04-25-06 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
Apri I 25, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Bill Kilian; Sue Sandahl; and Fred
Wroge.
Steven Devich, City Manager; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director;
Chris Regis, Finance Manager; and Nancy Gibbs, City Clerk.
Staff Present:
Item #1
City Manager Devich explained that many years ago the City lost 14 ball fields at Rich Acres.
The City was promised $3,000,000 and received $2,000,000. The City was told to come back for the
remaining $1,000,000. The City and the schools built some ball fields, but are still short about 4 ball
fields. The City is asking for $550,000 of that second million that was owed. During a presentation
here at City Hall, the capital investment committee from the House and Senate attended. The group
stated they didn't recall the additional $1,000,000 that was promised.
Council Member Wroge asked if the City had received anything in writing regarding the money
that was promised.
City Manager Devich stated this came verbally from people working on the bill.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer explained that the City went to the Community
Services Commission with two options. Option 1 accepting the bonds and option 2 rejecting the
bonds. The Community Services Commission wanted to stay with option 1 and keep things positive.
The City went back this week with the information that things don't look good. The City of Richfield is
not on the Governor, House and Senate list for bonding. Staff then asked the Community Services
Commission if they wanted to look at option 2 and were told that they didn't want to tie up millions of
dollars at Lincoln Field.
The Community Services Commission concluded that it is premature to put $1,000,000 of the
Cities own money into this project.
City Manager Devich asked about putting two fields in at Roosevelt and possible, sharing
parking with Assumption Church.
Special Worksession Minutes
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Apri125,2006
Council Member Wroge stated that Roosevelt Park is a very under used park, however he
wasn't sure if these fields would fit at this location. It would save the City a lot of money if this was an
option.
Council Member Sandahl asked if girls used a different size field.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer said there are different recommendations, but you
can make adjustments such as adding fences to smaller fields.
Council Member Sandahl also stated when thinking of Lincoln Fields that the City should keep
in mind there is a long piece of land that the City leases to the trailer park and how long the City may
want to continue to do that.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer explained that the City did look at that piece of land.
However, the City has had this agreement with the owner for many years and does receive revenue
from the property.
Council Member Sandahl stated that she appreciates that the land is valuable for the mobile
park, but that parkland is very valuable to the community.
Council Member Sandahl asked if the girls ball teams are satisfied with what the City will be
offering them.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer stated that the girls want a facility comparable to the
boys and the City has tried its best to accomplish that.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer stated that we need four fields and our schedule is to
have four more fields.
~ ~
Nancy Gib~ -
City Clerk
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:17 p.m.
Date Approved: Mav 23,. 2006