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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-11 Park Board PacketA, AGENDA Regular Meeting of the Edina Park Board O e Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 7:00 P.M. Cn vY �0 Edina City Hall Council Chambers 4801 West 50th Street • j�CORPOP01 18(38 PARK BOARD MEETING PROCEDURES During "Public Hearings, " the Chair will ask for public comment after City staff members make their presentations. If you wish to speak on the topic, you are welcome to do so as long as your comments are relevant to the discussion. To ensure fairness to all speakers and to allow the efficient conduct of a public hearing, speakers must observe the following guidelines: *Individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes or less. The Chair will modify presentation times, as deemed necessary. •Try not to repeat remarks or points of view made by prior speakers and limit comments to the matter under consideration. *In order to maintain a comfortable environment for all those in attendance, the use of signs, clapping, cheering or booing or any other form of verbal or nonverbal communication is not • allowed. *The Park Board Chairman shall decide whether or not to allow the public to speak about an agenda item that is not considered a Public Hearing. If the Chairman allows the public to speak individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes or less. Individuals should not expect the Park Board to respond to their comments. Instead, the Park Board might direct the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting. PARK BOARD AGENDA I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES * Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Park Board Meeting. II. OLD BUSINESS A. *Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse Consultant. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS During "Public Comments, " the Chair will ask to hear from those in attendance who would like to speak about something not on the agenda. Individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes or less and cannot speak to an issue for which a public hearing was previously held and closed or a matter scheduled for a future hearing. Individuals should not expect the Park Board to respond to their comments. Instead, the Park Board might direct the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting. 0 IV. UPDATES FROM STAFF (information only — no action requested) V. PARK BOARD COMMENTS O VI. * 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 else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. * These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action. is 0 ow e cn • t�CORP0 T�9/ Memo To: Edina Park Board From: John Keprios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department Date: January5, 2011 Re: TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2011, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Tuesday, December 14, 2010, Park Board Meeting Minutes. 2. Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Agenda. 3. "Inver Wood Golf Course: In the rough" newspaper article. 4. Email from John and Joan Strickler. 5. Braemar Golf Proposal Letter from David Mooty. • 6. 15 Year Plan for Braemar Golf Course. 7. Star Tribune Article "Edina plot thickens: Is it a park yet?" The following is the monthly Staff Report concerning each item on the agenda with the exception of Approval of the Minutes, Public Comment and Park Board Comment. PARK BOARD MEETING IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS EDINA CITYHALL 4801 WEST SO STREET The Tuesday, January 11, 2011, Park Board meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Edina City Hall. If you are unable to attend, please contact either Office Coordinator, Janet Canton, at 952-826-0435 JCanton@ci.edina.mn.us or me at 952-826-0430 JKeprios@ci.edina.mn.us. I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES * Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Park Board Meeting The Park Board is asked to read the minutes from this Park Board meeting and feel free to make any changes or corrections that may not accurately reflect the discussion that took place on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. • Page 1 of 3 Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. II. OLD 13USINESS A. *Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse Consultant At the December 14, 2010 meeting the Park Board asked staff to secure additional quotes from professional consulting firms that are locally based to be considered to analyze the Braemar Golf Course facilities and operations and provide recommendations to upgrade existing facilities and services to optimize profits and establish a more long-range capital plan. Braemar Golf Course Manager Todd Anderson provided me with two known local consulting firms. I first made contact with Mr. Al McMurchie who is the Course Manager for Inver Wood Golf Course in Inver Grove Heights who formed and owned a consulting business on the side. Mr. McMurchie informed me that due to the economy and a number of other factors, he has dissolved his corporation and no longer provides consulting services. I did however learn that Inver Grove Heights themselves hired a professional consulting firm from Phoenix for $50,000 and I have enclosed a copy of a Star Tribune article on that subject titled "Inver Wood Golf Course: In the rough." The second local consultant I contacted is David Mooty, President of the Continental Golf Corporation who also happens to own Prestwick Golf Club. David explained to me that he would be out of town and would not be able to submit a proposal in time to send to the Park Board in my Staff Report mailing; however, I agreed to meet with him January 5t" to discuss the request. On December 28 I received a phone call from Park Board Chairman Joseph Hulbert and I shared the above information with him and I requested we delay the matter to the February agenda. Joseph called me again later that day and informed me that he had visited David Mooty's website and told me to cancel my scheduled meeting with Mr. Mooty and not pursue a proposal from his consulting company. I cancelled my appointment with David Mooty. Mr. Mooty asked if I would allow him to submit a letter to be included in the Park Board packet. I have enclosed his correspondence. Since then, I located another local consultant; however, Joseph Hulbert told me not to pursue any further proposals from local firms as he wants to propose that the Park Board approve his recommendation to hire the professional services of the National Golf Foundation Consulting, Inc. out of Jupiter, Florida. Park Board members received a copy of their proposal in the December 2010 packet. As promised at the December Park Board meeting, I asked my staff to put together their 15 —year vision on various improvements that they feel will be needed and should be considered when funding is available. Braemar Golf Course Manager Todd Anderson and his staff put together a comprehensive list of improvements that are on • the radar screen and will ultimately be brought to the Park Board for consideration Page 2 of 3 when the timing is appropriate. A copy of their recommendations are included in this packet. The National Golf Foundation Consulting proposal will provide the services outlined in their proposal for the professional fee of $16,500 plus reimbursement expenses not to exceed $3,000. If approved by Park Board, the proposed contract could be signed by City Manager Scott Neal and does not require Council approval. Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS During "Public Comments, " the Chair will ask to hear from those in attendance who would like to speak about something not on the agenda. Individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes or less and cannot speak to an issue for which a public hearing was previously held and closed or a matter scheduled for a future hearing. Individuals should not expect the Park Board to respond to their comments. Instead, the Park Board might direct the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting. IV. UPDATES FROM STAFF Staff will provide a verbal update on other Park and Recreation Department matters of interest to the Park Board that are not on the agenda and do not require any formal action. V. PARK BOARD COMMENTS • This is the opportunity for Park Board members to provide comments on park and recreation related matters not on the regular agenda. 0 Page 3 of 3 Minutes of the Edina Park Board December 14, 2010 Edina City Hall, Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Austin Dummer, Bill Lough, Todd Fronek, Ellen Jones, Jennifer Kenney, Felix Pronove, Randy Meyer, Joseph Hulbert, Louise Segreto MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Peterson, Rob Presthus, Keeya Steel STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Todd Anderson I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Louise Segreto MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 9, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Jennifer Kenney SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse Consultant - Mr. Keprios reminded the Park Board that at the November Park Board meeting he was asked to do a little more research to see what he could find regarding consulting services and the benefits it might bring the golf course. He indicated that it seemed to make sense to him, that if they were to spend that kind of money, maybe they could look into the Braemar Memorial Fund. Therefore, he asked Todd Anderson, Braemar Golf Course Manager, to call on the Braemar Golf Association Men's Club because that would be the proper protocol for using those funds and see if there would be any interest or support on their behalf to utilize the funds for that purpose. He stated that the Braemar Golf Association has a wonderful group of volunteers and they were kind enough to spend some time with Mr. Anderson and himself as well as they submitted a letter that is in the Park Board packet. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he also asked the Park Board members to submit some of their ideas on what they think should be looked at down the road if they were to hire a consultant and thanked those members who responded. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he contacted the two vendors that Mr. Hulbert had been in touch with and asked them to submit a proposal and both vendors did. He stated that if they were to go that route the least expensive would be Sirius which he thinks would do a good job in covering what it is the Park Board is looking for. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he thinks what he is hearing from their constituents at the golf course and the golf association is that even though a lot of the ideas are great and there are things that need to be looked at, it is their collective opinion that the new management is very capable as well as there is a lot of brain power in their volunteers who play the game and are patrons of the course. Therefore, they feel they can put themselves on the right track and essentially do their own consulting and save money. Mr. Keprios commented that is not to say they have to go that route; it just means that they are not going to recommend spending Braemar Memorial funds to do it. He noted they would need to use money from Braemar Golf Course operating funds if the Park Board approves the proposal to hire a consultant. Mr. Keprios indicated that from staff perspective he thinks they ought to give their new management an opportunity to address a lot of these things and welcomes every Park Board member to be engaged in that process. Ms. Segreto indicated that there seems to be an issue about whether or not the memorial funds can be used in connection with what they are discussing. She asked if it would be appropriate to have the city attorney advise them about whether or not the funds are available. Mr. Keprios replied that it would be appropriate but the Golf Association is recommending that it not be used for this particular purpose. He noted that they probably have some projects in mind long-term that they would like to save those funds for. Ms. Segreto asked who controls the memorial fund money and asked if the Golf Association is the governing body for disbursement of the funds. Mr. Keprios replied as it states in the Park Board packet, the Braemar Golf Association's input is to be taken seriously and is very valuable; however, at the end of the day it is the City Council's decision. Ms. Segreto asked if they are advisory to which Mr. Keprios replied yes, that is correct. Mr. Lough asked if they have ever had an outside consultant engaged to study Braemar Golf Course and make recommendations about its operations. Mr. Keprios replied at one time they had "secret shoppers" that went to all of the facilities pretending to be customers and would write a report on what they found and what type of customer service they received. He noted as far as having a consultant to study the efficiencies and the business plan the answer is no. However, they have had consultants more than once study the course and its layout as well as the clubhouse when they went through the exercise of expanding the golf course and clubhouse, but not anything that is similar to what is now on the table. He noted that to his knowledge we have not hired outside consultants to study the all Braemar Golf Course operations. Mr. Lough asked approximately what the percentage of empty tee times is over the course of the season. Mr. Anderson replied that's a tough question because it varies dramatically. He noted that between the original two nines (1 through 18) they are probably at 80% capacity. He noted the new nine is at capacity on evenings and weekends but during the day is the tough spot. Mr. Anderson pointed out, in looking at the numbers of other golf courses, Braemar is doing very, very well. Mr. Lough asked what is being done to fill up the empty tee times to which Mr. Anderson responded they are putting more money into marketing and conditioning the course. Next year they will try to put more money into marketing the new nine during the weekday hours earlier in the day where they are falling a little short. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they are currently in the process of updating their business plan which is done for every enterprise facility. He indicated they work with Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director, and that the business plans address a lot of those questions of marketing, identifying who the customer is and where they should focus their advertising dollars. Mr. Lough asked when the business plan will be ready. Mr. Keprios replied a lot is going to depend on how quickly they can get all of their data together but should be ready by spring 2011. Mr. Lough asked Mr. Anderson that given the scheduled tee times are a vanishing asset has he ever looked at or pursued what he would call "innovative pricing policies" to tee times. Mr. Anderson replied that he has done quite a bit of research into that area and he believes it's a short term fix to a long term detriment. He stated that once you lower your price point to a certain level that's what your customer remembers your price being. He indicated Braemar has a great location and they are improving the quality of the product so he really doesn't feel that they should be dropping the price with the exception of some very off times. He added that a number of courses have dropped their prices dramatically and he thinks if the economy ever rebounds people aren't going to remember them being a $50.00 course but rather a $20.00 course. Mr. Fronek indicated that by hiring a consultant it appears to him that this would have somewhat of a return on an investment. Mr. Keprios replied he doesn't think there is any argument that hiring a consultant would probably have a return on investment. He noted that he thinks the argument is the collective wisdom from the volunteers is that they can do the same thing without paying for a consultant. They feel that our new management ought to be given the opportunity to implement a lot of the input that he is hearing from the people who play the course as well as the knowledge of decades of experience Mr. Anderson has to prove we are on the right track and save $15,000 because in the end it will be the same result. Mr. Hulbert stated he wants to see Mr. Anderson get on the right track and succeed and he sees this as an opportunity to help Mr. Anderson succeed. He noted that he thinks one thing a consultant could do is help to prioritize our needs and wants at Braemar. Mr. Hulbert pointed out that they've talked about people not wanting to play the new nine for various reasons but they would bring in an architect to help address some of those concerns of why people don't want to play that course. He added they will conduct a survey of the golfers that we have and get demographics of the players that are out there so that we can target our marketing efforts towards the people that play the course and want to continue to play the course and for those who have never played it. He stated this isn't an investment in a depreciating item, it's an investment to try to get Braemar back into profitability and find new and creative ways along with the ideas staff has. Mr. Hulbert indicated it's not an indictment of management or staff or patrons of the course, it's an investment in ways to compliment and grow our community park asset and that's the way he is trying to present it and look at it. Mr. Segreto indicated she agrees with Mr. Hulbert especially in light of trying to write a business plan because she does believe there would be a return on investment. She stated that with all due respect to the golf association and volunteers, who are valuable to any study process, we need to recognize that their business is really not the analysis of systems of golf operations. Therefore, she feels this should be a time to have a professional come in and take a look. Ms. Segreto asked if there are any local consulting firms who would be better posed to tell them how their golf course stands in the golfing community in the Minnesota area. Mr. Anderson stated that he is not opposed to fresh eyes and other insights into the golf course and added that he was a consultant to golf courses for 12 plus years so he thinks he has a good feeling about what they would be looking at. He stressed that although he has worked for Braemar for a long time he never had the power to do a lot of things he wanted to do. Therefore, he would appreciate it if staff could be given a little time to do some things because they are on track with doing some of the things mentioned that need to be done and they know what can and can't be done financially because it is complex. Mr. Anderson asked the Park Board to give his staff a little time, even mid- way through the golf season, and if things aren't going the way the Park Board thinks they should be then bring in a consultant. He asked for a little time because it's always been his plan over the winter to do some restructuring and go from there. He noted that he would rather use those monies to implement things than go to a consultant because he knows a consultant will propose a lot of things that right now financially cannot be accomplished. Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Anderson if he is aware of any local consultants in the Minnesota area that would be comparable to the two quotes that we have. Mr. Anderson replied that they did use Al McMurchie who is the Course Manager for Inver Wood Golf Course in Inver Grove Heights, to do an assessment of the driving range and the new nine. He noted that he was dead -on with the driving range but the new nine as far as a return on investment the plan would work but over a course of a longer period of time. Mr. Keprios stated that maybe he needs to do a little more research and if the Park Board would like him to do that he would be happy to go back to the drawing board and find some other local consultants to see if they are competitive and maybe more knowledgeable of the golf courses in this area. He informed the Park Board that he did receive a copy of the study that was done for Apple Valley for Valley Wood Golf Course, a national golf foundation, and they ended up proposing between a 2.5 million up to a concept of a 4.5 million dollar clubhouse replacement and stated that they still have the old building in place even though the study was done in 2005 for $18,000. Mr. Keprios added that their park director seemed to think that the study was marginally beneficial for them. Mr. Hulbert indicated that he really wants to see Mr. Anderson succeed and therefore is trying to present something that will give him ideas so that maybe two years down the road they could be one of those golf courses that goes from losing $200,000 to having a million dollar turn -around and that would be Mr. Anderson's leadership. He noted that he would love to give Mr. Anderson time but he feels the time is now to consider this type of thing. He explained that it's a one week operational review and then they come back in the summer and take a look at that new nine and give us some ideas from a professional architect who does this for a living. Mr. Hulbert indicated that as an example in coming up with a master plan for Countryside Park they brought in a consultant to come up with great ideas and schematic ways for the park to be redesigned to give people some concepts of what could be done. He noted that Mr. Meyer made a great point at their last meeting if they are going to redo the driving range and they want to redo the golf dome shouldn't they be looking at 4 the big picture. If they want to ultimately have a new clubhouse down the road maybe it makes sense to relocate the golf dome, maybe it makes sense to relocate in the future where the clubhouse would be. Mr. Hulbert stated that these consultants will come in and help them prioritize their capital improvement plans and their wish lists and the things that they want. Mr. Hulbert stated that if they are going to look at putting money into the golf dome to rebuild it or relocate it or if they want to redo the executive nine or rebuild the driving range they are doing it with a long term vision. They are not just doing it because it needs to be now because what if they invest %2 million dollars on a golf dome and 1/2 million dollars into the driving range and say five years later they want to rebuild the clubhouse maybe it would have made more sense to put it someplace else. Mr. Hulbert indicated that he thinks working with a consultant will give them the ability to get together and have some focus and build a long-term plan. He stated that he knows there are a lot of great minds in and around Braemar that want to do the same thing and they would all be part of that process together. He commented that he thinks this is a critical time to take a look at this jewel of our park system that right now is losing money. Mr. Anderson indicated that he appreciates that; however, being the manager now for only a couple of months he doesn't feel that they are at a point where they are going to go under. Therefore, he would ask again to give him until the middle of summer to show the Park Board what he can do. He noted he would be happy to have some consultants come in and he is open to things outside the box. However, he feels it's a little premature at this time because over the winter he has a number of things in place and a number of changes. Mr. Anderson stated he is not against it; however, he would just like to see it pushed back a little bit. Mr. Dummer stated he thinks that we should not throw money into something that's not needed. He noted that he does agree with the idea that they need to take an evaluation with what's going to happen with Braemar; however, he feels Mr. Anderson and his staff can do the evaluation themselves. He indicated that he thinks it's important to be in their hands from the get go all the way to the finish and in his opinion it should be consistent the whole way through. Mr. Anderson commented that over the course of the winter he sees staff putting together a five year master plan and if they could go through this summer or part way through the summer he would be more than happy to have consultants come in and compare it. Mr. Anderson stated that he thinks they are on task to improve Braemar but again he totally is open to another set of eyes. Mr. Meyer indicated that he likes the suggestion of getting a local quote from a consultant; however, he doesn't think they should do an assessment of the course in the middle of the winter but rather schedule it for June or July. He suggested getting a local quote and bringing it back to the next meeting and then choose which one we would like. If there is support for it and it is approved in the $15,000 range then they can proceed with it that way. Mr. Meyer stated that way they can sort of get up and running and proceed with some of their thoughts. He pointed out that the reality is the things they are talking about are more long-term visions and then having an assessment of that next summer, he thinks would be more appropriate versus bringing someone in from outside the state potentially in the middle of the winter because it probably isn't going to give them the value they are looking for in what they want to do. Mr. Lough indicated that he thinks Mr. Meyer made some good points and he would also like to continue to emphasize that there is some aspect of a turnaround situation which does not relate to five or ten year plans. He noted that he would like see something put together in a way that would emphasize changes from the past. He noted that while existing patrons are certainly a wonderful asset that should be relied upon the fact of where they are at Braemar may also suggest that they try some things that haven't been tried before. He stated while they may get a consultant to come in next summer and review what's been done he would really like to emphasize and urge Mr. Anderson with the time available and with all of the inputs, resources, volunteers and staff that he really works on trying to put together a plan that specifies and isolates changes that are going to be made from how things have been done in the past because it looks as though a turn -around is needed. Rick Windham, 6233 Belmore, indicated that he is the 2011 President of the Braemar's Men's Club and informed the Park Board that the Men's Club did recommend that this is not the right time for a consultant study. He indicated that it seemed Mr. Hulbert referred to changing the clubhouse facility and noted as members of the Men's Club, while the clubhouse could be improved a little bit, that's not the reason patrons come to Braemar. He stated that what they want is a golf course that has the best golfing experience in the area for an appropriate price. This includes having a driving range with grass on it that is safe to hit balls on, level fairways, etc. Mr. Windham noted that back in September they went to Mr. Anderson with a list of eight items they felt needed to be changed and/or fixed to which Mr. Anderson took action on all eight items. He noted they feel Mr. Anderson is a person of action that will do things that are needed. He stated that if the Park Board wants to spend money at Braemar they should put it towards implementing the strategic plan and sooner rather than later would be their thought. Mr. Windham commented that in regards to making the clubhouse a place to gather for non -golfing events he doesn't see it as a good thing. They don't think the clubhouse should be competing with other restaurants and entertainment venues that are for profit entities. He noted there are plenty of those around if a person wants to have a beer and watch a Twins game. He commented they enjoy watching the game when they are finished with golf but they don't want the clubhouse filled with non -golf people as well. They don't think expanding the clubhouse significantly would have a big bearing on the number of people that play golf there but rather have a quality golf facility so that the golfing experience is better than the golf courses that compete with Braemar. Bob Teese, 6304 Red Fox Lane, informed the Park Board there is a solid base of talent between employees and patrons to get ideas and suggestions from. He indicated that he doesn't know of one consultant that's ever come in and done anything but interview people to get the best ideas and then play back those ideas along with some other ones they may have learned at another golf course and put that as part of their summary and recommendation. Mr. Teese commented that they already have a wish list at Braemar N and they've already taken some action and Mr. Anderson will have a plan in place by spring. He noted they don't need any more help right now and if the Park Board has $15,000 they want to spend then fix the dome because it is a money machine. Mr. Teese pointed out that Mr. Windham is the sounding board for over 300 people who are in the Men's Club for what they want. He stated they want to go out with camaraderie, friendship, a good round of golf with friends and significant others and when they finish maybe have a beer at the clubhouse. Mr. Windham noted that as members of the Men's Club they would like to form a closer working relationship with the Park Board and in May they will have an event they would like the Park Board members to attend to interact with many of the players that play there as well as have a good time. Mr. Hulbert stated that he thinks what he is hearing is the Park Board would like to get a little more information and talk about it again at their next meeting. Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios if they've ever done a long range plan at Braemar like they have done at Countryside Park, Pamela Park, etc. Mr. Keprios replied they do have a long range plan that doesn't show up in the five year capital plan because there is no money. He indicated there is a long-term wish list that has been on the radar screen for some time which the business plan will outline. He noted that he would be happy to bring that to the next meeting and noted that it addresses the expansion of the driving range, possibly turn the executive course into a par three course, improvements to the new nine to make it more playable, golf dome building and more. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would be happy to bring forward both the short term and long term plan in addition to looking at some other local consultants if that's the direction the Park Board would like him to go. Ms. Jones asked is that the same as the strategic plan to which Mr. Keprios replied yes. Mr. Keprios again stated that the reason they are not seeing it now is because there are no dollars to do it. He stated that he thinks a consultant will tell you the same thing that these folks already know need to be done down the road. Mr. Keprios indicated that when you are talking about the finer day-to-day details of procedural efficiencies you are getting a little more into management which he would prefer the Park Board not do. He noted that Mr. Anderson is already focused on and has made some changes. Mr. Lough stated that he hopes they are sensitive to not getting into the day to day month to month management of an operation like Braemar. He indicated as a Park Board member what he would like to see when you take on some of these activities that you can establish measurement systems as to how these translate into revenue and how that translates into costs savings and how that actually in some way or another enhances the long-term survivability of Braemar as an asset to the city and to the citizens of Edina. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he thinks the goals are the same and that we are all on the same team and want the same thing. He noted that he thinks his staff and the patrons of Braemar are hungry to prove they've got the answers and how to get there is going to be the key. Mr. Dummer indicated that it seems that everyone has brought up the same points of trying to keep the idea of saving money as well as getting ideas implemented as much as possible. He noted that he is a little confused they could either go about bringing in an outside consultant to look at this to tell us answers that we seemingly already have or go with staff and put the money towards fixing the golf dome or something. He stated that he thinks they should go down the road of killing two birds with one stone. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that next month he will be happy to provide them with a summary of what the short and long term plans are for Braemar. Mr. Fronek indicated that if the business plan is going to in a sense duplicate what one of these consultants does then as a Park Board he would love to see that business plan in a more comprehensive sense. He noted then as Mr. Anderson mentioned in July or August if their recommendation is not to have a consultant but rather have it done internally then they have something to go back to as Mr. Lough previously said with some type of a measurement system. Mr. Keprios stated that if the mindset of the Park Board is to go down the road of a consultant he can do that and that's fine; however, he would respectfully ask not to go back and do more research and work only to find out later that you already have your mind set on this course of action. Mr. Hulbert commented that he is still of the mind that he would like to find out if there is a local company and see what they would offer and bring it up at the next meeting. He noted if Park Board members want to see what has been put together so far by staff as far as the business plan then we need to see what has been done so far because that will give them something to look at between now and the next meeting. He added that he doesn't think it takes that much time to see if there is something local and what they have to say. B. Veteran's Memorial Resolution — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board he would like a recommendation for the Veteran's Memorial Resolution for City Council's approval. He pointed out that the resolution is something that is required by law in order to spend dollars on a veteran's memorial. He noted that basically they need to commit to the amount of money they intend to spend on the project. He stated that the estimated costs to design and build the memorial shall not exceed $400,000. He added that the $400,000 is to be inclusive all soft costs, engineering fees, architect fees etc. Mr. Keprios indicated that if they find at the end of the day that it's going to cost slightly more the City Council does have the authority to change that by a new resolution. Mr. Meyer indicated that it's his understanding that the balance of those funds will come from donations. Mr. Keprios replied that is correct and added that the City Council has approved the Park Board's recommendation of $30,000 seed money through the capital improvement plan. He noted that they will not spend any of that until all of the legal 1.1 language is in place. Mr. Meyer asked if they should clarify that in the resolution that the sources for funds are that the city has committed the seed funding of $30,000 and that the balance is to come from donations. Mr. Keprios replied that he asked that question of legal counsel and was told it's not necessary. He noted that he thinks it's a good idea and they certainly could add the language that the remaining funds will be from donated sources. He stated, however if the committee fails to raise dollars the City Council still have the option to eventually complete it with tax dollars, the intent is to do it with donated dollars but it doesn't lock them into it. Mr. Meyer stated that he thinks they have to do it one way or another if he is going to vote for the resolution. He indicated that he thinks it needs to be clarified up front and if that changes it also should be clarified. Mr. Meyer explained that he is uncomfortable having it pass with the potential that if they can't raise the funds the city is going to bill the taxpayer. Mr. Keprios responded you could add the language that it would all be donated dollars. Mr. Lough asked if the money can't be raised then what alternatives does the city have, can money already raised be returned if they decide not to complete it. He stated that raises a whole series of questions that "intent" does not answer. Mr. Keprios replied that the language that will be on all requests for donations will state that donations will go through the Edina Community Foundation and if the project doesn't go through the funds will remain in that account to continue something eventually for a Veteran's Memorial whether it be next year, five years, 50 years, etc. The donation will not be returned and will not be used for any other purpose than a Veteran's Memorial. Mr. Lough asked is there a time frame to which Mr. Keprios replied the Veteran's Committee goal is to have it completed with an opening on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2012. Mr. Keprios stated that he can add the language that all funds besides the $30,000 seed money will come from donations to be raised by the committee. Mr. Meyer asked if they are going to allow construction to begin before all of the funding is raised. Mr. Keprios replied no, they will not put a shovel into the ground until all of the funds are in place. Joseph Hulbert MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION WITH AN AMENDMENT THAT THE COST TO THE CITY SHOULD NOT EXCEED $30,000 THE BALANCE SHALL BE RAISED THROUGH PRIVATE DONATIONS. Todd Fronek SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. C. Veterans Memorial Ordinance — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the ordinance is also a requirement by law stating that the city has the intent to build it, equip it and maintain it at the specific location. It clearly states that it's not going to be left in the hands of volunteers to maintain, it's the city's responsibility. Mr. Meyer asked if we have a sense of what the maintenance will be. He also asked what type of life expectancy of the memorial amenities they are looking at. Mr. Keprios replied the committee has discussed those issues and their plan is for it to be very sustainable yet durable. He noted that the maintenance will very minimal with the exception if they decide they want to plow the snow in the winter so people can visit it during winter months. E Todd Fronek MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE. Jennifer Kenney SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. D. Community Foundation Agreement — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that it's staff recommendation and the recommendation of the chairman of the Veterans Committee that they enter into this agreement with the Edina Community Foundation. He pointed out that one of the key benefits is that the money handling will take place from someone other than the Finance Department. Secondly, if money is donated to the city it is public information so if someone wanted to donate anonymously this way they could. Mr. Fronek asked if there is going to be any permanent recognition of donors at the site. Mr. Keprios replied that the committee is very sensitive to not give too much recognition to the donors because the main focus and purpose is to honor veterans. He indicated that the committee felt very strongly that those who make smaller donations should not have their name etched in stone forever. He noted they want to appropriately recognize the larger donors who want the recognition, which will be part of the marketing and fundraising strategy because the larger donors are going to want something in return. Todd Fronek MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT. Jennifer Kenney SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. E. City Code Amendment — ATV/Snowmobile & Motorized Water Craft use on Public Property — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he received a request from a parent coach of the Nordic ski team from Edina High School for permission to groom a Nordic ski trail on city property by the High School campus. He indicated that when he asked how they were planning to groom the trail he was informed with the use of a snowmobile. Mr. Keprios pointed out that legally they can't do it because it's against City Code and the only way he could be granted permission is if they were to change the City Code. Therefore he is recommending that the Park Board approve the concept to recommend a City Code amendment that grants the City Manager or Park Director the authority to grant permission to authorized City personnel or agents of the City (approved by the Park Director or City Manager) to operate ATVs, snowmobiles and motorized craft on City -owned park property including the City's lakes and ponds. He noted that permission may only be granted for maintenance, training and safety purposes. In no case will permission be granted for recreational uses. He noted that he recently found out that they are already covered under the ordinance for the watercraft part of it. Mr. Keprios handed out to the Park Board the proposed amendment from the City attorney which states specifically what is in his staff report. He pointed out that it does grant the school district the authority to grant permission on school property to use a snowmobile which does need to be an amendment to the city code to allow it to happen. Ms. Jones asked if this would apply to the Nine Mile Creek trail since it would be county property within the city. Mr. Keprios replied they would have to discuss that with Nine Mile because it would have to be in part of the trail agreement before the City 10 grants easements to Three Rivers Park District. It would be something they would need to negotiate with Three Rivers Park District to become part of the agreement. Ms. Jones indicated that since it is the middle of ski team season would it be possible to ask the City Council to waive the second reading. Mr. Keprios replied he thinks that would be a good recommendation on the Park Board's part. He noted that he is asking the Park Board to recommend the document created by their attorney to adopt a Resolution to amend Section 11435.03 subd. 2 of the City Code as written. Mr. Meyer asked for clarification what does permission entails and will you draft a letter stating they have permission to do the trail grooming for this season. Mr. Keprios replied that these permissions are always done in writing and in this case we would use a formal Park Permit which is also copied to the Police Department and Park Maintenance Department. Randy Meyer MOVED TO APPROVE. Ellen Jones SECONDED THE MOTION. WITH THE RECOMMENDATION TO WAIVE THE SECOND READING AS WELL. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT ACCEPTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. III. UPDATES FROM STAFF A. Golf Dome - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that with all the record breaking snow we received, unfortunately the golf dome collapsed. He noted that it will be repaired as soon as possible and we expect to have it up and operational by Thursday or Friday at the latest. Mr. Meyer asked is there insurance coverage for that to which Mr. Keprios replied they have a $10,000 deductible on their insurance and are hoping to fix it for less than $8,000. B. Veterans' Memorial — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they mailed out 16 requests for proposals and questionnaires to architecture firms and expects to get approximately 8 to 10 returned which will then be reviewed and rated to see how many will qualify for interviews. C. Nine Mile Creek - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail creek -based route recommendation they sent to the City Council was approved 5 to 0. He noted that after a lengthy discussion they decided that the Park Board's recommendation made the most sense. He congratulated the Park Board and thanked them for their support. Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Meyer to bring the Park Board up to speed on the work session held last night with Three Rivers Park District staff and the School Board of Education. Mr. Meyer informed the Park Board that the School Board was given a presentation and shown where the trail would go through their property now that the creek -based route has been approved by City Council. He indicated there were a few questions and answers and that Three Rivers is going to do some research on what the options are to get students going to school up the hill as part of the overall plan and what costs are 11 associated with that and who will be picking up those costs. He commented that they also wanted to make sure that there would not be any limitations on the development of the football and track field at some future date as well as they want to make sure that the trail is not considered mitigating wetlands. He stated that overall there seems to be support from the School Board and hopes they can get it approved. D. Courtney Fields - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that earlier when they had the wet heavy snow that the weight on the protective netting at Courtney fields caused tremendous stress on all of the poles that are connected. Unfortunately, one of the poles that had light fixtures on it snapped at the base. He noted that thankfully it missed the building and bleachers but the light fixtures will have to be replaced. Mr. Keprios pointed out that they did have the same engineering firm that designed and rebuilt it a few years ago come out to look at it and see if any other poles will have to come down. He noted that he is sure this will be an insurance issue and we will do our part to ensure that things are back up in place and ready for use before the start of the 2011 baseball season. Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if he expects in the future they will have to take the netting down. Mr. Keprios replied they were specifically asked to design it so that they wouldn't have to take down the netting and therefore it was engineered to stay up with four inch mesh where snow was supposed to run through it. They do not want to get back into the scenario of taking it down because it's a massive netting system and is a very lengthy process. In addition, the kids want to get on the field immediately when the snow melts. F. Centennial Lakes — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Centennial Lakes is now open for skating and that the rest of the 1 I rinks/hockey rinks and warming houses will open this Friday. 12 0 Inver Wood Golf Course: In the rough Despite a splendid look, Inver Grove Heights struggles to fix the problems at its golf course. By DAVID PETERSON, Star Tribune Last update: August 10, 2010 - 4:58 PM A guidebook aimed at the average golfer describes Inver Wood, in Inver Grove Heights, as "well tended, intimidating, long and deceptively hard," adding: "It is not for the faint of heart." Neither is the golf business itself these days - especially at Inver Wood, a course that's struggling, financially speaking, to break par. It's not for lack of appeal. Inver Wood's clubhouse is more commanding than that of some private clubs. Among public courses, it is notably picturesque, with swooping hills and valleys. And it is led by one of the top professionals in the field. So why has it done so poorly? That question has led to years of internal debate, and is far from being wholly answered. • Among the worrisome signs: - The number of rounds sold has been stagnant or falling in eight of the last nine years, and now stands at more than 20,000 per summer below what it was in 2000 - a decline of nearly a third. The number of buckets of range balls sold has fallen just as steadily but even more drastically - off 48 percent. - The margin between revenue and expenses - once hugely in the city's favor - has shrunk to almost zero. In search of answers, the city paid an outside consultant more than $50,000 to evaluate Inver Wood's pricing, marketing and other aspects of its business - even though Al McMurchie, course manager, is himself a leading golf consultant. Almost all public courses have seen a big dropoff in rounds played - most are down 25 to 35 percent over the past decade. Where public courses regularly turned a surplus a decade ago, today almost all lose money and are struggling for answers. McMurchie and his boss, parks and rec chief Eric Carlson, welcomed at least some of the consultants' 111 -page analysis. Case in point: The consultants questioned why Inver Wood - unlike most of its peer courses - doesn't offer online tee time reservations. • "On that one," McMurchie said, "I have to be careful what I say. I've always wanted a website. The city was of the opinion that it should just be a page on their site. That's one positive from the report. Conventional wisdom is, 'Have your own site' - and thus that capability. I'm getting the rap that I'm Old School, but that's not the case." One problem, Carlson said, is Inver Wood occupies one of the highest points in Dakota County, making the course a magnet for lightning that can hamper electronics. Money was needed to build in redundancies. One thing that makes the course's financial performance look worse, both men agreed, is the city's decision to finance the entire cost of building the course nearly 20 years ago. Most cities didn't do that. It was a gamble that the golf course could generate major dollars for decades to come. "In the '90s it worked," McMurchie said. "We were as good as it got. We were pulling in $900,000 a year, servicing what was then a $600,000 annual debt, and still having money left over for improvements." But a lot has changed. The marketed became crowded as more courses opened, Carlson said, weather patterns turned less favorable and the economy soured. "From a political standpoint," McMurchie said, "here come the 2000's and that [same success] is not happening anymore and it has to be someone's fault." Also among the consultants' criticisms: Not enough marketing. McMurchie and Carlson agreed that the outside perspective may help. "We could have used more marketing money," McMurchie said. "At first we didn't need to - we were at capacity. The city council got used to seeing a fairly low number on that line item. But then, later on, the market was jam-packed with discounters [as courses grew more frantic for business], so if you were going to spend money for ads, you had to attach a discount." That was another critique: Not enough discounts. The course's peak weekend greens fee for 18 holes is $36, plus the cost of a cart, an option most golfers take rather than walk the course's challenging terrain. It wasn't said directly in the report, McMurchie said, but the consultants said at presentations that the price of a round at Inver Wood should go as low as necessary to fill the golf course. But that's an approach fraught with peril, he said. The course is more discounted today, he said, and is drawing more volume - "however, we're seeing less revenue." Carlson agrees. "The discount game is a dangerous realm," he said. "It can be a downward spiral." • Still, he said, the outside assessment and recommendations helped. "Sometimes an outsider is taken more seriously, and I think some good came out of it," Carlson said. From a golfer's standpoint, the consultants do seem to feel it's an excellent course, compared to the competition. Bruce Stasch, publisher of the "Hacker's Guide" series, mostly agrees. "We liked the facility," he said, "We describe it as 'a bit more expensive than other local courses,' but we say, 'if you are looking for a real golfing challenge at a high quality facility, it's worth the extra cost."' David Peterson • 952-882-9023 • • From: Strickler, Joan[mailto:Joan.Strickler@dialog.com] Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 5:17 PM To: Lynette Biunno Cc: john.strickler@allina.com Subject: Braemar Please forward to the Mayor, City Council, and Park Board To the Edina City Council and Park Board, We read on the Edina Patch website (http•//edina patch.com/articles/edina-park-board-rnulls- 15k-golf-course-study) that Edina is considering spending $15,000 on a consultant to do a study on improvements to the clubhouse at Braemar. We think this would be a great waste of money. Edina, and the surrounding communities, have many excellent restaurants and gathering places already, and the city wouldn't get any return on investment on remodeling the clubhouse. If we do have any budget to be spent at Braemar, improvements to the driving range and golf course would result in increased usage and revenue. is Respectfully, John and Joan Strickler 6204 South Knoll Drive Edina, MN 55436 • • Braemar Golf Course Proposal My name is David Mooty. I have been the President of Continental Golf Corporation, a Minnesota golf course management and acquisition company, since 1993. Continental Golf has managed 20 golf courses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Florida. Prior to that, I was a partner in the law firm of Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty and Bennett. In 1996, 1 purchased the Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury, Minnesota. In order to position Prestwick better in the challenging daily -fee market, we have totally renovated the golf course and clubhouse since 2001. We now have an Axel's restaurant in the clubhouse and our banquet facility holds up to 280 persons upstairs, with two other meeting rooms in our lower level adding capacity for another 150. Prestwick won the Midwest Golf Course Owners' Associations' 2005 "Course of the Year" and has maintained its profitability throughout this economic downturn. I am also a part owner in the Golden Eagle Golf Club in Fifty Lakes, Minnesota, as well as the Vista Verde golf course in Phoenix, Arizona. I am a founding member and director of the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance and I have served on the Board of the Midwest Golf Course Owner's Association and the Fairway Foundation. I grew up in Edina, graduating from high school there in 1971. 1 played golf at the now Fred Richard's golf course when I was a young boy and worked at Braemar for three years during my college years. When I received the email from John Keprios asking if I wanted to submit a proposal according to the one from the NGF, it brought back some pleasant memories of my time at Braemar. It also reminded me of how successful Braemar was in the 1970's and, like many other courses, how it is struggling now. 1 would like to help in this analysis. There are significant capital funding issues that must be addressed for a facility of its age. There are operational issues to explore as well. The proposal from the NGF is very detailed and would provide beneficial information if its report does all that is entailed therein. I do not know the cost of the proposal, but if it is close to the $15,000 reported in the November 9 meeting minutes, that would be a good value. If it is quite a bit more than that, I would have concerns about the expenditure. Putting cost to the side, I am worried that the report will contain large amounts of "boilerplate" and analysis from projects in other parts of the country that may be less applicable to Braemar. The Twin Cities' market is unlike the East Coast, South or West Coast and what works or does not work in those markets may be very different here. I would like Braemar to be successful and can put together a very qualified group of local golf and restaurant people to advise the City of Edina on how best to achieve that. If the City goes ahead with the NGF proposal, I would be happy to have the same group work with the City to assist in the analysis of the information reported by the NGF. If the City does not use the NGF, the group would offer a less ambitious, though still very effective, proposal to assist in the analysis of Braemar. I would not charge a fee for my assistance and would expect the others in the group would feel the same way (I have spoken to one other person who would request no compensation). However, as I was later asked not to :submit a proposal, I have not confirmed the intent of some of the others who would assist me. I am offering my expertise and that of others to the City. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 15 Year Plan for Braemar Golf Course Introduction John Keprios directed our staff to look forward to assess our needs in the next 15 years. Our staff put together a varied list of needs and wants. I feel that they are right on the mark in virtually all areas. With the uncertain financial forecast, it is hard to prioritize projects, but the consensus is that the Golf Dome building replacement and the Driving Range renovation should be on the top of the list. Todd Anderson Tom Swenson Superintendent /Maintenance Staff • Replace the golf dome clubhouse. This building needs a complete rebuild. $450,000 • Replace the irrigation system. The majority of the piping, wires and controls were installed in 1980 on holes 1-18. The Executive course portion was installed in 1986. The 19-27 segment was installed in 1993. These systems are all tied together into one large patchwork of controls, wires and pipe that spans the entire facility. This has led to a system that is difficult to control and inefficient when compared to a modern system. A modern system uses less energy and water, is more reliable and creates healthier turfgrass. $1,600,000 • Improve the turf conditions of the driving range tee area by making the tee larger. The tee is not deep enough to support turf with the current volume of customers. Unfortunately this requires extending the driving range to the north and forces the redesign of the Executive course (could convert this course to a par 3?). During this expansion the tee area could also be widened. This would allow the range to increase revenue during peak usage. $500,000 • Replace and extend the existing golf cart paths. Many of the asphalt cart paths around the greens and tees are behind schedule for being replaced. $5,000 per green to tee area • Many fairways have settled since construction in 1964. This creates an uneven playing area for golfers and also results in turfgrass loss due to standing water. Some areas could be improved with the installation of slit drainage. Other areas need to be regraded. More than $20,000 per hole • Replace the clubhouse roofing. Some of clubhouse roofs (especially the flat portions) are behind schedule for being replaced. More than $20,000 • Some portions of the course would benefit from tee to green cart paths. This would reduce the number of days we don't allow golf carts due to heavy rain and could improve the conditions of the fairways. $20,000 per hole 0 • Refurbish the tees. Many of the tees would benefit from being regraded and enlarged. $5,000 per tee • Update the grill area. The lighting, tables, chairs, colors, stairway and interior roof line are very dated. More than $20,000 • Continue to grow the use of the outside deck areas of the clubhouse by softening the stark concrete decor with more comfortable seating, shading and maybe an outdoor fireplace. More than $20,00.0 • Examine the return on investment of replacing portions of the lighting, heating and air-conditioning systems of all of the buildings with more energy efficient components. Many of the mechanical portions of these buildings need upgrading. More than $20,000 • Replace the wooden decking on some of the bridges. The majority of our bridges are from 1994. The decking is starting to decay. $7000 per bridge • Update the exterior of the clubhouse and proshop. The siding, color, signage and landscaping could all use a facelift. More than $20,000 • Pond bank stabilization -$20,000 (every 2-3 years) • Cart path installation and repair -$20,000 annually • Hartman drainage procedure for fairways #1,#2,#10 -$20,000 annually • Restoration of 5 tee boxes on original 18 +$20,000 annually Gina Komerek Assistant Clubhouse Manager Under $20,000 • New tables and chairs (booths next to windows) • Extend grill counter to north to block office access • Repair areas of patio deck • Bring stairwell and banister up to code • New flat screen in Men's Lounge • New doors for main entrance • Look at replacing windows and screens • Better POS/credit card system for grill counter • Improve lighting in Grill and Clubhouse • Add surround sound for TV's (difficult to hear when • Create a storage area for all chairs and tables when event such as Northwoods Boutique Over $20,000 busy) not in use for an New kitchen- griddle, fryer (larger, placed in back) Eliminate or reduce the number of showers in Men's locker room and reduce number of lockers (both areas are underutilized and could be turned in to more productive space) • Expand Clubhouse to accommodate more refrigerator/freezer space allowing to expand menu, offer bottled beer, and accommodate 15+ kegs • Add PT Maintenance person to replace light bulbs, work on toilets, heat, and AC • Remodel lower level restrooms under Pro Shop Mary Wooldridge Pro Shop Manager Under $20,000 • Social Media – The entire website needs to be redesigned to be more user friendly. We also need the ability to change certain areas of the website quickly when needed. Also have the ability to update/change Facebook and Twitter on our own. This would allow us to be more aggressive in reaching our customers. • Junior Program – Redo it. Make it competitive with other programs i.e . Three Rivers Park, Glen Lake. Have a young teaching professional overseeing the entire program, leagues included, that the kids would relate to and would bring energy and excitement to the programs. • Computers – Have all departments on the same computer system so we have the ability to run computerized reports for all areas. Eliminating reports done by hand. • Counter in Pro Shop – Move it to on the west wall under TV. This would bring people in and through the pro shop (hopefully to generate sales) and it allows the staff to see the first and tenth tee box. Over $20,000 • Driving range – updated the range to meet current safety/financial issues • Grill – Add a gas see-thru fireplace on the west wall of the grill, can be used and enjoyed both inside and outside. A gathering of furniture around the fireplace inside and also a gathering of outdoor furniture around the fireplace outside; a comfortable place to sit after a round of golf. • Grill – Redo the grill counter. Have all food preparation done behind a wall. Only beverages would be served at the bar. All ordering would still be done at the bar. • Women's Locker Rooms – Redesign it to make it easier for our leagues. Put a door in off the hallway to the locker area and close off the existing hallway that leads to the locker room. • Clunie – redesign the more difficult areas of the golf course (holes 24 and 26) that would make it more inviting for all levels of players to hopefully generate more play on it. Amy Smith Clubhouse Manager • New roof—flat most definitely and cedar shakes if possible. +$20,000 • New banquet chairs. -$20,000 • New carpet for the remainder of the building. About $20,000 • New lighting and wiring throughout the building. +$20,000 • Replace all exterior doors and locks. +$20,000 • Refurbish the banister and stair well to the lower level. -$20,000 • New deck furniture. -$20,000 • Additional storage room for banquet facilities. +$20,0000 • New/updated outdoor sign board for events. -$20,000 Jeff Homberger Pro Shop Supervisor • Add computers to the starter shacks. It would allow the starters to have up to the minute changes in the tee sheet and allow them to anticipate any openings that might be coming up. This way there are no surprises when groups arrive at the tee and are paired up, or if the pro shop sends down singles. This will avoid mix ups and confusion at the teebox. • Move the Pro Shop counter to the northwest corner of the pro shop. This would force customers to walk through the merchandise area and maybe see something they need. Give us more floor space. Allow Pro Shop staff to better monitor the 1St tee for openings. • Lower the age limit for junior golfers to play on the golf course. Almost every golf course has a lower age limit than Braemar. If jrs are the future of golf, than we need to allow access to them and keep the coming back. Jrs. under 10 don't have to travel very far anymore to find a place to play. • Put new fencing around the executive course walk ways. The old posts are all leaning and it is the first thing people see when the come to pay .at the range/executive course. • Expand grill menu. Offer more specials. Add a popcorn machine to entice people stay. • New carpet for pro shop. It is showing a lot of wear and tear and cleaning doesn't help as much anymore. People will notice when they come into the buildings. • Integrate the entire golf course onto the same pos system. That way we can track our best customers and what people are buying, where they are coming from to see if our advertising is working or not working. Maybe implement a rewards program with that info to keep people coming here instead of going to another course near by. • Add a better exhaust system in the bathrooms underneath the pro shop. It still smells even with regular cleanings. • More control of the website to have immediate updated info. Example would be to let people know of unfilled tee times on a daily basis. • Replace patio furniture to make it more comfortable to sit outside and enjoy some food and beverage after a round of golf. Over $20,000 • Expand driving range and create a more advanced teaching facility. Turf gets worn out so fast that people are going to closer ranges with expanded tee boxes. With increased technology, the back end of the teaching range and 1St holes on the regulation and executive courses are becoming less safe. People are hitting farther in all directions. • Reshape hole #'s 24 and 26. A number of people won't play Clunie because of those two holes. You are penalized for hitting good shots because your ball will tend to veer toward the rough and woods, even if you hit a good shot. It also can be dangerous because people will aim for the 25th fairway because it gives a better angle towards the green. • Replace the dome building. It is old, rickety and creaky. With a newer clubhouse you could offer more things like merchandise and limited food. • Redo the grill. Have the actual cooking of the food be behind a wall. Most places now the cooking is not visible. It gives more of an upscale feel. • Replace the roof. It looks bad when you have buckets all over the place to catch water. It has also ruined some merchandise. • Add GPS to golf carts. You could track golfer progress, which would speed up play, and not give the impression of being a slow play course. You could also sell advertising to offset some of the cost. • Let the Braemar have more control over the website. We could show when there are open tee times every day or if there is inclement weather conditions that would affect league play. • Short term- expand grill menu. Offer more daily specials and try to put online. • Electronic sign at front entrance to the golf course. —It would allow us to put any events that are on that the public would be interested in. Mike Bertrand/Jeff Luger Richards Under $20,000 • New patio furniture • Video security system • New Carpet for Clubhouse Joe Greupner/Pat Waterloo Driving Range Under $20,000 • Improve tee quality size on Executive Course • Explore bunker renovations • New carpet in the Executive Course building • Renovate practice putting, chipping, and pitching areas • GPS on Ranger Carts Over $20,000 • Roof repair (large Clubhouse) • Driving Range Renovation • Dome Build replacement • • • Local + Metro I West Metro Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune For Rob Erickson and his neighbors, the little plot of land in Edina was wasted space. Now it has 15 trees and a flower bed, and they'd like it to be designated as a park so that it will never be developed. Edina plot thickens: Is it a park yet? Neighbors improved a city -owned lot, and now they want city to make it an official park. By MARY JANE SMETANKA, Star Tribune Last update: January 4, 2011 - 9:14 PM Is a piece of land a park because a city says so, or because residents make it one? For Rob Erickson and his Edina neighbors, a three -sided plot of open land near their homes seemed like wasted space. Empty but for a couple of struggling trees and some grass, it screamed for improvement. Now "Triangle Park," as Erickson calls it, has 15 donated trees and a raised garden bed built by neighbors who filled it with flowers. The land north of W. 70th Street and between Limerick and Hillside lanes is a popular sledding spot in winter, a place for kite -flying in the spring and a make -shift putting green for golfers in summer. is and thinks the lot, just under an acre in size, should be designated a city park, with a sign and maybe a park bench, to prevent it from being sold and developed. Edina Park and Recreation Director John Keprios praised the neighborhood's efforts but says there are three city parks within half a mile of the site, including Lewis Park, which has 18 acres of ball fields, tennis courts and other amenities. "If it was the only open space within half a mile, it might make sense," Keprios said. "In my view, this would be duplication of services." The city has allowed residents to improve the space over the past two years, even parking a city - owned water truck there for a while to help soak the trees residents planted. Such cooperation appears to be unusual among metro -area cities. Officials in Bloomington, Golden Valley and St. Louis Park said they don't remember getting formal requests to plant on or improve upon city -owned, nonpark properties. St. Louis Park and Bloomington said they would probably consider such requests on a case-by-case basis, with St. Louis Park asking parks and recreation to look at the situation. In Minnetonka, city spokesperson Jacque Larson said people aren't allowed to build or plant on city property. "It's city property and it's something we have to preserve for all our residents," she said. Edina has a history of being open to resident -driven projects to improve public spaces, allowing • tree plantings near Hwy. 100 and in Pamela Park. Those projects, too, were driven by residents who organized tree acquisition and planting. Keprios said his department placed a park bench near a storm pond that is outside a park when residents said they wanted a place to sit and watch birds. But Keprios said none of the many small city lots around the city has earned a park designation. Erickson has been careful to coordinate the neighborhood's efforts with the city, talking first to City Council member Joni Bennett and later with Keprios. He had a supportive petition from neighbors. Bennett suggested Erickson talk with Michael Schroeder, a landscape architect on the city's Planning Commission. Schroeder visited the site and helped Erickson decide where to plant the first 10 trees (criteria included not interfering with kite flying or sledding). A friend of Erickson's agreed to donate five large clumps of river birch, two red oaks, two crab apples and a maple. The city sent equipment to unload the trees. Despite an early snow, about 25 neighbors responded to an e-mail asking for help in planting them. This fall an Eagle Scout chose the "park" as a project and got five more donated crab apple trees. The city approved the neighborhood's request to add a triangle -shaped flower bed, warning that if it was not kept up, it would be removed. "Phase III could include some bushes and maybe a park bench," Erickson said. "Maybe that could include formal designation as a park." City Council member Bennett has been supportive of neighbors' efforts to improve the so-called park, noting that Erickson has asked the city's permission for all activities. "Nothing that Rob and his neighbors are doing removes that land from public benefit," she said. "It's is clear to the neighborhood that it is city land. It's like a town square for the neighborhood." Erickson said he thought of asking for a park designation after people delivering trees for one of the plantings looked around and asked why they were planting trees on a site that seemed ideal for a couple of homes. Erickson said he also wondered if officials might be looking for parking linked to Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, which will be about a block away. Keprios said the city already has 1,500 acres of parkland and said he worried that making the spot a city park would set a precedent for other odd plots of land that the city owns. Development is highly unlikely, he said. The city's comprehensive plan says Edina will not sell any city -owned land unless a property exchange is determined to be in its best interest. Bennett was noncommittal on the park idea. "I see a lot of public good in what they've done," she said. "I would want to have a more • organized look at it, what the costs and benefits would be and what the neighbors think." Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380 40