Parks Commission Minutes 02-05-1992_ MINUTES
C SPECIAL MEETING - MONTICELLO PARRS COMMISSION
Wednesday, February 5, 1992 - 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Dick Frio, Bruce Thielen, Roger Carlson, Larry
Nolan
Members Absent: Fran Fair
1. Receive staff update on process of selecting consultant to
conduct feasibility study on development of water park. AND
Review Council request that the Parks Commission develop a
City policy outlininq City participation in development and
operation of an ice arena.
The Assistant Administrator informed the Parks Commission that
at the most recent Council meeting, Council had received
testimony from members of the Hockey Association. The
Association expressed the desire that the City investigate the
possibility of developing an arena. Council directed City
staff to refer the matter to the Parks Commission for further
study and determine to what extent the City should be applying
resources toward development of an ice arena.
O'Neill also noted that, at the Same meeting, some Council
members expressed serious concern regarding the potential cost
of the aquatic center and some members also noted that the
input they received from citizens regarding the aquatic center
proposal had not been positive.
Members of the School District administration and Board spoke
to the commission.
Shelly Johnson informed the Planning Commission that at the
previous School Board meeting, it was determined that the
Buildings and Ground Subcommittee (Herbst, Vandell) should
meet with the Parks Commission to express a willingness to
meet with the City and other jurisdictions for the purpose of
identifying park needs and defining opportunities for mutual
benefit and cooperation.
Russ Vandell stated he is excited about the aquatic center and
noted there must be an opportunity to team up with the City.
For instance, the aquatic center could be located near a
future arena so as to allow for joint parking.
Jim Herbst noted that the City and School should work hand in
hand toward development of an all-purpose arena.
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Dick Fria stated that it makes sense to develop a partnership
and develop an ongoing relationship that will allow the
City/School/Township to work together in meeting the park and
recreation needs of the community in an efficient manner.
Members of the Hockey Association mentioned successful
cooperative efforts by other communities to develop civic
centers. Gene Opatz stated if we work together as a
community, we can get it done.
Mark Holmes noted that the aquatic center is not as desireable
because it can only be used three months per year.
Bruce Thielen reminded the group that hockey arenas can be a
financial drain on the community. He outlined problems with
the Delano and Buffalo facilities.
Joe Havel stated that many of the problems can be overcome by
proper facility design and good management. When analyzing
risk, we should look at the good facilities and not just the
ones that have suffered losses.
Ruse Vandell agreed. There are places that have done things
the wrong way. We need to take a look at what is possible,
identify the pitfalls, and do a first class job.
Dick Frie noted that he has researched a number of facilities.
The common theme of success stories is that successful
ventures were cooperative ventures.
A general discussion ensued.
After discussion, a motion was made by Bruce Thielen and
seconded by Larry Nolan to recommend that Council direct City
staff to organize a meeting between the City, School, and
Townships (Monticello, Big Lake, Silver Creek, Becker, Otsego)
for the purpose of defining area recreation needs and for the
purpose of identifying opportunities for satisfying needs in
a cooperative, cost efficient manner. Notion carried
unanimously.
Review Council action on West Bridqe warming house.
After discussion, a motion was made by Bruce Thielen and
seconded by Roger Carlson to table further recommendation to
Council pending preparation of additional cost figures.
Motion carried unanimously.
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It was the consensus of the group to ultimately recommend
development of a structure that will look nice and not
resemble a garage. It should be attractive, particularly
because of the high visibility of the structure from
Highway 25.
Jeff O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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