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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2006/03/06 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA NEW BRIGHTON CITY HALL Monday, March 6, 2006 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Marty, Stigney, Gunn, Flaherty, Thomas PUBLIC COMMENT Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please give your full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes. Agenda Items Discussed by Consensus _______ 1. Joint Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission (6pm – 7pm) A. Review City Vision, Mission, Goals, and Park and Recreation Priorities 2006-2007 B. Oakwood Park Improvement Proposal C. Random Park Building Financing D. Smoke Free Parks E. Meeting Minutes F. Facility Guide _______ 2. Mounds View Community Center Task Force Report *The Task Force is meeting tonight (3/2/06). This report will be delivered tomorrow (3/3/06) _______ 3. Discuss Agenda and Dates for Future TIF Planning Work session(s) _______ 4. Feasibility Report Review – Utility Extension to Serve Medtronic and Sysco Outlot A, Potential Park Improvements _______ 5. County Road 10 Gateway Monument Signage – East Entrance, West Entrance, Civic District Trail Gateway _______ 6. Administrative A. April 29, 2006 Town Meeting Agenda B. City Hall Open House/Rededication C. Electronic Payment Options, City Credit Card Next Work Session: Monday, April 3, 2006 @ 7pm Next City Council Meeting: Monday, March 13, 2006 @ 7pm Next Special Work Session: Monday, March 20, 2006 @ 6pm Mounds View Community Center Task Force Report to the Mounds View City Council March 6, 2006 Task Force Members Chair Barbara Thomas, City Council Representative Vice-chair Gary Stevenson, Planning Commission Representative Member Rob Hanson, Resident Member Kara Chamberlain, Resident Member Duane McCarty, Resident Member Shari Kunza, Park and Recreation Commission Representative Staff Liaison Members Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Jim Ericson, Community Development Director Steve Dazenski, Parks Supervisor I. Background At the January 3, 2006 City Council work session a presentation was given by Canyon Catering and In the Word Church for an alternative use and capital modification of the Community Center. The proposal was to construct a wall to physically divide the current church and banquet area of the Community Center and put the space under direct control of this partnership. The proposal would continue to provide the City with at least the current rent of $5,000 per month ($60,000 per year) in revenue, but would likely result in a loss of lease space availability or flexibility for other outside groups wanting to use the space. The City Council had a number of questions and concerns and prior to making any major decisions regarding the Community Center, decided to create the Community Center Task Force to address the future of the facility. The Task Force was established by the Council on January 9, 2006, to consist of: • 1 Council Member • 1 Planning Commission Member • 1 Park and Recreation Commission Member • 3 Citizens at-large Staff Liaison: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Jim Ericson, Community Development Director Steve Dazenski, Parks Supervisor The Task Force was given the following charge: • Develop the scope of community needs the City wants to serve with the banquet facility and the Community Center. • Develop alternatives to meet the City’s identified needs. • Identify resources available for the City to meet identified needs. • Develop an implementation strategy for the facility. • Report to Council at the March 6, 2006 work session. II. Process A public appeal for interested members was commenced and the following persons responded and were appointed by the City Council on January 9, 2006. Officers were selected by the Task Force membership at their first regular meeting on January 17, 2006. Chair Barbara Thomas, City Council Representative Vice-chair Gary Stevenson, Planning Commission Representative Member Rob Hanson, Resident Member Kara Chamberlain, Resident Member Duane McCarty, Resident Member Shari Kunza, Park and Recreation Commission Representative The Task Force held a total of four meetings and had three distinct steps during the process: 1. Members were presented data, Community Center background information, citizen input, and financial forecasts 2. Members discussed and analyzed the information presented in step 1, and asked for additional information. 3. Members defined community needs, evaluated alternatives, and made a recommendation to the City Council Review/Research During the first two meetings, the Task Force was presented with a variety of information and questions for discussion such as: 1. What are the purposes and objectives of the Task Force? 2. Review Questions: a. Why is this topic being addressed now? b. What are the possible alternatives? c. What actions need to be done in order to implement the alternatives? 3. Review Current Community Center Operations a. Review current uses and activity b. Review current financial and lease positions c. Community survey information and demographics d. Experience of other local community center operations Key findings included: • Not all programs within the building will be self-sufficient, but the City can try to maximize revenue while still providing the desired community services • Demographic data indicates that the population of the community is getting older and more diverse than when the Community Center was first constructed • Existing space within the MVCC (Mounds View Community Center) offers opportunity for alternative uses to be developed • The existing MVCC site has room for limited building expansion if necessary • The MVCC should be primarily a community-based facility with open access to Mounds View residents • City residents are able to receive swimming lessons at area swimming pools at Edgewood Middle School and other local recreational facilities • The MVCC fitness and recreation facilities are below the standard provided by neighboring community centers • There is a strong need for community meeting space available to groups at a reasonable price • It is recommended that additional construction to accommodate the expansion of the church and the catering operation not be pursued • List of desired uses and priorities: Highest priority: - small event/meeting space - large event/meeting space - City assembly space (e.g., elections, town meeting, public hearings) - Exercise and fitness facilities - Senior fitness area - Children’s play area - Youth and adult program space - Gym space - Multi-purpose space - Community lounge area (e.g., wi-fi access, self service or vending area) Lower priority: - Walking track - Upgraded locker rooms • The MVCC should be operated in a fiscally responsible manner. The consensus of the Task Force was that it was a goal to have the Community Center be 50% self sufficient through memberships or user fees and the balance to be supported by the City • The management of the MVCC should be consolidated to a single source of contact to improve internal administration and service to the public • The marketing of the MVCC has been inadequate in the past and needs to be enhanced to generate additional revenue • Membership and daily rates can provide substantial revenue and need to be competitive to local facilities offering similar features • Hours of operation should be expanded to be more convenient to users and to attract more membership revenue. • The City needs to plan ahead for capital replacement costs of major equipment • An annual membership system would be successful if facilities were upgraded and cost was reasonable and competitive with other local facilities • Increasing the hours of operation, additional programming, marketing and management will require a corresponding increase in staff resources offered III. Values Over the past two months, Task Force members have expressed their beliefs about what the Mounds View Community Center should be. While sometimes differing in their personal preferences, several common principles developed. Task Force members expressed a willingness to invest in and support the MVCC as a vital community facility. Other common values included: • The Community Center should serve a broad segment of the population and be available for use by Mounds View residents • The Community Center needs to be operated in a financially responsible manner • The Community Center serves primarily Mounds View taxpayers and residents • The Community Center is an important asset to the community and can be improved to better serve Mounds View residents • The City needs to continue to work with partners (such as the YMCA and the School District) to provide high-quality, cost effective recreation opportunities IV. Recommendations The Task Force has the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. It is recommended that additional construction to accommodate the expansion of the church and the catering operation not be pursued 2. It is recommended that the MVCC be operated in a fiscally responsible manner with a goal to have the Community Center be at least 50% self sufficient through memberships or user fees, and the balance to be supported by the City if necessary. 3. The MVCC facilities should be modified in the following areas: A. Option 1: convert a portion of the banquet center into a fitness area with aerobic equipment, weight machines, free weights and aerobic dance studio. Option 2: convert the current game table/vending area into the fitness area. The wood floor of the banquet center would still be used for an aerobic dance studio and other programming. B. Relocate current vending machines to conference room “D”. C. Improve lounge area by gym to include wi-fi access and additional lounge furniture. D. Convert former exercise room into a “Quiet Room.” E. Move children’s programs and activities from room “C” to the former large community education room. F. Provide a children’s play area in the current lobby 4. Membership/Rate structure are recommended as follows: Daily Quarterly Annual Res. Non-Res Adult $4 $7 Youth $3 Seniors $3 Res. Non Res. Single $95 $110 Senior $115 $130 Res. Non Res. Single $165 $180 Senior $110 $150 Family $235 $250 - Continue punch pass discounts - City to review its room rental rate schedule and revise as appropriate 5. Marketing The following market recommendations are recommended: A. Adoption and implementation of a marketing plan (see appendix A) B. Allocation of $2500 for the first year marketing budget C. Assignment of the new City Communications Coordinator to work with the YMCA to implement the marketing plan 6. Management/Operation It is recommended that the City retain a single source of contact for the MVCC management and negotiate with the YMCA as the preferred contractor for these services. 7. It is recommended that the YMCA Advisory Committee be directed to develop a five-year plan for the Community Center. 8. It is recommended that the City Council begin implementation of the task force recommendations by hiring a design professional to develop a space utilization plan and cost estimate for the recommended modifications and option. APPENDIX A M V Community Center Task Force Marketing Strategies Marketing Team MV Staff Person and YMCA Staff Person Marketing GOALS Increase revenue through memberships, room rentals, and daily use Flyers, Publications, Notices Flyers: One page double-sided announcing new MVCC information and open house Side 1: WHAT’S NEW - activities, new exercise area, meeting rooms and banquet sizes including rates of activity use, memberships and meeting room rentals Side 2: announce GRAND OPENING - entire weekend, not in the summer months, with early sign-up discounts (maybe 15-20% off quarterly and yearly memberships and/or $ off a meeting room or banquet event) To Be Distributed: School District 621, churches, senior living centers, clubs(like VFW/Lions), athletic groups, businesses, hotels/motels, restaurants, and other associations Publications: MV Matters, local newspapers, school and business newsletters (such as Medtronic), Star Tribune Wednesday North section, cable TV, and MV web site. Notices: Local retail and businesses, services such as dental, insurance, etc., churches, schools and City Billboard Item No: 3 Meeting Date: March 6, 2006 Type of Business: Worksession Administrator Review: _________ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members From: Jim Ericson, Community Development Director Item Title/Subject: Discuss Agenda and Possible Dates for Future TIF Planning Worksession Background: The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Economic Development Authority convened a joint meeting of their respective groups at the City Council worksession meeting on September 6, 2005 and continued the meeting to November 14, 2005, to discuss and consider TIF philosophies, goals and spending priorities. While there seemed to be a consensus that funding for County Road 10 improvements was a high priority as well as general street reconstruction, there was not consensus on other expenditures or the issue of decertification. Staff reviewed the information again with the City Council on January 30, 2006 in an effort to work toward a unified vision for TIF expenditures and economic development activity in general. The Council indicated a special worksession would be necessary to fully consider all aspects of TIF, TIF budgeting and economic development goals and philosophies. The purpose of this report and presentation to the Council would be to formalize the agenda topics for consideration as well as to identify the most appropriate date to hold such a meeting. Discussion: Potential Agenda Topics 1. Review Existing Economic Development policies o Business Subsidy o Tax Increment Finance o Tax Abatement (Rebate) Program o Housing Replacement Program o Business Improvement Loan Program o Comprehensive Plan 2. Review Financial Status of TIF o Projected Revenues through the life of the districts o Projected Revenues with change to Fiscal Disparities “Election B” o Revenue Expectations if Dist #3 Decertifies in 2009 3. Review Potential Expenditures using TIF $ o County Road 10 Improvements (Refer to BRAA Estimates) o Housing Replacement Program o Continued support of Economic Development program administration o Infrastructure rehabilitation program o Blight elimination and Community reinvestment TIF Staff Report March 6, 2006 Page 2 4. Establish a Vision o What are the desired outcomes? o Involve the EDC and Planning Commission in priority discussion o Identify and approve expenditure priorities o Structure revenue stream to achieve expenditure goals 5. Implementation o Revise and adopt policy statements and documents to reflect new vision o Communicate vision to residents and business owners o Execute! Potential Worksession Dates As indicated in previous meetings and based upon the volume of information that could be reviewed and considered, a special worksession date (or dates) should be identified and established. At this time, the next non-meeting Monday would be April 17th, the Monday after Easter. A special meeting on April 17th would provide enough time to bring something back to the EDA and Council for consideration on March 24th, the results of which could then be addressed at the 2nd annual Town hall meeting on April 29, if that was deemed desirable. Given the importance of the discussion and the variety of options to consider, it might however be unrealistic to achieve resolution of all issues in one meeting, thus additional meeting dates should also be considered. The following dates could be set aside for special meetings: o Monday, April 17, 2006 (recommended) o Monday, May 15, 2006 (optional, if needed) After the special worksession, the Council could also set aside an hour or more of regular worksession time to continue working through the agenda items identified above, which would be recommended assuming more than one meeting would be required to accomplish the articulated tasks. Staff would recommend setting aside the hour before the regular worksession for this purpose, such as from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on May 6, 2006. Conclusion: Review and discuss the draft agenda for future consideration and determine appropriate meeting dates to formulate and approve TIF goals and funding priorities. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ James Ericson Community Development Director \\trout\CommDev\Users\JIME\City Council Stuff\EDA\Staff Report 03.06.06.doc Item No: 6A&B Meeting Date: 03/06/06 Type of Business: WS City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: A. April 29, 2006 Town Meeting Agenda B. City Hall Open House/Rededication 6A. April 29, 2006 Town Meeting Agenda The annual Mounds View Town Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th, from 9:00am to 12noon at the Mounds View Community Center. Based upon discussion at the Council/staff retreat, the following items would be on the program for consideration: - City vision, mission, goals, and 2006-07 action plan - Infrastructure reconstruction program - County Hwy 10 Revitalization Plan - MV Community Center Task Force Recommendations - Citizen of the Year Presentation - Economic development policy discussion Due to the construction timing dictating that move-in will likely be in late April or early May, the Town Hall meeting planning committee recommends that the City Hall grand opening/rededication be held on a separate day later in the year. In lieu of tours, a display would be made up with pictures and a description of the project. It is recommended that the City Council review the list of items for discussion and make recommendations for any revisions. A final agenda will be presented at the April work session. 6B. City Hall Open House/Rededication As mentioned above, it appears that the City Hall move-in will not be completed until late April or early May. Consequently, in order to allow time to get everything in order and to publicize the event, it is recommended that a grand opening/rededication ceremony be planned for the Festival in the Park weekend. At that time, a brief dedication ceremony and tours of the remodeled City Hall facility could be held.