HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/16/2003
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 16, 2003
Minutes of the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
PRESENT: Chair Russ DeFauw; Committee Members James Sheldon, Charlie Maus, and
Loren Hegland, Lee Strom; and Parks and Recreation Director Randy Johnson.
ABSENT: Committee Member Erica Robertson and Tina Rankin.
ITEM #1.
Chair Russ DeFauw called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
ITEM #2.
Approval of Agenda.
Mr. Johnson requested the addition of agenda items 4.D. Eastview Baseball Tiering Project, and
4.E. Skate Park Revenue Report Update.
MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by Lee Strom to approve the agenda
with the addition of items 4.D and 4.E.
VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0
ITEM #3.
Approval of Mary 2003 Minutes.
MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by Jim Sheldon to approve the
minutes as presented.
VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0
ITEM #4.A.
2004 Budget Update
Mr. Johnson reported that the City is working to offset the State Aid to Local
Government fund dollars lost again in 2004. Additional park land will be added in
Cobblestone Lake Park and Legacy Park and the City could use additional maintenance
employees to help maintain those parks. Budget dollars will be tight in 2004. The City
has turned more and more to contractual maintenance and mowing services.
City Council has approved the maximum tax levy, but not the 2004 budget yet.
Mr. Johnson has asked the Parks and Recreation staff to look closely at their budgets and
programs to find any cost saving options. The department will be able to maintain a level
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of service this year, but if it keeps up, they may have to look at cutting services; i.e.
mowing, etc.
ITEM 4.B
. 2004 Fees and Charges for Recreation Programs/Activities
Committee reviewed the information sheet presented with the agenda packet. The fee
changes represent approximately a 10% increase overall in rental fees, less than 5% of
the overall department revenue budget. Discussion was held as to who actually pays fees
to use the City’s parks and recreation facilities. Athletic fields are a small part of the
facilities base, the largest part would be the room rentals. Copies of the Parks &
Recreation User Fees survey information was distributed to committee members.
MOTION: by Loren Hegland, second by Charlie Maus recommending approval of
the proposed fee schedule as presented.
VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0
ITEM 4.C
. Cobblestone Lake Park Update
Mr. Johnson gave a verbal update on the completion of the second phase of the
development. Mr. Sheldon noted the continued concern regarding parking issues.
The developer will begin digging the storm water holding pond next year. Traditions
Development has proposed cutting down the hill of Apple Valley East Park at no cost to
the City if they can keep the gravel. Plans are to be drawn up and available for the next
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. There potentially may be room to
construct a junior sized soccer field in 2005 if the hill is graded.
Discussion was held on Cobblestone Lake Park design, development, usage, etc. This is
a five year project in its second year.
ITEM 4D.
Eastview Baseball Tiering Project
The School District is proposing the tiering of the hill on the Eastview varsity baseball
field to enhance seating. The field is co-owned by the City of Apple Valley and School
District #196. The School District will fund the project, but wants the City’s approval
before they do the work. Staff doesn’t anticipate any maintenance problems with the new
design.
MOTION: by Jim Sheldon, seconded by Russ DeFauw to recommend
approval of the Eastview baseball field tiering project with the
stipulation that the walls not be greater than 4’ high, matching
the picture example provided with the request..
DISCUSSION: Height of the tier walls was a concern. Three foot vs four foot
height was discussed.
VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0
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ITEM 4.E.
Skate Park Revenue Report Update.
Staff reports an average of approximately ten kids per day used the Hayes Arena Skate
Park during the 2003 season. The set up meets a community need, fits the Parks and
Recreation philosophy, and the equipment will last a long time.
Mr. DeFauw stated that the project was sold to the Committee as a revenue program for
the Arena and it’s hard to justify (the project) with that narrow of a user base. He was
concerned that the equipment was expensive and there is little resale option.
Recommends being very careful in the future with these types of decisions.
Mr. Strom stated that as a citizen, to justify this, he knows the damage these users can do
not having a place for them.
Mr. Johnson replied that the very best for the arena revenue would be to shut the doors
during the summer. Staff has attempted to get alternative use for the facility and to bring
people in. Skate park promotional events included dances, hot dog night, etc.
ITEM 5.A.
Ring-Around-the-Arts Festival September 20 & 21.
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Review of the informational flyer included in the agenda packet. This will be the 11
annual festival and more than 75 artists are expected to attend.
ITEM 5.B.
Golf Course Information.
Included in the agenda packet was a news article regarding the declining golf business.
Staff reports that Valleywood Golf Course in doing okay for 2003. Projections show
25,000 to 30,000 rounds this year.
ITEM 7.
Adjourn
There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting
was adjourned.
MOTION: by Charlie Maus seconded by Lee Strom to adjourn the meeting
at 7:45 p.m.
VOTE: Yes – 5, No – 0
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