09-30-88 Parks Comm Minutes• 'PARKS/PUBLIC LANDS/ANNEXATION/ZONING/AIRPORT
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1988
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
COMMITTEE MEMBER ABSENT:
Noel Furlong, Chairman
John Gunnerson
Jim Atkinson
Roger Hopkins
Jim Atkinson
OTHERS PRESENT: Glen Meier, City Attorney
Andy Hyde, Water and Wastewater
Superintendent
Mike Baker, Parks Director
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Furlong at 4:00
p.m.
AGENDA ITEM NO.1:
Mike Strand gave an update on the past history of the airport
• billing. Several years ago the airport association set up a
fee schedule for the people using the airport. He said he
felt, at the time the fee was a little bit excessive, but went.
ahead and paid one year of the initial assessment which was
$300.00'per month for his business. He said at the time he
did not ,have $3,600. but took out a loan and later found out
no one else on the city airport had paid or if they did, a
very small fee. However, no one had paid as much as he had.
A couple',of years went by and then the Kalispell Airport
Association resigned and was replaced by an ad hoc committee
initially that met and went over the entire situation. This
committee came up with another fee schedule. This fee
schedule calls for a payment of $50.00 per month as
recommended as opposed to the $300.00 previously billed and
paid.
He,submitted a letter of objection to the Mayor requesting
a refund of that amount. The Mayor responded and felt that
had nothing to do with the present situation. He said he did
not feel like forgetting $3,600.00.
He was on the agenda at the last meeting and it appeared
there would be quite a delay and he had to go somewhere else,
but since that he has submitted to the city a check in the
amounts other than the $50.00 per month to date. His request
• is either he receives a refund of $3,600.00 or he be allowed
to use the $3,600. as a credit to be applied to the current
rent fee. He has paid the gas tax and he parking fees up to
date, a total of $706.95. These would be the parking fees he
has collected on behalf of the city and also the .05 cents a
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gallon gas tax. The only thing he has not paid at this point
is the 050.00 per month since the first of the year.
John Gunnerson and Glen Neier discussed if any fees have been
collected from other people, and they did not know without
research,. John Gunnerson said if the fees were approved and
assigned then if they were not collected, they should be
collected or proper actions taken against the individuals who
have not paid such fees, instead of refunding on fees that
were collected. Mike Strand agreed. He stated he was the
city's best customer and over 20 plus years has paid a lot of
money into these city funds.
Chairman, Furlong said it was still a fee that was assessed
Mike for 1984. Mike Strand said it was fee for a license to
operate, but felt since it was not being enforced it is a
very unfair licensing situation that the city has perpetrated
upon him as a user. If this refusal to grant him a credit to
be used for past and future rent and this is the way the city
operates, then why should he honor the new system?
Chairman Furlong said that if these fees were for 1984 then
he has not paid for 1985, 1986, 1987 or any of 19B8.
Chairman Furlong said that the fees were proposed by the
airport association which was a voluntary group with some
kind of city consent to operate the airport. He asked if
Mike Strand was every a member of that group? Mike Strand
said it was a very loose group and as far as membership he
did attend some of the meetings and participate as an
operator out there. Chairman Furlong asked if he was in
on the establishing the fee schedule? Mr. Strand said yes,
but he objected to that fee schedule, but it was passed over
his objections. It went to the city council and was passed
by them 'and was binding supposedly on him as well as everyone
else.
Glen Neier said the statute of limitations on debts in the
State of Montana was about 3 years he would have to look that
up. He noted the city council never directed his office to
go after anyone for collections of airport fees.
It was agreed that some action should be taken against the
people who have not paid their fees. John Gunnerson and Roger
Hopkins agreed they would rather not credit Mike Strand, but
go after the people who have not paid.
MOTION: John Gunnerson moved that the committee present
to the council a motion to direct the city attorney to draft
and implement a collection procedure/policy for all parties
concerned with regard to the airport lease from 1984 to
current status. If fees are not collected within a set time
frame that other appropriate legal action be taken. Roger
Hopkins seconded the motion.
Mike Strand said the committee is talking about three
different operators, that none of them during that period of
time, were really capable of paying. To do so at this late
date will result in very serious financial burdens that may
be beyond their capabilities and will be beyond his to pay.
He said he feels the way the fee schedule was set up was
excessive and wrote a letter to the mayor to that effect.
Mr. Tower of the association asked that he not send it.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Roll Call vote was unanimous. Motion
carried.
AGENDA ITEM NO.2: AMPHITHEATRE PROPOSAL.
Dick Fazio introduced himself as local musician and manager
of a new business in town called Ron's Roost on Main Street.
He is also involved with the Flathead Valley Jazz Society
and the Flathead Festival.
His proposal is to build an outdoor amphitheatre in Woodland
Park, the site location at the present soccer field. Mike
Stockland who is also president of the Flathead Festival is
here to give you more details on the amphitheatre. He has
talked with some local architects and will present his
concepts' to you.
Mike Stockland said he is representing the Flathead Festival
and also the Flathead Arts Council of which he is president.
They wished to have an amphitheatre along the line of the
amphitheatre that exists at Sliter Park in Bigfork. It. was
built with volunteer labor and volunteer materials, and
designed by Architects Design Group, Jim Thompson. This
same design could be: used here with a rough cost estimate of
$85,000;1 to build it. They would seek from the public sector
and from endowments and grants to help raise this amount of
money to' provide this facility for the City of Kalispell.
The functions it would be used for would be the Flathead
Festival', Shakespeare in the Park, Community Band, puppeteers
and various performances that could be held in that
amphitheatre during the spring, summer and early fall months.
Parking requirements were discussed.
Mike Baker stated he met with Dick Fazio and his sound
technician, lighting people and experts in that particular
area, and it was decided on the location of the soccer field
as the being best. The natural landscape can be used as a
bowl effect and lies above the soccer field and just above
the ballfield. The actual amphitheatre structure would
• jut out onto the first base side of the ballfield and it
would be the east end of the soccer field.
The theme of Woodland Park is more passive recreation.
They want to relocate the soccer field and the baseball
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• somewhere else. It is not an adequate area for that
facility.
Mike Baker said the park capacity can handle the amount
of people at various times by scheduling the events. He
gave examples.
Parking is currently a problem in Woodland Park. It needs to
be addressed and he has some ideas to increase it.
Dick Fazio said the type of concerts held would draw from 100
100 to 300 people. They are not looking at a rock concert.
Maximum would be 300.
Chairman Furlong said this sounds like this might fit the
design, concept of the Friends of Lawrence Park. Has this
group been approached or if it makes any sense to approach
them? Who would operate and control this? It was stated
the Friends of Lawrence Park had not been contacted, a plan
was brought up like this 14 years ago, but went by the
wayside., Parks and Recreation would operate and control
this. Di(:k Fazio said last year for the Flathead Festival
last year they raised $110,000.00 in corporate donations. It.
would probably take close to a year to raise $85,000.00.
• MOTION: John Gunnerson made a motion to make a
recommendation to the city council for authorization for the
Flathead' Festiva]. of the Arts to proceed with the
amphitheatre as recommended with the City's support. Roger
Hopkins seconded.
Mike Baker said the master plan for Woodland Park is to
eliminate one minor league ballfield and to eliminate the
organized soccer field. They have been in contact with the
soccer and little league associations, Pee Wees in town and
what they want is to establish new ballfields and a new
soccer complex. All of the ballfields are located within
city parks.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Roger Hopkins, John Gunnerson voted aye,
Chairman Furlong voted nay. Motion carried.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: ANNEXATIONS: SCOREBOARD. (Added to
Agenda) -HIGH PLAINS PIZZA:
Chairman Furlong said the City -County Planning Board met
and reviewed the request for the Scoreboard and High Plains
Pizza. It was discussed who was going to bear the cost of
the sewer, water, hydrant and non -clear title. These have
been addressed here before. He asked Glen Neier to give
input.
Glen Neier stated he prepared a resolution for both The
Scoreboard and High Plains Pizza -there was a requirement
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• of a water hydrant with the water main extended to it for
approximately 300 feet south of the two locations. He
put into the resolution that the properties be annexed
pending completion of the required improvements or posting of
the Utilities Extension Agreement together with a letter of
credit to the city to guarantee the completion of the water
main extension and fire hydrant within six months following
annexation into the city. They have to provide the city with
a bond and an agreement assuring the installation of the fire
hydrant.
High Plains Pizza's are corrected now and they will be able
to provide a clear title to the property with no exceptions.
This could be taken before the city council at the Monday
meeting.
The Scoreboard has the same requirements with regard to the
fire hydrant and the water as far as the agreement and the
letter of credit. Their title is clouded and will remain
that way for some time. Perhaps by the second meeting in
October it will be clear. Glen Neier said there still should
be a public hearing on the Scoreboard.
After discussion Chairman Furlong noted The Scoreboard will
• be postponed from the Monday night council meeting because
of legal problems.
MOTION: Roger Hopkins moved that the committee seek
the council's permission at the next Monday meeting for
annexation of High Plains Pizza. Chairman Furlong seconded.
•
ROLL CALL VOTE: Roll call vote was unanimous. Motion
carried.;
Chairman Furlong stated they had to have a public meeting
for a zone change on Airport Road and will try to make
arrangements to hear this at the Monday council meeting.
There is a motion to annex Airport Road following a public
hearing.
AGENDA ITEM NO.4: KGA PRESENTATION, DALE HAARR.
Dale Haarr said he is a member of the Kalispell Golf
Association and presently is serving on the Board of
Directors and also on their long range planning committee.
The board of directors met last Tuesday and this request is a
result of the long range planning commission. He is present
with several members of the board (David Grohusky, Lil
Laidlaw, Dic Koch, Mike Burr) and other interested parties
(Dan Black, Carol Daly, Kuhl, Nick Haren, Richard Kuhl).
Dale Haarr read a letter from the KGA: "He said he wished to
thank the Parks Committee for their positive roll in
negotiating the new golf course lease on behalf of members of
• the KGA Board, long range planning committee and other
interested citizens. They are pleased with the terms,
conditions and the confidence that was placed in them and
extending the lease as you did. The KGA Articles of
Incorporation spell out the association's duties
for providing golf for the citizens of Kalispell as well
as Flathead County. The 27 hole Buffalo Hill complex in
1987 and 1988 has been operating at maximum capacity. The
possibility of limiting membership and play is not a
consideration the KGA Board wishes to contemplate. Especi-
ally when the golf industry is in a rapid growth cycle. A
survey of our membership conducted this last summer,
positively and overwhelmingly indicated the following.
a) That the KGA proceed with efforts .immediately
to develop more regulation sized golf holes.
b) That the membership would be supportive of
the purchase of land to do so.
c) That they would agree to some alteration of
a few of our existing holes
Since the recent negotiation and signing of a new lease for
the term of 20 years with renumeration to the city based on
volume, we feel the city and the KGA to be more than ever,
• partners in providing golf to our citizens and visitors.
Therefore, the KGA formally requests the City of Kalispell
to allow the KGA use of all city owned land south of the
gravel slide and identified as Part 'A' on the accompanying
map for the purpose of future golf development.
This request is based on studies by Bruce Lutz of Architects
Design Group that to develop nine more regulation holes
contiguous to the present course and clubhouse, this area
is essential. Golf development of this property will ensure
certain benefits riot only to the City of Kalispell, but to
many other interest groups and some of these can be
identified as follows:
1) Increase of direct revenue to the city.
If the KGA adds one-third more golf holes (that is 9 holes)
the lease revenue will increase in a like proportion.
2) Increased tourist traffic to Kalispell and
especially destination overnight travellers, and the
indirect revenue that is associated with that.
3) They would add approximately 31.9 acres
to city property, and that would be the deeding of Part 'B'
which is the Wilken property, and the deeding of Part 'C'
on the map, which is the property owned presently by the
• Kalispell Original Townsite Corporation.
4) It would provide more golf holes for our
current capacity problem and future growth of the sport.
5) It would provide room for the Tennis
Association to develop a tennis complex as well as use of
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• the present clubhouse facility.
6) It will clean up and improve to "park"
quality, a present blighted area.
7) In consideration of the foregoing, the KGA
would build a foot bridge over the Stillwater River and
assist in development of the parking lot off of Whitefish
Stage Road for access to Lawrence Park. Access to the city
water supply could be through the golf course, through a gate
behind present No.16 green.
Furthermore, we believe under the heading "Tourism" golf is a
big industry in the Flathead Valley. Present demographic
studies show a maturing population that is more and more
participating in golf, and the Flathead is attractive to
these golfers. If more golf is not provided in Kalispell, we
will lose these destination tourists to three areas.
Number one is Whitefish, which presently has 27 holes -and
a nine hole, par 3 is now at this moment, under construction.
Number two is Columbia Falls which has 18 holes of golf plus
the 18 more holes at West Glacier. Number three is Bigfork,
which presently has 18 holes of golf.
Golf is an attraction which keeps many visitors overnight in
Kalispell. The KGA wants to work with the City of Kalispell,
our partner, to help provide more economic stability to
• Kalispell. Golf courses are a non-polluting industry and
has a growth cycle that has and will continue to bring many
benefits,'to our beautiful city.
The KGA annual membership meeting is November 3, 1988. In
order to proceed with the KGA's expansion plan, they would
appreciate a response from the city no later than October
25th of this year. Respectfully Submitted from the Kalispell
Golf Association."
Roger Hopkins asked does this mean the negotiations that were
under way with Friends of Lawrence Park for a shared use
of the city property have broken down? Dale Haarr said not
broken down, but based on what their needs are, happened when
the membership came back and said they did not want a par 3
golf course, but regulation size holes. Considering the four
different scenarios that Bruce Lutz layed out, it just does
not allow them the opportunity to consider it. They want to
develop 9 more holes contiguous to the present clubhouse and
to the Cameron 9, they need that area.
Dan Black stated in response to Roger Hopkins question, as
a member of the group that has met with both sides, The
Friends of Lawrence Park and the KGA, this is the first
that the members of the chamber have heard of this proposal.
Dale Haarr,said under the Articles, they are charged with
the soleresponsibility of providing golf, and for them to
get out beyond that into developing anything else - when they
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• are running at capacity at the present facility. They do not
have the time or energy, and with the mandate of the members
telling them this summer, telling them they want more
regulation size golf holes immediately, they need these
immediately. They are talking about limiting memberships and
the number of rounds that can be played.
The point is they cannot do these holes without utilizing
this property. The alternative is looking elsewhere for more
golf holes, and this may or may not be in the city.
Mike Baker asked Dale Haarr if that eliminates the access
off of North Main Street? Dale Haarr said "yes." Footbridge
was discussed as promised by the county. It was said noted
that footbridge was discussed that would hold an emergency
vehicle. Access on California Street was previously
discussed. Dale Haarr said getting the inclusion of 'B&C',
getting that property deeded to the city, just opens up a
whole other area of study and opportunity for access,
development, etc. Increased revenue from the additional golf
holes would be about one-third approximately. Mike Baker
said they would find out this fall if we were given the
$380,000: grant to reclaim the gravel pit. There may be some
room to work that grant so that golf could be o.k. Mike
. Baker asked if there was room for negotiations, suggestions
and other things that may come out of this? Dale Haarr said
yes. Is this the minimum property you need? Dale Haarr said
yes, minimum. Mike Baker asked can they develop the wet
lands for golf? Dale Haarr said no, as preliminarily 'laid
out, they would not infringe on the wet lands, wild area very
much, if at all.
(Name ?)'asked if the chamber was to have any official
negotiating capacity in the future between the two groups?
Dale Haarr said the city should make that decision as it is a
land use.
John Gunnerson said this is a group that can take a
tremendous amount of eyesore and reclaim that area and create
a beautiful, scenic area at no cost to the city. They are
asking for us as a city, to make the economic decision, what
is best for the city. He has not been involved with these
people since he came on the council. He used to chairman of
the long range planning committee for the KGA, but has
resigned and has not attended meetings. He noted the tennis
association is represented at this meeting, and they are
concerned that they have lost a tremendous amount of
resources here. We as a city, have lost a tremendous amount
of revenue because of lack of facilities for tennis
tournaments. We are talking about land use only.
Roger Hopkins said this statement of need should be answered
by the council in deference to the KGA prior to November 3rd.
He supports the need for the nine holes, and supports the
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• need as annunciated by the Friends of Lawrence Park for more
park land, and by both past and present park directors for
the need to relieve the strain on Woodland Park. It has been
this way for four years now. He felt that the Friends of
Lawrence Park should also be given the chance to present
their response to this latest proposal by the KGA and then
take it to the council.
David Grohusky representing the Flathead Tennis Association
along with Lil Laidlaw, said they would like to strongly
support the golf association proposal. The Flathead Tennis
Association has approximately 200 members, coming from the
surrounding cities, with the majority coming from Kalispell.
They have been struggling for a long time to get good
tennis facilities to have tournaments for the youth and
adults throughout the summer and other seasons also and
without success. They view the golf association as support
for probably the most realistic way to get their 8 outdoor
tennis course. The site they wish is the existing driving
range up by the clubhouse. This is with the idea that they
can move the driving range and develop the additional nine
holes and, free up that land for their tennis courts. They
wish the committee and council to look at this proposal for
two groups of people.
• Lil Laidlaw said there are actually have been three groups
involved since the conception four years ago. The Flathead
Tennis Association was recommended by Chuck Manning at that
time, head of the parks and recreation - that the tennis
association join affiliations with the golf association
because the city felt this was the best place for tennis at
that time. They have actually been part of this process
going on, although they have not been in negotiation with
either group. However, they have met privately with both
groups. She felt all of the needs of the groups should be
satisfied.
Dale Haarr said he felt the same way, that the city council
or someone should make this decision based on the needs of
everybody.
John Gunnerson said to date he has not heard any other group
state that they would be doing the funding to do the
reclaiming of that land besides the KGA. The tennis
association said they were going to assist.
MOTION: John Gunnerson moved that the KGA recommendation
as presented by Dale Haarr be presented to the Kalispell City
Council on October 17th, 1988, for a vote of recommendation
• of utilization of that land and that area. Roger Hopkins
seconded.
Roger Hopkins said that he felt the committee will be hearing
from the Friends of Lawrence Park and he wondered if at that
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time, with all comments being heard, it wouldn't be a better
time to take it before the city council for action?
John Gunnerson said the Friends of Lawrence Park have a right
and should be presenting something to this committee.
Chairman Furlong can schedule a meeting prior to the October
17th meeting and hear that subject at that time. The Friends
of Lawrence Park made their proposal a couple of months ago
to the council.
Chairman Furlong said he did not support presentation on
October 17th because he felt it was not enough time to hear
all sides.
ROLL CALL VOTE: John Gunnerson, Roger Hopkins vote yes,
Chairman Furlong voted nay. Motion carried.
PARKS DIRECTOR UPDATE:
Mike Baker stated he received a letter from Jeanne Parsons,
President of the Youth Soccer Association. She is requesting
to use the new Begg fields for soccer practices and games for
the 9th through 12th grade teams, from now until October.
Would there be a charge for the use of the fields? He asked
• what the status of the lease with the Lakers was?
Roger Hopkins said if the lease is in effect as of this
moment, it would be up to the Lakers Association to allow
that use, assess that charge and they will collect the fees.
The lease is not in effect at present and will be before the
council Monday.
Chairman Furlong said the Laker lease was removed from the
city council by action of this committee. There has been
one meeting since then going over the lease item by item.
The committee agreed to go over it one more time and this
is the meeting. It was agreed to meet October 6th and all
would be notified by Chairman Furlong, the subject being
Kalispell Legion Baseball.
Chairman Furlong said that the soccer association request
cannot be allowed at this time because of the pending
negotiation with the legion.
Mike Baker said they put in a park bench and a little
landscaping on the east end of depot park.
On Thursday they replaced the old well pump at Woodland Park
and at that time it was discovered that the aquifer is very
strong and they have plenty of water. The recharge of the
lagoon has taken place and they are past the danger point
bacteria -wise. The pump will be operational by Monday or
Tuesday of next week.
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0
The third graders who were instigating a waterworks project
for Woodland Park that he mentioned at the last weekend got
a commitment from an organization for $1,500. There is a
possibility of about $9,000. for a Woodland Parks water
project, that is what they are calling it. Approximately 200
plus third graders are working on this project. They are
going to hold a news conference.
Chairman Furlong said he would look into the island and fence
that is part of Lawrence Park as brought up by Richard Kuhl.
Mr. Kuhl =sent a letter to the Mayor. It was decided that
when the lease was finished this will be resolved. Chairman
Furlong said there should be letter of understanding.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mike Bake
Recording Secretary
Transcribed by NC
(Detailed copy of minutes are on file)
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