11/04/1991 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARR BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1991 Don Volk noted that Chomonix and Kate Haven Golf courses are always busy, exceeding their projections every year. George Lindy questioned the popularity of golf now, has it always been there? Don Volk says that the popularity of golf has been gradually climbing since the sixties, it's been overwhelming. Mr. Lindy agrees with John Baumann, if the council doesn't want to take general fund dollars for the study, shouldn't the Park Board reap the benefits if they take the gamble? Marty Asleson says that this would have to be clarified. Don Volk explained that all monies collected would probably go in to the general fund, and if it should go well, the Parks and Recreation Department would benefit from the growth dollar. George Lindy says that he would be willing to share the costs of the study with the council. Ken Johnson agrees, but thinks that the monetary benefits should be used to benefit the park system. At this point, Mr. Lindy again referred to the memo sent from Bill Nissen, regarding the matter of the Park Board spending dedicated park funds on a golf course market study, Mr. Nissen feels that dedicated funds should be used to improve parks for development, not look for new places to spend money. John Baumann feels that if we don't do something now, it might be too late in five years. He pointed out that there are no funds for our newly created Recreation Department. "If no one is willing to put up the money to start something, we won't have anything." He also liked the idea of sharing the study costs with the council. George Lindy asked Marty Asleson and Don Volk how realistic they felt this idea is. Marty pointed out that all golf courses are making money, he hasn't seen one go bankrupt yet. Then George asked if this is such a good way to make money, why aren't developers building golf courses? Don noted that the private market is also developing, cities are doing it to make money. Ken Johnson asked Don Volk if he thought the council would pay for half of the study. Don thought it might be the thing to do, however if they don't, he would like to see the Park Board pursue it. The main reason would be the money crunch, "it's severe" and not over yet. Next year will be worse yet, nothing will be added. He thinks it should ease up in a few years. He suggested the board not give up the idea of alternate revenue sources, stating that there are reasons why the County is building wave pools and golf courses. Don Volk suggested that when the study comes back, the Park Board go to the council to negotiate a percentage of the proceeds, i.e., parks would be developed with alternative funds. 7