Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 04-02 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION APRIL 2, 1985 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Bloomstrand, Skeels, Peterson and Manson. Also present were Councilmember Bill Hawes, City Manager Gerald Splinter, Deputy City Clerk Tom Bublitz, Director of Recreation Arnie Nla.vis and Mr. Paul Fjare representing Brauer and Associates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1985 There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Manson to approve the minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting of February 19, 1985 as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF GOLF COURSE PROPOSAL FOR LIONS PARK WEST AREA The City Manager noted he had received four letters regarding the golf course proposal, three in favor and one opposed to the golf course. He stated he would begin his presentation this evening by addressing and reviewing the questions raised at the public hearing held by the Park and Recreation Commission. He proceeded to review a transparency titled Centerbrook Golf Course Financial Data which showed an estimated project cost of 1 million dollars with $600,000 being appropriated from the Capital Improvements Fund and $400,000 as a loan to the Golf Course Enterprise Fund. Additional financial information included in the transparency was the fact that the Roseville and New Hope golf course experience was used to develop revenue and expense projections. Expenses assume a 6% inflation rate and revenue has been conservatively estimated both as to cost per round and number of rounds. The initial cost per round is estimated at $4.25. The transparency also addressed the Brauer feasibility study which stated that there is and will be a shortage of Par 3 golf courses in the Brooklyn Center area and that projected revenue is exceeds expense sufficiently to finance a Capital Improvement Fund loan. Finally, the transparency indicated that all existing metro area Par 3 municipal golf courses are financially successful. He added that in approximately 15 years the 1.5 million dollar loan, both principal and interest payment, would be made. The City Manager then reviewed a transparency showing the location of other golf courses in the metropolitan area and noted that, according to national standards, there is a shortage of courses in the area. The City Manager then reviewed the golf course layout and noted that moving the parking lot would put the parking lot on one of the few areas with good soils. With regard to the survey issue he pointed out that a professional survey of residents regarding their preference for or against the golf course would cost approximately $10,000 and that the validity of any survey would increase with amount of money spent on it. 4-2-85 -1- The City Manager then reviewed a transparency showing the analysis of the wildlife habitat in the golf course project area both before and after the construction. He explained that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has estimated that the overall habitat value of the golf course would increase after development. With regard to the blue collar issue the City Manager pointed out that interest shown by people in the golf course demonstrates that golf is now a sport that is enjoyed by persons of various occupations and income levels. The City Manager then addressed the fairway flooding issue and requested Mr. Paul Fjare to comment. Mr. Fjare stated that the. 100 year flood level will impact on the course; however, the proposal is to raise the tees and greens and clubhouse out of the 100 year flood level. He pointed out the flood can damage the grass and tee areas and that an allowance for this has been put into the maintenance and management costs of the course. He added that the flooding potential situation is not a unique situation on this proposed course. The City Manager then addressed the issue of funding of the golf course regarding relationship to federal and state deficits. He pointed the golf course would have no affect on state and federal funds and that financing of the appropriation portion of the golf course would be obtained from land sales of other public property. Generally, he commented it is not advisable policy to use capital or one time funds, such as might be received from state or federal governments, to use for an operating budget. He also addressed the issue of the use of the golf course by older persons and noted that the term elderly in this case would imply persons 55 and over. He pointed out the discount to elderly golfers has not had any significant affect on the revenue of other golf courses in the area and usually the discount is given during off peak hours. The City Manager then addressed the issue of the transfer of the land from the Little League and noted that the Little League organization provides a service to the community which the City would probably have to fund if the Little League did not exist. He added that the land donation by the Little League essentially equals the City's contribution to build the fields and maintain the ballfields. He then reviewed the rationale for moving the Little League fields noting that the reason for moving the fields is so that both fields can use the pressbox, one concession stand and generally run a more efficient operation. The City Manager then addressed the issue of the affect of the golf course on property values and explained that the City Assessor has indicated that, with regard to values-he would treat a golf course similar to a park, which means that essentially there would be no decrease in property value but only a small increase in assessed value. He added that experience shows that homes located next to a golf course can sell faster than similar homes in other locations. The City Manager also noted that liquor at the clubhouse was discussed at the public hearing and he commented that all other golf courses in the area have 3.2 beer at their clubhouses and none have had any problems with regard to the sale of 3.2 beer. The City Manager then reviewed a transparency showing actual and projected traffic counts related to the golf course construction. The proejcted counts demonstrated an increase in trips per day in the project area; however, there was not a dramatic increase in the number of vehicles per day and it was also pointed out that golf course traffic does not have peak traffic times but is a more even flow throughout the day. Commissioner Bloomstrand inquired as to the 100 year flood level and how many inches of rain this would comprehend. The City Manager explained that the 100 year flood level is a theoretical level which could be realized from rain, spring 4-2-85 -2- run-off or other causes. Mr. Paul Fjare commented that the 100 year flood level is connected to water in the entire watershed area. The City Manager added that the level is based on Army Corps of Engineer studies and designations in the flood plain. He cited an example of the ballfields in Central Park which are below the 100 year flood level intentionally in order to protect the residential neighborhood surrounding the park. Chairman Sorenson inquired as to how long the golf course could be unplayable with heavy rains. The City Manager stated that this situation would be unusual unless Shingle Creek overflowed. He added that the course would be designed to handle heavy spring rains. Chairman Sorenson then inquired when the course would be ready each spring. The City Manager stated that the course would probably be ready to play on April 10th of each year on an average. The Commission continued its discussion of the golf course and addressed the length of the various holes. Mr. Fjare noted that the shortest hole is 115 yards and the longest is 183 yards. He added that yardage could be added or subtracted and that the course is designed so that you can use all the various irons. Commissioner Skeels inquired as to the financial impact if the course is not constructed this year. The City Manager stated that the cost of construction, inflation and the permitting costs would not prohibit construction the following year. He added that he does not think these factors would change appreciably and that if the Commission feels uncomfortable with approving the course this year he does not think the delay would make the course financially unfeasible. Chairman Sorenson questioned whether or not the course could be used for uses other than golf. The City Manager commented that many courses permit cross country skiing and that it would probably be permitted on this course also but the City would not advertise the use for this purpose since official designation would require people to obtain a license as required by the State of Minnesota. Chairman Soreson inquired as to the total cost invested in the land at the current time. The City Manager explained that one parcel was donated to the City by the Dayton-Hudson Corporation, and the City purchased the remaining parcels at approximately $70,000 to $80,000 which costs are included in the total 1 million dollar cost of the project. Chairman Sorenson then asked how many years it would take to pay off the entire cost of the project. The City Manager explained that it would take 30 to 40 years at 10% interest rate and commented that it is difficult to project the total time period since as the course ages there would have to be reinvestments such as repairs to the clubhouse, course etc. Chairman Sorenson recognized Mr. Larry Propst who inquired what the expenses were for the first year. The City Manager explained that the first year expenses do not include principal and interest payments. He added that the payment would be capitalized and that the cost would not be heavy at the frontend. He added that much of the payment would be located towards the end of the bond term. He added that it is similar to a mortgage payment where an individual pays only the interest on the first few years of the mortgage. He noted that expenses are estimated at a 6% inflation rate. He noted that the estimted number of rounds are below the actual experiences of the Roseville and New Hope courses. He emphasized the fact that the loan portion is not considered in the operating expenses. Mr. Propst then inquired as to the next steps in the process if the Commission approves the golf course proposal. The City Manager stated that the Commission would recommend the project to the City Council and that there would be additional staff time and consultant dollars to provide a more detailed study including more 4-2-85 -3- C1DP0 CN detail on the finances prior to presentation to the City Council. He noted that the Council would then hold a public hearing on the golf course. Mr. Propst stated that he would like to see some type of survey done of the community regarding the golf course and recommended that the Commission pursue and recommend a survey to the City Council. He added that he also had a concern for potential damage to the golf course by vehicles driving on the grounds. The City Manager commented that the golf course would be completely fenced. After continued discussion by the the Commission there was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to recommend to the Council that the Council proceed with consideration of the golf course proposal as per the City Manager's recommendations and to prepare the necessary additional information with regard to financing and other pertinent issues related to the golf course construction. In discussion of the motion Commissioner Skeels stated that the City's long term plan for the City's parks, which was prepared many years previous, indicated a preference for a golf course. He added that he believes the course could be built without a burden to the City taxpayers and that the positive aspects of the construction of the course certainly outweigh the negative aspects. Commissioner Peterson commented that the Commission has been studying the golf course for at least 2 years and that it is certainly not something that the Commission has considered lightly for approval. Upon vote being taken the motion passed unanimously. RECESS There was a motion by Commissioner Bloomstrand and seconded Peterson to recess the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Center Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 8:40 p.m. at 8:55 p.m. by Commissioner The Brooklyn and reconvened UPDATE ON FINE ARTS COMMITTEE Commissioner Bloomstrand reported that Marsha Griffith, who originally approached the Commission with the Fine Arts Committee concept no longer works for Brookdale and is unavailable to work on the project. The City Manager stated that he believes the Director of Recreation will be recommending the hiring of some part time help to deal with certain program areas, such as volleyball, in order to free up one of the program supervisors to head up the Fine Arts Program. He added that this recommendation would have to be presented to the City Council for approval. The Director of Recreation commented he believes the Fine Arts Program would focus on events at the new Plaza area which would entail making proposals for the 1986 budget.. DISCUSSION OF PARK AND RECREATION DIRECTOR RESIGNATION AND DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION Chairman Sorenson requested the City Fanager to review the Park and Recreation Department reorganization upon the previous Park and Rec Director's retirement. The City Manager commented that, prior to the Park and Rec Director's retirement maintenance was directly supervised by the Street and Park Superintendent who reported to the Public Works Director and Director of Parks and Recreation. He explained that with the retirement of Mr. Hagel the maintenance of the parks will still be supervised by the Street and Park Superintendent and that this individual will report directly to the Public Works Director. He commented that both the • • • 4-2-85 -4- Director of Recreation and the Director of Public Works will monitor and control the 40 maintenance level in the parks. He added that the same staff will be providing the maintenance in the parks and he noted that he believes the same high quality of park maintenance will continue. DISCUSSION ON EARLE BROWN FARM DEVELOPMENT Commissioner Peterson commented that he had met with the Earle Brown Farm advisory committee last week and that the Committee had been investigating financing for a potential project. The City Manager commented that-there are apprarently three options for the Earle Brown Farm area, one being to do nothing, the second being to take an active role and try to find a developer to save the buildings, and the third option being the City's involvement using tax increment financing to assist the project. He added that options two and three can be combined in some fashion. Also he pointed out the City must consider the Minnesota Historical Society since the area has been designated as a historic site. He added that the question is now how much involvement the City should have in the project. KALEIDOSCOPE The City Manager commented that the City will have the golf course layout and plaza area layout on display at Kaleidoscope. He added that the Commission members can ca4l the City offices to arrange times to be present in the booth at Kaleidoscope. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Bloomstrand and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:28 p.m. • Chairperson • 4-2-85 -5-