1f.Establishment of Lake Ann Park Parking Fee.1
1
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF --�
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
' TO:
' FROM:
' DATE:
SUBJ:
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Don Ashworth, City Manager /x
Todd Hoffman Park & .//
Recreation Director
November 20, 1995
tido LY f.,iy r; is :r.i ,: °- or
�
&I-Jorsed
i0 CojillRl i",ulOr!
Establishment of Lake Ann Parking Fee, Section 14 -59 of Chanhassen City Code
City Code Section 14 -59, Parking Permits
"No person shall leave or park any vehicle on any public lands or grounds
adjacent to or in the neighborhood of Lake Ann Park during the months of May,
June, July, August and September of each year without having attached to the
vehicle in a conspicuous place a permit for that ye ar - Such permits for the parking
of automobiles or other vehicles or conveyances on public lands or grounds
adjacent to or in the neighborhood of Lake Ann Park shall be issued by the city to
any resident or real property owner of the city upon,payment to the city of a
permit fee in the amount established by resolution each year. Such permits shall
also be issued to any person who is not a resident of the city or who does not own
real property within the city only upon payment to the city of a permit fee in the
amount established by resolution each year."
To comply with,t40ection of the City Code, staff asked the Park & Recreation Commission to
review the existin ` program and fees. The commission reviewed this "issu on 'August 22,
g g p. ,� e '
1995. Upon the conclusion of the discussion that evening, the following motion was made:
"Commissioner Manders moved, Commissioner Meger seconded that the
Park & Recreation Commission recommend the city council discontinue
charging an entrance fee for Lake Ann All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously."
The city council was presented with this recommendation on September 11, 1995. Upon
conclusion of the council's discussion, the following motion was made:
Page 2 a.
"Councilman Ber uist moved Councilman Mason �
q , seconded to direct the.
Park & Recreation Commission to review the Lake Ann Park parking permit
fees within a 60 day time period looking for an equitable resident/non-
resident method of raising revenues from Lake Ann and/or the rest of the
parks within the community. All voted in favor and the motion carried."
This motion and an accompanying staff report was presented to the Park &Recreation
Commission on October 24, 1995 (the staff report dated October 18, 1995 is attached).
On the evening of October 24, the commission held a colorful conversation attempting to
discover a perfect solution to the Lake Ann gate program. They concluded that in order to
generate revenue in an equitable manner, the current gate program should be continued.
RECOMMENDATION
"Commissioner Andrews moved, Commissioner Scott seconded to retain the
current Lake Ann Park gate attendant and parking permit program. It was
further recommended that the 1996 fees be established at the following rates:
Daily Parking Pass $ 2
Seasonal Parking Pass - Resident $ 5
Seasonal Parking Pass - Non- Resident $15
All vehicles, with the exception of those transporting participants and/or
spectators of sanctioned/organized youth events, 17 years of age or under,
shall be charged a parking fee."
ATTACHMENT
1. Staff report dated October 18, 1995
c: Park & Recreation Commission
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CITY OF 6
CHANHA-00rx
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 0 CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
MEMORANDUM
TO: Park & Recreation Commission
FROM: Todd Hoffman, Park &Recreation Director
DATE: October 18, 1995
SUBJ: Annual Review of Lake Ann Park Parking Permits, Section 14 -59 of Chanhassen
City Code
H
On Monday, September 25, 1995, the city council received the attached report regarding the
aforementioned issue. The council had previously reached an impasse on this issue on
September 11, 1995.
Upon completing their discussion:
"Councilman Berquist moved, Councilman Mason seconded to direct the Park &
Recreation Commission to review the Lake Ann Park parking permit fees within a 60 day
time period looking for an equitable resident/non- resident method of raising revenues
from Lake Ann and/or the rest of the parks within the community. All voted in favor and
the motion carried unanimously."
STAFF COMMENTS
Equity strikes me asthe key concept in Councilman Berquist's motion. On average,
approximately $10,000 in"netrevenues have been earned through the gate program for the past
five years. Applying 1995 revenue figures, the city could have closed down the gate house,
collected parking fees from softball players ($4,725), and company picnickers (approximately
$6,000) and surpassed the five year average in revenues. Fiscally, this approach would make a
great deal of sense, but charging two select groups over all others is far from equitable. To
accomplish equity, I believe the city has one choice, charge all groups (at various levels based on
policy). Another choice is to treat all groups equal and charge no fee.
Park & Recreation Commission '
October 18, 1995 '
Page 2 x
The parking policy at Lake Ann Community Park is fairly unique among local government
facilities. Many cities charge admissions at beaches or pools. A few others, such as Excelsior,
maintain parking meters on their waterfront parks. The presence of a gate house and parking ,
attendants, however, are normally associated with county, state or federal facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
If the commission concurs with my analysis, I believe you have one choice — continue to charge
parking fees at the gate based upon a policy of what user groups are charged, what user groups '
are not charged, and who is charged at what rate. This assumes that you concur with a majority
of the council and City Manager Ashworth that this user fee must be retained.
Therefore, it is recommended that the Lake Ann Park parking fee ordinance be retained and that
the 1996 parking fees be established at the following rates:
Daily Parking Pass $ 2
Seasonal Parking Pass - Resident $ 5
Seasonal Parking Pass - Non - Resident $15 '
All vehicles with the exception of those transporting participants and/or spectators of
sanctioned/organized youth events, 17 years of age or under, shall be charged a parking fee. '
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City Council Meeting - September 25, 1995
' Todd Gerhardt: The detailed information of specific dollar amounts are under the control of the architect and
the construction manager. It's one of the frustrations with the project as being a second party to the contractor.
They don't share all the detailed information: We ask and continue to ask.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, let's move to unfinished business.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF LAKE ANN PARK PARIQNG PERMITS SECTION 14-59 OF CITY CODE
' Mayor Chmiel: I think there was discussion at the last specific meeting and you weren't at the last meeting and
I'm sure you've had.
' Councilman Berquist: Believe me I was thinking of you.
Mayor Chmiel: I bet you were. Driving back. But with the review that you've had with it. Rather than go
through the whole combined discussion, do you have any specific questions?
Councilman Berquist: Well I have some specific comments. I wish Todd were here. What I'd like to do, rather
than simply approve what we have done in the past, which is I think what would happen if I had to make a
motion right now, it would be a 3 to 2 vote. I would really like to challenge the Park and Rec Commission to
come up with some other method by which to collect fees that's more equitable and more easily managed.
There's got to be a way besides just saying well we're going to do this or we're not going to do this. That
seems kind of bogus to me. We need to have user fees for areas or for services that are provided within the city
and I believe that Lake Ann is a premiere park and that there should be user fees attached to it. If in fact the
majority of the user fees can be garnered from non - residents, baseball teams, softball teams, that sort of thing,
' and the can conceivable do away with resident fees, great. On the other hand, if the revenue stream cannot be
maintained by doing that, then I'm in favor of leaving it in a similar fashion but I believe that there's another
method by which to charge the, to make the revenue stream come out. And I just don't think the Park and Rec
' Commission has given it any thought. They haven't been charged with giving it any thought and I would
charge them with trying.
Councilman Mason: Make a motion.
' Mayor Chmiel: Why don't you do that.
' Councilman Berquist: I will move to ask the Park and Rec Commission to give it some thought and come back
to us within a 60 day time period with a equitable resident /non- resident method of raising revenues from Lake
Ann and/or the rest of the parks within the community.
Councilman Mason: It's a good motion. I'll second it.
Mayor Chmiel: There's a motion on the floor with a second. Any discussion? And I think I agree with that
' part of it because of the fact, as I mentioned the last time. The amount of dollars that are available, or will be
available in the years to come twill be pulled away from it as we continually go through. Each community that I
see, just alone in having swimming pools and swimming beaches, are being charged. Just to go in and go
' stwimming. Maintenance for the upkeep of that beach as well as lifeguards and everything else as well. So I
guess that's one of my reasons for more or less sticking to looking at a way of deriving those funds. Once those
funds are gone, they're gone. No sway you're going to pick it up and I think it's a good motion that you made.
28
City Council Meeting - September 25, 1995
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Could I make one comment? Just to give some direction to the Park and Rec
Commission. My issue with the fees at all is the annoyance of pulling up to the gate and not realizing that
there is a fee. So if we can do away with the expense of the gate attendant. Do away with that unexpectedness
of the fee, somehow maybe get those revenues with user fees. Maybe just through the teams utilizing the fields.
I think we're spending too much money on the gate attendant and creating an annoyance at the same time that
it's not work it. So I guess the charge is to find out a different method of collecting those fees.
Councilman Berquist: To that issue, the gate attendant provides some small modicum of security and the
security issue is going to do nothing but escalate and the costs associated with that are going to do nothing but
escalate so you've got to maintain some presence.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Right, you've got a 16 year old kid out there at the gate who is so far removed
from what's going on further in the park, a modicum of security is exactly what it is.
Mayor Chmiel: Well, I've even seen that happen Colleen where people will come up to the gate attendant and
told them a given problem. All he does is use the phone and dial 911 and we have our officer there to take
care of the situation.
Councilman Mason: Well I think a couple of issues have been raised. I mean we do, and we talked about it
two weeks aclo. I think we need to look at the security angle and I think Steve raises some very good points as
well.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. There's a motion on the floor with a second.
Councilman Berquist moved, Councilman Mason seconded to direct the Paric and Recreation Commission to
review the Lake Ann Patic parldn; permit fees %vithin a 60 day time period looldne for an equitable
residentlnon- resident method of wising revenues from Lake Ann and/dr the rest of the packs within the
community. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
PRELIMINARY PLAT TO SUBDIVIDE A 2.22 ACRE PARCEL INTO 4 LOTS 6660 POWERS
BOULEVARD, GOLDEN GLOW ACRES, JAMES RAVIS
Public Present:
Name Address
James Ravis
6660 Powers Boulevard
Jeremy Steiner
Suite 400 Norwest, Minneapolis
Russ Kohman
6730 Powers Boulevard
Bill Infanger
6740 Powers Boulevard
Larry Kerber
6420 Powers Boulevard
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council. The site is located west of Powers Boulevard,
approximately 500 feet south of the intersection of Lake Lucy Road and Powers Boulevard. The applicant is
proposing to subdivide 2.2 acres into 4 single family lots. The property is zoned Residential Single Family.
The average lot size is 23,304 square feet with a resulting net density of 1.87 units per acre. Access to the
subdivision is proposed to be provided via a private street which will serve all four lots. One of the main issues
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CITY OF 5
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
MEMORANDUM
TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager
FROM: Todd Hoffman, CLP, Park & Recreation Director
DATE: September 18, 1995
SUBJ: Unfinished Business, Annual Review of Lake Ann Park Parking Permits, Section
14 -59 of City Code
'M= AR
This item was reviewed by the City Council on September 11, 1995. The minutes of the
discussion are attached. Also attached is a phot copy of page 786 of the city code that specifies
Section 14 -59 parking permits. As you will recall this`item was tabled due to a split vote; two
council members favored the elimination of the Lake Ann = parking permit program and two
gin.
council members favored the retention of the fees at some level.
RECOMMENDATION
Regarding the annual resolution establishing the fee amount in the event that the parking permits
are retained, it is recommended that the following fees be established:
In addition, may it be recognized that particip
(17 years old and under) are granted free acre;
traditionally been closed at 6 p.m. each 4th of
ATTACHMENTS
$
$15:00 (an increase from $10)
and spectators of all organized youth events
the park. Additionally, the gate has
,granting fireworks spectators free access.
1. City Council minutes dated September 11, 1995
2. Section 14 -59 of City Code
3. Report dated August 16, 1995
City Council Meeting - September 11, 1995
10. Obtain a permit and secure escrow to install a pool fence prior to recording the final plat.
11. Full park and trail fees shall be paid at the time of building permit approval in the amount in force at the
time of building permit application.
12. Tree and branch overgrowth along Ridge Road shall be trimmed to the satisfaction of the Fire Marshal. l
13. A thirty (30) foot front yard setback shall be maintained from the dedicated right -of -way.
14. The Meyer's are obligated to bring the break away fence or gate up to a standard that's maybe set by the '
State parks.
15. The Meyer's present to the city staff some brush removal plan to clear as much of that road and give the
staff and the City Council some kind of assurances that this can be maintained in the future
All voted in favorand the motion carried unanimously.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF LAKE ANN PARK PARKING Pmm"c crrr —wr
Todd Hoffman: Thank you Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council. By resolution each year the City Council '
is, by city ordinance, asked to establish Lake Ann Park parking fees. It's an annual debate therefore which has '
been picking up some steam over the past fete years, specifically membeis of the Park and Rec Commission
have heard from their constituency and as from residents of the city that if anything should be free, getting into
Lake Ann Park which is the city's premiere and most widely public park, should be free. In addition, the fees '
are somewhat arbitrary. Over the years since that ordinance was established, numerous user groups have lobbied
the city successfully to receive free entry into Lake Ann Park. Such groups as youth athletic association groups,
both those participating from in town and out of town. Simply inform the gate attendant that they are there to
participate or watch a youth oriented event and they're allowed in free. The same goes for those who participate
in swimming lessons sponsored by Minnetonka Schools, which are contracted by the city through Minnetonka
Schools. Other instances of free entry. I believe that covers those. But on an annual basis we have a report
prepared for the city. The Park and Recreation Commission and City Council which talks about gross receipts '
and why the fee was established in the first place and I've heard a variety of stories on that. And then there's issue of the park was established in part with Federal monies and we have a public access on Lake Arm and
ere's
therefore charging unequal fees based upon resident and non - resident may not be possible at Lake Ann Park '
either, due to Federal regulations governing that money being put into Lake Ann Park for it's establishment and
it's furnishings. A variety of issues but what it comes down to is that the Park Commission again, for a second
year has recommended that the City Council eliminate all Lake Ann parking fees. Allow the park to be free of ,
charge to any park user, resident or non - resident. But in addition to that, that a park ranger position be included
in the 1996 budget to assist guests, enforce park rules and provide general visibility and security. That motion
passed unanimously by the Park and Recreation Commission. The reasoning behind the park ranger is that
they've often thought that the gate attendant provides some sort of security or a gate guard against activity '
which is unwanted in Lake Ann Park. But they're beginning to realize that that is not the case. And both the
commission and residents are beginning to see increased levels of unwanted activities taking place at Lake Ann
Park, both in the parking lot areas and beach areas. The picnic grounds is really where the action is taking t
place, not a quarter of a mile away at the gate house where that person cannot provide much control for the
park. So with that you have my comments, which go over gross receipts. Interesting enough,
$16,000.00 in gross receipts really to date and if you look at that, the softball players or th softball teams are
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City Council Meeting - September 11, 1995
each nicked another $5.00 per player for an annual parking permit. That generates about $4,700.00 in revenues
of that $16,000.00. In addition, many company picnics are sponsored at Lake Ann Park and again they're
nicked for either more often a $2.00 daily permit for each of their guests. But they either pay that in a couple
of ways. They present a business card or a pass at the gate. Those are collected by the gate attendant and then
' our staff bills the company for the individual receipts. Or they ask their guest to pay that as they come in
through the park, and that collects again in 1995 approximately $6,000.00 of that $16,000.00. So we have a
total of close to $11,000.00 of this $16,000.00 which is just really being collected through other means or other
' avenues than actual just cars coming in to park to go to the swimming beach or use other areas. At least one
of the original reasonings behind the fee program, which I find most plausible is that, at the time that the
lifeguards were furnished at Lake Ann, they figured you know we need to pay those costs. That lifeguard
' contract was up to about $18,000.00 a year through Minnetonka Community Services and here we have net
revenues of approximately $6,000.00 - $5,500.00 so we're not recouping. We're about a third of the way there to
recoup those costs so if that was the reason the job isn't getting done, but nevertheless you will have net
revenues of about $6,000.00 at Lake Ann Park this year through this program. Interestingly, net revenues per
day are about $5,800.00 and if you break that out per hour that the gate guard sits at that gate shack, you earn
about $6.00 per hour. You have a manager's comment as well, which I also heard from City Council members
in this regard that during the audit process, with the reduction in federal and state aids, city's are encouraged to
keep their user fees up. User fee levels up, both in dollar revenues and in the amount of user fees. User fee
programs, so this recommendation comes in an untimely moment. Nevertheless, I bring you the
recommendation of the Park Commission to abandon Lake Ann parking permits.
Mayor Chmiel: Thank you. Any discussion?
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Sure,
Councilman Senn: Sure.
I Mayor Chmiel: You bet.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: I hate this annual discussion, but nevertheless I'm standing with what I've said in
prior years. This is more hassle than it's worth. You know. What I hear from people, or not so much that,
' well first of all they're annoyed with, and I think it's unfair but it's the, they don't anticipate it. I mean they
drive up and they don't expect to pay a fee and that's what really annoys them. They don't have the extra cash
or whatever but anyway I guess in a nutshell it's just not worth the hassle. I'm not certain that a roving park
' ranger expense will make it through the budget process but for $5,500.00, let's find it somewhere else. And
now for an opposing point of view.
Councilman Mason: You've got it. I personally, well no. I don't think we should change it. I understand all
the reasons for letting people in free, and I think that's all fine and well. We're talking, you know 1 look at the
manager's comment and I happen to agree with it. I remember when I first started cross country skiing at
county parks which was back in the mid 70's, and I think a park sticker was a buck and you didn't have to have
a license to ski. Well, I certainly hit the roof when I had to get a cross country ski license but by god, I buy
one every year, you know to use the trails. The trails are maintained and it may be only recouping a small part
of what it costs to run that park but I think that's a revenue stream, albeit small. I have not had one person, and
' that includes my wife when she took the kids to swimming. I didn't even know we could get in free if we had
kids taking swimming lessons. We paid the permit anyway. No one's ever said one thing good or bad to me
about it. I'm in favor of maintaining the fees.
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City Council Meeting - September 11, 1995
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, Mark.
Councilman Senn: I haven't changed my idea either, or I guess my mind from last year and that is I think we
,
ought to ash can the parking fees. I think what we really need to do, in my mind, is modify or redefine the
situation and let's quit, you know let's quit calling them parking fees. I don't think we should be charging
residents a parking fee to enter a city park. No more than we charge them a parking fee to enter any one of the
'
other city parks. I think there's a good case to be made in the case of Lake Ann to recognize that that park
services some broader purposes other than most of the other parks in Chanhassen. But to me the way to
accommodate that is to do something a little differently than we are. Well, it's not really different. I think
again it's just really more a definitional or redefining the process. I think we should keep the gate attendant. I
'
think we should keep $16,000.00 or more in revenue a year and I think we can do that. And I think we simply
redefine the $4,725.00 that we collect from the softball teams as a user fee. I suggest we continue to charge the
user fees to the sponsors and guest company picnics. Okay. At the same time, I think we should institute a
user fee to non - residents of Chanhassen and I think that's going to make up the difference and I think what
we're going to be doing is sitting here a year from now and saying okay, we've got another $16,000.00 in
revenue. $6,000.00 in staff cost and we haven't lost a blasted thing, except what we've lost is charging our
residents for parking in their city park. And it seems to me that that's the idyllic, idyllic? I don't know if that's
the right word or not but idyllic solution? To the dilemma. You know at the same time I think there's been -. a
number of complaints lately about behavior activities at the park. I don't know, that's something I think we're
going to have to deal with as a separate issue when it comes in in relationship to. the budget. I don't think we
,
should probably get that mixed in here at -this time so I guess I'm saying I agree with the manager. I agree with
the auditor. I guess I'm agreeing with everybody but it seems to me that's the solution. Let's look at it -that way
rather than simply do we have a parking fee or don't we have a parking fee.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. I guess I'm in the same position as I was the last time, not relinquishing the fees but
staying with what we have only because Lake Ann Park is a park that is, far exceeds a lot of parks around this
particular metro area. I think it's something we'd be proud of and continue that kind of maintenance and
'
upkeep. And the cost, because of all the cutbacks that are coming, I don't think it would even be a thing to do
this year at all. So my suggestion, recommendation is to keep it as we have and to continue with it rather than,
and to review it to see if there's ways that it would also benefit the city in years to come but no longer taking it
'
and reviewing the parking permit aspects.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: I have a question. Todd, have we ever looked at the breakout between resident
,
and non - resident?
Todd Hoffman: Some of those are in your packet. 1994 it's non - resident revenues of $3,700.00 out of a total
of $19,000.00 that year. Daily passes are far and away just over $10,000.00 that year, out of $19,000.00 so
,
approximately half.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Where are you reading these numbers from?
,
Todd Hoffman: It's further back in the report. Each 1994 gross revenues figure for Lake Ann. $24,000.00. It's
labeled 4C on the lower right hand corner. It lists 1994, $24,000.00 and in the back side as revenues collected,
it lists daily passes, seasonal and resident seasonal, non - resident. It should go back each year in a similar
fashion. 1993, $20,000.00 gross revenues. 1992, $18,000.00. And $18,000.00 in '91. Some of the biggest
years are the drought years. We had $3,000.00 on single weekends in the month of May and June.
,
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' City Council Meeting - September 11, 1995
Councilwoman Dockendorf: But we don't break it out for the daily pass, whether that's resident or non - resident?
' Do you have a feel for that?
Todd Hoffman: No I don't.
' Mayor Chmiel: Okay. Any other questions? If not I'll call the question. All those in favor.
Councilman Senn: No. We don't' even have a motion on the table yet. Do we?
' Councilwoman Dockendorf: No.
Mayor Chmiel: Oh I thought, I'm sorry. I thought you made a motion.
' Councilman Mason: No, but I'd be happy to. I'll make the motion that we retain the Lake Ann entrance fees
and I'd suggest that we continue to search new ways to obtain revenue from Lake Ann Park.
' Mayor Chmiel: Is there a second? If not, I'll second it.
' Councilman Mason moved, Mayor Chmiel seconded to retain the Lake Ann Park entrance fees for 1996.
Councilman Mason and Mayor Chmiel voted in favor. Councilman I Senn and Councilwoman Dockendorf voted
in opposition. The motion was tied with a 2 to 2 vote.
' Mayor Chmiel: That mean it's going to go back to Council.at the next meeting on the 25th.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CERTAIN FEE POLICIES CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER
' Todd Hoffman: Mr. Mayor, members of the Council. The Chanhassen Recreation Center officially opened,
along with Bluff Creek Elementary School on Tuesday, September 5th of this month. The center is
experiencing a trial opening if you will. An open house effective through the 24th of this month. We took
' ownership of the building 2 months late... contracts so all furnishings are not available. All the equipment isn't
there and so we couldn't offer the complete product at the posted price until we had the building fully outfitted.
But in the meantime we're still working through policies of operation and one which has certainly received a lot
' of attention on the administrative level is who's going to be charged what to use the particular components of
the building. The City Council has authorized policies relating to the rental of the meeting spaces within the
community center, or the recreation center. However, in regard to user fees for what is called the punch card
system, exercise with options program, there are still some outstanding questions which we would like the City
Council to answer for us. Specifically, how would you like to charge resident, excuse me. How would you like
to charge employees of the city of Chanhassen. Those people who work within the city of Chanhassen and how
would you like to handle employees of the City of Chanhassen itself. Obviously one of the main inquiries
' comes from school teachers who happen to be teaching at that particular building. They think it's very
convenient but we also have how many employees within this city that work here, 10,000 - 12,000 jobs.
However many jobs we have within the community. Those folks are wondering what basis they're going to be
' charged for using the building so we have a very functional center, from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on nearly 7
days per week so we can cater to those alternate shift people. When they get off work in the morning from any
one of our industrial buildings. They can come over and participate in recreation. But are they going to be
charged, if they live outside the community, at a non - resident rate or are they going to be charged as a resident
' of Chanhassen, since they do %vork here? And then the other question is, how would you like to handle the
1 39
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§ 14 -58 CHANHASSEN CITY CODE '
(e) A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable '
ordinances fully as though the same were inserted in the permit.
(f) The person to whom a permit is issued shall be liable for any loss, damage, or injury
,
sustained by any person wherever by reason of the negligence of the person or persons to
whom such permit shall have been issued. Within forty -eight (48) hours of the end of the
permit, a permittee shall remove from the park all trash in the nature of boxes, papers, cans,
'
bottles, garbage and other refuse and all installations and equipment, and restore the prem-
ises to their condition prior to use.
(g) The city shall have the authority .to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any
'
rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.
(Ord. No. 59, § 31, 7- 21 -75)
'
Sec. 14-59. Parking permits.
No person shall leave or park any vehicle on any public lands or grounds adjacent to or in
'
the neighborhood of Lake Ann Park during the months' of May, June, July, August and
September of each year without having attached to the vehicle in a conspicuous place a permit
for that year. Such permits for the parking of automobiles or other vehicles or conveyances on
'
public lands or grounds adjacent to or in the neighborhood of Lake Ann Park shall be issued
by the city to any resident or real property owner of the city upon payment. to the city of a
permit fee in the amount established by resolution each year. Such permits shall also be
issued to any person who is not a resident of the city or who does not own real property within
the city only upon payment to the city of a permit fee in the amount established by resolution
'
each year.
(Ord. No. 59, § 31, 7- 21 -75)
'
Sec. 14-60. Operating hours.
P g
No person shall park, be in or remain in, or leave any vehicle in any park, between the
'
hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This section does not apply to those vehicles or persons
involved in organized activities which are authorized to remain in a park by the city.
(Ord. No. 59, § 4, 7- 21 -75)
I
Sec. 14.61. Alcoholic beverages. '
(a) The definitions in Minnesota Statutes section 340A.101 apply to this section.
(b) Except for malt beverages, no person shall consume or have in his or her possession
while within any city park'ariy bottle or receptacle which contains intoxicating liquor which '
has been opened, or the seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.
(Ord. No. 57, § 5.02, 6- 17 -75; Ord. No. 57A, § 1, 9- 20 -76; Ord. No. 211, § 7.19, 4.19.82; Ord. No. ,
134, § 1, 11- 11 -90)
Supp. No. 3 ,
786
i
CITY 0 F 9
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
TO: Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
FROM: Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Supervisor -- -
DATE: August 16, 1995
SUBJ: 1996 Lake Ann Entrance Fees
The Lake Ann gate attendant has been a hot topic with the Park and Recreation Commission
and the City Council this past year. The time tdecide whether or not to continue the Lake
Ann entrance fee and the ate attendant ro -
g p gram - isy�upon us again.
The major concern for discontinuing the program Xe loss of the $15,000 - 25,000 in gross
revenues. Our department is currently working on the, 1996 budget. Direction will need to
be given whether the Lake Ann gate revenues be included in the 1996 General Fund. Lake
4 -. ,
Ann gate revenues as of August 15 is $14,909.81. The: of gross revenue for the
remaining summer will be approximately! $17,000 which; is down $3,000 from 1994.
The Park and Recreation CommissionAikes the security of the gate attendants visible at Lake
Ann and Lotus Lake. Staffing of th'e gates totals $6,000 per year. An alternative the Park
and Recreation Commission suggested last year was a roving type of "park ranger." This
person would be visible at Lake Ann to assist our guests and enforce park rules. This class
of employee would be n th
ie $8410 per hour range. Projected salaries for a park ranger
would be approximately $8SOOThs is based'on" 8 Hours p er day for 15 weeks, between
Memorial and Labor�bay The park'rariger would beIncluded in" our 147 Lake Ann
Operations budget
Lake Ann gate fees have been the subject of many discussions "by the ark and Recreation
Commission and City Council. The pros andcons'must again be weighed whether the gate
attendant program and fees continue.��
Park & Recreation Commission Update (9- 6 -95): The Park & Recreation Commission
reviewed the Lake Ann entrance fees at their August 22 meeting. After discussing the
revenue loss, security issues and the rest of the pros and cons, the Park & Recreation
Commission made the following motion:
MEMORANDUM
• v.
Lake Ann Entrance Fees
Page 2
"A motion was made by Commissioner Manders and seconded by
Commissioner Meger that the Park & Recreation Commission recommends that
the City Council eliminate the entrance fee to Lake Ann Park and the gate '
attendant program. It is also recommended that a Park Ranger position be
included in the 1996 budget to assist guests, enforce park rules, and to provide '
general visibility and security. Motion unanimously approved."
Director's Comments: The Lake Ann Park parking permit program has been teetering on a '
fine wire the past few years. The question at hand —is it worth the bother to collect $2 per car
from selected individuals as they enter Lake Ann Park? - - --- - - - -- - - --
In my attached memorandum dated January 4, 1995, I discussed the impacts of eliminating ,
the "gate" program. At the time my comments were based upon 1994 financial figures. An
assessment of the 1995 figures reveals the following: '
Revenue
1995 Gross Gate Receipts* $16,012.55 ,
( *Note: This includes $4,725 collected from softball team
sponsors at a rate of $5 per player to pay for an annual _
pass; and $6,000 collected From the sponsors and guests '
of company picnics to pay for their parking permits.)
Expenses '
Seasonal staff (gate attendants *) $ 6,000.00
( *Includes the cost of limited staffing at the South
Lotus Lake Gate House.) ,
Full time staff (Administration, Park & Recreation & Finance) $ 3,200.00
Printing of Passes $ 1.275.00 ,
Net Revenue $ 5,537.55 '
Approximate net revenue per day of operation $ 58.29
Approximate net revenue per hour of operation $ 6.00 '
The minutes of the August 22, 1995 Park & Recreation Commission meeting are not available '
for your review. However, members of the commission will be present at Monday's meeting
to discuss the issue.
TH (9 -7 -95) '
1
n
Lake Ann Entrance Fees
Page 3
Manager's Comments:
I have always been a supporter of public parks being free. I am sure someone could find
various memorandums written by myself advocating that position over the years. However, I
would be derelict in my duties if I did not remind the city council of the advice from our city
auditors, i.e. "User fees are the only means by which cities will be able to survive with
continuing reductions in federal/state aids." Additionally, I am anticipating that this budget
year is going to be more difficult than previous. Specifically, many of the special revenue
funds used to pay a portion of our operating costs will have fewer dollars available.
Accordingly, many of these costs /programs will either be cut or shifted to the general fund.
Approval of keeping the existing parking permit program in place is recommended.
DWA (9-7-95)
Lake Ann Gate Income 1995
Date
Amount
5/30/95
$519.00
6/5/95
$1,341.00
6/12/95
$328.00
6/13/95
$494.25
6/15/95
$1,547.96
6116195
$657.00
6/19195
$2,341.40
6/20/95
$530.10
6121/95
$561.10
6/23/95
$264.00
6126/95
$834.00
6/27195
$144.00
6/30/95
$96.05
7/3/95
$322.00
7/5/95
$654.00
7/10195
$711.00
7/11/95
$195.00
7/13/95
$132.00
7/14/95
$411.05
7117/95
$30.00
7/18/95
$68.00
7119/95
$158.00
7/20/95
$6.00
7/21/95
$133.00
7/24/95
$375.00
7/25/95
$122.00
7/26195
$102.00
7/27/95
$128.00
7131/95
$885.90
8/1/95
$19.00
8/2/95
$50.00
813/95
$68.00
8/7/95
$283.00
818/95
$8.00
819/95
$16.00
8/10195
$86.00
8/11195
$55.00
8114/95
$214.00
8/15/95
$100.00
8/16/95.
$69.00
8/17/95
$6.00
8118/95
$76.00
8/21/95
$283.00
8/22195
$44.00
8/23/95
$54.00
8/24/95
$40.00
8/28/95
$91.00
8130/95
$2.00
8/31/95
$22.00
911/95
$4.00
9/5/95
$331.74
Total $16,012.55
CITY OF -
CHANHASSEN.
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
' MEMORANDUM
' TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager
FROM: Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
' DATE: January 4, 1995
SUBJ: Review Lake Ann Park Parking Fees
4
Ta n
Section 14 -59. Parking Permits of Chapter 14, Parks and Recreation, of the Chanhassen City
Code requires that Lake Ann Park parking feestie established by resolution each year. This
annual review process has resulted in.some spirited discussions at the Park and Recreation
Commission debating the pros and cons of the fee program. In the interest of brevity, the
major points of discussion on an annual basis` in each category are:
' PRO CON
Revenue source Another user fee
Creates jobs "We have already paid taxes for these
services."
' "Gate keeper" security x
"Our parks are free, why do we have to
pay to get into yours '
_, __...`
In addition, by policy, the parking tees'are'not uniformly charged across the board, i.e.
participants /spectators of youth sporting activities ,are allowed to enter the park free of charge,
whereas participants in adult sporting activities are charged.
An annual report of gate activity and parking permit revenues is prepared each fall. This
report was presented to the Park and Recreation Commission this past November. At their
' December 15 meeting, the commission took up the issue of establishing a recommendation
for the 1995 fee schedule (see attached report from Jerry Ruegemer dated December 7, 1994).
For your information, I have also attached the 1993, 1992 and 1991 reports. Upon conclusion
Don Ashworth
January 4, 1995. '
Page 2
of their discussion on the 15th, Chairperson Andrew moved and Comnussioner Manders
seconded to strike the entrance fees in their entirety and retain the gate attendant
program modifying it into a park patrol. The motion passed unanimously.
At first glance, this action may seem severe, however, the debate over being "hit up" to enter '
Lake Ann Park has been raging from some time. The commission does not take their
recommendation lightly and recognizes the loss in revenue this change in policy would bring.
Likewise, they recognize that the retention of a gate attendant/park patrol program will
consume similar resources while cutting all revenues. However, they believe the presence of
a "gate keeper" at Lake Ann Park greatly reduces the likelihood of vandalism at the park. '
The commission's bottom line is they believe the public deserves the opportunity to utilize
the services offered at Lake Ann Community Park without being charged an entrance fee.
Entrance fees are common in county, state and national park systems but are used less '
frequently on the local level. The financial impacts of endorsing the commission's
recommendations are:
1. The loss of approximately $20,000 to $25,000 in revenue. '
PP . Y _
2. A savings of approximately $1,500 in printing costs (entrance passes).
3. The retention of approximately $7,200 in personnel costs. i
In other words, under current policy, the program operates approximately $16,000 to the
good, whereas, under the new recommendation the gate program would operate $7,000 to
$10,000 din the red. The benefit would come in an unmeasurable amount of good public
relations. ,
For your information, a copy of the Lake Ann Park Operations Budget totaling $63,250 for
1995 is attached. This function includes the gate attendant program, concession and '
equipment rental employees, shelter cleaning and the provision of lifeguards and swimming
lessons. General maintenance of the park is not included in this function. Revenues from
food and beverage concessions, equipment rental, swimming lessons, and the entrance fees '
offset a percentage of the expenditures required to provide these services. All revenue,
however, is deposited in the city's general fund.
RECOMMENDATION
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends the City Council strike the entrance fees
in their entirety and retain the gate attendant program modifying it into a park patrol.
Manager's Comments (1- 4 -95): The adopted 1995 budget includes gate receipts. Should ,
the council wish to change, something would have to be cut. This item should really have
been included in the 1995 budget request process and considered with other budget items.
DWA
[I
f
i
U
CITY OF 4e.
CHANHASSEN.
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
TO: Todd Hoffman, Parks and Recreation Director ^
FROM: Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Supervisor JK
DATE: December 7, 1994
SUBJ: Establish 1995 Gate Attendant Program and Lake Ann Entrance Fees
The gate attendant program was discussed briefly at the November 15 Park and Recreation
Commission meeting when the annual gate attendant report was presented. The Park and
Recreation Commission debates the effectiveness of the gate attendant program annually, and
it is again time to review the program.
Similar comments from previous years will be discussed this year and the Park and
Recreation Commission will weigh the pros 'and cons. I will include the gate attendant report
from our last meeting for you and the Park and Recreation Commission.
If the Park and Recreation Commission is going to adopt 1995 Lake Ann entrance fees, staff
recommends the following fees be approved.
Daily Park Pass $2.00
Seasonal Pass for Residents $5.00
Seasonal Pass for Non- Residents $10.00
XI, 4/
MEMORANDUM
Mr. Todd Hoffman
November 10, 1994
Page 2
Illustrated below is the watercraft totals, gate attendant hours /wages, and revenues collected at
Lake Ann Park from parking fees.
1994 Watercraft Totals
Speed boats
677
Fishing boats
639
Personal watercraft
57
Canoes
7
Pontoon
5
Kayak
1
Sailboat
1
Total
1
1993 Total
1
Revenue Collected from Lake Ann Parking Fees
Daily Passes .
- 5098x$2=
$10,196
Seasonal (Resident)
1061 x $5 =
5,305
Seasonal (Non- resident)
372 x 10
3,720
Subtotal
6531 passes =
$19,221
Softball Registration
68 teams x $75
5,100
1994 Grand Totals
$24,321
Printing expense -Lake Ann passes
$1,284.35
1993 Passes
$14,947
1993 Softball Reg.
67 teams x $75
5,025
1993 Grand Totals
$19,972
1994 Gate Attendant Total Hours and Wages
Lucy Atkins
195.75 hrs x 5.25 =
$1,027.69
Pat Brown
249.00 hrs x 5.25=
1,307.26
Angela Dorfner
247.50 hrs x 5.25=
1,299.38
Mark Ozeck
255.75 hrs x 5.50=
1,406.63
Stacey Pauling
299.75 hrs x 5.50=
1,648.88
Stefania Stokke
81.50 hrs x 5.25=
427.88
1329.25 hrs worked $7,117.49
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF 9c
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
TO: Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
FROM: Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Supervisor
DATE: September 22, 1993
SUBJ: 1993 Gate Attendant Program Report
'I
w
Through the years, the annual gate attendant report, has enabled our department to use the data
collected to show revenues, total hours, wages and South Lotus Lake access activity.
With the new additions to Lake Ann Park (Picnic Pavilion/Recreation Shelter), activity has
increased during the 1993 summer season. Picnic activity has risen, which is reflected in the
parking fees. If we see a warm summer again revenues will increase over the last two years.
In continuing Eurasian Water Milfoil education, a new program was installed at the South Lotus
Lake boat access. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sponsored an Exotic Species
Monitoring Program. The program was established to educate the public of species relative to
our area, such as Eurasian Water Milfoil and Zebra Mussel. The gate attendants at the boat
access were responsible for inspecting all portions of the watercraft going in and out the access.
The information coll ected during the inspection was recorded and mailed to the DNR for
compiling. The program has proved to be.a plus for Chanhassen, and I will work to organize
it again next summer
Illustrated on the attached `sheet is the watercraft totals, gate attendant hours /wages, and revenues
collected from Lake Ann parking passes'.
�9y3
9 92 7,Na<
�,� s
September 22, 1993
Page 2
1993 Water Craft Totals:
Speed Boats
741
Hrs. X 5.50 =
Fishing Boats
539
314
Personal Watercraft
34
Sam Kjome
Canoes
30
180.00
Pontoons
9
Hrs. X 5:00 =
Sailboats
5
140.5
Kayak
2
David Ringdahl
Windsurf Board
1
1,385.00
Chris Ripley
TOTAL 1
Hrs. X 5.00 =
992.50
* (1992 Watercraft Total = 1,607)
Revenue Collected From Lake Ann Parking Fees:
Daily Passes 4321 X $ 2.00 = $8,642.00
Seasonal (Resident) 891 X $ 5.00 = $4,455.00
Seasonal (Non- Resident) 185 X $10:00 = $1,850.00
Subtotal 5,397 Passes = 14,947.00
67 Softball Teams - Registration Fees: 67 X $75.00 = $5,025.00
TOTALS FOR 1993 1 $19,972.00
3803 Passes = $12,029.00
73 Softball Teams - Registration Fees:
73 X $75.00 = 5,475.00
TOTAL FOR 1992 17,504.00
1993 Gate Attendant Total Hours and Wages:
Jim Farm
327.5
Hrs. X 5.50 =
$1,801.25
Jon Farm
314
Hrs. X 5.50 =
1,727.00
Sam Kjome
36
Hrs. X 5.00 =
180.00
Rachael Leonard
208.75
Hrs. X 5:00 =
1,043.75
Kari Pearson
140.5
Hrs. X 5.00 =
702.50
David Ringdahl
277
Hrs. X 5.00 =
1,385.00
Chris Ripley
198.5
Hrs. X 5.00 =
992.50
TOTAL:
1502.25 Hrs. Worked
$7832.00
*1
I
1
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
MEMORANDUM 7A
TO: Todd Ho ,
ffman Park and Recreation Coordinator Iq
FROM: Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Supervisor
DATE: September 21, 1992
SUBJ: 1992 Gate Attendant Program Report .
It is hard to believe our summer has breezed by us. The annual gate attendant report has helped
our department track information from the sale of Lake Ann parking stickers, revenue from
sticker sales, gate attendant total hours and wages, and South Lotus Lake Access activity.
The summer of 1992 was full of surprises. The cool and rainy weather pattern limited the
operating hours of the Lake Ann and South Lotus Lake gate houses. Although the gate houses
were not open as often as 1991, the revenue collected was slightly greater. The increase can
partially be credited to the addition of 3 new softball teams and additional picnics which
generated revenue toward the grand total. Whenever there`was a nice weekend, both gate houses
were very active.
The South Lotus Lake Boat.Access experienced an increase in watercraft usage over the previous
year. Even though this.guinmer was cool and rainy, the boat access saw plenty of activity. The
number of boats using ddieaccess'was recorded on a`shift report while the gate attendants were
on duty. The shift report allows the attendant .on duty to mark down what type of watercraft is
using the access the time they are entering, number of occupants, and vehicle license number
in case there is a problem. With the increase of watercraft on South Lotus, looking into revising
the boating rules and regulations would benefit and would mitigate any future problems.
Eurasian Water Milfoil is still a very important problem in our area lakes. During the summer
of 1992, Lake Restoration, Inc. treated milfoil twice in South Lotus Lake. The milfoil
information will continue to be distributed to educate the public who are using the boat access.
For your information, this next page will illustrate watercraft totals, revenues collected from
parking passes and gate attendant hours and wages.
�f
i
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Coordinator
Septmeber 18, 1991
Page 2
1992 Watercraft Totals:
Speed Boats
834
Fishing Boats
671
Jet Skis
51
'
Canoes
27
Sheriff Boats
10
Sail Boats
8
Pontoons
4
Duck Boats
2
'
TOTAL: 1607
x`(1991 Watercraft Total: 1580)
The revenue from the Lake Ann . gate house
was generated by activities scheduled in the park,
such as; softball games and tournaments, soccer games, picnics, and beach activities. The 1992
and 1991 totals are listed for your review.
Dail y Passes
2,712 x $ 2.00 = $
5,424.00
Seasonal (resident)
Seasonal
861 x $ 5.00 = $
230 x $10.00 = $
4,305.00
2,300.00
. (non- resident)
SUBTOTAL:
3,803 passes = $
12,029.00
73 Softball Teams - Registration Fees
73 x $75.00 = $
5,475.00
Lake Ann Picnic Parking
802.00
TOTAL FOR
1992: $
18,306.00
1991 Totals:
4,407 passes = $
12,856.00
70 Softball Teams - Registration Fees
70 x $75.00 = $
5,250.00
TOTAL FOR
1991: $
18,106.00
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Coordinator
Septmeber 18, 1991
Page 3
Illustrated below is each gate attendants total hours worked and earned wages for the summer
of 1992.
Brandon Anderson
262.5 hrs. x
$ 5.00=
$ 1,312.50
Jim Farm
294.5 hrs. x
$ 5.00=
$ 1,472.50
John Farm
283.5 hrs. x
$ 5.00=
$ 1,417.50
Lori Haak
278.7 hrs. x
$ 5.75=
$ 1,603.46
Mary Nelson
223.4 hrs. x
$ 5.50=
$ 1,228.72
Jon Stutelberg
244.25 hrs. x
$ 5.50
$ 1,343.38
TOTAL:
1,586.85 hours worked
-P o,01 o.vu
The Gate Attendant Report helps our department year after year in collecting the pertinent
information regarding the Lake Ann and South Lotus Lake Boat Access gate houses. The
information gathered is used to assist the development of our budget.
7a 1
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE 0 P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
TO: Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Supervisor
FROM: Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Supervisor /; j DATE: September 18, 1991 / 1�O
SUBJ: 1991 Gate Attendant Program Reportf
r
With the end of the busy summer season, it is time to
the events which took place. The annual gate attendant report is
used to gather information about South Lotus Lake boat access, gate
attendants total hours and wages; and information about annual
sales in terms of the number of daily and seasonal passes and
the total revenue from these sales.
The summer of 1991 saw an 11.2% increase in watercraft population
from the year before. With the increased activity it is very
important to continue to look for new ways to educate the gate
attendants and the public about Eurasian Water Milfoil. During the
gate attendant meeting in May, specific milfoil information was
distributed to the gate attendants to become familiar with what the
milfoil plant looks like and what to do if milfoil is discovered.
A new addition to the gate attendant meeting was having the
president of the Lotus Lake Homeowners Association, Steve Decatur,
speak to the gate attendants about specific information regarding
Lotus Lake and the milfoil problem associated with the lake.
Steve's information was very helpful in terms of relating the gate
attendants responsibilities and duties into the overall goal of
Chanhassen which is to educate and inform the public about Eurasian
Water Milfoil. Next year the gate attendants will continue to pass
out literature about milfoil and the Lotus Lake boat rules and
regulations. Additional information will be sought to increase the
knowledge and understanding of the gate attendants regarding
Eurasian Water Milfoil.
Part of the duties and responsibilities of the gate attendants is
to track people using the South Lotus boat access and to record
types of watercraft. The information from the summer of 1991 are
listed on the following page.
1
L7
t
' The revenue and the total number of passes sold at the Lake Ann
Gate House increased slightly over the 1990 amount. The revenue
from the passes are directly associated with the activities at Lake
Ann Park in terms of picnics, spectators from league softball and
soccer games, softball tournaments and beach activities. With the
addition of the new Lake Ann picnic shelter and an increase in
other adult and youth activities, the revenue totals will increase
next year. The breakdown of the number of passes sold and revenue
totals are listed below:
Speed boats
835
Fishing boats
•655 .
3418 x $2.00 =
Jet skis
51
Canoes
21
'
Sail boats
7
Seasonal (non- resident)
Pontoons
„ 1
TOTAL
1580
'
(1990 watercraft
total 1405)
11.2% Increase
' The revenue and the total number of passes sold at the Lake Ann
Gate House increased slightly over the 1990 amount. The revenue
from the passes are directly associated with the activities at Lake
Ann Park in terms of picnics, spectators from league softball and
soccer games, softball tournaments and beach activities. With the
addition of the new Lake Ann picnic shelter and an increase in
other adult and youth activities, the revenue totals will increase
next year. The breakdown of the number of passes sold and revenue
totals are listed below:
Daily Passes
3418 x $2.00 =
$6,836.00
Seasonal (resident)
774 x 5.00 =
3;870.00
Seasonal (non- resident)
215 x 10.00 =
2
TOTAL
4407 passes =
$12,856,00
70 Softball teams x $75.00 per team
5
GRAND TOTAL FOR 1991
$18,106.00
1990 Totals
4092 passes =
$12,466.00
65 Softball teams x $75.00 per team
$ 4
GRAND TOTAL FOR 1990
$17,341.00
The gate attendants total hours and wages for Lake Ann and
the
South Lotus Boat Access:
Sam Auseth 60.5
hrs. x $5.00 =
$ 302.50
Roger Erny 286
hrs. x 4.50 =
1
Bart Genovese 22
hrs. x 4.50 =.
99.00
Lori Haak 254
hrs. x 5.00 =.
1,270.00
Charlie Hansen 176.5
hrs. x 4.50 =
794.25
Karl Kotsonas 148.5
hrs. x 4.50
668.25
Kelly Mularie 213
hrs. x 4.50 =
958.50
Heather Schindler 231.25
hrs. x. 4.
1040.63
Charity Wolf. 44
hrs. x 4.50
198.00
'
TOTAL 1435.75
HOURS
$6,618.13
1990 Totals 1331
Hours
$6,116.87
This report is developed to show
the usage at
Lake Ann Park and
the
South Lotus Lake Boat Access. In creating such a report,
the
information collected will further assist in the development
of
next summer's gate attendant,
Eurasian Water
Milfoil, and
Ann
programs and activities.
Huffman: Second. I
Andrews moved, Huffman seconded that the Paii: and Recreation Commission approve the
establishment of the 1995 Group Picnic Reseivation Fees as presented by staff. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously.
C. ESTABLISH 1995 GATE ATTENDANT PROGRAM AND LAKE ANN ENTRANCE '
FEES.
Ruegemer: We briefly discussed on this issue at our November 15th meeting and I know
everybody has an opinion... program again. I know there's a lot of, everybody has been
weighing the pros and cons since our November 15th meeting so this should be a topic of
discussion that we can breeze through tonight. We've had a lot of discussions last year just
about security of the building if we do disband that program and... Those type of issues we
can discuss tonight if you choose to do so. The gate attendant program report was included
from the last meeting just for your information to review if you have any questions on that.
And then also if, after the discussions on the Lake Ann and South Lotus Lake gate programs.
26 ,
Park and Rec Commission Meeting - December 13, 1994
Ruegemer: We had talked about that when those were approved for the businesses. I think
triple we're pricing ourselves right out of the market. That would be an option for the
businesses for the ... 60. That's high for that anyways so.
in for
,
Hoffman: At $345.00 they wouldn't be waiting in line. Do the schools come and ask a
25% discount right away?
,
Ruegemer: The schools weren't, no.
Hoffman: So you don't count them as a non - profit?
Ruegemer: No. Non - profit is like the...
not filed as non profit.
Andrews: They're P
Ruegemer: Schools? No.
Andrews: No.
'
Hoffman: Boy I consider them non - profit.
Andrews: I'll move to approve the reservation fee schedule as outlined by Jerry.
Huffman: Second. I
Andrews moved, Huffman seconded that the Paii: and Recreation Commission approve the
establishment of the 1995 Group Picnic Reseivation Fees as presented by staff. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously.
C. ESTABLISH 1995 GATE ATTENDANT PROGRAM AND LAKE ANN ENTRANCE '
FEES.
Ruegemer: We briefly discussed on this issue at our November 15th meeting and I know
everybody has an opinion... program again. I know there's a lot of, everybody has been
weighing the pros and cons since our November 15th meeting so this should be a topic of
discussion that we can breeze through tonight. We've had a lot of discussions last year just
about security of the building if we do disband that program and... Those type of issues we
can discuss tonight if you choose to do so. The gate attendant program report was included
from the last meeting just for your information to review if you have any questions on that.
And then also if, after the discussions on the Lake Ann and South Lotus Lake gate programs.
26 ,
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Park and Rec Commission Meeting - December 13, 1994
If the Park and Rec Commission so chooses to adopt a 1995 Lake Ann entrance fee, it is
staffs recommendation to keep the following prices. The daily park pass of $2.00. Seasonal
pass for residents at $5.00 and seasonal pass for non - residents at $10.00.
Andrews: Well I've come full circle on this I think finally after years. I was one that wanted
to charge these fees and I would like to see the city provide every Chanhassen residence with
a season pass for Lake Ann. I don't think, I no longer think we should be charging our own
citizens fees for the park. That's an opinion but it's too good of a park to be denying anybody
that's a Chanhassen resident a chance to go to.
Meger: I would agree. I guess I would feel a lot more comfortable waiving the fees if we
knew that we had a referendum that passed that was going to give us some additional...
Manders: I guess I agree with that and to carry the question or the comment one step further.
That gray line of enforcing who's not a resident. I mean if you come in with somebody that
you know or you're, it's that whole maze of, and I know it's the same thing as it is today.
Trying to define who's a resident and who isn't.
Andrews: I guess my concept is that in one of the regular mailings that would go out to all
households in the city, that they would get a pass. A sticker for a car and then it would be a
simple process. When you come to the gate, if you don't have a sticker, you either can buy a
daily or a season.
Lash: Well why bother having one?
Andrews: For non - residents.
Lash: I think that, I don't know. Do we ever have a breakdown of the money that comes in
resident.
Huffman: Right here. Revenues collected at Lake Ann.
Lash: I mean it's not even worth it to have somebody stand around ... for the number of non-
residents that...
Manders: That's kind of what I was getting at.
Lash: I mean we pay more passes than we would collect.
Hoffman: $372.00.
27
Park and Rec Commission Meeting - December 13, 1994
Huffman: The only place it does make sense to me is at the Lotus Lake where you have a
problem with boats. People actually needing some direction and guidance. I know where the '
ballfields are. If I'm going to the beach, I walk past people who can help me. I'm going to
defer to smarter heads here but somebody sitting at that gate, I know how to drive to the
parking area. If I need help I get help from people who are in areas, I need help. '
Lash: I think the past the discussion has been not so much money that we make or, it had
more to do with, Larry was a strong supporter and I know he's gone but it has to do with that
there's someone there that people feel is making them a little more accountable for their
actions and their behavior within the park. That there are rules and that there's someone there
who can, whether they help enforce the rules or not. It's just the mindset that there's someone
,
at the gate. That the money thing is, what do we end up clearing on the whole deal?
$11,000.00 is fairly insignificant in the overall city budget. I feel for Lotus Lake, I think
because that's so close to neighborhoods and with boats going in and out all day and milfoil
and all that, I guess the weekend, I think we adjusted the hours this year didn't we? Just
evenings and then all day on the weekends. That seemed to make sense to me. I guess I'm
going to be open for once on the attendant at Lake Ann. If we want to just can the whole
idea for a year and try to see what happens, let's just do that and see what happens. If we
don't want to, if we feel that the gate attendant sends a message to people who are coming in,
then we have to, we either need to just pay someone to be a gate attendant and forget the fee,
or hire someone as more of a park service type person.
,
Hoffman: Park P olice.
Lash: Yeah, park ranger. Someone who kind of distributes rules and tries to enforce rules.
That kind of a thing maybe we can do.
Manders: I guess one comment I'd like to make is kind of pulling a reverse here but.
Andrews: Somebody's got to do it.
,
Manders: I'll volunteer to do that. Just recently I just read in the paper about Minneapolis'
plight and what their plan is to charge attendance at six of their parks. Now I don't know
what that means here necessarily but it's just an observation.
Lash: One of the down things that I picked up over the last year or so since the shelter's
been open is the irritation by people coming in who are paying to reserve the shelter and then
getting milked for another $2.00 to get in and that's an irritation and I was thinking if that's
the biggest problem, one solution would be automatically if there's a reservation for the Smith
family, you pull up to the gate. You don't have a pass. You say I'm with the Smith family.
28
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Park and Rec Commission Meeting - December 13, 1994
The guy at the gate has got the list of who's got the reservation. You get in without having
to buy a permit. I don't know that that's the only problem we have. There's a public
perception problem there and I think in a year also where we're going to be asking for a
referendum, it's hard to say to people that you're going to be paying taxes for all these
improvements and all these parks but you're also going to have to pay to get into it.
Andrews: Personally I'd like to see the attendant stay and I would see us quit the fees. One
advantage would be, that the attendants don't have to man the gates, is they can walk the
park. At Lake Ann in particular that could be valuable. Give somebody a.
' Manders: Just be a more visible member.
Andrews: A walkie talkie or a cell phone and say, your job is to watch over this piece of
' property. You know walk up to the ballfields. Walk over to the park pavilions. Make sure
people are where they're supposed to - be and.
Lash: And that can be the method to motivate gate attendants.
Andrews: Yeah, it's better use of their time.
' Lash: ...much more motivation and if we have... brochure up of the different facilities at Lake
Ann and if the person's carrying around a little bundle of those, he can come up and say,
where are the... But then what we're faced with then is where are we going to be coming up
with the $7,000.00 to the park attendants.
Huffman: The golf course.
Andrews: We'd have to make a budget amendment in order to come up with that to plan
money because that wasn't part of our original budget proposal.
' Hoffman: No, you would not. It's under Lake Ann. Lake Ann Park.
Lash: I still have a concern with Lotus.
Andrews: I want an attendant there too.
Lash: Right. I want an attendant at Lotus. There's no parking fee over there is there?
Hoffman: No there is not.
1 29
° n Meeting - December 13 1994
Park and Rec Commissio S ,
Huffman: Explorers. Through scouting. But it's a boys and girls senior high school, post ,
high school career oriented organization and they form in clusters of whatever the current
broadcasting accounting whatever. Maybe we could identify, tie in and that's what they do in '
their summer and they come prepared in health and I don't know. We'd have to walk through
that a lot deeper but that's a way of maybe finding some people who have a little more
training than maybe what you would have ... A thought. I
30 1
Lash: I think we need to finance an attendant there.
,
I think the weekends what we did there was fine. That
Andrews: We need control and ,
solved the problem. To waste the money during the day.
,
Hoffman: The employees are all budgeted in the Lake Ann operations and the revenue is not
shown to offset that. So the money is available to hire the employees, at least at a gate
attendant status. If we're, you know we're not going to have a full force park ranger but we're
,
going to have a person there of a different caliber than a gate attendant and who would most
likely work with our public safety department to go ahead and staff these locations more than.
Andrews: Right. I don't think you can have a 16 year old.
Hoffman: Right, or the roving park patrol. There would be a minor loss in revenues which
,
is very easy to recoup as far as the city's revenue.
Lash: Considering this is a yearly revenue and we've been slowly over the years progressing
to this spot, maybe we'need to just *go with it one year and face our fears. .
,
Once you do it it's
Andrews: y permanent.
p
Hoffman: Once you do it, yeah. You're not going to flip flop this thing around.
'
Huffman: An idea, help me walk through this. Scouts, Explorers. There are law
enforcement posts. There are medical posts. There are other posts. Part of their activities,
training, what they prepare to do, it's young boys and girls in career type settings and
situations. Can we find out if there are any out in this area? Can we tie into those kind of, I
mean they are trained in medical, you know minor medical emergencies. They are trained in
1
helping people. I mean that is their orientation and I don't know, you know you don't want a
quasi military running around. We have to identify that we have to find them.
Roeser: Which group?
Huffman: Explorers. Through scouting. But it's a boys and girls senior high school, post ,
high school career oriented organization and they form in clusters of whatever the current
broadcasting accounting whatever. Maybe we could identify, tie in and that's what they do in '
their summer and they come prepared in health and I don't know. We'd have to walk through
that a lot deeper but that's a way of maybe finding some people who have a little more
training than maybe what you would have ... A thought. I
30 1
' Park and Rec Commission Meeting - December 13, 1994
Lash: My fear with public safety is that we're going to have to be paying through the nose to
' have a public safety officer...
Andrews: $10.00 - $12.00 an hour.
' Hoffman: Yeah, I don't know that we'd necessarily go with a full fledged community service
officer.
Ruegemer: A good area might be to look for students in training that are going to law
enforcement school. This might be an opportunity for them to gain some of that valuable
' experience.
Andrews: Maybe they'll hire them for less than what we're paying the gate attendant.
Huffman: Yeah, I don't want to put, like I say, a quasi military person out there either
walking around in a little uniform and stuff. Well I'm saying, an 18 year old-in a uniform is
' going to give me all the confident of what? I'd feel more comfortable.
Andrews: All he needs is a walkie talkie to the city here. That's all he's got to have. We
need to make a motion on this.
Hoffman: You bet. This will go right up to Council.
' Andrews: Well I'm oin to do this because this is a complete reversal for me. I can't
g g
believe it but I move that we strike the Lake Ann fees entirely and that we do retain gate
attendants, or park attendants I'll call them, at Lake Ann and Lotus Lake as, either following
the same hours that we did last year.
Lash: No. South Lotus we adjusted.
' Andrews: For the amended hours at South Lotus.
Ruegemer: I can put those.
' Huffman: For out of city fees?
' Andrews: I just waived the whole thing. It isn't worth monkeying with it. It was $350.00
and it isn't worth.
Lash: Actually that should say $3,000.00.
1 31
Park and Rec Commission Meeting - December 13, 1994
Andrews: $3,000.00? Still.
Lash: It's not worth trying to print up passes. If you want to have a daily fee or something
but still I think, unless you're going to have someone sitting there all the time, there's no point
in having it.
Manders: I second that motion.
Andrews: Okay. Any more discussion?
Andrews moved, Mandeis seconded that the Paiic and Recreation Commission recommend to
waive enhance fees at Lake Ann Paiic and to retain park attendants at both Lake Ann Paik
and South Lotus Lake Paiic. All voted in favor and the motion caiiied unanimously.
Lash: Did you ever think we'd live to see the day Todd?
Hoffman: I haven't seen the day yet.
Andrews: You're looking at the guy who was the most motivated collect the fee. Nail them.
Make them pay to use.
Huffman: No kidding. And you made this amendment?
Andrews: Yes I did.
Huffman: Wow!
Roeser: How long ago was that?
Andrews: The last 4 or 5 years.
Hoffman: We're going to have to draw straws for that first meeting, first Council meeting in
January.
Lash: Do you think there will be that much?
Hoffman: Sure.
Huffman: Why?
32
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I City Council Meeting - January 9, 1995
33. The applicant shall investigate modification of the landscaping plans to further intensify planting along
the northern Timberwood property line to enhance the screening effect from existing Timberwood
development, particularly those dwellings at 8001 Acorn Avenue and 2050 Oakwood Ridge.
34. Applicant shall adjust the alignment of the roadway at the southern end of the parcel to adjust the
roadway alignment at the southern end of the parcel within the right -of -way to minimize the impact to the
existing wetland in that area.
35. Staff will present to Council the different options and costs available for sewer extension to Timberwood
' at the time of final plat.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Senn moved, Councilman Berquist seconded to approve Conditional Use Permit #94 -4 to permit the
placement of fill and excavations and alterations within the flood plain subject to the following condition:
' 1. The applicant shall comply with the wetland fill /excavation and wetland mitigation conditions as stated in
Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit. Mitigation work shall be implemented prior to or concurrent with
wetland fill activity in future phases of the project. All mitigation work shall be limited to the Bluff
Creek corridor and not in the wetland located at the sduthwest corner of the site... ,
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Senn moved, Councilman Berquist seconded approval of Wetland Alteration Permit #94 -4 to permit
filling and replacing wetlands on the site subject to the following conditions:
' 1. All buffer areas shall be surveyed and staked by the applicant in accordance with the City's wetland
ordinance. The City will install wetland buffer edge signs before construction begins and will charge the
applicant $20.00 per sign.
2. Wetland buffer areas are required around the wetlands in accordance with the City Wetland Ordinance.
The applicant shall revise the development plans to include a 50 foot buffer around Bluff Creek with a
100 foot building setback and a 10 to 30 foot buffer with a minimum average of 20 feet around the
tributary to Bluff Creek with a 50 foot building setback.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
REVIEW OF LAXE ANN PARKING FEES.
Todd Hoffman: Mr. Mayor, members of the Council. Thank you. Section 14 -59, Parking Permits of your city
code requires that Lake Ann Park fees be established by resolution each year. So following each summer
season an annual report of gate attendant activities, gate receipt activity is prepared. That's presented to the Park
and Recreation Commission in the fall and is then reviewed by the commission in order to make a determination
or to at least initiate the discussion for the subsequent establishment of...fees. Those items took place at the
November and December meetings by the Park and Recreation Commission during 1994. As you may be
' aware, the debate over the Lake Ann gate program is spirited and lively on an annual basis simply because the
number of public comments which are received both by commissioners, Council members, staff members and
I 39
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City Council Meeting - January 9, 1995
then obviously the first source of attack, the gate attendants or the employees that work the gate. So we receive
a number of comments throughout the year. Specifically, the negative comments which we hear are, this is just
another user fee. We've already paid taxes for these services so why are you charging us again. And when we
have out of town visitors, our parks are free. Speaking specifically to most municipal parks, why do we have to
pay to get into yours? On the other hand, it is a positive, it has a positive impact on the city because it is a
revenue source. It grosses about $25,000.00 a year, netting approximately $15,000.00± on an annual basis. It
creates some employment for the city of Chanhassen, specifically our youth. However, now with Target and
Byerly's and Festival, we're not quite as worried about that as we were 6 or 7 years ago. We can't find
employees any longer. And then it does provide, and the one which is most intangible but most discussed is
that it does provide a gate keeper type security to the entrance of Lake Ann Park. So the Park Commission, to
cut right to the chase, finally took the dive and would like to make a recommendation that the fees be struck in
their entirety but then to attempt to retain this gate keeper effect, they would like to see some sort of park patrol
maintained within the city of Chanhassen. That does not have to be exclusively for Lake Ann Park but could be
for the park system in it's entirety. That motion passed unanimously. At first glance this may seem severe.
This action. But again as my prelude pointed out, they've been debating it year in and year out since I've been
here. Really what it comes down to is the financial impacts. If the City Council endorses would be that you'd
lose approximately $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 in revenue from the revenue stream for '95. We'd save about
$1,500.00 in printing costs for the entrance passes and then by their recommendation, keeping a gate attendants
or this park patrol if you will, you would still need to retain some expenditure of approximately $7,200.00. So
in other words, we operate to the good now about $15,000.00 and they want to put you in the red about
$7,000.00 to $10,000.00. For your information I did attach an annual budget,•which is part of the general fund
budget for Lake Ann Park which totals $63,000.00 so you can see the $15,000.00 in revenue offsets that by a
percentage, but nearly enough to pay for the entire operation of Lake Ann Park. So again the recommendation
from the Park Commission is to strike the entrance fees in their entirety and retain the gate attendant program
modifying it to a park patrol. You will note the manager's comments, which I accept and which I knew this
issue would come up. In that the adopted 1995 budget includes those gate receipts so that revenue is included
in our budget. Should the Council wish to change something, we would have to cut an item so the item should
have really been included in the 1995 budget request but the process just on an annual basis does not work that
. ay we either have to amend our budget or set ourselves up for the 1996 budget.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, thank you. Colleen.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: I don't even go to my husband's softball games anymore. I get such an earful on
this issue. I would agree with the Park and Rec's recommendation. However, I know that we are used as
regional park. There are a lot of non - residents and did the commission discuss just a non - resident fee?
Todd Hoffman: No, they did not.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Is there anyway it could be worked into softball fees or any other league fees? To
somehow offset our costs for the gate keeper.
Todd Hoffman: Sure. At present we charge the softball players $2.00 per person on top of their regularly
charge to go into the parking fee so we already charge the adult softball. By policy we do not charge youth or
youth participants or youth spectators so anybody coming into the park involved in a youth swimming lesson or
a youth ballgame or spectator, drives in free anyway..
Councilwoman Dockendorf: So it would just be the spectators of the adult softball?
40
1
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City Council Meeting - January 9, 1995
' Todd Hoffman: Correct.
' Councilwoman Dockendorf: That I hear from basically.
Councilman Senn: Clarification. You said the softball players also have to have a parking permit though. So if
' they're a non - resident, there is a separation. Or there could be a separation, to answer her question.
Todd Hoffman: Yeah, for another $2.00 they each receive, each roster player receives a sticker. there's a
minority of our softball players who are non - residents. Only up to 4 players per team can be a non - resident so
' there's a minority there but yes, they are.
Councilman Berquist: But they still get the sticker?
' Todd Hoffman: Correct. Excuse me, it is $5.00 because they pay for an annual permit.
' Councilwoman Dockendorf: I don't think we can do it for this year, for '95 but I would say let's, well. In the
greater scheme of things this is probably the worth the lack of headache, not collecting them and not having
them. The printing costs, etc. However I do like the idea of keeping someone at the front gate, just to direct
traffic if nothing else and changing into a roving security element so I guess I'd support the recommendation but
' not for '95. _
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, Michael.
' Councilman Mason: Well, I've paid the Lake Ann Park fee every year I've lived here and I figure it's just, I
mean it's a nice park. It comes with the territory. I think Colleen's comments about it being used as a regional
' park are well put. I know an awful lot of people from Eden Prairie that camp out there in the summer. Having
said that, if Park and Rec doesn't want it, I certainly understand. I agree with the Manager's and Colleen's
comments. I think if they don't want it for next year, I think they've got to find the money because, and I know
that's kind of hardball and all that but I mean that is mine, yeah and we've got kind of tight budget the way it is
so. I guess I'll defer to that judgment but I don't think it's that big a deal. Paying a $5.00 fee to use that park
as many times as I've go to it in a year.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, thanks. Mark.
Councilman Senn: Well I guess my position hasn't I guess really changed from last year. I would really like to
' see us get rid of the charge for residents. I'd like to see us get rid of it this year because last year when it came
up, the said we'll look at it and maybe get rid of it next year and it seems like every year we just put it off
another year. I however would like a different approach than what the Park Commission is recommending
because I would like to see a charge for non - residents to maintain some of that revenue and some of that cost. l
guess I'm used to paying for that wherever else I go to use park systems. Directly or indirectly. A wonderful
example of that is Excelsior. I mean you go up to the Commons Park, whether you know it or not you're
paying for it because you're putting the quarters in the meter. Every resident of Excelsior has a sticker on their
' car which means they can park at those meters without putting quarters in those meters. Okay. And you can
call that reverse stickering or whatever but it is reverse stickering, whatever but.
I Councilman Mason: A phrase has been coined here folks.
1 41
City Council Meeting - January 9, 1995
Councilman Senn: It does work and I buy my permits to Hennepin County parks every year and I buy my
permits to several other parks and I even, I suppose some of them that don't charge me, I make donations to
anyway. I mean I think from a standpoint of our residents, they pay their taxes. Something that ought to be
included in that. I don't think we ought to be charging them to go in and use their park system. As far as non-
residents go, I have absolutely no qualms about charging them to use it and I could care less even if you raise
the fee a little bit higher to help offset some of those costs and Todd, I somehow think you could probably be
ingenious enough to find a way to take care of that revenue this year. And he's shaking his head yes. And we
could get this thing implemented and get on with it. I think it's a silly issue to come up every year. I think the
only way we're going to get rid of the issue is to do what we should do and that is get rid of the fee.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, Steve.
Councilman Berquist: Well I wasn't aware that it's been such a thorn in everyone's side as it appears to have
been. My thought is that $15,000.00 is $15,000.00. Where else can you make $15,000.00 and $25,000.00
worth of revenue? How much time is actually spent policing this thing? That's question one. Question two,
how much money is made off of concessions? I mean there's certain things that are done at that park to
generate income.' I've never, I'm not privy to all these complaints that you folks apparently have been. I'm sure
because of the positions that you've been in for much, much longer. than I have.
Councilman Mason: I quite honestly have never heard a complaint.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Oh really?
Councilman Senn: You haven't?
Mayor Chmiel: In my 6 years I've not heard one complaint about the cost of parking.
Councilman Berquist: I mean if you look at Lake Ann Park and you compare that to some of the other city
parks that are here and in other cities, Lake Ann Park is, I mean there's no comparison. It's silly to even say
let's compare it because it's far and away a superior facility. I understand your concern Todd. You say it would
make your job that much easier. I believe it. But that's not our problem. One thing that I've got a question
about. How many times has that gate keeper perceive a threat or get an implied threat and is there any of that
that comes up as this security aspect of it?
Todd Hoffman: There certainly is. In fact when I was first employed, that person was responsible for taking
the money and then transporting it to City Hall. That has since been discontinued. The deputies now pick it up
from that person. It is a very difficult position. We work with those people on their public relation skills when
people enter the park and they're confronted to pay an entry fee to get into the park because obviously there are
a number of folks who would just as soon drive right in. A comment on which way you go, I would say please
don't separate the thing and just charge non - residents and not charge residents simply based on, we don't get rid
of any of the administrative issues and we drop our revenues, at least based on the last 5 years, season non-
residents made up $3,700.00 last year. Daily passes were $10,000.00. If you split that in half and give non-
residents $5,000.00, you've got about $9,000.00 in non - resident fees coming in. Your softball teams were
$5,100.00 so that's a pretty big chunk that is tacked on as a surcharge on your softball teams. So if we only
charge non - residents, we will recoup all our costs but not much more than that. To answer your question, the
first couple of years of concessions we averaged $5,000.00 to $7,000.00 in revenue at the concession and that
does not designate profits. I can't quote you on the profits.
42
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i '1 Meeting - January 9, 1995
City Counct g 4'
Councilman Berquist: And who mans the concessions? An employee?
' Todd Hoffman: Concession employees, yes.
Councilman Berquist: Much the same as these people that run the gate?
Todd Hoffman: Correct.
' Councilman Berquist: And if the gate keeper system is abandoned, you're looking at paying $5.50 -$5.25 an
hour for a gate keeper. What are your costs per hour? How much is that going to go up if you have a traveling,
a roving security person?
' Todd Hoffman: At least $2.00 an hour. $8.00 an hour. You're going to be looking for a different caliber
person so a gate attendant is going to be an enforcer of some type and that's going to be a different caliber
person.
' Mayor Chmiel: Yeah but we have our, some of the security within the park in itself. We have our CSO's
going through there. They're driving through on a constant basis. And Sheriff Deputies are driving through
' there as well as well as our own. _
Councilman Senn: In fact they go through a great deal because they usually have to clean up the accidents out
at the entry first.
Mayor Chmiel: Yeah, that's the next thing we've got to take care of.
' Todd Hoffman: That's what the gate attendants do, the } dial 911 a lot.
Mayor Chmiel: Do you have anything else?
' Councilman Berquist: No, I don't...
Mayor Chmiel: I guess you know, parks really are an amenity within the city and as beautiful as Lake Ann
' Park basically is, and maintained, even with the upkeep of the fields and everything else that we have, there are
some additional costs incurred with that, just as it is with any park. But that one I think is just a little bit more.
I think with the Park and Rec Commission coming back and asking to drop these fees probably should have
' been brought to us much earlier in 1994 for the budgeting purposes. I'm of the same opinion that Colleen is.
Not for this year. I don't see that, and maybe I don't even see it for next year. But to be able to pick up
additional dollars as such is one less way for us putting things into our budget and increasing our budget and
raising taxes to a certain point as well. And I just feel that the way we have it, I think we should just keep it as
is and continue in that particular vein. I guess I would be, and Don and I did have discussions on this as well,
regarding what we should do with it and I think he expressed my position rather well here as well. So I would
ask for a motion. In fact I'd even make the motion to keep and retain our daily park passes and seasonal pass
' for residents as well as seasonal passes for non - residents at the existing fees that we have and is there a second?
Councilman Mason: Second.
' Mayor Climiel: Moved and seconded. Any other discussion?
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City Council Meeting - January 9, 1995
Mayor Chmiel moved, Councilman Mason seconded to keep the Parking Fees for 1995 at the same rate as the
1994 fees: S2.00, Daily Park Pass; S5.00, Seasonal Pass for Residents; and 510.00, Seasonal Pass for Non -
Residents. All voted in favor, except Councilman Senn and Councilwoman Dockendorf who opposed, and the
motion carried with a vote of 3 to 2.
Mayor Chmiel: Would you like to clarify as to why, other than what you've probably already had said.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Well you know in listening to Mark I think, I liked his solution. Just charging
non - residents because the complaints you get are from residents who think they're being double taxed.
Mayor Chmiel: $5.00.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Plus the daily. I mean if you're not expecting it and you drive up and you just
want to use the lake and you're hit for $2.00, you won't go back because that's a negative experience. However,
for non - residents, you know as I said, it's viewed as a regional park system and I wouldn't have a problem
charging non - residents.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, Mark.
Councilman Senn: Maybe it's the area I live in but the favorite comment I get from that area is, and I get it
every year because we raise their taxes every year but, you know they raise my taxes but they still charge._me to
get into my park and I tell you, talk about a negative PR for this city, I think that's right up there as the number
one and I spoke strongly about this last year. I'm going to speak strongly about it every year until we do
something about it. If not, I see no problem...
Mayor Chmiel: Well as I said, let them come in a little sooner and present it.
Councilman Senn: Well I'm sorry. I'm going to take issue with that because I brought this up last year. We
were going to study it. We were going to look at it and it was going to come back to us. And this year it was
supposed to begotten rid of and there's absolutely nothing that's happened except I talked with Todd and Todd
tells me that we can pull this off and it's not going to hurt the budget.
Mayor Chmiel: Did you follow through with it?
Councilman Senn: Yeah.
Mayor Chmiel: To make sure that it came to us in time for the budget...
Councilman Senn: Brought it up again at budget time. That , %vas in September- October. I mean I don't know
what more follow -up I can do other than keep bringing it up. Okay.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, Mike.
Councilman Mason: You know what, I can ride my bike over there on the trails and I don't have to pay
anything to get into the park.
Councilman Senn: Well you're lucky you have trails too.
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I City Council Meeting - January 9, 1995
' Councilman Mason: Yeah, I have in the 8 years that I have lived here, I mean just a little counter point here, I
have never heard anyone complain about paying, a city resident, I've never heard a city resident complain about
' having to pay to go to Lake Ann. Like I said, I've paid my bucks every year I've lived here and if it's a ... tax, so
be it. I think it's worth it.
I ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS:
SET DATE TO INTERVIEW COMMISSION CANDIDATES, CITY MANAGER
Don Ashworth: Yes, the City Council asked that this item not appear until after the first of the year. It's after
the first of the year so I'm bringing it back to you. In hopes we can arrive at a date. Unfortunately we only
have one off Monday in January because the other is Martin Luther King Day. The city is prohibited from
' conducting business on that day. Once we select a date, you had raised various questions the last time this item
had come up and kind of wanted to know what your thoughts were on some of these. The issue about term
limits for example we don't need to tackle tonight but do you wish to take and interview incumbents.
' Councilman Senn: Well Don these are the issues I thought we wanted to discuss at the work session. I mean
that's why I was surprised to kind of see the questions posed foi tonight because these are the questions we
outlined but we said these are what we really want to sit down and discuss and figure out which route we want
to go on them.
Don Ashworth: I didn't interpret it that way so.
Councilman Senn: Am I wrong?
' Councilwoman Dockendorf: Well, to respond to Mark's question. I don't want to have a whole work session
deciding how we select commission members.
Councilman Senn: Well I'm not saying it has to be the whole work session but I mean, I feel strongly that we
should have the work session and get it set one sway or the other.
Don Ashworth: Well you did say you wanted to look at the financial policies. I mentioned two other items that
could be a part of the next work session so if you wanted to follow Mark's suggestion. Answer these questions
as a part of the work session then -move on to the financial thing and the construction ... we could do that. The
other problem with the commission, let's assume we don't meet until January to figure out answers to these
' questions and then we pick out some time in February to actually do it. That means we're going to have
commission members starting 2 to 3 months after they could have started.
Councilman Senn: We have commissioners in place don't ewe?
Don Ashworth: Right but they're, and they will continue to, the policy is they continue to serve until they're
replaced but 1 mean, you're taking away x number of months from a potential commissioner going on.
Councilman Senn: Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see this as a multiple work session item. I mean I think we'll
have a discussion and reach some conclusions at the work session and then it's a matter of putting it on the next
Council agenda, up or down or whatever. I think most of these questions will be answered at the work session.
1 45
City Council Meeting - January 9, 1995
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, what's Council's position?
Councilman Berquist: I'm not that familiar with procedures but I mean I read the questions and answered them.
Councilman Senn: Yeah, I did too but I mean we've got to get together and do that.
Don Ashworth: If you all did that and just passed them in, I'd know the answer.
Councilman Senn: Yeah, but we'll have different answers I'm afraid.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Yes, 10 minutes, yes, no, February.
Councilman Mason: Number one is a yes.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Number two is 10 minutes.
Councilman Mason: Well, 10 is kind of short. 15.
Councilman Senn: I had 20 down.
Mayor Chmiel: I think you can get things accomplished within 10 minutes myself.
Councilman Senn: The next one I had no.
Councilman Mason: The subcommittee, no.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: I put yes but that just means I won't show so.
Mayor Chmiel: What month would you like terms to take effect?
Councilwoman Dockendorf: February.
Mayor Chmiel: Of this coming year.
Councilman Senn: Well I had first quarter down because I'd like to get away from this bit where we're trying to
do it in the rush, that we're trying to rush everything else through up through December.
Mayor Chmiel: I think first quarter mould be good.
Councilman Berquist: That they fill the position at the end of the first quarter.
Councilman Senn: Yeah, like March 31 st or April 1 or something like that and then we're on a cycle where
we're not so hurried.
Mayor Chmiel: And then we stagger those anyway with the times that they're elected and when they go.
Councilman Mason: January 30th.
46