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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 06/24/1992CITY OF FORT COLLINS CULTURAL, LIBRARY, AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY COUNCIL LIAISON TO THE BOARD: Councilman Gerry Horak_ STAFF SUPPORT TO THE BOARD: Jerry P. Brown, Assistant to the Director, and Jackie Rael, Administrative Aide II MINUTES: Regular Meeting -- June 24, 1992 President Bob McCluskey called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Board Members K-Lynn Cameron and Karen Schubert, and Poudre R-1 Representative Dave Danielson called to say they would not be able to attend tonight's meeting. Also, Board Member Mary Ness called to say he would be late to the meeting as he had a previous meeting at City Hall. Bob McCluskey welcomed Cathy Mulcahy and Diane Thies who are the new Board Members whose terms begin July 1. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes to the printed agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the regular meeting of May 27, 1992 were approved unanimously on a motion by Marilyn Barnes, seconded by Elery Wilmarth. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: BASEBALL PROPOSAL No citizen participation. Rick Zier, President of the Fort Collins -Loveland Baseball Association made a presentation to the Board. The Association is proposing the acquisition and construction of park facilities to accommodate a rookie league baseball team from Arizona that is contemplating a move to the Rocky Mountain Region. The eight - team league is interested in moving out of Arizona because the heat in the summer limits the practice and playing times. In addition to a minor league stadium, the other amenities of this park would be a four -field complex for the communities, tennis courts and soccer fields. The preliminary costs of Phase 1 of this park would be $7,000,000. Of that $4,000,000 would be shared equally between the Cities of Fort Collins and Loveland. G T Land (owner of the property) could consider land trades from the cities. Rick asked the Board to make this one-time opportunity their top priority. He asked the Board for their support of the concept as presented tonight and to make a recommendation to City Council. Rick showed the Board maps of the three phases of this park. Phase 1 would consist of 75 acres and would be open in the summer of 1994. This property is located between Loveland and Fort Collins on 287. The conceptual plan shows the two cities (Fort Collins and Loveland) extending their trail systems to meet at this park. Jerry P. Brown asked about the anonymous letter neighbors in the Burns and Manor Ridge Estate (east of 287) sent to City Council denoting the baseball park in Parks and Recreation Board Minutes June 24, 1992 Page 2 their neighborhood. Rick said that at their meeting Monday night no one from this neighborhood came forth. The neighbors at the meeting had concerns about traffic, lights, and noise from the "rock concerts." Rick said the park would follow the County's regulations of no lighting being over 40' high, and the stadium would only hold 2,500 people. The park would be heavily landscaped, especially the frontage adjacent to 287. A representative from Musco Lighting was at the Monday meeting and spoke about ways the illumination can be minimized. Curfews would be enforced and acoustics would be built into the stands to minimize noise. Jerry said that staff has discussed this concept. Staff's concerns and support are expressed in his memorandum to the Board dated June 18. The basic problem that staff is faced with is the financing of this park. The concept is supported by staff. Lottery money is designated for completion of the trail system. Choices 95 money for the youth sports complex will become available in 1996. Although the City does have undesignated reserves, there are many entities asking for these funds. Jerry reiterated that financing is the key issue. John Barnett said he has received calls from citizens in the neighboring area and he is pleased that Rick is meeting with the neighbors. Marilyn Barnes said everyone she has talked to is very excited about the concept. Citizen Diane Thies asked Rick if the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been taken into consideration in the preliminary planning? Rick assured her that it has. Mary Ness said the Board needs to support the process of this plan. Citizen Cathy Mulcahy asked Rick where their money is coming from to support this concept so far? Rick said the funding is coming from private individuals and the City of Loveland donated $750 to the project. Cathy also asked if there were concerns about CSU dropping their baseball/softball program; and did the association look at CSU's field? Rick said that they don't feel that CSU's decision to drop their programs would affect this concept, and the association did look at the CSU field and found it to be a substandard facility for pro baseball. Jerry asked the Board if they support the concept of baseball as presented tonight by Rick Zier? John Barnett abstained from discussion and voting because of a perceived conflict of interest since he is the Director of Planning for Larimer County. Roger Tarum said he is enthusiastic about this concept, however, he is uncomfortable making a recommendation for this as a #1 priority until the trails are completed. It would be contradictory to place it #1. Mary Ness said this doesn't have anything to do with the prioritization of projects. Bob McCluskey agreed with Mary in that we are only voting on the concept not reprioritizing. After discussion, the Board on a motion by Marilyn Barnes, seconded by Mary Ness, voted 3-2 in favor of the concept presented tonight (Marilyn Barnes, Bob McCluskey, and Mary Ness, yes; Elery Wilmarth and Roger Tarum, no). Jerry then asked does the Board conceptually support the idea of linking youth sports and/or other Parks and Recreation programs/activities with this baseball proposal? Mary Ness said he supports the coordination for the total proposal and supports the other activities that would go into this project. Bob McCluskey Parks and Recreation Board Minutes June 24, 1992 Page 3 agreed with Marv. On a motion by Marilyn Barnes, seconded by Bob McCluskey, the Board voted yes to this concept 3-2 (Marilyn Barnes, Bob McCluskey, and Mary Ness, yes; Elery Wilmarth and Roger Tarum, no). It appears that the Board conceptually supports this proposal as long as supplemental funding is provided so that existing Parks and Recreation programs are maintained on existing schedules. The Board would like to see the detailed design and financial plan, and will discuss this issue again at a future date before making a final recommendation to City Council. OTHER BUSINESS Jerry reported to the Board that the Paragon Point developer, who came before the Board in February with a proposal to build a neighborhood park in the middle of his development and then donate it to the City, has rescinded his offer and will build a private park for his development. Parkland fees will still be collected in this area. Karen Schubert and the Bob Alexander were both on the Building Team Committee for the Senior Center. Recreation Manager Jean Helburg is asking for two volunteers from the Board to fill these vacancies. Cathy Mulcahy and Mary Ness both said they would be interested. Jerry asked that they contact Jean. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. fully submitted, ie Rael, Administrative Aide II Meeting Attendance BOARD MEMBERS STAFF GUESTS Bob McCluskey John Barnett Marilyn Barnes Mary Ness Roger Tarum Elery Wilmarth Jerry P. Brown Jackie Rael Rick Zier Cathy Mulcahy Diane Thies