10-08-82 Parks Comm MinutesPARKS COMMITTEE MEETING - CONFERENCE ROOM - CITY HALL - 4:00 P. M. 10-8-82
Those present were Mayor McDowell, Councilmen Vidal, Ruiz, Saverud, City Attorney
Neier, Park Supt. Drent, Bud Roberts and Dennis Carver, and Bill Janes.
Councilman Vidal explained the work already completed on Dry Bridge Park and
stated they are now ready for Phase II. Phase II will cover building a dam'and
installing pipe -for drainage. When the road was widened a 15' culvert was
installed. This will be lowered to historic level and cleaned.
Councilman Vidal moved to start Phase II of the Dry Bridge Park Project.
Seconded by Councilman Saverad.
Councilman Ruiz questioned if -the money was budgeted for Phase II. He thought
only money for the engineering study was budgeted.
No vote taken to begin Phase II. Budget to be checked first.
GOLF COURSE CLUB HOUSE
Bill Janes and Bud Roberts, representing the Golf Course, asked the City to
deed the Club House and property where it sets to the Golf fssociation in exchange
for other property. City Attorney Neier stated he had no feelings either way,
but the property would be subject to taxes. A question of whether this property
is held in trust by the City. Mr. Janes thought the City owns with restrictions,
not held in trust. Mr. Janes stated that he is aware they would have to pay
taxes, but the building not only needs a new roof but other major repairs and it
is not proper to make these repairs if owned by the City. The Association is
not a profit making organization and it is severly limited in building up assets.
To obtain a loan for the repairs they need to own the building.
C. Saverud stated that they could possibly go through the same procedure that the
City and the Chamber of Commerce did for the renovation of the old depot. The
City gave the Chamber a 20 year lease with a renewable clause. To obtain a
$30,000 loan for the renovation the bank required the City to be deed of trust in
case the Chamber defaults.
At present the Golf Course has only a one year lease, renewable each year.
Park Supt. Drent reminded the Committee that the BOR has final authority on any
changes the golf course makes. When they accepted a BOR loan to build their last
nine holes, they accepted BOR as final authority on the entire course.
It was also brought out that it may take an election of the people to transfer
the property.
Councilman. Ruiz suggested that City Attorney Neier, former City Attorney Donahue,
and the attorneys for the Association get together and work out the legalities to
determine if we need an election.
Councilman Vidal stated that she feels we can deed it if the legalities can be
worked out so that we do not jeopardize the BOR agreement or any agreement.
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Parks Committee
Park Supt. Drent reported that Lawrence Park is mowed and being graded and is
becoming more solid. He would like to know what the Council intends to do
with the Park. If it is to be ballfields, he would grade differently.
Councilman Nystul would like to see it kept in its natural wild state.
Discussion brought out that Lawrence Park is not a good location for ballfields
because of poor ingress and egress, heavy residential area and perhaps even
a safety factor because of the gravel pit. Flathead County has a responsibility
to replace land they are taping so it might be a good idea to ask them for
land suitable for ballfields and leave Lawrence Park in its natural state.
Councilman Ruiz stated that it might be used for more golf course, or for
tennis or a swimming pool or something that compliments the existing recreation
area.
Councilman Saverud was concerned that the proximity of the river is a danger for
kids and residents would object to the noise of a ballfield. He would be in
favor of reviewing County -owned land and ask Commissioner Wollan if he knows of
an area that be suitable for ballfields.
Park Supt. Drent stated that while he was on vacation there was discussion of
taking the ballfield out of Woodland Park and moving it to Sewer Field. Mr.
Drent said he thinks this would be a bad location because the airport may ask
for this area. He suggested the old dump site on Willow Glen Drive might be
suitable for ballfields.
Supt. Drent reported that Montana Power Company has installed an underground line
across Northridge Park without asking or obtaining an easement. City Atty.
Neier is pursuing.
Supt. Drent reported that even after blasting the beaver dam twice and trapping
the beaver, Mr. Thompson is insisting his garden was damaged and had his attorney
ser_d the City a warning.
SWIM POOL
Councilman Vidal reported that she has received the swim pool report from the
pool expert in Billings. It was not extensive and not costly. It stated that
for an approximate cost of $100,000 the pool might be repaired to last another
10 to 12 years. Discussion on using the $4800 left to hire a local consultant.
Better to work with a local architect who would work with an expert outside the
City. Councilman Saverud said he thought it appropriate to solicit local
architect or any other pool expert.
Discussion on a mill levy within the school district for a swim pool and perhaps
enough to incorporate tennis, baseball and make an entire recreational complex.
Jim 'Thompson is working on such a plan..
Discussion on removing bathhouse from present location and placing a thermal blanket
over the pool or a fiberglass top.
Meeting adjourned at 5:50 P. M.