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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-13 Park Board Packet• A,1� AGENDA Ow e vx� Regular Meeting of the Edina Park Board o Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 7:00 P.M. �y Edina City Hall Council Chambers • r��oRpo4801 West 50 Street saes 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, September 8, 2009, Park Board Minutes. II. NEW BUSINESS A. *Krieg Grant Proposal — Jeannie Hanson, Edina Energy & Environment Commission. B. *2010 Fees and Charges. C. *Community Education Services Board Representative. III. OLD BUSINESS A. *Closing Strachauer Park and Countryside Park Skating Rinks. IV. 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. 1 • 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. V. UPDATES FROM STAFF VI. PARK BOARD COMMENTS VII. 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. 2 Memo To: Edina Park Board From: John Keprios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department Date: October 7, 2009 Re: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Amended August 11, 2009, Park Board Minutes. 2. Tuesday, September 8, 2009, Park Board Minutes. 3. Tuesday, October 13, 2009, Park Board Agenda. 4. Krieg Grant Proposal. 5. Krieg Grant Pre -Proposal. 6. 2010 Proposed Fees and Charges. 7. Letter from Anne Marie Plante and Staff Response. 8. Arneson Acres Park Rental Data. 9. Edina Community Education Services Board Meeting Calendar. 10. Minneapolis Star Tribune Article "Burnsville to Close 13 Outdoor Rinks." • 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 50TH STREET The Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 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. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Krieg Grant Proposal — Jeannie Hanson, Edina Energy & Environment Commission. The Edina Energy and Environment Commission (EEEC) is proposing that the City of Edina submit a grant request to the Minnehaha Watershed District for an innovative environmental/energy program called the Algae and Duckweed -to -Oil Demonstration. Because this innovative program involves placement of structures on park property, the EEEC is requesting Park Board approval of the project. EEEC member Jeannie Hanson will be giving the Park Board a presentation regarding the grant proposal. I have several questions and concerns about this proposal that I don't believe have been addressed: • How will electricity be brought to the proposed site? (The power is not activated to the proposed light pole unless the lights are on.) • What is the amp service required to operate the equipment and do we have enough amp service to drive the equipment and lights at the same time? • Does the grant pay for installation of the electrical service? • What are the dimensions, height and location of the solar panels and how many homes does it affect visually/aesthetically? In other words, can we expect objections from residents due to its visibility? • Will the Edina Energy and Environment Commission mail notices and conduct a Public Hearing on this proposed project? • Who will be recruiting all of the volunteers mentioned in the grant and then coordinating the pick up and delivery of the biomass to the University on a regular basis? • What happens if the volunteers fail to deliver the biomass? • Who is contacted in case of equipment failure? From our experience, I believe it is extremely important to conduct a neighborhood input meeting or Public Hearing on any new project that impacts the character and/or aesthetics of the park. Residents have expressed concerns and objections about fencing, scoreboards, batting cages and even concrete curbing. I also have serious concerns about the expectations of our professional maintenance staff resources as well as its impact on the Park and Recreation Department's operating and capital budgets. I don't mean to give the wrong impression. This may very well be an outstanding and worthwhile environmentally important demonstration project. Like all requests of staff, facilities and budget, it all comes down to priority. I ask the Park Board to seriously consider the importance of this request relative to our other multiple demands and duties and consider the project's impact on our resources before making a recommendation to the City Council. I also suggest that if the Park Board wishes to recommend approval that it include a recommendation that EEEC conduct a Public Hearing. Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. B. *2010 Fees and Charges. Enclosed is a copy of proposed Park and Recreation Department fees and charges for 2010. As shown in the enclosed proposed fees and charges for 2010, staff proposes a modest increase for fees and charges mainly to keep pace with inflation and yet maintain program and rental fees at an affordable but competitive level. The enclosed proposed fees and charges for 2010 schedule shows increased fees in bold print. If the fee is not new or different from the previous year, then the fee appears in regular print. According to City Code, the Park Board is asked to recommend fees and charges to the City Council. The philosophy that has long been followed in the City of Edina is that fees and charges are set at a level that accomplishes the following: • Users pay their fair share of the costs associated with the programs and facilities they use today and should not place that burden on future taxpayers (user fee based philosophy). • Keep programs and activities affordable to the maximum number of residents. • Cover the costs associated with the activity or facility whenever possible. • Find a way to allow all residents to participate in basic recreation programs regardless of their ability to pay (i.e., Edina Community Foundation Grant -In - Aid Fund). In other words, we could probably charge higher fees in some cases without. seeing a significant drop in participation, whereas higher fees in other programs would see a significant drop in participation and/or rentals. I believe that it is important to keep in mind our mission when establishing fees and charges. There is a reason why the private sector does not offer a myriad of Art Centers. Art Centers are not a profitable business, but are a highly valued service for communities. Some of our enterprise facilities make a profit and some do not. We do our best to run an efficient business -like enterprise, while remaining competitively priced in the marketplace. In setting fees and charges, I ask that you please be mindful that our mission is not to maximize profits. There are a few fees to call your attention to as proposed by staff. One of the most popular indoor social gathering rooms is the Terrace Room at Arneson Acres Park. Included in this packet is an accounting of the number of rentals from residents and non-residents from January 1, 2009 to September 17, 2009. Since its inception the room and outdoor Gazebo have been made available for rent to both residents and non-residents for the same fee. As a result, I have been alerted to some issues that have developed over time: I . The wear and tear on the facility has accelerated over the past several years due to heavy and more frequent use. 2. Rental income has not kept pace with maintenance costs on a per rental basis due to overtime wages, call backs due to maintenance issues and overhead costs in general (refuse removal, energy costs, supplies, etc.). 3. On rare occasion, residents have been unable to secure their preferred rental date because a non-resident has already reserved the space. 4. Increased use of non-resident rentals exposes the park to more wear and tear and less access for residents. I must assume that the increased use of non-residents is due to word of mouth marketing because we do not actively market the facility to non-residents. Therefore, I suggest that rather than eliminate non-resident use of the facility, we initiate a significantly higher rental rate for non-residents, which in theory will capture additional revenues, reduce the wear and tear and likely make the facility more accessible to residents. I am also proposing an increase in resident only rates in an effort to keep pace with expenses. This recommendation is not intended to maximize profits but rather keep pace with our increased expenses. Due to the establishment of a formal Edina Art Center Board, they propose Edina Art Center fees and charges directly to the City Council, and therefore those fees and charges are no longer the Park Board's responsibility. Therefore, the Art Center fees are not included in this packet. Enterprise facility managers (except the Edina Art Center) will be present to answer questions about their proposed fees and charges. I recommend approval of staff proposed 2010 fees and charges. Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. B. *Community Education Services Board Representative. The Mayor and Council are looking for a volunteer Park Board member to serve as the Park Board liaison to the Edina Community Education Services Board. Former Park Board member Ray O'Connell volunteered to serve in that capacity; however, he has resigned from the Park Board. A schedule of their meetings is included in this packet. No formal action is requested on this agenda item; however, the Mayor and Council are seeking a Park Board member willing to volunteer to serve in that position. If you have an interest in serving as the Park Board liaison to the Edina Community Education Services Board, please let me know and I will inform the Mayor and Council. Thank you in advance for considering this appointment. 0 III. OLD BUSINESS A. *Closing Strachauer Park and Countryside Park Skating Rinks. As you recall from the September Park Board meeting, staff was directed to propose cost cutting measures for the 2010 operating budget that totaled a 5% reduction from the 2009 Park and Recreation Department operating budget. One of our recommendations included eliminating two outdoor skating rinks for the 2009-2010 skating season as well as closing all outdoor skating rinks for the season at the end of the day Monday, February 15, 2010 regardless of the weather. By not opening, supervising and maintaining an outdoor skating rink, there is a savings of approximately $3,750 per rink. By closing two outdoor skating rink sites, we can cut costs by approximately $7,500. By closing all the outdoor skating rinks for the season on Monday, February 15, 2010, we can cut costs by an additional $9,500. Some of the savings is from not having to pay Warming House Attendant wages; however, we save approximately $3,200 per weekend in full-time Park Maintenance Department personnel overtime for each weekend rinks are closed. The full-time professional maintenance staff would remain on the payroll; however, their time will be spent on other maintenance duties that otherwise would not get done, which includes primarily forestry work and building and equipment maintenance. At the September Park Board meeting, staff was asked to contact the Edina Hockey Association to ask if they would be interested in a fee increase to cover the $3,750 to keep Strachauer Park open or simply pay that amount to keep that rink open this coming skating season. EHA scheduled only four hours total all of last year at Strachauer Park for hockey practice, the least of all outdoor hockey rinks. EHA President confirmed that they are not interested in a fee increase or paying to keep that rink open this coming skating season. It is also worthy of note that several suburban communities are closing outdoor skating rinks this coming season due to budget cuts. As you will notice in the enclosed copy of a recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the City of Burnsville is significantly reducing the number of their outdoor skating rinks this coming season. Staff recommends that the Park Board recommend to the City Council that Countryside Park and Strachauer Park skating rinks be closed this coming 2009- 2010 skating season. Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. IV. 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. V. UPDATES FROM STAFF Staff will be giving a brief verbal updates on upcoming events. VI. 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 August 11, 2009 Edina City Hall, Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Jennifer Kenney, Ben Pobuda, Todd Fronek, Ray O'Connell, Dan Peterson, Joseph Hulbert, Jeff Sorem, Bill Lough, Keeya Steel, Rob Presthus MEMBERS ABSENT: Randy Meyer STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton, Ed MacHolda I. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 17.2009 PARK BOARD MINUTES Dan Peterson MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 17, 2009 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Bill Lough SECONDED. MINUTES APPROVED. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Pamela Park Master Plan — Mr. Keprios gave a presentation on the Pamela Park Master Plan and informed the Park Board of what took place at the Pamela Park information meeting on July 30, 2009. He explained the history of the process of how they got to where they currently are. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that it seemed pretty clear from both written and verbal responses that the number one concern is spending tax dollars on these projects during these challenging economic times. Mr. Keprios then summarized his recommendations from his staff report. • RELOCATE HOCKEY RINK AND LIGHTS • WEST PARKING LOT RENOVATION AND EXPANSION • NEW ATHLETIC FIELD • SOUTH PARKING LOT EXPANSION • NORTH PARKING LOT EXPANSION • NO ARTIFICIAL TURF ON SOUTH ATHLETIC FIELD • SENIOR ATHLETIC FIELD RENOVATION • PAVED TRAIL ACCESS TO PLAYGROUND • PARK SHELTER BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS Ms. Steel asked Mr. Keprios what kind of natural grass he has in mind for the new athletic field. Mr. Keprios replied that they would have to rely on their engineers to tell them what would be most economically feasible. He noted that his first choice would be to go with another sand peat field with irrigation and proper drainage. He noted that it will need to be engineered in a way to be tolerant of a lot of play therefore it will probably need to be a mix between sand peat and natural soils. Mr. Fronek informed the Park Board that he thought it was a very good process that they went through. He added that Mr. Pobuda, Mr. Peterson, Mr. O'Connell and he attended the Pamela Park neighborhood meeting. Mr. Fronek commented that he thought it was very productive and felt that they sorted through a lot of the issues. Mr. O'Connell noted that he thought it was very positive. He commented that he would like to see the city and the school system develop a collaborative situation and share the costs. Mr. Pobuda stated that it opened his eyes to more opinions than those of just the Park Board and now he has a good idea of what they want and what they expect from them. Mr. Peterson indicated that he was amazed that the number one issue he heard is that the economy stinks, don't spend the money. Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios to speak a little bit about the hockey rink because he initially thought it had to be moved because it is in a watershed plain. In addition, there were also issues with getting good ice on the hockey rink as well as they would be losing a lot of the open skating area. Mr. Keprios replied that originally his staff recommended moving the hockey rink 30 feet in order to have a better surface to work with. However, there is a debate on whether the water table is really any different 30 feet to the west. He noted that there is a fairly steep grade east of the hockey boards which would make it fairly tight to walk through for the nature trail. He explained that most times of the year it isn't an issue until they start flooding the rink where it then becomes a dangerous situation of having to walk to the west side of the hockey rink. Mr. Keprios commented that one concern of a resident was that it would consume too much of the open skating area but noted that the reality is they have enough real estate where they could easily expand the open skating area. Mr. Keprios explained that it is not critical for them to move the hockey rink; however, it is just staff's recommendation that by moving it, it would be better for maintenance and it would make for a better nature trail. He pointed out that as long as they need to replace the light standards and bases it just makes sense to move it slightly and make room for the trail. Mr. O'Connell asked if they do move the hockey rink will it increase the cost figure. Mr. Keprios replied yes, it would cost approximately $60,000 because they would have to replace quite a few of the boards. He added that to leave the hockey rink in its current location and just replace the broken boards it would cost approximately $45,000 to fix which $40,000 of that would be for new light standards. Mr. O'Connell indicated that he thinks the $15,000 would be a good investment. Mr. Keprios responded that he doesn't disagree with the recommendation but that the reason he came to this conclusion is because so many residents felt strongly that the rink should stay in its current location. However, he does still feel that if they are going to replace the light system then now is the time to move the rink and that is why they made the original recommendation that they did. Mr. Hulbert asked how old are the boards and what is the life expectancy of the hockey boards? Mr. Keprios replied that hockey boards last approximately 15 years before they have to be rebuilt. He noted that he thinks the Pamela Park hockey rink was built 15 or 16 years ago. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn't disagree with moving the hockey rink he was just trying to be sympathetic and responsive to the residents. Mr. Lough asked what is the incremental cost of moving the hockey rink versus not moving it? Mr. Keprios replied it would cost $60,000 to move it and $45,000 not to move it. Therefore, it would be a $15,000 savings. Mr. Presthus asked if the rink is moved would all of the boards be new or would you use some of the existing boards. Mr. Keprios responded they would try to use what boards would still be salvageable. 2 Ms. Steel commented that she knows people want to save dollars especially in this economy and asked if project costs are down in the current market could money be saved that way. Mr. Keprios replied a lot of their bids today on contracted work are lower than what they typically would be because of the economy. Mr. Lough asked Mr. Keprios in terms of the overall timing of the priority items how long would you guess it would take to get through all nine items or at least the top five. Mr. Keprios replied that his guess is they are going to be going through some very tough economic times as an organization for a minimum of the next 2 % to 3 years. And feels in his view it will be at least three years before they start to come out of this. Mr. Keprios indicated that in his opinion it could be four to five years before they start building new amenities in the parks. He commented that they are going to be in maintenance mode for at least the next few years. Mr. Keprios noted that maybe they will be able to find enough cuts in other areas and commented that thankfully most of the capital improvement plan funding source does not come from the annual operating budget. He pointed out that it's a pool of money that has been secured over the years which is earmarked specifically for capital improvements. Mr. Keprios explained that thankfully only $50,000 from the general operating fund goes to fund the capital improvement plan's Revolving Fund which has a balance in the millions; however, the $50,000 is now being removed from 2010 operating budget. Therefore, there are still Revolving Fund dollars available for capital improvements but he is not sure how much of those funds the Council will approve for use over the next four years and so he cannot fully answer Mr. Lough's questions. Mr. Lough commented that the senior athletic field is not likely to occur in the next four years to which Mr. Keprios replied that is correct. Mr. Lough asked if the paved access trail is likely to occur in the next four years. Mr. Keprios responded that is one he would still like to try to fund out of his Paths and Hard Surfaces operating budget and that is why it doesn't show up in the capital improvement plan. That is one he really feels should be a priority because they need to have accessible path from a parking lot to the playground and he didn't want to have to rely on the capital improvement plan to fund this project. Mr. Lough asked if it would be possible for one of the parking lot expansions to be an overall priority in the next four years. Mr. Keprios replied that it's possible but again it would have to be funded through the capital improvement plan and not through the operating budget since that's going to get cut severely next year. Mr. Lough asked Mr. Keprios what the payback period would be for the investment in the lights to which Mr. Keprios replied that he wasn't sure but thought it might be approximately 13 or 14 years. He also asked Mr. Keprios if it was likely to be approved by the financial staff or the City Council with that kind of a payback. Mr. Keprios replied that because the investment was green and the city had established a priority to make green expenditures or green investments that he thought it would be fine. Mr. O'Connell commented that he would like to see the building at Pamela Park be renovated as soon as possible because that is something that would be used a lot. Mr. Fronek entered a motion regarding Mr. Keprios recommendation with regards to the five-year Pamela Park Improvement Plan. Mr. Peterson MOVED TO APPROVE. Ray O'Connell SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Keprios asked if the recommendation would include moving the hockey rink as he proposed the first go around or leave it where it's at. Mr. Fronek MOVED TO AMEND MR. KEPRIOS RECOMMENDATION TO RELOCATE THE HOCKEY RINK AS PREVIOUSLY STATED. MOVE IT 30 FEET SOUTH AND 30 FEET WEST. HE NOTED THAT HE WOULD ALSO LIKE MR. KEPRIOS TO AT LEAST EXPLORE ADDING SOME SPACE TO THE OPEN SKATING AREA. Mr. O'Connell accepted the amendment. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Community Gardens — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he is still of the opinion that the silent majority would be okay with a policy that suggests we keep our open space as open space. He noted that for those who want to have a vegetable or fruit garden they should do it on their private property. He stated that what they have learned from the past is that open space is just too precious in a town that's a first ring suburb where we are fully developed. Mr. Keprios stated that in addition it would be very difficult to find an ideal space that will please everyone. Therefore, that is what he would ask the Park Board to recommend to the City Council. Mr. Lough stated that while he is somewhat sympathetic to staff s recommendation on this issue he wants to make sure that as a Park Board they clearly understand that it is their responsibility to try and come up with recommendations which will serve all members of the community. He commented that gardens of this nature typically serve an educational, hobby and social purpose as well as there may be other purposes to add to this list with the exception of any commercial purpose. He noted that the nature of the community in Edina is changing somewhat in that it is an older community which more and more people will reside in multi -family housing. He indicated that green space is meant for all of the citizens and not just for youth sports or people who like to walk and that sort of nature but perhaps for other purposes as well. Mr. Lough asked Mr. Keprios if they were to adopt a policy that does not approve the community gardens and it goes to the City Council and they do approve the recommendation what does it take to change it in the future. Mr. Keprios explained that a policy is not an ordinance and that a policy can change at any given City Council meeting. Mr. Keprios encouraged the Park Board to not make a recommendation at this point and perhaps direct staff to kick around some other means of feedback from the community and perhaps put an article in the Sun newspaper and ask for more input if they need more time to deliberate. He noted that this isn't something that needs to be rushed into. Mr. Peterson asked Mr. Keprios about his thought on having a community garden along York Avenue. Mr. Keprios replied that he doubts that the YMCA would be all that disappointed in not having a community garden at that site because the YMCA is currently primarily user of that open space for their own programs. Mr. Peterson stated that he agrees with Mr. Lough and would be glad to table this for awhile to think about it. M Mr. Lough asked if perhaps staff could come up with some type of policy for the Park Board to discuss. Mr. Keprios replied he would be happy to do that and will further study the issue and have something ready by the September Park Board meeting. Ms. Steel stated that she definitely agrees they should encourage people to use their own homes for growing organic gardens. However, as Mr. Lough pointed out we are expanding our senior housing and inviting more young families to move into the community. She indicated that something they look at as far as policy is perhaps allowing a certain age group to have priority of these gardens so that the elderly population can continue to have some of the gardens they enjoyed in their own homes. Mr. Fronek indicated that personally he doesn't think that adopting a policy that can be changed at the September Park Board meeting makes too much sense. He noted that so far none of the locations (Pamela Park and York Park) have passed the test for us to say okay, let's invest the dollars and resources to make it happen to the extent we need a policy. He stated that they haven't seen a situation where a community garden is going to be implemented at this point. Mr. Fronek pointed out that's not to say in the future he would not say yes to a community garden project. IV. UPDATES FROM STAFF A. Pamela Park Equipment — Mr. MacHolda informed the Park Board that the new playground equipment was installed at Pamela Park and it looks nice. Unfortunately, however, on the eve of the completion of the installation it was vandalized. Mr. Sorem commented that he has been to the park a few times and noted that he thinks it's one of the nicest playgrounds in the city. He commented that Ashley Swanda and Dawn Lambert, who were neighborhood committee members, were very helpful and did a wonderful job. V. PARK BOARD COMMENTS A. Recycling and Solid Waste - Mr. O'Connell handed out an e-mail to the Park Board from Michelle Horan who is a member of the Recycling Solid Waste Work Group which is a subcommittee of the Energy & Environment Commission. The e-mail talks about approaching the athletic associations and presenting to them a new way of handling recycling. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm 5 Minutes of the Edina Park Board September 8, 2009 Edina City Hall, Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Jennifer Kenney, Ben Pobuda, Todd Fronek, Dan Peterson, Jeff Sorem, Bill Lough, Rob Presthus, Randy Meyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Joseph Hulbert, Keeya Steel STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton, Ed MacHolda I. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 11, 2009 PARK BOARD MINUTES Dan Peterson MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 11, 2009 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Mr. Lough stated there was an omission in the minutes concerning the discussion around the hockey rink lights for the Pamela Park renovation. He indicated that he would like the minutes to reflect that when he asked Mr. Keprios what the payback period would be for the investment in the lights Mr. Keprios replied that he wasn't sure but thought it might be approximately 13 or 14 years. He also asked Mr. Keprios if it was likely to be approved by the financial staff or the City Council with that kind of a payback. He noted that Mr. Keprios replied that, because the investment was green and the city had established a priority to make green expenditures or green investments, he thought it would be fine. He noted he would like the minutes to reflect that exchange did take place. Todd Fronek MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED BY MEMBER LOUGH. Dan Peterson SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Community Science Education Project Proposal — Mark Burman — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Mark Burman, an Edina resident, is requesting permission to install a total of three 10" by 10" permanent metal plaques in Edina parks; one at Pamela Park, one at Centennial Lakes Park and one at Rosland Park. Mr. Burman informed the Park Board that he was trying to explain the solar system to his kids and found that you really can't explain it and it doesn't fit on a page in a book and so that is where this concept came from. Mr. Burman gave a presentation to the Park Board on what it is he is proposing to do which is to create a scale model of the solar system. He noted the planet sizes and distances from the sun will be accurate to the scale of 200,000,000:1 so that it will be able to fit within Edina and surrounding areas. He noted that he has branded this the "Nanoscale Solar System." Mr. Burman also handed out to the Park Board a written report with details of his proposal. Mr. Burman pointed out that after doing the math he figured out that the best place to start would be with the sun at Concord Elementary. He noted that he has already • spoken with Rick Sansted, Principal at Concord Elementary, who was very excited about it and have already given him permission to do it. Mr. Burman commented that after talking to Mr. Sansted they are working this into their fourth grade curriculum. He indicated that he is here to talk about placing the planet Earth at Pamela Park, Mars at Rosland Park and Jupiter at Centennial Lakes. He noted that once they get to the outer planets they will leave the confines of Edina and move into Hopkins, Minnetonka and Orono. Mr. Burman informed the Park Board that he would like to put a metal plaque that symbolizes these planets at each site which will show the distance to scale from the sun. He added that each plaque will also list facts about the planets and will give information on what you would need to know in order to continue the search. Mr. Burman again stated that he is asking for the Park Board's permission to be able to place these plaques in the parks at the locations that meet the requirements. He pointed out that he is also requesting permission to include the sponsor's names on these plaques. He indicated that he has talked to Mr. Keprios about this and as long as the sponsor is a non-profit 501C3 organization it should work. He added that this will not be the Park Department's responsibility for upkeep. Mr. Burman stated that there will be a website for this with contact information for people who have questions. Mr. Burman pointed out that he is trying to get approval from all of the sites so that he can get the plaque designs finalized because he currently has a quote from a company that's a pretty good deal. He commented that he would like to get these plaques mounted by winter. Ms. Kenney asked Mr. Burman if he has approached the other school districts to which Mr. Burman replied that he has talked to all of the locations and is just waiting for their final approval. Mr. Lough indicated that he thinks this is a marvelous idea and asked Mr. Burman if he has had an independent physicist or mathematician check his calculations. Mr. Burman replied he has had people check his math as well as he put it into an excel spreadsheet and multiplied it by the right scale. Todd Fronek ENTERTAINED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF THE PARKS FOR THSE PLAQUES. Dan Peterson MOVED TO APPROVE. Bill Lough SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Closing Strachauer Park and Countryside Park Skating Parks — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that staff has been directed by the City Manager to come up with some cost saving measures on the expense side of the equation to help them get closer to a balanced budget for 2010. He noted that of the many recommendations they came up with one was to suggest savings by closing two of the outdoor hockey rinks. Mr. Keprios explained that after looking at the conditions of the rinks and usage of the rinks as well as other reasons outlined in the staff report they came to the conclusion that it made the most sense to close the rinks at Strachauer Park and Countryside Park. He commented that by closing these two sites it would save the city approximately $7,500. 2 Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios to go over a little bit more why he would not close Todd Park as well as what other expenses were looked at to be cut. In addition, he asked Mr. Keprios what other thought processes he went through to come up with these two rinks? Mr. Keprios replied that Todd Park was considered by staff and noted that it can be considered tonight. He stated that Todd Park may have some labor savings by not having to put it up and take it down each year. However, building wise it is one of the newer facilities as well as it is better located and has a new energy efficient lighting system. He indicated that it does have some pluses with the exception that it does not have very good parking. Mr. Keprios stated that he thinks at some point this decision becomes subjective. Mr. Sorem stated that he agrees they should keep the rink at Todd Park and they should close the rink at Countryside Park. However, with EHA having record numbers and especially the Mite program practicing outside, he would really hate to see a hockey rink close. Mr. Sorem asked Mr. Keprios if they ever thought about cutting out a day of flooding during the week. Mr. Keprios replied that is something they did consider but found that there are not any real true savings by not flooding or sweeping a rink during a weekday. He noted there are still warming house attendant costs and there are still labor costs that don't go away. Mr. Keprios pointed out where they could save dollars is if they didn't maintain the rinks on the weekend because they wouldn't need to pay the overtime. Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios to give them an idea of scheduling to which Mr. Keprios replied that what he has been told is that Strachauer Park has the least amount of scheduled use from the EHA. Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios if this is something they can delay or does he need a decision right now as far as what needs to be given to the City Council. Mr. Keprios responded that if the Park Board feels they need more information and more time to ponder this, then it can certainly wait until the October Park Board meeting. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he knows how sensitive it is when you close rinks and that the one thing they are not going to do is ask the public to come in and talk to the Park Board about this issue. He noted that the public's views can be heard during the City Council's process of the budget hearings. Mr. Keprios stated that he definitely wants the Park Board's input into the process of this particular cost savings proposal. Mr. Sorem suggested that possibly they could raise the user fee for the EHA participants from $9.00 to $25.00. Mr. Keprios replied that he has been told for the 2009-2010 outdoor skating season the EHA is not planning on using any outdoor ice for any games, just practices. Mr. Sorem commented that most of the young teams have a standing weekly scheduled practice for the entire season and noted that $9.00 is pretty cheap, it's a great deal. Mr. Peterson asked Mr. Keprios what is the season right now because you stated you would like to reduce it to eight weeks. Mr. Keprios replied that is another part of the • question which should give them a cost savings of $9,000 which would come from warming house attendants and overtime spent on weekends going into late February. Mr. Peterson asked is that a two week decrease to which Mr. Keprios that all depends on Mother Nature. Some years they are able to keep them open into March and other years they are done by the second week in February. Mr. Meyer indicated that it seems to him there are enough questions or at least concerns that maybe they need more information and should table this until the October Park Board meeting. Randy Meyer MOVED TO TABLE THIS UNTIL THE OCTOBER MEETING. Jeff Sorem SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board what other types of information they would like to have. Ms. Kenney stated that she likes Mr. Sorem's idea of raising the EHA fees for the season and asked if mathematically that would make any difference. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would be happy to talk to the EHA and see if they would be willing to come up with some money to keep these rinks open. He noted that whether it is in the form of a fee or just write a check he will approach it as a one-year or two-year proposal. Mr. Keprios stated that he will also come back with how many hours were scheduled practices and scheduled games in order to help make a decision. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Community Gardens Policy — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the City Council denied their recommendation to have a small garden at Chowen Park. He noted that the City Council also directed staff to come up with a community gardens policy to help them address this in the future. Mr. Keprios reminded the Park Board that at the last Park Board meeting his recommendation was to not have a community garden in the parks because open space is extremely precious in Edina. He pointed out that the Park Board last month felt they needed more information before making a decision and asked him to study it a bit more and to at least come up with some options to consider. Mr. Keprios indicated that he visited six different communities and all of the community gardens they offered which totaled ten. He pointed out that the City of Bloomington has one, Eden Prairie has two, Hopkins one, Minnetonka one, Richfield one and St. Louis Park four. Mr. Keprios explained that the most interesting thing he found is that two of the four gardens in St. Louis Park are not community gardens. At one of them the property was given to the neighborhood association by the City to maintain on their own at no fee. Therefore it's essentially those who live in the neighborhood that get first access to it and anything left over goes to the community, however, there has never been anything left over. He noted that basically the city provides nothing more than water and land. He added that of the ten community gardens he visited this one was the best maintained. Mr. Keprios commented that the other one that's been slated as a community garden is for an apartment complex and is not really open to the public. Apparently it was a deal that was made with the city a long time ago. He noted there really is no access to it other than for those who live in the apartments. 0 Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board if they were to put a community garden in Edina these are the three sites, in order, that he would recommend: Yorktown Park at the YMCA, Lake Edina Park and Pamela Park. He pointed out that the downside to Yorktown Park is that the earliest they would be able to do it would be 2011 because of the construction that is going on at the YMCA. Mr. Keprios explained that the Lake Edina area he is looking at is currently being mowed and maintained by the Park Department. However, it has very heavy peat soil and there is a lot of concrete in the ground that would have to be taken out. In addition, they would have to import some decent fertile soils to be appropriate for gardening. Mr. Keprios stated that lastly he would recommend putting in a 70' by 120' garden at Pamela Park that would be located in the south west corner of the parking lot. He noted that it would not disrupt the future plan to add that new athletic field that's under consideration. Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that it's going to cost approximately $16,000 to $20,000 to bring in water service for a community garden. He noted that other expenses would cost an additional $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of the community garden. Mr. Keprios stated that, in addition, they would need to compost and have mulch bins as well as portable restrooms if they were to use the Lake Edina site. Mr. Keprios also commented that if they have to pay for water that will cost approximately $1,200. He also noted that whatever it would cost for maintenance, equipment, labor and administrative expenses would be absorbed into the existing operating budget. Mr. Keprios commented that if they were to go forward with a community garden in Edina he thinks one of the policies they may want to consider is to allow community plots to residents only. He noted that he thinks it should be done in a manner that includes the comprehensive process that is open to all residents on a first come first serve basis. Mr. Keprios also indicated that he thinks the community gardens should be limited to park areas that are predetermined by the Park Board and City council. In addition, he noted that he feels the community gardens should not be made available for commercial use by private for profit organizations. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that there is $30,000 in the capital improvement plan to cover the costs and development for a community garden. Mr. Keprios commented that he did ask the Garden Council what their feeling is regarding a community garden. He explained that the Garden Council's recommendation is that the only planting be by private individuals or groups allowed in Edina's Park which beautify the park and have been approved and supervised by the City Horticulturist. This is a condensed version of their policy/recommendation. Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if he has come up with a recommendation as far as what kind of fees you would charge or how you would offset the costs incurred in implementing these gardens. Mr. Keprios replied that he chose not to further analyze and recommend that level of minutia or detail until the Park decides on the broader • policy issue of whether or not to have community gardens and where they should be located. He stated that if the Park Board wants to move forward with this then he will take it to the next level. 5 Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios in talking to the other communities it seems the fees are very minimal and asked if they are trying to offset the cost of water or are they just charging a fee so people have to pay something to use the space. Mr. Keprios replied all of the community gardens he visited appeared to be a subsidized recreation service. Mr. Lough asked Mr. Keprios if he understands correctly that monies are currently available to do this within the next year or two as part of the budget process. Mr. Keprios replied that the Park Board did ask that $30,000 be put into the capital improvement plan for 2010 specifically for community gardens. He noted that the City Council has not yet acted on it but have seen it and did not seem to have an issue with it. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board some of the problems these communities had with their community gardens were theft of vegetables, people not maintaining their site properly, vagrancy, not cleaning up at the end of the year and people planting in the wrong plots. Mr. Sorem commended Mr. Keprios for his presentation and stated that he had no idea that the surrounding communities had these. He noted there obviously is a desire for these in those communities. However, he keeps coming back to the question is this the right time to be doing this especially when we are cutting out other activities that are currently already in place. He stated that he doesn't doubt this could be something that could be done in the future but spending $30,000 to $40,000 for a subsidized recreational service he just questions if this is the right time. Diane Plunkett Latham, Past President of the Edina Garden Council, stated that she fully supports residents raising their own vegetables. She does not, however, support turning over scarce public property for residents use in growing vegetables. She pointed out that the typical Edina residential lot is 1/5 of an acre which affords more space than is achievable in any community garden or public property. Ms. Latham commented that most apartments, condominiums and townhomes have green space associated with them where they could easily provide their residents a community garden. Ms. Latham indicated that given the following three factors: it costs tens of thousands of dollars to set up a community garden; nearly all residents can easily have a site on their own property or their facilities property and lastly you can't really sustain urban agriculture unless many residents are growing their own vegetables as in the WWII Victory Gardens in their own yards. Ms. Latham stated that she opposes community gardening unless it is intended to beautify our parks and is approved and supervised by the City of Edina's horticulturist. Mr. Peterson asked Mr. Keprios if anyone has ever thought about putting a garden on top of a building such as City Hall or the fire station. Mr. Keprios replied that is something he actually suggested when they were in the design process of the City Hall. He explained they are a lot more popular now than they were five years ago. He commented that if the City were to embark on some other new construction it might be considered. Mr. Keprios pointed out that with the load and weight limits on 31 the existing infrastructure it would be very expensive to retrofit and change the roof, it would be cheaper to do it in the ground somewhere. Mr. Lough asked Mr. Keprios if it would be possible to adjust the wording on the policy that is being proposed and have it state ".. The City of Edina will CONSIDER offering community gardens". He commented that way they are not offering them right now but would consider offering them but not necessarily specify the circumstances under which that consideration would take place. Mr. Keprios stated to Mr. Lough that if you were to pose that to him as a question to staff his response would be you either have a community garden or you do not. By making a policy we will "consider it" is a non -decision in his view. Mr. Keprios stated that if the Park Board feels they need more information or community input or whatever process you would like he would be happy to do that. Rob Presthus MOVED TO GO WITH MR. KEPRIOS INITIAL RECOMMENDATION NOT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE COMMUNITY GARDENS. Mr. Peterson indicated that we are a community that's aging and a lot of people are moving into apartments, condominiums, and townhomes and with there being a big interest for fresh vegetables and flowers he is intrigued with the YMCA site. He stated that he would like to see a community garden at that site starting in 2011 and see what the appetite is for our fellow citizens. Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if this is something they need to decide at this point regarding the Yorktown Park site. Mr. Keprios replied that 2011 is the earliest the site would be available assuming that the YMCA has their fundraising campaign complete in time to begin construction next year. He stated that if the Park Board does not feel comfortable making a decision tonight you don't have to, but he would encourage the Park Board to make a decision sooner rather than later because the City Council may have a different view if they want to serve residents that may be requesting this and they may decide to take a different approach. Mr. Fronek commented that there is a motion on the table to not pursue community gardens. Mr. Lough state how about "not pursue community gardens at this time" because he doesn't agree with the idea that this is a non -decision. He noted that he understands this is not an ordinance but if we are going to verbally say we don't agree with it we don't want to pursue it and we are not likely to consider it in the future and he is not comfortable with it. However, if you add the phraseology "at this time" he will vote for it. Rob Presthus AGREED TO AMEND HIS MOTION TO NOT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE COMMUNITY GARDENS AT THIS TIME. Jennifer Kenney SECONDED THE MOTION. IN FAVOR: Rob Presthus, Randy Meyer, Bill Lough, Jennifer Kenney, Jeff Sorem, Ben Pobuda, Todd Fronek NOT IN FAVOR: Dan Peterson 7 IV. UPDATES FROM STAFF — A. Aquatic Center - Mr. Sorem asked Mr. MacHolda to comment on the pool and asked if revenues were down somewhat. Mr. MacHolda replied that it was a down year not only for the Edina pool but for the neighboring pools as well. He commented that it was nice summer weather, unfortunately, it wasn't pool weather. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:22 PM. Krieg Grant Note to Edina readers, this (expanded version of a) pre -proposal for a Krieg grant has been selected as of interest by the Minnehaha Watershed District. A final proposal is due to them on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 and so we seek your approval for the project by October 6 (in order to have time to prepare the rest of the full proposal). Applicant: Edina Energy and Environment Commission City Hall 4801 W. 50t' St. Edina, MN 55424 *You must be a state registered association or group. You will need to submit proof of state registration with your full proposal. Grants are not available to individual watershed property owners. Contact: Jeannie Hanson, Commissioner H: (952) 920-8819, C: (952) 913-1245 jeannie.hanson@gmail.com Grant Type: Innovation Name: Algae and Duckweed -to -Oil Demonstration. Note to Edina readers: the location has to be within the Minnehaha Watershed District. It cannot be on running water or water with any real turbulence (not enough algae and duckweed would be present), and its focus is algae, duckweed, and any other biomass now in the lake (primarily dead leaves and dead, floating weeds). A grant structure for small grants like this one is indeed in place at the Minnehaha Watershed District. Summary: Transforming ordinary algae and related biomass into oil, though not yet an economically viable industry, works: algae is 30-40% oil in composition (with duckweed, leaves, and weeds somewhat less so); the supply is suitably immense; the technology is improving all the time; and this technology's goal includes carbon neutrality. We can be part of this green -and -blue frontier—and get rid of some Lake Pamela gunk in the process. Along with several start-up companies elsewhere, the U. of M. lab of Dr. Roger Ruan has been featured in the New York Times as in the forefront of this research. According to one of his post -docs, we could place a continuously -moving pump, bin, and a filter, and (we hope) a small mechanical scraper and solar heat collector behind attractive wood fencing and start pulling in the algae, duckweed, and more—probably at the rate of 10 gallons of algae -water slurry per minute. Student and adult groups, once they hear about the significance of this sustainable fuel, will be asked to check the facility about once a week from mid-May to mid-September and transport the biomass (now just water -evaporated to damp), to Dr. Ruan's lab (probably every 4 weeks). There, it would be fed into his 1000 liter photobioreactor, and he'll use these convenient Edina leftovers to test the oil content of this particular blend of biomass (there are many). The university is in the process of patenting and licensing Ruan's larger photobioreactor, now at work at The Metropolitan Sewage Plant; there, they use a slurry that's about 10% solids, and they're getting about one liter of biofuel every minute. The technology also looks promising for use in cattle feed -lots in rural Minnesota. Unlike corn ethanol, the raw material here is not based on a foodstuff, and it is also less bulky to transport and process. Our algae and duckweed -to -oil innovation/system can be launched next spring at an educational event which should be able to attract some media attention and perhaps a visit from Senator Franken or Klobuchar if in town. Later, a progress report in the Edina Sun and a tour of the Ruan lab can be included as educational components. Note to Edina readers: After visiting two areas of Pamela Park and one at Todd Park with me, the U. of M. scientist highly recommends the southwest area of Pamela Park, off the 62nd Street parking lot, where the main gravel path and then the broad grassy path (with some gravel down the middle) end at the lake and its connection with the creek channel. Tucked in here, the small equipment area will be invisible from any "nearby" home or user at the park. It will need to use some electricity from the nearest floodlight pole (about 100 yds. away). The algae and duckweed -to -oil equipment, totally enclosed in attractive wooden fencing and not visible above the fence line, will include a large bin slightly underwater (and adjacent to the land), a pump, and a filter, with additional equipment possibly to include a mechanical scraper to collect the biomass from the filter and a solar panel to dry the biomass more quickly; inclusion of these last two devices depends upon receiving enough funding. Around the fencing will be planted a few tamarack trees with an area left visible for student groups to paint biofuel illustrations and explanations right on the fencing (if they've won the competition to do so). Will we get a jar of fuel every week to pop right into the gas tank of a city vehicle? No. Will this innovative project push water quality and sustainable energy ahead? Yes. In fact, we'll test the unwanted biomass content of the lake area both before and after. During the course of the mid-May to mid-September demonstration project, all of the surface biomass will be removed at least once. Location: We could not email it but have included the map in the version being sent to you by regular mail—the site is in the extreme southeast area of Lake Pamela. Parcel ID: 1902824440026,1902824440027,1902824440028,1902824440029,1902824440036 Partners: City of Edina Park and Recreation Department, as we hope. Also, definitely, groups such as the Conservation League of Edina (Jon Moon), Project Earth at Edina High School (Hailey Lee), Friends of Edina Nature Center (Jeannie Hanson), and other groups will help to check the facility and transport the damp biomass to the University. Funding: $10,000. Elements, some priced so far, include: • Pump, horsepower, $200 (noise level similar to one average car). • Filters, $200. • Bin, 2000 liter capacity, $ . Does the city have one? • Wooden fencing, $ • Trees to surround the site, $400. • Digging the bin to recess it and digging a trench to run the electricity out to the equipment, $ • Mechanical scraper, $ • Solar drying panel, $ • Lake Pamela water testing, pre and post, $ • Professional services of the University of Minnesota research group and contribution to their facilities budget, $2500. • Paint for decoration by students and lamination of their text, both on the fence, $30 (cheap, from the county Haz Mat facility in Bloomington). • Electricity budget, 4 months, $ Other: The Pamela Park site is also where Conservation League of Edina has done several years of water -quality testing of the lake including some of this under an earlier Krieg grant. Though we cannot know how much algae and duckweed (and other biomass) will be clogging the lake from mid-May to mid-September of 2010, we have done a rough estimate of the biomass on September 20 and 21 (before any frost events) and come up with . Over the period of to , all of this would be removed from the lake by our system. (Of course, if nothing changes, it would reappear the next summer.) Signature: Pre -Proposal: Krieg Grant Note to Edina readers, this pre -proposal has been selected as of interest by the Minnehaha Watershed District. A final proposal is due to them on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 and so we seek your approval for the project by October 6 (in order to have time to prepare the rest of the full proposal). Applicant: Edina Energy and Environment Commission City Hall 4801 W. 50" St. Edina, MN 55424 *You must be a state registered association or group. You will need to submit proof of state registration with your full proposal. Grants are not available to individual watershed property owners. Contact: Jeannie Hanson, Commissioner H: (952) 920-8819, C: (952) 913-1245 jeannie.hanson@gmail.com Grant Type: Innovation Name: Algae -to -Oil Demonstration. Note to Edina readers: the location has to be within the Minnehaha Watershed District. It cannot be on running water or water with any real turbulence (not enough algae), and its focus is algae, not duckweed, since that is the focus of our research lab contact at the University of Minnesota. A grant structure for small grants like this one is in place at the Minnehaha Watershed District. Summary: Transforming ordinary algae into oil, though not yet an economically viable industry, works: the oil yield averages about 8% of the algae's dry weight; the supply is suitably immense; the technology is improving all the time; and this technology's goal includes carbon neutrality. We can be part of this green -and -blue frontier—and get rid of some of the Lake Pamela algae in the process. Along with several start-up companies elsewhere, the U. of M. lab of Dr. Roger Ruan has been featured in the New York Times as in the forefront of algae -to -oil research. According to one of his post -docs, we could place a continuously -moving pump, two bins, and a jar of their polymer in a lockable shed and start pulling in the algae—probably at the rate of 10 gallons of algae -water slurry per minute. Student and adult groups, once taught the significance of sustainable fuels, will be asked to transport the algae, now just water -evaporated to damp, to Dr. Ruan's lab (probably every 2-4 weeks). There, it would be fed into his 1000 liter photobioreactor, and he'll use these convenient Edina leftovers to test the oil content of this particular blend of algae (there are many). The university is in the process of patenting and licensing Ruan's larger photobioreactor, now at work at The Metropolitan Sewage Plant; there, they use a slurry that's about 10% solids, and they're getting about one liter of biodiesel fuel every minute. The technology also looks promising for use in cattle feed -lots. Our algae -to -oil innovation/system can be launched next spring at an educational event which should be able to attract some media attention and perhaps a visit from Senator Franken or Klobuchar if in town. Later, a progress report in the Edina Sun and a tour of the Ruan lab can be included as educational components. Note to Edina readers: The small pumping shed will be placed in a position that straddles water and land, probably in the underbrush at the southeast edge of Lake Pamela or at a site a bit more to the north on the lake, the latter at about 50-60 yards from the nearest light pole (for electricity); in this position, the structure cannot be seen from 4qy home or ballfield and even disturb any brush. Also selected is a back-up site in Todd Park's extreme northeast corner (in the woods and along a fetid channel of the creek/lake); here, it would be visible from a very few of the Brookside apartments, but not from anywhere in Todd Park itself, this second site will become the focus if the algae supply is more ample there, as determined in a few days by the U. of M. scientists. The project will run from mid-May through mid-September but could re -open here or elsewhere next algae season, also known as summer. I'm now pricing the sturdy sheds (installation included, probably about $1500) and will add to this budget several tamarack or yew trees to surround the small structure, as well as a few dollars for leftover paint from the county Haz Mat facility in Bloomington so that a school class can create murals and some explanatory text on the exterior of the shed. A small amount plumber money will be included in case something breaks. Cost of trees, paint, and plumber services will add up to about $600. Will we get ajar of fuel every week to pop right into the gas tank of a city vehicle? No. Will this innovative project push water quality and sustainable energy ahead? Yes. In fact, we'll test the algae content of the lake area both before and after. Location: We could not email it but have included the map in the version being sent to you by regular mail—the site is in the extreme southeast area of Lake Pamela. Parcel ID: 1902824440026,1902824440027,1902824440028,1902824440029,1902824440036 Partners: City of Edina Park and Recreation Department. Also groups such as the Conservation League of Edina (Jon Moon), Project Earth at Edina High School (Hailey Lee), Friends of Edina Nature Center (Jeannie Hanson), and other groups will help to check the facility and transport the algae regularly. Funding: $8,000-$10,000 for shed, bins, pump, polymer, professional expertise of the post-doc (to choose, order, and set up all of the above), platform, and electric generating of some kind (the park has lighting). Other: The Pamela Park site is also where Conservation League of Edina has done water -quality testing of the lake including under an earlier Krieg grant. Signature: Date: September 3, 2009 (you do not need to provide a signature on the electronic submittal) PROPOSED 2010 PARK AND RECREATION FEES BE IT RESOLVED that the Edina City Council does hereby approve and set the folio v 'Zdys Fq`Ana and Recreation Fees. ADULT ATHLETIC FEES PARK AND RECREATION BASKETBALL Playground 2009 $30.00 2010 $35.00 Adult Tennis Instruction $48.00 $50.00 Youth Tennis Instruction $48.00 $50.00 Pee Wee Tennis $34.00 $36.00 Team Tennis $90.00 $92.00 Tennis Cam $97.00 $99.00 Fab 4 & 5 $75.00 $77.00 Nature Cam $65.00 $67.00 Safety Camp $25.00 $32.00 Super 6 & 7 $47.00 $50.00 Cheerleading Cam $48.00 $50.00 Fishing Clinic $8.00 $10.00 Sk hawks (Mini Hawks, Mighty Hawks, Basketball Camp) $99.00 $101.00 Creepers, Critters, Crawlers $55.00 $57.00 Challengers $90.00 $92.00 Travelin' Teens $90.00 $92.00 Sweetheart Dance $45.00/Couple $47.00/Couple Family Open Gym $3.00 $3.00 Winter Break Cam $45.00 $47.00 Playground Plus $15.00 $17.00 ADULT ATHLETIC FEES SUMMER SOFTBALL BASKETBALL 2009 2010 Co-Rec & Mens $435.00 $440.00 Classic League 2009 2010 5 -Man C League $500.00 $500.00 Mens 35 & Over $400.00 $405.00 5 -Man B League $500.00 $500.00 Non -Resident Fee Individual $26.00 $26.00 HOCKEY Non -Resident Fee (Team) $160.00 $160.00 4 -Man League $250.00 $250.00 Volleyball BROOMBALL Officiated Leagues $340.00 $345.00 Co-Rec League $300.00 $300.00 Non -Resident (Individual) $10.00 $10.00 CO-REC KICKBALL CO-REC KICKBALL $125.00 1 $125.00 City Hall 4801 WEST 50TH STREET EDINA, MINNESOTA, 55424-1394 Park and RecreatYn Department www.cityofedina.com 952-826-0367 FAX 952-826-0385 TTY 952-826-0379 Early Bird Special if purchased no later than April 30, 2010. Prices DO NOT include tax. AQUATIC CENTER 2009 2010 Hourly Rate (as of 9/10) Season Tickets $185.00 Resident Family: First 2 members "$85.00/$95.00 `$85.00/$95.00 Each additional member $45.00 $45.00 Maximum 8 members $365.00 $365.00 Resident Individual `45.00/$50.00 "45.00/$50.00 Non -Resident Family: $5.00 $10.00 First 2 members `$100.00/$110.00 "$100.00/$110.00 Each addition al member $50.00 $50.00 Maximum 8 members) $410.00 $410.00 Non -Resident Individual $55.00/$60.00 $55.00/$60.00 Each additional member Dail Admissions $5.00 Dail Admission (resident & non-resident) $10.00 $10.00 Admission after 6 pm $8.00 $8.00 Aquatic Instruction $110.00 Aquatic Instruction I Contracted Contracted Early Bird Special if purchased no later than April 30, 2010. Prices DO NOT include tax. ARENA 2009 2010 Hourly Rate (as of 9/10) $175.00 $185.00 Open skating Youth and Adult $4.00 $4.00 Skate Rental $2.00 $2.00 Skate Sharpening $4.00 $4.00 Resident Family: First 2 members Season TicketsAset first week of September) $105.00 $110.00 Each additional member $5.00 $10.00 Maximum (7 persons) $130.00 $160.00 Resident Individual _ Non -Resident Family: First 2 members $95.00 $100.00 $120.00 $125.00 Each additional member $5.00 $10.00 Maximum (7 persons) $145.00 $175.00 Non -Resident Individual $105.00 $110.00 Classes Classes 1 $110.00 $118.00 BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE 2009 2010 Green Fees 18 hole - non -patron $37.00 $37.00 18 hole - patron $29.00 $29.00 9 hole - non -patron $19.00 $19.00 9 hole - patron $15.00 $15.00 Masters Senior (Patrons age 75 and over) $24.00 $24.00 College Age Rate $25.00 $25.00 Junior 18 Hole Rate $18.00 $18.00 Junior 9 Hole Rate $10.00 $10.00 GROUP FEES - 18 holes GROUP FEES- 9 holes $49.00 $20.00 $46.00 $22.00 Patron CardsBefore April 1' Individual $65.00 $70.00 Non -Resident Parton Card $110.00 $110.00 Executive Course $25.00 $25.00 College Age Rate ID Card $5.00 Eliminate Patron Cards (After March 31) Individual $70.00 E $75.00 Executive Course $25.00 $25.00 Computerized Handicaps Resident $23.00 $23.00 Non -Resident $28.00 $28.00 Lockers Men's 72 inch $40.00 $40.00 Men's 42 inch $30.00 $30.00 Ladies 72 inch $20.00 $20.00 Club Storage $50.00 $50.00 Club Rental $8.50 $8.50 Pull Carts $3.00 $3.00 Push Carts - 9 Hole $3.00 $3.00 Push Carts - 18 Hole $5.00 $5.00 Golf Cars 18 holes $29.00 $30.00 9 holes $17.00 $18.00 18 holes/person with disability/s I rider $16.00 $16.00 Group Car Fees $36.00 1 $36.00 Group Golf Lessons Adult $99.00 $99.00 Junior $46.00 $46.00 Braemar Room Resident - wedding related $900.00 $900.00 Non-residents - wedding related $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Other events $350.00/$1,000.00 $350.00/$1,000.00 • BRAEMAR EXECUTIVE COURSE Large Bucket 2009 Green Fees 2010 Adult non -patron $13.50 $14.00 Adult patron $10.50 $11.00 Junior - non -patron $9.50 $9.50 Junior - patron $7.50 NA Junior - 10 Round Card $70.00 $70.00 Golf Cars (everyone) $14.00 $14.00 Pull Carts Group Fees $2.50 $16.00 $2.50 $16.00 Group Fees Driving Ran e $16.00 Large Bucket $7.50 $7.50 Small Bucket $5.00 $5.00 Warm -Up Bucket $2.75 $3.00 • FRED RICHARDS GOLF COURSE Large Bucket Green Fees $7.50 Adult - non patron $13.50 $14.00 Adult - patron $10.50 $11.00 Junior - non -patron $9.50 $9.50 Junior - patron _ $7.50 NA Junior - 10 Round Card $70.00 $70.00 Golf Cars (everyone) $14.00 $14.00 Pull Carts $2.50 $2.50 Group Fees $16.00 $16.00 • GOLF DOME Large Bucket $7.50 $7.50 Senior Bucket $7.00 $7.00 Time Golf % hour $10.50 $10.50 Hourly Field Rental $130.00 $130.00 • EDINBOROUGH PARK "PLAYPARK" 2009 Playpark Daily Admission Resident $6.00 Non-resident _ $6.00 Children Under 12 Months FREE EDINBOROUGH PARK Adults Free w/ paid child Free w/ aid child 2009 2010 "Pool & Track" Daily Passes Pool & Track Daily Passes $6.00 residents & $6.00 residents & non-residents non-residents "Pool & Track" Season Passes Edina Individual $260.00 $260.00 Each Additional Member $90.00 $90.00 Non -Edina Individual _ $290.00 $290.00 Each Additional Member $100.00 $100.00 Locker Rental $0.25 $0.25 $65.00 BirthdayPart Packa es/2 Hours Non -Resident Season Pass Adventure Package $120.00 $125.00 Peak Package _ $75-00 $75.00 Each Additional Member BUILDING RENTALS _ Exclusive Rental Non -Exclusive Rentals/Hr 2009 2010 2009 2010 Friday Evening $2,000.00 NA Great Hall $350.00 $350.00 Saturday Evening $2,000.00 NA Theater $250.00 $250.00 Prom $2,700.00 NAGrotto $200.00 $200.00 _ Adventure Peak $300.00_ $300.00 Pool (swim team only) $30.00 $30.00 Commercial Photo Shoot (Hourly) Domestic Photo Shoot (Hourly) Any Park Area $250.00 $250.00 Any Park Area $200.00 $200.00 Blocked Off Blocked Off - Grotto $250.00 $250.00 Grotto $200.00 $200.00 $250.00 $250.00 Theatre $200.00 $200.00 _Theatre Great Hall $350.00 $350.00 Great Hall $350.00 $350.00 EDINBOROUGH PARK "PLAYPARK" 2009 Playpark Daily Admission Resident $6.00 Non-resident _ $6.00 Children Under 12 Months FREE 2010 $6.00 $6.00 FREE Adults Free w/ paid child Free w/ aid child Edinborou h Association Members Daily Pass $6.00 1 $6.00 Playpark Punch Pass - 10 Uses Resident $50.00 $50.00 Non-resident $50.00 $50.00 Resident Season Pass First Member $85.00 $85.00 Each Additional Member $65.00 $65.00 Non -Resident Season Pass First Member$1$910.00 $110.00 Each Additional Member 0.00 $90.00 Total Facility Daily Admission Resident Non-resident $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 rK:AITPAIAIIAI I AKF� II 2009 2010 Weekend Rental — 6:00 pm - Midni ht 2009 2010 Rental Concession Items 4 Paddle Boats 4 person boat % hr $7.00 $7.00 Friday evening $995.00 rday evening $995.00 $995.00 $995.00 Winter sled per hr $7.00 $7.00 Ice Skate $5.00 $5.00 Buildina Rentals Champion Puttin '/2 da — Salon M-TH $225.00 $225.00 9 hole $5.00 $5.00 Sunday— %2 day Salon 1 $350.00 Amphitheater Rental $350.00 18 hole $8.00 $8.00 Lawn Games Amphitheater Rental $250.00 $250.00 Per Court $15.00/hr $15.00/hr Commerical Photo Shoot $50.00/hr $50.00/hr PARK DEPARTMENT RENTALS 2009 2010 2009 7 2010 General Park Areas Athletic Fields - Residents Only Resident Use/hour $46.00 $48.00 Per field - per day I $135.00 $137.00 Resident Use/day $135.00 $137.00 Per field - per hour $46.00 $48.00 - Commercial Use (i.e. TV)/hr $73.00 $75.00 Per field - per hour $73.00 $75.00 w/li hts Commercial use with $125.00 $130.00 light/hr Edina Athletic Associations Field user fee/participant $9.00 $9.00 Showmobile/day $700.00 $700.00 Gymnasium user $9.00 $9.00 Van Valkenburg/Courtney Fields Residents Only) fee/participant Per field/day includes $160.00 l $160.00 Outdoor hockey rink user $9.00 $9.00 building fee/participant Rosland Park Pathway Utley Park Fire Ring Rental Per Hour $55.00 $55.00 Fire Ring - per day $26.00 $26.00 Per Day $210.00 $210.00 1 Arneson Acres Park/Terrace Room Only Arneson Acres Park/Terrace Room Only Residents Non -Residents _ - Per hour, first hour -- -- $52.00 --- _ ----- $65.00 - _ - Per hour, first hour NA $78.00 Each additional hour up to $36.00 $40.00 Each additional hour up NA $48.00 3 hours to 3 hours Per day (4 hours or more) $160.00 $185.00 Per day (4 hours or NA $222.00 more) Only Arneson Acres Park/Gazebo Only Arneson Acres Park/Gazebo Residents Non -Residents '/ day (6 hrs or less) $52.00 $65.00 '/2 day (6 hrs or less) NA $78.00 Full day (over 6 hours) $90.00 $100.00 Full day (over 6 hours) NA $120.00 Arneson Acres Park/Terrace Room & Gazebo: Arneson Acres Park/Terrace Room & Gazebo: Residents Non -Residents Per day (4 hours or more) $180.00 $200.00 1 Per day (4 hours or more) hour, first hour NA NA $240.00 $120.00 Per hour, first hour $67.00 $100.00 Each add'I hour up to 3 hrs $36.00 $40.00 jPer Each add'I hour up to 3 NA $48.00 hours Picnic Shelter Rentals (full day) Picnic Shelter Rentals half-d� Chowen Park $26.00 $26.00 Chowen Park $41.00 $42.00 Sherwood Park $41.00 $42.00 Sherwood Park $26.00 $26.00 Wooddale Park $41.00 $42.00 Wooddale Park $26.00 $26.00 Rosland Park $145.00 $150.00 Braemar Park $41.00 $42.00 Park Shelter Buildings Rentals (full daf Park Shelter Buildin s Rentals (half-day) Cornelia School Park $100.00 $100.00 Cornelia School Park $65.00 $65.00 Todd Park $100.00 $100.00 Todd Park $65.00 $65.00 Walnut Ridge Park $100.00 $100.00 Walnut Ridge Park $65.00 $65.00 Weber Park $100.00 $100.00 Weber Park $65.00 $65.00 0 • EDINA SENIOR CENTER 2009 2010 Fees Golf League Membership Richards Golf Course $10.00 $10.00 55+ Softball League Membership Van Valkenbur $35.00 $35.00 League Membership $10.00 $10.00 -Bowling Edina Senior Center Membership $17.00/$27.00 $17.00/$27.00 Greeting Cards $1.00 $1.50 & Tours $2.50 $2.50 -Trips Defensive Driving $21.00 4 hr. class NA $22.00 4 hr. class NA Elder Learning Institute Classes $18.00 $18.00 Card Tournaments $1.00/person $1.00/person Social Card Groups $.25 per person per day $.25 per person per day Podiatrist $1.00/Patient $2.00/Patient Community Education $2.00/person per class per day $2.00/person per class per da Room Rental Fireside Room & Classrooms per hour - minimum 2 hours $40.00 $42.90 Fireside Room & Classrooms per day $140.00 $150.20 Gathering/GRANDVIEW Room per hour - minimum 2 hrs. $50.00 $53.60 Gathering/GRANDVIEW Room per day $190.00 $203.80 Wall Art Display Rental 15% of Sale 15% of sale Equipment Rental Television/VCR/DVD $10.00 $10.70 Overhead Projector $5.00 $5.40 Portable Screen $5.00 $5.40 • 4801 West 70`" Street Edina, MN 55435 September 13, 2009 Mr. John Keprios, Director Parks and Recreation, City of Edina 4801 West 50`h Street Edina, MN 55424 Dear Mr. Keprios: Living adjacent to Arneson Acres Park, I have a special interest in seeing that the park is kept safe and well maintained. Three issues urgently require your attention: inadequate rental charges for the use of this and other park facilities (especially by non-residents), violation of the rules regarding liquor consumption.and smoking at rental events in the park proper, and unsupervised juveniles causing property damage, especially to the fountain. • The City is not charging enough for the use of the park. I belong to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/gardenceremony.aspx). I have attached their price list for comparable rentals. Edina cannot possibly be recouping the cost of cleanup and maintenance incurred by most events. In addition, many residents are beginning to resent that people who do not reside in the community can commandeer this and other Edina park sites on a regular basis for their own use to the exclusion of Edina taxpayers. • I regularly hike around the area for exercise and pass through Arneson Acres on the way home. In the past month, I have observed at least three events (the most recent on Friday, September 11), at which there has been open consumption of alcohol and smoking in the park and gazebo, and in the case of one wedding a week ago, a tent was erected that did not conform to rules for such structures. This creates significant legal exposure for the city. There is no supervision of access to alcohol by minors. With the traffic on 70`h Street, and in a school zone no less, fostering driving after alcohol consumption creates additional hazards for area children. • In addition to the damage to the fountain done by unsupervised adolescents in August (which I reported to the police), the park is often a "hangout magnet." Last Sunday, for example, as I was coming home, I noticed some juveniles pitching suds around the fountain. They had put some type of detergent in the fountain as a prank. The police should make a swing through the parks a part of their daily routes, in additional to monitoring speeding all along the street, especially since the parking lots of both Arneson Acres and the swimming pool seem to be favorite break hangouts for patrols. I look forward to your response regarding these matters. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require more information. Attachments: (1) Sincerely,// -,4w� Anne Marie Plante • September 17, 2009 Anne Marie Plante 4801 West 701h Street Edina, MN 55435 Dear Ms. Plante: City of Edina Thank you for your letter of September 13, 2009 regarding concerns about Arneson Acres Park. And thank you also for the fees and charges data from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Regarding your concern about "inadequate rental charges for the use of this and other park facilities (especially by non-residents)," as I mentioned in our meeting last week, it is my intent to initiate a non-resident rental fee that is significantly higher that the resident fee. In addition, it is also my intent to raise all of the rental fees of all facilities at Arneson Acres Park. My staff tells me that there has never been a case when a resident was unable to rent a facility at Arneson Acres Park because it was already rented by a non-resident. You also expressed concerns about smoking, liquor consumption and "unsupervised juveniles causing property damage, especially to the fountain." As you know, these will be ongoing and difficult challenges (smoking, alcohol and vandalism) we face in all of Edina's 40 parks. As for Arneson Acres Park, we do submit copies of all permitted reservations to the Edina Police Department so they are aware of all rentals. I have forwarded a copy of your letter and this one to our Chief of Police Mike Siitari for his review. The Edina Police Department and I would greatly appreciate it if when you witness these violations (as you stated in your letter) to please contact the Edina Police Department immediately. Feel free to contact me with any further comments or questions. R tfully, C b7 ohn Kepri iD rector Edina Park and Recreation Department Cc: Mike Siitari, Chief of Police Vince Cockriel, Superintendent of Park Maintenance City Hall 4801 WEST 50TH STREET EDINA, MINNESOTA, 55424-1394 Park and Recreation Department www.cityofedina.com 952-826-0367 FAX 952-826-0385 TTY 952-826-0379 Arneson Acres rentals from January 1, 2009 to September 17, 2009 Room Only Residents 71 times $ 6,426 Non -Residents 23 times $ 3,626 Gazebo Only Residents 7 times $ 364 Non -Residents 3 times $ 156 Room and Gazebo Residents 9 times $ 1,620 Non -Residents 14 times $ 2,384 • Edina Community Education Services Board Meeting Dates 2009-10 • CESB In-service- August 26`h 7:30-10:30 a.m. • Thursday, September 10, 2009 • Thursday, October 8 • Wed, Thurs, Fri, Oct. 28-30 MCEA Conference at St. Paul River Center • Thursday, November 12 • Thursday, December 10 • Thursday, January 14, 2010 • • Thursday, February 1 1 • Thursday, March 11 • Thursday, April 8 • Thursday, May 13 Thursday, June 10 NOTE: All meetings will be held from 7:30-9:00 a.m. in room 165 of the Edina Community Center. Any changes in locations will be sent out prior to the meeting. 5-13-09 DESPITE PLEAS, BURNSVILLE TO CLOSE 13 OUTDOOR RINKS DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune Terry Schultz, Burnsville's director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, had the unenviable task on Monday of looking into the eyes of 11 -year-old Emily Grace Swanson and her 7 -year-old brother Joshua and telling them no. The Swansons joined their parents, Marci and David, at a meeting of the Burnsville Parks and Natural Resources Commission in hopes of convincing the city not to close the outdoor skating rink in Valley Highlands Park, which is across the street from their house. With Schultz saying the city needs to "live within its means" the commission voted to accept his staffs recommendation to close 13 of the city's 42 outdoor rinks because of the budget crisis. No hockey rinks would be closed; the 13 proposed closures include 12 unstaffed rinks and one staffed rink. The recommendation next goes to the City Council for official approval. The city is making cuts due to a $3.5 million shortfall. The parks department has already cut one maintenance position and will be moving two staff members to street plowing. Schultz estimated the city will save $3,500 for each of the 12 unstaffed rinks scheduled to be closed. Closing the two staffed rinks in Tennisioux Park will save $7,400, plus eliminating the need to replace a warming house at a cost of $22,000. While understanding the city's needs to cut costs, the Swansons said they're sorry to see a valuable asset going away. Emily Grace asked her parents what she could do. The Swansons called City Hall and were told if they got enough signatures it could sway the decision. "They were told to see if they could get 25-30 people to sign," Marci Swanson said of her kids. "They went around the neighborhood for about a week and got 65 signatures." Sue Kittams spoke at Monday's meeting representing the residents living near Tennisioux Park, who want to see their rink stay open. Kittams said approximately 25 people from the area contacted the city through calls, letters or e-mails, asking that the rink remain open. "It's very disappointing after two months of getting people to show its support for it," Kittams said. "I thought we had enough support." Kittams has lived a block away from the park for 13 years and said she has seen how valuable the rink has been to the neighborhood. "[Burnsville] has an indoor rink but the open skating time is such a narrow window of opportunity you can't take advantage of it." Schultz said even with the reduction in the number of rinks, Burnsville will operate the same number of outdoor rinks as neighboring Eagan. "We've been blessed with a very good outdoor skating program," Schultz said. "The bottom line is we still will have a good outdoor skating program." Kittams is not consoled by knowing Burnsville will still have a representative number of outdoor rinks available to residents. "I see other projects in this city where, apparently, they have buckets of money to be funding them," she said. "So I don't see why our little neighborhood rink is going to bust the budget." Kittams said she was referring specifically to the Performing Arts Center, which is struggling financially. "My tax dollars should be going to fund something everybody can use," Kittams said. "I think the PAC is very exclusionary." Dean Spiros • 952-882-9283 Garden Ceremony UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Y 1,' iYe Y Page 1 of 2 One Stop I Directories I Search U of M Home About Us Visit Gardens/Collections Research Learn Library Join Give Volunteer Gift Store Weddings/Facility Rental Travel HOME : WEDDINGS/FACILITY RENTAL. MEETINGS AND EVENTS: WEDDINGS: GARDEN CEREMONY A Garden Ceremony Eight exquisite garden settings are available for wedding ceremonies from early May to mid-October. Choose from the popular Palma J. Wilson Rose Garden with hundreds of hybrid roses, clematis vines, and a gazebo, to the intimate setting of the Seisui-Tei Japanese Garden, complete with a small, traditional -styled teahouse and waterfall. Or, say "I Do" in the Sarah Stevens MacMillan Terrace Garden beneath a beautiful iron gazebo illuminated by miniature white lights and embraced by the serene winter white landscape. All have magnificent views and breath -taking seasonal displays. Nelson Shrub Rose Garden (250 Guests) Take your ceremonial walk down a path of majestic white firs to the Nelson Shrub Rose Garden featuring hundreds of colorful, continuous -bloom rose bushes. The garden is arranged in a circular pattern around the granite tiles of an exquisite reflecting pool. Up to 200 guests may be seated in the spacious lawn area between the rose beds and pool. The garden is flanked by a native sugar maple woodland. Arrangements can be made to bring in chairs one hour prior to your wedding, and picked up one hour following the wedding. Garden is located off of Three Mile Drive. Rental includes transportation to and from site from main parking lot. Rental rates are $1000 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $900 for Sunday - Thursday evenings. Clotilde Irvine Sensory Garden (200 Guests) The Sensory Garden is composed of model displays of beautiful container plantings, miniature rock garden and bird and butterfly garden engages the senses and refreshes the spirit. In the center of this garden there is a spacious lawn area where up to 200 chairs can be arranged. Arrangements can be made to bring in chairs one hour prior to your wedding, and picked up one hour following the wedding. Rental rates are $950 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $850 for Sunday -Thursday evenings. Palma J. Wilson Rose Garden (150 Guests) This beautiful garden features hundreds of hybrid garden roses attractively displayed on a hillside in beds connected by stone walkways and steps. The garden, screened by wooden trellises of climbing clematis vines, features a small pool with fountains and gazebo with inside seating. The magnificence of the rose garden makes it a popular site for summer weddings. It has a capacity for 150 standing guests (or 17 guests may be seated on benches). Rental rates are $900 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $800 for Sunday -Thursday evenings. Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden (150 Guests) This spacious oblong garden is modeled after traditional European formal gardens. Flowerbeds are positioned around the perimeter and set off against a background of brick retaining walls and trees. Ceremonies are conducted near the pool which graces the center of the garden and is surrounded by beds of blue and gray perennials, creating the illusion of a larger pool. Perennials bloom from late March until frost. Standing capacity for 150 guests (or 12 guest may be seated on benches). Rental rates are $900 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $800 for Sunday -Thursday evenings. Sarah Stevens MacMillan Terrace Garden (150 Guests) This wonderful garden represents a model northern perennial and annual garden, featuring a refreshing color palette of pinks, whites and blues throughout the growing season. The garden is partially encircled by a 4 -foot brick wall with lanterns adorning each end. At its center is a circle of lawn -a perfect position for the bride and groom, with guests gathering around the walkways or seated on the spacious Morgan Terrace. A beautiful lighted gazebo graces the garden during the winter Request a Garden Ceremony Indoor Spaces Menu Shrub Rose Garden Wilson Rose Garden http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/gardenceremony.aspx 14/09/2009 . '01"' eremony months, for a beautiful evening ceremony. The garden is conveniently located behind the Snyder Building and close to the Oswald Visitor Center. It has standing capacity for 150 guests (up to 9 may be seated on benches). Rental rates are $900 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $800 for Sunday -Thursday evenings. Mary L. Griggs Annual Garden (100 Guests) This extraordinary garden, opened in 2005, encompasses more than 75,000 plants, featuring a changing color palette and plant selection each year. Circular stone walls, walkways, and a large Victorian -style fountain grace this beautiful summer garden. Rental rates are $900 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $800 for Sunday -Thursday evenings. Francis de Vos Home Demonstration Garden (50 Guests) Composed of nine smaller gardens, including an herb knot garden, rock garden, cutting garden, and garden landscaped for outdoor living. All are surrounded by ornamental fences, hedges, decks, walkways, walls, patios, terraces or trellises - offering a private setting for 50 standing guests (up to 5 guests may be seated). Rental rates are $600 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $600 for Sunday - Thursday evenings. Selsui-Tei Japanese Garden (12 Guests) Seisui-Tei means Garden of Pure Water. Designed by nationally renowned landscape architect Koichi Kawana, this traditional Japanese wet garden features a waterfall and pond symbolic of a great river. The rock at the base of the waterfall represents a climbing carp, a symbol of strength; the rock isolated in the water represents a ship, a symbol of the wish for an easy journey to paradise; and the island represents a turtle, symbol of immortality. The garden contains a small outdoor teahouse built of wood, bamboo and stone. Wooden entrance gates look as ageless as the water, rocks and trees. This uniquely designed garden is ideal for a small, intimate wedding with standing room for 12 (up to 6 guests may be seated). Rental rates are $500 for Friday and Saturdays evenings and $500 for Sunday - Thursday evenings. Gardens and indoor spaces may be reserved up to 18 months in advance. For more information or to make reservations click here or call 952-443-1411. Page 2 of 2 Annual Garden Japanese Garden 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska MN 55318 1952.443 1400 ® 2009 University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum I Privacy Policy I Site Map The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Last modified on 07/31/2007 Powered by Brandspring Solutions LLC http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/gardenceremony.aspx 14/09/2009