HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-21 Council Special Meeting MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL
AND EDINA PARK BOARD
HELD MONDAY, MARCH 21,2006
AT 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of
Edina City Hall. Answering rollcall were the following members of the City Council:
Members Housh, Hulbert, Masica, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Members of the
Edina Board in attendance included: Michael Damman, Karla Sitek, Linda Presthus,
Michael Weiss, Todd Fronek, Raymond O'Connell, and Jeff Sorem. Staff present
included: Gordon Hughes, City Manager, John Keprios, Park Director, Ceil Smith,
Assistant to the City Manager, Ed MacHolda, Assistant Park Director, Todd Anderson,
Braemar Golf Course Assistant Manager,Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director
and Debra Mangen, City Clerk.
Mayor Hovland noted the purpose of the work session was to receive a presentation
from the Edina Field House development team on the possibility of replacing the
existing Braemar Golf Dome with a multi-use sports facility. Mayor Hovland informed
the meeting participants that no determination had been made whether the facility was
feasible. He stated the meeting was to receive information and was not a public
hearing. Mayor Hovland expressed his surprise and dismay when he had been
presented with a flyer stating the Braemar Dome was going to be converted and that the
new facility would be operational in the fall of 2006. He asked the presenters to speak
to that issue since no approval had been given or even requested when the flyer was
distributed.
Arnie Abens, representing the Edina Field House development team, said they were not
professionals, just three dads, himself, Scott Erickson and Sid Sampson who wanted to
better the facilities available to all Edina residents who play field sports. Mr. Abens
gave a presentation depicting the proposed multi-use facility which would replace the
existing dome with a 600' X 300' multi-use facility. The facility would house indoor
playing fields and an indoor golf range although the majority of the golf range would
be 140 feet. He said they would be asking for a fifty year lease from the City, and would
pay the City $75,000 annually for use of the land. He added the cost of the facility
would be approximately $10 million, and the revenue the current dome generated
would be needed to make the venture financially feasible.
Following Mr. Abens presentation, the Council asked questions of Todd Anderson,
Braemar Assistant Manager, and golf pro Joe Greupner regarding the existing dome, its
current uses and the driving ranges and uses proposed in the new facility. The Council
Minutes/Special Edina City Council/March 21, 2006
and Park Board briefly discussed the proposal from the Edina Field House
development team. The consensus of the Council was while they appreciated the effort
put into the proposal it was not the right place for such a facility. No formal action was
taken.
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
A,2 (i deA CU---
Debra Ma'nAen4tity Clerk
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