Proposed Pavilion in Frontier Park
Comments, Suggestions Against Pavilion in Frontier Park |
If the Council feels that city dollars should be spent to help the profitability of four (festival) organizations. And the organizations need a 60' x 100' shelter and expect to pay a user fee to the city who provides the cover, then this scenario is offered: A 60 x 100 ft. Tent installed and removed for a 3 day rental, the cost $2,200.00. The difference? The VIEW is maintained, but the organizations would have no "slab". |
| In addition to the cost of building the pavilion, taxpayers would have annual maintenance expenses. |
A fairground for the city would offer a place for events which include elements that are incompatible within the Historic District and cause undo stress on Frontier Park, such as: heavy trucks on the grounds, inappropriately loud music that disrupts the ambience of Main Street for visitors and residents. If the city has several hundred thousand taxpayer dollars to spend on this, then wouldn't it be better to put the money toward a longer term solution: a fairground built for heavier usage with pavilions, restrooms, etc. |
| Riverfront Study, the Comprehensive Plan and the Strategic Plan currently being finalized each speak to the goals of maintaining the community connection to our Missouri River. A 60 by 125 foot structure which will likely extend 28 feet high to its roof peak significantly blocks the view and the aesthetic relationship with the river at Frontier Park. It would negatively affect all private property values within blocks of its location in the park. |
| Proposed funding is from the “Emergency Fund” line item of the City Budget. How is the City accounting for decreases in revenue which will unquestionably result from depressed retail sales, shrinking property values, and reductions in gaming revenue. Why would the City consider tapping ‘emergency’ funds for a ‘non emergency’? |
| Frontier Park is in the Missouri River floodway and the 100 year flood plain. Building of structures in the park is restricted by Federal flood plain restrictions. Development in Frontier Park requires approval from the Corps of Engineers under the City’s park fill permit. Frontier Park has been covered by flood water 8 times since its completion in 1975. Even if a permit were able to be obtained on the justification that water could flow thru a pavilion type structure, significant increases in the budgeted amount will be required to construct a concrete slab of 11,600 square foot in such a manner that it will not ‘float’. Extended high water tables which occur more frequently will result in soggy earth beneath the slab rendering it unstable and even a small current from flooding would likely cause erosion adjacent to and underneath the slab. |
| Frontier Park is the most visible and well known park in the city’s park system. Its appeal is directly related to its open spaces, visibility and access to the River. Adding appeal to Frontier Park is its relationship to Historic Main Street. The Park and the River are viewed from Riverside Drive, adjoining parking and private and public buildings. Additionally, it is viewed from Main Street and is integral to maintaining the historic character of the St. Charles community and its founding along the river. |
| Main Street's image has suffered from the negative publicity surrounding the liquor issues...how can it benefit Main Street or the city to invite more drinking events via a new beer garden pavilion adjacent to the stage. The entire neighborhood will be adversely affected by adding to the drinking possibilities in the Historic District. |
| The Council has created a new line item for the 'Frontier Park Pavilion' in the City Clerk's Office budget, instead of Public Works where such projects previously always been placed. According to Charter, the City Clerk is the only position which reports directly to the Council. They have bypassed the Department of Public Works, the Director of Administration and the Mayor, offices responsible for engineering and construction projects. And they have bypassed the Parks Board and Parks Department. They appear to intend that either the City Clerk, or the Council members themselves, without the participation of the Mayor and other departments skilled in these tasks, will administer and control this project. Further, some Council Members now say that all they intend to do under this budget line item of $200,000 is to 'study a pavilion and come up with some drawings, and have some meetings'. They insist that they are not making a comitment to construct a pavilion, but still insist on budgeting $200,000. From the City Charter: SECTION 3.9 CITY CLERK The city clerk shall keep the journal of council proceedings, authenticate by the city clerk's signature all ordinances and resolutions, and record them in full in a book kept for that purpose. The city clerk shall perform such other duties as may be required by law, by this charter, or by the council. Council's Amendment to the 2009 Budget: Move $200,000 into the Frontier Park Pavilion. Create a line item in the CIP for City Clerk's office for this project. |