Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/13/2022

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Chair Bennett acknowledged that this is something the parks system currently does not have and the ability to generate revenue would be an added benefit. Commissioner Walker acknowledged that park of this nature would add value to the community. He clarified that it is his opinion that if something cannot be sold, it cannot be shown as having cash value and therefore would like to see real numbers. He commented that if people rent the event center electively it would add value and could increase customer base to related businesses in the community. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that he did hesitate to add that cash value to the sheet and noted that perhaps he will delete that from future planning documents. He also appreciated the comments from Councilmember Heineman. He stated that the existing Ramsey businesses could benefit from the additional people coming into the community and noted that there would also be benefit to ancillary uses for an event center that could come into the community as well. Commissioner Leistico commented that the concept looks promising with a lot of great potential. She stated that she appreciated the comparison information and locations. She noted that she is leery of the cost of the renovation as the trend for farmhouse weddings could change. She asked if there is a plan B. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that this is a unique concept and unique for the area, which also pays homage to the rural sentiment of Ramsey. He believed that the venue would be popular for many types of events, not just weddings. He stated that meeting space of that size would be in demand. He stated that the building at Elmcrest would cost well over $1,000,000 to build today, therefore if the barns could be renovated for public use it would provide significant value. He stated that if the buildings are not being used there would not be much of a carrying cost or operational costs to the City as it is not intended to be heated or cooled. Commissioner Walker stated that he has owned and managed golf courses throughout the country. He stated that at the end of 2031, he would prefer to see the negative number and the worst-case scenario rather than the projections shown. He stated that he did find the information from the other venues very helpful. He noted that perhaps the rental cost is reduced for the first year in order to potentially pull customers from other venues to consider this location. Councilmember Heineman also suggested showing the worst-case scenario. He stated that almost all the other venues listed showed rates for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. He noted that the projections only showed one event per weekend and the City could be in the position to hold multiple events in a week. He suggested also showing that scenario. Commissioner Loss asked if there is an estimate of the number of parking stalls that would be at the park to support large events. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that the parking area shown near the event space would not be sufficient. He noted that the parking for field use could be used Park and Recreation Commission/January 13, 2022 Page 4 of 7