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Home My WebLink About1998-07-15 PACKET 08.A.R�QU�sT oF crrvv couNCi� ac cou�ci� a��aa MEETING ITEP�I # DATE 7/15/98 PREPARED BY Public Works John Fredrickson CiKiG6P�ATiNG DEPARTiYi�NT STAFF kUTHGFc ��>.��«.�,�..,.�.��.��..��..��w�,�� COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST 1. Consider revisions to residence requirements at Lamar Fields 2. Consider reducing sta�ng level at Lamar Fields BUDGET IMPLICATION $ $ BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE ADVISORY COMMIS510N ACTION DATE ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ PUBLIC WORKS � PARKS AND E2ECREATION 7/13/98 ❑ HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ REVIEWED ❑ ❑ ❑ � ❑ ❑ ❑ APPROVED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS � iv1E(VIO/LETTER: John Fredrickson, 7/6/98 ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGItVEERING RECOMMENDATIOtJ: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMEIVDATION: ❑ OTHER: ADMINISTRATCRS CO{�"M��TS —� �� /' � � � r � ; . ; . �-1� � `� City Administratar Date * R*'k b# 4 k k Y** P# d'# <'# 3 X R** k k i*# W W'Ir > rt* N W k k*## rt** k W* cou�dciL a�cric�� r��E�: �] ,a��Rav�a ❑ a��o�a ❑ cr�s��a • ' . �. To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: John Fredrickson Subject: Activities at Lamar Fields Date: July 6, 1998 issue Memo found in "G" Drive under "John" Lamar Update 7/98 This past winter, the City Council addressed the issue of whether or not consumption of aicoholic beverages should be allowed in city parks. Of particular concem was several alcohol-related incidents that occurred during and immediately foliowing weekend tournaments at the Lamar Fields in 1997. Foliowing testimony at several meetings, the Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting the consumption, possession, or sale of alcoholic beverages in all city parks. Ryan Schroeder has asked me to provide the Councii with information regarding piayer compliance to the ban and what financial implications have been experienced as a result of this policy change. Discussion Generally speaking, the City has not experienced any major problems with regard to consumption of alcohol at the lamar Fields. During the first severai weeks of the season, the Site Supervisor spent considerable time educating the players on the new no drinking policy. While many have disagreed with the policy, they have elected not to make issue by breaking the law and jeopardizing the future use of the Lamar Fields. There are several issues however, that have arisen, that have had an effect on the leagues and the department in generai. Below is a summary of these issues along with suggested procedural, and policy changes for your consideration. 0ssue 1. Leaque Plav - The Men's, Women's, and Men's over 35 leagues, have experienced a decrease in teams from 64 in 1997 to 53 in 1998. It is difficuit to say to what extent the ban on alcohol played in the reduction of teams, however, I believe it is safe to say that the majority were likely issue related. Staff has estimated that the City wiil experience a net loss of between $2,000 and $3,000 in 1998 as a result of fewer teams. Issue 2. Tournament Plav - The City is also anticipating a loss in revenues from adult weekend tournament bookings. Historicaily, the City processes approximately 11 weekend tournament rentais each year, of which approximately one-half are for adults. in 1997 the City received five aduit tournament requests of which three were held, and generated $600 in profit. Thus far in 1998, the City has booked two tournaments, one youth and one adult. The youth toumament was an end of the year in-house girl's softball tournament and the other is an adult league playoff toumament, provided by the department, to determine eligibility for teams to qualify to participate in state tournament play. Revenues collected for these tournaments are used to offset actual expenses and do not generate profit to the department. Issue 3. Revenue Enhancement Opportunities - In looking into altemative ways to increase revenues, staff is interested in knowing if the Council would support expanding the number of non-residents that can participate in league play. By previous Council direction, league rules allow up to three players from outside the school district to play on each team. By removing this requirement, it is likely that additional new players and teams would participate in league play at Lamar. Staff would suggest that local teams (teams with three or less outside players) be provided the opportunity to sign up for league piay prior to accepting teams with greater than three or more players from outside the district: Outside teams v�rouid then be accepted to fill vacancies in each of the leagues. In years past, the United States Slowpitch Softbali Association (USSSU) and Amautuer Softbail Association (ASA) required communities to limit the number of outside players on local team rosters. These rules have since been changed to allow local cammunities to determine eligibility requirements. Some communities allow open enrollment where as others allow no outside players. This action wouid open new markets, increase department revenue, and add new competition 4o the league. Issue 4. Staffinq Chanqes in 1999 - We are looking to reduce staffing costs at the Lamar Fields by combining duties of the concession worker and the site supervisor into one position. It is Staffs opinion that we have not experienced enough probiems in the evenings to justify paying for two people to perform supervisory and concession sales functions. If an altercation or violation is observed or reported, the site supervisor will temporarly ctose down the concession stand and resolve the conflict. This action wili have minimal impact to our customers and decrease our overhead. Council Action Requested 1. Pravide Staff direction regarding residence requirements in 1999. 2. Provide Staff direction regarding the reduction of Staffing levels. This issue is being placed on the July 15 agenda for your consideration and direction.