PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on August 23, 2005, at 12:00 p.m. with Chairman Sadusky presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr.  Pitts, and Mr. Truitt. Mr. Long was absent. Mr. Carey and Mr. Ritter were also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Pitts moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

Presentation - West Side Recreation Center Study

Mr. Zach Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, provided a Power Point presentation of the proposed West Side Recreation Center (Attachment #1). Mr. Carter advised members that staff met with various organizations in an effort to inform them of the project and to gain support. He noted that the Greater Dover Committee has been researching quality of life issues, including conducting community focus groups led by trained facilitators. The result of this research identified recreational needs for children and families as one of the greatest priorities for greater Dover.

Mr. Carter stated that Kent County Levy Court has set aside $300,000 for this project; Dover Downs has committed to $100,000; and The Longwood Foundation and The Welfare Foundation have awarded $250,000 and $50,000, respectively; however, those funds are contingent upon the City of Dover raising all the funding necessary to allow the project to proceed as planned by December 31, 2005, at which time, if the contingencies have not been met, the City would need to reapply for the funds.

Mr. Carter advised members that the goal for the project is approximately $2.9 million, with a secured revenue to date of $1.7 million. The $1.3 million gap can be narrowed to $800,000 by downscaling the building, fund-raising through naming rights and a Community Transportation Fund to pave the parking lot.

Mr. DePrima presented the following options for the Westside Recreation Center:

Option A1 - Use the FY05 Carry Over Funds in the amount of $300,000, Partnership for Use of Space (CDSA) $100,000, and “In Lieu of Tax” from the State in the amount of $400,000.

Option A2 - Partnership for use of space in the amount of $100,000 (CDSA) and City financing in the amount of $700,000, either through bonding or borrowing from reserve funds, which would be paid back with interest. He noted that two developers have offered to finance and build the center with a city lease and donation back to the City after 30 years.

Option B - Move forward with the design of the project using the $300,000 designated by Kent County and continue seeking additional funds through partnerships and reapplying for State funding for FY07.

Option C - Do not build the recreation center and continue to lack in meeting the rapidly growing needs of the community.

Staff recommended beginning the design in conjunction with Kent County, reserving $300,000 of the FY05 excess fund balance, evaluating full funding/financing at the mid-year review, further exploring partnerships with Kent County and the Boys and Girls Clubs, and requesting Community Transportation Funds from area legislators.

Mr. William F. Holden, member of the Greater Dover Committee and Chair of the Sub-Committee dealing with Youth and Recreation, stated that the Greater Dover Sub-Committee held a number of focus groups with a broad cross-section of the community. Mr. Holden suggested that the problems occurring in the Downtown Dover area could be the result of a lack of recreation for youth in this area.

Mr. Michael Malkiewicz, member of the Greater Dover Committee and the Sub-Committee dealing with Youth and Recreation, advised members that The Greater Dover Sub-Committee selected the revitalization of downtown Dover and Youth and Recreation as prime focus areas and; therefore, has met with various organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Salvation Army, Kent County Parks and Recreation, Dover Parks and Recreation, Capital School District, Dover Public Library staff, Dover Police Athletic League staff and the Children Mentor Program staff. These meetings confirmed that there is a need for additional indoor recreation in the Dover area and The Greater Dover Committee and Sub-Committee endorses the West Side Recreation Center. Mr. Malkiewicz noted that The West Side Recreation Center program is a very big step for the City and the quality of life for all citizens in and around the City of Dover. He requested that the City commit to providing the funding necessary to maintain the funding offered by The Longwood Foundation and The Welfare Foundation. Mr. Malkiewicz offered to present a more detailed presentation or meet with individuals regarding this project.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Holden stated that it may be possible for the Greater Dover Committee to contribute $8,000 to $10,000 from next years budget as a show of good faith.

Mr. Ritter questioned how the increased staff and operating costs would be paid for. Mr. DePrima stated that, according to the operating pro-forma provided to City Council regarding income and operating costs, the deficit was equal to one and one half percent of the total general fund budget.

Responding to Mr. Ritter, Mr. DePrima stated that the engineering firm included higher estimates in their initial cost projection to allow for possible price increases. Mr. Carter advised members that he spoke with the engineering firm two (2) weeks ago and they consulted with the construction firms and confirmed that the estimates were still within the current range.

Mr. Ritter, noting that approximately 60% of the children participating in City programs live outside of the City, suggested that City residents should take priority when registering and should possibly receive a discount on programs. He also noted that the City should consider an addition to the building at Dover Park on the east side of Dover instead of a new building on the west side of Dover.

Mr. Ritter suggested placing a non-binding question on the ballot for the April 2006 Municipal Election to determine if residents are in favor of the Westside Recreation Center. He stated that he would like to have the support of the constituents before moving forward. Mr. DePrima responded that this concept was designed with respect to the results of the referendum. He stated that the size and cost have been reduced significantly.

Mr. Ruane recommended that the project be bonded, with the understanding that the City would dedicate the unbudgeted $400,000 “in lieu of tax” money to this project and that the “in lieu of tax” money would be used as a dedicated funding stream for as many years as needed to pay off the bonded indebtedness. Mr. DePrima stated that it was his understanding that the local legislators would like to have a permanent funding source for the County Seats. He noted that he anticipates $600,000 in “pay in lieu” funds this year.

Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the City finance $1M through a bond issue and use $500,000 of this years’ “in lieu of tax” money, with the understanding that the bonded indebtedness would be paid for with $500,000 of the annual “in lieu of taxes” for as many years as necessary to pay it off. The motion was seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:12 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robert M. Sadusky

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - West Side Recreation Center Power Point Presentation