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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-13 Park Board Packet1N A AGENDA Regular Meeting of the Edina Park Board Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 7:00 P.M. Edina City Hall Council Chambers 4801 West 50th Street 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. PARK BOARD AGENDA I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES * Tuesday, April 13, 2010. II. NEW BUSINESS A. *EHS Hockey Alumni Proposal. B. *Veterans Memorial Committee. C. Community Advisory Team Report — Member Ellen Jones. D. Park Board Liaison to the BETE. 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 (information only — no action requested) A. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. B. Centennial Lakes Park Farmers Market. V. PARK BOARD COMMENTS 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. n LJ • • Memo To: Edina Park Board From: John Keprios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department Date: July 8, 2010 Re: TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2010, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Tuesday, April 13, 2010, Park Board Minutes. 2. Tuesday, July 13, 2010, Park Board Agenda. 3. Color Rendering of Proposed EHS Alumni Proposed Project. 4. June 17, 2010 letter from Ric Dressen, Superintendent Edina Public Schools. 5. Edina Veterans Memorial Committee Member List. 6. Veterans Memorial Committee Meeting Notes from June 25, 2010. 7. "Edina Veterans Memorial In The Works" Article from KSTP.com. 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 CITY HALL 4801 WEST 50 STREET The Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 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 call either Office Coordinator, Janet Canton, at 952-826-0435 or me at 952-826-0430. I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Enclosed is a copy of the Minutes from the April 13, 2010 Park Board meeting. Formal action is requested on this agenda item. II. NEW BUSINESS A. EHS Hockey Alumni Proposal The Edina High School Hockey Alumni Association is requesting permission to purchase and install at Braemar West Arena upper level corridor a tribute to former Edina High School Hockey Coach Willard Ikola. Coach Ikola had more Minnesota State High School Hockey Championships than any other Minnesota High School Hockey Coach in history. To honor this great legend of the game, the EHS Hockey Alumni has raised over $15,000 to develop a lasting tribute to Coach Ikola. A color rendering of the proposed project is included in this packet, which includes a color mural to be painted on the wall of the upper lobby of Braemar West Arena and a permanent bronze statue of Coach Ikola. If approved by Park Board and City Council, the project would be put in place in time for the start of the 2010 High School Hockey season. This proposed project has been communicated to the Edina Hockey Association and the Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club. Both organizations are in support of the proposed project. I asked that the EHS Alumni Association secure approval from the Edina Public Schools before making a formal request of the Park Board and City Council. They have received support from the Edina Public Schools Board of Education (see enclosed letter from Superintendent Ric Dressen). It is staffs recommendation that Park Board accept this proposed project with the understanding that there will be no cost endured by the City of Edina. I further recommend that the donation be accepted with the understanding that any maintenance or repairs due to wear and tear or vandalism in the future will be the financial responsibility of the EHS Alumni Association. EHS Alumni Association members Casey Hankinson and Steve Brown will be in attendance to present their proposal to the Park Board. Formal action is requested on this agenda item. B. Veterans Memorial Committee Chairman Mike Goergen and I propose a list of names of people who have volunteered to serve on the Veterans Memorial Committee. The proposed list of eleven (11) candidates is enclosed with this packet. We had our first meeting with these devoted candidates on June 25, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall. I have enclosed a copy of the notes that Mike and I took at that gathering. Mike Goergen and I propose that the Park Board approve this list of official Committee members; however, it is our intent to continue to empower all those who wish to contribute time and efforts towards this exciting project. We do not intend to turn any volunteer away. As mentioned in our presentation at the Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Park Board meeting, we proposed to "Form an 11 -member Veterans Memorial Committee appointed by the Park Board." We are very pleased to report that we have a wonderful group of committed volunteers, and each one brings unique talents to the table. It is still premature to estimate the total project cost and therefore I am not requesting any formal action at this time for financial support. The Committee intends to visit potential site locations for the Veterans Memorial and make a recommendation within the next two months. Chairman Mike Goergen will be in attendance at the Park Board meeting to • answer questions. • I recommend that the Park Board approve the proposed eleven committee members to serve on the Edina Veterans Memorial Committee. Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. C. Community Advisory Team Report — Member Ellen Jones Park Board member Ellen Jones will give the Park Board a verbal report on the results of their latest meeting of the Community Advisory Team which is working to recommend a process to decide what to do with the current Public Works Building site that will be vacated later this year. No formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. D. Park Board Liaison to the BETF The Bike Edina Task Force prefers to have a Park Board representative serve on their committee and attend their meetings. In the recent past, Joseph Hulbert has served in that capacity. The BETF is requesting that another Park Board member volunteer to fill Mr. Hulbert's vacancy and serve as the Park Board liaison on the BETF. No formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item; however, the BETF is seeking a volunteer Park Board member to serve on their committee. 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 (information only — no action requested) Staff will give a verbal update on the following items: A. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. B. Centennial Lakes Park Farmers Market. 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. Minutes of the Edina Park Board April 13, 2010 Edina City Hall, Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Jennifer Kenney, Todd Fronek, Dan Peterson, Bill Lough, Randy Meyer, Joseph Hulbert, Keeya Steel, Ben Pobuda, Ellen Jones, Louise Segreto MEMBERS ABSENT: Rob Presthus STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton I. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 9.2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Dan Peterson MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 13, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Keeya Steel SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. NEW BUSINESS A. U.S. Open Flying Disc Championship Sponsorship - Mr. Keprios indicated that staff would like to recommend to the Park Board to consider a sponsorship of the 2010 US Open Flying Disc Championship event that is headed up by Edina resident Paul Thompson. Mr. Thompson gave a presentation on the history of the disc. He informed the Park Board he has been playing Frisbee since he was a young man. He explained to the Park Board that this year it is his turn to host this event and is looking for the Park Board's consideration to have it in Edina, along with Bloomington and Eden Prairie to a lesser extent, to host the overall championships. Mr. Thompson pointed out that they have taken out the word "open" and therefore it is the "2010 Overall Flying Disc Championship". He noted that it is for men, women and children of all ages. Mr. Thompson indicated that it is a week-long event and that they would like to use Highlands Park. He noted that Three Rivers Park District is a sponsor of the event as well and they are hoping to use Highlands Hills and Bryant Lake, both of which are in Bloomington. Mr. Thompson indicated that he has been working with the gym classes at Highlands Elementary and Normandale to promote it to kids and families to come out and play and watch good players. He explained that they are also creating a beginners division so that people can come for a low cost entry fee to try a few of the events. Mr. Thompson stated that they would like to have the mayors from the cities at their opening ceremony as well as have a remembrance of the disc players who have passed away in the last year. Mr. Meyer asked if there needs to be a concern regarding parking and congestion for the neighborhood. Mr. Thompson replied that Monday through Friday there should not be a problem but that on Saturday they would like to encourage a crowd, however he still does not see there being a problem. Mr. Hulbert noted that it states there will be approximately 100 to 120 participants to which Mr. Thompson replied that he would be happy with 80 but if they could get 40 or 50 local folks to join the beginner division along with the out of town people they may get 120 participants. Mr. Hulbert asked if there is an entry fee to which Mr. Thompson replied it is $100 to $125 for the Open Division, $60 to $75 for the Junior Division and $35.00 for the beginners. Mr. Hulbert asked is that just to cover costs to which Mr. Thompson responded yes as well as they will receive a player's packet and there will be an auction Wednesday night for "Save the Children" where people will be donating things. Mr. Thompson explained that they are sponsoring five kids through "Save the Children" as well as one-third of the money will go towards next year's tournament. Mr. Thompson commented that they are trying to educate people about disc sports other than ultimate and golf which are well known. Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if there are any liability issues beyond what a typical ® park usage would be. Mr. Keprios replied that he did check on that and was informed that it will be covered under the city's current insurance carrier. Todd Fronek MOVED THAT THE PARK BOARD ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIRECTOR AND WAIVE THE FEE AT HIGHLANDS PARK. Dan Peterson SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Hulbert asked if all four entities, Three Rivers Park, Eden Prairie, Bloomington and Edina are all on the same page with the waiver of any fees for park usage. Mr. Thompson replied that he is not sure yet if Three Rivers will waive the fee or if they will have to pay $3.00 per person for the golf for the day. Mr. Thompson explained that they are not using any city parks in Bloomington and Eden Prairie, just the Three Rivers parks that are in those two cities. He commented that he sees Edina as the lead city. He added that they are going to invite the other mayors but that they are not going to be asking those cities for anything specific. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Rental of Pathways Policy — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that a couple of Edina High School students have approached him regarding a "May Term Project" that they would like to do at Pamela Park on Saturday, June 5th. He explained that they would like to have a cross country race and mark off their own trail and that the money they raise would be donated to a charity. Mr. Keprios indicated that through 2 this process there were also a couple of other requests to use Pamela, Garden, and Bredesen which they finally zeroed in on Pamela Park. He noted that they haven't had requests for those in the past and therefore it seems to make sense to put some policies in place for this because they really don't have any. Mr. Keprios pointed out that one written policy they have in place is there is no exclusive use allowed of the Bredesen Park pathway. This policy was set by the Park Board on October 12, 1999. He noted that they have allowed races to take place at Rosland Park to which there have been seven fundraiser events at Rosland Park in the past 12 months. Mr. Keprios commented that he does see this trend continuing which is not a bad thing and it's great they are using the parks for these things. However they are getting into a gray area because it's not clear for staff as to how to respond to what he thinks is going to be a stronger trend. He noted that they are quickly learning that if they do have on - street fundraising races or walks they have to pay police to monitor traffic which eats up a lot of the profits. He stated that staff would like to start working toward a long- term policy. Therefore he is asking for two things. First, approval for the request to try the May Term project as well as he would also like to have a dialog on how the Park Board would feel about allowing these type of events at other locations such as Garden, Walnut Ridge and Todd. Mr. Hulbert commented that it seems hypothetically that five parks could have something like this to which Mr. Keprios replied that is correct. Mr. Hulbert indicated that he has been to Rosland Park when they've had these types of events and noted that sometimes there are so many people that they end up leaving and going to a different park. He stated that he would personally hate to see public usage of a park get monopolized in those weeks by people who want to rent these facilities. Mr. Hulbert indicated that with five potential parks perhaps there could be a policy that not more than two of them could be rented out in any given weekend. Ms. Segreto stated that she thinks that is an excellent idea as well as it's an excellent idea that staff is going to come up with some kind of policy to deal with requests like these. Ms. Segreto asked if there will be people in wheelchairs using the park being that it is a Courage Center fundraiser. Mr. Keprios replied that he did ask that question and was told it wouldn't be an issue for this particular race. Ms. Segreto commented that she would hope that the facilities that are rented for the bathrooms could accommodate people with disabilities and asked if they are renting Edina port - a -potties or are they going to private vendors. Mr. Keprios replied that the port -a - potties that they have are through a state contract through the Park Department and so they would get the best price by going through their contact. Ms. Kenney made a suggestion that the policy state that these fundraisers be held earlier in the morning when the parks typically are being used less by the public. She noted that perhaps they could have a time limit such as 7:00 am to 10:30 am or 8:00 am to 11:00 am so that it will minimize the inconvenience to the public. 3 Mr. Lough stated that it was mentioned that the fees for the path rentals for this kind of an activity are modest and asked what does it typically cost the Park and Recreation Department for set-up, take down, clean up, etc., following an event like this and do the fees cover the expenses. Mr. Keprios replied that he believes the fees are commensurate with the expenses. He pointed out that when it gets beyond what they are charging then they put those expenses on the shoulders of the people who are renting such as additional restroom facilities, refuse removal, etc. Mr. Hulbert asked Mr. Keprios what type of formal action is he looking for from the Park Board. Mr. Keprios replied that he would like a formal action that will give the green light to go ahead and allow this May Term project at Pamela Park on June 5`h He commented that as staff starts to work on a long-term policy if the Park Board could give him their comments in addition to what has already been provided he will start to put together a policy for the Park Board to review. Mr. Lough asked specifically what the purpose is of the May Term project so that the Park Board might have a better idea of what it is they are supporting. Mr. Meyer explained that during the last few weeks of school the seniors are required to do these projects which can be community based and have all different types of involvement and opportunities. He noted that it's sort of a way to keep the seniors focused a little bit on school before graduation. Jennifer Kenney MOVED TO APPROVE THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS REQUEST ON A TRIAL BASIS TO USE PAMELA PARK FOR THEIR CHARITY FUNDRAISER ON SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 AND 11:00 AM. Todd Fronek SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. C. Community Advisory Team Report — Member Ellen Jones — Ms. Jones informed the Park Board that she has already been to three meetings. She noted that they are working on coming up with some guidelines but they are not going to come up with a final blue print for a plan. This group is going to come up with and present to the City Council some guidelines and ideas they want the plan to contain in the process of deciding what to do with the current Public Works building that will be evacuated later this year. Ms. Jones pointed out that a lot of ideas have been generated to which at least a third of them have had to do with some kind of a park or open space or some type of city center. She indicated that they had a kick off meeting and then they had a site tour where they literally walked the site so that they could define what area they are going to be looking at. 4 Ms. Jones indicated that they had a developer round table where four developers from Edina gave the group their thoughts as well as let the group pick their brains about the site. She stated that they were very helpful with giving them some viewpoints. Mr. Meyer asked what the goal is of the May 18th joint City Council and Planning Commission work session. Is it to discuss the findings or is there a next step that will be taken at that point? Ms. Jones replied that she is not sure what is going to happen at that meeting but would guess it's to present their findings to the City Council. Mr. Hulbert indicated that his impression is they are trying to figure out the proper process of resident involvement. He noted that he thinks its way down the road before they will know exactly what will be happening with that piece of property. Mr. Keprios stated that his take on this type of process is that it's going to be pretty comprehensive, starting by determining what direction the City Council should take as far as its use before they make any further decisions. Mr. Keprios explained that this all came about when the City Council considered selling the property and taking those proceeds to help pay for the acquisition and development of the new building. However, some residents came forward saying they don't think the city should ever sell currently owned public property and, if anything, they should consider turning it into a recreation community center of some sort. Mr. Keprios commented there is a lot of opinion towards this and noted that it might make some sense to do another survey. He suggested that possibly they could receive a grant from the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) to do a survey to see if it is health related and if this is the direction they want to go. Mr. Keprios commented that possibly there is a survey that could qualify for grant money to see what things and how the community feels about that approach and use of the property for that purpose. Ms. Steel indicated that as this process moves forward and ideas revolve around Park Board type issues can they formally send a message to the City Council about any ideas brought forward. Mr. Keprios replied that if that's the direction the City Council wants to consider for this property then he would have to believe that it's going to be a very lengthy comprehensive process and he would request the Park Board's opinion. He added that if for any park purposes he would think they would need to form a committee. Mr. Keprios stressed this still has a long way to go it still needs to be decided should this be a business property and, if so, what type of business. Should it be publicly owned or privately owned or left open space? He noted these are some big general questions that this group is trying to help the City Council in making this decision. Mr. Meyer asked Ms. Jones from a park perspective what some of the ideas that have been suggested are. Ms. Jones replied one concept was to have underground parking with open space above it. She noted that other concepts have had to do with a bike E • path and have some sort of park along the side of that potential bike path. She indicated there has also been discussion of having a town square and a sculpture garden. Ms. Segreto indicated that open space and park facilities in a community like Edina is hard to come by and therefore views this as a golden opportunity. She noted that she would like to see the Park Board get involved early on. She added she thinks they need to be a little proactive and maybe come to some of the planning meetings with some ideas to be considered otherwise she thinks they might be forgotten and just be thought of as only having a little sculpture sitting outside of a building. Ms. Segreto commented that she thinks Mr. Keprios idea about having a survey to determine what the community's needs are is a good one especially if grant money may be available. She asked Mr. Keprios what they would need to go ahead and do that. Mr. Keprios replied that the grant would probably only be approved if they could show that it would improve the health of residents, since it's a health initiative program. He noted that as long as it's for some health related amenity such as exercise equipment, pool, etc. he thinks they would have a legitimate shot at getting funding to do a survey if that, in fact, is the direction they want to go. Mr. Hulbert asked Ms. Jones if she had any impression in any way that there would be a survey as a result of what this group is studying at some point to see what the community would want. Ms. Jones replied that no one has talked about a survey, but she does think that sounds like a good idea to pursue. Ms. Jones indicated that being the new person on the Park Board they may want to have someone who is more aware of what other space we may want as a Park Board. Where are the gaps or what could we do better or different or move to this site, because right now she may be the least likely one to bring these forward. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they did do a very comprehensive needs assessment survey with 90% accuracy. He noted that he was surprised to find that the community felt we are short a recreation/community center. He commented that he's not exactly sure what that means and that they would have to do a follow-up study to determine what amenities the community feels we lack. He added that a lot of communities have all of their amenities under one roof and in Edina the amenities/facilities are spread throughout the city. Mr. Peterson noted that a couple of things have come up during the last three years. First, a lot of folks like to play basketball but use their car's headlights once it gets dark and therefore he would like to see some lighted basketball courts. Secondly, if there is some sort of a building put in at the site he would like the group to think about designing a roof for a community garden, which he continues to believe Edina needs. 2 Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios what the timing would be and what would the process entail to apply for the grant and to receive the funds. Mr. Keprios replied that the grant he was referring to through the SHIP program would be a fairly short term process, possibly a couple of months. He commented that SHIP has enough funding to get them through two years so it would also be a possibility for next year. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the state may approve another round of grants for the SHIP program depending on their success. Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if he would like a motion, assuming the Park Board supports it, in that direction. Mr. Keprios replied no, it would be premature. He noted that he just brought it up in case it were to be determined that the site would be for recreational use then, at that point, he would suggest that they get a committee together and talk about what the needs are and then do a survey whether it be through a grant or through tax supported dollars. III. UPDATES FROM STAFF A. 9 -Mile Creek Regional Trail - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that last week they had another Community Assessment Team meeting and noted that the architect engineering firm, Bonestroo, gave their preliminary findings on the environmental assessment. He indicated that it became quite clear that the impact on some of the wetlands along the creek route are going to be problematic as they require a 9 to 1 wetlands mitigation which is going to be very challenging. He noted that it seemed clear to the group that some of the segments may not be feasible. Mr. Keprios indicated that the next community assessment meeting will be May 17tH B. Veteran's Memorial - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they should have the Veteran's Memorial Committee application form on-line by the end of the week. They are looking for volunteers who are ready to serve on the committee. C. Farmer's Market — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that currently there are 20 vendors who have signed up and Mr. Shirley is sifting through several more. Therefore, it looks like they will get 25 vendors. He noted that they will be opening July 1 st and that SHIP has granted them $3,000 to do some comprehensive advertising and promotion for the Farmer's Market. IV. PARK BOARD COMMENTS A. Policies - Mr. Meyer indicated that he has a couple of items regarding the process and concepts of policies. He noted that they just approved free use of the facilities for one group because they are having a national event; however, the students' May -term fundraising event will be charged a rental fee. He stated that he is a little sketchy on what really is the line if they are giving away facilities and how do they frame that. Mr. Meyer commented that for the disc event, which he thinks is great, how do they 7 determine whether that makes sense. In addition, if they are using the city logo what are the parameters? Mr. Meyer indicated that he didn't want to get into details because he felt they were both great projects. However, he thinks they need to have a little bit more framework in order to operate and understand the decisions. He commented that he really doesn't have any particular policies in mind but it would be more helpful in the future if they had one. Mr. Fronek indicated that they may be jumping through more hoops and hurdles than is necessary and feels that the Edina Community Foundation is a great organization and probably have more in experience looking at grant type things. He noted that it probably would be good to have some sort of a policy or cooperation with the Edina Community Foundation because it is their task to determine what is going to benefit the community and so that is something to think about as well. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm J wo dina it Sch6dlls DEFINING EXCELLENCE June 17, 2010 John Keprios Park and Recreation Director Edina City Hall 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 Dear John: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424 (952) 848-3900 www.edina.k12.mn.us This letter is to inform you that at their June 15 special meeting, the Edina School Board did extend the District's support to the proposal offered by the EHS hockey alumni, to recognize Willard Ikola for his service to youth hockey in our community, especially as it relates to the varsity hockey program. The School District understands that the recognition would be placed at Braemar Arena, a facility owned by the City of Edina, and that there would be no cost to the School District for this project. The District is willing to cooperate and support the effort as necessary. Please consider John Soma, EHS Assistant Principal, as the primary contact for the District. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me. Sincerkly, RicOlDreosen SLIperiMendent cc: John Soma, EHS Assistant Principal Bruce Locklear, EHS Principal Jay Willemssen, Director of Business Services Gordon Hughes, City of Edina Manager Steven H. Brown, Edina Varsity Hockey Alumni NAOrgs, Prtnrshps, Govt\City of Edina\Keprios.doc WE CARE ♦ WE DARE V WE SHARE NAME & ADDRESS 1 Jack Abrahamson 5209 Richwood Drive Edina, MN 55436 VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PHONE NUMBERS & EMAIL 952-927-8200 twoabes@hotmail.com 2 Barbara Bender 952-931-7995 6105 Eden Prairie Rd. Apt. 36 bendergroup@comcast.net Edina, MN 55436-1246 3 Frank Cardarelle HOME: 952-929-2761 6125 Wilryan Ave. CELL: 612-735-2968 Edina, MN 55436 cardellels@aol.com 4 Jason Christiaansen HOME/CELL: 763-218-0648 5300 W. 64th St. WORK: 952-997-4586 Edina, MN 55439 jchristiaansen@gmail.com 5 Mike Goergen Home: 952-942-5656 6605 Kenney Place eagletraining@consultant.com Edina, MN 55439 6 Justin Kieffer 612-722-2683 4524 Andover Road Kiefferjj@earthlink.net Edina, MN 55435 7 Bob Kojetin Home: 952-929-8889 5016 William Ave. Cell: 612-207-4726 Edina, MN 55436 8 Herbert Lefler Home: 952-929-8635 4717 Hibiscus Avenue Work: 612-348-8302 Edina, MN 55435 Cell: 612-590-1821 ht)1140nearthlink.net 9 John Lonsbury 4724 W. 60th St Edina, MN 55424 10 Robert Reed 6223 Westridge Blvd Edina, MN 55436 11 Marshall Schwartz 5528 Dundee Road Edina, MN 55436 0 952-929-7487 dokareed@msn.com 952-926-6619 Marshall. Schwartz@6mail.com • VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES FROM JUNE 25, 2010 The following are notes from the first meeting of the Veterans Memorial Committee held in the Mayor's Conference Room at City Hall on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers in attendance: Chairman Mike Goergen, Barbara Bender, Bob Benson, Frank Cardarelle, Jason Christiansen, Bob Kojetin, Justin Kieffer, John Lonsbury, Robert Reed and Marshall Schwartz. Volunteers unable to attend: Jack Abrahamson, Herbert Lefler and Mary Gail Scott. Staff in attendance: John Keprios, Edina Park and Recreation Department Director Suggestions (ideas) from members regarding memorial. A. Site Selection Utley Park: Both private and public, good viewing point, visibility is important but need for private area, likes creek being nearby, rename park to Veterans park, scale is right for memorial, good blend of private and public. Utley Park could be a good location for the Veterans Memorial; however, other areas within Utley Park should be explored. The fire ring might be a good location nearer the water. The orientation of the structures should be studied to best fit the site. Visibility is an important issue when choosing a site. The location should have a quiet space, a flag pole and should include women in the design. The Minnesota State Capital Veterans Memorial is worth a visit. Williams Park: Williams Park was named after the son of Mr. Williams who donated the park to the community in remembrance of his son Dwight Williams who was killed in World War II in 1945. Williams Park is also the site of the old Edina Mill Site where food was made for the military. There should be an artistic connection that is universal. Arneson Acres Park: Arneson Acres Park could provide an historical military artifacts museum that could be a positive connection to a Veterans Memorial located nearby. The Edina Historical Society could rotate artifacts for educational purposes whether at Arneson Acres park or not. • Centennial Lakes Park: Centennial Lakes Park might be a desired location due to its high visitor use and high visibility. B. Elements of Memorial Flags: There were several comments about flags, and suggestions to consider 1, 2, or 3 flags on site. Three flags could include the US, State (or Edina) and POW flags. The US flag should be larger than most Veterans Memorial flags; a size similar to Perkins. Bronze Statue: Any statue should be military branch neutral and not just one branch. It is important to include females. We need to decide which war to represent. A statue of an eagle was suggested. One suggested that there not be any statues. Emblems of service branches: All branches of the military should have their emblem in bronze as part of the memorial. Granite Tablets: Initial vision is to list only names of those KIA who listed Edina as their home residence at the time. KIA's of Edina residents only since 1888 to the present should be included; however, there is concern about missing some names in the research. Additional spaces should be left open to add names in the future for those missed and those who are KIA in the future. Too much engraving can become overwhelming and a negative. Statements honoring all who served and possibly include mention of Edina families of those who served. Include statements of community involvement in support of veterans and of war effort, include women and a statement that pays tribute to those who will serve in the future and if possible make a connection of all veterans worldwide. Other possible elements: • Benches for individual reflection • Create a suitable site for annual memorial service • Ensure adequate parking C. Other General Comments: • Edina's Veterans Memorial should be tasteful, dignified, long lasting, attractive and high quality. • We must be cautious to build something that is timeless and be mindful of how it will be looked upon in the future. • Don't put in too many quotations. • Don't allow company logos of donors — loses sense of dignity. • Edina's Veterans Memorial should create a sense of one between community and military. • Policy makers should consider changing the name of Utley Park to Veterans Park. • The Veterans Memorial should be a place for reflection. • • The Memorial should not be designed for just today and the past but should have lasting value. Consider a Victory Garden. There was consensus that staff should mail the names of all committee volunteers to allow volunteers to self -organize site visits to Edina parks and to other communities' Veterans Memorials. It was requested that staff create a suggested timeline by picking the dedication date and work back. A proposed timeline will be sent with the next agenda and discussed at the July meeting. The Committee agreed by consensus to meet on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 23 at 7:30 a.m. Edina Veterans Memorial In The Works Q SHR RE • One man's dream for a veterans memorial may soon become reality in the City of Edina ... in fact, it's on a fairly fast-track to be completed. Long-time Edina resident Mike Goergen, a Marine Corps veteran in the Viet Nam War, came to Edina Parks and Recreation Director John Keprios about a year ago. He told him the city needed a veterans memorial. Goergen says he had been to memorial services at the new veterans memorial in Eden Prairie, and got inspired. The Eden Prairie memorial is "multi -phased," Goergen says, and includes several statues, three flags, names of the dead and inspiring quotes. He wondered exactly what his own city had done, and "if not, why aren't we doing something about it?" Now Keprios is forming the Edina Veterans Memorial Committee with a vision of accomplishing their goal by the Fourth of July in 2012. Keprios says here's what he's hearing from the new committee members as they contemplate what this veterans memorial could be: that the memorial have a "dignified quality," "be a place for people to reflect" and "be visible to the public ... very much in the public eye. Edina has a memorial of sorts already --an American Legion flagpole in Utley Park at 50th and Wooddale, with a plaque honoring WWII veterans. But Keprios and Goergen have bigger dreams of a memorial that would "honor all veterans...today and for the future," Keprios says. "That would show our thanks for all veterans past, present and future." Goergen says he also hopes they can identify all those Edina veterans or those who were from Edina at the time of service who were killed in action and include their name. "I think it's going to be recognition for those who lost their lives, and at the same time closure for their families," he said. Keprios says the first step is to fonnalize the committee with the park board, then have the committee determine the location and scope of the project before heading to the City Council for their support. However, Keprios says it will take donations from individuals, businesses and organizations in the community to make this happen. The Parks and Recreation Director says this is not the first time Edina has considered creating a veterans memorial. Keprios says in the 1940's a committee considered building one in Utley Park, but it never happened. "I'll have a lot of satisfaction when it gets done," Viet Nam veteran Mike Goergen says. Utley Park is a possible location for a new veterans memorial.