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HomeMy WebLinkAbout15. 19-300 MAY 28, 2019 19-300 RESOLUTION (CARRIED 7-0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN ) PURPOSE: APPROVE SALE OF THE CAROUSEL AT MENOMINEE PARK CHILDREN'S AMUSEMENT CENTER INITIATED BY: PARKS DEPARTMENT ADVISORY PARKS BOARD RECOMMENDATION: Approved WHEREAS, the carousel at the Menominee Park Children's Amusement Center has been inoperable since 2015; and WHEREAS, due to the extensive costs to repair the unit as well as the minimal income from the unit while operable, the sale of the carousel was recommended by the Advisory Park Board on March 11, 2019; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Oshkosh that that city staff is hereby authorized and directed to sell the carousel from the Menominee Park Children's Amusement Center in a reasonable manner as determined by staff to obtain an appropriate value therefore as provided in Section 12-17 of the City of Oshkosh Municipal Code. 0 ushkosh TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director DATE: May 23, 2019 RE: Approve sale of the carousel at Menominee Park Children's Amusement Center BACKGROUND At the January 14, 2019 Advisory Park Board meeting, staff provided status updates regarding the carousel at Menominee Park Children's Amusement Center. Further discussion was held at the February 11, 2019 meeting to include data for operations, repairs and potential value of the park model unit. On March 11, 2019 the Board voted unanimously to recommend the sale of the carousel ANALYSIS In August 2015, the carousel (manufactured sometime between 1932-1945) was forced out of operation due to a damaged and inoperable center hub. At that time, it was determined to close the attraction for the remaining portion of the season and begin researching potential repair costs and alternatives. In 2015-2016, the main structure was raised in order to remove the damaged hub and evaluate the entire structure. Research was completed to determine additional costs to manufacture components, restore and reassemble the unit for use totaling approximately $130,000. In addition, operational costs, annual ridership and survey results relating to amusement services were reviewed by the Advisory Parks Board to determine priority with restoration and operation. Please see these reference items as well as meeting minutes which are attached. FISCAL IMPACT Due to the uniqueness of this attraction, staff will continue to research the value and determine proper sale possibilities with the Purchasing Division. Proceeds from the sale would be deposited into the Children's Amusement Rides fund in the Revenue Facilities Account. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Common Council approve the sale of the carousel. p 11y.Submitted, Approved: Res ect Chad Dallman Mark A. Rohloff Assistant Parks Director City Manager City Hall,215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh,WI 54903-1130 920.236,5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE JANAURY 14, 2019 She also thinks that staying open later in the day will improve the revenue from families that want to come down to the park after work. Accommodations can be made if there is a group that wants to have facilities open for a field trip in May if need be. Mr. Dallman added that special events that are planned at the Children's Amusement Center and Menominee Park Zoo have also had their hours adjusted to be more accommodating and hopefully increase revenues. 4) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND FEES FOR AMUSEMENT RIDES AND WATER EQUIPMENT RENTALS Ms.McCollian states that they have compared our fees to those of the surrounding area and as a result they are requesting a slight change to the fees for the amusement rides and water equipment rentals. She notes that the cost to operate the rides and run the rentals has gone up as a result of wage increases and the slight increase will also assist with a decreasing revenue at the facilities. Based on averages of use from the prior two seasons it is anticipated that the slight increase in fees for the amusement rides would result in approximately $5,500 more in revenue and the increase for the water rentals would result in approximately $2,600 more in revenue or about$8,000 overall. Mr. Dallman states that it costs approximately $4,500-$6,000 each year for repairs to these rides and the water rental equipment but there is additional cost to operate the facilities and staff costs. Mr. Maurer added that the department doe separate out revenues and expenses for the various areas and feels that if an increase to the revenue does not occur there is the possibility of not being able to operate the amusements area in the future due to not covering costs. They are trying to make slight adjustments now to avoid that in the future. Motion by Miller to recommend approval of the increased fees for the amusement rides and water equipment rentals. Seconded by Herman. Motion carried 8-0. 5) DISCUSS STATUS OF CAROUSEL AT MENOMINEE PARK CHILDREN'S AMUSEMENT CENTER Mr. Dallman states that the carousel has been out of operation since 2015 due to costly repairs necessary. Staff had to remove the canopy for repair as well and the decision was made to take the ride out of operation and evaluate the costs to get it operational again. If assembled again it would need a total restoration and at last inquiry the price to do so was $130,000 at that time and has likely increased since that time. The carousel has not yet been fixed due to a lack of funding for such an expense. Fundraising options were looked into but without a major donor there is not enough funding. Looking at the deficits in the Children's Amusement Center he poses the question to the Board of whether they should take this time to discuss continuing to offer the carousel at that location or sell the unit as is and go in a different direction. Mr. Miller states that since it is a historical part of the community and a reasonably priced avenue of entertairunent for families he would hate to see the carousel go and asked if there were other carousels identical to this that could be purchased for parts. Mr. Dallman states that he could do additional research to pursue but when it comes to having to manufacture some of the parts will be costly. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR JANUARY 14,2019 Ms, Metz inquired into the cost of purchasing a new carousel at the site and Mr. Dallman responded that it would depend on the size that they decide to go with. A smaller version than what is presently there would run about$75,000.00, Mr. Herman states that looking at the fiscal impact and the age of the unit he feels this would be a good time to poll the community to see what they would like to see at that location. Mr. Maurer states that there is not a lot of interest in fund raising to save the carousel. He is not looking for the Board to make a decision at this time, he just wanted to bring it to their attention that this problem exists and will need to be resolved in the near future. Staff agreed to look at historical numbers to determune how much it cost to operate the carousel when it was operating as well as how much revenue was brought in. Mr. Maurer gave a brief history of the Amusements Area stating that the City purchased the rides from a family who was operating the facility. After reviewing the business plan it was discovered that the area was only running on a break even basis. This results in there not being much capital brought in to be able to cover the costs of major improvements and repairs. He is looking to the Board for their input and to see if there is further information that they would like staff to come back to future meetings with. It was determined that staff will further research the costs and revenues for operating, the current value of the carousel and whether there is any historical value to the carousel that could drum up interest or fundraising opportunities. Mr. Herman inquired as to what amenities bring people to the park at this time. Ms. McCollian states that she believes the Little Oshkosh project will bring in patrons and the special events held at the Children's Amusement Center as well as at the Menominee Park Zoo are well attended. There will also be an increased effort this year to bring awareness throughout the community and the surrounding areas as to what amenities and events occur at the facilities. Mr. Maurer added that based on results from 2012 and 2018 surveys of the community the repairs to the carousel were not high on the Iist of priorities to be addressed. PARK DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Maurer reports that the New Year will be busy with projects from the department's Strategic Plan. Ballfield bids are out for Spanbauer Field and Rainbow Memorial Park ballfield. Sydney Supple has raised close to $100,000 for the Rainbow Memorial Park ballfield. It is anticipated that bids will be received by the end of the month and the projects can be awarded. Weather dependent they are hoping for an early sprung i start on the projects and completion by early summer. Stoegbauer Park Request for Proposal for the playground equipment is out. He has been meeting with playground vendors to further explain what the community is looking for with the new equipment. Proposals are due February 4 for that project. The Sacred Hearth Neighborhood Association is hosting a C Rock the Block event the weekend of April 25 wherein they intend to have multiple improvement projects going on at the same tune. Staff will plan to remove the old equipment out at that time to he boost the event and the install of the new equipment should be completed by the end of May. The Lakeshore Park Master Plan Request for Proposals is also out at this time and are due February 7. Staff will evaluate proposals most of February and select a consultant early in March for a project start in later r. Oshkosh ADVISORY PARK BOARD FEBRUARY 11,2019 Present: Amy Davis,Tony Dirth, Scott Greuel, Steve Herman,Todd Kaufmann,Becky Metz Excused: Devon Hudak, Bill Miller,Lester Millette Absent: Jay Supple Jr., Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/Forester; Stacy James,Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER &ROLL CALL Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Herman for approval of the January 11,2019 miluttes. Seconded by Dirth.Motion carried b-0. CITIZEN STATEMENTS &OLD BUSINESS 1) DISCUSS STATUS OF CAROUSEL AT MENOMINEE PARK CHILDREN'S AMUSEMENT CENTER Mr. Dallman provided the Board with further information regarding revenues and costs for the carousel operations from 2008-2015. He continues to research an accurate value for the unit. Mr. Herman noted that it looks like the carousel unit was operating in the hole on a yearly basis and given the age and repairs that are necessary it may be the time to look at alternatives for that site. Mr. Dallman responded that there had been discussions among staff about options at that site. Mr. Maurer reminded the Board that prior surveys have gone out regarding the carousel and he is looking at this time for the Board's input on what the future of the carousel is. Mr. Dirth added that since it has been out of operation so long it is easy to see what the park is like without it and since there is not movement for it to be repaired that other options at the site should be considered. Mr. Herman asked what other options have been discussed for the site and if what remains there is outdated. Ms. McCollian suggested possibly mini golf or gaga ball. Corn hole has also been discussed. The train continues to be a big attraction for visitors but she thinks if they make the space into more of a recreational area it would appeal to more people and keep them in the park for longer periods of time. Mr. Maurer added that more research can be done regarding the value of the unit and it can be brought back to the Board in March to make a decision on how to proceed. He added that a special event they are looking into that will likely bring more people to the park is having beer gardens. This is an event that is quite popular throughout the state especially in Milwaukee County. The beer gardens are held early in the ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 11,2019 evening with bands and food. This gets people into the park and then they can use the amusements center and see what else is available to the public. Staff will be meeting further in the next week or so to discuss hosting these events potentially at the Kiwanis Shelter. NEW BUSINESS 1) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND TRAIL CONSTRUCTION IN MENOMINEE PARK EAST OF HAZEL STREET FROM MERRITT AVENUE TO IRVING AVENUE Mr. Maurer states that Hazel Street is scheduled for reconstruction this summer from Washington Avenue to Irving Avenue. He was made aware of this construction too late in the year to be able to include money in the budget however the Menominee Park Master Plan does call for a trail/pedestrian access along this road in the future. He is looking at bidding this out with the street project and having the path start at Merritt Avenue, cross Parkway and continue north to Irving Avenue. Engineering staff would look at bidding out a 5' sidewalk as well as a 10' asphalt trail. He has also met with the City Manager and Finance Director regarding this project. Mr. Maurer has received requests from Bella Vista and other neighbors on the west side of Hazel Street to have an access point to the park as well. Discussions were had regarding connecting trails along Parkway to the East side of the park. Mr. Maurer advises that this path is also in the Master Plan to go down Parkway but at this time they are focusing on the area to the east of Hazel Street so that it can be completed in connection with the street reconstruction. Mr. Dirth commented that he feels an asphalt path would work better for the park's use. Motion by Dirth to recommend trail construction in Menominee Park east of Hazel Street from Merritt Avenue to Irving Avenue. Seconded by Greuel. Motion carried 6-0. 2) UPDATE ON LITTLE OSHKOSH REPLACEMENT PROJECT Mr. Maurer updates that he has been working with a company called Play by Design out of New York. He states the company is similar to Leathers and Associates who managed the playground build 22 years ago. Two of the designers at Play by Design worked on the build of the current playground. Staff is currently working on a Professional Services Agreement with the company. Letters have been sent to local schools to solicit ideas from children for what they want to see at the site. Play by Design is planning on coming to Oshkosh on February 25 and will have a meeting at the Boys and Girls Club from 6-7pm that will be publicized and open to the public. On February 26 in the morning the group will go to Webster Stanley School and meet with the different classrooms for ideas before sitting down in the afternoon to put together a conceptual design. He anticipates bringing a concept to the Advisory Park Board at the March 11 meeting for review. Once a design is decided on bids will go out and possible demolition in mid-August and completion mid-September. Mr.Maurer showed the Board other playground designs that have been created by Play by Design and encouraged the Board and public to visit their website (pbdplaygrouns.com)to see for themselves what g and will be ADA they have created.The new playground will have pour in place rubber surfacin i %= cap` ' Oshkosh ADVISORY PARK BOARD MARCH 11,2019 Present: Amy Davis, Tony Dirth, Scott Greuel, Steve Herman, Todd Kaufmann, Bill Miller, Lester Millette Excused: Devon Hudak,Becky Metz Absent: jay Supple Jr., Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member Other: Kathy Snell, City of Oshkosh Special Events Coordinator; Ann Schuh, Marketing Director, Waterboard Warriors, Inc.; Michelle Vosters, Secretary, Waterboard Warriors, Inc.; Jamie Vosters, President, Waterboard Warriors, Inc.; Adam Nickel, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Jason Higgins, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Tim Gillinghem, 2575 Hamilton Street, Oshkosh; Bristol Boelter, 1629 Cedar Street, Oshkosh; Matthew Berger,2600 Herthstone Drive,Oshkosh Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/Forester; Stacy James, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER &ROLL CALL Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Herman for approval of the Febmary 11, 2019 minutes. Seconded by Millette. Motion carried 7-0. NEW BUSINESS 1) RECOMMEND THE SALE OF THE CAROUSEL AT MENOMINEE PARK CHILDREN'S AMUSEMENT CENTER Mr. Dallman has completed further research regarding the repairs needed for the carousel and there is no good solution at this tune. Given that the unit is immobile it will be a challenge to sell and the amount of parts that will need to be manufactured to repair the unit has brought the costs up higher than previously anticipated. He continues to research the best way to sell the unit,whether it be as one whole item or to sell individual parts. Mr. Herman inquired whether the unit would be replaced with another carousel. Mr. Dallman states that staff is considering various options for that area. Mr. Maurer confirmed that any proceeds from tlne sale of the unit would stay irn the Amusements fund. Motion by Miller to recommend the sale of the carousel at Menominee Park Children's Amusement 's Center. Seconded by Dirth. Motion carried 7-0. f City of Oshkosh Parks Department Menominee Park Children's Amusement Center: Carousel Operations 2008-2015 Days of Financial Estimates Year Participants Profit/(Los s) Qperation Revenue Wagea Repairs 2008 9,431 110 $ 8,016 $ 6,820 $ 15,300 $ (14,104) 2009 11,376 110 $ 9,670 $ 6,820 $ 1,220 $ 1,630 2010 8,676 110 $ 7,375 $ 6,820 $ - $ 555 2011 8,270 110 $ 7,030 $ 6,820 $ 250 $ (41) 2012* 8,848 92 $ 7,521 $ 5,704 $ 400 $ 1,417 2013 11,178 110 $ 9,501 $ 6,820 $ 400 $ 2,281 2014** 10,885 110 $ 10,885 $ 7,040 $ 5,500 $ (1,655) 2015*** 5,369 87 $ 5,369 $ 5,568 $ - $ (199) 74,033 839 $ 65,366.15 $ 52,412.00 $ 23,070.00 $ (9,916.85) * In 2012 unit was shut down 18 days for repairs. ** In 2014 we increased the fee to ride the carousel from$.85 to$1.00 per person. ***Closed due to major repair beginning 8/15. 5/8/2019,8:14 AM I�