11/17/2008 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
AGENDA
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
November 17, 2008
7:00 PM
Eagan Municipal Center
City Council Chambers
I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 pmm
II. Adopt Agenda 7:01 pm
III. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 20, 2008 7:02 pm
IV. Visitors to be Heard 7:03 pm
V. Director's Update Pages 3-4 7:04 pm
VI. Consent Agenda 7:07 pm
VII. Development Proposals 7:08 pm
VIII. Old Business 7:09 pm
IX. New Business
A. Review Additional Fees and Charges Pages 5-6 7:10 pm
X. Other Business and Reports
A. Park Maintenance Report Page 7 7:15 pm
B. Shade Tree Disease Report 7:30 pnz
XI. Communications 7:45 pm
XII. Round Table 7:46 prim
XIII. Adjournment 7:50 pm
The City ofEagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities, and
employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation,
or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request
at least 96 hours in advance of the event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids.
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ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
2008-2009 MEETING SCHEDULE
Jun Aug
May 16 July 18 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
NAME 19 No 14 Work 15 20 17 15 15 16 20
Shop Thurs Thurs
mtg only
Thor Anderson 0* X X
Phil Belfiori x X X x x
Jennifer Dahlquist x X X X 0*
Bruce Goff (Alternate) 0* X X X X
Laurie Halverson x X 0 X X
Duane Hansen x X X X
Dorothy Peterson x X X
Ryan Zipf x 0* X 0* X
X = present O = absent O* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting
Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Acquisitionl
Ryan Zipf Phil Belfiori Development Sub-Committee
Jennifer Dahlquist Duane Hansen Dorothy Peterson
Thor Anderson Laurie Halverson
UPCOMING MEETINGS: OPEN ISSUES:
• Carriage Hills Update
• Alternative Funding
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
2008-09 MEMBERS
NAME AND ADDRESS TERM TELEPHONE TL 'M
START cXr-?DES
THURSTON "THOR" ANDERSON 2008 651-688-8157 (H) 5/2010
1658 Mallard Drive (2 yr, 2008) 651-687-8804 (W)
MN 55122 thoranderson@yahoo.com (H)
Eagan, thurston.anderson@thnmsnn euters.com (W)
PHIL BELFIORI 2002 651-905-0293 (H) 5/2009
3671 Canary Way (1yr.2002) 651-266-9112 (W)
(3 yr, 2003) 651-230-2051 (cell)
Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr, 2006)
PhiLBelfiori ci,st aul.mn.us
JENNIFER DAHLQUIST 2007 651-994-8080 (H) 5/2010
3885 Gibraltar Trail (1 yr. 2007) 612-626-1602 (W)
Eagan, MN 55123 (2 yr, 2008) Jeffner15 anhotma! com
BRUCE GOFF (Alternate) 2008 651-686-7170 (H) 5/2009
782 Mill Run Path (1 yr. 2008) 952-833-8183 (W)
Eagan, MN 55123 Luce goff(7a comcast.net
LAURIE HALVERSON (Secretary) May, 2006 651-249-9245(Cell) 5/2009
680 Brockton Circle (1 yr, 2006) 651-686-0183 (H)
Eagan, MN 55123 (2 yr, 2007) Ihalverson@cpinternet.com
DUANE L. HANSEN May, 2004 952-894-9228 (W) 5/2010
3911 Denmark Ave (1 yr. 2004) 651-687-9566 (H)
Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr. 2005) dlhansen(a g com
(2 yr, 2008)
DOROTHY PETERSON (Chair) 2000 651-454-6532 (H) 5/2009
4337 Sequoia Drive (3 yr. 2000)
Eagan, MN 55122 (3 yr. 2003) norsk4337@iuno.com
(3 yr, 2006)
RYAN ZIPF (Vice Chair) 2005 651-686-2958-(H) 5/2009
4721 Pebble Beach Way (1 yr. 2005) 651-281-1275 (W)
Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr, 2006) rzipf mncorq
Eagan City Staff E -Mail:
islhnson@citofeagan.com cmesko@citofea ac an.com ~olsonC~cityofeaaan com
shove@cityofeagan.com emacbeth@itofeaan.com 7-30-08
Phone #651-675-5505 (Cherryl's # after 4:30 p.m.)
Eagan Parks and Recreation Phone Number: 651-675-5500
Eagan Parks and Recreation Staff E-Mail
Director
full Seydell Johnson %slohnson@cityoeagan.com
Administration:
Cherryl Mesko cmesko@cityofeagan.com
Paul Olson polson@cityoLeagan.com
Paula Nowariak pnowariak@cityofeagan.com
Sonya Rippe srit7ve@cityoLeagan.com
Forestry:
Gregg Hove ghove@citvofeaaan.com
Water Resources:
Eric Macbeth emacbeth@citvoLeagan.com
TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
FROM: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
DATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2008
ITEM I: Call to order
ITEM II: Approval of agenda
ITEM III: Approval of minutes of October 20, 2008
ITEM IV: Visitors to be Heard
Staff is not aware of any visitors who wish to address the Commission at this
time.
ITEM V: Director's Update
Director Johnson will provide a brief overview of activities and events within the
department.
ITEM VI: Consent Agenda
There are no consent agenda items for the Commission to review.
ITEM VII: Development Proposals
There are no development proposals for the Commission to review.
ITEM VIII: Old Business
There are no old business items for the Commission to review.
ITEM IX: New Business
There are two modifications to the 2009 Fees and Charges schedule that the APrC
reviewed and recommended to the City Council at their May 2008 meeting, It
would be appropriate to review the modifications and make a recommendation to
the City Council. The City Council will be reviewing the entire 2009 Fees and
Charges schedule at their December 16 meeting.
ITEM X: Other Business and Reports
Staff will provide an overview and update on both Park Maintenance and Forestry
operations.
ITEM XI: Communications
1
ITEM X-U: Round Table
ITEM XIV: Adjournment
NOVEMBER 2008
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IMAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE
• Business Week named Eagan as the best place in Minnesota to raise a family, much of it due to the
abundance of parks and open space.
• The Halloween Hodgepodge community event was held on Sunday, October 26"' at the Eagan
Community Center. The event drew 1,024 people from Eagan and outside the area. More than
60 volunteers gave their time for the event including several local girl & boy scout troops and teens
from Eagan High School's National Honor Society.
• The Indoor Community Garage Sale is coming Saturday, January 31st at the Eagan Community
Center. A third gym is being added to allow for additional vendor booths since last year the vendor
space sold out and had a waiting list. Registration for vendor booths will begin on November 24"'
while supplies last.
• Hiring of seasonal staff for the outdoor ice rinks and tubing hill has begun. These facilities are
scheduled to open, weather permitting, on Friday, December 19.
• The bid opening for the new field lights at Northview is scheduled for December 8`h, work is
scheduled to take place over the winter.
• The new sun shelter has been installed at Patrick Eagan Park; work is underway on the new
observation deck in the area of the old parking lot. Work on the deck and prairie restoration is
scheduled for spring completion.
• Rink flooding... yes rink flooding-will probably be underway by the next time the APrC meets.
As usual a split schedule will be used to allow for overnight flooding.
• The Dakota County Library will be moving back to their building in early January. Their presence
in the Civic Arena mezzanine has been a positive situation for both the County and the City and has
exposed thousands of people to the Civic Arena.
SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• The Blast daily admissions have continued to be strong. Through the end of October, the budgeted
number of daily admissions has already been exceeded. Approximately 7,900 visits were budgeted,
and just over 8,300 have been recorded through October 31 S`.
• The Preschool Open Gym program is going gangbusters! Last fall, the ECC went from offering the
program only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to every day of the week. As of October 3 Is', tile
numbers have exceeded the budget projections by over 600 admissions.
• Concession sales on Saturday, November 8 for the EAA travel basketball tournament at ECC were
57% of an average weekly concessions total.
• Proposals are out to caterers interested in bidding the exclusive catering and beverage service at
ECC. The deadline for submission is November 25.
STRENGTHEN SAFETY AND SECURITY
• 38 youth are registered for the Babysitting & Latchkey Clinic held at Fire Admin on Saturday,
November 15`h. This program is a partnership between the Fire Auxiliary and Parks & Recreation.
• Eagan Fire Department will be providing Fire Prevention and Safety visits and lessons to the
preschool classes during the month of November. The Fire Department has committed to 12 visits
to meet with all the classes and reach almost 300 children!
PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
• Adapted Soccer ended on October 19`h with 19 youth participating. Youth in the program were
treated to a special visit by a professional soccer player from the Minnesota Thunder and
3
children/parents in the program were given the opportunity to attend the closing Minnesota
Thunder game for free.
• Adapted Floor Hockey began on November 2nd. 14 youth are participating in the floor hockey skill
development program which lasts six weeks. Two new volunteers were recruited to assist staff.
• Registration has begun for the winter adult sports leagues, including basketball, boot hockey,
broomball and volleyball. Leagues begin after the first of the year.
• Group fitness class attendance in October is matching the numbers from January/February, the
busiest months of the year.
PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
• The last day of the Buckthorn pickup is scheduled for November 17. Forestry crews will now focus
on removing invasive species in park areas.
• The Civic Arena hosted a shoe recycling project from November 10-16. Shoes of all kinds could be
deposited into a container to be collected and shredded by a local company, Wipers Recycling
LLC. After 2 days the company had to empty the container when it was overflowing.
FACILITATE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
• Seventeen (17) local businesses participated in the Trick or Treat on Oak Street Activity as part of
the Halloween Hodgepodge Kowalski's Market donated $300 worth of candy as a Trick or Treat
Partner and Oak Trust Credit Union donated children's color-your-own magnets and $250 cash as
the Game Station Partner.
• The Wescott Library has partnered with the Eagan Parks and Recreation for Library story times this
fall. In addition to story time for everyone at the Eagan Community Center, the Library will be
visiting the preschool classes 20 times this fall. The children and parents have really enjoyed the
partnership and the Library has indicated a desire to continue the visits in the coming preschool
sessions!
PROVIDE RECREATION EXPERIENCES
• School's Out Programs continue to struggle to gain participants. This seems to be a trend
throughout the area as many local cities also reported declining attendance and cancellation of
MEA October programs and trips due to lack of enrollment. In an effort to meet resident requests
for drop-in MEA programs, a three day drop-in program was offered over MEA break in October.
Two days had zero attendees and one day had three pre-registered attendees and no drop-ins. The
department will continue to try new, interesting programs and build excitement for school's out
programs. The next opportunity is over Spring Break.
KUDOS TO STAFF:
• Thanks goes out to Melissa Lockman, MOD for the Oasis Teen Center for taking on the project of
conceptualizing, building and supervising the new Haunted House feature for youth at the
Halloween Hodgepodge. She spent a good part of Saturday, October 25`h building the haunted
house. Feedback was good from visitors that it wasn't too scary but the perfect amount of thrills
for younger youth.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
• A reminder that boulevard trails are being done "in-house" this winter. They will be secondary to
plowing streets thus there may be some delay in them being cleared after snow... this includes the
ECC trails.
4
Date: November 14, 2008
Agenda Item: IX-A; Review Additional Fees and a
Charges
a. M y of Ea p Action M
EMO informatiAttachmets rxq Band Shell Comparisons
AGENDA ITEM: REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL 2009 FEES AND CHARGES
TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
PREPARED BY: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
ITEM OVERVIEW: Changes to the 2009 Pee Schedule previously approved for recommendation by the
APrC.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The APrC made a recommendation to approve department wide fees at their May 2008 sleeting. The City
Council is scheduled to review the overall 2009 fees and charges at their December 16 meeting. Since the
APrC review in May there have been two changes that need to be considered for potential inclusion in the
2009 fee structure.
FIELD LIGHTING
The May approval by the APrC included a fee of $57 per hour for all four fields at Northview and
$30 per hour per field at Goat Hill. This represented a $2 increase per hour from 2008. While
notifying users of this fee increase, staff found that EAA baseball had not been charged for use of
lights during practice for a number of years. This was not a part of an approved policy. EAA
football as well as softball and baseball tournaments have been paying this fee. Understandably,
EAA baseball is concerned with adding this fee to their expenses. After further discussions with
EAA regarding the previously recommended 2009 fees and charges, staff suggests consideration
of the following:
• Revising the lights fee for EAA. To implement a two year phase-in of field light fees for
EAA sports that have not previously paid this fee. Year 1 (2009) would be 50% of the actual
fee ($28.50 and $15.00) and Year 2 (2010) would be the full fee.
BAND SHELL
The May approval by the APrC included rental fees for the Band Shell of $355 and $670 for half
day and full day resident rental. With the full sound system, the rental increased to $565 and $705
for half day and full day resident rental.
The Band Shell fees were first introduced in 2006 after the sound system was installed
anticipating there would be several requests to use the space. Groups or individuals who may
have reserved this space didn't follow though primarily because of the cost. In order to capture
revenue that might otherwise be lost, staff has looked at an alternate pricing structure that will
encourage more Band Shell rentals. In reviewing other like facilities in the metro area, Centennial
Lakes, Woodbury Central Park, Phalen Park Amphitheatre and Maplewood staff found that the
new fees are more in line with those pricing structures.
The new suggested pricing structure would include:
New 2009 Recommendation
*includes staff May Recommendation Resident Non-Resident/For Profit
Band Shell Only $355/670 Half/Full Day - Resident $75/hour $100/hour
$445/840 Half/Full Day-Non-Resident
Band Shell w/Sound $565/705 Half/Full Day - Resident $120/hour* $l50/hour'
system $1050/1310 Half/Full Day-Non-Res $50 microphone only $50 microphone only
Wedding ceremonies $58 in conjunction with ECC rental $58/hour $65/hour
$50/hour w/Oaks rental $50/hour w/Oaks rental
Wedding ceremonies $100/hour* $125/hour*
With Sound System $50 microphone only $50 microphone only
ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
i . Recommend to the City Council approval of the revised Field Lighting and Band Shell fees to be
included in the 2009 Fees and Charges schedule as proposed,
2. Recommend to the City Council approval of the revised Field Lighting and Band Shell fees to be
included in the 2009 Fees and Charges schedule as amended.
3. Other.
Band Shell comparisons
Centennial Lakes
• $250/wedding - 3 hours
• $75/wedding if reception at CL
Woodbury Central Park (indoors)
• $100/hr-2 hr minimum
Phalen Park Amphitheatre
• $58.50/hr - 1.5 hours
• $38 each additional hour
Maplewood
+ $150/hr-1 to 3 hours
• $125/hr-4to 6 hours
Date: November 14, 2008
Agenda Item: X-A: Park Maintenance Report
Action
Information
1 y Attachments
C of Eap s
MEMO
AGENDA ITEM: X A. 2008 PARKS MAINTENANCE REPORT
TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
PREPARED BY: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
ITEM OVERVIEW: An overview of projects and activities conducted by the Parks Maintenance
Division during 2008
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The Parks Maintenance Division is responsible for the year round maintenance, repair and
improvement of all 54 City park areas and the amenities contained within. Maintenance also extends
to most of the other City owned properties including fires stations, pump houses and administrative
buildings. The Parks Division works closely with the Recreation Division to facilitate programs,
leagues, tournaments and events sponsored by the City or local athletic associations. Regular
coordination also occurs with the Forestry Division and other City Departments including providing
assistance to the Street Department in City wide snow removal.
DISCUSSION/EVALUATION:
The 2008 report will focus primarily on new projects and park development. The evolving needs of
residents, the variety of facilities, the age of facilities (some are now 30 years old) and the desire to
provide quality experiences necessitate constant change. The maintenance staff often undertakes
elements of development projects especially those related to construction and installation to help
control cost and maximize expenditures.
ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
This report is intended to provide information, no action is required. The report will provide
a visual summation using pictures taken over the course of the year.
Subject to Approval
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN. MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2008
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on October 20, 2008
with the following Commission Members present: Thor Anderson, Phil Belfiori, Bruce Goff, Laurie Halverson,
Duane Hansen, Dorothy Peterson and Ryan Zipf. Member Jennifer Dahlquist was not present. Staff included
Director Juli Seydell Johnson; Superintendent of Operations, Cherryl Mesko; Superintendent of Parks, Paul Olson;
Water Resources Coordinator, Eric Macbeth and Campus Facility Manager Mark Vaughan.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Zipf moved, Member Halvorson seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve
the agenda as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2008
Member Peterson pointed out a typo on the first line of the September 15'b minutes under the Directors
update, it should read, "..enjoy the parks and trails". Member Halvorson moved, Member Hanson seconded, with all
present members voting in favor to approve the minutes of September 15, 2008 as amended.
VISITORS TO BE 14EARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
DIRECTOR'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Director Johnson noted several park maintenance items in preparation for snow. She pointed out that one of
the newer projects this fall is a fabric shade being installed near the Band Shell in Central Park along with more trees
being planted to help with additional shade during events on hot summer days. Director John-_e' =.,,ra cd folks
to come out to the Halloween Hodgepodge event at the Eagan Community Center on Sunday October 26 from 4-8
pm and reminded the public that the Old Fashion Holiday at Holz Farm Park will be hosted the first week in
December from 12 -3:30 pm.
Other projects noted were the rinks at Pilot Knob, Woodhaven and Lexington Park which are being
modified and improved. Pilot Knob Park will be used for the upcoming hockey and ice season and also as a
premier wiffleball location since wiffleball leagues have been quite popular over the last couple of years.
Director Johnson concluded that the Library is doing very well in the Civic Arena mezzanine and has been
working cooperatively with Recreation staff during preschool story times and teen activities.
CONSENT AGENDA
Member Zipf moved and Member Halvorson seconded with all members voting in favor that the City
Council approve the following recommendations for Norton Heights development:
1. This proposal shall be subject to a cash parks and trails dedication for the newly created Lot I.
2. This proposal shall be subject to an Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan at the time of building
permit application for Lot 1.
3. This proposal shall be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of on-site water quality ponding.
APrC Minutes
September 20, 2008
Page 2
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review.
OLD BUSINESS
Close Public Comment Period for Public Art Request
Director Johnson provided a brief background regarding the September public art request where the
Advisory Commission officially opened a 30 day comment period to review the proposed art.
Recreation Supervisor Julie Anderson presented the tile mosaic art project which was to be completed by
the community during a workshop and when finished it would be moved periodically around various sites within
Eagan. A 30day comment period was opened up starting September 16`h to provide feedback to the APrC and City
Council, which would help them decide where the mosaic would be displayed. Although there was publicity given
for the project, no comments were received by the public.
Member Peterson asked how close the project was to being completed. Director Johnson responded that
there was more work to be done so the public would still have an opportunity to participate in the project. Member
Peterson then went on to say that according to the policy, once they close the 30 day comment period ends it is then
recommended to go to the City Council for their approval. She then asked if it was up to the Commission to
determine the location where the project should be placed or could they just recommend rotating sites. Director
Johnson responded that it would be appropriate to say rotating sites based upon staff recommendation.
Member Peterson moved to close the 30 comment period and recommend that the City Council approve the
Community tile mosaic project to be displayed temporarily in a park or other public space on a rotating basis as staff
and Commission may determine. Member Zipf seconded with all members voting in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
Trapp Farm Park Cell Tower Request
Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks, presented a proposal for T-mobile to place an antenna on one of the
existing Highline Towers in Trapp Farm Park as well as leasing some ground space for a small building and access
road. Superintendent Olson explained that there were two parts to this negotiation:
• T-Mobile would lease from Excel for use of the existing Tower.
• The City would negotiate with T-mobile for ground space for a building and small access road.
Pending the Commission's recommendation to poceed the City will work with the City Attorney, the
Consultant and T-mobile to develop a lease that will ultimately go to the City Council for final approval.
Superintendent Olson laid out 12 conditions of this lease:
1. Prompt restoration following the construction.
2. Notify and work with City Staff.
3. Adhering to applicable City building and property management codes.
4. Prepare a Landscape Plan.
5. Gravel for use of driveway (City will suggest grass pavers or some other underground system that will
support traffic.)
6. Appropriate erosion control measures, installing a swale to capture any erosion sediment along the
road .
7. Maintain the access road in the condition that is appropriate for use of
8. Repair/replace the existing bituminous trail at the discretion of the City.
APrC Minutes
September 20, 2008
Page 3
9. Plow the Trail.
10. Provide appropriate signage.
11. No hindering of Public use of the Park, park activities or the trail.
12. Provide the City with notice of any activity that may exceed the bounds of the lease.
Member Peterson asked if these 12 conditions should be part of the motion. Superintendent Olson agreed.
Member Zipf moved that the City of Eagan enter negotiations for a lease with T-mobile for ground space in Trapp
Farm Park to include the terms and conditions included in the staff report. Member Halvorson seconded with all
members voting in favor.
Terra Glenn Revised Wetland Replacement Plan
Coordinator Eric Macbeth presented a proposal to satisfy a previously approved wetland replacement plan
through withdrawal of wetland bank credits versus continuing ongoing efforts to create on-site wetland. He
explained that the new proposal would replace the original 5000 square feet of wetland impact with about 5800
square feet so there is an increase in the replacement for the wetland in the woods as well as the replacement for the
area along Hunt Drive, which is increased from what was originally acquired. The final result would be that the
developer would withdraw wetland credits to satisfy the replacement in the woods for that impact and then transfer
the balance to reimburse the City's wetland bank account.
Member Peterson asked if the pond that was mentioned in the workshop is working the way that the
wetland is supposed to work and questioned if this is a positive for the City. Coordinator Macbeth stated that it is
functioning for storm water purposes however water is infiltrating in the site rather than ponding.
Member Belfori moved to approve the replacement of the onsite wetland mitigation with banked credits as
indicated by Coordinator Macbeth. Member Peterson asked if this recommendation would go to Council. Macbeth
stated it should go to Council for recommendation in November. Member Peterson asked Member Belfori if he
would agree to an amendment to the motion that forwards the recommendation to the Council. Member Belfori
agreed. Member Hansen seconded the motion with all members voting in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
Superintendent Mesko explained that the enterprise facilities have been integrated into the regular
presentations to the APrC so that they are aware of the regular activities, operations and cha;leilg.- U: t;,Q
Community Center, Cascade Bay and Civic Arena. She noted that the community center had provided a recent
update and then introduced Campus Facilities Manager Mark Vaughan who would present an overview of the
Cascade Bay and Civic Arena operations.
Manager Vaughan provided an in depth overview of the 2008 Cascade Bay season. Some of the highlights
included attendance, season passes and revenue. It was noted that daily admissions generate the highest percentage
of revenue but that there was a slight decline in Season Passes sold. Manager Vaughan expressed concern with the
escalating utility costs and will continue to look for ways to bring those costs down. Member Hanson asked if
Cascade Bay participates in an energy audit plan to keep utilities down. Manager Vaughan explained that they are
looking at several options.
Looking ahead in 2009 Manager Vaughan stated the focus would be on providing the best value for the
public's limited disposable income. Member Halvorson complimented staff for providing a safe and fun
environment. Member Peterson asked if there are any plans for new elements in the next year or so. Manager
Vaughan stated that there main focus right now is on the utilities, good service and good value. Member Zipf asked
if there are any concerns with the Apple Valley facility and the new features they are adding. Vaughan responded
that it may affect Cascade Bay at first, but feels the difference that will keep visitors coming back will be the
atmosphere, added value and great staff at Cascade Bay. It was also noted that Cascade Bay is a destination of
choice for many groups, which has been a growing element of the water park's success. Director Johnson thanked
Jennifer Nelson for the positive way that she coordinates the group rentals for Cascade Bay.
APrC Minutes
September 20, 2008
Page 4
Manager Vaughan continued presentation highlighting 2008 Civic Arena expenses, revenue, skating
school, adult hockey leagues, programs and services, dry floor events and rentals. He noted that like Cascade Bay
the utilities for the Civic Arena are high and they are looking into ways to slow the rising costs. The Civic Arena has
seen increased traffic by 3000 per week since the Library has moved into its temporary spot in the mezzanine and
has brought positive comments.
In 2009 the focus will remain on energy conservation, more programming of weekend ice in the summer,
daytime skating rentals, private rentals, mezzanine promotions, Arena softball and kickball promotions, sponsorship
packages, and continuing the Home Show. Member Goff asked if there has been any cost analysis done between
using the arena specifically for dry land vs. ice time as far as how much revenue is generated between the two.
Manager Vaughan said he has not done an actual study but when the turf is in there are some cost savings
particularly with the compressors and ice resurfacer.
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Communications items for the Commission to review.
ROUND TABLE
Member Thurston mentioned that he was approached by a neighbor who suggested staggering the archery
targets at Walnut Hill Park instead of having them all in a row due to the increasde usage in August and September.
Superintendant Olson responded that the targets themselves cannot be staggered because they are cemented in, but
the shooting stations are staggered and they are marked by a wooden post.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Member Zipf moved, Member Halvorson seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Secretary Date