HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP May 1, 2002
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CITY OF ANDOVER
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923. WWW.Cl.ANDOVER.MN.US
Special Joint City Council/Sports Complex Task Force Workshop
Wednesday, May 1, 2002
Conference Room A
Call to Order- 6:30 PM
1. YMCA Discussions
a. Scope ofInterest
b. Partnership Opportunities
c. Timelines
2. Other Business
3. Adjournment
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CITY of ANDOVER
'IAL JOINT CITY COUNCIVSPORTS COMPLEX TASK FORCE WORKSHOP
MAY 1, 1002-MINUTES
A Special Joint City CounciVSports Complex Task Force Workshop was called to order
by Mayor Mike Gamache at 6:36 pm, Wednesday, May 1, 2002 at the Andover City Hall,
1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmembers Present: Mike Knight, Don Jacobson, Ken Orttel, Julie
Trude
CounciImembers Absent: None
Task Force Members Present: Frank Kellogg, Tony Howard, Valerie Holthus,
Mark Hedin, Dave Blackstad
Task Force Members Absent: Dean Daninger, Roger Okerman, Steve Freitag,
Gary Shibrowski, Kathe Runge
Also Present: Pat Lynch, YMCA
Chad Lanners, YMCA
Others
Mayor Gamache exp1ained the reason for the workshop is to discuss with the YMCA
their scope of interest and partnership options in the proposed sports complex.
Motion by Trude, seconded by Knight to adopt the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Dickinson introduced the representatives from the YMCA and noted that previous
discussions with them have taken place.
Pat Lynch, YMCA, noted that Mr. Lanners is the director of new YMCA development.
He looks at communities that are interested in building new YMCAs and does an
assessment of those cornmunities.
Chad Lanners, YMCA, stated that they are extremely excited to talk to the city about this
opportunity. He gave a background ofthe YMCA noting that in 2001 they were 150
years old. They are the largest non-profit community organization in America and they
provide excellent service through their 2300 branches. Mr. Lanners noted that he and
Ms. Lynch represent the Minneapolis organization, which currently has eight
membership branches, three community branches, four resident camps, five day camps
and about two dozen childcare sites. They currently have 53,000 members and serve
over 450,000 people annually. The mission ofthe YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis
Special Joint City Council/Sports Complex Task Force Workshop
May 1, 2002 - Minutes
Page 2
is to develop the total person through character development programs that build strong
kids, strong families and strong cornmunities. All of their programs stress four core
values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. No one is ever turned away from
membership, programs or services for financial reasons. Last year they granted over $1.2
million in scholarship assistance. Mr. Lanners explained that they subsidize a member's
financial needs if a problem occurs.
Councilmember Trude asked what they do if they run into a problem with children in a
facility. Mr. Lanners explained that they have expectations about respect. If a child is
being disruptive a youth worker will talk to them. Most of the YMCAs have a number of
youth workers.
Mr. Lanners noted that the YMCA partners with hospitals, schools, clubs, service
organizations and local government. The YMCA has a large child care component. In
2001 they received the 2001 "Excellence Award" from the United Way of Minneapolis.
Councilmember Knight asked what they are proposing as a role and in what manner. Ms.
Lynch stated that they never enter into discussions unless they have been invited to a
cornmunity. Looking at the facility that is planned, their research shows that it would
cost $30.00 per month for a family or $180.00 per year for an adult. Because the YMCA
is not paying for the building it makes a big difference in what they can charge. They are
looking at the entire facility, minus the ice arena, for their programs. If a management
company is what the city is looking for, the YMCA is not the right choice.
Frank Kellogg asked what the YMCA would use the facility for during non-primetime
hours. Ms. Lynch stated that they would have activities for senior and special groups,
such as pre-schoolers. They don't get into competitive leagues but they will do weight
training. Ms. Lynch stated that in a suburban community between 5:00 am and 8:00 am
and between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm is primetime for adults. They also have Child Watch,
which is free babysitting for children while their parents are using the facility.
Councilmember Orttel was not sure what the YMCA's function would be in this
situation. Mr. Dickinson explained that they were talking about leasing or doing a
management component. The rates they stated are without a debt service component.
With debt service the rates would be higher. Valerie Holthus stated that it seems the
management component is inconsistent with the YMCA philosophy. Mr. Dickinson
explained that if the YMCA came in to build their own facility it would take 4-5 years
and they would do their own capital campaign.
Joint City Council/Sports Complex Task Force Workshop
May 1, 2002- Minutes
Page 3
Ms. Lynch stated that during the initial discussions they were asked if the complex could
be operated by the YMCA as a management company and they declined. They are a
membership organization, not a fee for service center.
Councilmember Jacobson asked what the operating and maintenance would include. Ms.
Lynch stated all operating expenses inclusive of chemicals for the pool, etc.
Chris English, 16655 Crocus Street NW, noted that the facility has five components.
Feels that the pool and exercise area should fan under the YMCA. He stated that the
fieldhouse will be the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Councilmember Jacobson asked how long the lease would be, Ms. Lynch stated that it
depends on whether there is capitalization. The YMCA is a very traditional organization
and they do not go out of business. She stated that they receive about two calls a month
from cities that want a facility but don't want to run it. The Y wants you to be really sure
this is what you want if there is a partnership.
Frank Kellogg noted that Andover is a very young cornmunity with a lot of children and
the value of a YMCA is tremendous.
Councilmember Knight asked if a fee would be charged if kids just want to hang around.
Ms. Lynch stated yes, because they want to mow who is in the facility.
Dave Blackstad asked Ms. Lynch if the City Hall site is a better site than the other
. proposal which is in a cornmercial retail district. Ms. Lynch felt that City Hall is the
better site.
Ms. Holthus mentioned that the armory in the City of Anoka has an after school program
that is in collaboration with the school district and asked if the YMCA is able to
collaborate with the school district on a similar program. Ms. Lynch stated she that
doesn't know of a YMCA that doesn't have a partnership with the school district. Ms.
Holthus asked how the Y would deal with a child who wants to go to the facility but
doesn't have their parents' approval. Ms. Lynch noted that they have a lot of children
like that. The YMCA has a lot of contacts at the schools and they hire a lot of teens.
They always find a way to get to the parents.
Mr. Dickinson noted that the YMCA has provided the city with a letter of intent, stating
they are interested in pursuing a partnership with the city.
Ms. Lynch noted that they have 400 employees at the Coon Rapids YMCA. They are the
largest employer of youth after McDonald's.
Joint City Council/Joint Sports Complex Task Force Workshop
May 1, 2002 - Minutes
Page 4
Councilmember Jacobson asked what they would do if their policy at some time
conflicted with what the government entity might have. Ms. Lynch explained that their
employment practices are the same as the city's. The YMCA has a number of public
contracts which have to meet the criteria of the government entity and that has not been a
problem.
Mr. English noted that State Statute 471.11 says that if a city leases to a non-profit, the
lease has to include all the costs of the operation.
Mark Hedin asked how the Y would handle non-members when a tournament is going
on. Ms. Lynch explained that going in, you have to know what you want the building to
do. It's all a matter of scheduling. Depending on what you want prioritized is how you
would build the building.
Councilmember Knight asked if there would be trained staff present in the weight room
and pool area at all times. Ms. Lynch stated that they do not have pools open unless there
are lifeguards present. They don't have trampolines because you can't get insurance on
them.
Councilmember Orttel suggested that Council figure out what we are going to provide
and then have the YMCA come back with their numbers.
Mr. Dickinson explained that the thoughts of the Task Force were to discuss the complex
with the YMCA and if they were interested, we would have them talk to the Council.
The Task Force feels that the Y is a good organization. He noted that they are looking to
see if Council wants to proceed with the Y and then go to the next level, which would be
to define the square footage ofthe facility and then go back to see if we want to pull
anything out. Dave Blackstad suggested that the School District be brought into the
discussions. Mr. Dickinson noted that he has received requests for sufficient storage
space in the complex. Mark Hedin noted that he has received several requests for
racquetball courts. Councilmember Jacobson stated a big concern is that we don't
program this just for the children who are in the athletic associations. It has to be for
everyone.
Motion by Orttel, seconded by Jacobson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
U'04
Vicki Volk, City Clerk
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