Board of Park Commissioners

BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES City Hall, 11th Floor Park Conference Room 455 N. Main December 16, 2013 3pm Present: Bryan Frye, Cindy Claycomb, Steve Hieger, Hoyt Hillman, Tom Roth, Ron Allen Absent: None Also Present: Doug Kupper, Director of Park and Recreation, Elizabeth Harlenske, City Assistant Attorney, Christina Butler, Clerk, Troy Hendricks, Karen Holmes, Angela Buckner, Elizabeth Goltry, Scott Knebel, City Staff, Mary Lou Rivers, John Stevens, John Todd, Jason Gregory, Citizens. The meeting was called to order at approximately 3:00pm. PUBLIC AGENDA None. REGULAR AGENDA Item 1: Approval of Minutes Motion by Frye, second by Hillman, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to approve, sign and file minutes of the November 18, 2013, Board of Park Commissioners Regular Meeting. Item 2A: Fee Increase for Golf Frye stated that the Golf Advisory Committee (GAC) met the previous week and talked about rounds and projections. He noted that two years ago they had talked about looking at fees every year and make recommendations accordingly. He stated that they are down slightly this year compared to last year’s numbers, but even with two years ago. The GAC had approved and was recommending increasing golf cart fees to $7 per person for 9 holes and $12 for 18 holes. Currently it is $10.60 for 18 holes. He stated that the Golf Division had added 47 new carts to the cart fleet this year. Hieger asked how long they use them. Hendricks stated that the carts at Auburn Hills were 10 years old and they would probably keep them 2- 3 more years. Frye added that this would come from operating expenses, rather than capital expenses. The GAC also looked at green fees and was recommending keeping Clapp and Auburn Hills at the same rate, but increasing MacDonald, Tex Consolver and Sim $1 per round. This could be a possible $65,000 in additional revenue. This fee increase will have to be approved by the Park Board and then go to City BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 1 of 11 Council with the recommendation from the Park Board and the GAC. Juniors’ and seniors’ fees will not be affected. The GAC discussed what the revenue increase might be if they took out couponing and did not have to increase green fees. Staff also would not have to deal with the coupons. Kupper noted that the GAC asked staff to look at getting rid of coupons. If they do not do coupons in May they could potentially generate $6,800 dollars extra revenue. He noted though that the coupons are meant to drive people to play in the afternoon. He has directed Hamm not to offer coupons in May. Hillman stated that pace of play was mentioned at the GAC meeting and it was suggested to use volunteers who could then play a round of golf in exchange for their time. Frye noted that pace of play has been an issue from the beginning and that faster pace means more golfers and more rounds played. Claycomb asked if they could raise $65,000 if they have the same number of rounds. Kupper responded yes. Claycomb asked if they could generate $6,800 if they decrease specials and coupons. Kupper responded yes. Claycomb asked if they could still get the $65,000 if they reduced specials without increasing rates. Kupper responded that getting rid of discounts would not generate the additional revenue. He noted they have approximately 23 specials running. Frye asked if there was public comment. There was none. He noted that it was a unanimous vote from the GAC to make the two recommendations for golf cart increases and a $1 per round increase. He added they did not raise fees at two courses, so it was not a unilateral increase. They only increased fees at the three courses that have the most players giving them the greatest opportunity for revenue increases. Claycomb noted that when they talked to the golf community at the public meetings, they said they would be ok with increases. Kupper added that they did go a year without increases. Frye stated they had made improvements at the courses and were making the debt payment even though they took a little hit this year. Kupper noted that when comparing numbers on reports, the City’s golf courses’ percent of loss is better than statewide numbers and they are doing better than their competition. Motion by Frye, second by Claycomb, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to approve the GAC recommendation to increase green fees by $1 at Sim, Tex Consolver, and MacDonald and stay flat at Auburn Hills and Clapp with no change for juniors’ and seniors’ fees (6-0). Frye asked staff to develop a green sheet to include the golf cart fee increase. He stated he thought they BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 2 of 11 should have the golf cart increase included on the green sheet for transparency even though they are not required to seek City Council approval for the golf cart increase. Kupper agreed. He also noted they have discovered an inordinate number of Auburn Hills’ residents who have purchased their own carts and are driving minors on the paths to go to the local Sonic. Some have towed buddies and have affected the golf courses. He stated they will ask police to watch the area and escort youth home explaining to parents that this is not acceptable behavior. Frye asked if they have gone to the Homeowners Association (HOA). Kupper stated that Councilman Blubaugh suggested talking to the HOA too and noted that the new department of Community Engagement might be able to help with this. Harlenske noted that they have to be licensed and insured in order to drive the carts on the street. Frye asked if they allow private carts on the course. Kupper responded no. He noted that some courses charge $10 to use a private cart. Frye stated they might need to bring this up to the GAC. Claycomb asked for an update on hiring a Golf Division Manager. Kupper stated they had made two offers and have been rejected. He was reconvening the golf interview panel to review the candidates remaining in the pool. Item 3A: Update on River Vista Apartments including Possible Riverbank and Delano Park Improvements (Scott Knebel) Knebel noted he is with the MAPD working on the River Vista Project. The last time he was in front of the Park Board, there were plans to do river corridor improvements to the bank, but they did not have plans to show to the Park Board. They have since developed a preliminary site plan along with ideas brought up by the Park Board at the last meeting. They have submitted the plans to the State of Kansas through STAR Bond funding which funded the Drury Hotel project and the Keeper of the Plains project. They hope to hear soon if the project is approved. They will go back to the drawing board if it is denied. If it is approved, the developer can come back to the Park Board to further explain the plan. Hillman asked if there is a mural at the wall behind the bull. Knebel responded not yet. Kupper noted that the details have not been ironed out yet. They had talked in house to move the historic icons closer to the bull. Claycomb asked how large the amphitheater will be. Knebel responded he was not sure, but he thought it could seat several 100 people, but not 2,000. He showed various concepts of the river view on the west bank and reviewed the preliminary platte for the site. Delano Park would lose approximately 2386 square feet out of the park to allow for a new four- story building with a boat/bike rental space and a restaurant/banquet space with office use. BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 3 of 11 Allen asked if there would be a fall-out shelter in the building. Knebel responded that the boat/bike storage area would do double duty as a storm shelter for the area. Claycomb asked who owns the land. Kupper responded that per Charter Ordinance 125, the Park Board has to give authority to say yea or no to that enclosure since it was deeded after 1972. Frye asked if there was any public comment. John Stevens (3125 E. Boston) noted he was a former Park Board member and they had many discussions about giving away park land during his time on the Board and it was not even a consideration back then. The Board had worked out a deal with the 13th Street construction for a fence to be put up at Clapp Golf Course. He suggested that the Board really think about this because the developers got the land for nothing and they can afford to pay something for enhancements to the park. Mary Lou Rivers (6027 N. Meridian) stated she was responsible for Delano Park and is opposed to any land being lost for development. She agreed with Mr. Stevens that they got the land at a good price and will be continuing to make money off of it. The Delano Association and Historic Delano Association have big plans for the Park and are politicking for Chisholm Trail to become a national trail with a national office possibly on the river bank along the Chisholm Trail. There were other proposals for redoing the plaques in the park (Chisholm Trail marker, Ackerman’s Island marker and Delano Park marker) to make them more prominent and at no cost to the City. The developer would not charge for doing this. There were many things going on in the park that the association had not come to the Board about yet. They were also pushing for a bike trail along the old railroad corridor to Delano Park and were hoping more things would happen across the street from Delano Park. She stated she was shocked that the area would be platted without the Board’s approval and this angered her a lot because of the work she did for the park and Delano. John Todd (1559 N. Payne) stated he was a member of the Delano Committee and felt if the City was considering moving something from park land to commercial the Delano Committee should have something to say about it. He asked what the developer was proposing to pay for the 2400 square feet. Knebel responded that $100,000 was the original offer and nothing additional was offered. Todd stated that in 2008, the City purchased the nine acres for $8.50 per square foot. He was not sure they should let the land go for free. He then asked how big the STAR Bond project is. Knebel responded it is $6.5 million. Todd asked if the area where the sales tax would be collected would be the $2.5 million TIF. Knebel responded yes and that the project will not happen without the STAR Bond. Todd asked Knebel to explain to the group how the STAR Bond and TIF works. BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 4 of 11 Knebel stated that the STAR Bond was created by the State of Kansas to issue bonds to finance commercial development of an area for tourism or entertainment and use the sales tax generated by the development to pay off the bond. Frye stated that the Board has endorsed the STAR Bond project. Todd noted that 2,300 square feet would make a difference. He had spent 30 years in real estate and was bothered that some pay $1 per year for 99 years for land and now this land is going for $0.47 per square foot. He felt that the Board should be charged with looking out for the citizens’ best interest. Frye asked if it is standard for platting to be done first and if the platting is set in stone. Knebel responded no. Hillman stated he would like to recommend that the Delano Overlay Committee get with Knebel to develop an improved plan that would not take park space because most of the land needs to be used for walkways for boats. Frye asked what the Delano Overlay Committee is. Knebel responded that they advise the Planning Director on issuance of building permits. They are pulled in under certain circumstances, but typically when developers have filed for building permit or zoning changes. Frye asked if the additional 2,300 square feet is being asked for due to an additional building that was not in the original plan. Knebel responded that the boats and bikes area was being increased due to new information received from previous meetings. Frye stated that one could make the argument that new amenities are being brought to the table. Kupper stated that the river bank was going to be improved whether the building is expanded or not and that some amount of new amenities would have been created just to brighten the area. He stated there would be improvements to the river bank and possibly Delano Park whether they get the 2,300 square feet or not. Claycomb asked how they will pay for it. Kupper stated they will still use STAR Bonds. Whether the incremental value of the additional amenities is of equal value could be questioned. Frye asked if there were agents for the developer present to give more specifics. Kupper responded no. He stated the boats and bikes area was right on the property line. It will be perpendicular rather than parallel to the river, deeper rather than wider. There was always going to be a 2nd floor above water level for storage. Hillman stated he would like to move this back to the Delano Overlay and let them work out the details. BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 5 of 11 Knebel responded he did not think that was the proper way to handle the situation. Frye asked if there were plans to go to the Delano Overlay Committee with this. Knebel responded yes and stated that he is on the committee. Kupper stated if the Board wants to direct staff to try to get the developers to come to the January meeting, he could try to do that, but eventually the Board is going to have to say yes or no to giving up 2,400 square feet. Hieger asked if the developer has to build the amphitheater. Kupper responded that there are many meetings that have to go on before that is decided. He also brought to the developer’s attention that there is now a floating stage so maybe the seating could be moved closer to the river in order to incorporate the floating stage for performances. Hieger asked if it is accurate to say the developer is doing this enhancement because of the additional land for which they are asking. Kupper responded no. The City paid Law Kingdon to do the improvements and there were improvements to the bank planned to be done because of the Quality of Life. This project could create the taxes to make this come to fruition. Frye stated this is the catalyst to make this happen. Kupper stated that fundamentally it is $6.5 million from capital improvements. Hillman stated that in talking to Mr. Layton, he promised that the first spring project to finish is the project by Gander Mountain. Hillman felt that bringing another stage in would block the WSU access to the river and would make it unusable for rowing. He thinks the Board should look at these very carefully and have the developers discuss this. Kupper stated that the stage can be moved. The concept of the floating stage is that it can be moved with anchor settings being moved and recreating the points for the anchors. The contractor that built it has offered to move it. The real issue that will have to be dealt with is the property encroachment. Hieger suggested having some enhancements for Chisholm Trail as barter for the land and they can keep the enhancements. This way hopefully everyone wins. Kupper stated the $6.5 million will enhance the river bank. Those elements are some of the details that need to be put into the plan. The real question is: What value is 2,400 square feet of park land to you? Hillman thanked Kupper for correcting him regarding the brackets for the floating stage. Frye asked what they would be getting as a trade-off for the 2400 square feet other than the improvements along the river that would be specifically for the land. He stated they are enhancing the river bank and getting significant public amenities. But is that the reason they are giving up the 2,400 square feet? Is that enough? He asked if anyone else had seen the plans. BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 6 of 11 Knebel responded the Planning Commission had seen them. Frye asked if they had approved them. Knebel responded yes, but it is not a big deal to them. Kupper stated they did not have any specific details on the original draft and that Delano Park was excluded from the concepts originally because the City was looking to improve the river bank. He wanted the Board to see the updated plans with the encroachment because he had originally gone on record stating there would be no encroachment on Delano Park. That is the reason why he wanted to get this in front of the Park Board. Hieger asked if there was a way to approve it with the caveat to have a good faith meeting with the Delano Committee to meet some of their requests so both parties are satisfied. Frye responded that Delano Park is Board of Park Commissioners’ property so it would have to go back through the Board anyway. Kupper added that they planned on getting the Delano Committee together to discuss also. Harlenske stated that the Board really cannot do a conditional approval. They either approve it or not approve it. Kupper stated that in days of old, they would have tabled discussions until the next meeting to give the Park Board time to think about it and invite the developer to the next meeting. Hieger stated he would like to have ideas brought to the meeting from the Delano Committee, but would hate to impede the timing of this project. Claycomb noted that if River Vista does not take place, there will not be enhancements. She stated that while she is not typically in favor of giving away Park Board land, the Board needs to consider this otherwise they may not get the enhancements any other way. Hieger asked what the implications would be for a 30 day delay. Knebel responded that if the State of Kansas were to make a quick decision, they would be ready to move forward with the project. But they do not know how long that process will take. He stated this is not to be taken as the final design. The City has agreed to the project if the State agrees to fund it through STAR Bonds. If not, there is a 120 day period to renegotiate the terms as to how it would be funded. Frye asked that there be no more encroachments on future designs. Hieger asked if there was a scenario that would be acceptable to the Delano Committee. Rivers responded that she and the Committee would want to see what is offered because once you lose the land you cannot get it back. BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 7 of 11 Frye stated they would have to pull Hieger’s motion. Hieger stated that was ok. He would support it if the Board was assured that there is an agreement with the Delano Committee. Kupper noted that if they do not get the $6.5 million it may not happen and could be a moot point. Motion by Hieger, second by Claycomb, to approve the encroachment with the understanding that staff will work with the Delano Committee to meet their improvements. Kupper asked if there was any consideration if they do not get the STAR Bond. Would that change the thought process? Hieger added “providing we get the STAR Bond” to the motion – second by Claycomb. Frye asked if there was public comment and there was none. He asked Knebel if the motion was workable. Knebel responded yes. Frye asked for a vote. The motion passed 5-1 (Hillman no). Hieger stated he would like to be present for the meetings with the Delano Committee. Hillman stated he would too. Knebel took note of their request. Roth leaves the meeting for an appointment. Item 3B: OJ Watson Park Master Plan Update (Elizabeth Goltry Wadle) Goltry stated she wanted to give an update to the Board regarding the OJ Watson Park Master Plan because things were moving quickly. They had an open house on December 7 and it was pretty well attended even though it was unbelievably cold. They had dot voting for different projects, comment cards, and post-it notes for ideas. The train was the most popular item of discussion and the feedback is consistent. They will be moving forward with the train. They had suggestions for concerts in the park and programming opportunities. They also posted the same questions online so others could comment. Staff is figuring out the feasibility of some ideas and the steering committee will try to come up with a vision for the park. Frye asked if there had been a steering committee meeting yet. Goltry stated they would meet bi-weekly until March. They will cost out ideas. Frye asked if there has been a presentation for DAB III. Goltry responded not yet, but they are scheduled for Spring 2014. The online survey gives contact information for the Committee to come out to give the presentation. BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 8 of 11 Hillman commended Goltry for doing a marvelous job as well as Holmes. He really liked that the train came out number one. In terms of sustainability, he suggested looking at getting a cab or two with the leasing of the new engine. He stated that even if they got a new engine there were still only 24 seats that you can put on the train. If they have three or four cabs, they can haul more people and be even more sustainable. Kupper stated they would need an engine that can pull extra cabs. Hillman added that there are people ready to rehab the train. A local train expert said the City can get a gasoline engine rather than diesel. Goltry noted that Chance offers a gasoline engine and it is the same price. Frye stated that the turnout was good even if it was frigid. He hoped that the next committee meeting in February will be even more attended. He asked for public comment or questions. John Stevens (3125 E. Boston) stated he was unable to attend the meeting, but is in favor of Watson Park. He feels that it is an excellent property for a park, and the railroad is fun for a lot of folks and families. He stated there is a need for family activities in our park system and there is that potential at this park. He supports that the Park Board work with that property. Frye asked if there were any other comments and there were none. He thanked Goltry for the update. Item 3C: 2014 Meeting Dates for Board of Park Commissioners Frye stated they looked at the dates for future Park Board meetings and would like to see the bylaws changed to the second Monday of the month rather than the third Monday. He asked Harlenske if they could do that. Harlenske responded they can do that, but they have to have City Council approval for changes to the bylaws. She also noted that the President of the Park Board can move a meeting without a vote if the meeting date falls on a federal holiday. Frye moved the January meeting to the second Monday of 2014 which is January 13, 2014. Motion by Frye, second by Hillman, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to direct staff to draft a bylaw change for all meetings to be changed to the second Monday of the month going forward (5-0). Frye then moved the February meeting to February 10, 2014. Item 4A: Recreation Update (Karen Holmes/Angela Buckner) Karen Holmes introduced Angela Buckner as the Assistant Director at Lynette Woodard Recreation Center. Buckner showed a presentation on the new boxing program initiated in January 2013 at the center. She noted that there are classes offered for tots to adults with many of the classes filled to capacity or near capacity. Tots classes are no-contact classes. The instructor is Mike Romero who has several years’ experience. The legal department has implemented two release forms for participants to sign prior to the start of the class. A boxing ring was installed along with bags for this program. The center has BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 9 of 11 recouped almost all of the money spent for the ring and equipment in the revenue from the classes. She noted they have had approximately 196 participants in the classes and that over 85% of the participants do not live in the community. They are looking into grants to assist in the funding of the program. They recently added a Women’s Boxing Class and were delighted to have Ms. Lynette Woodard sign up for the class. Claycomb asked how they decided to offer this type of class. Holmes responded that Buckner brought it to her. She thought it was a good fit for the center, but had concerns with the risk. The legal department had a fit in the beginning. This is the only program where participants have to sign two releases (the City of Wichita’s and the boxing association). Allen asked Buckner if she boxed. Buckner responded yes and it is a great workout. Holmes asked the Board if they would like her staff to continue to give these updates at the meetings. Frye responded that he thinks it is great and important for the Board to hear what is going on at the centers. Claycomb agreed and thought that it was nice that the staff gets to know the Board members as well. Holmes stated they would continue to bring the updates to the meetings and will continue to bring innovative, cutting edge programs to the community. Item 4B: Updates from Director and President Frye stated they recently had two days of meetings with staff, stake holders and designers for the Buffalo Park improvements. They brainstormed about what to do with the park. He was happy with the outcome. The park had a fishing pond that had a leaking problem and the fish were unable to survive. They took the whole space and designed it with new amenities and hope to bring new patrons to the park. There were many neat ideas and at the end of the two day process, the stake holders were in unison. He asked Kupper where it would go next. Kupper stated the designers would re-do the conceptual drawings and bring them back to the group. Frye noted there were many issues to deal with at the park: a need for more parking; the baseball field is not in a visible location; the fishing pond had issues among other issues. Kupper stated the fishing lake took up 1/3 of the acreage at the park and the City was cited for over- using the water rights for the well. Frye stated that hopefully the Board will see the plans they worked on. Kupper stated they have $1 million to spend on the park. BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 10 of 11 Kupper urged the Board to go to Botanica’s Illuminations and take their friends because the shorter timeframe between Thanksgiving and Christmas is killing the attendance numbers. He noted that there were new elements added to the display. Frye noted that the events center at Botanica is progressing well. Kupper stated it is scheduled to open in May 2014. He added that Mary Lou Rivers was one of the first benefactors of Botanica. Claycomb suggested having a meeting there after it is completed. Frye thought they might have to change the bylaws to change the location. Harlenske stated they could change the place of the meeting if it was designated at the previous meeting. Hillman asked Frye if he wanted to share the discussion at the last Golf Advisory Committee meeting regarding potential changes at Clapp Golf Course. Frye stated that the Golf Advisory Committee asked staff to look at Clapp Golf Course to see if it could be redesigned if the corner at Harry and Oliver were to be sold. Staff came back and said it could be done and it would cost $250-300,000 to make the changes. Staff said they could still have 18 holes with a par 71 course. There are no offers on the table and they are not entertaining any offers. No one has asked. The Golf Advisory Committee just wanted to know. Item 5: Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5pm. ______________________________________ Bryan Frye, President _____________________________________ Christina Butler, Clerk BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING December 16, 2013 Page 11 of 11