1993-11-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 1993 Page 3 Council Business. continued Motion by Rebelein, seconded by Larson, to APPROVE TIlE 1994 SCORE FUNDING GRANT APPUCATION FOR RAMSEY COUNTY AND THE 1994 CITY RECYCLING SERVICE CHARGE. S Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. City Engineer Les Proper presented the Lake Diane Restoration Project Budget and Tax Levy. The Lake Diane residents have discussed the 1994 work plan and budget, and have agreed to budget $100 for aerator parts and $600 for electricity. There is a $1,182.37 balance to be carried over from 1993, so no levy is needed for 1994. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Williams, to APPROVE A ZERO TAX LEVY FOR THE LAKE DIANE RFSl'ORATlON FOR 1994. S Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Park Director Maurie Anderson presented for consideration the continued operations of the Brighton Crossroads Driving Range. The following assumptions have been made: Paul Biedler will continue as manager; revenues should increase 5 % per year; expenses will increase 3 %; lighting for night play will show a net gain of S10,000 annually; patronage will continue to grow; and competition from other ranges should not effect our operation. In 1994, the driving range will pick up the land payments and operating and capital expenses. The 1994 profits will be lower because of costs to install lights, the parking lot, and first land payment. Given, the fact that development costs and personnel needs are modest, the profits should steadily increase. It is recommended that a mini-golf facility not be considered until the operation has cash to build. Such a facility would pay for itself in about 3-4 years. Williams noted that the facility received many patrons this summer, despite the fact that it was closed for several days due to rain. He noted that the Economic Development Commission recommends the City's continued operation of the range. Anderson was approached by two people interested in leasing the range from the City. Their offer is similar to what the City can expect to net from operating the facility itself. One problem is that Ramsey County will require a $28,000 annual property tax payment if the operation is leased to a private vendor. This payment will reduce the City's revenues and is unacceptable. It is staff's judgement that the City can offer equal or better service if it continues its operation. These people were not present at the meeting. Anderson said the City will make its last land payment in 1997, after that time an additional.S37,OOO will go to the general fund. He feels that if the City provides knowledgeable staff, high quality range balls and turf tee, those factors will provide continued patronage at the range. Council Business SCORE Grant Report 93-300 Lake Diane Budget and Levy Report 93-301 Driving Range Operations Report 93-302