HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-05-14 Park Board MinutesI
EDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
May 14, 1991
CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK MAINTENANCE GARAGE
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Christianson, Beth Hall, Pat Vagnoni, Mac Thayer,
Andy Montgomery, Bill Jenkins, Bill Lord, James Fee,
Chip Sour, Paul O'Connor
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jean Rydell
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Bill Bach, Tom
Shirley, John Valliere, Todd Anderson, Susan Weigle,
Jackie Onischuck
I. TOUR OF CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK
Mr. Kojetin handed out_ information on the cost of the park's facilities as
well as general information on the park. Mr. Kojetin then proceeded with
the Park Board on a tour of the west side of the park and discussed
different features and uses of the park.
Mr. Kojetin noted that the front of the pavilion was built so it would be
similar to a stage and the front entrance would be like a proscenium arch
of a theater. The front mall area will have fountains and a seating
capacity for approximately 150 people to watch choral concerts and other
entertainment activities. The saloon area on the lake side of the pavilion
could be divided into two areas which will have rental meeting rooms for a
variety of private groups. The outside area will be a picnic area where a
fireplace will serve as a cooking area or in the winter time as a warming
area. The main pavilion area will also be where the administrative offices
for Centennial Lakes as well as Edinborough Park will be located.
Mr. Kojetin explained that the asphalt is temporary material where the
amphitheater is located. He stated there was a lot of rejuggling with
amenities within the park and also cut backs so that some type of an
asphalt path on the east side of the lake and a second bridge could be
completed in phase I. The original intention was to leave all of the east
side area as is, without grass, but it was decided that since Phase II and
III had no starting date as much of the park as possible should be
completed now.
Mr. Kojetin then proceeded into the park maintenance garage where the Park
Board meeting was held. Mr. Kojetin introduced Bill Bach and Tom Shirley,
Assistant Manager, to give a brief report on the programming of the park as
well as a tentative schedule of the grand opening on June 29 and 30. Mr.
Bach explained the plans for the grand opening ceremony. Right now a
laser light show is tentatively planned which would be funded by Laukka,
Gabbert & Beck and also from some of the retailers. Mr. Bach also
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explained the tentative fee schedule for renting the pavilion and the two
saloon rooms. It was decided that a short meeting will be held after the
Park Board Tour in June so the Park Board has time to study the fee
schedule and make a recommendation to the City Council for fees and
charges.
Mr. Christianson stated that the facility is fabulous and looks like it is
really coming along. Other Park Board members also commented on how well
the park and lake look in reality compared to what the plans were a few
years ago.
II. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 9. 1991 MINUTES
Andrew Montgomery MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 9, 1991 MINUTES. Chip Sour
SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
III. GOLF COURSE REPORT - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
Mr. Kojetin stated that at the end of the last Park Board meeting he had
talked about a work book schedule he was preparing for the golf course. He
indicated that in the past there was a ten year plan, then it was a five
year plan and now •it is a three year plan. He stated that things change so
fast and the golf°course needs to keep up-to-date on everything.
Mr. Kojetin noted that a couple of years ago a presentation was made to the
Park Board on the construction of a tee oasis on each one of the holes of
the 18 hole course and the executive course. These tee oasis' would
designate each one of the holes, they would have a brick surface, a certain
species of flowering trees, benches, trash receptacles and ball washers.
Over a period of approximately three years this project is to be
completed. At present six have been completed. At the same presentation
it was indicated that the golf course should continue to upgrade the tee
fairways, ruffs and general overall improvement of pathways and trees. The
golf course is now in its second year of this project.
Mr. Kojetin noted that the work book goes to 1993 which will hopefully
complete the total project. The work book also indicates improvements for
the next five years. A work book was sent to each Park Board member to
give them an opportunity to see the upgrading and reconstruction of each
hole and which year the improvement will be done.
Also, the work book indicates the amount of equipment purchased, the total
cost of maintenance improvements and also the annual repairs and upkeep of
the clubhouse, dome and driving range. All of these areas are covered
under line item improvements in the yearly operating budget for the golf
course. These average a total of $196,000 per year, which will be invested
back into the golf course on an annual basis. Mr. Kojetin stated that he
used a 3 percent increase on revenue for expenses for the next two years in
figuring the operating budget. Major capital expenses that will be needed
could come from the net profit each year from the golf course. Items such
as the clubhouse and upgraded improvements of the old maintenance building
could come from the net profit of the 1990 budget. The balance of the net
that is not used could be set aside in a reserve for a capital improvement
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to the clubhouse in 1992 or 1993 of what is left over in the net profits of
the operating budget. This way revenue bonds would not have to be sold for
upgrading the clubhouse.
Bob Christianson asked if this was a change of philosophy. He does not
recall establishing a reserve and also noted that this is a new concept.
Mr. Kojetin noted that money has always been reinvested back into the
facility. If money is put into a reserve then work can start on a
clubhouse and bonds will not be needed. Mr. Christianson asked if this
would be a dedicated fund. Mr. Kojetin stated that it would not. It was
noted that this is contrary to what was said at a previous discussion. Mr.
O'Connor asked where the fund would come from? Mr. Montgomery asked if it
is strictly from the 18 hole course. Mr. Kojetin stated that it would come
from the total operation of the golf course, golf dome and executive
course.
The Park Board's concern is the term reserve. Mr. Christianson indicated
that the position of the Braemar Group was assurance that profits stay with
the golf course. It was his understanding that the money was not specially
allocated to any one thing, the council could allocate improvements as it
deemed necessary. Mr. Valliere indicated that he felt the golf course is
generating enough net income so as in the next couple of years money could
be allocated for improvements to the clubhouse without selling revenue
bonds. At this time it's not known what the improvement would cost for the
expansion of the clubhouse administrative area. It is important to have
the clubhouse completed before the construction of the new nine hole
course. Mr. Lord indicated that he felt you expose yourself when you show
money in a reserve. Mr. O'Connor stated that anyone knows you cannot
predict net income. It was noted again that the term reserve is the
problem.
Mr. Valliere indicated that the golf course is doing well financially as
well as in maintenance and upkeep. By including these items in the
operating budget each year it's easier to have the ability to manage the
facility with these items in the maintenance budget and then certain areas
of major projects over $150,000 each year could be considered.
Bill Lord MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE TWO
FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS: CLUBHOUSE FEASIBILITY EXPANSION FOR ARCHITECT
REPORT AND OLD MAINTENANCE BUILDING REPLACEMENT FOR $86,200. Bill Jenkins
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
IV. SWIMMING POOL REPORT
Mr. Kojetin handed out information sheets on the swimming pool bids.
Mr. Kojetin stated that the bids did not come in very good. He has met
with the architect and the contractor who was the low bidder to analyze and
compare the report that was given to the city last summer, in regards to
what went wrong. There was a total of $550,000 allocated in the budget for
the improvement of the pool. The general base bid of $549,000 includes the
play structure but not the slide. The slide would be an additional
$85,300. The bid came in at $173,300 over what was allocated. Mr. Kojetin
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stated that they have been trying to come up with different ways to
generate the additional funding. With a revised fee analysis an additional
$23,701 could be generated.
It was asked if we could benefit from a rebid. Mr. Kojetin stated that if
we did rebid either the water slide or the play structure would have to be.
dropped or made smaller in order to be in the $550,000 budget.
Mr. Kojetin noted that the item that really threw everything off was the
play structure. It came in at $128,000 instead of $60,000 which was the
original estimate.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that if either the play structure or the water slide
were eliminated then certain targeted age groups would be neglected. If
the play structure were eliminated there would be an impact on the revenue
from the family season ticket because this is targeted for pre-schoolers up
to 7 years of age. If the water slide is eliminated this would have an
impact on the revenue for the general admission because this is targeted
for elementary age children and Jr. High kids. Also areas of impact on the
high bid was the state taxes that the contractor would have to pay for the
play structure and other direct alternate items that could be purchased
outright. Mr. Christianson indicated that there are certain rules that
could apply to a Municipality. A purchaser could be appointed to purchase
materials and the state sales tax could be eliminated. Mr. Kojetin said
that he would investigate this idea.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that if the water slide and play structure were
completely eliminated, there is still a minimum of $400,000 worth of
improvements that need to be done to upgrade the pool to health codes. If
the wading pool was completely eliminated or were a smaller size there
would still need to be a separate filter system and some type of stainless
steel gutter. It is not permissible under health standards to use filtered
water from the large pool or have circulation jets above the water for a
fountain effect, they have to be at least 6 inches under the water. All of
these additional health codes that are set by the state have been added to
the original projected cost between the contractor and the engineer. Mr.
Kojetin stated they have tried to isolate all of these costs.
The Park Board asked Mr. Kojetin what his recommendation is. Mr. Kojetin
stated this is a hard decision. It would be very difficult to eliminate
either one of the two revenue structures. The figures of the revised fees
could generate an additional $23,000 needed for bonds. Mr. Kojetin said
that he would recommend the Park Board to accept the present bid for
$723,000. The Park Board asked Mr. MacHolda if he felt that other pools in
the area had generated more attendance when they built a water slide. He
indicated that the Crystal pool generated an additional $78,000 with it's
water slide.
It was noted that Richfield's slide will be opening around June 14, 1991.
Pat Vagnoni MOVED THAT A RECOMMENDATION BE MADE TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO GO
AHEAD WITH THE REVISED PLAN TO UPDATE THE POOL FOR THE $723,300. Chip Sour
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
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V. OTHER
Mr. Montgomery stated that he has checked out a few of the tennis courts
and has not been very happy with them. Walnut Ridge is in good shape.
Both of Creek Valley's courts are in poor shape. Mirror Lakes, which was
done a year ago, has a crack and the nets are ripped. Normandale is in
poor shape. He also stated that the high school courts are in excellent
condition. Mr. Montgomery is very concerned about this. Mr. Kojetin
indicated that at a previous Park Board meeting a discussion was held and
the 1991 capital budget indicates that the Normandale tennis court will be
redone. Also, courts will be resurfaced based on a survey being done by a
private contractor.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Paul O'Connor MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:30 P.M. Bill Jenkins
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
The June Meeting Will Be Held at 7:00 P.M. and Will Begin With a Tour
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