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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK June 29, 2004 S\NDÒVË~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755·5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Special City Council Workshop Tuesday, June 29, 2004 Conference Room A & B 1. Call to Order - Following EDA Meeting held at 6:00 p.m. 2. Interviews for Recreational Facility Manager - Administration 3. Community Center Progress Report - Finance 4. Update - 2005 Budget - Finance 5. Approve First Amendment to Declaration of Covenants for Andover Marketplace East - Planning 6. Other Business 7. Adjournment C I T Y o F NDOVE ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP - JUNE 29, 2004 MINUTES The Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, June 29, 2004, 7:12 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: Interim City Administrator/City Finance Director, Jim Dickinson Community Development Director, Will Neumeister Others INTERVIEWS FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY MANAGER Human Resources Manager Peitso explained the interview committee consisting of Jim Dickinson, Ken Orttel, Todd Haas and Dana Peitso interviewed 6 candidates on June 16th and 17th for the Recreational Facility Manager position. Three candidates are recommended to be interviewed by the entire City Council as fmalists, which are: Erick Sutherland, Richard Beck, and Steven Rudden. Ms. Peitso noted that cach candidate would be given 15 minutes to prcsent themselves and thcn the City Council would be given 15 minutes to ask questions. Mr. Richard Beck Mr. Beck gave a brief history of his education and work experience in addition to providing information about his family life. Councilmember Jacobson stated that the City Council keeps hearing that ice arenas are not big moneymakers and what would he do in terms of marketing to make sure the arena is filled to the maximurn. Mr. Beck replied advertising, marketing, get into the school systems, and other organizations. In Texas he worked for a for profit business and could not get near the schools or other public organizations. One suggestion he would have would be broomball events for churches, etc, Councilmember Knight inquired if there is any possibility of getting advertisement on boards, lamboni, or scoreboard. Mr. Beck replied that the biggest thing is getting people in. One of the most popular things is dodgeball, which could be something they could schedule in the field house. He stated that it is Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes -June 29, 2004 Page 2 very important to think outside the box. Mayor Gamache inquired if there was anything he could provide while in the building process after his experience of what went wrong in Texas. Mr. Beck replied that biggest issue had to do with the proper installation of the floor. He stated that going through the process in Texas has taught him a lot. Councilmember Orttel stated that this will be a unique facility because the YMCA is a big player along with the government side. Did he see the overall concept of the dual ownersrup situation as a benefit. Mr. Beck replied that the fact the arena he worked for in Texas was not owned by the government held them back rrom bringing in additional uses. He stated that there are more ways of bringing people into the recreational facility as well as training the sports teams because of the dual ownership situation. Councilmember Trude asked wruch areas he would watch most closely to make sure the expenses don't "eat up" the profit. Mr. Beck explained that one of the first things he did when he took over as manager in Texas was cut the payroll and cleaning supplies. Councilmember Trude stated that if he were hired for this position thcre would be about 3 months lead time before ice was available and what would he see himself doing during that time. Mr. Beck replied that initially he would be dealing with the construction issues, establisrung manuals for safety guidelines, training, etc. Councilmember Trude questioned his experience with concessions. Mr. Beck explained that at the Texas arena the concessions were leased out, which made them about $5,000 to $6,000 a year. He noted that they also had contracts with large vending machine companies as well. Councilmember Jacobson inquired as to how many employees he would envisioning needing in the beginning. Mr. Beck replied that in the evening the rink would require about three people. With the field house it would probably take him a month to determine the appropriate number of staff people needed, but at first guess he would see two employees. Councilmember Knight stated that hockey is on1y half of the picture and the other half is basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse wruch will take a lot of time to organize because it involves Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes -June 29, 2004 Page 3 so many different organizations, Mr. Beck replied that he was very willing to work with all programs, Mayor Gamache inquired if he envisioned 24 hours for ice. Mr. Beck replied that if people are willing to spend money absolutely. Councilmember Trude inquired as to how they prevent money from "walking out the door". Mr. Beck explained the computer program that was utilized in Texas to prevent money from being stolen. Mr. Steven Rudden Mr, Rudden provided a brief background of his work and educational history. Councilmember Trude inquired if he currently was responsible for hiring/firing staff. Mr. Rudden replied yes. Councilmember Trude inquired as to what types of programs he is currently responsible for scheduling in the gym. Mr. Rudden replied open gym for adults and families and volleyball. He noted that a lot of the gym space is used by the athletic associations. Councilmember Trude requested that he talk about operating costs, cash flow. Mr. Rudden replied that the ice arena is an entcrprise fund so it has to break even and the remainder of the building is part of the park and recreation program that the taxes subsidize. Councilmember Orttel inquired if he were given the position who would be the first person he would hire. Mr, Rudden replied an operation manager and possibly a part time facility manger. Mayor Gamache requested that he explain what his past experience has been with advertising and marketing. Mr. Rudden explained board advertising, and working with Coke to get a new score board. He stated that vending machines will also have to be a source of revenue when it is not cost effective to have concessions open. As it pertains to marketing, the best way to market it is to provide a kiosk at the front of the arena advertising upcoming events. Mayor Gamache inquired if Brooklyn Park provides ice time 24 hours a day. Mr. Rudden replied no. Councilmember Knight questioned his areas of expertise, Mr. Rudden explained that ftom ice operation standpoint he has worked with all areas, and field scheduling for soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes -June 29, 2004 Page 4 Councilmember Knight inquired as to what he felt the initial staffmg needs would be for the facility. Mr. Rudden replied that during the peak hours they would probably be looking at two custodial staff and one person to handle questions, pass out keys, etc. Councilmember Jacobson inquired as to why he was wanting to leave his current position and what is his best strength. Mr, Rudden replied that it was not so much that he wanted to leave his current position, but this is an exciting opportunity because it is a new facility. He stated that his biggest asset is his customer service skills. Councilmember Trude questioned what his experience was in Kansas as it relates to the start up of the facility. Mr. Rudden explained that he was part of the management team to get started with an ice and pool facility, Everyone had to be familiar with all the different areas. Mr. Erick Sutherland Mr. Sutherland gave a brief history of his educational, personal, and professional experience, Councilmember Jacobson stated that the Schwan's Ice Arena has no field house so how does he feel about managing a field house operation. Mr. Sutherland replied that he would approach the management of the field house the same as the ice arena. He stated that it will be very important to get involved with the different youth associations. In his opinion the field house would be an easier sell than the ice because there are so many more uses. He did not see a lot of differences in the way it is managed. Councilmember Jacobson questioned what types of non-sport activities he would envision scheduling in the field house to fill in the vacancies. Mr. Sutherland replied he has had experience with other events such as dog shows, music events, citywide garage sales, and used equipment sales. Councilmember Knight inquired if he felt the facility could operate at a break-even point. Mr. Sutherland replied that that would be his goal. The biggest question would be how does the City feel about advertising. Councilmember Trude replied that there better be a lot of advertising. Councilmember Knight inquired as to how he felt about concessions being contracted. Mr. Sutherland replied that it depends on the contract. He stated that initially he would like to try and run the concession stands. Councilmember Knight questioned what he would do before the rink opens. Mr. Sutherland replied that he would be working on contracts, solicitation for advertising, getting equipment ready. -. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes -June 29, 2004 Page 5 Councilmember Orttel questioned what his fIrst hire would be. Mr. Sutherland replied that he would hire someone to handle maintenance issues. Councilmember Trude inquired as to who he needed to work with to make the facility successful. Mr, Sutherland replied that from the hockey side it will be important to work with Minnesota Hockey, the district Andover plays in, district playoffs. With the field house there will be many organizations involved. After the completion of the interviews the Council discussed the three applicants at length. Motion by Jacobson, seconded by Trude, to direct staff to negotiate with Erick Sutherland for the position of Recreational Facility Manager. Motion carried on a 4-Yes (Gamache, Trude, Jacobson, Knight)l-No (Orttel) vote. COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRESS REPORT Finance DirectorlInterim City Administrator Dickinson explained the AndoverNMCA Community Center construction project is well underway with the presence of panel walls, curbing, and a parking lot along with other continued construction activity. Staff is seeking concurrence on the following issues: 1. Intersection Improvements-The CDBG funding authorized by Anoka County will be us cd to facilitate the intersection improvements. Federal "Davis Bacon" requirements will need to be followed to be reimbursed with CDBG funding. 2. Ice Resurfacer-An Electric Zamboni brand ice resurfacer has been ordered. Zamboni is the on1y manufacturer of electric ice resurfacers. 3. Ice ArenalFieldhouse sound system. 4. Ice Arena Wood seating 5. Concessions Councilmember Orttel stated that they should wire the building for the sound system whether or not they move forward with a sound system at this time. Mr. Dickinson replied that they are doing that. He also noted that they are researching the possibilities of donated equipment. Mr. Dickinson explained that with the wood seats the campaign felt that if the materials were provided they could provide the labor, which would save $10,000. Consensus was to continue discussions as it relates to the sound system, wood seats and concessions. Councilmember Trude thought it is important to advertise somewhere who has donated to the facility. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes -June 29, 2004 Page 6 UPDATE - 2005 BUDGET Finance Directorllnterim City Administrator Dickinson stated City Departments have started the 2005 Annual Operating Budget Development process and are currently working on each department's line item budgets, capital outlay requests and new staffmg requests. There was no action required. The information was provided to keep the council informed of the timing issues necessary to facilitate a timely 2005 Operating Budget and 2005-2009 CIP. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO DECLARATION OF COVENANTS FOR ANDOVER MARKETPLACE EAST Community Development Director Neumeister stated at the May 25, 2004 EDA meeting, approval was granted for a new TCF Bank to be planned for one of the properties at Andover Marketplace East. The attorneys have prepared the paperwork that is needed to allow this use of the property, Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to authorize the signing of the "First Amendment of the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants" by the Mayor and City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously, OTHER BUSINESS Oak Bluff - Mr. Dickinson informed the City Council that there will be an issue on their next agenda pertaining to dividing larger parcels. Met Council - Councilmember Orttel questioned why the City is receiving letters that they are not meeting the housing goals from the Met Council. Mr. Dickinson replied that staff will be meeting with the Met Council in July and requested that members of the City Council attend the meeting as well. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Orttel, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nanci Libor, Recording Secretary ----