02-03-1992 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
February 3, 1992
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Ivan Ludeman; Michael
Sandahl (until 6:25 p.m.); William Bullock;
and Kristal Stokes.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas P.
Ferber, City Clerk; Donald Fondrick;
Community Services Director; Byron Wallace,
Community Development Director; Jack Erskine,
Public Safety Director; William Fillmore,
Liquor Operations Director; and Gretchen
Blank, Leisure Services Coordinator.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:00 p.m.
Item #I DISCUSSION OF FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTION OF THEMED
MINIATURE GOLF COURSE IN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK OF
RICHFIELD. S.S. LETTER N0. 8
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 8
regarding the feasibility of construction of a themed miniature
golf course in Veterans Memorial Park of Richfield.
A video presentation was shown regarding construction and
operation of miniature golf courses.
Sue Sandahl, Chair of the Community Services Commission,
spoke in support of the proposal indicating it will provide
family oriented community activities. She stated the miniature
golf course meets the goal of seeking innovative enterprise type
recreation opportunities.
David Delzer, Community Services Commission Member, spoke in
support of the addition of a miniature golf course at Veterans
Memorial Park.
Council Member Sandahl had to leave the meeting at this time
(6:25 p.m.)
Council Member Bullock asked questions regarding the
adequacy of parking at the site and the proposed fee structure as
compared to other courses.
Community Services Director Fondrick stated that adequate
parking is available to meet the standards for a miniature golf
course and the existing activities except for mayor events. He
indicated that more parking could be added if the demand and
revenues justify such an addition.
Study Session Minutes -2- February 3, 1992
Thomas Melchior, Maxfield Research Group, reviewed a report
regarding the potential of a miniature golf course in Veteran's
Memorial Park. He reviewed issues and answered questions
regarding market potential, existing and proposed courses in the
Twin Cities, attendance projections, fee structure, projected
revenue, pro3ected expenses, and construction costs. Mr.
Melchoir summarized the report by stating:
1. Projections indicate that a 18 hole themed miniature
golf course could be supported with positive cash flow in
Veteran's Memorial Park in Richfield.
2. A course costing between $250,000 and $300,000 would
likely generate between $95,000 and $100,000 in gross golf
revenue, based on projected annual attendance of 25,800 persons.
John Hamilton, 7220 Harriet Avenue, spoke in support of the
construction of the miniature golf course and suggested that fees
not be set too high.
Discussion followed regarding fee structures and marketing.
Council Member Ludeman requested that staff provide to the
council a proforma sheet regarding a budget, costs, revenues,
interest, and payback on this project prior to final
consideration.
Item #II DISCUSSION OF REPAIRING CARS IN RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS. S.S. LETTER NO. 9
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 9
regarding a proposed ordinance prohibiting the repair of
automobiles which are not registered to a resident of the
dwelling.
It was the consensus of the City Council that if possible
the words "as a home occupation" be removed from the proposed
ordinance and that it be scheduled for consideration at a future
council meeting.
Item #III DISCUSSION OF CITY OF RICHFIELD'S 1992 LEGISLATIVE
INITIATIVES AND POLICY PACKAGE. S.S. LETTER NO. 10
State Senator Phil Riveness, State Representative Edwina
Garcia, State Representative Joyce Henry, Hennepin County
Commissioner Randy Johnson, and Metropolitan Council
Representative Sondra Simonson were present for this discussion.
Study Session Minutes -3- February 3, 1992
City Manager Prosser reviewed and discussed the City of
Richfield 1992 Legislative Initiatives and Policies document.
Item #IV DISCUSSION OF FUTURE ROLE OF HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
SERVING SENIORS AND DISABLED. S.S. LETTER N0. 11
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Connie McDonald, Chair of the Human Services Commission,
reviewed the accomplishments and status of the Commission.
Discussion was held regarding the roll of the Human Services
Commission and the Human Services Planning Council.
It was the consensus that Connie McDonald attend Human
Services Planning Council meetings to determine if duplication of
efforts is occurring. Evaluation of the status and roll of the
Human Services Commission will be done in approximately one year.
Item #V DISCUSSION OF RICHFIELD'S POSITION ON PROPOSED
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL REGIONAL TRANSIT FACILITIES PLAN.
S.S. LETTER NO. 12
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 12
regarding the proposed City of Richfield Position Statement on
the Metropolitan Council Regional Transit Facilities Plan.
Nacho Diaz, Metropolitan Council Transportation Division
Manager, reviewed the philosophy and recommendations contained in
the Metropolitan Council Regional Transit Facilities Plan.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the City of
Richfield Position Statement.
Vern Luettinger and Don Anderson, members of the Richfield
Ad Hoc Traffic Committee, spoke in support of the Position
Statement.
Discussion followed regarding issues related to the plan
recommendations including HOV lanes, LRT, right-of-way, and
reserving space for future expansion of mass transit options.
Council Member Ludeman expressed some reservations about
supporting Position Statement Item No. 6 because it could be
viewed as short sighted by not providing flexibility for future
expansion.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the council that
the staff forward the City of Richfield Position Statement to the
Metropolitan Council without change.
Study Session Minutes
-4- February 3, 1992
Item #VI DISCUSSION OF AIRPORT ISSUES. S.S. LETTER NO. 13
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 13
regarding the following airport issues:
* 4-22 Environment Impact Statement comments
* MSP Noise Ordinance Proposal
* Airport Communications Plan
New Ford Town/Rich Acres Acquisition Feasibility Report
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:01 p.m.
Date Approved: 2/10/92
Martin Kirsch Mayor
Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk
am s D. Prosser
it Manager
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