HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-27 PRC MINPark and Recreation Board
Sept. 27, 1999
Present: David Junker, chairperson
Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Rob McGarry, Del Peterson and Steve Wolff
Others: City Coordinator Nile Kriesel
Absent: Nancy Brown, Dawn Flinn, Al Liehr, Mike Polehna and Sara Thingvold
Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Wolff, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved to approve the minutes of
Aug. 23, 1999; all in favor.
Update on second sheet of ice:
Mr. Kriesel briefly reviewed the status of negotiations with the city of Mahtomedi. Originally
Mahtomedi agreed to pay $700,000 up front. However, because the cost of the facility, initially
estimated at $2.2 -$2.5 million, has increased to about $3.1 million due to the installation of
additional locker rooms and some bleacher requested by Mahtomedi, Mr. Kriesel said he will be
recommending that Mahtomedi contribute an up front amount more than $700,000. The
distribution of ice time has pretty well been ironed out, he said. Mahtomedi has guaranteed to
purchase 825 hours of ice time; the St. Croix Valley Hockey Association (SCVHA) will get
about 300 more hours of ice time. Mr. Kriesel also noted that $280,000 of the estimated cost
represents upgrade /repairs at Lily Lake Arena. Mahtomedi is requesting a 20 -year contract.
Mr. Kriesel said the financial consultant is estimating an operating deficit of $68,000 for the
facility, which he believes may be "too optimistic." The existing facility is currently operating at
a deficit of $125,000- $150,000; however, he noted, $50,000 of that deficit represents an amount
built in to account for depreciation. There was a brief discussion as to how to increase revenues.
Mr. Kriesel said he would be presenting his recommendation to the Council at the first meeting
in October. Footings need to be in by December if the new sheet is to be operational by next fall.
Also, Mr. Kriesel noted, the Rec Center is in a TIF District and a construction contract needs to
be in place by the end of the year in order to protect the TIF funds.
Mr. Wolff summed up this portion of the discussion by noting that the City would not be able to
construct the second sheet of ice without the partnership with the city of Mahtomedi and that in
the long -term, the agreement would appear to be "penny smart" versus "dollar dumb."
Much of the ensuing discussion centered on the fact that the SCVHA has not made good on its
pledge for construction of the Rec Center and how to put pressure on the association to fulfill its
original commitment. Mr. Kriesel pointed out the Soccer Association also has yet to fulfill its
pledge.
Review of Lone Lake Trail system: Mr. Kriesel showed the original plans for trails in the entire
expansion area. He said the City is still working on providing canoe access to Long Lake.
Update on Bergmann subdivision: Mr. Kriesel informed members that after the Joint Board was
deadlocked at 2 -2 on the proposal, an arbitrator was called upon and voted in favor of the City,
meaning the subdivision will be proceeding.
Report from Park Director:
Mr. Kriesel briefly reviewed the Park Department's capital outlay budget for 2000. He noted that
while the budget does not include the requested $600,000 for land acquisition, that does not
mean that acquisition won't occur. He stated the City currently is negotiating for the Rivard
property which, if acquired, will included parks use.
Mr. Peterson said he had heard that some of Jennifer Easton's money ($50,000) left from her
original donation might be available if a concrete proposal is presented to her. Mr. Junker noted
that Ms. Easton's primary intent in making her original donation was for children's playgrounds.
Mr. Kriesel pointed out that a plan was previously prepared for the playground by the former
Washington School, suggesting that might be a possible use. Mr. Peterson said he would like to
be able to go to the Oct. 7 Friends of Stillwater Parks meeting with a concrete proposal for
consideration of funding with Ms. Easton's donation. Mr. Junker, seconded by Mr. Cummings,
moved to have Mr. Peterson work with City staff /administration in developing a proposal to
submit to the Friends of Parks.
New business:
Mr. Cummings brought up the issue of how much time Mr. Kriesel has to devote to parks and
recreation issues on a weekly basis, referring to the time spent on the sports complex - related
issues, and the need for an administrator to be running the Parks and Recreation Department.
Mr. Peterson asked if any thought has been given to reconsidering asking voters to approve a .5
percent sales tax for parks. Mr. Kriesel agreed that if the City wants to do anything with Lowell
Park and the Aiple property, it will need to seek additional funding, such as a sales tax.
Mr. Peterson, seconded by Mr. Cummings, moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary