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10/07/2008 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION October 7, 2008 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street, on October 7, 2008. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on October 1, 2008. Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmember's were present: Brown, Haase, Zapata, Nickerson, Gericke, Carney, Gilbert, Ramsey, Niemann, and Meyer. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Jeff Pederson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Dale Shotkoski, and Finance Director David Springer. INVOCATION was given by Pastor Harvey Johnson, Messiah Lutheran Church, 708 North Locust Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Hornady introduced Community Youth Council member Caitlynn Schwehn. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS: Proclamation "Public Power Week" October 5-11, 2008. Mayor Hornady proclaimed the week of October 5-11, 2008 as "Public Power Week". Utilities Director, Gary Mader was present to receive the proclamation. Update on Jackrabbit Run Golf Course. Steve Paustian, Parks and Recreation Director introduced Don Kruse, Golf Professional at Jackrabbit Run Golf Course; Char Kruse; Doug Sweeney, Golf Course Superintendent; Gregg Bostelman, Parks Superintendent; and Todd McCoy, Recreation Superintendent. A PowerPoint presentation on the survey results of Jackrabbit Run Golf Course conducted by NGF Consulting firm of Jupiter, Florida was presented. Mr. Paustian reported Jackrabbit Run Golf Course was constructed in 1977 as a joint effort between the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grand Island. Mr. Paustian presented the following top ranking categories from the survey: • Importance Affordability - 48% • Improvement Amenities (clubhouse, pro shop, locker room) - 49% • Competition Jackrabbit Run Golf Course - 70% • Customer Origin - 81 % from Grand Island • Customer Profile - 59% over 50 years of age • Number of rounds 2008 - 30,460 Page 2, City Council Study Session, October 7, 2008 Mr. Paustian stated Jackrabbit Run was able to generate enough revenue to fund all operational costs for many operational years, but five out of the last six years had not been profitable. Mentioned was that several golf courses opened in the area over the years and the loss of rounds to Jackrabbit Run reflected the loss of rounds during those years. Also mentioned was the new contract for the Golf Professional which was based on performance and a substantial cost savings to the City. Greg Sweeney commented on concerns of the Scotch Pine trees at the course that were under attack with the Dutch Elm disease. Replacement of the trees would be necessary in the future. Mr. Paustian stated the irrigation system would need to be replaced in the near future because of the age. Cost could well be over $1 million. The clubhouse was also mentioned as needing updated. Discussion was held concerning the parking lot. Mr. Paustian stated the course was built on a former landfill site which prevented a concrete or asphalt parking lot due to the movement of the ground which would buckle the hard surface. Grant funding was discussed and would be looked at to help with funding the improvements. The irrigation system was discussed and would take several years to replace. Mr. Paustian stated the golf course would probably never raise enough revenue to cover all the costs of improvements needed. David Springer, Finance Director commented that eventually the City would have to subsidize the golf course through the general fund to pay for the needed improvements. Recreation facilities throughout the City generally were not money makers. Discussion was held concerning relocating the parking lot and/or clubhouse. Mr. Paustian stated this would be cost prohibitive. Jeff Pederson, City Administrator commented on the increase of golf rounds over the last year. Mr. Pederson stated he would like to see the golf course stay an enterprise fund. Don Kruse commented on the youth programs. Also mentioned was that Jackrabbit Run was very busy compared to many courses in the area. Discussion on Status of Lincoln Park Pool: Steve Paustian, Parks and Recreation Director reported that Lincoln pool was built in 1975 and had served as an affordable neighborhood pool in Grand Island. The following Lincoln Pool Facts were presented: • Attendance Rages from 8,000 - 11,000 swimmers each summer • Expenses annually exceed revenues at Lincoln pool on average $22,000 each summer • Amenities include: bathhouse, slide, and two diving boards • Swimming lessons are offered in AM and PM • Pool rentals primarily on weekend evenings Challenges for Lincoln Pool were: • The pool is 33 years old • The water recirculation system is functioning at 45% of capacity • The water slide has passed it's life expectancy • The size of the mechanical room does not allow for an ideal sanitizing system to be used Page 3, City Council Study Session, October 7, 2008 • Because of operational problems, ADA issues and lack of amenities associated with modern pool design standards, the pool is not very inviting for public use • Virginia Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act: some modifications to the single main drain will need to be made prior to opening this summer Mr. Paustian stated the pool was plagued with water clarity problems that impacted the operational hours 27 out of 83 days this last summer. Thirteen of 25 pool parties had to be cancelled. Maps of both the Lincoln Pool and Lyons Club Park areas were presented along with population density for each area. The Lyons Club Park had a high population density. Mr. Paustian stated it was important to maintain a facility in this demographic area. Discussion was held on the cost of a new pool. Mr. Paustian stated that depended on what type of a new pool you went with. To replace Lincoln Pool with a modern design would be approximately $1.75 million. Fixing the current pool would cost approximately $500,000.00 depending on what was done. A competitive pool would cost approximately $3 to $4.5 million. Comments were made about the continued cost of fixing up the Lincoln Pool. Location of the pool was also discussed. Mentioned was Lincoln Pool should be closed because of health hazards and conditions of the pool. Also mentioned was the responsibilities put on staff at a facility that was inadequate. Closing Lincoln Pool would affect swimming lessons. Comments were made concerning transportation issues. Todd McCoy commented on the age of patrons, out-of--town visitors, and destination spot for Island Oasis. Lincoln Pool had diving boards which were used during swimming lessons, whereas Island Oasis did not. Mayor Hornady stated Lincoln Pool needed to be replaced as soon as possible. Ashley Park was mentioned as an attractive area and should be looked at. Also this might be the time to look at a competitive pool. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. RaNae Edwards City Clerk r