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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-18 PACKET 03.B. PRESENTATION PARKS AND RECREATION REFERENDUMCity of Cotta Grove Minnesota To: All City Commissions From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director CC: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Date: August 30, 2012 Subject: Parks and Recreation Referendum Introduction On August 15, the City Council adopted a resolution asking residents to vote on the issuance bonds for the construction of an outdoor family aquatic center, the expansion /renovation of Hamlet Park and the reconstruction of the municipal pool site to operate as a play center. Two separate questions will be placed on the November 6 general election ballot. Those two questions are: 1. Shall the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, be authorized to issue ds general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,500, 000 to finance the acquisition and betterment of a family aquatic center. 2. Shall the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, be authorized to issue ds general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $7 000, 000 to finance the acquisition and betterment of an indoor /outdoor play center and the expansion and betterment of Hamlet Park. Background The community has expressed a desire for more family and youth activities in Cottage Grove for many years. To create understanding of those desires, much research was done over an extended period. Some of the research utilized is as follows: 1. Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan 2. 2001 Community Center Survey 3. 2005 Recreational Facility Needs Study 4. 2007 Community Survey 5. 2011 Community Center Task Force Report 6. 2011 Splash Pad /Aquatics Study 7. 2011 Thompson Grove Community Hall Workshop and Conceptual Designs 8. 2012 Parks and Recreation Referendum Survey 9. 2012 Hamlet Feasibility Study Based on that analysis, the City Council believes passage of the aforementioned referendum would serve to satisfy many of the recreational desires of the community by providing the additional amenities described below. Family Aquatic Center The City Council, Parks Commission and Community Center Task Force have continually identified the development of aquatic recreational opportunities a top priority. Although both indoor and outdoor options have been thoroughly discussed, an outdoor aquatic center is being suggested at this time considering the significantly reduced capital and operating expenditures required. An outdoor medium sized aquatic facility slightly larger than the Hastings facility would be recommended. Location and design has not been finalized. The facility would include: 1. Zero entry pool access. 2. Shallow zone with interactive spray features and slides for tots and young children. 3. Deep zone with swim lanes and interactive features such as rope climbers, multiple slides and balancing pods for older children and teens. 4. Large deck area with shade structures and seating. 5. Supporting site features such as lawn, picnicking areas and playground. 6. Operations building with front desk, locker rooms, concession stand, lifeguard rooms, storage, mechanical rooms and rentable room. 7. Parking lot and site improvements. Hamlet Park Expansion /Renovation Proposed improvements to Hamlet Park can be categorized into three areas 1. Hamlet Park Expansion 2. Enhancement of Existing Hamlet Park Areas 3. Redevelopment of the Hamlet Park North Pond The Hamlet Park Expansion project would add four baseball fields with lights, a concession /storage building, multiple shade structures, trails, landscaping, utilities and parking lots to the currently undeveloped 35 acres north of existing Hamlet Park. A new access road from 95 Street via 91 sr Street would also be added to relieve traffic and congestion from the Thompson Grove neighborhood The enhancement of the existing Hamlet Park area would include the expansion of the playground equipment, addition of a small splash pad, upgrading of the skateboard park, beautifying the front entrance (including removal of old storage building), improvements to baseball fields to accommodate both baseball and softball needs of the community, multiple shade structures, renovation of existing recreational building, improved trailways, landscaping and interpretive signage. With the redevelopment of the Norris Marketplace at 80 Street and Grange Boulevard, it has created a desire to redevelop the Hamlet Park north pond area. This redevelopment will provide an improved recreational access point to Hamlet Park via the north trail system. The redesigned entry point will include a new entrance monument, paver patio, shade /arbor area seating and enhanced landscaping using trees, shrubs, plants and ornamental fencing. The north pond redevelopment will also include trailway enhancements throughout the north pond area including additions of benches, trash receptacles and improved scenic views of the park. Play Center The Indoor /Outdoor Play Center would renovate the existing pool site and building for the purposes of providing play opportunities for families and youth of the community on a year -round basis. The facility would include an indoor playground designed for children 10 and under, outdoor playground for children 12 and under, rentable party rooms, serving kitchen, reconstructed bathrooms, lobby /lounging area with wireless internet, exterior landscaping and artificial turf on the outside lawn to allow for programmed play, small shows, parties or events. The facility would be staffed to assure the enjoyment, safety and security of all participants. The facility would be designed in accordance to the Americans with Disabilities Act to assure equal and safe access to all users regardless of ability. Referendum Communication Plan The City Council is pleased to provide residents the opportunity to vote on the addition of these recreational amenities to Cottage Grove. A referendum process was chosen based on the fact the idea that these improvements are a "want' and not necessarily a "need" of the community. However, it is important that all citizens are made aware of this opportunity to vote so that the voice of the community can be heard. It is important to note that not voting on the ballot for either question automatically results in a "no" vote. In an ideal scenario, all ballots would have both questions answered, either "yes" or "no ", so that the community's direction on these projects is clear. In order to get the message out to vote, the communication plan below has been developed to educate the public on the project and process. August Development of educational brochure explaining projects and process (attached with this report) September Communicate referendum process with all City Commissions September Develop video marketing materials for use on cable tv, websites, facebook, etc. Late Sept Submit press release to all available media outlets regarding the referendum October Mail educational brochure to all residents through the City's utility billing system Late Oct Submit second press release to all available media outlets regarding the referendum November 6 General Election Questions or calls on any of these projects from the public may be forwarded to Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director, at 651- 458 -2847 or zdockter @cottage - grove.org. Frequently Asked Questions: Contact t Zac D ckt Contact Zac Dockter zdockter@a cottage -grc Ph: 6 5 1- 45 8 -28 47 What will happen if the referendum does not pass? Nothing. The referendum questions are being proposed as a want, not a need, so no City operations or recreational facilities would be interrupted if the referendum questions do not pass. If a majority of residents vote "no," or leave the ballot question(s) blank, the new facilities & improvements would simply not be constructed. What will happen if one or both the referendum questions pass? If a majority of residents vote "yes" on one or both of the questions, a Special Levy fund will be established for each approved referendum question to fund the proposed recreational facility projects. If the family aquatic center (Question 1) is approved, a site would be selected and the family aquatic center would be constructed. If the indoor /outdoor play center and Hamlet Park improvements are approved (Question 2 —on page 2 of the ballot), the new play center and the Hamlet Park improvements would be constructed. What will it cost me as a taxpayer? For an average house valued at $230,000 it will cost about $3.00 per month if the Family Aquatic Center is approved (Question 1), and about $3.15 per month if the Indoor /Outdoor Play Center & Hamlet Park Improvements are approved (Question 2 —on page 2 of the ballot). Check out more detailed info on how much it will impact your taxes on page 2 of this flier. Why are these referendum questions on the ballot? Municipal facilities that are a "want" and not a "need" and could be seen as not being "mission critical" are put to a public vote to determine if it's appropriate for City funds to be allocated to these specific construction projects. If so, a tax increase will result. J 1. 0jii Ail AdlidA444 Voter Registration & Polling Places: Vote Nov. 6th (7 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Aelh VOTE VOTER REGISTRATION To register to vote, you may do so by 5:00 pm on October 16th at the Cottage Grove Service Center located at 1300o Ravine Parkway South, OR you may register to vote on Election Day at your polling place with proof of residency. For details on acceptable proof of residency and to find other election information, call Washington County Elections at 651- 430 -6175 OR visit their website at www .co.washington.mn.usinfo_for_ residents /prts /elections/ MANY POLLING PLACES HAVE CHANGED To find your polling place, visit http : / /poIlfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ and enter your address information, OR call the Cottage Grove City Hall at 651- 458 -2843. ABSENTEE VOTING Absentee ballots will be available starting Friday, September 21st at the Cottage Grove Service Center located at 13000 Ravine Parkway South. For instructions on how to request an absentee ballot by mail or for other absentee voting information call Washington County Elections at 651- 430 -6175 OR visit their website at www .co.washington.mn.usinfo_for_ residents /prts /elections/ QUESTIONS? Visit www.cottage - grove.org OR call the Cottage Grove City Clerk at 651- 458 -2814. Prepared by the City of Cottage Grove Cottage Grove where Pride and P'OSPerlty Meet Referendum Question #1: V LN Its What is a Referendum? ACQUISITION AND BETTERMENT OF FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER. O YES "Shall the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed O NO $6,500,000 to finance the acquisition and betterment of a family aquatic center" This outdoor family aquatic center would likely feature water slides, interactive features for different age groups, swim lanes, a shallow zone & more. A site design and location have not been finalized. A referendum is a ballot question where local voters get to decide in local issues. This election, in addition to voting for your elected officials, you will also have the oppor- tunity to vote yes or no on funding recreation facili- ties in the City. "Shall the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,000,000 to finance the acquisition and better- ment of an indoor /outdoor youth play center and the ex- pansion and betterment of Hamlet Park" The former Thompson -Grove pool & park building would be renovated to feature indoor & outdoor play areas for different ages, party rooms, an outdoor stage & more. Hamlet Park would expand with 4 new baseball /softball diamonds, athletic fields, a Referendum Question #2: ACQUISITION AND BETTERMENT OF PLAY CENTER AND PARK. (Page 2 of ballot) QUESTION #' Outdoor Family Aquatic Center: The City Council, Parks Commission & Community Center Task Force have continually identified the development of aquatic recreational opportunities as a top priority for the community. A site design and location have not been finalized. The outdoor facility would likely include: 1. Zero entry pool access that gradually slopes from the deck to the water like a natural beach. 2. Shallow zone with interactive spray features & slides for tots & young children. 3. Deep zone with swim lanes & interactive features such as rope climbers, multiple slides & balancing pods for older children & teens. 4. Large deck area with shade structures & seating. 5. Supporting site features such as a lawn, picnicking areas & playground. 6. Operations building with front desk, locker rooms, concession stand, lifeguard rooms, storage, mechanical rooms & rentable room. 7. Parking lot & site improvements. What's the impact on my pocketbook? If approved, the City would issue debt (borrow money) to pay for either one or both of these projects. To repay that debt would cost homeowners an additional amount of taxes each year for 20 years. The chart below shows how much it's estimated to cost each of the example properties listed below that range in value from $100,000- $350,000: & �. Aquatic Center $12 /yr $26 /yr $36 /yr $58 /yr Playground & $13 /yr $28 /yr $38 /yr $62 /yr Hamlet Park TOTAL if both $25 /yr $54 /yr $74 /yr $120 /yr are approved A One -Time Cost The estimated costs listed above are to finance the construction of the facilities. Ongoing operational costs would be paid for through user fees from patrons of the facilities. 2 Indoor /Outdoor Youth Play Center: An Indoor /Outdoor Play Center Toddler Area �J renovation of the existing pool site /building for the purposes r' of providing play opportunities __ I F yXX for families & youth of the com- munity on a year -round basis. 1 _ , The facility would likely include an indoor playground designed for children 10 & under, out- door playground for children 12 & under, rentable party rooms, serving kitchen, new bath- rooms, lobby /lounging area with wireless internet, exterior landscaping & artificial turf on the outside lawn to allow for programmed play, small shows, parties or events The facility would be staffed to assure the enjoyment, safety & security of all participants. The facility would be designed in accordance to the Americans with Disabilities Act to assure equal access to all users regard- less of ability. w " I Play Structure - designed for ages 3 -10 yrs I I wnace . I ADDItIGN I I I I L --- - - - - -- a) EXISTING � SHELTER _I I Fire Pit QUESTION #Z ,r a� Secondary - Lounge -t Private Party �, -f__L. Rooms M �J Lu F Stage & I — phithea FE AtER FEANRE door Play Area rr. � eaux „ � Open Turf/ . awcz Lawn Bowling Proposed Improvements at the City's largest park, located South of 80th Street & West of Hwy 61: ♦ 4 new lighted baseball/ softball diamonds, a con- cessions building, lighting, parking & landscaping • Splash pad ♦ New trails & sidewalks ♦ Improve existing ball fields, playground, & landscaping ♦ Multiple shade structures 1' What you would get for your money. f - :WF .. of OF FACILITIES HAMLET PARK NORTH TRAIL ACCESS SPLASH PARK AMENITY IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING FACILITIES