Loading...
07-30-84 Parks Comm Minutes�)�:00 P. M. MONDAY, JULY 30, 1984 COUNCIL CHAMBE3S — CITY HALL PARKS COMMITTEE Present: Mayor McDowell; Councilmen Springer, Schindler and Manning; DPW Hammer; Park Supt. Drent and Surveyor Zavodny. Parks Committee Chairman Springer presided. Subject: future of Lawrence Park Vic Lohn, representing the Golf Association, stated that the land we are talking about is in the golf course lease of 1974. A map drawn by an architect for the Fish & Game Department shows the area and an environmental impact study prepared at the same time specifically mentions the 30 acres and the association has always considered this as the area to design a back 9 holes. The minutes of the city council of January 7, 1974 states that the council will add all city property between North Main to Stillwater River, with the exception of Lawrence Park, to the lease, and a motion was made and passed to this effect. It was so stated on the front page of the 1974 lease and still exists in the 1983 lease. Mr. Lohn continued, we feel that golf is the best use for this land. The City will acquire 16.9 acres of improved land in addition to 39.61 acres that will be donated by McElroy & Wilken. The association would invest approximately $400,000.00 in improvements. There would be an increase in employees. Improved beauty. Present course is used by 1400 members and would increase to over 5000 users per year. There is also a petition signed by adjacent and near land owners supporting a golf course for the area. This is I the only area left to expand the golf course. It is logical to use this area for golf course expansion for these reasons. Marvin Holmes, association manager, explained that whatever goes into the Park, the fill might be a problem. This could be determined by a study. Mr. Lohn explained that the expansion would be at no cost to taxpayers. Would assume that there would be no work done on it for about 3 to 6 years. Dr. David Downey stated that he represents a group of residents concerned about the future of Lawrence Park. Because of the fact that BNRR will be giving us notice to vacate a portion of Griffin Ballfield, there is a moral obligation to move the ballfield. The group believes that Lawrence Park is not the best location for ballfields because of traffic. They suggest that we look south of the City for a location. This group believes that the park should be developed for all the public as a park, keeping it in as natural a state as possible. The local Audubon Society will do a study. On the higher ground, pavilions could be built for Woodland Park overflow. Kalispell will grow — 56 acres will never again be available as close in. Their suggestion is to form a steering committee from interested persons and groups. The citizens are concerned about Lawrence Park and it should be used for all the public. Councilman Springer stated his concern about the time frame for a decision by the Council. Bob Carr, representing adjacent and near property owners, stated that the residences are old and established. It is a quiet area, about 50 species of birds, animals and reptiles. A ballpark would destroy all this. There would be increased traffic, noise, a public ddress system, bright lights, litter, vandalism, decreased property values and fire azards. A golf course would have less impact on serenity, would be quiet, green and no expense to the City. There would be stream flow removing the stagnant condition. He concluded by saying that they are definitely opposed to ballfields or amphitheater, both econom3'.cally and environmentally. Mr. Carr presented the following petition signed by y0 property owners: Petition to the City Council to Support the Development of an Addition to the Buffalo Hill Golf Course. We the undersigned land owners and residents, adjacent to or near the undeveloped city owned area south of Lawrence Park, do hereby attest to our support of the Buffalo (fill Golf Club's proposal to utilize that area in the construction of an additional nine holes for the following reasons: I. Such a utilization of the land represents the best and highest usage for the largest number of people over the longest length of time. II. Such utilization will not only beautify the area but will increase the values of adjacent properties; whereas some other uses could have the opposite effect. III. Such utilization is logical because this undeveloped area is not now being totally used for the taxpayers benefit and this proposal would best answer that problem. IV. Such utilization is logical because i;uffalo Hill Golf Course is one of the most beneficial recreational facilities to this city's residents as well as a major economic factor and it is a most important recreational entity for visitors; and this area is the only place left which would allow an expansion which will benefit this city and the entire valley for . generations to come. V. Such utilization is good business because the Buffalo Hill Golf Association has a proven [rack record in raising money, completing, and c.ianaging their projects. Parks Committee - 7-30-84 Page 2 Larry Schultz, representing baseball, stated that there has been discussion on moving Griffin Field for several years and different areas have been looked at, but at no time had he ever heard it mentioned that the land in Lawrence Park was associated with the golf course. Mr. Schultz stated that he has looked everywhere within the City and in many other areas for a suitable location for about 3 ballfields. It will require about 12 to 14 acres. The golf course already covers 180 acres and now want to increase that number by 30. The sale of Griffin Park would assist with building new ballfields if we can find a location. Haven Field south of the City is being eyed as good commercial property. This could also be used for financing. Griffin Park has outlived its use. There have been no improvements on this field for 30 years. Now, with the prospect of having to vacate a portion, we have to move fast. There is land to the north to expand the golf course. No one wants a ballpark close to them. Mr. Schultz stated he felt we need a steering committee to assist the Council with the project. He concluded by saying that Linderman and FVCC also use Griffin Field. A representative of the Flathead Wildlife Association stated that they would like the park left open to the public. He felt that it is a poor time of year to form a steering committee because many organizations do not hold summer meetings, but September would be a good month. The steering committee should be composed or have input from the Council, Audubon Society, Senior Citizens, Fish & Wildlife, Parks, Golf Association, property owners and representatives of baseball. Dale Haarr asked if it would help baseball if the golf association could come up with about 18 acres, contiguous to the city, water, etc. C. Schindler stated that it seemed to be golf vs baseball and golf vs rest of City. What do we do to take the stress off Woodland Park? An area property owner stated that we should think of safety. The traffic on Whitefish Stage Road is already a hazard and would increase tremendously. There is also the danger of the river for the little folks that attend ball games. Duane Bitney asked why we did not ask Flathead County for assistance. Mr. Schultz stated that there is more cooperation here than you think. Mr. Holmes explained that the golf course could not expand to the north because of the location of the clubhouse. They could not build a new one and it is impossible to move the old one. Councilman Springer asked how much time does the Council have and has the City heard from BNRR. Supt. Drent stated that if we are not going to move the ballfields to Lawrence Park, then we have to do something else fast. In recent years we have not received any park land or money in lieu of park land. It is not just ballfields either, we need relief for Woodland Park. We should look to the County again and the golf course should look else- where also. Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p. m.