4c. Chan Lions Club Donations
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690Ci0' Cfllter Dril'e, PO Box 147
Chl1Jzhm.ien, Afill/wota 553]7
Pholle 612937.1900
GCl/eml Fax 612.937.5739
Ellgineaii/g Fax 612,937.9152
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Don Ashworth, City Manager
~
FROM:
Todd Hoffman, Director of Parks and Recreation
DATE:
August 12, 1998
SUBJ:
Lion's Club Donations
Traditionally, the Chanhassen Lion's Club has made cash donations to the City of
Chanhassen.
Currently the Park and Recreation Department and Lion's Club have two active
projects on the books; a Lion's Playground and the Lake Ann Park ballfield
lighting. The attached letter sent to the Lions Club on February 2, 1998 addresses
both of these projects.
After losing their charitable gaming operations at Pauly's Bar and Restaurant, the
club has not been able to initiate operations at another establishment. This is not
due to a lack of desire. However, it has become apparent that it would be difficult
for the Lion's to satisfy their pledge of dollars to the ballfield lighting project. In
light of this, is it reasonable that we re-designate the $26,000 in playground
money to cover a portion of the $74,000 debt on the ballfield lights? I raise the
question since the playground installation, if done, would be completed this fall.
I will be discussing this issue with the leadership of the Lion's over the next few
days. I hope to provide you and the City Council with an update on Monday
night.
c: Lowell Vetter, President Chanhassen Lions Club
Attachment
g:\park\th\LionsDonationUpdate
The City ofC/1ll1lbtlSsm. A growing communi!)' /(lith c!eIlI/IIIRtf, 1li,¡/i(¡' j"cf,ooÙ, 17 (hamiÍllg dOU'lltoUlI/, thrilling busilless6, and bt'([l/tifÙ/ pûrh Agrt'ilt pIll(/' to Ii!'e, /i'ork, dud p/'~)¡.
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CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690 City Center Drive, POBox 147
ClJflnhassen, Minnesota 55317
Phone 612.937.1900
Gmeral Fax 612.937.5739
Ellgineering Fax 612.937.9152
Pnblie Sajèty h, 612.934.2524
\r-t'b 1l'lt'wci.chanhmsen.II1I1./IS
Fcbruary 2, 1998
Mr. Ed Ginsbacb, President
Chanhassen Lions Club
7381 Longview Circle
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Dear Ed:
At the first of each year I fecI a rcsponsibility to kecp the Lions Club apprised of the status of
Club/City Projects. The two projects we currently havc open are thc future Lions Playground
and the Lions Ballfield
The Lions Playground Project is rooted in 1994 and 1996 donations of$II,OOO and $15,000
respectively. The 1994 donation of $11,000 was part of a larger $17,000 donation. As agreed
the Chanhasscn Athletic Association was the henefactor of the remaining $6,000, which they
invested in the batting cagcs at Lakc Ann Park. The remaining $11,000 and the 1996 donation
of $15,000, for a total of $26,000, remain on rescrvc in the city's Park and Trail Acquisition
and Development Account.
I am eagcr to invcst these funlls in a Lions Playgmund Project, to he sited adjacent to the entry
of the Chanhassen Recreation Ccntcr. As you wiD recall, thc club appointed Lowell V cUer and
yourself to work with me on the selection of the playground cquipmcnl. Re-occurring problems
with cxcessive frost heave of sidewalks, door stoops and asphalt surfaces at the center has
postponed our project for two years. In order to installthc playground. numerous sidewalks and
seating areas will he installed. I did not want to move forward prior to resolving these site
construction issucs. I look forward to initiating this project this year and will contact you and
Mr. Vetter as plans gct underway.
The Lions Ballfield Project dates back to a June 28, 1996, donation of $24,000. At that time, it
was the desire of the club to donate this amount as a down payment on a pledge of $98,000.
We WKlerstand the loss of a location to operate your charitable gambling eliminatcs your source
of revenue which would have funded subsequent payments. I hope future gaming operation will
allow the Lions to fulfill your pledge, but acknowledge that the City entered into our agreemcnt
with an understanding that contributions were contingent upon the continuation of charitable
gambling operations.
At the time of our initial agreement, five conditions were agrecd upon.
I. Field #4 he lighted.
2. Equal access for youth and adult activities.
3. Spectator seating will he enhanced.
The City ofChall!Jas;ell. A growing community with clellll lakes, quality schoob, a ehamzing downtown, thriving busines¡e¡, and beautifÙI parks. A great place to IÙ'e, work, and play
Mr. Ed Ginsbach
February 2, 1998
Page 2
4. An cn\rance monumcnt and LioĊ Field sign be installed
5. The field be dediealcd Lions Ficld.
Under the circumstances, do you feel it is appropriate to put a hold on itcms 3, 4, and 5?
Additional expense would need to be incurred to complete thcsc improvements. I am assuming
you will share this letter with your membership prior to rcsponding.
In closing, please be aware that the City continucs to value the Lions Club and your
contributioll~ to the community. A~ much as we appreciate your dollars, wc like your members
and your continued public scrvice even more!
Sincerely,
~
Texld Hoffman
Director of Park and Recreation
TH:gmb
c: Mayor and City Council
Park and Recreation Commission
Don Ashworth, City Manager
Patty Dexter, Recreation Supervisor
Jerry Ruegemcr, Recreation Supervisor
g:\park\Jh\ginshach 1-29.98.doc