07-30-85 Parks Comm MinutesJ
July 30, 1985 PARKS COMMITTEE 3:00 P.M.
Chairman Manning and Councilmen Springer and Nystul in attendance. Mayor
McDowell, DPW Hammer, Parks Superintendent Drent, Ed Gallagher, Jerry Begg,
Dr. Howard Freyette (FVCC), and Roger Hopkins of the Daily Interlake also
present.
GRIFFIN FIELD REPLACEMENT PROPERTY - Chairman Manning gave a summary of
the Flathead Regional Development report on the Begg and College sites. There
was some discussion of the interlocal agreement. C. Manning voiced concern
about the terms of the interlocal agreement. C. Springer asked if this was
the place to discuss the agreement and indicated that the details could be
refined later if the property was accepted. The cost breakdown for improvements
on the two properties was discussed.
The recommendation of the Advisory Committee was voiced. They were concerned
about the revenue from the advertising signs. DPW Hammer stated a letter
was to be forthcoming from the Legion Post concerning the signs, which raise
revenue of approximately $7,000.00_;per year. Dr. Freyette indicated that
something could be worked out if the signs were done tastefully.
C. Springer asked for clarification concerning exactly what decision was
to be made today - because the Committee has gone too long without a decision -
and all agreed that Griffin Park replacement was the issue to be decided,
not that of a complex. C. Manning said we must consider a complex, but the
first and foremost decision is for the replacement of Griffin Park.
C. Nystul pointed out that the initial financial outlay is about even,
and either location is acceptable, so the decision will be based on what the
Council feels is best for the future. He suggested going with both sites
with Legion on one and the other used for other needed ballfields.
C. Springer went on record saying his reason for accepting the college
site belatedly is because he wants to see something developed in that area
north of town for the future, and he wants to help provide impetus for getting
the college campus going. He indicated he has nothing against South Meadows.
C. Manning asked Jerry Begg about conditions on his gift of South Meadows
and Mr. Begg indicated that it is with the understanding that it be used for
Legion baseball only.
C. Manning indicated that he is more comfortable with owning the land
that the facility is on. He would be for using South Meadows for Legion and
the College site for other needs. That would still give the College a visible
start.
Dr. Freyette commented on the proposed SID for the College and indicated
that they may not be able to afford it but that the Board is lobbying hard
for it.
• C. Manning voiced a concern about shared parking and possible problems,
and there was an ensuing discussion of "what if" the college did not build
on the proposed property. Dr. Freyette stated that if there was no more faith
in the College and its ability to pay for the land than that then there was
PARKS COMMITTEE
July 30, 1985
Page 2
not any reason for his presence at this meeting. He talked about the budget
of the College and the probability of meeting the payments on the land.
DPW Hammer voiced his concern with a permanent complex on land under separate
ownership and with working out the interlocal agreement after the decision
about the land is already made. There was heated discussion between DPW Hammer
and C. Springer.
C. Manning said that the replacement of Griffin Field to the best land
is the key here - so must decide which is the best land. Reviewed the information
available again.
C. Nystul asked Parks Superintendent Drent about soils (they are comparable),
capital outlay for irrigation, restrooms, stands, lights, and improvements
on either site ($150,000 to $600,000), revenue from Griffin (conservative
estimate is $300,000), and then commented that the City could use $100,000
to get a facility ready and $200,OQO for improvements on 1 or 2 locations.
Discussion of whether or not senior Babe Ruth was more compatible with
the College site than Legion because of the noise level, lights, shorter season,
slightly smaller field, and the scheduling which would leave more time for
College use of the field. It was pointed out that the agreement says the
• City has exclusive use of the field so there would be no scheduling problems.
C. Springer indicated his willingness to sit down with those involved
and put into writing the concerns of the Council for the interlocal agreement.
C. Manning indicated concern again for having the field on land owned by some-
one else - pointing out that the only thing the City has from Griffin Field
is the land value. C. Springer responded that the College agreement is for
the return of the cost of capital improvements, so there would be no loss.
Time frame for the agreement was discussed. And the time frame for getting
started on improvements was that the ground must be leveled and ready for
seed this fall.
Ed Gallagher observed that the plans for the future must of necessity
be for enough land for a regulation field and parking so that the community
can host tournaments, etc. way into the future.
C. Nystul made a motion to recommend to the Council, with the appropriate
minority report, the Begg property for the relocation of Griffin Field. C.
Manning seconded. The motion was defeated with 2 against and C. Nystul for.
C. Springer moved to accept the College proposal for Griffin Field replace-
ment. C. Manning seconded. The motion passed with 2 for and C. Nystul opposed.
There was further discussion concerning the interlocal agreement and C.
• Manning indicated that if he was not 99% sure of the agreement he would go
with the Begg property.
The meeting adjourned amidst ongoing discussion.
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