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I I I Council Meeting Minutes April 28, 1998 Page 12 Council Business. continued Ditzler and Cadwallader, the developers proceeded, to construct the townhouses in 1995. An area had been graded by them in 1985 for the tennis court construction, however, were not constructed at that time, In 1995 the developers presented the City with a check in the amount of $35,000.00 to cover the estimated cost of the tennis court construction, He was given $5,000 credit for the grading work done in 1985, thereby bringing the total to the $40,000 agreed upon buy-out cost figure. Anderson noted that at this time, staff and the Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Commission are recommending that just one tennis court be build now at Silver Oaks Park with another one constructed at a later date at another location. Anderson commented that there are some residents who believe that because they were promised two tennis courts at Silver Lake Park, they should have both courts at that site. He also said that costs would go up considerably if two courts were constructed in that area, primarily because of the high grading costs involved. One of the factors that the Parks, Recreation, Environmental Commission considered when making their decision to construct just one court was that tennis no longer has the popularity that it did in the 1980's so court construction has been downsized and even with the downsizing, there have not been any complaints. Benke asked if, as an alternative to the second court, some other activities could be incorporated into the park, Anderson advised that a soccer field will be striped in the outfield of the ball diamond; and the ball field will be split next year for soccer and baseball. A hardcourt for basketball has been added. Anderson said that there has also been installed approximately $35,000 worth of playground equipment. He also noted that the topography of the park makes it quite difficult to work with. Mary Cotroneo, 1827 3rd St. SW, commented that she has lived on the north side of the park for 14 years and has yet to see anyone walk across with a racquet to go play tennis, but sees a lot of activity with the younger kids in playing soccer and kickball, etc. She stated she does not look forward to having two courts built and listening to a constant "bong, bong, bong......." all day long. She also complimented Anderson on his ability to work with the residents, Anderson noted that the court would not contain lights, nor a "bang" board. Dave Swenson, 1693 3rd St. SW, reported that he had lived in the neighborhood for 21 years and was deeply involved in 1980 with Mr. Cadwallader and the original development. He participated in several discussions with the City Council and after a meeting with all the neighbors and Mr. Cadwallader, reported support for the development and subsequent agreement in the 1980's. Following the development of the condominiums, the residents living in the condos apparently were of the opinion that the existing tennis courts were on private property and could not be used by others. Mr. Swanson noted that he has done considerable research on tennis court sizes, requirements, etc., and believes that two courts could be constructed at the bottom of the hill with a minimum of additional expense for grading. He went on to note that he has used the other facilities at the park for all these years and does not want to lose the ballpark or the sliding hill and does believe the park deserves the two courts as proposed, but constructed at the bottom of the hill so to make the park multi-use. Council Business Tennis Courts for Silver Oaks Park Report No. 98-098