HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-01-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Tuesday, January 13, 1981
7:30 p.m.
Edina City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Virginia Shaw, Chairperson; George Warner, Joan Lonsbury,
Bill Lord, Mack Thayer, Les Wanninger
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rosie Hafner, Bob McGuire, Susan Weigle
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 9, 1980 MEETING
Mr. Thayer MADE A MOTION•to approve the Minutes as submitted. Mrs. Lonsbury
SECONDED. CARRIED.
II. SENIOR CITIZEN REPORT
Mr. Kojetin explained that Mr. Carlson could not make the meeting because of illness
but Sue Weigle was present to give her report. Ms. Weigle handed out attendance
figures showing a substantial increase in attendance at the Senior Center over the
past two years. She also handed out a copy of the monthly newletter showing all
the activities for the month. She briefly went over some of the trips the seniors
have taken in the past explaining that in the month of January she doesn't
schedule.trips because of the weather. She mentioned that there are 700 members
presently in the Senior Club. Other organizations associated with the Senior
Center are the American Association of Retired Citizens and the Metropolitan
Senior Federation. Ms. Weigle then went over some of the highlights from last
year. Some of these highlights were the the summer program with Edina Special
Children and the trip to the Congdon Masion. Ms. Weigle pointed out that they
may try an overnight trip sometime this year. Mrs. Shaw inquired as to whether
the seniors ever go to art shows or plays. Ms. We indicated that there
hasn't been enough interest in this type of activity but they may try using the
mini -bus for this type of trip in the future. Mrs. Shaw inquired as to
whether Ms. Weigle was having trouble getting drivers for the bus. Ms. Weigle
answered affirmatively and informed the Board that she will be taking this
reponsibility from Ceil Smith. Mrs. Shaw wondered if there were any particular
problems about which they were concerned. Ms. Weigle explained that the only
big problem the seniors are complaining about is availability of transportation
to their medical appointments. She informed the Board that she is tryinq to work
out something where the bus can be used on two Fridays a month to bring the seniors
to their medical appointments; there will be a fee charged for this service.
Ms. Weigle also pointed out that the seniors living in the building feel resentful
that they are unable to use the bus (it is only used to transport seniors to
the center and home) Mr. Warner asked how the seniors are informed of the various
activities at the center. Ms. Weigle informed him that the newsletter is the
main source of this information and is sent out to about 700 people.
Ms. Weigle informed the Board that the senior volunteer program is working very
well. These are the people that run most of the programs. They also do work for
various associations around Edina, e.g., the Heart Association, Project Concern
and Human Services. This work consists mostly of preparing mailings (stuffing
envelopes) for these associations. Ruby McLaughlin coordinates all these tasks
for the seniors and does an excellent job. Ms. Weigle stated that the Heart
Association mentioned the Edina Senior Center in their publication as the
outstanding volunteer group and pointed out that they had saved the Heart
Association a minimum of $430,000.00 last year with the work they did. Another
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outstanding senior volunteer that Ms. Weigle mentioned was Ella Terry
who is in charge of the seniors singing group.
Mrs. Shaw inquired as to how many people a day ride the bus to the center.
Ms. Weigle estimated that there are about 12-15 people per day, but pointed out
that this figure does vary from day to day. Mr. Lord inquired as to how many
people are at the senior center each day. Ms. Weigle explained that this too
depends on what activities are going on, but there are usually around 100 people,
Congregate Dining (seniors can come to the center and receive lunch for $1,00)
usually serves about 75 people per day.
Ms. Weigle also advocated the use of interns at the center. This is the program
where a recreation major from one of the colleges comes to the center and helps
her out for a period of time for college credit. It provides good experience
for the student and helps her with her work. She has difficulty at times
obtaining interns, because Edina doesn't pay them for this work while other
communities do.
Ms. Weigle pointed out that she could use.more equipment and more room at the
center. For example, they could use a stage for their programs and it would
be nice to be able to offer some programs for men, e,g,, woodworking, but there
isn't enough room for storage of any of this equipment, Mrs. Lonsbury inquired
as to what would happen if they moved out of the existing building, Would most
of the people still come to the activities? Ms. Weigle stated that many of
them now participating in the programs who live in the building would never
leave the building to attend the programs at another site, but added that
other people in the community would probably come if the site were moved, Mrs,
Shaw asked Ms. Weigle's feelings regarding moving the center to the Wooddale
School location. Ms. Weigle responded that there are too many physical barriors
at the school for older, less agile seniors, Similar problems exist at Edina
East.. Cornelia School would be a more suitable site for the senior center,
Mr. Kojetin pointed out that we are here to provide recreation and leisure
for seniors not to act as an agency for human services programs, He stated
that the senior board should be the people taking care of these problems, He
also mentioned that there has been talk of having the senior board appointed
by the Mayor.
Ms. Weigle then briefly went over some of the other programs offered at the
Center, e.g., a nurse comes to the center on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday
afternoons from the Metropolitan Medical Center downtown and checks blood
pressures and such; another program is an exercise program. This program
isn't very strenuous but consists basically of stretching and toning execises.
There is also, occasionally, a health clinic at the center. Ms, Weigle
mentioned the recognition tea.to be held at the center on Friday, January 30.
III. FORESTRY REPORT
Mr. McGuire presented a brief introduction about the forestry program in Edina
over the past ten years that he has been City Forester. He mentioned the
causes and controls of Dutch Elm disease over the past few years and noted the
decrease in cases that have occured. Mrs. Shaw inquired as to the new bacterium
mentioned in Mr. McGuire's report that is reported to cure Dutch Elm Disease,
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Mr. McGuire informed her that this isn't expected to be on the market for two
years. Our main method of controlling the disease now is the use of Arbotec
which prevents but does not cure the disease and is very expensive. Mr.
McGuire went on futher to explain that when we first started using Arbotec
the EPA would not allow us to use enough in a tree for it to be effective.
They have now, however, changed their policy and this treatment has improved.
It takes three to five years for this method to work if done correctly. Last
year the cost for this treatment was $5.00 per diameter foot (a 20" tree would
cost $100.00). Mrs. Lonsbury inquired as to if a tree would be lost if this
treatment were not used. Mr. McGuire reported affirmatively stating that
the use of Arbotec has saved quite a few trees in the Country Club area.
Mr. McGuire pointed out that due to the location of some of the trees they are
impossible to reach except in the winter. Our ability to remove them in the
winter is very much dependent on the weather. This year the weather has been
good and we have been able to get to most of them.
Aside from Dutch Elm Disease, other problems that have affected trees are, storm
damage (last year was a particularly bad year for this), heartrot, and Oak Wilt.
Mr. McGuire pointed out that the citizens of Edina, because they are following
our directions, are doing a good job in controlling the spread of Oak Wilt.
Mr. McGuire also mentioned that the most effective way to eliminate most of these
problems is to keep the trees in good condition. Other areas taken care of
by the forestry department are: tree trimming (in the Spring and Summer) and
spraying for canker worms in the Spring. Mr. McGuire also answers any questions
residents may have on trees, bushes or grasses.
Mr. Kojetin informed the Board that Interlachen Country Club had donated several
trees to the park department this year. We have planted most of them in our
parks.. There were 125 in total planted. Mr. McGuire then explained the basic
guidelines used in choosing a tree for donation: 1) can we get the machinery to
it in order to remove it, 2) is it a desirable species, 3) has to be a maximum of
5" in diameter (this is the largest tree the machinery can handle).
Mrs. Lonsbury pointed out that Mr. Ray O'Connell wished to donate a Black
Walnut tree to be planted at Braemar Park. Mr. McGuire stated that it is not
advisable to put a tree that produces large nuts in an area that is highly
maintained by mowers. This tree could, however, possibly be put someplace else.
IV. RECREATION REPORT (SKATING RINKS)
Mr. Kojetin reported that it has, up until this time been a bad year for flooding
the rinks, but now the weather has improved and with no snow the flooding is
going very well. He also pointed out that we must, once again, take a look at
the use of the various rinks and perhaps look into closing some more next year.
We cannot afford to maintain all of the outdoor facilities we now have. There
is a tremendous man -power cost involved in flooding a rink. In order for these
rinks to be worthwhile for the city to maintain, people must be using them. Mrs.
Shaw inquired as to whether we had recieved many complaints on the rinks we
closed this year. Mr. Kojetin reported that we hadn't received many.
Mr. Wanninger suggested trying to convince the Hockey Association to schedule more
of their games outside. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that in addition to the hockey
rinks at the parks we must also take care of the general rinks.
Mr. Kojetin reported that there are seven adult bandy teams that have formed
in the city. Mr. Lord suggested that perhaps someone should look into the
possibility of having the younger hockey players (Mi tes•or Squirts) play bandy
instead of hockey. This will enable them to improve their skating skills and
then go on to hockey.
Mr. Kojetin informed the Board that the bids for the Art Center addition were
rejected because the HUD labor specifications had not been included. The bids
will be re -opened on January 29 and hopefully be awarded on February 2.
Community Development Funds will hopefully supply funding for the restroom
facilities at the Art Center. Mr. Kojetin reported that Howard Nichols is
still enthusiastic about the project.
Mrs. Shaw mentioned that Mary McDonald had resigned from the Park Board. Mr.
Wanninger MADE A MOTION to draft a Resolution of Appreciation for Mrs. McDonald.
Mr. Lord SECONDED, CARRIED. The Resolution was passed around and signed by
the members. Mr. Warner MADE A MOTION to adjourn. Mr. Lord SECONDED. CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.