HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-12 Park Board PacketAGENDA
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
PARK BOARD MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
7:00 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes — Regular meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
During "Community Comment, " the Park Board will invite residents to share relevant
issues or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The
Chair may limit the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and
topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be
addressed during Community Comment. Individuals should not expect the Chair or
Board Members to respond to their comments tonight. Instead, the Board might refer
the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting.
VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Yorktown Park Pilot Community Garden Public Hearing
B. Strategic Planning Information and Discussion
C. Election of New Officers
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
A. Council Updates
VIII. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
X. ADJOURNMENT
The city of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need
assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something,
please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA PARK BOARD
HELD AT CITY HALL
February 12, 2013
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Steel called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
IL ROLL CALL
Answering roll call were Members Deeds, Segreto, Cella, Steel, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Hulbert,
Kathryn Peterson
111. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Jones made a motion, seconded by Member Segreto, approving the meeting agenda.
Ayes: Members Deeds, Segreto, Cella, Steel, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Hulbert, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
Member Jones made a motion, seconded by Member Segreto, approving the consent agenda as
follows:
W.A. Approval of Minutes — Regular Park Board Meeting of Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Ayes: Members Deeds, Segreto, Cella, Steel, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Hulbert, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
None
V1. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VI.A. Edible Playground Public Hearing — Lewis Park
Member Segreto commented, as she read through the letters, a lot of them felt the location selected
was not a sunny location. Kristin Aarsvold, Recreation Supervisor, indicated she will talk with Bob
Prestrud, Parks Foreman, because that was one of the areas he suggested and thought it would get
enough sunlight. She thinks they can move it a little bit in order to get more sunlight. Member Jones
stated that if they do decide to move ahead with this she would like to make sure that is part of the
condition that the location get at least 8 hours of sunlight.
Member Deeds suggested maybe putting up some netting for the soccer balls. Ms. Aarsvold replied
they will look into that and as problems arise they will be looking at some problem solving. Member
Hulbert asked how close it is to the soccer fields because they may no longer be resting a field so there
will be a lot more activity. Ms. Aarsvold replied Mr. Prestrud didn't feel they would have any issues
with soccer and they will go out again in the spring to make sure they are meeting the requirement of 8
hours of sunlight and will then give the exact location. Ms. Kattreh added she did talk to the Edina
Soccer Club and they had no concerns in that area.
Member Jones indicated this is going to cost quite a bit of money and knows that a grant has been
requested as well as some pledges have been obtained but because they can't pull $11,000 out of the
air she would like to at least set a stipulation that all of the pledges and grants be obtained before
anything is started. Ms. Aarsvold replied absolutely and in her timeline it states they will not do
anything until those funds are secured in an account that the City has designated for the edible
playground.
Member Jones indicated that in the past they had talked about using the irrigation system of the soccer
field to spray onto the garden and she is concerned because they are looking at putting in a wood
fence. It seems like this would be a recipe for it to rot at an earlier age than it would need to and
wondered if there was another plan for that. Ms. Aarsvold replied that she will be going to a "School
Yard Garden Workshop" on February 22 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum so she is learning as
shegoesand they will need to come up with -a Plan -B on how they will get water out to the site. She
stated she has no problem letting 30 children carry buckets of water from a park building because part
of this is the effort the kids are putting into it and they could possibly run a hose and make it a fun
activity; however, the main purpose is for them to have fun and hopefully produce some good, healthy
food.
Member Jones asked if the edible garden will be locked to which Ms. Aarsvold replied yes, they will
have a padlock on both the shed and front gate. Member Jones asked so they are not envisioning this
to be open at all to the community to which Ms. Aarsvold explained it's really designed for the kids
who are registered in the playground program and their families. She noted they did discuss there may
be an opportunity to do a "realtor" type box where they could have a key if a family wanted to come.
She also stated she is going to plan a few nights where the kids can come with their families to an open
house type thing. Member Jones asked if the school type gardens are locked during the off hours to
which Ms. Aarsvold replied she doesn't know. Member Jones indicated that she is a little reluctant
because the rest of their parks while they may be scheduled at certain times the rest of the time they
are open to the community. She stated she is a little uncomfortable with it being only offered to only
30 kids and not having it available or open any other time. Ms. Aarsvold replied she knows that Eden
Prairie does lock their garden mainly as a deterrent to keep out vandals, etc. She noted that a school
yard garden is designated for kids who attend that certain school and that they did look at it as a
programming opportunity for the kids who attend Lewis Park; however, anyone who lives in Edina can
register for the playground program at Lewis Park. She explained they are hoping that it becomes a
unique way for them to build a little program at Lewis so for kids who like gardening will say they want
sign for the playground program at Lewis Park.
Member Jones commented that she thought she saw somewhere that they were going to target
certain students to be participants and asked is it going to be open and accessible to all students to
which Ms. Aarsvold replied absolutely. MemberJones asked they are not going to be giving
preferential treatment to anyone to which Ms. Aarsvold replied no. Ms. Aarsvold explained they can
take 75 kids at the Lewis Park site and typically they get around 30 who sign up and this location has
never filled. She noted that she will be marketing to the kids who live in the Oaklawn Apartments in
that they will have a flyer in their lobby to let them know this is happening. In addition, she will be
working with the Creek Valley ELL teacher to get some information out to those students; however,
anyone is more than welcome to sign up. She noted that there will also be three camps offered in
August that anyone can register for.
Member Deeds pointed out that he actually doesn't see this any different than when they lock the
locker rooms at Braemar Arena. In fact, we probably have a lot of facilities that we lock up and are only
used for specific sports teams or specific undertakings that are not directly open to the public. He
stated this is a small space; they are not taking up a large chunk of the park so he doesn't think it
changes the way in which they operate and doesn't see that as a particular concern.
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Member Jones noted that in looking at the drawings if a soccer ball were to go in there would we need
to lock it up because there will be more damage done trying to climb over the fence than just leaving it
open. She added they are really not keeping out any vandals with locking a 4 foot high fence. Ms.
Aarsvold responded she is open to leaving it unlocked if the Park Board is open to leaving it unlocked.
She noted that is something she will ask about at the workshop she will be attending.
Member Jacobson commented another good reason to lock it would be to prevent the deer and other
animals from coming in it. Ms. Aarsvold replied she will also talk with Mr. Prestrud and see what he
would suggest.
Member Segreto made a motion, seconded by Member Cella, to approve the edible garden in Lewis
Park.
Member Jones reiterated the conditions that there be eight hours of sunlight during the summer and
all funding is secured as stated in the document.
Ayes: Members Deeds, Segreto, Cella, Steel, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Hulbert, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
VI.A. Yorktown Park Pilot Community Garden Rules and Policies —
Ms. Faus informed the Park Board their initial step in coming up with these rules and policies was to
assemble a working group and their first step in defining the rules and policies was to do some research
and find out what other cities have adopted for policies and rules. In addition, they contacted the
"MRPA" as well as "Resource Gardening Matters". She noted after they collected the information and
spent some time looking through all of the different rules and policies the other cities have developed
they created that chart. She indicated they presented a draft of these rules and policies to the
community garden working group at the January 30 meeting. They provided some great suggestions,
additions and changes and are now looking for Park Board's approval of the rules and policies for the
Yorktown Community Garden Pilot project.
Member Deeds asked is this set up as essentially organic produce and the rules are such to which Ms.
Faus replied that is correct.
Member Segreto indicated under number two of the regulations it states that returning gardeners will
be given first preference the following year and asked if that is what they have found in their research
or do some cities do it by a lottery. Ms. Faus replied some cities do use a lottery but the majority of the
cities did it by priority where if you had a garden one year the next year you were given priority. She
added that they certainly could look at doing a lottery system for the following year. Member Segreto
stated that may be a decision to make after you gauge what the interest in the garden is and asked
how many plots will there be. Ms. Faus replied they are starting out with approximately 50 plots and
that the nice thing about the location they are selecting is there could possibly be room for expansion if
they find the gardens are extremely popular. Member Cella indicated that also is the only regulation
that struck her as something she would question. She stated they should agree to revisit that at the
end of this gardening season to see what the demand for those plots were because she would hate to
see people who know nothing about it at the start and then would not be able to have one because of
others who were able to get them first would always have those plots.
Member Jones commented that she thinks one of the reasons some community gardens do it by
priority is because there becomes an active group community that takes care of the garden and in
order for that to happen there usually is some type of legacy and things like that. She stated she would
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suggest in that section, whether they are going to use a lottery or not, to keep the stipulation that
would be giving priority to former garden plot holders; however, if their garden had not been
maintained they would lose their priority.
Member Deeds stated that he would like to see approximately a 50% turnover every year. He
indicated it's really a question to review these after the second year to see what kind of turnover they
are getting or are they getting locked up. It's an empirical question and until they run it they won't
know. Ms. Faus pointed out when they were putting the rules and regulations together they realized
they may have to make some changes next year and that it's going to be trial and error so they will take
some great notes and make sure they are ready to make certain changes needed for the following year.
Member Jones asked if they have any idea how many Edina residents will actually sign up for this to
which Ms. Kattreh replied they haven't had the opportunity to actually do a survey but that the
gardens will be open to Edina residents first and they will not open them up to non-residents unless
they have extra space available after a certain date. She noted they were given this project in
December so they haven't had an opportunity to gauge interest; however, based on the information
they've seen from their neighboring communities they are popular and do fill up.
Member Deeds asked about raised beds to which Ms. Faus replied they decided to not offer raised
beds this year just because of their time and financial constraints but certainly will look at adding those
in phase two next Year.
Member Kathryn Peterson commented just a consideration on the waiver it references "my child" and
she is not sure that this is necessarily a program geared for children so you may want to consider
changing it to say "my family".
Member Jones pointed out that in the garden plots she is familiar with they do not allow hoses
because of the amount of water than can be wasted; therefore, she would recommend that they don't
allow the use of hoses especially since they will be bringing in water with their water buffalo. Ms.
Kattreh commented that is a discussion they have been going back and forth on and they are very
interested in Park Board's input. She noted it is something they will certainly be talking about further
with the working group and they've gone both ways because that was exactly their concern. She
stated they don't want to create a hardship for people to have to carry water long distances so they are
certainly open to any suggestions.
Member Deeds asked is there a reason for no pets to which Ms. Faus replied the cities that have a
community garden all have a no pet policy but she does not know the exact reason why, possibly out of
respect for the other gardeners. Member Jacobson suggested maybe they should be more specific
about the language regarding pets in that they are allowed in the general area but not in the planting
area because then it would be about waste and food and not having the two mix.
Member Jones asked Ms. Kattreh if she is proposing they are going to talk about rules and regulations
further in the working group. Ms. Kattreh replied they are asking for approval of the rules and
regulations tonight so if there are any changes anyone would like to see made they could certainly do
that. She commented in their meeting in January they handed out the rules and they asked for people
to submit any changes to them to which those changes have already been incorporated into the rules.
Member Jones stated that she would like to add "If weeds are growing 12" tall on more than 1/3 of
your plot or if you've extended your plot beyond the assigned boundary lines you will be contacted by
the park district by phone or email. You will need to respond to this communication. Gardeners will
then have two weeks from the day we notify you to take the appropriate action before the plot will be
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mowed. You're expected to maintain your plot during any extended absences". She noted this
specifies the process and it is the weeds that make it such an eyesore which is also why she suggests
this. Ms. Faus pointed out that in addition to the rules and regulations they are also working on an
application form which lists gardener expectations and that would be another area where they could
include the specific part about the weeds. Member Jones noted that in general she agrees with what
was laid out; however, since they want to welcome people to the gardens maybe there is a way that
they could word it to make it friendlier as well as more welcoming and encouraging. She noted when
people are signing up for a garden plot they want it to be a fun experience and feels it could be worded
a little bit differently.
Chair Steel asked if there will be any resources for first time planters to which Ms. Faus replied yes,
there will be some master gardeners to work with the people and they are also hoping to have a
master gardener available on certain nights for people who may want further advice.
Chair Steel asked if an issue comes up in July that we didn't anticipate how that will be approached.
Ms. Kattreh replied they are going to be setting up a gardeners committee that will have a staff
representative as well as a smaller representation of the working group that will include some actual
gardeners in the community garden. This group will help to mediate any issues they may have.
Member Jones asked will this area be locked to which Ms. Faus replied they hadn't planned on locking
the area. Members Jones asked what the difference is between this garden and the garden at Lewis
Park. Member Hulbert replied it isn't close to a general field area and there are not going to be soccer
balls flying around. Member Cella pointed out this is designated as a community garden; the other
garden at Lewis Park is part of the playground program where you sign up to participate in it with a fee
so for example instead of signing up for a soccer camp they are signing up for a garden camp. She
noted her understanding is kids are there gardening under the supervision of park personnel where
with the community garden anyone who has a plot can come in when they feel like gardening. Ms.
Kattreh replied that she would totally concur; both programs are considered to be pilot programs and
they are doing their best to utilize the great resources they have in terms of people on their working
group as well as the resources they've been able to collect through MRPA. She stated they will be
reviewing this constantly and will be prepared to make any changes to make it a successful experience
for all participants.
Member Hulbert noted that one of the rules states that priority is given to Edina residents but thinks
there may be an education curve for residents who don't know that a community garden exists. He
indicated that if it takes a little while for this to fill up and only 25 residents step up the first year and
then residents from other communities come in he would still like to see that subsequent years Edina
residents will have some sort of precedence over plots versus other community residents. Ms. Faus
replied what they anticipate doing next year is having a registration period probably in January made
available first to previous gardeners as well as Edina residents and if there are still plots available the
following month open it up to non-residents. Member Jacobson asked should the non-resident fee be
higher than the resident fee to which Ms. Faus replied in their research they did not find that other
cities offered different rates for residents and non-residents. She added some cities only made the
garden available for residents and is something that could be a possibility.
Member Gieseke asked do non-residents retain the right as returning gardeners to keep their plot year
after year. Ms. Faus replied that her initial answer would be no because even though they were a
previous gardener Edina residents would have first priority and that may need to be specified more in
the rules. Member Deeds suggested that they list the priorities: priority #1 is for returning gardeners
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who are Edina residents; priority #2 is for Edina residents; priority #3 is for returning non -Edina
residents, etc., so that everybody understands the priorities.
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Hulbert, to approve the proposed Yorktown
Park Community Garden Rules and Policies
Member Cella stated some of the suggestions that have been made and everyone has agreed to be
appropriate should be incorporated into the rules and procedures on the final document.
Ayes: Members Deeds, Segreto, Cella, Steel, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Hulbert, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
VI.C. Yorktown Park Pilot Community Garden Parking
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board as she mentioned before they have a very aggressive timeline to
get this project done by the middle of May. She noted in looking at the timeline they had February 1 as
a goal to have their rules and policies set and noted they are working on location and parking. She
indicated the next big thing for the Park Board will be to hold a public hearing at the next Park Board
meeting. She indicated they are finalizing a site plan with the Engineering Department and hope to
have a mailing out the beginning of next week to notify neighbors within 1,000 feet of the property.
She noted if it receives Park Board approval they will take it to the City Council on their April 2 meeting
and after that they will start construction.
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that in January Ms. Faus and she met with Greg Hanks from the
YMCA because they realized that parking is an issue at Yorktown Park. She noted they looked at a
couple of options and the first option was to approach the YMCA and see if they might be interested in
a shared parking on their back lot. She indicated what came from that meeting was a possible
partnership opportunity with the YMCA. She pointed out that the YMCA does run into a lot of parking
capacity issues in their lot at a variety of times during the day and during the year and so they did
express some concern about using their parking lot for the community garden. She indicated that they
talked about the fact that during the summer is when the YMCA is not as busy and is when the
community garden would never have more than 10 to 15 cars in the parking lot; however, they still had
concern because during the summer is when they run a lot of camp programs and the buses that come
out of the back parking lot. Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that what was proposed, at least very
tentatively in the early stages, was a partnership with the YMCA on creating a parking lot at the very
corner of Yorktown Park adjacent to the existing YMCA parking lot. She stated again they are in the
very early stages but the YMCA is proposing that they would actually build and maintain that parking
lot on Yorktown Park property and give Yorktown Park City of Edina users access to that parking lot
year around. She noted that would be two great benefits for the city, one is it would be a dedicated
parking lot for the community garden, which they don't have access to parking anywhere else and it
would also give them a great opportunity to provide a trailhead parking lot for the Nine Mile Creek Trail
which is going to be just on the very northern edge of the community garden. She stressed that she
told the YMCA that it was important she first had this discussion with the Park Board to see if you had
any interest in her pursuing this any further.
Member Gieseke stated that it looks like it's a reasonable request. His concern is it's s
would there be signage that designates certain time periods for use by the community garden in case
there is overflow from the current YMCA situation that it fills to capacity. Ms. Kattreh replied they
have not taken their conversations to that level yet but would anticipate they would want to assign
certain spots as community garden parking only.
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Member Segreto indicated her concern is right now the community garden is somewhat of an
experiment and if they enter into an agreement to build a parking lot and the garden does not succeed
then they have a parking lot; however, it could be used for parking in the future for the bike trail which
also has some risk involved. She stated she would like to be open to the idea but she doesn't see them
judiciously doing it the first year and therefore would like to tell the YMCA it would be good for the City
to have a parking lot there but not hinged on this first year.
Member Segreto asked about the shared bathroom situation and what will the gardeners do, will they
walk into the YMCA and use their bathrooms. Ms. Kattreh replied they did have that discussion and
the YMCA is open to that; although it's probably not ideal for them or for the gardeners because of the
distance people would need to travel. She noted the YMCA has offered to add a port -a -potty to that
area for the community garden. Member Segreto commented that there are some residents who have
negative feelings about port -a -potties, especially older residents. Ms. Kattreh responded they
certainly have considered the aesthetic concerns of a port -a -potty in that area and if they extend it
beyond a pilot program she could see them building some sort of a perimeter shelter around the
building to help shield it.
Member Cella asked how the green space they are looking at for the garden plots and proposed
parking lot is currently being used during the summer. Ms. Kattreh replied that it is not programmed;
however, the YMCA used to use it for some of their athletic programs but no longer use it. She added
it is not programmed and receives very little use because of the access and lack of parking.
Member Deeds indicated it would solve the permeability problem if they could do a gravel parking lot
with some drain tile and assorted other things. It solves the water run-off problem, makes it relatively
inexpensive and makes it reversible if necessary. He stated if the demand is there then they can go
back and put in some kind of asphalt or preferably some kind of permeable surface. He stated he is
actually a little more concerned about the water run-off and the permeability and we need to quit
building non -permeable parking lots.
Ms. Kattreh pointed out that part of the approval process for a parking lot would require Watershed
District approval and they could certainly explore any option the Park Board would be interested in
having staff explore. She indicated they do not have a budget for the community garden so they are
going to be asking the City Council to allocate some funding for the garden and they certainly do not
have money in the budget to even provide a temporary parking lot. She noted she could explore this
with the YMCA but she is not sure they would be interested in funding a parking lot that would be used
for just the summer because they need a parking lot during the winter as well. She indicated if there
are concerns about the viability of the community garden for a year or two they might be better off
putting the garden where they would put it and see if they could work out an arrangement with the
YMCA to share their parking lot in the meantime. Member Deeds asked is the community garden
viable without a parking lot to which Ms. Kattreh replied no, they definitely need parking in that area.
Member Jacobson commented if they do a parking lot with the YMCA parking lot it makes it seem like
it's the YMCA's parking lot. She suggested they put a little barrier or somehow separate it in a way so
that it doesn't look like it's the YMCA's parking lot. Ms. Kattreh replied they could certainly explore
that and noted that during the working group meeting Member Jones asked if there is another way to
gain access to that parking lot and there really isn't another viable option. She stated that she
understands the concerns but would like to reiterate that she really does feel that it would be a large
benefit to the Nine Mile Creek Trail as a drop off point for bikes.
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Member Deeds commented that the downside risk is essentially they give up a piece of parkland that is
essentially unused at this point to which Ms. Kattreh replied that is correct. Member Deeds stated so
we give them the land and the YMCA is going to take all of the expenses and build a parking lot, they
get additional parking and we get use of a parking lot that may be good for the community garden and
may well be really beneficial to Nine Mile Creek down the road. He noted the downside is that never
happens and the YMCA gets a parking lot. Member Hulbert stated we are not giving the land away we
are just letting them put a parking lot on it. Member Deeds responded there will be a contractual
agreement that there will be parking there but the downside risk is we are giving up some land in
exchange for to put a parking lot in.
Member Gieseke stated that land is essentially not programmed and if they have a parking lot maybe
they can utilize it in a different capacity maybe even year around if they want to take advantage of
that. He asked Ms. Kattreh if any thought has been given to enhancing the fire station that is there by
adding 20 stalls or something like that. Ms. Kattreh replied they have not had that discussion but that
they do have some constraints there with the access because there is a bridge with an underpass
where the promenade carries through. She noted she would not say that it's not feasible but it would
be very difficult with an emergency vehicle access in that area. She added she is not quite sure how it
would fit and how the Fire Department would feel about having residential traffic going through the
parking lot with their emergency vehicles.
Member Jones commented that she doesn't understand why they would want to put in a 40 stall
parking lot for a community garden that has 40 plots. She stated she is really opposed to taking up any
open space parkland for excessive parking and does not think that serves their community well and
doesn't think that is part of the long-term goal for the park district which is to keep open space in
parks. She noted maybe they could look into adding parking spaces by the Fire Department and the
community garden would be served with far fewer than 40 parking spaces. She pointed out that most
people who signed the petition live in the Durham Apartments and those people wouldn't even need
parking spaces. She indicated she wants to go very, very slowly on paving over parkland and if the
secondary process is to say we need it for a trailhead for Nine Mile Creek there are many places where
there is parking near Nine Mile Creek.
Member Cella stated that she shares Member Jones concern about paving over green space but if they
are committed to putting in a community garden they also need to be committed to provide some
place for people who don't live in the Durham Apartments to park. She pointed out if they want to
utilize the community garden and they have no space for them to park then it's not worth going ahead
with the garden project. They need to somehow make it accessible to as many Edina residents as
possible and therefore they have to solve the parking problem. Member Jones replied she is not
suggesting that they not solve a parking problem but she doesn't think they need 40 spaces.
Chair Steel indicated there are a lot of people who will be using the Nine Mile Creek trail and asked Ms.
Kattreh if she could look into other trail heads. Chair Steel commented from her own experience she
has seen 10 cars and trailers at the trailhead by Wayzata so she knows they do take up some space and
ask if staff could check with other cities that have the Three Rivers Park District trail and get an idea.
Ms. Kattreh replied she would be more than happy to do that. Ms. Kattreh explained the 40 spots
came from the YMCA and they are looking at making approximately a $70,000 investment in this
parking lot so they are going to want to make it to meet their needs as well because we do not need 40
spots for a community garden or trailhead. This is just one opportunity to get a parking lot for the
amenity we are proposing.
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Member Deeds asked if parking were put in is the open space that is there programmable in the sense
of putting in an athletic field, what is the current condition of it because maybe the 40 spaces could be
useful for that too. Member Hulbert responded the YMCA used to program youth soccer for Pre-
Kindergarten/Kindergarten so it's a good size for that. Member Gieseke commented they used to have
two or three games going on at once. Ms. Kattreh indicated if they had a parking lot it would give
them the ability to do some programming there.
Member Jones stated that she does think they could use at least 10 spots for the Nine Mile Creek Trail
and suggested staff should go back to the YMCA and say can we add on ten spots because that would
help them and they can see how it is used this year and if they need more than ten spots they can talk
about it next year.
Member Gieseke noted that Richfield is right on the border and are also part of the Tri -City Skate Park
so they have an interest and maybe it's worthwhile to talk to them about the cul-de-sac that is there
and expanding some kind of parking around there even with access from the YMCA Edina side there.
He added it may be a more pleasant way to go about this and less green space would be eaten up. He
commented he is assuming, because this is adjacent to Richfield, there is going to be some Richfield
response to the community garden plus there are some access issues for Richfield for the Tri -city Skate
Park. Chair Steel replied she doesn't see Richfield being as open to funding but maybe Three Rivers
Park District is. Ms. Kattreh responded she has not had any conversations with Three Rivers Park
District at this point. She indicated that given their time constraints she probably won't have the
opportunity to explore parking opportunities on any of these other venues. She stated that if the Park
Board is not interested in pursuing a parking option with the YMCA right now then she will need to
discuss with them the viability of sharing a lot and she is not sure what their answer would be.
Member Deeds asked the current utilization of this park is there are no programs scheduled and it's a
bunch of grass to which Ms. Kattreh replied it's underutilized. Member Deeds asked so without
parking it's going to remain underutilized to which Ms. Kattreh replied that is correct. Member Deeds
asked so with parking in conjunction with the YMCA not only does it open up the community gardens
but it open ups the potential for other programs and other utilizations to which Ms. Kattreh replied
that is correct, yes.
Chair Steel stated that the sentiment she is sensing from the Park Board is that we want minimal
parking spaces that are the most environmentally friendly, but that we do need parking.
Member Hulbert indicated we are committed to doing this community garden and thinks it's going to
be successful and a lot of people are going to want to use it and it was his thought that a parking lot
would cost them approximately $50,000. He stated if the YMCA wants to step up and pay $70,000 for
a parking lot he would like to play ball and doesn't think the YMCA is going to want to give them 10 to
20 stalls for a community garden if the area is not being used. He stated Edina needs more dog parks,
more youth small soccer fields, etc., and he doesn't want to look at this and say we just want our 10
stalls because they are not going to want to do it and we are missing an opportunity.
Member Jones asked isn't there an elevation change in the area they are talking about for a potential
field to which Ms. Kattreh replied in that area the elevation is pretty flat. Member Jones stated
speaking for open space that area is really built up and if they are already taking up a quarter of the
park for a community garden there are people who do enjoy walking on grassy areas and having a
place to throw a Frisbee and there is no other place in this area to do that. Ms. Kattreh commented
there is a park adjacent on the eastern side that is in Richfield. Member Jones commented if the park
is underutilized it's not very well landscaped and it feels fairly industrialized with that skate park and
9
feels it could use more trees. She stated she doesn't think this is an ideal site for a soccer field and
thinks there are other fields that would make it feel better as you're biking or as you're walking around
but thinks it is not the most ideal setting for a ball field. Member Hulbert replied kids have played
soccer there all of the time and they could ride their bike to the soccer field if it's right on the
promenade and it would still have a green space.
Member Segreto noted she is sensitive to the open space argument and agrees with Member Jones
that 40 spaces seems like a lot but for them to have the garden they need to have parking and thinks
they should take the opportunity of a partnership with the YMCA because it's a good opportunity. She
commented that she doesn't know what the magic number is for the YMCA to say okay we will do the
construction but she suspects that it's not 10 spaces. She added 20 spaces feels better and that it can
always be enlarged but maybe that's a good start. Member Hulbert replied she has a feeling they are
going to say however many spots we want they are going to want at least that same amount.
Member Deeds stated Edina is a dense city with very little space and here they have an underutilized
piece of land and it's underutilized because there is no place to park to make use of it. He indicated the
YMCA is willing to spend money to put in 40 spots which makes it a useful piece of land for a much
broader array whether it's a ball field, Nine Mile Creek Trailhead, skating rink, he doesn't know what is
appropriate in there but it makes it a useful space. As it stands right now it is underutilized and not
useful space and we need to spend money mowing it. Member Segreto responded if we do this
parking lot we are encumbering the land with a long-term easement and shared agreement. She
added when they talk about strategic planning this park does not have a strategic plan so we don't
know what the fate of this park will be in the future.
Chair Steel reiterated to the Park Board that Ms. Kattreh brought this to them to have their first
discussion and mull it over and if it is something they are going to want to consider they are not going
to be able to pick the magic number that the YMCA will decide on tonight. She asked the Park Board
how they would feel if Ms. Kattreh went back to the YMCA and asked them what e best offer is they
can give us and then we can take a look at that.
Member Gieseke commented that he agrees with Member Jones in that they don't want to make it too
industrial but they do need parking and it makes sense and is reasonable because it's zero expense to
the city. He stated he is concerned about the look and asked if they could be greedy and tell them they
would like 30 spots instead of 40 as well as ask if they would put some greenery around it to make the
park look pretty. Ms. Kattreh replied she would be happy to ask for anything that is suggested.
Member Jones indicated on the agenda it says this item is for discussion yet Ms. Kattreh is the one who
will be moving forward on this. She asked Ms. Kattreh if there is feedback she would like to hear from
each board member to help make the discussion useful so that you are not only hearing from a few
members. Ms. Kattreh replied it was difficult for her to put this on the agenda because they are so
early in the stage in that they don't have an offer on the table from the YMCA; therefore, she is having
a hard time asking for approval for something because there is no offer for you to approve. She stated
that she certainly understands everyone's concern for green space and she shares those concerns. She
indicated that in bringing the request for the 40 spots it was based on a request from the YCMA for 40
to 50 spots and she capped it at 40 spots. She stated if the recommendation from the board was to go
back and ask for 25 or 30 spots that kind of feedback would be most helpful and yes, it would be
helpful to hear from everyone in one way, shape or form. She noted she can be in touch with the
board over the next month to let you how it's proceeding. She informed the Park Board that their next
phase is the public hearing phase and the approval of the project from the Park Board. She noted at
that point if the board is not interested they can talk about taking it out or go back to the YMCA with
another revision. She pointed out this project has been made very difficult because of the short time
frame they are working on and added that she literally doesn't have two weeks in play to delay the
project and wishes they could do it differently.
Chair Steel stated that it is hard to come up with a number without knowing what programs we could
have in the future; therefore, she thinks it would be helpful to have a few realistic ideas because if they
build this parking lot she wants to use the entire park.
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board one thing they have not mentioned is they would like to do some
programming at the community garden and that they already have some interest from Fairview
Southdale Hospital in holding some clinics and gardening activities. She added that she sees this as a
community meeting space so, in addition to any possible recreational use of that space; she also sees it
as an educational programming site.
Member Deeds stated that he would recommend that the Park Board trust Ms. Kattreh and empower
her to continue the conversations with the YMCA. He thinks it's reasonable to at least capture this
conversation and see what the YMCA is willing to do. He would like to see a motion that simply
empowers Ms. Kattreh to continue the conversation and see where it's negotiated out and see what
the offer looks like.
Member Jones stated she assumes they would be talking about a long-term easement for getting
access to that park to which Ms. Kattreh replied absolutely and that the City Attorney will help draw up
some long-term agreements for the use of this parking lot.
Chair Steel asked if they have enough time to get the public hearing notice out. Ms. Kattreh responded
the public hearing notice they have drawn up does include a parking lot and noted they have been
working with the Engineering Department to get that ready. She stated they could take it out and use
verbiage that the parking lot is subject to change but that is what they are planning unless the Park
Board is absolutely not interested in this option. Member Jones stated that to be fair to the residents
in the area they need to be very specific about what type and size of a parking lot and garden they are
proposing in their neighborhood park. Ms. Kattreh replied they have a parking lot drawn out that right
now has 40 spots. Member Cella asked so basically the decision for them right now is do they send the
public meeting notice with or without a parking lot. Ms. Kattreh responded that is correct and she
absolutely agrees they want to try to make it as accurate as they possibly can and in this case if
anything they would error on the side of a larger parking lot.
Member Kathryn Peterson indicated she agrees that in order to support the community garden they
need parking and they need to take better advantage of this space as mentioned. It's a shame it is not
being better used at this point and feels having parking there would support that or some other
programming.
VI.D. 2013 Park Board Work Plan Schedule
Ms. Kattreh reminded the Park Board that at their last meeting she was asked to put together a more
detailed calendar to show how they would be able achieve all of the goals they have set for 2013 and is
interested in any feedback, comment or changes the Park Board would like to see made. Chair Steel
pointed out that she is working with Ms. Kattreh to shepherd the strategic planning process and pulled
those items together because she thought that might be a doable timeline; however, she is completely
open for suggestions. She noted that at the next Park Board meeting they will start digging into the
strategic planning process and hopefully it will become much clearer how that will unfold.
11
Member Hulbert made a motion, seconded by Member Gieseke, to approve the 2013 Park Board
Work Plan Schedule.
Ayes: Member Deeds, Segreto, Cella, Steel, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Hulbert, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
VI.E. Monarch Way Station at Arneson Acres Park
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that the Garden Club "Late Bloomers" is proposing to add a
"Monarch Way Station" at Arneson Acres Park. She stated they think it's going to be a big draw that
could actually receive some recognition from the National Monarch Society and added that it will be a
native nlant Barden_
Member Jones made a motion, seconded by Member Deeds, to approve the Monarch Way Station at
Arneson Acres Park.
Member Segreto asked if the butterflies are going to be tagged as part of the tracking system because
it's really important to know where they are migrating and kids get excited about putting labels on the
wings. Ms. Kattreh indicated they had not mentioned that but she will talk to them about it.
Ayes: Members Deeds, Segreto, Cella, Steel, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Hulbert, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
Vll. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
VII.A. COUNCIL UPDATES
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that Chair Steel has asked that she put together a compilation of
City Council agenda items that directly impact Parks and Recreation or the Park Board. Ms. Kattreh
informed the Park Board that the City Council did vote 3-2 to change the residency percentage for the
Edina Swim Club to receive priority access to the aquatic center and to be the recognized swimming
association in Edina. She noted that it went from 75% to 60% and they are currently working to
negotiate with the Edina Swim Club and Aqua Jets to determine an agreeable use of pool time this
summer.
Member Jones asked for a copy of the new agreement once it's done to which Ms. Kattreh replied the
new agreement was actually approved by the City Council in April and she would be more than happy
to get her a copy of that.
Vlll. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Jones thanked staff for all of the work they've done with edible garden and community
garden. She noted the community garden meeting was very well put together with respect to all of the
paperwork they had for them to look at.
Member Jones asked for an update on both dome projects. Ms. Kattreh replied with regards to the
golf dome they did receive a preliminary insurance settlement offer from the insurance company but
they are still a ways apart. Their goal is to try to finish negotiations by the end of February and be able
to take an offer and project plan to the City Council in March, start construction in April and open by
November 1 at the latest. She added they are running on a very short time frame and they are doing
the best that they can to negotiate the very best deal that they can.
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board regarding the Sports Dome they are working on compiling the
data they have collected from the athletic field users to determine outdoor athletic field needs. She
noted it was a 15 to 20 page survey that they sent out to all of their field users asking them for current
12
field use needs, future field use needs and to really think outside the box not necessarily in the fields
they are currently using but what type of space they will need. She stated their goal is to have the data
compiled within the next month and will then have a plan ready to submit.
Member Deeds asked if there is a timeline on the sports dome to which Ms. Kattreh replied as soon as
possible and noted they are working as fast as they can to try to put this data together.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board she is soliciting one or two volunteers to attend a March 19 City
Council work session in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield via Do.Town and they will present a
"Health in all Policies" for the City. She explained what they would like to do is provide a health lens in
evaluating projects to consider healthy and active living components for all projects that we implement
in the future. She noted it's a way to sustain the "Do.Town" concept in our daily business decisions.
She indicated the Community Health Committee will attend the work session and they are also looking
for representatives from Planning, Transportation and Park Board. Member Segreto volunteered to
attend the work session.
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that she has been approached by a resident interested in turning
some of the hockey rinks into off -leash dog areas and asked the Park Board if this is something they
would be interested in entertaining either now or in the future. Member Hulbert indicated they
discussed doing that two years ago at Creek Valley and it was decided no because kids like to play
soccer in those rinks during the summer as well as residents were concerned about the proximity to
some of the homes. Member Segreto added there was also the issue with having people come from
outside of the community and because it is so close to the school there was a safety factor. She
indicated there are hockey rinks located in many different locations and this is not a proposal to use all
of them so maybe one or two of them would work.
Member Deeds noted they strike him as way too small because it's essentially concentrating a lot of
dogs and a lot of what dogs leave behind in a relatively small space and added even large dog parks are
a mess. It doesn't seem on the surface as viable.
Member Hulbert asked where they are at with the dog park that exists but doesn't exist on 42nd and
France Ave.; on the Edina/Minneapolis border. Ms. Kattreh replied that property is owned by the City
of Minneapolis and there have been discussions about that site many times over the years. She noted
within the last year the City of Minneapolis contacted both St. Louis Park and Edina for a meeting to
express a possible interest in selling that property to which they definitely expressed interest in hearing
a little bit more but have not heard from them since. She stated they would definitely be open to that
if they were approached.
Member Segreto stated that she would be open to the possibility of having a dog park on the east side
of the City since Van Valkenburg Park is their only dog park and is all the way on the west side of Edina.
Chair Steel commented she would like to pop into Pamela Park's ice rink for ten minutes so her two
small dogs could run around; however, she doesn't want to have policing issues and have this be a
formal location type thing. She indicated if there is any opportunity so residents could let their dogs
run around for 15 minutes in a little more informal setting than the Van Valkenburg dog park. She
noted she sees the Van Valkenburg dog park as more of a destination park, whereas Pamela Park
would be you walk through, give your dog a little time to run around on its own and keep going.
13
Member Hulbert pointed out that anytime you talk about having a dog park near homes, which a lot of
these hockey rinks are near homes, there is going to be a lot of people in opposition. He noted one
possibility where there are no homes for a dog park would be York Park.
Member Gieseke indicated we have schools and hockey rinks and certain park facilities in certain areas
for a reason. He stated he is a dog lover and owner but you are going to have some noises and other
issues and there are reasons why they put dog parks in certain locations.
Member Deeds commented that unless there is some limitation you are going to put on it it's not going
to be just small dogs, there are going to be big dogs too and that's why he questions the size of the
hockey rinks. Chair Steel suggested they could put a limit on the number of dogs that could be in the
rink at one time and that would also keep the noise down.
Member Jones stated that she thinks this should be an agenda item and also thinks they should limit the
number of dogs allowed in at one time.
Member Kathryn Peterson noted that is fine as long as there are very tight parameters and as Member
Segreto mentioned we are not talking about all of the parks because there are going to be a number of
parks that are by schools and playgrounds and are going to have a number of limiting factors.
Therefore, there are probably going to be relatively few hockey rinks that will be suitable.
__Member Deeds_ suggested before it becomes an agenda item to find nut if there are any rinks that are
actually viable given the parameters. Ms. Kattreh replied she would be more than happy to put
together a list and they can talk about it at their next meeting. Chair Steel asked Ms. Kattreh to also
check with surrounding cities to see if this is something they do. Ms. Kattreh replied the resident who
brought this forward did quite a bit of research and found there was one surrounding city that did
allow it but it was only at one or two parks.
Member Gieseke commented that he would ask to keep an eye towards equal distribution throughout
the city; something that would make sense on the east side if there is such a thing.
Member Jones asked if staff could also find out what additional maintenance would be needed and
how it would work. Ms. Kattreh replied she will put together a list and they can have a brief discussion
at their next meeting and decide how they would like to proceed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
14
To: PARK BOARD
From: Ann Kattreh, Director
Parks & Recreation Department
Date: March 12, 2013
Subject: Yorktown Park Pilot Community Garden
Agenda Item #: VI. A.
Action ❑
Discussion
Information ❑
Action Requested:
Staff requests the Park Board review and comment on the Yorktown Park Pilot Community
Garden project.
Information / Background:
A brief history of recent community garden discussions:
• 2009 — City of Edina assesses public spaces for community gardens, action was tabled at that
time
• March 2012 — City Council members expressed a desire to revisit the community garden
question on public land
• March to June 2012 — do.town community conversations identifies a base of supporters
• July 2012 — City Council encourages community health committee to add community
gardens to their work plan
• August 6, 2012 — Mayor Hovland and the Council proclaimed Aug. I I th as Community
Garden Day — recognizing ALL a community garden brings to the community
• August 7, 2012 — do.town begins letter writing campaign with City Council and Community
Health Committee — 7 letters generated
• September 2012 — do.town administers a petition drive at The Durham — resulting in 47
signatures
• October/November 2012 — Community Health Committee recommends to City Council a
pilot community garden at Yorktown Park
• November 2012 — do.town meets with the Southdale YMCA to confirm their interest in
partnering on a community garden project
• December 2012 — do.town hosts a meeting at the Southdale YMCA (see attached meeting
notes)
• January 8, 2013 — The Park. Board selected Ellen Jones and Dan Peterson to serve on the
City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424
REPORT / RECOMMENDATION
Yorktown Community Garden Work Group and nominated Dan to serve as the Chair of
that Committee
• January 2013 — Staff collected community garden data from 16 neighboring communities,
compiled the data, completed a project timeline and prepared a Draft Rules and Policies
document
• January 30, 2013 — Recreation Supervisor Donna Tilsner, Assistant Director Susan Faus and
Director Ann Kattreh hosted the first Yorktown Park Community Garden Work Group
meeting
• February 12, 2013 — Park Board approved the Draft Rules and Policies document with some
revisions requested
• February 27, 2013 — The second community garden meeting was held. The work group
discussed the timeline, parking lot, rules, policies, marketing, the application form and master
gardener opportunities
As you will notice on the timeline, the schedule is incredibly tight and there is no room for
error or delays. We will do our very best to move the project efficiently through this timeframe
to provide a community garden opening date in May of 2013.
Staff is requesting your review and comment on the overall community garden project and on
the proposed site plan, including a shared use parking lot with the YMCA. The YMCA is
proposing to pay for the construction and maintenance of the parking lot on Yorktown Park,
property. The City would have reserved spots for gardeners. The net gain in parking spots for
the YMCA is 29 spots. There is currently no parking at Yorktown Park. The YMCA experiences
significant parking shortages during the winter months. During the summer months, the YMCA's
back parking lot is a busy bus staging area for kids programming, day trips and camps. Staff
contacted the Durham Apartments to discuss a parking partnership. They stated that they're
unable to accommodate Yorktown Park parking. A parking lot in this park will increase the use
of the park and give us the ability to program both the community garden and the grassy areas
of the park. The Nine Mile Creek Trail will also run on the north border of the park. This
parking lot would provide safe access to the trail for walkers or bikers. The engineers estimate
for the parking lot is $66,000. The City proposes to construct the parking lot and be
reimbursed by the YMCA for all associated costs.
Staff also recommends constructing a 4' high black vinyl fence around the garden to provide an
attractive solution for keeping rabbits and other small animals out of the garden. When fencing
is not provided, individual plot holders are forced to put up their own fencing and the area
quickly becomes unsightly. Staff recommends a water containment tank in the first season and
will budget for a permanent water supply as soon as possible. Bike racks, benches and signage
will be provided this year. Staff is currently working on a calendar of educational topics and
programming that will be covered throughout the summer. We are working with Larry Cipolla,
a master gardener, to determine programming opportunities.
Page 2
REPORT / RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Community Garden Rules and Policies
B. Yorktown Park Community Garden Timeline
C. Community Garden Site Plan
D. Community Garden Draft Budget
E. Map of Yorktown Community Garden
Yorktown Community Garden Public Hearing Letter
Page 3
YORKTOWN PARK COMMUNITY GARDENS
RULES AND POLICIES
CITY OF EDINA
This Community Garden is owned and run by the City of Edina. In order to have a plot in the
garden, you must agree to abide by the rules. Any outside people that you bring in to the garden
are expected to follow these rules and the plot holder is responsible for communicating the rules
to their guests. The rules are created in order to have a fruitful, secure, and enjoyable place to
garden.
PLANS
1. The size of the plots will be approximately 10x10 and 10x15.
2. There will be a fee of $25 fora 10x10 and $30 fora 10x15 plot.
3. Payment can be in the form of a check payable to: City of Edina. We also accept VISA,
MasterCard and American Express.
4. Plots are assigned on a first-come, first -serve basis. Gardeners who have previously
gardened at the site who are residents of Edina will be given preference. Garden plots are
assigned to one person only and are not transferable. Others may garden at your site, but
the responsibility for payment of fees, cleanup and other duties at the site will be the
responsibility of the individual whose name is assigned to the plot.
5. Gardeners may rent one plot per household.
6. Priority for plots is given to Edina residents. If plots remain, they will be made available
on a first-come, first -serve basis.
7. A waiting list will be maintained if garden plots fill. The waiting list will be based on the
date the application form is received. Residents of Edina will have priority.
8. Gardeners may begin planting the second Saturday in May, weather permitting. In 2013,
this is May 11. All gardens must be planted by June 3. If you are unable to meet this
deadline, please contact the City of Edina.
9. All non-organic and organic materials must be cleared out to ground level by October 30.
Plots will be tilled over after that date.
10. If you must abandon your plot, please inform the city so it may be re -assigned. If there is
no evidence of activity at your plot by June 3, it will be re -assigned. If you are unable to
meet this deadline, contact the City of Edina. There will be no refunds on fees paid.
RULES & POLICIES
1. Plots are intended for personal use only. Gardening for commercial purposes is
prohibited.
2. Gardeners are responsible for planting, weeding, and watering. Harvest produce from
your designated plot only.
3. Gardeners are responsible for bringing their own tools. Storage is not provided.
4. Water source is available on site; you will be required to bring your own bucket. Hoses
will not be provided.
5. Stakes that mark your plot's corners and have your plot name and number must be left in
place all season.
6. There will be trash and recycling receptacles on site.
7. A compost bin will be available for your use.
8. Please park in designated parking areas only.
9. Pets are not allowed inside the fence of the garden area.
10. Insecticides or herbicides may not be used in order to create and nurture healthy soil and
a healthy plant environment in the garden.
11. Gardener will not plant illegal drugs or any invasive plants.
12. Tobacco, illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages are not allowed in Yorktown Park.
13. Only seasonal (annual) plants may be planted. No perennials, shrubs or trees are allowed
to be planted.
14. No individual temporary fencing is allowed. No permanent structures or other decorative
items are allowed.
15. Bio -degradable mulch such as compost, leaves, straw and hay are encouraged.
16. Please keep weeds to a minimum. If weeds are growing 12" tall on more than 1/3 of your
pot or if you have extended your plot beyond the assigned boundary lines, you will be
contacted by the City by phone/email. You need to respond to this communication.
Gardeners will then have two weeks from the day we notify them to take the appropriate
action before the plot will be tilled. You are expected to maintain your plot during any
extended absences.
17. A walkway must be maintained around each garden plot. Crops, plants, vines, vegetation
and weeds must be contained within boundaries of your garden plot. Overlapping on to
adjacent pathways or garden plots is prohibited.
18. Anyone not tending his/her plot may risk losing their garden privileges for the year.
19. Non-organic waste (cans, bottles and plastic containers) should be placed in the
trash/recycling barrels provided.
CITY OF EDINA RESPONSIBILITIES
1. City will take registrations and payments for the plots.
2. City will plow, till, drag, measure and stake out the gardens in the spring.
3. City will provide access to water.
4. City will provide a designated area to park.
5. City will provide a portable toilet.
6. City will designate compost site.
7. City will till the plots after October 30.
8. City will do an annual user survey to determine satisfaction with their experience.
9. Complaints, policies and mediations will be addressed by the community garden
subcommittee with the City of Edina having the final authority. City of Edina does
not assume responsibility for acts of vandalism or loss of crops due to thefts.
Please Note: All rules are subject to change
COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT
TIMELINE
Rules and Policies
February 1
Park Board Approval
February 12
(Rules and Policies)
Location and Parking
February 15
Soil Testing
February 15
Site Map
February 28
Application Form
February 28
Budget Completed
February 28
Park Board Public Hearing
March 12
Park Board Review and Comment on Garden Proposal
Marketing Plan Finalized
March 12
Educational Plan
March 18
City Council Approval
April 2
Open Registration Edina Residents
April 4
Kick Off Event at Y
Week of April 8
Open Registration for Non -Edina Residents
April 18
Plant Bed Construction
April 8
Garden Fence
May 3
Grand Opening
Week of May 13
Closing of Garden
October 30
Rooms,,
41
42
43
44
i
;I
a
i
45
46
47
48
49
50
51YMCA
52YMCA
53
54
55
10 X 15 Plots
10 X 10 Plots
3' Path
Flower Beds
Common Area for Composting, Benches, etc.
REVENUE
Plot Fees $1,575.00
TOTAL REVENUE
$1,575.00
EXPENSES
Soil Testing
$4,275.00
Mobilization
$1,000.00
Chain Link Fence Design
$8,500.00
Roto Tilling and Topsoil Prep
$4,000.00
Hydraulic Soil Stabilizer
$640.00
Compost Bin
$400.00
Signage
$1,400.00
Marketing and Promotions
$825.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
$21,040.00
NET REVENUE
($19,465)
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43970 9EUsiars
February 19, 2013
Dear Resident Neighbor of Yorktown Park,
This letter is to inform you of a proposal to create a pilot community garden at Yorktown Park. At the
Edina Park Board meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, the board voted to approve and support a pilot
community garden at Yorktown Park and to start a working group to assist with this project. The Working
group consists of representatives from the Edina Parks and Recreation Department; Park Board members,
Edina Garden Council, Heritage Preservation Board, Energy and Environment Commission and Community
Health Committee, Southdale YMCA and interested residents. The Edina community garden working
group has already met to draft policy language and define the goals and framework for the community
garden.
The City of Edina has been a participant in do.town initiatives related to making the healthy choice the easy
choice. Do.town has a goal to increase the number of community gardens and gardening initiatives, which
include garden councils, city -sponsored gardens and gardens at schools, apartment buildings and churches.
Edina is the only do.town city that does not have a city -sponsored community garden. A petition circulated
by do.town at the Durham apartment complex, which is adjacent to Yorktown Park was signed by 37
residents supporting the community garden. In addition, 7 letters were sent to the Edina City Council
supporting a community garden resolution that includes both private and public land in the city. In
December 2012 Southdale YMCA confirmed their interest in partnering on a community garden at
Yorktown Park.
Enclosed you will find the following:
• A map of the proposed garden site and proposed parking lot
• Community Gardens Rules and Policies
The Edina Park Board will meet in the Council Chambers in City Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
March 12, 2013 to take action on this proposal. If recommended, this proposal will then go to the City
Council on April 2 for their final approval. As always, the public is welcome to attend the meeting and
speak to this topic in the Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
We encourage neighbors to register for a garden plot in early April. More information on the application
procedure will be available online at www.EdinaParks.com.
If you have any questions about the proposed Community Garden at Yorktown Park or process, please feel
free to contact me directly. If you would like to share your comments with the Park Board about the
proposed project, please send them to me in writing either by postal mail or email. All correspondence
will be forwarded to the Park Board and City Council. Many thanks.
Respe tfull , )
-Yid -
Ann Kattreh, Director
Edina Parks and Recreation Department
(952) 826-0430 akattreh EdinaMN.goy
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
48Ol West 50th Street • Edina, Minnesota 55424
www. Edi naParks.coin • 952-826-0367 • Fax 952-826-0385
Master Copy of Emails Regarding the
Community Garden Yorktown Park
(as of 2/ 26/ 13)
From: MARLYS GRANTWIT [mailto:marlysgrantwit@msn.coml
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 2:42 PM
To: Ann Kattreh
Subject: 2/19/13 Notice on Yorktown Park Commmunity Garden
Dear Ann:
I have several questions:
1. On the map, I assume that Durham Appts are off the map on the top (above the N
direction). I assume the garden plots are the spaces on the right with the lines. Right?
2. There has been spaces for kids to play softball in the past. I assume there will still be spaces
to the right of the promenade and above the fire station forthe kids to still play ball. I believe it
is critical that kids be able to play ball.
3. 1 assume there will be a spigot at the end of the water line where it appears to end at the
spaces on the right with the lines. Right?
4. Where is the restroom facility?
5. 1 do not want my name on my space. OK?
Marlys Grantwit - 7220 York Ave So Apt 221
**********************
-----Original Message -----
From: Anne Marie Gromme Imailto:!ntergeneratlonCc@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2013 2:30 PM
To: Ann Kattreh
Subject: Garden
Hurrah! I am all for a community garden and your proposal sounds perfect! I hope it passes without a
hitch.
And, by the way, is there any way for an prospective eager gardener to pre -register, to be sure of a plot?
if so, I'm in.
Anne Marie Gromme
602 Coventry Lane
Edina 55435
To: Park Board
From: Ann Kattreh
Parks and Recreation Director
Date: March 12, 2013
Subject: Strategic Planning Information and Discussion
Action Requested:
Begin strategic planning process for the City of Edina Park System.
Information / Background:
Agenda Item #: VI.B.
Action ❑
Discussion 0
Information N
The Park Board's 2013 Work Plan includes a "Strategic plan with a comprehensive needs assessment".
$60,000 was allocated in the Capital Improvement Plan for this project. At the February Park Board
meeting, the Board approved the work plan schedule which included the following plan for this item:
March — Review mission, Edina 20/20, discuss internal and external environment, stakeholder analysis and
RFP; April — Review and approve RFP and discuss needs assessment; May — Select consultant; July/August —
Review needs assessment results; July — Board retreat to identify Edina Parks & Recreation strategic issues.
Background information will be presented to begin the strategic planning process. Some topics will be: Edina
20/20 Vision plan; the Parks & Recreation Department mission statement and organizational chart; strengths
and weaknesses of the Park system and of the enterprise operations; a brief overview of the City general
fund revenues and expenses; Parks & Recreation Department revenues and expenses; capital improvement
plan allocations; stakeholders.
Attachments:
Edina Vision 20/20 Update
Edina Parks & Recreation Department's Vision and Mission Statements
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
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Executive Summary
Edina's Vision 20/20 Update ...
Executive Summary
Ed ,
d
Vision 20(20 u. kmg.mnge srmregic plan aopted in 2001 ro guide de<asima rhar well impact rhe Cary i furore. In other
w<mb, he pLm v,.- m serve as .,—p f rhe Cry's jam,ey it, he y<ars ahead.
E.her hu year, he Edina City C ,eil reviewed Ed-. Wim 20120. With- h,sbei i n, he C.wncdl validacad he Ciry's
,.m— smteman, which arri-LEdina, purpcce and values The mmi- srar«rent <s
"Our mi.i- k m provide effective and valued public services, maintain a sound public mfi_t mac,
4er premier p6h, fatalities and guide the development and redevelopment of lands, all in a manner
hat sustains and imprm•e the uncommonly high qualiryof life mjesyed by oro residenn and basin—es."
The Council oho upheld the Clcy, vision smcanent. The vasa— smreuwnr m
Edi— will be the preemnmr place for living, laming, raising F milaes:md doing I.usiness distinguished by:
A Livable Environment
our rcsidenrs reg rd their gmtbry of life in Edina ,s very high. Many t.,coos a u&ite ro this opinion,
,nchJmg pannier h'.1, e-epri<mal neaghls,xhuek, ms advanrag<.nu 1-w., in he qAsan
scdi—, public facilities ami setvi.:es, srfe set«rs, a dean and adeq,, a ware, -pply, xc— ro
new technology and miwiom systems and --g roseof an ,wT id n ry.
Effective and Valued City services
ova crnmmers (we s w cwt residents and h__as customers as well ., tagpayen) have an
a,xrvr
diily high regard tin dry sery
ices. They associate an ou,.,—d,.g value with these services.
They alx, distinguish Edina from tithe, plicas by the qualiry of.wr,,vices. Throe,,vices change w
he needs of our acumen change, but heir effectivm— and value will be the benchmarks of our spec—.
r
A Sound Public Infrastructure
Edina an«n,unlitie,, park, :rod public buildmgr are the ea tW.:aupm roof the f dation,f,wr
city. A snood public inhasrrucrure en.:mnages he devek,pn,rnt of a smhle priv a infrasmsture, leadmg
ro an enhancement of the rens of quality hat. Edina hoe and will mtny.
A Balance of Land Uses
Edina is a m<Jel of ,,t, n develupn,enr: a di,wvy u( l and ,oats, baring du,aces ( all stages of., farswr's
life, o— ... ding neigblaxhwh and an egressive nerwsk of parks.,d open spaces all atmng i in
of developmeru that is puksrrian- and rraaasii-„tastily. Ir oho incLme rhe employ--, d rc;nvnrrrurrr and
rakvelopment s[mtegies ro address changing housing and basin— needs and p,.i-t pcdicio [hat susratn
Edina: mcwmaus mvcuanmt min housing msck and t ghbcnluvads.
Innovation
"Innovation” means matching <wr r«hnol.>sical resuurco wih the n«ds and dein: of our residenn.
"Innovati,m" means creating value in whir we do [o serve our ci[i+sus. `Inrw•a[ion" means upnaring
lora) go[•emmenr m a businesslike manner even though —are nota business. "Innovation" nutans
tinging p:srtnenhips whh or achZN, an niry organ and volun custmnen.
"Innovation" ran also mon risk -raking. 'Alhcwgh cwt raidenn are highly sarisfied with heir crnmurmiry
we always —k innovative ways [o improve [heir li—.
OBJECTIVES, ISSUES AND ACTIONS
Nme obj<rirves were lewle ed as part of the original t isi<m 20/20 plan, rem«,ting a broad range 4,bet, bone and
findings hat became evident during the planning process Snaregiea ur goals, provide the road map f implementing the
objectives of the City Cantil. Thy prescribe a number of ccwmea 4=6- rha need m he taken by the City.
Firming that many d the Cry's goals had been --x plishrd, he C, nil np3srai V.,im 2020 by revising, updating and
s. Nh ,g 4j«cives ',day, there are eight i hj«rives. The nhjaxives, issues and uraregies arc listed ma the f,11 -mg pages.
tii.,tt. a marked in hold ore new rn he plan.
Objective #1:
Maintain strong residential neighborhoods.
karts:
• Raidmtial neighl n hmh area defining..haracrerissic of Edina.
Man Edm.ghN,rhmd haw a unique char er d firms by
rch' ac uml hu g •ryl.x ct F" '—d cvtm. k,nds 1 t,
• F.lina face. .irng cranPer. un fr.xn vier cummumde+that
ran fifer "Edinaelikz' tesidenrul neighhxh,xh.
• City services (.'steer rruinrenan«, police, fim pros«lion and Parks)
play an imt n r role in the gtuliry of neighbmhl I .
• Neighborh n b az adv IV.,ffi, and by traffic leaving d,e regional
highway ware-.
st'."I a
s Work wilt neighborhood auoeiadons that whh w enhance the
idendde. or qualitie. of their neighborhood, through
notion, communiratirm nr other identified means.
• Maint t and nnprove the cm,bl of rbc City, housing en k rhmugh
bowing ntammnanm and rehabilitation progrnns.
• Take a I-1—hip role in emvmagfng aft,dahle, lit, yds howmg Tpo itis
• Reduce nmdr,cal, cur-rhmugh mffic in uvq+emrim with Gumry and Stare effm,.
• Work to eon & sidewalk, adjoining State Aid .ueeta and m ptooi r ufe pedestrian mwL
I
Objective #2:
Provide a level of City services that sets Edina apart from other
communities.
Ise
• Cayµ ..,..nc Purcuy 1 a. high Thi. �pdtm n,flo,.n how r.•.idmr.
w rhe ry.
• The drn ogmphiu, of rhe Ciry it fhencc rhe demand f- City service, and rhe
—hanissue wish which they are provukd.
• Suvuc make up the nujortry of the Cay's operating budget.
• A key ingredient in providing gruhry cervi— i, c perirn d staff with proper akilh
and km ledge d the community. Attracting and nmi,ta g g tf shapes thv City's
ubidiry m delieer services. &,dget
n afkcr rhe abibry of rhe City to
provide ad ,m pns,nnel needed for our
Poblic (.dhtlea
strataglr:
• IlevelnP an ongoing methal m,nmiror r..iknr wrist ion with City service•
• Armor and retain —Ix—, employ— who are keV rn delivering
ceptimal sem .
• Adapt amces to mn:r the core:ondy changing derrogmrhie. of the. Ciry
• Explore oppomrnirks m expand "enr M6,te" opemdoo. of the City.
• Eneourage volunteer involvement by City empMyeca.
• Esrablhh an adviwry eomrnhw.n r lit d m krvi«. and f chide.
for sena...
�` 1
Objective #3:
Provide capital investments that
balance need and affordability.
kstms:
• kL61it facilirie axe imy„t,mr elonena of both coinmuniry ( 1 �.�•,
&,,tlupmenr and municipal services.
Moral
• The age of the City's Wm will rmulin significant upiul
cxpcndi[uns in thc..ming yeas Mccring I,..answrc na.h
r,quires b:alancin� available rev.:nu.. – utility yscr chnrAes, sMe „I
anJ pruperR' coxes.
• The�vesm,eor. i,. facihries and inhasrcncnue will require
addihi ldebr.The sx wuf rev . i den s„pporr deter ,•y, �,�•„p,„IV IUI:Jµ,,,u�m<v�dC Hau.
imP.rranr thanrrhe coral earnamr,f debt. Revcn�ie,.uedro Thu tad uo, acvmptiJal dm:an de wa,•am,m,4„�.. un veva
support debt determine who pays and rhe dee ee of affadabiliry. f'W rover• [+Nati• a:.v.
Maintaining the belt p.xsible bond rating helps achieve rhe lowest
inters. _N_hx City deb,
• Legislative actions infirm the ability of Edir w provide a piral Inv ent. The abiliryof rhe City m burr,, mm,ey,,mea
frau Seam. The ability w use tax increment financing f smial, culwral and recrurional facilities, such -he library and xni«
mr, has been eliminated. This appr,ach will nor —k fa nmve projects. Lux —n- brads face. the risk of from legislative
or eliininari,n. Levy limits consrcain the abiliry m finance 1,—h -vi— and capird inve,mwnr rhe«igh the (,neral
Fund I.egi,l'rv< changes will provide a continual Serie, of opptxtuni[ies and cunaminrs fix undermking capital iroprm nnenrs.
suategku
• Conduce an a,u..unent ,( park and recreation need..
• Addreu the community need, for gynt—ium .pace and athletic .l&.
• Evduam effects of d.e 2003 hguktive ti on deb, b,uan , erpecidly aud.adty to bane General Obligation debt
for attain public f ili,ie
• Annually update a five-year C•pitd Improvement Pi.,, includi,W —lyai, of revenue and debt imphcati. .
• Explum other urea of,;e bd a..e..mentr and update aed adopt policies fm urs of.pecial u.easme needed m
.uppnrt rapiul improvement plane.
• Pardelpam in the kgldadve prose„ w prevent limimtiom on property taxes and fed government finance that
impair dee ability u meet vain 20120 gosh.
• Mdnt in the City', AAA and Aaa bnnd and x, with Standard & P,,W, and Moody'. Inve— Service.
Objective #4:
Accommodate the efficient movement of people and goods in and around Edina.
kThe shrinking catry ,f regional r—i..y eyrmns huces rcafhc am. local streets.
• C mgwia, m the highw:ry,y. will incruse in rhe yon ahead.
•
Th--- of Inars,.re Highway 494 (1-494) will
significmrly impact uarray,xrarirm frc an extended Perini
of nmc.
etrabgiss
• Support imple.neutafion of Metro Tit, Secwr
5 Pl...
• Advocate eohaneed -11 services for Edina by
Metro Tmnsic
• Work with 1.494 Commi.don to diacu.. and add—
intra by transportation haver, including TDM and
highway and bridge ft, on.ovc l—
• Expl r opportunities for inua-arq -it in m part of
plannfg for the SouthdddEmnm Avenue area.
• E,Mbli,h a Tmn.pormtinn Commi,.ion.
.mM m VdM VN fiord vw ..W The leu. rm,y, pawed M.
.uwh.n ik.onsn,�von pave, m.,w/�n bw umm...
I�IVI E:V IJIVi I
Objective #5:
Take an active role in future redevelopment strategies.
las
• F.dua1 past reJevelopmrnr au.—s alckease..i spcif c chat lenges and rnh-.rd rhe City's image.
•
Tx im—,— financing —mm be -dm m the same runner ae m m vio- ,,kwlopmenr mcmaes (50th and Fmnce,
C -.-W LA. and Fdlnixuough) due m change+m enabling Icgslari—.
• Tax A mmmr &, —rhu d,-1,pmenr fm— t—I, however, rhe real me of ah—,mmr by rhe City is upped.
• Rakvekq-tlnuc. ro rely - la,d—hlp from rhe Clry.
• Regi—al —d —w--u—,pobc . that seek n, limasprawl-ph— rcJuvdipma,t n, —u—, hkc Edi—. Thi.,, rcgumal
ar,J—effort crcarcx 1'-1 pp--m—,"d prvibk wp",mg f-Jmg.
• Lo,i retail moss are paenrlal firms. redevdipmrnr areas i-hding W—ddale and V Iley View, 04—d—, 44" and
France and 7011 and Cahill.
strataaise:
• Encourage impkmen d— of redevelopment pknt f
44,h and France and 70th and Cahill.
• Establish giidelincs fn firnc�r inrmsifi�rtion of land u.e. at
50" and Func<.
• pursue m&w]opmem Opwumifi s fm the W—W, and
Velley View neighb,xh—1 nmmercial area.
• Undertake a study in conjured. with Hennepin
Courtly m create a plan f- land use and [ren•poehlion
in the France Avenue ares.
• .Advnure kgelan— creating new d—kpmrnr t -1s.
M" .a= =
the Cin u Parw�y rdxebP�w�� arMn.vou m Jie tx'�.Jda4hd4r
Objective #6:
Support Edina Public Schools in maintaining an exemplary public education system
for the community.
ksuss:
• The yualiry .J du: uanm—iry is rigid .,he quality of rhe school W—.. Edina sch—Is influence rhe City, ability
ro senor. and -.m —icknn.
• Llyek,pment plans and denngraphic changes in rhe City have a dirmr imp, —rhe xh-1 dirtier.
• &,rh enria" have a comm- "cusr,vner'':md rely m funding IF— rawly rhe same croup of m -r,.wm
stra"01—
• C—muw m r-wipre in C.—ir,g With Kids.
• Investigate jomr mhasniernre bnprovemrnrn.
• Opimm — umal ,pp --u. in Sch-1 and City f—hiie-
• Exphue :VF—,m rics f n cnm mil—im, d pu-1 and
eyuipnrn[.
• Mammin a w—g waking mbtimihip with the sah-1 dutricr.
• Expl— upp nmiti. fm h
relruam of re existing bus garage co
allow —,,.-d mdevelu(,mrntti. the C ndyiew arra.
I M' R'�"i 1v ,
Objective #7:
Evaluate and efficiently employ technological advancements
to provide City services.
Iscuec:
• Ga ,p.r� ahnology and the World Wi.k Wcb h:we a&kd new means
ofu ,atims.
•The(:i^y_pe", Ily 'tneihher,bl,h h rotnex
rn hnnlr,g p .hl gh f y
• C nc ust amnnwlly ..x on uxsl. io tvJ.r a> r..xh
the bri ,k t phonon of rhe mauJience.
serabpies:
• ai devel.pmuv of rhe City's website ro inch& e.,q—&d mfomurlonA
.(tering,, int—aiviry and,-- application:,
• ltnprove mmmuniudona with redden,, through rhe vee of technology.
• Explore oppor..id.. to cream and enhance enterprises through
technology.
IESV IJIVI
Objective #8: Continually update and refine Vision 20/20.
Issues:
ye l
p
• Strang pf g' n emgoing rotean
gg����" .."� y • Asn bly sf F I rrategic pl.,20/20 Visi,m is ,sly a first sip in a sena cd,reps m a,tam d,c i ftyt cion and
•:� g preps Ifi th (ururc
.-E!
• Edina is a nrnuniry of leaden.
• .An eovimomenr that ga inn - hlcs xaff to seek heft I
• (Smt m mnrtvat will M an cwonrial port f prnv,ding q..hry and aff dablc wrvic...
- _? • An , cult., a more prxidve work u,vinmmcnt -J p-- the mend., 4 mdf
i _. , . •The de.,.graphic make.np of Edi— r+ changing. The thamcun ne+.f the —w,n.iry infl rn the demand t., C,ry setvi—
,� , I��d,yt r ,,,,, e.e and rh<mechaonms wiifim whlth rhes a e pnvWed.
nuL.+Lw..a�f,dww..,g 1re,wnw � rqu,er fm m:,,,. pv<
o.J...,....a. I.mymm.. amn,�g aM Jin:. Eva4pies:
• Gnrven .periodic `(mora sutnmiC to Idenrity and dmim & aff««l mg cities.
YII • Leverage dee .1—. of Edina volunteer..
If • C ndutt an noon 1 g,ul,mmng, brainstotmmg retrrnt.
• Communicate the 2LV20 Vhi.. plan and eheege, in the plan with the public.
CONCLUSION
Edina has ad,;evrd .�w.-.e,.a a ,miry by pmparing itself far rhe fi,n— Ft—, a visioning pergm e, Edina§ Vision 20120
n when ow unmmxdry 1— been, wh— it wenn ro go acesd lump it will ger there. Frim, a sn—gic pl=iing rc wrive, it
m n dm challenges and opp, mitis that have been i ientifird m having dte highea pri niry in the —m iry. Aa in
y rs, c rhe n atcg es, „r gosh, of higher prionry arc adrhe,sed, other items will move in,,, psoitis, of greats, p—, At
an <,ng dynamic prcr.:ev, Vision 20120 will be amended in the furore to add,-, rh.a issues
VISION STATEMENT FOR
THE EDINA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
The Edina Parks & Recreation Department's Vision Statement is:
"We Create Community Through People, Parks and Programs"
Community is a sense of belonging, ownership and common purpose that develops among people who live or
work together as a social unit. This includes both co-workers at the City of Edina and the customers we serve.
The Edina Parks & Recreation Department delivers services through people, which includes staff and
volunteers who make connections with our customers to improve their lives.
The City of Edina is known for its wonderful parks and open space. Edina's parks and open space are a
beautiful green infrastructure that provides relief from urban development; preserves the environment and
provides for a variety of recreational opportunities. In the Vision Statement, the word "parks" can also be
interpreted as any recreational facility provided by the Edina Parks and Recreation Department to meet needs.
Programs are recreation activities, services or organizational structures designed to produce specific outcomes
or benefits to our customers. Programs also serve as an important means of connecting with customers and
creating community.
MISSION STATEMENT FOR
THE EDINA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
"The mission of the Edina Parks & Recreation Department is to sustain and improve the
high quality of life enjoyed by our residents and businesses by providing effective and valued
park and recreation services and facilities and preserving our natural resources"
The primary mission of the Edina Parks & Recreation Department is to:
Foster human development
Edina Parks & Recreation Department services foster social, intellectual, physical and emotional
development of children, youth and adults.
Promote health and wellness
Participation in recreation improves physical and emotional health.
Increase cultural unity
Parks and recreation increases cultural unity through experiences that promote cultural understanding
and celebrate our growing diversity.
Facilitate community problem solving
Parks and recreation professionals have skills in facilitation and leadership that can be applied to resolve
community problems and issues.
Protect natural resources
By acquiring, managing and restoring valuable resources as open space, such as creeks, ponds, lakes,
forests and other habitat areas, natural resources are protected and habitat is preserved which is critical
to the survival of diverse species.
Strengthen safety and security
The Edina Parks & Recreation Department provides safe environments for recreation and designs
programs and services specifically to educate the public about safety and reduce criminal activity.
Strengthen community image and sense of place
Edina's recreation facilities, programs and community events are key factors in strengthening
community image and creating a sense of place.
Support economic development
Edina's recreation programs and facilities attract and retain businesses and residents, as well as attract
tourists. The Edina Parks & Recreation Department provides jobs and generates income for the
community and for local businesses. Edina Park and Recreation Department staffs maintain parks and
community facilities to protect public investments.
Provide opportunities for recreational experi
Through Edina Parks & Recreation Dep
variety of benefits to individuals and so(
as an end in themselves for personal enji
Edina
Board
lanning
9Z13A,1!?t
O e "''
k
o a
Edina Vision 20/20
• Edina's long range strategic plan adopted in 2000
• Updated in 2003
• 2003 validated the City of Edina mission statement.
"Our mission is to provide effective and valued public
services, maintain a sound public infrastructure, offer
premier public facilities and guide the development
and redevelopment of lands, all in a manner that
sustains and improves the uncommonly high quality
of life enjoyed by our residents and businesses."
www.EdinaMN.gov
91rtA, t
• o e
Edinds Vision Statement
• Edina will be the preeminent place for living, learning, raising
families and doing business by:
— A livable environment
— Effective and valued City services
— A sound public infrastructure
— A balance of land uses
— Innovation
www.EdinaMN.gov
Vision 20/20 Objectives
tV9j��1�
v a
•'V<O�iPOw`TCV
• Objective #l: Maintain strong residential neighborhoods
• Objective #2: Provide a level of City services that sets Edina
apart from other communities
• Objective #3: Provide capital investments that balance need
and affordability
• Objective #4: Accommodate the efficient movement of people
and goods in and around Edina
www.EdinaMN.gov
Vision 20/20 Objectives
• Objective #5: Take an active role in future redevelopment
strategies
• Objective #6: Support Edina Public Schools in maintaining an
exemplary public education system for the community
• Objective #7: Evaluate and efficiently employ technological
advancements to provide City services
• Objective #8: Continually update and refine Vision 20/20
www. Edi naMN.gov
IQ 11-1A, r
OF o e
Edina Parks and Recreation Mission Statement
• "The mission of the Edina Parks and Recreation Department is
to sustain and improve the high quality of life enjoyed by our
residents and businesses by providing effective and valued park
and recreation services and facilities and preserving our natural
resources.
mvw.EdmaMN.gov
City Budget - Revenues
Interg
Franc
General Fund Revenues
Other reven ues _
1.8% Transfers
Fines & forfeits \1 2.41/
3.3%
www.EdinaMN.gov
General Fund - Expenses
General Fund Ex
16-000,OC)0 T-
14,000,000
12,000,000
02011 10,000,000
131,011 8,000,ODO
6.00000
211013 nn ann
LJUU UUv
2;000,000
nditures by Function
General Public Works Public Safety Parks and
Government Recreation
- www,EdinaMN.gov
General Fund Expenses - By Type
General Fund Expenditures by Type
25,000,000
20,000,000
❑ 2011 ❑ 2012 ■ 2013
15,000,000
10,000;000
5,000,000
Personal Contractual Commodities Central
Services Services Services
4�91�11�
``
o
• �y�giPOHT�t'�
www.EdinaMN.gov
Parks and Recreation Expenses
Parks & Recreation Expenditures by Function
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
■ 2011 ■ 2012 201.1
Nark Administration
www.EdinaMN.gov
rv9S��j.L
o e
�°
� a
Parks and Recreation Expenses by Function
Parks & Recreation Expenditures by Function
612011 0 2012 A 2013
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
Personal Services Contractual Services Commodities Central Services
www.EdinaMN.gov
Construction Fund
Construction Fund Assigned Balance Trend
Last Five Fiscal Years (Actual) and Next Five Fiscal Years (Estimate)
$16,000, 000
$12.000,000
58,00Q000
$4;000,000
3-
�Assigned for Construction
S(4,000,000) °Assigned for Equipment
Cash flow need
$(8,000,000) J
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
www.EdinaMN.gov
Capital Improvement Plan
Public Wo
22X
Construction Fund CIP
20.3-2014
General
Public Safety_-
13%
Park & Rec
553da
rnment
0%
www.EdinaMN.gov
Edina Parks and Recreation Department
Recreation Entefprise
Setvic Ann Kattreh Facilities
Ni-eLtDr, Edina Paid and Recreation
Susan FINUS
Asst. Diteclot
riborouO Park ager G=L4 Frey
iteaeahw R e,1 eati _Nri A4.". 1 General Manager
Su f 134aernat & Fred .
%upervi ss.pe""Sol Centennial Lakes Arena Edina Art Center
Sue Weigle ==:IOLI Tom 1 Susie Hill"
Donna Tllsaer Krisitin Aarsvold Recreation Edl i General Manager --at -an 11 manage,
enti-ar Center Center RiCiatds Golf
Tons
ShirleySh'
�-e Manager
rsxsiGoif
out Irtatol Dome
fj
Dawn Beltel
F"Deation Arnandis Halle Laura Do" 11a.mar, Anne Spooner
Knolinkaler A�N, ;i it I ]i t Assit. Manager Tom Swenson .Asa'.. Manag,�,
M
gtaril SaT1 Asst. Manager
Cou'se
Pieg,am Slati Plogr am Staff
Maintenance H MairAenarrce Statt�Golf Cow Mai ritenance &.
Ail Center
Guest se:vioas Guest Services Staff
Stag Serviee Staff Stag i Staff
Admin e
Suppott Specialist]
Vera Morine
Administrative
Support Specialist
www.EdinaMN.gov
CITY
OF o�
En
e 71
)o
v �
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges""�V
• Enterprise Operation Strengths
— Strong staff expertise - Full time and Part time
— Unique and high quality amenities
— Primarily good locations
— Good programming/ classes
— Good reputations
• Enterprise Operation Weaknesses
— Aging infrastructure
— Expensive to operate and maintain
— Need to replace older technology, equipment and facility
amenities
www.EdinaMN.gov
Strengths, Weaknesses,
• Enterprise Operation Opportunities
— New programming
— Concessions - healthy initiatives
— New partnerships
— New special events
— Customer service training
— Birthday parties
— Consultant studies
www.EdinaMN.gov
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
• Enterprise Operation Challenges
— Capital improvement plan funding
— Improve cost recovery percentages
— Aging infrastructure
— Changing customer populations
— Competition & discounted services
— Lean staffing levels
www.EdinaMN.gov
CITY OF EDINAowe
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges'77�
i Parks and Recreation Department Strengths
— Dedicated and skilled staff - Administrative and Park
Maintenance
— Partnerships
— Quality programming at good prices
— Strong park system with amenities
• Parks and Recreation Department Weaknesses
— Technology
— Old shelter buildings - Arden, Normandale & Highlands
— Many aging playgrounds
www.EdinaMN.gov
495�'1CITY OF EDINA
J�
o�e
p
V �
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenge
• Parks and Recreation Department Opportunities
— Wi-Fi and keyless entry at Park buildings and facilities
— Edible Garden & Community Garden programming
— Collaboration with enterprises & other City departments
— Volunteer program
— Develop spaces, places and programs for teens and tweens
— Nature based play and programming
www.EdinaMN.gov
w
CITY OF EDINA
O e �V1
En
o
v .ay
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenge
® Parks and Recreation Department Challenges
— Field space shortage
— Gym space shortage
— Capital improvement plan budget funding
— Competition with other programming
— Highly scheduled families
— Grants and sponsorships
— Tight budget
— Changing demographics
— Aging facilities and amenities
www.EdinaMN.gov
Questions?
www.EdinaMN.gov
From: Douglas M. McDonald[maiIto: douylas.mcdonaId(d)aemcpas.comI
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 5:55 PM
To: Ann Kattreh
Subject: Park Board
Ann —
I hope you can relay this message to the Park Board or whoever is interested. I just got finished cross
country skiing on the trails behind the high school, Creek Valley School Park and adjoining property. The
trails were nicely groomed it was just great. You have a very nice amenity for the city.
Best regards,
Douglas M. McDonald, CPA
Partner
ABDO, EICK & MEYERS, LLP
Certified Public Accountants & Consultants
5201 Eden Ave., Suite 250
Edina, Minnesota 55436
952.939.3207 Direct Line
952.835.9090 General Phone
952.835.3261 Fax
www.aemcpas.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
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