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1997-02 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, February 4, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Anondson, Auchstetter, Dietl, Erlander, Gilhousen, Krohn, Scaglia, Schaefer, Ulmer, Walker OTHERS PRESENT: Council Member Rosenberg; Administrative Services Director, Devich; Recreation Services Director, Blank; staff members, Hjortaas, Payne; guest, T. Sacks MEMBERS ABSENT: Loweth (ex), Ticen (ex), Wasko M I N U T E S The meeting was called to order by Chair Gilhousen at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Center at the Water Plant. Motion by Auchstetter, second by Anondson to approve the minutes of January 14, 1997 as written. Motion Carried. Gilhousen welcomed Scaglia and Schaefer back to the Commission after being re-appointed for another three year term. She then welcomed Erlander and Krohn, the new appointees, to the Commission and asked everyone to introduce themselves. Motion by Auchstetter to amend the agenda so Tom Sacks could do his presentation. Second by Ulmer. Motion Carried. Hat Trick Hockey Devich introduced Tom Sacks, owner of Hat Trick Hockey, to the Commission and explained how Sacks had come to staff with his idea to build a store attached to the Ice Arena. He outlined the concept saying there would be a lease agreement, it would be operated independently, there would be an opening to the arena lobby and separate entrance to the public. Sacks told of his 19 years in the hockey equipment business. He went to Jim Prosser and personally hired an architect to design the addition and explained how and what improvements they would make for efficiency for the public, the arena and his new store. The operation would have the same hours they maintain at the present location. He feels it would enhance the arena and be good for Richfield. He is presently negotiating with Prosser and Devich on a lease. Sacks was asked if there are other such operations and how they have done. He replied it is being done in Canada and Illinois and said they are doing very well. When Community Services Commission Meeting February 4, 1997 Page 2 asked what would happen if his business did not make it, he commented that the City could utilize the space in another way. Devich was asked where the City would get the money to fund this project and said it could be an interfund loan and a schedule for repayment would be set up. There is potential in the 301 Capital Fund. The cost to the City would be around $200,000. Negotiations are underway based on a 20 year lease, however; staff would like a shorter lease to first see how the business goes. When the lease is up the City Council can decide how to use the building. The question of why Sacks is being considered was asked. Sacks explained it was his idea and he hired an architect on his own to design plans for this project. Devich reported that if this were to be opened to public bidding, Mr. Sacks would rather it not be done at all. Liability would be carried by Sacks on the interior. He would also have his own meters, be responsible for utilities and would pay $750 in taxes per month for 2,000 square feet. Examples of other municipalities in the metro area were requested. Chanhassen and Edina have a similar facility at their golf courses but they contract out. This concept is more often found with golf courses. Some concerns raised were the need to improve the pool and a $200,000 expenditure might not be in the City’s best interest. Also, if it takes 20 years to get back the investment, there is no benefit to the City. Payne explained the hours the store would be open would typically be the times the ice is already reserved in reply to questions of whether or not it would bring increased business to the arena. It would only enhance the facility with one stop shopping. When asked what would happen if Sacks decided to retire, he said his son would take over the business. He explained Hat Trick is a specialty store and caters to hockey players only. Because of this he does not feel he is in competition with other local sport stores, also he has only high end merchandise. Another concern of the Commission is that this could set a precedent. Questions were raised on what would prevent others from adding on to another City facility. Devich stated this does not set a precedent. He has investigated this with the City attorney and has been told the Citiy has the authority to do this when an individual requests. Community Services Commission Meeting February 4, 1997 Page 3 It was suggested the City get a percentage of income. Devich said they are looking into how to structure the lease. Sacks requested a two year track time and at that time the lease could be re-negotiated. Erlander mentioned the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve this concept. Motion by Erlander to approve the concept of a private facility leasing arena space. Second by Anondson. Motion carried 7-2. Election of Officers After discussion, motion by Auchstetter and second by Ulmer to have the election at the meeting of February 4, 1997. Motion by Erlander to nominate Elayne Gilhousen as Chair to the Community Services Commission. Second by Ulmer. Motion carried. Motion by Scaglia to nominate Schaefer as Vice Chair to the Community Services Commission. Second by Dietl. Motion carried. Both commissioners accepted. Communication Tower Guidelines Blank reviewed the draft guidelines that will be given to any potential companies requesting antenna towers be built. Devich works on the financial side of the lease, Blank covers the other side. It is required that neighbors have a say as in the neighborhood meeting for the Christian Park area. Zoning guidelines are strict and a public hearing is required. Motion by Auchstetter, second by Erlander to accept the wording as outlined. Motion carried. Committee Reports MRPA: No Report Planning Commission: No Report FOWL: The 1997 dinner/show will be on Friday, April 25 at the Decathlon. 76th Street Study East of I-35EW: Schaefer distributed a brochure of Questions and Answers to be mailed to 2,500 neighbors. There will be an Open House Tuesday, February 18 at Assumption Church. Community Services Commission Meeting February 4, 1997 Page 4 Master Park Plan Sub-Committee: This group met January 21 and listened to presentations from Mike Eastling, City Engineer and Karen Shanberg, Manager of Wood Lake Nature Center. Eastling gave background on the history of the storm sewer system and how it affects the parks, showing maps and explaining how and when changes were made. He spoke on the proposed Richfield Lake Project and some of the potential improvements that could be developed. He showed proposed sketches of the Maintenance Facility that will be built at Veterans Memorial Park. Shanberg distributed a sheet on Wood Lake Nature Center’s facilities. She spoke about the dredging project and it’s effect on the park. She said the Nature Center draws many people from Edina, South Minneapolis and Bloomington. Her wish list includes a new rental/classroom building, new fencing, area for picnics and intern program stipends. Enterprise Funds Al Payne announced a dedication of the lockerrooms at 12:30 p.m. on February 19 at the Ice Arena and all Commissioners will be invited. He reported there is a problem with water mostly caused from grading before the snow came, which will be fixed in the spring. The locks have been a problem but are covered by warrantee. He has had only positive comments from users and visiting high schools. A water facility technician has been hired to study the pool, look at existing conditions and codes and determine what needs to be done. They report the pool is in good shape for its age. The water slide has been painted but needs to be sand blasted and repainted. Piping is an issue and some has been replaced over the past two years. Presently, the water drains toward the deck, the new systems drain away from the deck. The bath house is not ADA approved. It could be eliminated and rebuilt. A family area could be utilized and a unisex facility. Costs would be large to keep and replace wading pools. When asked if the present pool could be used for rental since there are fewer outdoor pools left, Payne explained the cost is greater than the rental brings in. There is concern that the slide has not paid for itself, however, it has brought in more revenues for the pool because it is there. Community Services Commission Meeting February 4, 1997 Page 5 St. Louis Park is constructing an aquatic center with no water over five feet. It will take less to operate with less water and fewer chemicals. The pool at West Junior High is three to five feet making it more attractive for teaching swimming lessons and is safer. The timeline for piping is most crucial. Lining, piping and gutters are in need and the bath house area needs to be looked at. The pool could be closed in August and most of the work could be completed. Recreation Services Report The first Sheridan Park neighborhood meeting was February 8 at Sheridan Hills Elementary School and was attended by around 20 neighbors. A representative of Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch showed the base map of the park. One issue is the connection of the school to the park by closing the street. Some feel the traffic on the already busy 64th Street would be increased. Traffic calming is being looked at with a by City Engineers. A BMX track was suggested but liability factors made it unrealistic. A play feature geared to pre-school children is a favored item. Discussion of a building brought picnic shelter and port-a-potty suggestions. There was interest in the wetland. Some suggestions were to dredge, grass, bridge, boardwalk, a path around the entire park and nothing. It was suggested a soccer field be on the wetland but it is not regulation size. Requests were made for inline skating and basketball on one court and ice in another area. A follow up meeting will be held February 22 to show the different options using the information given at the February 8 meeting. Other The City Council has approved the concept of building a Maintenance Facility for Public Works in Veterans Memorial Park. Some issues to be addressed are State Grant dollars in the park and convenience as part of the facility. The Master Park Plan Sub-Committee listened to a presentation and details on the facility. They will be working on this as a part of the Master Park Plan. The owners of the remaining home in the park came to City Hall asking to be bought out. It will be paid for by the Water Department. Community Services Commission Meeting February 4, 1997 Page 6 The 1996 Playground Statistics report will be available next month. Motion by Gilhousen to approve the liaison assignments for 1997 as follows: Arnie Auchstetter and Denise Schaefer - Confidential Pool Passes MRPA - Todd Anondson Planning Commission - Tom Ulmer FOWL - Bob Dietl 76th Street Study East of I-35W Master Park Plan Sub Committee - Maureen Scaglia All accepted their assignments. Second by Erlander. Motion Carried. Gilhousen distributed some literature from the Hans Bleiker presentation on Systematic Development of Informed Consent (SDIC). He spoke of being responsible and responsive to the community. He said if you give the community all the information and knowledge about a project and if you treat people honestly and fairly they’ll be more likely to be receptive to ideas even if it is grudgingly so. The next meeting will be at the Water Plant on March 11. Devich will have the 1998 CIB similar to last year. The information will be sent before the meeting for review. Gilhousen requested a copy of the City Code in reference to garbage and how it is presently being set out. She has a concern about health issues. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Auchstetter, second by Anondson. Motion carried.