City Council. The overall goal is to get to at least a break even cash flow operation. The arena, in addition to cash flow, will need to build reserves to fund capital maintenance and capital replacement. The business plan addresses challenges, staffing budget, expenditures, and the debt service. Assumptions were made regarding the rental/usage rates and continuation of the property tax levy beyond the 2014 payoff of the debt service. Based on the assumptions presented within the Arena business plan, the Arena operations should be better situated in 2016. Off season alternative uses and extended ice seasons are being considered along with the costs/fees associated when them. Extending the ice season would require a commitment from the hockey associations. Committee member Sullivan asked how many ice hours are not being used? Manager Pietig responded that virtually all of the prime-time hours are being used. Non-prime time, after 9:30 p.m., 75 to 80% is sold. Staff’s goal is to sell 100%. Committee member DeFauw stated the direction from City Council is clear on these large venues where we can and should charge user fees - Valleywood, Aquatic operations, Ice Arena operations. He thinks City Council is saying the City will fund the capital cost out of the general fund, but looking at venue managers to make every effort to at least break even on their operational costs through user fees. It looks like we’re there most years with Valleywood and Aquatics. Congratulated Gary Pietig, Ron Hedberg, and Tom Adamini on the Arena business - 5 of 8 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 plan. It shows they understand the business, costs, market, customer, opportunities, and challenges. By bringing the operating revenue in line with the operational cost, there is a strong case to continue the levy to build capital reserve, maintenance/repair, and replacement. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Patrick Sullivan endorsing the Arena Business Plan and recommending City Council approval. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 5.E. Agenda Items – Valleywood Golf Course Status Report and Clubhouse Update Manager Zinck presented a brief summary and a commitment to return to the January 2013 meeting with a year-end report and fee proposal. (Summary information was included in the agenda packet.) Clubhouse construction began in November, 2012. There were challenges between the construction and conducting golf operations. The new clubhouse opened in early September with the Chamber of Commerce outing. Ribbon cutting ceremony was held September 27, 2012. The businesses and patrons have been complimentary of the facility. Green Globe certification in is progress. Several energy and other efficiencies were incorporated into the facility design. While there was assistance from volunteers during the move, staff costs were up because of the construction and move from the old building to the new. (As a result of the new building) Staff is receiving requests for an additional league, functions, etc., as well as requests from the State golf associations. Staff reports it has been a very challenging, but rewarding year at the golf course. The original mission was a facility for golf and golf tournaments/operations. As the business grows over the next few years, marketing capabilities will increase revenue for both the pro shop and food/beverage. Committee member Sullivan, as a league member, complimented the staff. Council member DeFauw stated Valleywood is a great example of what City Council directed. ITEM 5.F. Agenda Items – 2012 Aquatic Program Report Recreation Superintendent Breuer provided a 2012 report for the Apple Valley Aquatic Center and Redwood Outdoor Pool. The Aquatics program is not an enterprise fund, it is part of the City’s general fund. Not including the preview weekend, the Aquatic Center’s season consisted of 82 days of operation. Revenue at $614,347, and expenses at $563,966, gave a net gain of $50,381. Significant increase was shown by the number of groups that use the facility. Water Walking is offered at the Aquatic Center. - 6 of 8 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 Redwood outdoor pool season was 79 days. Revenue at $55,866, expenses at $100,705, gave a net loss of $44,839. Part of the reason for the increase in expenses is the way of allocating costs. Attendance was up over 2011 numbers, as well as punchcards sold. Swimming lessons decreased in number slightly. 2013 Aquatic fees will be presented at the January 2013 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. Committee DeFauw asked staff to look at the Redwood fees to reduce the deficit and make it easier for the Aquatic program to generate positive seasonal revenue. Committee Retka stated he has been a proponent of evaluating Redwood as a viable resource for the city. He asked if lessons and users could be moved to the Aquatic Center. Superintendent Breuer noted Redwood is a neighborhood park and not all of the Redwood pool users would go to the Aquatic Center. Chair Strom asked staff to project out into the future, major changes, fixes, and enhancements that will be required for Redwood. ITEM 5.G. Agenda Items – June 2012 Storm Damage Briefing As a result of the June 2012 storm, significant damage occurred at Quarry Point Park and Apple Valley East Park, as well as at Johnny Cake Ridge Park. Acting Director Adamini presented slides depicting examples. Staff is working with the League of Minnesota Cities insurance adjusters on coverage. Staff anticipates re-opening the fields in time for the Spring season. ITEM 5.H. Agenda Items – Bond Projects Update Photo presentation highlighted some of the bond projects completed in 2012. At the request of the Committee, bikeway maps were installed at six locations along trails within city parks Park trails were seal coated, benches installed, reforestation/understory established, playground plastic edging installed, hockey rinks rebuilt, and a play structure replaced. Chair Strom requested a summary of the 2007 Bond Referendum dollars remaining be presented at the January Committee meeting. ITEM 5.I. Agenda Items – Name Change of Hayes Community and Senior Center to Apple Valley Senior Center The name of the “Hayes Community and Senior Center” will be changed, by recent City Council th action, to “Apple Valley Senior Center.” Current signage will be changed after November 6. Understanding is that the marketing function has shifted to Valleywood because it’s a larger facility, food service opportunities, and parking. Realization is the facility will be primarily a senior center and rentals will be smaller. - 7 of 8 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 1, 2012 ITEM 5.J. Agenda Items – Long Lake Sand Filter Cells Status Report The filter cell proposal was presented at the May 2012 Committee meeting. A photo showed the completed project. Staff is happy with the area restoration. ITEM 6.A. Other – Next Meeting Date – January 3, 2013 Next Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 3, 2013. ITEM 7. Adjourn There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned. MOTION: by Patrick Sullivan, seconded by Nick Suchy to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 Respectfully Submitted, Dorene Perkins Monn Dorene Perkins Monn, Dept. Assistant Approved by the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee , 2013. - 8 of 8 -