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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/1996 ITEM #3. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 19, 1996 Minutes of the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee held November 19, 1996. PRESENT: Chairperson Greg Kopischke; Committee Members Russ DeFauw, Charlie Maus, Andy Gustafson, and John DiRico; Park and Recreation Director Randy Johnson; and Park Maintenance Superintendent Tom Adamini. ABSENT: Royal Bakke and Tina Rankin. ITEM #1. Chairperson Greg Kopischke called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. ITEM #2. Approval of Agenda. MOTION: by Russ DeFauw, seconded by Charlie Maus to approve the agenda as presented. VOTE: Yes - 5, No - 0 ITEM #3. Approval of October 1996 Minutes. MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by Russ DeFauw to approve the October 1996 minutes as presented. VOTE: Yes - 5, No - 0 1 ITEM #4.A. New Business - Greenleaf Park Expansion In recognition of his employer’s involvement in this project, Mr. Kopischke abstained from any discussion of the subject. Matt Fischer of Fischer Sand and Aggregate Company signed an agreement when the development of Greenleaf Park Estates began more than ten years ago, to provide the area known at Outlot B on the attached map as park dedication property to the City of Apple Valley. The Outlot B would expand Greenleaf Park to allow space for play equipment and a pathway connection for the neighborhood. Recently, Ms. Liza Robsen, representing Fischer Sand and Aggregate Company, approached the City with a revised plat which expands the number of cul-de-sac lots of the development and eliminates 90% of Outlot B. Discussion was held regarding the financial status of the park dedication funds and the potential of constructing any park amenities in this area in the near future. Staff believes that development could occur in the next year or two, whether or not a bond referendum is successful. Committee also discussed the liability to current homeowners in the area that were told the outlot would be designated as park area. This park land has been in the City’s master plan for ten years. MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by John DiRico to recommend City Council proceed as previously agreed upon with Mr. Fischer for acquisition of Outlot B as shown on the original plat for expansion of park land to Greenleaf Park. VOTE: Yes - 4, No - 0, Abstain -1 (Kopischke) ITEM #4.B. New Business - Youth Athletic Association Policy for Field Space Mr. Johnson reviewed the proposed Park and Recreation Department policy dealing with field and facility allocation requests and the designation of recognized youth athletic associations. Staff have been informally following these policies in the past, but would like formal documentation at this time. The city attorney’s office has reviewed the information and given approval. There will be a new youth athletic association organized to serve the children of the Eastview Highschool area. There will be an eight or nine month transition period until the highschool opens in the fall of 1997. Lee Strom has been elected president of the new association. Valley Athletic Association will serve students of Apple Valley Highschool; Rosemount Area Athletic Association will then serve students of Rosemount Highschool, with the exception of two small areas of Apple 2 Valley residents; and Eastview Athletic Association will serve students of the Eastview Highschool. MOTION: by Charlie Maus, seconded by Russ DeFauw to recommend approval by City Council of the Scheduling of Youth Outdoor Athletic Fields and Youth Athletic Associations policies as presented. VOTE: Yes - 5, No - 0 ITEM #5.A. Old Business - Bond Issue Discussion Thursday, November 14, 1996 City Council worksession was canceled along with all remaining worksessions for the year. Some Councilmembers have asked staff to discontinue bond issue discussion for now, but with their knowledge Mr. Johnson has asked Decision Research to assemble a bond referendum phone survey proposal. Jon Gurban will be asked to attend the December Advisory Committee meeting to discuss other successful bond referendums. Staff has contacted other communities that have aquatic centers for feedback. General consensus was that an indoor aquatic center is similar to an ice arena, they’re at a break even status for operations, but they have to be supplemented each year for debt services. Outdoor facilities should not need additional supplementing. There are three indoor swimming pools within Apple Valley operated by the school district. One of the phone survey questions should reference an indoor facility versus an outdoor facility, and do they (public) favor a public facility or a private club. Engineering and architectural inquiries by staff have noted that this type of facility should be located near the center of the population, near other park amenities/attractions and near some current parking space to conserve finances. This description leans toward the area near the new highschool where the storm pond is currently located. The possibility of Dakota County involvement was discussed by the Committee, but it was rejected because of their lack of history involved with this type of facility, logistics may have to change to suit their population or location center, and the programming and scheduling of the facility would be awkward to coordinate between the City and County. The Committee recommends a full sized gymnasium expansion compared to the scaled down version proposed. At $100 per square foot, that could mean an extra $400,000 added to the list of bond items. There was some discussion to remove the $3.5 million aquatic center from the list leaving a bottom line of $4,690,354.20. The 1986 bond referendum was $3,970,000. Play equipment should stay on the list. These structures are positive points to potential homeowners near the parklands. 3 The mean home value in Apple Valley stands at approximately $110,000 and the average home value is estimated at $150,000. Staff noted that approximately 17% of the homeowners property tax dollars go toward park ÷ and recreation costs; i.e. $1500 property tax x 17% = $255 12 months = just over $21 per family per month for all of the recreation facilities. Included with the Park Advisory Committee packet was a list of the major park improvements over the last ten years. The Committee is to be commended on its efforts. ITEM #6. Other The new athletic director of Apple Valley Highschool, Scott Larson, is investigating the possibility of the construction of a fulltime year- round stadium at the Apple Valley Highschool. The next Park and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 1996 at 6:30 p.m. at the Apple Valley Community Center. ITEM #7. Adjourn. There being no further business, the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned. MOTION: by John DiRico, seconded by Charlie Maus to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. VOTE: Yes - 5, No - 0 4