HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-15 PACKET 02.A.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #g 0 1
DATE 8/15/12
PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Zac Dockter
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST:
Adopt or not adopt a resolution to prepare a ballot question for a parks and recreation
referendum for the November 6, 2012 election.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt or not adopt a resolution to prepare a ballot question for a parks and recreation
referendum for the November 6, 2012 election.
BUDGET IMPLICATION: TBD
BUDGETED AMOUNT
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION:
DATE REVIEWED
❑ PLANNING ❑
❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑
❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑
❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑
F HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑
❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑
❑ ❑
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
TBD
ACTUAL AMOUNT
APPROVED
DENIED
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
E]
❑
MEMO/LETTER: 8/13/12
RESOLUTION: Will be composed at the meeting upon Council direction
❑ ORDINANCE:
F ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER:
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS:
kLmj , �
Administrator Date
CADocuments and Settings\nbelscamper\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\OFUXMGAF\CounciI Action Form-Aug 15
Workshop.doc
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Zac Dockter. Parks and Recreation Director
CC: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Subject: Parks and Recreation Referendum
Introduction
In April of 2012, the City Council directed staff to research the possibility of a parks and recreation
referendum to fund any or all of the following projects:
1. Hamlet Park Expansion /Renovation
2. Thompson Grove Pool Building Renovation
3. Outdoor Family Aquatic Center
4. Land Acquisition for Future Sports Complex
Background -Girls Softball Concerns
At the joint City Council and Parks Commission Workshop on August 8 staff was directed to consider
the CGAA Softball Association needs as they were presented at the meeting. Staff believes the council
could consider the following:
1. Pursue the expansion of Hamlet Park with the understanding that the existing four ballfields will be
converted into multi -use baseball /softball fields (with removable pitching mounds). Along with this,
there would be an overall reevaluation of field usage throughout the community by the recreation staff
and CGAA to assure fields are being utilized efficiently and maintained effectively.
2. Pursue the expansion of Lamar Park with the idea that the expansion would include a new fourplex
of softball fields. That expansion would be several years into the future so consideration of improving
present field conditions may be necessary.
3. Pursue redevelopment of the Grey Cloud and Middle School softball complex. Options would
include improving existing conditions, addition of one softball field, improved parking /access and
perhaps converting one baseball field to a softball field (baseball likely could sacrifice the field due to
addition at Hamlet). However, it should be understood that this is would be an investment of city
resources into school -owned fields /equipment. Discussions regarding capital and operating
investments with the school district would be necessary before proceeding.
Staff did talk through these options with Dan Harrison, CGAA Baseball President, and CGAA Softball
President Justin Voerster. Both expressed willingness to negotiate and be flexible in pursuing any of
the options or some combination of those options.
If council desires to pursue the Hamlet Park expansion project as part of a referendum, it should done
with the understanding that the four existing baseball fields would be converted into multi -use
baseball /softball fields and details of the field dimensions and use would be decided as the project
enters design stage. The scope of the project detailed in the feasibility report should not change.
Perhaps the only significant adjustment for consideration would be the construction of a building
between the existing ballfields if so needed by the softball association. It's my understanding in talking
with the two association presidents that this shared -use arrangement would be satisfactory to both
groups.
It should also be understood that if /when a future softball complex is built in an alternative location,
Hamlet Park fields could once again be converted to all baseball fields thus satisfying future growth of
both baseball and softball programs in Cottage Grove.
Referendum Choices
At this meeting, the City Council must direct if a. referendum question is to be placed_ on_ the November_
6, 2012 ballot. Further, Council must adopt a resolution with the language of the ballot question to be
submitted to the County Auditor before August 23, 2012, The City's bond attorney, Mary Ippel of Briggs
& Morgan will be present at the meeting for any questions on the process.
The table below gives the council a look at the myriad of options in terms of capital cost, operating
costs and impact on taxpayer.
Project Key: AC- Aquatic Center, HP- Hamlet Park, PC -Play Center, LA -Land Acquisition
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Capital Cost .
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Tax Impact
Anno af�
et Tax .
#e Tax ..
$200K . °
$4{1flK
Cperattng
1rspact"::i>lpact
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Home
Gust>
$2000 =
$9Atl)C
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1 oin .
LA
$700K
$3
$8
$0
$3
$8
PC
$1M
$5
$12
$0
$5
$12
HP
$6M
$34
$76
$75,000
$39
$88
AC
$6.5M
$37
$82
$75,000
$42
$94
HP,PC,LA
$7.7M
$43
$96
$75,000
$48
$108
AC,PC,LA
$8.2M
$47
$104
$75,000
$52
$116
AC,HP
$12.5M
$71
$158
$150,000
$81
$170
AC,HP,PC
$13.51VI
$77
$171
$150,000
$87
$183
AC,HP,PC,LA
$14.2M
$81
$1,80
$150,000
$91
$192
There are other costs that may need to be considered for two of the projects. Those costs are listed
below and ARE NOT included in the cost table above.
Aquatic Center — The location of an aquatic center has not yet been determined. The three sites that
have been considered are Norris Square, Future City Hall and Highlands Park. Should land acquisition
be necessary, additional funding will be required. Acquisition costs for Norris Square are estimated to
be $785,000 and City Hall $131,000 (if we assume a $1 /SF mitigation cost). Highlands Park is
currently in City ownership.
Land Acquisition for Ballfield Complex — Should land be acquired, the council should be prepared to
develop that land in the future. At least $3 million dollars should be held in the Capital Improvements
Plan for future development costs.
Community Support
Based on the community survey performed by Decision Resources in July of 2012, community support
with the understanding there would be a property tax increase (amount not quantified) for each project
is detailed below:
Hamlet Park
57%
4
Play Center'
$6%
41%
Land Acquisition
43%
15%
The survey suggests that if a referendum were placed on the ballot, the community's willingness to
support increased taxes for any or all the projects listed above can be quantified as:
It should also be noted that in the survey residents were asked more directly if they would support a
$69 property tax increase for a $200K home ($138 for $400K) towards the completion of all of the
projects. The results of that question had a margin of support by 54 % -40 %.
Ballot Question Options
Staff proposed phrasing the question as follows with the understanding that the project scope and costs
are subject to change:
"Shall the City of Cottage Grove construct an outdoor family aquatic center, expansion /renovation of
Hamlet Park, an indoor /outdoor play center for youth as well as purchase land for future athletic
complex and issue its bonds in the amount of $14.2M for the purposes of paying the costs thereof? By
voting yes on this question you are voting for a tax increase."
DRI Advisement
Staff at Decision Resources have suggested that a 5 -0 or 4 -1 vote by council will be a critical first step
to getting any referendum proposal off the ground. They estimate that the likelihood of passing the
referendum is reduced by 1/3 with each no vote from council. Strong support from council is
recommended before proceeding with a referendum of any sort.
Work Plan
Should the Council desire to move forward with a ballot question, it will be critical for staff to begin work
immediately on an educational campaign for the public regarding the referendum question. The
campaign will address the following:
1. There will be a parks and recreation referendum
2. Asking residents to vote and explaining that not voting is equivalent to a no vote.
3. Why the referendum is being proposed and what community needs are attempting to be met
4. The scope of each project including costs, conceptual designs and summary of functions
5. The total cost of the project(s)
6. The net impact on taxpayers at varying home value rates
A suggested work plan is below:
August 23 Written notice of ballot question, title and date of election due to County Auditor
$0
36%
$24
9%
$48
15%
$72
17%
$96
5%
$120
5%
$144
5%
No Response
8%
It should also be noted that in the survey residents were asked more directly if they would support a
$69 property tax increase for a $200K home ($138 for $400K) towards the completion of all of the
projects. The results of that question had a margin of support by 54 % -40 %.
Ballot Question Options
Staff proposed phrasing the question as follows with the understanding that the project scope and costs
are subject to change:
"Shall the City of Cottage Grove construct an outdoor family aquatic center, expansion /renovation of
Hamlet Park, an indoor /outdoor play center for youth as well as purchase land for future athletic
complex and issue its bonds in the amount of $14.2M for the purposes of paying the costs thereof? By
voting yes on this question you are voting for a tax increase."
DRI Advisement
Staff at Decision Resources have suggested that a 5 -0 or 4 -1 vote by council will be a critical first step
to getting any referendum proposal off the ground. They estimate that the likelihood of passing the
referendum is reduced by 1/3 with each no vote from council. Strong support from council is
recommended before proceeding with a referendum of any sort.
Work Plan
Should the Council desire to move forward with a ballot question, it will be critical for staff to begin work
immediately on an educational campaign for the public regarding the referendum question. The
campaign will address the following:
1. There will be a parks and recreation referendum
2. Asking residents to vote and explaining that not voting is equivalent to a no vote.
3. Why the referendum is being proposed and what community needs are attempting to be met
4. The scope of each project including costs, conceptual designs and summary of functions
5. The total cost of the project(s)
6. The net impact on taxpayers at varying home value rates
A suggested work plan is below:
August 23 Written notice of ballot question, title and date of election due to County Auditor
August -Sept Staff development of educational materials, press releases and data sheets
September Communication Plan development
October Publishing of educational materials, press releases and data sheets to sources such as
Bulletin, CG Reports, web page, Facebook, SWCTC TV, Pioneer Press, Star Tribune,
direct mailings, others.
November General Election
Adopt or not adopt a resolution to prepare a ballot question for a parks and recreation referendum for
the November 6, 2012 election.
EXTRACT OF MINUTES OF MEETING OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA
HELD: August 15, 2012
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular or special meeting of the City Council
of the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, was duly called and held at the City Hall on August 15
2012, at o'clock p.m.
The following members were present:
and the following were absent:
Member introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN ELECTION ON $14,200,000
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council (the "Council ") of the City of Cottage Grove,
Minnesota (the "City "), as follows:
1. Project This Council has investigated the facts and does hereby find, determine
and declare that it is necessary and expedient to issue general obligation bonds to finance: (a)
the acquisition and betterment of an outdoor family aquatic center, (b) the acquisition and
betterment of an indoor /outdoor youth play center, (c) the expansion and betterment of Hamlet
Park, and (d) the acquisition of land for a future athletic complex.
2. Election The proposition of authorizing the issuance of not to exceed
$14,200,000 general obligation bonds for said purpose shall be submitted to the qualified
electors of the City at the general election to be held on November 6, 2012. Said election shall
be held between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The polling places for said election are the
same polling places for the general election and are as follows:
Precinct Polling Place
Cottage Grove Elementary
Light the Way Church
Crestview Elementary School
Park Senior High School
Cottage Grove Middle School
National Guard Armory
833 District Service Center
Washington County South Service
Center
9 833 District Program Center
10 Rose of Sharon Church
11 Pine Hill Elementary School
Address
7447 65th St S
7000 Jamaica Ave S
7030 80th St S
8040 80th St S
9775 Indian Boulevard S
81.80 Belden Blvd. S
7362 E. Pt Douglas Rd S
1300 Ravine Parkway S
8400 E. Pt Douglas Rd S
6875 Jamaica Ave S
9015 Hadley Ave S
4884585v1
I
. Notice and Ballot The Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to post and
publish according to law a Notice of Election and Ballot, and to prepare ballots for the question
for use at said election, which notice and ballot shall be in substantially the following forms:
2
4884585vf
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held in and for the City of
Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, on November 6, 2012, between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., at which time the following question will be submitted:
"Shall the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general
obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,200,000 to finance: (a) the
acquisition and betterment of an outdoor family aquatic center, (b) the acquisition
and betterment of an indoor /outdoor youth play center, (c) the expansion and
betterment of Hamlet Park, and (d) the acquisition of land for a future athletic
complex.
The polling places for said election will be the following locations within the City, at
which places all of the qualified electors of the City residing within such precinct may cast their
ballots:
Precinct Polling Place
1
Cottage Grove Elementary
2
Light the Way Church
3
Crestview Elementary School
4
Park Senior High School
5
Cottage Grove Middle School
6
National Guard Armory
7
833 District Service Center
8
Washington County South Service
Center
9
833 District Program Center
10
Rose of Sharon Church
11
Pine Hill Elementary School
Dated: August 15, 2012.
Address
7447 65th St S
7000 Jamaica Ave S
7030 80th St S
8040 80th St S
9775 Indian Boulevard S
8180 Belden Blvd. S
7362 E. Pt Douglas Rd S
1300 Ravine Parkway S
8400 E. Pt Douglas Rd S
6875 Jamaica Ave S
9015 Hadley Ave S
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
/s/ Caron Stranskv
City Clerk
3
4884585vl
CITY QUESTION BALLOT
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
WASHINGTON COUNTY
MINNESOTA
November 6, 2012
INSTRUCTION TO VOTERS: If you wish to vote in favor of the following proposition,
completely fill in the oval (___j next to the word "YES ". If you wish to vote against the
following proposition, completely fill in the oval ( next to the word "NO ".
CITY QUESTION NO. 1:
ACQUISITION AND BETTERMENT OF VARIOUS COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
O YES "Shall the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, be authorized to
issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed
$14,200,000 to finance: (a) the acquisition and betterment of an
NO outdoor family aquatic center, (b) the acquisition and
betterment of an indoor /outdoor youth play center, (c) the
expansion and betterment of Hamlet Park, and (d) the
acquisition of land for a future athletic complex."
NOTICE BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING
FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
4
4884585vl
4. Election Judges Election judges will be appointed at least twenty five days prior
to the election.
5. Manner; Canvass Said election shall be held and conducted in accordance with
the statutes of the State of Minnesota applicable, and the Council shall meet as required by law
for the purpose of canvassing said election and declaring the results thereof.
The motion for the adoption of the
resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon a vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
Whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
48845850
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
I, the undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Cottage
Grove, Minnesota, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that I have carefully compared the attached and
foregoing extract of minutes with the original minutes of a meeting of the City Council duly
called and held on the date therein indicated, which are on file and of record in my office, and
the same is a full, true and correct transcript therefrom insofar as the same relate to an election
on the proposed issuance of general obligation bonds.
WITNESS my hand as such Clerk on August 15, 2012.
City Clerk
4884585vl
[City Letterhead]
Washington County Auditor
[address]
Dear County Auditor:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 205.16, Subdivision 4, this letter is to formally
advise you that the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, will be holding an election on the date of
the general election, November 6, 2012, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the
following polling places:
Precinct Polling Place
Cottage Grove Elementary
Light the Way Church
Crestview Elementary School
Park Senior High School
Cottage Grove Middle School
National Guard Armory
833 District Service Center
Washington County South Service
Center
9 833 District Program Center
10 Rose of Sharon Church
11 Pine Hill Elementary School
Address
7447 65th St S
7000 Jamaica Ave S
7030 80th St S
8040 80th St S
9775 Indian Boulevard S
8180 Belden Blvd. S
7362 E. Pt Douglas Rd S
1300 Ravine Parkway S
8400 E. Pt Douglas Rd S
6875 Jamaica Ave S
9015 Hadley Ave S
The following question will be submitted to the voters at that election:
"Shall the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general
obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,200,000 to finance: (a) the
acquisition and betterment of an outdoor family aquatic center, (b) the acquisition
and betterment of an indoor /outdoor youth play center, (c) the expansion and
betterment of Hamlet Park, and (d) the acquisition of land for a future athletic
complex."
Very truly yours,
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA
Its City Clerk
4884585v1