Parks Commission Minutes 10-18-1995MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING . PARKS COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 18,1995 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Bruce Thielen, Larry prcl^ c F^ , Stc.-c Andraws,
Earl Smith
Staff Present: Jeff ONeill, Roger Mack, Wanda Kraemer
1. Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bruce Thielen.
2. Vnwdderation of approving minutes for thp reinlinr meetinSseptember 20.
1335,
FRAN FAIR MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE
REGULAR MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1995. SECONDED BY LARRY
NOLAN. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Consideration of adding agenda ite a,
A. Jeff ONeill requested to add an update to review the consideration of
the City operating a proposed community ice arena funded and
constructed by the school district.
4. iodateon the Battle Rapi a Townhouse Associa ion Reag ..
Jeff ONeill, Assistant Administrator, reported that the forester from the
DNR inspected the site across from the Battle Rapids Townhomes along the
Mississippi River. The forester suggested that the City could remove the Bog
Elder Trees because they discourage growth of vegetation that controls river
bank erosion and the Elm Trees could be removed because there are signs of
Dutch Elm Disease. He said that "windows" should not be cut into the
existing vegetation wall and to make sure a canopy remains. Because of the
power lines overhead it would be dangerous for the Battle Rapids Townhome
Association to help with this project. It should be done by the City or the
power company.
The Parks Commission discussed the forester's suggestions and agreed that
Roger Mack, Parks Superintendent, should handle the removal of the trees.
Update on the Chamber Riga development.
Jeff ONeill, Assistant Administrator, explained that the Chamber of
Commerce assumed somehow that the City was going to pay for one-third of
the new sign being erected at the Chamber site for non profit organizations to
Parks Commission Minutes 10/18/95
advertise events. City staff was unaware that the Chamber of Commerce
expected a donation other than minor assistance with sign base placement
According to Cindy Johnson, Monticello Chamber of Commerce, the total sign
cost is $10,000 so the City's share would be $2,500. Johnson added when the
sign company contacted the City regarding the layout of the map she thought
the price was discussed. She expressed her apologize that there was a
misunderstanding but was hopeful the Parks Commission would agree to the
cost because the sign is ready to install.
The Commission discussed the series of events and at no time could anyone
remember a cost to the City being mentioned but agreed that at this point
there were not many choices to take. Because of the $2,500 amount needed
to pay for the sign, this item would need the final approval from the City
Council. Chairman Thielen and Jeff ONeill agreed to talk to Mayor Fyle
and explain the situation.
6. Develoy a timp. schedule to comms to the requPsta from Planning Co mission
fa:
a. Define current policiestordinances governing trees
b. Define current tree planting efforts
C. Define problems and shortfalls in existing program.
d. Develop a Shade Tree Program
1. Complete tree inventory
2. Establish planting standards and criteria
3. Conduct tree planting project or initiate incentive
program
4. Adopt ordinance amendments as necessary.
Item 6 was tabled until the next meeting to allow more time for discussion.
7. 011=.
Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, reported that the consideration of
operating a proposed community ice arena funded and constructed by the
School District would be on the next City Cowicil agenda. The City Council
requested that a budget be assembled showing the costs in running an ice
arena; O'Neill reviewed this budget with the Park Commissioners and asked
for their viewpoint on this issue.
The Commissioners discussed the budget and thought there would be very
little risk to the City. The school would be providing the land and the
building so there would not be a debt to pay off. If the City is going to attract
higher scale homes then more amenities need to be offered. A hockey arena
would be a perfect example of an amenities that would encourage this plan.
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Parks Commission Minutes 10/18/95
COMMISSIONER NOLAN MADE A MOTION TO ENTER AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE CITY TO
OPERATE THE HOCKEY ARENA ON THE BASIS THAT THE CITY
RECEIVES THE REVENUE AND PAYS THE EXPENSES FOR THE
FOLLOWING REASONS:
1. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS THE PROPER BODY FOR PROVING
THE UNDERLYING FUNDING FOR THE ARENA BECAUSE IT
RESULTS IN TAXATION OF THE USER BASE OF THE FACILITY.
2. THE ARENA IS LIKELY TO CASH FLOW WHEN LONG-TERM
MAINTENANCE COSTS AND DEBT SERVICE ARE NOT
INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET.
3. THE ARENA WOULD RESULT IN ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO CITY
COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES.
4. THE NEED FOR THIS TYPE OF RECREATION SERVICE HAS
BEEN DEMONSTRATED SUFFICIENTLY TO JUSTIFY A
REFERENDUM ON THE TOPIC. THE AREA IS RIPE FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ICE AREA GIVEN THE DEMAND FOR ICE
TIME FROM NEARBY HOCKEY ASSOCIATIONS.
5. THE ARENA WILL MAKE MONTICELLO A MORE ATTRACTIVE
COMMUNITY, WHICH WILL BENEFIT HOUSING STOCK AND
REAL ESTATE VALUES.
SECONDED BY FRAN FAIR. Motion passed unanimously.
Adinurn•
COMMISSION NOLAN MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
SECONDED BY STEVE ANDREWS.
Respectfully submitted,
Wanda Kraemer
Development Services Technician
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