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CSC 2005-11-15RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AGENDA ® Tuesday, November 15, 2005 7;00 p.m. Wood Lake Nature Center (6710 Lake Shore Drive) Commission Members Staff & Others Liaisons Anna Berend Dean Johnson Ron Schwartz Jim Topitzhofer (Staff Liaison) Fred Wroge (Council) Michael Christian (VC) Barb Kritzman Gordon Vizecky (Chair) John Evans (Secretary) Kyle Hartnett (PC) Catherine Peloquin Gary Ness 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes ❑ Regular Meeting: October 18, 2005 3. Public Comment ❑ Opportunity to discuss items not printed on the agenda 4. Staff Reports ❑ Recreation Services (Topitzhofer) ❑ Outdoor Pool and Mini -Golf Report ❑ Wood Lake Nature Center's Halloween Safari ❑ Community Center Boutique ❑ 2005 Youth Sports Alliance Summit Park Reports ❑ Christian and Roosevelt Parks (Christian) 6. Action Items ❑ Cedar Point Development Impact on Taft Park (Topitzhofer) ❑ Golf Practice Facility Recommendations (Topitzhofer) ❑ Cancel Regular December CSC Meeting (Vizecky) 7. Discussion Items 8. Committee Reports ❑ Transportation Commission (Nes&Kritzman) ❑ City Hall Task Force (Ness/Schmidt) ❑ Veterans Memorial Committee (Berend/Schmidt) ❑ Family Friendly City Task Force (Vizecky) ❑ FOWL (Kritzman) ❑ Planning Commission (Peloquin) ❑ Richfield Community Human Services Planning Council [RCHSPC] (Hamernick) 9. Next Meeting Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 17, 2005 Wood Lake Nature Center (6710 Lake Shore Drive) 10. Adjournment DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CS. October 18, 2005 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION ® JOINT MEETING COUNCIL Tuesday, October Ober 18, 2005 Richfield Community Center CSC Members PRESENT Gary Ness, Ron Schwartz, Gordon Vizecky, Barb Kritzman, Gloma Hamernick, Michael Christian, Dean Johnson, Rodney Schmidt, Catherine Pelo uin Staff I Jim To itzhofer, John Evans Others ABSENT CSC Members I Anna Berend Planning Com Liaison I Kyle Hartnett Approval of Minutes Ness moved, seconded by Kritzman, to approve the minutes of the regular September meeting. Approved, ayes all. Staff Reoorts Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: • Jefferson Park: A neighborhood meeting was held prior to this meeting regarding some kids who are causing trouble at the park. Public Safety and Recreation Services gathered the neighborhood to work out the issues. • Lincoln Athletic Complex: Work has begun on the fields to accommodate girls softball next spring. • Graffiti at Christian Park: Several police reports have been filed and one arrest was made regarding graffiti at the park. Graffiti is still a problem at Garfield and Richfield Lake; staff is looking into surveillance equipment. • Crosswalk and Entrance to Wood Lake: The crosswalk and bike lane are complete and working. Topitzhofer said that the project was completed at no cost to the City. Park Reports Fremont and Jefferson Parks Vizecky reported that Fremont is a small neighborhood park with a playground. He said that lights are hanging in a tree, possibly a vestige from a homemade skating rink that is no longer flooded. He said that the play equipment is in good shape. He reported that Jefferson looked good; the playfeature looked well -maintained with new mulch, etc. Neighbors talked about some questionable activity from neighborhood kids. Parks Master Plan Revision RFP Topitzhofer said that the consultant hired would assist with the entire input process; he asked if some of the neighborhood park meetings could be combined (the group okayed this by consensus). He said that bike trail planning, particularly the linkage trails to other communities, may be beyond the scope of this plan (might be an issue for the Transportation Committee instead). Ness said that the TC does plan to address trail planning. Topitzhofer asked if the internal trail planning would be part of this or a separate plan; Christian and others said that the internal trail planning would need to tie in to this plan; Kritzman said that the TC and other cities could assist with the linkage trail corridors. Schmidt mentioned that some redevelopment projects will affect a trail plan; Vizecky said that this park plan could address ideas for linking to these areas. Topitzhofer said that the plan revision process will involve a fair amount of meetings with neighbors and a sub -committee of the CSC. Schwartz asked if staff anticipates more work and involvement with neighboring cities and park districts regarding the linking trails if this plan will not address that; Topitzhofer said yes. Schwartz asked if a dog park is a possibility; Topitzhofer said that it will be considered, along with other ideas that have been suggested, but never ruled out (disc golf, archery range, etc). He said that, once the consultant begins meeting with the group, many other ideas are likely to be raised. Schwartz moved, seconded by Christian, to recommend City Council approval to advertise an RFP for parks master plan revision services. Approved, ayes all. Schmidt and Schwartz volunteered to serve on an interview sub -committee. Christian suggested meeting by ward with each respective Councilmember attending. Veterans Memorial Sub -Committee Schmidt and Berend volunteered at the September meeting. Comnnittee Reports Transportation Committee Kritzman said that the areas near W St & Portland Ave and 6e St & 17`" Ave were discussed. Topitzhofer said that the consultant is completing their market feasibility report this week amily Friendly City TF Vizecky provided the report. FOWL Kritzman provided the report. Planning Commission No report was given. RCHSPC Hamernick provided the report; she said that grant applications have been submitted and are being reviewed. City Hall TF Ness said that all land, including park land, is being considered as a site for a new City Hall.. Other Jefferson Park Neighborhood Meeting Peloquin said that Public Safety and the group discussed how neighborhood involvement in the park will be the best deterrent to criminal activity in the park. Next Meetin Tuesday, November 15, 7:00 pm, Community Center :AAent Ness moved, seconded by Christian, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: November 15, 2005 Agenda Item Agenda Section Cedar Point Commons Impact on Taft Park Action Items Attachments Contact Memorandum from RLK, Cedar Point Commons concept Jim Topitzhofer drawings, concept plan for stage two 174" Avenue road construction The attached drawings show the latest concept plan for Cedar Point Commons, a proposed development located north of 66th Street, east of 17th Avenue and south of Taft Park. The development features 'big box' commercial buildings and a mix of smaller retail buildings. Not depicted in the concept drawings are future plans to construct multi -unit housing between 160 Avenue and 17t Avenue. The proposed development has an impact on the access to Taft Park. Most people driving to Taft Park access the south lot on 18th Avenue or Old Cedar Avenue from 66th Street. In the attached concept plan, these roadways are removed which restricts access to Old Cedar Avenue around the north side of Mother Lake from Bloomington Avenue. To remedX this situation, the developer can be required to construct a road connection to the south parking lot from 17t Avenue. Depicted in a separate concept plan are improvements to 17th Avenue including a round -a -bout at 66th Street and a connection to Bloomington Avenue. Access to the south parking lot will be enhanced with a direct connection to Bloomington Avenue. The drawback to this proposal is that the new access road from 17th Avenue to the south parking lot is on park property. Although there is no active use of parkland in this area and the new road can be located in an area to avoid mature trees, the 24-foot wide road does remove valuable green space. However, more green space will be added to the park as a result of vacating the existing cul-de-sac on 17th Avenue. The developer is requesting City Council to consider and approve an access road into the Taft Park from 17th Avenue. Feedback from the Community Services Commission will be included in reports sent to Council regarding this matter. Recommended Action Recommend City Council approve the construction of an access road connecting 17th Avenue to the south parking lot of Taft Park in conjunction with the proposed Cedar Point Commons. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION �....�,.. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: November 15, 2005 Agenda Item Agenda Section Golf Practice Facility Recommendations Action Items Attachments Contact Portion of Marketing Stud Jim To itzhofer A marketing study for a driving range at Veteran's Memorial Park was completed by Effective Golf Course Systems and a portion of it is attached. The marketing study will be presented to the Golf Practice Facility Taskforce on Monday, November 14. Jim Topitzhofer will give a report of any action taken, if any, by the Taskforce. One key finding in the marketing study is the opinion that the proposed driving range will require an operating subsidy each year ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. In other words, the study is suggesting that operating expenses will exceed revenues each year by at least $10,000. If we factor in a debt payment each year the operating loss will be elevated to a range of $50,000 to $65,000. The study indicates that because our proposal restricts the use clubs to irons -only and that our range would be a stand alone facility that is not connected to other golf facilities, it is reasonable to conclude that the proposed facility would not generate the same revenue as traditional driving ranges. Recommended Action Discuss marketing study and recommendations of the Golf Practice Facility Taskforce. Driving Range Market Study for Veteran's Park Site The City of Richfield and it's staff recognizes the great desire to re- enter the golf community with a golf facility that would enable golfers to either play a course or practice the game. Effective Golf Course Systems (EGOS) has diligently explored options for the Veteran's Park property. Realizing this strong desire, every effort was made to fit golf amenities in the footprint of the Veteran's Park site. EGSC provided a site analysis with the following options: a putting course, a pitch and putt course, and a driving range. There is the possibility to fit all these amenities on the existing site. Every option to utilize this site was explored, including mitigation and 1 land -trades to accommodate all possible footprints. Conversations also included a driving range utilizing floating golf balls for an "aqua range". Further discussions towards the driving range led towards a "do -able" driving range project enclosed with very high netting. EGCS recommended that a golf course architect should be brought in to create a concept plan for the driving range. The City of Richfield hired Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects to develop a concept plan along with estimated construction costs. The concept is for a netted, "irons -only" range with a capacity of 32 stations and a practice green. The City of Richfield gathered the financial information (attached) for this study. EGCS visited the Veteran's Park site in addition to the other facilities in the market area to determine if there was some "competitive edge" that could be implemented. 1 Competition in Market Area- EGCS evaluated the following facilities as competitors in the market area. Although the Brookview G.C. driving range may not be seen as a direct competitor due to the distance from the Veteran's Park site, it was analyzed as it is an "irons -only" facility. Also, the Hyland Hills range isn't considered as a major competitor due to minimal business. Braemar G.C. 8.22 miles (from Veteran's Park site) Range with turf/mats 2004 Revenues- $337,431 Brookview G.C. 12.77 miles Netted Range- Irons only with turf/mats 2004 Revenues- $95,750 Glen Lake G.C. 10.03 miles Netted Driving Range with turf/mats 2004 Revenues- $275,000 Hiawatha G.C. 3.33 miles Netted Driving Range with turf/mats 2004 Revenues- $145,166 Hyland Greens G.C. 7.73 miles Netted Range- mats only 2004 Revenues- $99,000 Hyland Hills Ski Area 9.93 miles Range- mats only (hitting up ski hill) 2 i Market Area/Demographic Analysis An analysis of revenues of other driving ranges in the market area leads us to make the following observations: None of the other facilities are stand-alone driving ranges. They offer other golf activities, practice areas, putting greens, golf courses that help draw customers to their driving ranges. Although Glen Lake, Hyland Greens, and Brookview have netted ranges, Brookview is the only facility that restricts to irons -only. The proximity of Hiawatha G.C. with a full driving range with 53 stations (less than four miles away) is a major factor in market competition. Another factor is it also has a large practice area with multiple greens/targets. Hiawatha G.C.'s driving range doesn't appear to be close to capacity based on their revenues compared to the size of the facility. If Hiawatha was close to capacity, the assumption could be made that customers might choose another range rather than having to wait to hit balls. It would appear that a range at Veteran's Park would draw primarily from areas to the East and South- Bloomington and Richfield, as there are other facilities to the West and North. Based on the revenues versus size of the other facilities, it would appear that there is enough capacity to meet customer demand in rr this market at this time. 1 The population in the market area is stable with increased higher - density housing and the recent addition of the large employee base of Best Buy adds to this stability. Golf participation at this time, is flat to a slight decline. Although the driving ranges in the area have strong activity, it wouldn't appear that creating additional capacity with another driving range would be profitable unless there was a substantial upswing in golf participation. 3 One option to overcome this would be to have a sponsor such as Best Buy cover the construction costs and possible provide annual gifts to help the operations budget. Another avenue would be to try to work a development arrangement for some type of private -public venture. The addition of other golf amenities such as a pitch and putt course, practice areas, or putting course could help make the facility more of a "golf destination", the negative is it would have to be a long term commitment before these amenities would cover debt service or even operating costs and again, may not even help the revenue stream. Unfortunately, this facility wouldn't benefit from the operational/maintenance economies that golf courses with driving ranges have. a Income and Expense Estimates EGCS utilized financials provided by the City of Richfield along with information gathered at on -site visits to make the following income and expense estimates. EGCS "ballpark figures" for income and expense are: ' Income Estimates Total $60,000-$70,000 Income assumptions: Revenue based on range balls only, additional potential lesson, concessions, other income not factored. The income potential could be in the range of $80,000490,000 if woods could be hit. Expense Estimates Labor $45,000 Maintenance PT $5,000 or FT $10,000 Supplies/Misc. $20,000 Utilities $5,000 Equipment $5,000 (rental or purchase) Debt service $40,000 Total $120,000-$125,000 Expense Assumptions: Labor based on all part-time help with a part- time "working supervisor" and having staff on -site during operational hours. Maintenance cost of $5,000 based on part-time labor, $10,000 cost based on using full-time park maintenance staff. Debt service based on $500,000 at 5% for 20 years. Summary The facility is estimated to show an operational loss of $10,000- $25,000 annually. The loss including debt service would be $50,000- $65,000. 5 Additional Issues EGCS has also found some issues that should be brought forward. The following (in no particular order) are physical and financial concerns: Height of fencing/netting to insure safety- Given the "tight quarters" of the facility, the 20 foot height of the fencing/netting may be insufficient. Higher netting can drive up costs substantially with the potential need for pilings for pole bases. A North -South orientation is the most desirable for a driving range. Due to site restraints, it appears that the East hitting to the West orientation is the only real option. The downside of this is that golfers are hitting into the sun at the peak "after work" hours. Should the range be lit at night- financial return versus unhappy neighbors (also mosquito issues). Present competition and the possibility of additional future competition (although improbable due to land availability/costs). Potential for "double decking" tee area to increase capacity- netting height would have to be substantially higher. This could increase capacity and provide cover for inclement weather. Adjoining Par-3 and /or Putting Course as joint revenue sources versus increased maintenance costs. Potential for extending season by heating stalls/enclosed building Additional lesson income potential/aggressive marketing. T 0 Summary After reviewing financials and on -site visits of facilities in the market area, EGCS estimates that an irons -only driving range at the Veteran's Park site in Richfield would generate income in the $60,000-$70,000 range. This would result in an annual operational loss of $10,000425,000 and a loss of $50,000-$65,000 after debt ii service. It is possible to reduce labor costs by not having staff on -site during all hours of operation by having automated ball dispensers and be close to "breaking even" on an operational basis. EGCS feels that the potential liability far exceeds the labor savings. For example, if a golfer goes in front of the tee line to retrieve balls and gets hit by another golfer or if someone pulls out a driver and hits balls over the net into Portland Avenue. There may be options for the City of Richfield to acquire a sponsor or partner with a private entity to complete this project while putting the City in a better financial position. EGCS has enjoyed working on the site analysis and this market study. We are happy to answer any additional questions in regard to this study. We appreciate your business and hope we can be of help in the future. WA � A a osuunen aar. o .+om�mws � mow+. mow � nwv m.m � awr mq. � nam looms ® . =" `Y Il�ii �• 0 STAGE TWO ®66th Street & 17th Avenue Improvement Proposed Roundabout City of Richfield, Minnesota �i _a R i 4. �j�r,BASKETBALL COURTS— # r ittlo r_ . J 'wooF LE , C-) PaEngineering . Landscape Architecture • Planning • Survevina •Traffic INCORPORAT/ED IC V MEMORANDUM TO: Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director, City of Richfield COPY: Bill McHale, Ryan Companies US, Inc. Dick Koppy, Ryan Companies US, Inc. Pat Smith, City of Richfield Aaron Hemquist, RLK Inc. FROM: John Dietrich, ASLA-4-7 DATE: November 8, 2005 RE: Request for 63rd Street Connection Cedar Point Commons — Richfield, MN RLK Project No. 2004-169-M Creating airaordinwy Communities Request: Request the Richfield Park Commission consider and approve a 24-foot wide street connection between 17'h Avenue South and 18'" Avenue South to be constructed on park property to allow neighborhood access to the east parking lot of Taft Park. Background: The Cedar Point Commons project is currently in the conce�t design stages and is proposed to occupy the area between 17th Avenue South, TH 77, 66d' Street and 63' Street. See Sheet 1. The proposed redevelopment will remove the grid system of streets and the public street connection between 17t' and 18t° avenues at 64 ° and 65" streets. The site development plans for Cedar Point Commons will be progressing through the City of Richfield over the next few months. Prior to submitting the site development application to the City, City staff and the developer felt it would be important for the Park Commission to formally review the proposed street connection being contemplated along the east side of Taft Park. The proposed Cedar Point Commons project does not require or need a vehicular connection between 170'and 18'" avenues. Proposed Plan: In order to maintain the neighborhood's connectivity to Taft Park parking facilities, the developer is proposing toconstruct a new 24-foet wide street between 17'h and 18ih Avenue South. See Sheet 2. The new street would be placed on park property and will be constructed to avoid the mature trees on park property. If the connection is made, the existing cul-de-sac on 170' Avenue will be eliminated and returned to a green/impervious area of the park. The connection would allow area residents to maintain their current ability to access the parking lot without having to circumvent Taft Lake and use Cedar Avenue from Bloomington Avenue. Otiicex Hibbing • Minnetonka Ham Lake . Twin Ports (952) 933-M72 . 6110 Blue Circle Drive . Suite too . Minnetonka. MN 55343 . FAX (952) 933-1153 Equal Opportunity Employer Memo to City of Richfield Park Commission Request for 63rd Street Connection November 8, 2005 Page 2 of The developer does not need nor require this street connection; it is proposed for the convenience of the neighborhood. The offset location on 18th Avenue and 90 degree comer at 17`s Avenue will calm the vehicle speed and discourage cut -through traffic. This plan is being presented to the Park Commission so that the developer may receive direction as to whether the connection as shown on Sheet 2 of 2 should be considered with the proposed site development plans for Cedar Point Commons. Thank you for your consideration of this neighborhood street connection and improvements proposed along the east side of Taft Park. Attachments: Sheet 1 of 2 — Concept Site Plan Sheet 2 of 2 — Proposed Street Layout GARym Companies\2004-169-M\_Comspondence\63rd Street connector sub\sub memo city park comm 11-08-05 Am F I I I I I I -I - EUTORE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS BY OTHERS - IMPROMENTS�H ST. @ ,•, •, I]N AV. i0 BE COORDINATED µDN"THIN CEDAR PLETED CEDA I� COIIMONSPROJEC I II C dai x.mbie -� e xieulne, Yn 12 T .K YinnebnYn. YN 6 3 Str•E -110 61— Cycle Dr.. SUIb .100• Y�nnebnk uuYN 65�8{y rd Li I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I --------- SEE SHEET 2fOF 2 FOR STREET EXT NSION COMMERCIAL BUILDING WALL \ REGIONAL STTOWW=TER POND _ — .� bF 11 /8/05 s�A E® Sheet 1 of 2 ]1V1V� [ Ir s LP� d TAFf PARK TO RtIRGINAIL os��rui[cnv�i _ ..- . —.,' H .i . Tor