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Home My WebLink About11/18/2003 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 18, 2003 Minutes of the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. PRESENT: Chair Russ DeFauw; Committee Members James Sheldon, Charlie Maus, Loren Hegland, Lee Strom, Erica Robertson, and Tina Rankin ; Parks (arrived at 6:40 p.m.) and Recreation Director Randy Johnson; Park Maintenance Superintendent Tom Adamini; Valleywood Golf Course Manager Rick Dodge; and Recreation Supervisor Steve Skinner. ABSENT: None. ITEM #1. Chair Russ DeFauw called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ITEM #2. Approval of Agenda. MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by Lee Strom to approve the agenda as presented. VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0 ITEM #3. Approval of September 2003 Minutes. MOTION: by Lee Strom, seconded by Erica Robertson to approve the minutes as presented. VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0 ITEM #4.A. Valleywood Golf Course Season End Report and Fee Recommendation Rick Dodge reviewed the information provided in the agenda packet. He offered general remarks about the golf season. 1990’s were a boom time for golf and Valleywood saw between 35,000 and 40,000 rounds played per year. Those times are most likely over due to the added competition of new courses in the area. Staff predicts Valleywood will see between 28,000 and 30,000 rounds. There were less rounds played in 2003, but the course maintained its projected revenue. Less traffic meant the course was in the best condition ever, this year. That will be good advertising for next year. Staff anticipates an increase in rounds next year and an increase in revenue. 1 th 225+ participated in the Monday mornings junior league. As of November 18, 2003 there have been 28,100 rounds played. Staff feels that allowing the14 day advance tee time reservations was a good decision. Valleywood staff; Rick Dodge, Jim Zinck, Scott Lockling, and Lou Otto were acknowledged for their good job of managing the course. The season pass and course availability were discussed. Staff stated that they would like to see a slight increase in rounds during certain timeslots, but not to the detriment of the course. They may be able to increase the number of rounds by a couple thousand. Committee members suggested management try more promotions and special deals rather than opening the course to additional non-resident season pass holders. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, second by Loren Hegland recommending no changes in Valleywood Golf Course’s fee structure for 2004. Recommending authorization of the Parks and Recreation Director to engage in promotions he deems appropriate to generate an increase in play by 2000 or more rounds. DISCUSSION: Loren Hegland suggested that the junior league fees are low in comparison to other courses. AMENDMENT: by Loren Hegland, second by Tina Rankin recommending increasing junior league fees from $385 to $400. AMENDMENT DISCUSSION: Is $15 worth the $1,000 you could loose if two people don’t join the league. Recommend staying under the surrounding courses. Manager of the course will have the ability to make promotional rates at his discretion. AMENDMENT VOTE: Yes – 7, No - 0 MOTION VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 4.B . Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center/Redwood Outdoor Pool Season End Report. Introduction of Steve Skinner, Recreation Supervisor. Steve has done a great job for the City taking on and mentoring the young staff of the aquatic program. There is a good return rate on staff because he runs a good program. Randy Johnson reviewed the information presented in the packet. As seen on the five year report, the Aquatic Center isn’t the new thing anymore, but there is a steady customer base. Both pools ran pretty well during 2003. Redwood’s operating costs were questioned and staff responded that the staffing costs have increased along with the price of maintaining an older pool. Tom Adamini noted that Redwood components are slowly being renovated. Differences in the operation of Redwood vs. the Aquatic Center were discussed. 2 Russ DeFauw stated that Redwood’s deficits are unacceptable and recommended looking at ways to reduce costs and raising revenue. Erica Robertson stated that as an employee of the facility, she sees the kids that come there and the cost of admission is an issue for them; however, she also feels that Redwood should not be a drain on the system. Randy Johnson noted that the City Council believes Redwood Pool is a good investment of community dollars. MOTION: by Jim Sheldon, second by Tina Rankin asking staff to look at the gap between revenue and expenses and to come back with a report suggesting revenue enhancement and expense reduction. DISCUSSION: Suggestion was made that if there are multiple smaller expenses that could be alleviated with a one time large expenditure or a large enhancement to make the facility more attractive, it may be better. Use of general fund dollars vs. park dedication money was discussed. Various means of increasing revenue were discussed. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 4.C . Park Dedication Update Fund balance as of October 31, 2003 is $1,725,831.71. The park dedication and park maintenance funds have been combined into a single fund per city attorney’s recommendation. $545,000 remains outstanding of the original $900,000 committed to Cobblestone Lake Park project. Generally $50,000 to $70,000 is requested each year for park maintenance expenditures. Discussion was held on the cost of potential upcoming projects. The city is approximately 86% developed, and therefore, the fund is not expected to grow significantly or quickly. During the last three or four years, the city’s general fund has sponsored approximately $100,000 in park maintenance projects. Due to budget issues, that $100,000 is no longer available. Staff will be looking at park dedication to make up the difference. Russ DeFauw suggested that it might be time to look at a laundry list to tap into the fund, investing in park projects. It may be a good year to take a look at a big capital usage to get the fund under $1 million, and at the same time, enhance the park mission. Jim Sheldon suggested looking at the rotation items; i.e. playground equipment, maintenance equipment, etc. Staff will come back with a list to bring everything to the top of the line for committee review in January. ITEM 4D. Legacy Park Phase 1 Park Construction The development is going forward across from Culvers restaurant. Construction has begun on some homes in that area. The City will collect $439,000+ in park dedication and 1.38 acres of land. 3 The development’s second phase is scheduled to begin in 12 to 18 months and plans include an active play area. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Charlie Maus recommending staff authorization to expend $168,630 from park dedication to develop Legacy Park as requested. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 4.E. Southern Athletic Complex Concept Plan Request. MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by Lee Strom recommending staff authorization to expend $2,455 from park dedication to develop a Southern Athletic Complex concept plan as requested. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 ITEM 4.F. Apple Valley East Park Revision Request. MOTION: by Jim Sheldon, seconded by Lee Strom recommending staff authorization to expend $2,205 from park dedication to develop an Apple Valley East Park revision concept plan as requested. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 st ITEM 5.A. Winter Brochure Comes Out the Week of December 1. Committee members were encouraged to watch for their copies of the brochure in the mail. ITEM 7. 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 8:15 p.m. VOTE: Yes – 7, No – 0 4