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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-17 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Minutes r Multi-Purpose Athletic Field Complex , Subcommittee on Funding and Implementation Outline of March 17, 2005 Meeting � Member Present: Frank Farrington — Chair, Dean Bennett, John Sheehan, John Diamond, Carol Woodcock, Nichi Farnham, Kerrie Giles, Rod Towne � City StafF: Debbie Cyr Others: Tom Al�en, Kevin Frazier , 1. Review of Work Plan - , • Update on Feasibility Study — John Diamond introduced Tom Allen from Umaine and asked him to expand upon what he needed for information. He asked the group to define what they were looking for from the feasibility study i.e. such the ability to � cover operating expenses, cost to replace turf and initial capital costs. Normally a feasibility study would provide a projection of economic impact, which could be used to sell the complex to others. Another hurdle would be the area model to be used. It was determined that Penobscot County would be best and that he already had ' that available to him. It was determined that the Business Plan will contain much of the information for a feasibility study. The question then became do we need a feasibility study. At this point, Tom is willing to work with the group to review a ' potential survey as well as receive continuing updates that could be plugged into the model. This would help to package the information that the group has undertaken and will continue to gather. The group determined that there is a need to determine , if there would be support for a capital campaign and what level would be appropriate. • Additional U.S. Soccer Foundation Program Information — The deadline for , submitting an initial letter of application to the 24/7 program is September 2005. After reviewing the letters, the Foundation contacts selected groups to submit the full application. Carol Woodcock is waiting to hear back on the Field Starter kit. � • Rural Development Program —The Community Facilities program provides financing at favorable rates with a longer payback period, but there is a population limitation. These funds are a potential as long as the facility is not located in Bangor. The , Business & Industry program provides a guaranty for financing through a conventional lender. This program would be available to project built in Bangor • Update on Preliminary Business Plan —John Sheehan and Rod Towne have met to ' review the information provided by Bangor Soccer Club. Through these meetings, ]ohn developed a list of questions that need to be answered to generate a complete business plan (list distributed). John pointed out that a complete business plan is , integral to the group's efforts. It will require a significant amount of time. He asked for the assistance of the group in finding additional resources that could be used to complete the process. � • Additional Information on Sports Commissions — Kerrie was able to determine that nearly all commissions have been established as 501 C 6 entities. In addition, the main source of revenue has been a local option sales tax. The groups are usually � formed as an arm of the local CVB or Chamber. The groups were formed to bid on upcoming events (many require a bid fee), but do not actually run a facility. Rhode , , 1 � Island has one that is funded annually through a grant from the State to cover payroll &fringes, the rest of the funding is through partnerships and fundraising. � Commissions are of varying sizes 15 to 52. The largest having representatives from all participating sports. . Access/Right of Way Issue —The property under consideration in Bangor"Coburn � Property" is situated beside other City owned property. Therefore there is adequate frontage on the Downing Road for access to the site. The concern being excessive tra�c past the residences. These could be an option, for initial access should the , field be built in phases. When fully built, the access would not be appropriate. Therefore, the City would need to obtain a right of way from a private party. • Identify Stakeholders — To date Iittle feedback has been received from the members. All were encouraged to forward potential stakeholders to Debbie Cyr. The ,� stakeholders represent potential constituents if a new entity is formed. In the near future, it would good to have a stakeholders meeting to present any plans and seek input. ' 2. Member Comments/Suggestions • Awaiting the draft report from the Needs Assessment Committee. A copy will be , distributed to members of this Committee as well. Once the Needs Assessment Committee finalizes their report, we anticipate having a joint meeting. � • This Committee will review the pros & cons associated with a phased in approach for , the facility. 3. Establish Time of Next Meeting ' • The next meeting will be held, Friday, April 8`h at noon. 4. Work Plan � • Obtain tournament information from groups in Falmouth/Cumberland — Caroi Woodcock • Feedback on Field Starter Kit — Carol Woodcock � • Obtain information on operating expenses and revenues for fields/complexes — Carol Woodcock . Determine whether business plans exist for similar complexes — Carol Woodcock , • Follow up with fundraisers to determine if there is initial support — Debbie Cyr . Identify potentiai resources to work on business plan — Tom Allen/John Diamond • Continue to work on Business Plan —]ohn Sheehan/Rod Towne ' . Identify Stakeholders — All Members • Continue to pull any information together possible in order to keep the process moving — All Members ' � � I � � , , 5) It will be recommended that the remainder of Cindys property (outside the W/S development � where a 600 foot setback has been agreed to)and the four"Sproul" properties will be left "as is," and not be subject to the new overlay zone. � Tom Davis's land: Toward the end of the meeting, the Task Force discussed which building setback standard should be applied. The essential question is to define the point at which commercial development would be permitted in areas of his land close to the Marsh. We will discuss this issue at the next meeting. ' Also at the next meeting, the Task Force will consider how to deal with the remainder of the "Rudnicki parcel"adjacent to the 250 foot setback buffer zone proposed by W idewaters. , Meeting Dates: The next meeting will be held on March 15, 2005 from noon to 3 p.m. in City Council Chambers, to further discussion of these and other elements. � , � ' , � ' , � � � ' '