042302 PK MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2002 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Arnst called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Arnst; Commissioners Callies, Bartlett, and Palesch; City Engineer Brown;
City Council Liaison Lizée; and Mark Koegler of Hoisington Koegler Group
Late arrival: Commissioner Young
Absent: Commissioner Meyer
B. Review Agenda
Palesch moved, Bartlett seconded, approving the agenda as submitted. Motion passed 4/0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Minutes of April 9, 2002
Palesch moved, Callies seconded, approving the Park Commission Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2002
as submitted. Motion passed 4/0.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
There were none.
4. REPORTS
A. Report on City Council Meetings of April 15 and 22
Lizée reported that public comment forum was held regarding Truth in Taxation last evening, the 22nd. The
Council approved the purchase of a black and white video surveillance camera for Eddy Station. The Ward
system discussion will be continued until next Tuesday night during the regular meeting. She added that a work
session meeting was held to discuss the possibility of a trail or sidewalk along Smithtown Road, west of the
LRT.
Chair Arnst interjected with history regarding a trail along Smithtown. She stated that in 2000 initial trail
planning was initiated, a trail and neighborhood walk took place, an open house to collect neighbors feedback
was held, informal surveys were given, and WSB performed a feasibility report. At the time, the cost of the trail
system was approximately $400,000, much more than available funds allowed, therefore, the project was put
PARK COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 23, 2002
Page 2 of 3
on hold until the redevelopment of the road could take place. Today, Chair Arnst continued, City Council is
revisiting the project and the potential for using MSA dollars to help offset the cost as Smithtown road is
refurbished.
5. REVIEW BUSINESS PLAN FOR EDDY STATION
Engineer Brown referred to the attached business proposal for “The Depot” at Eddy Station. As he reviewed
the proposal, he encouraged the Commission to give him their feedback and stressed the urgency in proceeding
to Council due to the impending sporting seasons.
Commissioner Young arrived at 7:20 P.M.
Brown reviewed the proposal with the Commissioners, beginning with the various demographics, users per the
calendar, labor costs for the City, and initial startup costs.
Brown stated that, based on the analysis of information provided by Mr. Koegler’s parking study and roster
data from previous years usage, anticipated demand or number of users expected within Freeman Park during
spring, summer, and fall seasons was generated.
Based upon the demographics and facilities used on a daily basis Monday through Saturday by Tonka United
Soccer, Girls Softball, Adult Softball, and Little League, it is estimated that approximately 138,021 users of
Freeman Park are served each “non-winter” season conservatively. Brown explained that in addition to a
number of reasonable assumptions, staff took averages based on rosters to come up with the users per the
calendar.
Allowing for 156 days of operation, Brown broke out the labor costs for the City of Shorewood. Along with
the Park Secretary, Twila Grout, and the Public Works Employee, Charlie Davis, Brown pointed out that a
lead concession worker and other concession sales staff would be required. Bringing the total estimated labor
costs to $29,869.72.
With regard to the initial startup costs, Brown identified initial one-time costs of approximately $2,750, which
could reach about $4,000 with the purchase of a hot dog roaster.
After interviewing several vendors, who stated that the average consumer spends $3.00 - $4.00 per trip to the
concessions, staff felt that $1.50 per trip average appeared more reasonable and conservative. Chair Arnst and
Lizée stated that the $3 to $4 averages were probably close to the mark but appreciated staff’s intentions.
Commissioner Bartlett left the meeting at 7:37 P.M.
Brown went on to explain that if 35% of the users at Freeman were “trapped” by a sale, assuming a 40% profit
on sales, a gross profit of $38,645.76 would result. Discounting initial startup costs, the net profit year one is
still $8776.04. Brown maintained that staff is in the process of talking to people in the concessions business to
find out what realistic profits on sales are. After discussions with Bennett Park, Brown learned that they go
through about $8,000 in sales a week, earning over $120,000 during the course of year.
Callies questioned whether the Little League concession booth would present competition. While admitting that
the Little League stand has a significant number of products to sell, Brown stated that a number of profitable
items could be considered, including, snow cones, coffee and cappuccino, etc. for the Depot.
PARK COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 23, 2002
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Chair Arnst asked Brown what more he needed from the Commission to move this to Council. Brown stated
that if the Commission is comfortable with the numbers and assumptions he used while developing the
proposal, and a general consensus exists to move this to Council that is all that is required. While the
concession start up will cut into the season, Brown maintained it could still be profitable this year.
Chair Arnst voiced her support, and the Commission agreed, complimenting Brown on his research and
conservative posture.
Palesch encouraged Brown to purchase the hot dog roaster up front in order to compete with the other vendor
booth.
6. REVIEW DRAWING FOR FIELD 2 - 3RD BASE DUGOUT
Brown reported that no application or drawings have been submitted to date but he expects to see them on an
upcoming agenda.
7. NEW BUSINESS
None.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Palesch moved, Callies seconded, adjourning the Regular Park Commission Meeting of April 23,
2002, to Work Session at 7:52 P.M. Motion passed 4/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Kristi Anderson,
Recording Secretary