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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-2003 Special City CouncilMINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2003 **~~*~~~~~~~*:~*~~~**~*~*~:**~~:~~:~~~~~:~***~~*~~:~~~***~~~~*~:~**,~ CALL TO ORDER Mayor Brinley called the City Council Special Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayar Brinley led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BUCKLEY, HICKMAN, KELLEY, SCHIFFNER, BRINLEY ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager Best, Deputy City Attorney Mann, Assistant City Attorney Van Blarcom, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director Brady, Community Services Director Sapp, Information/Communications Manager Dennis, Public Works Manager Payne, Lake Operatiors Manager Kilroy, Recreation and Tourism Manager Fazzio and Deputy City Clerk Paredes. DISCUSSION ITEM Consideration of recycled water for Lake Elsinore. (F:92.1)(X:164.1) PAGE TWO - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 City Manager Watenpaugh noted that on February 27, 2003, EVMWD entered into an agreement with Eastern Municipal Water District to purchase 600 acre feet of recycled water to complete their commitment of 1,500 acre feet of water for Lake Elsinore. He indicated that because of EVMWD's amended agreement with EMWD there was an opportunity for EVMWD and the City to purchase an additiona1900-acre foot of recycled water at a 50% reduced rate. He stated that half the money would come from the $650,000 that was the city's share of the Agreement for the se~aside. He stated that staff recommended approval. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner indicated his approval of the action. Councilman Hickman concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner. He asked how much it would cost from the City's share. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that it would be $40,050. Councilwoman Kelley questionedthe Lake level. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that it was at 1236.6'. She supported the recommendation. Councilman Buckley asked if the City had to do any environmental testing. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that no testing was required. Councilman Buckley asked where the water would be released. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that it would be released in the location of the Public Works Yard and run down the Outflow Channel to the Lake. Councilman Buckley stated that he was in favor of the action. Mayor Brinley stated that she was in favor of buying the water. MOVED BY KELLEY, SECONDED BY BUCKLEY AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE TO APPROVE THE PURCFIASE OF 900 ACRE FEET OF RECYCLED WATER FROM EASTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT AT A COST OF $50,100 TO BE SHARED BY THE CITY AND ELSINORE VALLEY MUNICIPAL PAGE THREE - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 WATER DISTRICT; TAE FUNDS WOULD COME FROM THE CITY'S $650,000 SHARE OF THE LAKE ELSINORE WATER FIJND. 2. Consideration of Skate Park Operations Subsidy. (F58.1)(X:114.14) City Manager Watenpaugh presented an overview of the item. Community Services Director Sapp presented a history of the project and explained that on November 18, 2002, the Community Services Department received a proposal from Action Park Alliance to have the City partner in the operations of the skate park which had sustained a $37,151 operating loss through its first nine months. The concessionaire proposed that the City subsidize the staffing expenses at the facility which would provide a free park and would create increased interest in the park. He noted that this could vault merchandise sales at the facility and allow the concessionaire to generate increased revenue from merchandise and snack concessions in which the City would then be entitled to all revenues above the concessionaire's 20% profit margin on gross sales, including memberships, food, drinks, product sales, sponsorships and subsidies. He noted that the benefits of subsidizing the operation of the skate park were as follows: • Operator provides $S,OOO,OOO liability cushion against claims; • Operator continues daily maintenance of facility; • Operator is responsible for all payroll and staffing issues; • Facility operated by professional people with contracts for professional assistance, retail, and merchandise procurement and provides access for special activities for a unique segment of the population; • Provides access to marketing within the industry and professional circuit/activities in promoting and exposing the facility to the unique skating community. PAGE FOUR - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 Community Services Directar Sapp stated that staff recommended that Council approve the authorization of expenditures of $25,000 for the operation of the McVicker Skate Park for the balance of FY 2002-03, and not to exceed $50,000 for FY 03-04 from the City's operating budget; direct the City Attorney to amend the contract as necessary to reflect an "Operator's Agreement" with calculations for revenues exceeding the 20% profit margin of the operator and implementation of the "free skate' concept; direct staff to meet with the concessionaire/operator for the purpose of developing a comprehensive marketing plan for the facility; and implement an immediate "free skate" period through June 30, 2003 requiring no membership fees for the balance of FY 2002-03. Eric Lee, Action Park Alliance, Inc., indicated that the impact of a supervised skate park was an asset to the community. He noted that the number one complaint was the cost and noted that if a child was to use the park once a week for a three hour session it would cost $186 for one year. He indicated that it would cost a member that used the park five times a week $810. He indicated that the average age of the participant at the park was age 7 to 12 and it was difficult for a child to have access to $810 plus the cost of equipment and transportation. He noted that skateboarding was the 6`h largest sport in the United States and female participation had increased 23% in the last year. He stated that it was his opinion that the increase in female participation was due to supervision and a safe environment. He presented an overview of the current promotions they had done and the activities and promotions they were planning. He indicated that it not only promoted the Skate Park, but promoted the City as well. He noted an experiment they did in the City of Lodi and how successful that the event was. Councilwoman Kelley indicated that she was in favor of the Skate Park and had helped to organize it. She felt that it was an asset to the community and stated that the park was not free since it was important PAGE FIVE - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 to have a supervised park for safety. She commended Action Paxk Alliance, Inc. for their hard work. She noted that the City of Temecula had a Park Assessment District and could afford to build and operate their parks at no cost, however the citizens of Lake Elsinare did not wish to have a Park Assessment District and it made it difficult to provide the facilities without charging. She stated that she felt that it was no different than providing parks for baseball, softball and soccer. She commented that she wished to see a safe and supervised activity far the kids. She stated that she felt that the Skate Park was a quality of life issue which provided service to the children in the community. Loraine Watts, 210 N. Scrivener, spoke in favor of assisting the Skate Park. She stated that it was a safe recreation for the children and the only concern that she had was the cost. She commented on the burden to parents with more than one child; and stated that if there were no fee those children could utilize the facility and spend their money with the vendor for their equipment, which would come back to the City in their increment. She asked if there was transportation for the children to get to the park. Mayor Brinley stated lhat she was working with RTA to have a bus run up to the Skate Park for the children. Steve Kirkoff, 50 Bella Donaci, spoke in favor of the Skate Park and noted that the cost was severe for several of the children, however he felt that the supervision was a necessary part of the Skate Park and he knew that there had to be a fee. He commented that there would be more children using the Skate Park if there was no fee. He commented that he had been to several other Skate Parks and in his opinion Lake Elsinore Skate Park was run better than the other parks. Councilman Hickman asked him what time he used the facility. Mr. Kirkoff stated that he and his son used the Skate Park from 6 to 9 p.m., 3 times a week. Marie Smith, 124 S. Torn Ranch Road, spoke in favor of the Skate Park and stated that she felt that it was necessary to have supervision. PAGE SIX - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 She stated that by reducing the price or making it free would encourage the kids to use the Park and keep them off the streets. She stated that a supervised Park requires safety equipment and a safe environment. She thanked the City for providing the Skate Park. Steve Myburger, 28106 Lindell, spoke in favor of the Skate Park and the possibility of opening it up to the children free. He commented that his son utilized the park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday every week and he appreciated the safe environment it provided. Ryan Smith, 124 S. Torn Ranch Road, stated that he used the Park and appreciated the efforts of the City to provide a safe environment. He stated that he was in favor of making the park free, since more kids would use the park. Justin Kirkoff, 50 Bella Donaci, spoke in favor of the Skate Park and agreed that it would receive more use if it was free. He noted that several kids he knows can't afford to pay for both the sessions and the necessary safety equipment. He thanked the City for the Skate Park. Mayor Brinley asked ifit was a free park, would it keep the children off the sidewalks in front of the businesses. Justin Kirkoff stated that it would probably provide a place where most of kids would go and not be in front of businesses. Councilman Buckley stated that he did not have a problem with Parks and Skate facilities. He commented that he had received a call from one of the owners of the motocross park, and they would be happy to install a skate park at that site. He stated that when activities are placed close to each other they tend to draw more people. He commented that he could think of a lot of other things to spend City money on and stated that $60,000 fills a lot of pot holes; removes a lot of graffiti; and keeps the dirt roads from being too dusty. He stated that it was sad that it didn't work out, however the Skate Park had clearly failed and he felt that there was an option in the near future to allow a private entity to open a Skate Park, at no cost to the City, that PAGE SEVEN - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 would be free to the City residents. He commented that the City was providing a Park and Recreation service, but by taking this action the City would be subsidizing a concessionaire and he felt that would not be appropriate. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner stated that the City had spent a great deal of money building the Skate Park. He indicated that the City had no experience on how to reasonably establish a fee; and now that the Park has had time to operate the City can better judge and come up with a reasonable cost to keep it in q~eration. He noted that the City had an alternate plan that if the Skate Park failed, the site could be turned into Tennis Courts; however he was not ready to go to the alternate plan. He commented that the City did not build the Skate Park to make money for the City, but rather for a recreational facility, which the City was obligated to provide. He indicated that he was in favor of giving it another try. He noted that he felt that keeping the Park open was a good expenditure of funds to provide recreation for the kids and would allow Council to see if keeping the Park open would keep the kids off the streets, and at the end of the budgeted time Council can reevaluate the Skate Park. He asked if the City eliminated the fee, would it create the problem of too many kids at the Park. Mr. Lee stated that the insurance had set guidelines and there were only 50 allowed to use the facility at a time, however there were multiple three hour sessions and that would make it available to a great many more children. He stated that their main goal was safety and explained that they could keep track of the children at all times. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner asked for the web site address. Mr. Lee stated that it was www.skateparkofelsinore.com. Mayor Pro Tem Schiffner stated that he was in favor of theSkate Park for the children. Councilman Hickman questioned the revenues of the Skate Park for October, November, and December. Mr. Lee stated that in October they were $2,400; November, $1,784; and December, $1,900. Councilman Hickman questioned the hours of the Park. Mr. Lee stated that Monday through Friday they were open 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 . . __ .. . . f' . ~ .. . . . . ._ . f ... , ~ . . PAGE EIGHT - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 p.m., and 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Councilman Hickman questioned the location. Mr. Lee stated that it was in a beautiful location and the afternoon breeze made it comfortable in the summer. Councilman Hickman stated that Council should consider a different location since it was difficult for the kids to get to it. He suggested Machado Park. He agreed that the Skate Park did keep the children off the streets, but he felt that it was too hard for the children to get to the current Skate Park. He stated that he would be in favor of subsidizing the Skate Park for six months and then making another consideration at budget review. Mayor Brinley stated that she had several complaints from businesses owner regarding skateboarders. She noted that they placed the patrons of the businesses in danger. She stated that if the Skate Park were free, then it would encourage the kids to use the facility instead of skateboarding in front of businesses. She indicated that she was working on the transportation for the kids. She asked if the BMX at the Skate Park damaged the equipment. Mr. Lee assured her that it did not. She commented that if the City provided a free Skate Park it would boost the sales by the concessionaire and would pay at least a portion of the cost back to the City. She noted the promotion and marketing for the Skate Park and the advantages that it could bring to the kids. She commented on traveling teams and suggested that it should be marketed by Mr. Lee. She commented that the City provided parks for Little League, Softball and Soccer and noted that this was another park providing a different form of recreation. She stated that she was in favor of giving the park another 11/2 years and then there could be a better evaluation. MOVED BY SCffiFFNER, SECONDED BY KELLEY TO AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURES OF $25,000 FOR THE OPERATION OF THE MCVICKER SKATE PARK FOR THE BALANCE OF FY 2002-03 AND NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 FOR FY 2003-04 FROM THE CITY'S OPERATING BUDGET; DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO AMEND THE CONTRACT AS NECESSARY TO REFLECT AN "OPERATOR'S AGREEMENT" WITH PAGE NINE - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 CALCULATIONS FOR REVENUES EXCEEDING 20% PROFIT MARGIN OF THE OPERATION - AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE "FREE SKATE" CONCEPT; DIRECT STAFF TO MEET WITH THE CONCESSIONAIRE/OPERATOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE MARKETING PLAN FOR THE FACILITY; AND IMPLEMENT AN IlVIlVIEDIATE "FREE SKATE" PERIOD THROUGH JUNE 30, 2003 REQUIRING NO MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR THE BALANCE OF FY 2002-03. Councilman Hickman suggested subsidizing the Skate Park until June, 2003. THE FOREGOING MOTION WAS APPROVED BY A VOTE OF THREE TO TWO WITH BUCKLEY AND HICKMAN CASTING THE DISSENTING VOTES. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY KELLEY, SECONDED BY SCHIFFNER AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:00 P.M. _ ~'AlC'IELA BR~LEY, MAYQ CITY OF LA ELSINORE Respectfully submitted, Adria L. Paredes, Deputy City Clerk PAGE TEN - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 4, 2003 , CITY CLERK/ HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE