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082499 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PARK COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1999 7:30 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING Co -chair Arnst called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Co- chairs Dallman and Arnst; Commissioners, Puzak and Themig; Administrator Jim Hurm; City Engineer Larry Brown Absent: Commissioners Bensman, Colopoulos and Berndt; Councilmember Zerby B. Review Agenda Co -chair Arnst asked to move item #6 (User Fees) to be discussed after #4 (Reports) to give it priority. Themig moved and Dallman seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 4/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of August 10, 1999 Action was taken later. See page 3. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor. 4. REPORTS There were no reports. Arnst asked if there had been any follow -up to the Island neighborhood walk. Engineer Brown said some mowing and trimming had been done. A follow -up letter is in process. Arnst asked Commissioner Themig if he had worked on the presentation to the Park Foundation yet. Themig said no. Park Commission August 24, 1999 Page 2 6. USER FEES Co -chair Arnst suggested a brainstorming approach for this very large item. She proposed to: 1) Get all potential ideas on the board and list the pros and cons of each, 2) Figure an estimate of the amount of money each would generate, 3) Consider a "target" for where the money would be spent, 4) Choose the preferred options for where funds would be used, and then, 5) Decide on steps to be taken with that information. When asked if the funds would be used for capital improvements or for operating, it was stated that the funds would be applied to both. These are the ideas that were listed: 1 Foundation fundraising 2 User Fees—Sports Organizations— Tournament Fees 3 Concession— (Sales & Rental) 4 Parking (meters, permits, kiosks, tournament parking) 5 Revenue from cell towers 6 Title transfer fees 7 Impact fees (park dedication fees) 8 Grants 9 Philanthropic donations (including land) 10 Business sponsorship (corporate sector) / advertising 11 General city funds 12 Liquor profits from stores 13 Liquor permits for park events 14 Lawful Gaming 15 Vending Machines 16 Park Event and Shelter Rentals 17 Youth Programming The Commission discussed the list with pros, cons, and points about each of the ideas. The detailed listing of each is on a separate document called "Options for Financing Park Improvements" and is attached to and made a part of these Minutes. They also discussed how and when to present the information to the Park Foundation. It was agreed to invite the Park Foundation, and each organization's president or committee chair, to a special meeting on Tuesday, September 28. A letter will be sent in advance to explain the content and goals of the meeting. The Foundation representatives will be asked to offer other suggestions for revenue sources and for their commitment to the programs that they would like to support. A scheduled time line for construction of the park structure and other projects will also be presented to the Foundation in order to establish goals for fund- raising. Commissioner Themig pointed out that 2/3 of the Park Foundation are representatives of non - sports organizations. There needs to be focus toward their interests as well. Park Commission August 24, 1999 Page 3 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of August 10, 1999 Puzak moved and Themig seconded to approve the Minutes as presented. Motion passed 4/0. 5. REVIEW OBJECTIVES FOR OPERATING BUDGET (MARK THEMIG) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Five new objectives are proposed for the 2000 Park Operating Budget objectives. The Commission briefly read the list. Puzak moved and Dallman seconded to accept the Year 2000 Objectives as submitted by Commissioner Mark Themig and listed in a memo dated August 16, 1999. The motion passed unanimously. The CIP will be on the agenda for the September 14, 1999 Park Commission meeting. Members were asked to bring the packet information on Trail Funding Sources back with them to that meeting. 7. TRAILS PLANNING PROCESS A. Review Island Neighborhood Walk on July 24 See page 1, item #4, REPORTS. B. Covington / Vine Hill Status A letter dated August 1, regarding a request for concrete sidewalk (rather than bituminous surface) was presented to the Commission. The letter was from six residents living along Vine Hill Road who seem to believe that the City has decided on a bituminous surface and they are objecting to that choice. Yet, a formal decision has not been made on the "zebra policy." Engineer Brown stated that plans are being prepared by the consultant, but are delayed due to serious illness. He suggested that a position not be taken until a concept plan is put together. The letter from residents indicates that the Park Commission's last response was not perceived correctly. Brown recommends a response to clarify the situation should be written right away, but an actual policy needs to be considered at a later date. Co -chair Arnst asked Brown to draft a letter explaining why concrete was used along Old Market Road and send a draft to Co -chair Dallman and herself for review. Brown recommended the policy discussion be included on the next meeting agenda. Themig Park Commission August 24, 1999 Page 4 asked that the consultant also provide information about the life expectancy of cement over bituminous. An effective response will require real data. C. Smithtown West Status Engineer Brown stated that the first "hurdle" is being addressed by the city attorney who is preparing a report on rights of way issues. It will hopefully be presented at the next Council meeting. Artist said updates on each of the trail segments will be on the next Park Commission agenda D. Plan of Action for Fall Co -chair Artist asked if the Commission wants to schedule anything else for fall at this time. It was agreed to discuss the schedule at the September 14 meeting. Administrator Hurm asked if they wish to consider a doing a neighborhood walk at the Old Market Road crossing. They said it had already been done. The Commission will do a neighborhood walk on Howard's Point Road, Edgewood Road and Grant Lorenz Road on Saturday, October 2 at 9:30 a.m. 8. REVIEW PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF MAGIC SQUARE Engineer Brown reported that he talked to the tennis court contractor who has done this type of square in the City of Chanhassen. He proposes the same finish as the tennis court surface to be done on the Cathcart basketball court. Commissioner Puzak asked if all of these squares have some preconceived game so kids can't just make up games as they go along. His point is to provide activities that foster creativity and facilities that appeal to "free spirits" who are unlikely to join some regulated sports team or activity. Administrator Hurm said that is the whole idea of the magic square. Artist agreed, offering an example of how neighborhood children play their own version of such games. Dallman moved to authorize Engineer Brown to proceed with the implementation of the "magic square" as presented. Themig seconded and the motion passed 4/0. Themig asked if the September 13 agenda would include a review of the CIP for trails and parks. It will. 9. CONSIDER REPLACEMENT OF CHUCK COCHRAN AS PARK COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PARK FOUNDATION Item to be tabled until the September 14 meeting. There was discussion about the verbal resignation of Commissioner Bill Colopoulos. It was agreed to hold discussion until an official letter of resignation is received. Park Commission August 24, 1999 Page 5 10. REVIEW OF TO DO LIST The commissioners agreed that progress is being made. No details were discussed. 11. OLD BUSINESS A. Review Recycling Memo In the absence of Commissioner Berndt, discussion is tabled until the next meeting. There was no other old business. 12. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Puzak reported that, as a result of the recent article in the local paper, momentum is growing on the skate park idea. He has received three very positive phone calls. Two are parents of children who are active in sports, offering their help in working on it. One is a professional designer of rinks who has done skate parks and would charge a fee. He is a consultant, designer, and builder- contractor. Themig also recommended a man from Shoreview who has had experience for Puzak to talk to. Engineer Brown reported that there has been extensive damage to Silverwood Park. Vandalism has occurred on an every other night rampage. The estimated value is about $3,000. Charlie Davis got things back to normal in 2 days. South Lake Public Safety has had some success in tracking the offenders. 13. ADJOURNMENT Dallman moved and Puzak seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 4/0. The meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Connie Bastyr Recording Secretary Options for Financing Park Improvements 2 User Fees — Sports Organizations— Tournament Fees • Pros • Established users are in place • Steady income potential • Philosophy of "user pays" Cons • May not pay — voluntary • Could reduce sports organizations' voluntary improvements • Doesn't take into account their other donated efforts • Hard to be fair • Higher expectations? • Improvements may not benefit the Points • Project specific and park specific • Needs to be designated by Council for the Park Fund • Charge for tournaments Pros • Sustainable source of revenue • Amenity to park • Makes the park a destination Cons • Need to manage it • Sustainable source, but not steady or consistent (business risk) Points • What is the profit margin? is • 4. Parking Fees at Freeman Park Pros Cons • Raises substantial amount of • Costs money to manage money • Unkind and unfriendly • Possible towing fee percentage • Has potential for backlash from the • Has potential to be the most fair community • Could help solve parking problems • Neighborhood impact • Enforcement is a problem Points • Consider raising tournament fee instead • Charge during peak times (limit fees to certain hours) 5. Tower (PCS) Revenue Pros Cons • Revenue from any tower on park • Neighborhood concerns property should go to park fund • Aesthetics • Very viable and lucrative • Points • Consider tower for wayside rest area at Old Market Road and Highway 7 • Need to ask for necessary ordinance chanizes 6. Transfer Fees Pros • Sustainable and lucrative Points (None) Pros • Already in place Points (None) Cons • Requires legislative approval • Needs administration Cons • Diminishing • Pros • Funds are available • No objection from tax payer Cons • Grant - writing / Administration cost • Project specific • Could be strings attached • Unpredictable Points (None) 9 Private Donations (Inc g land) Pros Cons • Non -tax payer money • Might be project specific or have • Provides tax deduction for donator strings attached • Need solicitor, leader or group • Could end up with "white elephant' Points (None) 10. Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising Pros Cons • Potential exists • Could be strings attached • Not tax money • . Possible public opposition • Potentially unsightly • Needs leadership Points (None) 11. General City Funds Pros • Justifiable expenditure of tax dollars for a valued amenity Cons • Up to City Council discretion Points (None) C� Pros • Positive contributions for liquor operations Points (None) Pros • Can specify conditions • Source is specific to user Cons • No profit at present time • Public perception ( "sin tax ") Cons • May have negative public perception • Reouires ordinance Chang Points (None) • 14. Lawful Gaming Pros Cons • Potential for substantial income • May have negative public • Partnership building perception (sin tax) • New found source • Limited to one site (Legion) Points • Legion already contributes to community • Could approach Southshore Center • [15. Vending Machines- Pros Cons • Could be built into concession • Vandalism potential building for security • May impact city staff • Open beyond concession stand hours • Potential is there. Only work is to draw a contract • Potentially low administrative cost • Could be at multiple locations Points • Vending machine company deals with complaints and maintenance 0 16. Park Event: and. Shelter Rentals Pros Cons • Good public relations for parks • Need leader and champion • Facilities are in demand • Staff time required • Needs coordination • Heav use of parks Points • Freeman Park could be a great location for a corporate event Pros • Amenity and service to community Cons • Need part time director Points None • •