08-23-83 Parks Comm MinutesThe Parks Committee met at City Hall Conference Room on Tuesday, August 23, 1983
at 3:00 P.M. In attendance were Chairman Vidal, Councilmen O'Boyle, Grainger and
Nystul; County Commissioner Henry Oldenburg, Parks Superintendent Drent, Lee Tower
of the Airport Board, Mayor McDowell and City Attorney Neier.
Chairman Vidal asked Commissioner Oldenburg to clarify some of the points in their
July 28 letter regarding their offer for support of the swimming pool. Regarding
Item #1, she explained that at the last Parks Committee meeting, one of the con-
cerns was not that the City did not wish to discuss a coordinated development plan,
but rather, that there is a difference in City and County in that we do not have a
recreation department. In essence, we have a parks maintenance department and do
not get much involved in recreational program financing. She suggested that the
words "recreation expenditures" be deleted and say "agree upon a coordinated de-
velopment plan for parks". Both parties should discuss specifically what needs
to be done.
Chairman Vidal responded to the remaining items as follows: #2, re bids: by law
this must be done. #3, re most economical provision for facilities: we have been
and will continue to pursue this provision. #4, re fees: this has been discussed
by Councilman Nystul and Commissioner Oldenburg and will be clarified. #5, re
location: Chairman Vidal stated that we would be repairing the existing facility.
Commissioner Oldenburg stated that the County Commissioners were not sure what the
City planned to do regarding the latter item. He had been approached by Councilman
Nystul and asked if he would consider application for Revenue Sharing funding. The
hearings were 12 hours away at that time and the application had to be presented
during the hearings. The Mayor delivered the letter requesting support during the
course of the hearings.
Starting with Item #5 Commissioner Oldenburg responded as follows: On location, he
expressed concern about parking in the Woodland area; he feels a real intersectional
problem exists and that the ballgame traffic will have to be addressed jointly. He
wondered if there might be a more centrally located site that would be more accept-
able and discussed the possibility of having a pool at Griffin Park, thus reserving
Woodland its natural amenities and making the pool more centrally located.
Regarding Item #4 (fees): The County wanted to be consulted and wanted no difference
between city/county charges for children. He was assured by Councilman Grainger
that there was no difference. The Commissioners were not sure of city policy. Be-
cause of the time element, the Commissioners had speedily set their conditions for
the money during the context of the budget approval as they felt they would not
have had the chance to do this later.
Discussing Item #3, Oldenburg stated that he had heard discussion that the present
location is not the most economical one. He is not convinced that building on the
same foundation is best. This point is also tied to the bid item. He feels it
should be circulated to firms who have expertise in pool construction and focus on
recreational work. If an outside specialist can bring in a lower bid, he should be
contacted.
Oldenburg stated that he is furnishing background rationale for the points covered
in the Commissioner's letter. He pointed out that he is not in a position to nego-
tiate and that Revenue Sharing approval cannot be changed.
Finally, regarding Item #1, he agrees that there is a fairly wide divergence of
opinions on how to utilize parks departments. An absolute developed and coordinated
plan is required. He does not feel that any of the stipulations and difficult to
live with. They are in direct response to the State Auditor's criteria.
Parks Committee Meeting Page 2 August 23, 1983
Councilman O'Boyle asked if this held true with every Revenue Sharing dollar and was
told by Oldenburg that it was; designations for money must meet very strict prospectus.
Commissioner Oldenburg asked if the site selection was considered as being the best
for both city and county.
Chairman Vidal stated that the reason for selecting to renovate the existing pool is
that it is the most economical choice, per recommendation from the pool specialist from
Seattle. Improvements on the existing pool would last for many years. The pool study
has been done during the last 12 years, all possibilities were explored and the
$500.000 is a third or fourth of the cost of building a new facility.
Commissioner Oldenburg stated that he understood the present site was a preferred site
rather than a recommended site. When asked if that was good enough for him, he stated
that he guessed it would be, but felt it should be addressed to full Board. He does
have real problems with the entire access situation, safety concerns for the Conrad
Complex and is concerned about the possibility of a bridge problem.
Supt. Drent stated that he did not set fees at the pool. Every year the Council de-
termines fee charges. He regrets recent publicity which stated that the City loses
$20,000 per year on the pool, he does not consider that a loss and as a public service
feels that it is economically operated.
Oldenburg stated that the Parks Board feels that those that play, pay. The loss would
remain the City's as Revenue Sharing funds go to Capital Improvement. He agrees that
kids need recreational outlet.
Councilman Grainger asked if in the future the County could share operation expense.
Oldenburg stated that they could not with their budget problems. With more advance
notice they may have been able to work through more than the $100,000, but felt it
was a fair figure.
Commissioner Oldenburg stated that the County is not asking to usurp Council authority
in any way. They do want to be consulted and gave approval for fee shifts so that no
participants are excluded from the facility. It is impossible to predict future fees
so a flat figure cannot be given on charges. The Commissioners wanted to give posi-
tive support to pass the mill levy. He feels that recent publicity will hurt in
getting the levy approved and that is the opposite of what was hoped for. He said
that the County was not trying to step into expenditure situation. Supt. Drent stated
that the BOR would frown on charging two different fees.
Councilmen Grainger and Nystul said that their questions on language clarification
were answered.
Councilman O'Boyle asked how long we would be locked into an agreement with the County.
Oldenburg said that the Council, Board and Parks Department would have to discuss
this. They got approval for the $100,000, it is wide open, let's work it out in a
good spirit so the levy passes --get an agreement.
Chairman Vidal expressed hope that both could go forward with understanding and good
faith to accomplish our objective.
Parks Committee Meeting Page 3 August 23, 1983
Chairman Vidal opened discussion on the proposed airport improvements. Lee Tower had
three points to present to the committee for Council approval. He stated that last
year some work was started at the airport. The County donated gravel and he estimates
that about $80,000 in volunteer work has been done. This should be covered with as-
phalt this year. He has submitted fee structures to the City Attorney, who has ap-
proved them. The Airport Board felt premature in charging for ground fees on private
ground off the airport since they do not have a facility yet. The fee structure is
expected to generate around $1,200 per month in addition to the Fuel Tax. The City
Attorney has advised that the charges cannot be made yet. The Board has real estate
that came out of an exchange with the Elks Club. The City Attorney stated that it is
his understanding that if the property is ever sold, the proceeds from the sale must
go to Capital Improvement of the airport.
The Airport Board paid for an opinion of what the ground was worth. It comprises
about 22'� acres, located right next to City limits. In city with B-6 zoning, it would
be worth approximately $175,000. The best estimate for required work was near
$140,000. Operating from a fee structure to be set when the facility has been im-
proved, it is estimated that the incoming revenue will be about $14,000 per year.
Councilman O'Boyle mentioned that a right-of-way was needed on the west end for
trailer house property. This should be considered before any sale of the property.
There will be a demand for wider entry, estimated to be 30' now, for a possible total
of 60'.
The Board received an offer for paving runway and taxiways for $103,000,then learned
that it was not an exceptional offer and decided to go to bid. It hopes to sell the
real estate within the next year. The fee structure would amortize and handle interest;
they have a bank loan OK for 7%.
Chairman Vidal stated that the Board's requests of Council were for approval for sale
of lot, to obligate proceeds from sale as collateral for borrowing money to pay for
improvements and to advertise for bids.
This lot is not dedicated park land. Proceeds have always been intended for airport
improvements, as per research for former Parks Chairman. If this is correct and if
land can be sold, City Attorney Neier suggests that it be sold as property outside the
City limits. Zoning is commercial of some nature, mostly B-6, not residential area.
City Attorney Neier suggested that it might bring a better price if it is not annexed
or zoned prior to sale.
Councilman Grainger stated that he was not too satisfied with the airport site, in
that it is too close to football fields, though thus far there has not been a problem.
He wasn't sure who owned the property or why it was dedicated that way. The possi-
bility of others following this precedent for sale of land should be considered.
Councilman O'Boyle felt that the Airport Board should enter into an agreement with
the City to include tie down fees, which were then defined.
Chairman Vidal asked that a proposal be written with city/bank understanding of what
is anticipated being done and what fees will be, then the statement will be presented
to the Council for resolutions.
Parks Committee Meeting Page 4 August 23, 1983
Councilman Nystul defined policy as follows if anticipated revenues are in our budget
and the city wants to handle the contract: to call for bids for construction, to
administer, then we can pay for it with city warrant and register until sale proceeds
come in. If the Council does not want to do that and the Airport Association solicits
bids, they could get the bank loan and have our policy on file of what we are planning
to do with the proceeds to repay the loan. This will not be an S.I.D., just anticipated
revenues from sale and tie down and use fees. Monthly fees would flow to the City.
It would be easier for the Airport Association to solicit bids and it would go faster
by eliminating city requirements.
No fees are involved in the lease agreement. City Attorney Neier will investigate the
lease agreement. If proceeds from the sale comes to the City we will reimburse the
Association for the work they have done. Councilman Nystul is uneasy about doing any
thing but the most pressing items until the sale of land and not having a registered
warrant against possible proceeds from the sale this fiscal year. He recommends
taking a good look at the lease and consider the best possible route. Estimate is
for $100,000 for now, depending upon the bid. The bid will cover hauling of 1,000
yards of gravel, new pavement on the taxiway and overlay on runways. The sewer line
is completed.
The committee agreed to recommend the sale of land and the advertising for bids for
construction.
City Attorney Neier will research advertising and negotiations. Councilman Nystul did
not think that the city had statues regarding the purchase or disposal of property.
He stated that we need to outline the mechanics of the sale and to insure that pro-
ceeds can flow through the city to the airport for the least complicated and least
expensive method. He will find the least expensive way to finance.
Councilman O'Boyle said in his opinion the safest and clearest avenue is for us to
handle structure.
Lee Tower will discuss project financing with the bank and get back to Councilman
Nystul. The time element is important because it is close to the end of paving season.
It will take at least 30 days to go through the city.
Meeting adjourned at 4:40.
800 SOUTH MAIN STREET
July 28, 1983
KALISPELL, MONTANA 59901 ® (406) 755-5300
BOARD,OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
nneth H. Krueger % Henry Oldenbu g, Chairman
Member