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AGENDA
Regular Meeting of the Edina Park Board
Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 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, October 13, 2009, Park Board Minutes.
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Presentation of Audubon Certification Awarded to Fred Richards Golf Course and
Audubon Re -Certification Awarded to Braemar Golf Course.
B. *Amendment to City Code 1230.07. — Farmers Market at Centennial Lakes Park.
C. *Veterans Memorial Proposal — Utley Park.
D. 2010 Park Board Meeting Calendar.
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
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.
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Memo
To: Edina Park Board
From: John Keprios, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
Date: December 3, 2009
Re: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF
REPORT.
Enclosed you should find the following items:
1. Tuesday, October 13, 2009, Park Board Minutes.
2. Tuesday, December 8, 2009, Park Board Agenda.
3. "Increase Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables" Information Document.
4. Minnesota Department of Health: SHIP: The Statewide Health Improvement
Program; Summer 2009 Document.
5. City Code Amendment Language.
6. Minnesota Department of Health: SHIP and Communities: Working to
Reduce Chronic Disease in Minnesota; Winter 2009 Document.
7. Proposed 2010 Edina Park Board Meeting Calendar.
8. Golf Business Article Featuring Braemar Golf Course.
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, December 8, 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. Presentation of Audubon Certification Awarded to Fred Richards Golf Course
and Audubon Re -Certification Awarded to Braemar Golf Course.
The City of Richfield's Woodlake Nature Center Manager Karen Shragg and Braemar
Golf Course Manager John Valliere will give a brief presentation about the Audubon
Certification bestowed upon the Fred Richards Golf Course and the Audubon Re -
Certification for Braemar Golf Course. Congratulations to John Valliere and his staff!
No formal action is requested on this agenda item.
B. *Amendment to City Code 1230.07. — Farmers Market at Centennial
Lakes Park.
The Cities of Edina, Richfield and Bloomington collectively applied for and were
recently awarded a grant to promote the Statewide Health Improvement Program
(SHIP), which is a Health Reform Initiative of the Minnesota Department of
Health. There are a number of initiatives involved in this health improvement
program; however, one of the initiatives for the City of Edina was decided to
focus on increasing resident's access to fresh fruits and vegetables by offering an
Edina -based Farmers Market.
Current existing City Code does not permit the sale of farm produce in parks.
Current City Code reads:
1230.02 Conduct in Parks, Streets, Sidewalks, and Publicly Owned Property.
No person, in any park, street, sidewalk or publicly owned property, shall:
Park or occupy a vehicle or occupy a street or sidewalk to sell any farm produce
or any other product or property, or for conducting any business or selling of
services except as provided in Subsection 1230.07 of this Code.
To organize, promote and administer a Farmers Market in an Edina park, the City Code
must first be amended. It would be my recommendation that the City Code be amended
in a manner to allow the Park Director the authority to approve a Farmers Market at
Centennial Lakes Park. The Farmers Market would be eligible to sell any farm fresh
produce, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fresh flowers and other
miscellaneous locally grown decorative goods. A draft written by our City Attorney
shows the proposed new language for the City Code and is enclosed in this packet. Even
though the language suggests that brokered food is permitted, it is my intent to start our
Farmers Market allowing only locally grown produce and plants. The City Code permits
the Park Director to establish rules for the Farmers Market that are more restrictive but
not less restrictive.
Bloomington Public Health's SHIP Community Liaison Sueling Schardin will be giving
the Park Board a brief presentation about the SHIP program and the need for a Farmers
Market in Edina. Centennial Lakes Park Manager Tom Shirley will give the Park Board
a brief presentation on how he envisions a Farmers Market could operate at Centennial
Lakes Park.
I recommend that the Park Board recommend that the City Council approve the concept
of a Farmers Market at Centennial Lakes Park and amend the City Code as written by our
attorney.
Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item.
• C. *Veterans Memorial Proposal at Utley Park.
Earlier this year, Edina resident Mike Goergen approached me and asked if the City of
Edina would consider devoting some park land to develop a permanent Veterans
Memorial. The purpose is to honor all those who have served in our country's armed
forces and especially those Edina residents who were killed in action.
After discussing a variety of ideas with Mr. Goergen and visiting some surrounding
communities' Veterans Memorials, I would like to recommend that we consider
designing and developing a Veterans Memorial at Utley Park in the open area just north
of the existing Greg Rice Memorial Picnic Shelter.
If the Park Board and City Council agree with the concept, there are many details that
need to be discussed and resolved including an approved process. Getting the Park
Board's approval in concept would be step one. If the Park Board approves of the
concept, I propose the following process:
Form a working Committee of the Park Board consisting of 11 core members including
Edina resident Mike Goergen. Superintendent of Park Maintenance Vince Cockriel and I
would serve as City staff liaison. More residents can serve as volunteers of the Park
Board's Veterans Memorial Committee in a variety of Sub -Committee capacities. The
core Veterans Memorial Committee would be responsible for the following duties:
• Provide input into the design of the Veterans Memorial.
• Conduct fundraising efforts to fund the project (methods of fundraising to be
determined by the committee).
• Conduct research to verify names of Edina residents who were killed in action
(include all wars since Edina became a Village in 1888).
• Develop and maintain a page on the City's website that defines and promotes the
Veterans Memorial project.
If approved by Park Board and City Council, I would recommend that the Edina
Community Foundation serve as the fiscal agent.
Procedurally, for the larger decisions, the Veterans Memorial Committee would make
recommendations to the Park Board who in turn would make recommendations to the
City Council for final approval.
I further propose that the City of Edina fund the cost of a professional architect to design
the project. I recommend that the Park Board propose that the dollars originally budgeted
for development of a Community Garden ($30,000 in the 2010 CIP) should instead be
used to pay an architect to design a Veterans Memorial. It is difficult to assess how much
is needed to pay an architect and engineer for professional services until and unless the
scope of the project is approved first. I would hope that total architect/engineering fees
would be less than $30,000. The concept would be that a Committee of the Park Board
would raise funds to cover all construction expenses.
To give Park Board members an idea of what other surrounding communities have done
to create a Veterans Memorial, I have taken several digital photos and will show them at
the Park Board meeting.
Mike Goergen and I have brainstormed a few ideas what the Veterans Memorial could
include if built at Utley Park:
• Granite tablets displaying names of all Edina residents who were killed in action.
• One magnificent center piece bronze statue that honors all veterans.
• A hard surface area large enough for small gatherings/ceremonies.
• Three flag poles (American, Minnesota State and a POW or City of Edina flag).
• Three or four significant but generic quotes (honoring all veterans) etched into
granite.
• Brass plaques recognizing all branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines, etc. and I believe there are 16
different branches).
• Benches for seating in and/or around the memorial structure.
• Gift bricks in the ground with names of those who donated to the Veterans
Memorial $200 to $5,000.
• A permanent plaque recognizing gifts greater than $5,000 to the Veterans
Memorial.
• A donations box with literature handouts that include further information about
the Veterans Memorial and an envelope and information about how to make a
donation.
I recommend Utley Park as the site for a Veterans Memorial for a number of reasons:
• There happens to already be an "American Legion Memorial Flagpole" with a
plaque at the base that reads "DEDICATED TO THE MEN AND WOMEN
WHO HONORABLY SERVED THEIR COUNTRY IN TIMES OF WAR AND
PEACE Edina Post No. 471 May 30,1955"
• The 4`" of July Parade route goes right by the park.
• The setting is visible to the high volume traffic on 50'" Street and yet it is nestled
in a somewhat peaceful and serene area of the park next to Minnehaha Creek.
• The site would not require removal of any trees.
• The existing parking could accommodate small gatherings.
• There are restroom facilities available during spring, summer and fall months.
• The site is currently not used for any other scheduled activity other than the
annual Johnny Appleseed Bash that is run by St. Stephens Church; however, I'm
confident they could work around a new memorial structure.
• In my view, the memorial would not be visually objectionable for neighbors
closest to the park.
This is a concept that has actually been talked about for years and I have heard the
request to do more for our Veterans for some time. I am very pleased that Edina
resident Mike Goergen has stepped forward and offered to serve and even chair a
committee effort to raise fiords and work with other concerned residents to develop a
Veterans Memorial. Our Superintendent of Park Maintenance Vince Cockriel also
has offered to serve on the Committee as he has strong passion to make this happen
and has the knowledge, experience and strong military background and resources that
would be valuable to the process. Vince was actively involved in the development of
the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial and is rightfully recognized on one of their
granite plaques on site.
In short, I recommend that the Park Board make a recommendation to the City
Council that they approve the concept of developing a Veterans Memorial at Utley
Park and that they approve 2010 CIP funding not to exceed $30,000 to be used to hire
architects and engineers to begin studying and designing a Veterans Memorial to be
placed at Utley Park. I further recommend that we implement the process as
proposed by staff.
Formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item.
D. *2010 Park Board Meeting Calendar.
Enclosed is a copy of the Park Board meeting calendar for the coming year. It is my
hope that I can juggle agenda items in a manner that won't require a meeting in June
as I will be out of the country that week. If need be, Assistant Director Ed MacHolda
can fill in during my absence.
The Park Board meeting in either August or September may have to be moved due to
elections; however, the State of Minnesota has not yet determined which month may
be affected.
No 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 update on the status of our outdoor ice rinks and
current status of the Nine Mile Regional Trail process.
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
October 13, 2009
Edina City Hall, Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jennifer Kenney, Todd Fronek, Dan Peterson, Jeff Sorem, Bill Lough,
Rob Presthus, Randy Meyer, Joseph Hulbert, Keeya Steel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ben Pobuda
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Susie Miller, Donna Tilsner,
Larry Thayer, Susan Weigle, Todd Anderson, Tom Shirley
I. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Dan Peterson MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Bill Lough SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Krieg Grant Proposal — Jeannie Hanson Edina Energy & Environment Commission -
Science Education Project Proposal - Mr. Fronek informed the Park Board that
Jeannie Hanson from the Edina Energy and Environment Commission was unable to
attend tonight's meeting and that Mr. Keprios didn't feel he had enough information
to keep the item on the agenda. Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios if he could give a
quick background just for the record on what it is they are trying to do. Mr. Keprios
replied that in all fairness to the Energy and Environment Commission this is really a
proposal from them and therefore he does not have anything to add other than what is
in his staff report.
B. 2010 Fees and Charges — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that, as he mentioned
in his staff report, they didn't have as many increases as they typically do. He noted
that regarding Arneson Acres they did bump up the fee in order to keep pace with
what the expenses have been doing as well as try to keep pace with the wear and tear
on the facility. Mr. Keprios explained that they have had an increasing number of
non-residents renting the facility (non-residents have been allowed to reserve the
facility for their exclusive use). He pointed out that for the first time they would like
to a have a "non-resident fee" category for the rentals at Arneson Acres in order to try
and be consistent with some of the other non-resident fees. He noted that he still
thinks it's a good bargain it's just slightly higher than the resident fee. Mr. Keprios
commented that another thing that could be considered is to eliminate non-residents
from using the facility but that is not the intent from staff's perspective. He stated
that there is enough desire for it and often times the non-residents will reserve the
facility to which there are quite a few residents that attend their functions.
Mr. Fronek asked in regards to Arneson Acres if he knows that the Edina Football
- Association and some of the other associations use the facility and asked if they have
to pay for their use. Mr. Keprios replied that if it's part of their normal business then
the participant fee they are paying will cover the expenses. However, if it's for a
team party or something like that then there is an additional charge. He added that
there is no written policy regarding this, it has just always been past practice.
Mr. Fronek indicated that regarding the user fees per participant he knows that one of
the ideas discussed last month was to possibly increase the outdoor hockey rink user
fee and/or the other user fees and asked Mr. Keprios to comment on that. Mr.
Keprios responded there are three different athletic association user fees; fields,
gymnasiums and outdoor hockey rinks. He indicated that they try to keep them the
same, regardless if one facility costs a little more to maintain, they just try to remain
consistent. Mr. Keprios explained the reason staff is not proposing an increase for
that particular fee is due to budget cuts. He pointed out that they are going to be
reducing their number of part-time staff by four so the argument can be made that
they are going to get slightly less service and therefore found it difficult to charge
more for less. However, having said that he did slightly increase the dollar an hour
use for the rental of general park areas and for the fields which are basically
individual rentals so their expenses stayed the same and he believes they will still be
able to provide the same quality of service for that. He added that he thinks arguably
in the long run they are going to notice a slight reduction in service due to the lesser
number of part-time staff.
Mr. Meyer asked how the $9.00 per participant user fee was originally arrived at
because it seems very reasonable especially for sports like soccer that play quite a
number of days and there is lots of wear and tear on the turf. Mr. Keprios explained
that the fee wasn't intended to ever capture all of the expenses incurred. He indicated
that when the first fee came about years ago it was around $4.00/participant and has
slowly gone up through the years. He commented that they are probably one of the
first communities to initiate a per participant fee for the use of outdoor athletic
facilities and added that most communities don't charge anything. He noted that the
fee doesn't cover all of the facility maintenance expenses for all of the sports but it
covers a large portion of it.
Mr. Peterson asked Mr. Keprios what's the philosophy on the resident vs. non-
resident pay differential because it seems to be about a 20% difference. In addition,
is that what most other cities charge for non-resident use of their facilities. Mr.
Keprios replied that percentage wise it's all over the board and he doesn't know if
that's necessarily consistent with what other communities do. He explained that the
way this is priced it's intended to discourage excessive non-resident use. However,
it's also priced at a level that will more than capture the expenses and that's the
philosophy behind it.
Mr. Peterson indicated that it doesn't seem to be a big problem for competition
between residents and non-residents to get the date they want. He asked if there
would be any reason to give residents a leg up and give them a 30 day advantage to
sign up over a non-resident. Mr. Keprios replied there really hasn't been a problem to
date so they haven't had to initiate any further policy. However the minute residents
are unable to get into the spot they want due to a non-resident staff will come forward
and recommend a change in policy.
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Mr. Meyer asked Mr. MacHolda if they are still planning to do the addition to the
Edina Aquatic Center next summer and, if so, will the pool be shut down for any
amount of time. Mr. MacHolda replied that currently there are too many unknowns
regarding the CIP to know when it will take place. He also noted that it will not be
necessary to shut down the pool because construction can take place during the
fall/winter season.
Mr. Sorem asked what is the justification or reason for increasing the Braemar Golf
Course resident patron card $5.00. Assistant Manager Todd Anderson replied that
basically for the life of the patron card it equates to a $1.00 a year increase because
they only do it once every five years. He noted that last year was the first year for the
non-resident patron card at the $110.00 rate and they did find it was a success. He
added that they sold 258 cards but they also found that when some people did the
math a number of them realized they weren't going to come out ahead because they
weren't going to get in enough rounds.
Todd Fronek ENTERTAINED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FEES AND
CHARGES AS PROPOSED BY STAFF. Jeff Sorem SECONDED MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Community Education Services Board Representative — Mr. Fronek stated that this is
a good chance to thank Ray O'Connell for all of his years of service to the Park
Board. He noted that since Mr. O'Connell is no longer a Park Board member they
need a new Community Education Services Board representatives and asked for a
volunteer.
Mr. Lough asked what specific agencies or commissions do the Community
Education Services cover. Mr. Meyer responded that the Community Education
Services Board primarily focuses on the Edina Community Education to which Doug
Johnson is the Director. He indicated that it's all of the services that they provide
primarily around Community Education. He noted that there are some school board
reps as well as a number of reps from the different groups they are involved with such
as early childhood education, community education and then there are a few activities
that are also tied into that community services type of thing.
III. OLD BUSINESS
Closing Strachauer Park and Countryside Park SkatingRinks inks — Mr. Keprios informed
the Park Board that he did talk to the President of the Edina Hockey Association
about possibly coming forward with $3,700.00 in order to keep the rink at Strachauer
Park open or would they be interested in raising the rink participation fee to cover the
expense. He indicated that the EHA only reserved Strachauer Park for a total of four
hours last season because it's not a rink that's really desired like some of the other
rinks. Mr. Keprios pointed out that it is well known that this is not a heavily
scheduled rink which is why it gets the amount of use that it does by both residents
and non-residents. Mr. Keprios stated that the EHA has declined the offer to raise the
fee to cover the expenses. He stated the EHA also commented in the interest of
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finding ways to reduce some of the budget shortfall next year that closing Strachauer
Park would be a good idea and they would support it.
Mr. Keprios stated that the proposal is back on the table for Park Board's
consideration to recommend on to the City Council to close Countryside Park and
Strachauer Park outdoor skating rinks at least for the coming year. Mr. Meyer stated
that the motion as it exists also includes that all rinks will close February 15`h and
asked if that is still correct to which Mr. Keprios replied yes.
Mr. Meyer asked if different organizations would like to pay to have the rinks open or
prepped for the weekends could that be an option. Mr. Keprios replied he would be
very open to entertain the idea of groups coming forward if they were to pay what the
cost is to keep one or more rinks open. The mission is to cut costs because they just
don't have it in the budget.
Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios what type of notice he thinks they may or may not
need to give the neighbors, what's the process. Mr. Keprios replied that once the
Park Board makes a recommendation to the City Council at that point it becomes
their decision and process.
Mr. Meyer asked if this passed tonight are they going to get a bunch of outcry from
the community and then they will be forced to go backwards. He also asked if they
would be better off waiting another month to, let the word spread and then decide do
we proceed or is someone else going to step up with alternate funding. Mr. Keprios
replied that after tonight this issue goes to the City Council so he believes it is best to
not delay the decision.
Mr. Keprios noted that Park Board is welcome to attend a work session next Tuesday
at 5:00 pm to discuss the 2010 budget process. He added that the City Council is
going to be interested in the recommendation you ultimately make. He stated once
the Park Board makes a recommendation regardless of what it is it will likely not
come back to the Park Board for further consideration, it will be in the City Council's
hands.
Ms. Steel stated that she agrees the City Council would be a good place for residents
to voice their concerns and asked how are the residents going to know what's on the
agenda revolving around the budget proposal. Mr. Keprios explained that he has
already put together a memo of a variety of budget reductions that totals almost
$200,000 that has been given to the City Manager. The City Manager then chooses
what he feels is best to recommend to the City Council. He noted he was directed by
the City Manager to bring this controversial item of closing two rinks, to the Park
Board which will be the extent of the Park Board's involvement as requested. Mr.
Keprios pointed out as far as the budget process; it will all take place in a transparent
public forum.
Mr. Hulbert asked if there were any.other items that may have been on the final list
that didn't come to the Park Board. Mr. Keprios responded that he made a number of
recommendations to the City Manager of which he was not directed to bring to the
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Park Board. He commented that some of the suggestions that were not accepted dealt
with professional services, continuing education and conference cuts, removing the
plastic bags from the dog waste stations, etc,. He noted that the City Manager did
accept eliminating four part-time positions for the summer. He added that his
recommendation to significantly reduce the paths and hard surface maintenance
budget was not accepted.
Mr. Hulbert stated that it seems to him like a worse case scenario would be to close a
neighborhood rink. He commented that he thinks there would be a lot of
disappointed kids if it's not open. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the City of Edina
would not be alone in this approach to a budget savings measure. The City of
Burnsville is going to stop flooding thirteen of their rinks and there are other
communities shutting down rinks as well. He commented that this is the last thing
they want to have to do (cut services); however, budget cuts do need to be made
somewhere.
Mr. Sorem stated that he thinks it's important to note that the EHA is just one user of
these outdoor facilities. He commented that he and his family use them quite heavily
in the winter. He added that during the last few years the amount of general skaters,
not just hockey players, has been phenomenal. He noted that he would be okay with
closing the rink at Countryside Park because there are not that many residents around
there and there currently is no hockey rink. However, with Strachauer he's a little
more reluctant especially because the next closest park would be Pamela Park which
you have to walk across France to get there. Also because of the increasing number
of skaters he would hate to lose the rink at Strachauer.
Mr. Keprios indicated that as he looked at a variety of things to recommend cutting,
this happens to be one of those activities that doesn't eliminate the opportunity to
skate somewhere else in the park system.
Mr. Meyer asked if they have ever looked at charging a fee or having an annual pass
or some way of offsetting these costs. Mr. Keprios replied that he thinks if we
administered a fee for the outdoor rinks he feels it would be a real negative for
residents and non-residents who have traditionally been allowed to use the outdoor
rinks for free, similar to many other public recreational facilities such as tennis courts,
playground equipment, walking paths, etc.
Mr. Peterson asked what the alternative is to saving $3,750.00 if you keep one rink
open and close one. Mr. Keprios replied there are a couple of things he would
recommend: one would be to eliminate the plastic bags for picking up dog droppings
and another option would be to defer some maintenance to the paths and hard surface
budget.
Ms. Steel indicated that she is hesitant to close the rink at Strachauer Park but would
be okay with closing the rink at Countryside Park.
Mr. Lough stated that he has a comment regardless of how the vote goes but asked if
it would be possible to get more lead time for the 2010-2011 year if the city is still in
budget constraints and they would have to consider cuts. He noted that this way they
would not be forced at the last minute with concerns that many of the Park Board
members have legitimately raised.
Mr. Sorem indicated that since the usage is down at Countryside Park and they don't
have a hockey rink it makes sense to close it. Therefore he would be in favor of
splitting the difference and keeping the rink at Strachauer Park open.
Ms. Kenney noted that she also is leaning towards splitting the difference close the
rink at Countryside Park and keep the rink at Strachauer Park open. Mr. Hulbert
agrees that this would be a good compromise as well. Mr. Presthus indicated that it
makes sense to him to close the rink at Countryside Park for the season and close the
rest of the rinks on February 15`". Mr. Fronek indicated that he does like the ideas of
keeping Strachauer open and closing Countryside.
Jeff Sorem MOVED TO CLOSE THE RINK AT COUNTRYSIDE PARK AND
KEEP THE RINKS AT STRACHAUER PARK OPEN; PLUS ALL OUTDOOR
SKATING RINKS WILL CLOSE FOR THE SEASON AT THE END OF THE
DAY OF FEBRUARY 15, 2010 (This does not include Centennial Lakes Park). Rob
Presthus SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
IV. UPDATES FROM STAFF —
A. Pamela Park Master Plan - Mr. Keprios thanked the Park Board for all the time and
effort they've put into the Pamela Park master plan. He indicated that City Council
did take the Park Board's recommendation and approved it 100%. He noted that it is
now his goal to put the drawing behind Plexiglas or something and put it up at the
park so that people can see the master plan and see what will be happening in the
distant and not so distant future. He indicated he intends to do the same at
Countryside Park and added that it was a great process and had a great outcome.
B. York Park - Mr. MacHolda informed the Park Board that Edina residents, Jim and
Zibby Nunn, Mr. Keprios and the Edina Community Foundation are working closely
together to improve the ball field at York Park. He noted that the Nunns lost their
middle child this summer and the contributions they received are going to convert the
sand lot ball field at York Park into a very nice little league baseball field which he
thinks the entire community will enjoy. The project should be complete for a
dedication in the spring of 2010.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:50 PM.
to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Overview
Bloomington, Edina and Richfield residents are not consuming the recommended 9 or more servings of
fruits and vegetables every day. Eating a balanced diet is one of the most important things a person
can do to maintain and improve overall health. Poor nutrition can contribute to obesity and other
chronic diseases.
Fruit and vegetable consumption
Based on self-reported data:
• More than three out of every four 6t" 9" and 12t" grader drd riot consume the recommended
servings of fruits and vegetables the day prior to the 2007 MN Student Survey (MSS).
• Three out of four adults in the south suburbs of Hennepin County did not consume the
recommended servings of fruits and vegetables the day prior to the Survey of the Health of All
the Population and the Environment (SHAPE) in 2006.
Overweight and obesity
Based on self-reported weight and height:
• One out of every five 9 " grader was overweight or obese in 2007 (MSS).
• One out of every six 121" grader was overweight or obese in 2007 (MSS).
• One out of two adults in southern Hennepin County was overweight or obese in 2006 (SHAPE).
Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP)
The goal of SHIP is to help Minnesotans live longer, healthier, better lives by preventing risk factors that
lead to chronic disease. The community health boards of Bloomington, Edina and Richfield will
address 9 out of 32 interventions available, including intervention C -N -C1: Implement policies, and
environmental changes that improve access to nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables by
licensing and facilitating the development of new Farmer's markets and promotion of their use.
Farmer's market
Experts suggest purchasing foods directly through farms, including farmer's markets, have the potential
to increase consumption of healthier foods, by lowering costs of fresh foods, making fresh foods
available in areas without supermarkets and harvesting fruits and vegetables at ripeness rather than
shipping convenience which may improve nutrient quality and taste.
In addition, the United States is not producing enough fruits and vegetables for all Americans to eat in
the quantities recommended in the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Farmer's markets can
increase the amount of produce grown and made available to local consurners It also improves local
economic development and supports environmental sustainability.
The SHIP Community Leadership Team of Bloomington. Edina and Richfield selected Intervention
C -N -C1 to promote health and increase the availability of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Edina
Zoning changes would need to be completed before a Farmers Market could be established in the City
of Edina The proposed location is Centennial Lakes Park
to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Overview
B|oonnmgton, Edina arid Richfield residents are not consuming the recommended 0ormore servings of
fruits and vegetables every day. Eating abalanced diet ioone ofthe most important things aperson
can dntomaintain and improve overall health. Poor nutrition can contribute toobesity and other
chronic diseases.
Fruit and vegetable consumption
Based onself-reported data�
° More than three Out of every four 6 1h, 9w and 12 th grader (lid riot consume the recommended
servings of fruits and vegetables the day prior to the 2007 MN Student Survey (MSS)r
~ Three out of four adults in the south suburbs of Hennepin County did not consume the
recommended servings of fruits and vegetables the day prior to the Survey of the Health of All
the Population and the Environment (SHAPE)in200G
Overweight and obesity
Based onself-reported weight and height:
° One out ofevery five 9mgrader was overweight nrobese in20O7(MSS)
* One out ofevery six 12mgrader was overweight orobese in2OO7(M88).
° One Out of two adults in southern Hennepin County was overweight or obese in 2006 (SHAPE).
Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP)
The goal of SHIP in to help Minnesotans live |ongex, healthier, better lives by preventing risk factors that
lead to chronic disease. The community health boards of Bloomington, Edina and Richfield will
address 9out of32 interventions available, including interventinnC-N-C1: Implement policies, and
environmental changes that improve access to nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables by
licensing and facilitating the development ofnew Farmer's markets and promotion oftheir use.
Farmer's market
Experts suggest purchasing foods directly through farms, including farmer's noarkets, have the potential
to increase consumption of healthier foods, by lowering costs of fresh funds, making fresh foods
available in areas without supermarkets and harvesting fruits and vegetables at ripeness rather than
shipping convenience which may improve nutrient quality and taste.
In addition, the United States is not producing enough fruits and vegetables for all Americans to eat in
the quantities recommended in the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Farmer's markets can
increase the amount of produce grown and made available to local consumers. |talso improves local
econornindevelopment and supports environmental sustainability.
The SHIP Connrnunkv Leadership Team of Bloomington, Edina and Richfield selected Intervention
C -N -Cl to promote health and increase the availability of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Zoning changes would need to be completed before a Farmer's Market could be established in the City
of Edina The proposed location isCentennial Lakes Park.
Minnesota's Vision for Health: SHIP
Summer 2009
SHIP: The Statewide Health Improvement
Program
The goal of the Statewide Health Improvement
Program (SHIP) is to help Minnesotans live
longer, healthier, better lives by preventing risk
factors that lead to chronic disease.
SHIP is an integral component of an overall
health care reform initiative passed during the
2008 Legislative session. Minnesota's health
reforms aim to simultaneously improve the
health of Minnesotans, enhance the patient
experience and contain the spiraling costs of
health care in our state.
Why do we need SHIP?
Tobacco use and exposure and obesity are
leading causes of chronic disease'.
• In Minnesota, 38 percent of adults are
classified as overweight based on Body
Mass Index (BMI), and 25 percent of
adults are classified as obese.
• Only 24 percent of adults consume five
or more fruits and vegetables per day.
• Only 51 percent of adults get 30 or
more minutes of moderate physical
activity five days per week.
• 18 percent of adults are current
smokers.
The result is that many Minnesotans live with
chronic diseases:
• 23,500 new cases of cancer were
identified in 2006.
• In 2006 139,000 Minnesotans were
diagnosed with coronary heart disease
or angina, and 71,000 Minnesotans had
a stroke.
blindness, renal failure, amputations
and death.
• 11 percent of Minnesotans either have
asthma or have had it in the past.
How will SHIP help?
SHIP addresses the top three preventable
causes of illness and death in the U.S. by:
• Reducing the percentage of
Minnesotans who use or are exposed to
tobacco.
• Reducing the percentage of
Minnesotans who are obese or
overweight through better nutrition and
increased physical activity.
What makes SHIP different from
other prevention programs?
Some prevention programs focus on individual
behavior change. Behavior change from
programmatic efforts can be difficult to sustain
beyond the life of the program or the
individual's involvement in the program. But
behavior change can be maintained if the
environment supports it. SHIP aims to create
sustainable, systemic changes that make it
easier for Minnesotans to choose healthy
behaviors.
SHIP grants are awarded to community health
boards and tribal governments across
Minnesota. Grantees will work in their
communities to employ evidence -based
strategies to make policy, systems and
environmental change in four settings:
• Schools
• 322,000 Minnesotans had diabetes, and • Communities
more than one million Minnesotans had . Worksites
prediabetes in 2005. These conditions • flealth Care Systems
increase the risk of heart disease,
ONHealth Reform Initiative
Comment line: 651-201-5530
E-mail: heaIth.reform(ristate.mn.us
Web: www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform
Minnesota's Vision: SHIP - page 2
What are policy, systems and
environmental changes?
SHIP focuses on broad, behind -the -scenes
changes that make it easier for people to
incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily
lives.
• Policy interventions include changes in
laws and regulations, such as restricting
smoking in public buildings and
providing time off during work hours
for physical activity.
• Systems interventions create change in
organizations and institutions, such as a
school district implementing food
preparation options or offering more
time in physical education in all schools
in the district.
• Environmental interventions include
decisions about land use, zoning and
community design, such as ensuring
that neighborhoods have access to
healthy foods and there are ample
opportunities for activities such as
walking and biking.
How do risk factors relate to
health care costs?
Studies prove that risk factors such as tobacco
use, obesity and physical inactivity increase
health care costs.
A HealthPartners study of over 5,000 adult
enrollees in 1995-1996 found that":
• Each additional unit of BMI increased
medical charges by nearly 2 percent.
A history of tobacco use was associated
with 26 percent higher medical charges.
Each additional day of physical activity
per week reduced medical charges by
almost 5 percent.
A national study found that 27 percent of health
care charges for adults over age 40 are
associated with people being physically
inactive, overweight and/or obese"'.
Per capita private health insurance spending for
obese adults was $1,272 higher than that for
normal weight adults in 2002'°
How will we know if SHIP is
effective?
The changes implemented through SHIP will
require considerable time and effort, so large-
scale, population -based changes in health
behaviors will take time to emerge.
Nonetheless, evaluation and effective outcomes
are an essential component of SHIP. Both the
Minnesota Department of Health and individual
SHIP grantees will measure outcomes of the
program. Measurements will provide
information about:
• Health care costs
• Risk factors of tobacco use/exposure
and obesity and related chronic disease
• Individual health behaviors linked to
tobacco use/exposure and obesity
• Policy, systems and environmental
changes that are proven to reduce
tobacco use/exposure and obesity
• Activities that move local communities
toward those changes
References
'Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System,
http: %%www.edc.�-y,ov/ B R FSS,"
" Pronk NP, Goodman N1.1. PJ, Martinson BC.
Relationship between modifiable health risks and short-term
health care charges. JAMA. 1999 Dec 15; 282(23):2235-9.
"' Anderson DR, Whitener RW, Goetzel RZ, Ozminkowski RJ,
Dunn RL, Wasserman ,I, Serxner S. The relationship between
modifiable health risks and group -level health care
expenditures. Am J Ilcalth Promot. 2000 Sep -Oct; 15(1):45-
52.
'" Thorpe, IKE. Factors accounting for the rise in health-care
spending in the United States: the role of rising disease
prevalence and treatment intensity. Public Health. 2006 Nov;
120(11):1002-7.
For more information: www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship
John Keprios, Director
Edina Park & Recreation Department
4801 West 50`" Street
Edina, MN 55424
Office (952) 826-0430
FAX (952) 826-0385
Jkeprios@ci.edina.mn.us
Memo
To: Park Board m s
From: John Keprio
CC: Ed MacHolda d Tom Shirley.
Date: December 4, 2009
Re: Revised City Code Amendment
Hello Park Board members:
Our City Attorney has revised the proposed Amendment to the City Code to permit a Farmers
Market at Centennial Lakes Park. This issue is on the Park Board's December 8, 2009
Agenda.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Many thanks.
ORDINANCE NO. 2009 -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE EDINA CITY CODE
CONCERNING FARMERS MARKETS
THE CITY OF EDINA ORDAINS:
Section 1. Subsection 1230.01 of the Edina City Code is amended by adding the
following definition:
Farmer's Market. The seasonal selling or offering for sale at retail of vegetables,
produce, flowers, jam, jelly, pies and similar products, occurring in a
predesignated area, where the vendors are individuals who have raised the
vegetables or produce or have taken the same on consignment for retail sale.
Section 2. Subsection 1230.07 of the Edina City Code is amended to provide as
follows:
1230.07 Special Permits for Pushcarts and Sidewalk Cafes. Notwithstanding the
requirements of this Section 1230, certain pushcarts and sidewalk cafes are permitted
on sidewalks and farmers markets are permitted on City owned property subject to the
requirements of this Subsection.
Subd. 1 Pushcarts. Pushcarts, as defined by Section 721 of this Code, may be
located on sidewalks within the area included in the plan prepared by the HRA entitled,
"50th and France Commercial Area Plan" dated December 3, 1974, subject to a permit
issued pursuant to this Subdivision.
A. In addition to the requirements of Section 160 of this Code, no permit shall be issued
for a pushcart unless the following requirements are met:
• 1. The pushcart must be licensed in accordance with Section 721 of this Code.
14894003
RNK:r12/03/2009
2. The applicant for a permit must possess a valid food establishment license or take-
out food license, pursuant to Section 721 of this Code, for a food establishment located
in the 50th and France commercial area.
3. The pushcart shall not exceed eight feet in length, four feet in width, and eight feet in
height.
4. The pushcart shall be equipped with casters or wheels to permit ease of movement.
5. The pushcart shall be equipped with facilities for the disposal of trash generated by
the pushcart.
B. In addition to the requirements of Section 721 of this Code, the following
requirements shall apply to the operation of pushcarts:
1. Pushcarts shall be parked on public sidewalks and walkways only in those locations
specified in the permit.
2. Pushcarts shall be stored indoors following the close of business each day.
3. Only food or beverages for immediate consumption may be offered from the
pushcart.
4. Cleaning, servicing, and maintenance of the pushcart shall be undertaken only in an
area approved by the Sanitarian.
C. Permits issued pursuant to this paragraph shall expire on March 31 of each calendar
year.
D. The number of permits which may be in force under this Subd. 1 at any one time
shall not exceed six.
Subd. 2 Sidewalk Cafes. Sidewalk cafes may be located on sidewalks subject to a
permit issued by the City Manager pursuant to this Subdivision. Applications for a
sidewalk cafe permit shall be made on forms supplied by the Clerk and shall include a
plan drawn to scale which illustrates the exact location of the proposed sidewalk cafe
together with distances and dimensions of the adjoining buildings, the sidewalk, the
distance to and location of the traveled portion of the street and distances to all
obstructions in the vicinity. The application shall be accompanied by the fee set forth in
Section 185 of this Code. If the application is denied, the application fee less $100 shall
be returned to the applicant.
A. In addition to the requirements of Section 160 of this Code, no permit shall be issued
or renewed for a sidewalk cafe unless the following requirements are met:
148940v03 7
R N K: r 12/03 , 2009
1. The applicant must possess a valid food establishment license pursuant to Section
721 of this Code.
2. A distance of at least 200 feet shall be maintained between the nearest point of the
sidewalk cafe to the nearest point of property used for residential purposes.
3. The applicant must furnish to the Clerk, evidence that public liability insurance has
been procured for any death or personal injury arising from the ownership,
maintenance, or operation of the sidewalk cafe in amounts not less than $100,000 for
injury to or death of one person, of $300,000 for any one incident, and not less than
$50,000 for damage to property arising from any one incident. The applicant shall
maintain such insurance in effect at all times during the term of the permit. The City
shall be named as an additional named insured in the policy providing such insurance.
4. The applicant shall indemnify and hold the City and the City's officials and
employees harmless from any loss, cost, damage and expenses arising out of the use,
design, operation, or maintenance of the sidewalk cafe.
5. The area occupied by the sidewalk cafe shall abut and shall be operated as part of
the food establishment operated by the applicant. No part of the sidewalk cafe shall
adjoin any premises other than the applicant's food establishment.
6. The City Manager shall find that the sidewalk cafe will not unduly restrict the safe
usage of the sidewalk by the public after taking into consideration the location of
obstructions, vehicular traffic and other impediments to the passage of pedestrians.
The City Manager shall renew a permit only upon finding that the operation of the
sidewalk cafe complied with all provisions of this Subdivision and did not constitute a
nuisance as defined by Section 1035 of this Code.
B. In addition to the requirements of Section 721 of this Code, the following
requirements shall apply to the operation of sidewalk cafes.
1. Only food or beverages for immediate consumption may be offered for sale.
2. Intoxicating liquors, beer or wine may be consumed only if the sidewalk cafe is
licensed pursuant to Section 900 of this Code.
3. No expansion of the area occupied by the sidewalk cafe from that shown on the
permit application shall be made.
4. No tables, chairs, furnishings, planters, railings or other obstructions shall be placed
or remain on the sidewalk between November 1 and April 1 except on a day to day
basis when the sidewalk cafe is open for business.
5. The applicant shall maintain the sidewalk cafe in a clean and sanitary condition as
required by Section 721 of this Code.
14894003 3
RNK:r12/03/2009
6. The applicant shall promptly replace or repair any damage to the sidewalk or other
public property caused by the applicant's use of the sidewalk as a sidewalk cafe.
C. Permits issued pursuant to this Subdivision shall expire on March 31 of each
calendar year.
Subd. 3 Farmers Markets. Farmers markets may be located in Centennial Lakes Park
subject to a permit issued by the Park Director pursuant to this subdivision.
Applications for a farmers market permit shall be made on forms supplied by the City
Clerk and shall include a plan drawn to scale which illustrates the exact location of the
proposed farmers market. The application shall be accompanied by the fee set forth in
Section 185 of this Code. If the application is denied, the application fee less $100 shall
be returned to the applicant.
1. The applicant must furnish to the Clerk, evidence that public liability insurance has
been procured for any death or personal injury arising from the ownership,
maintenance, or operation of the farmers market in amounts not less than $100,000 for
injury to or death of one person, of $300,000 for any one incident, and not less than
$50,000 for damage to property arising from any one incident. The applicant shall
maintain such insurance in effect at all times during the term of the permit. The City
shall be named as an additional named insured in the policy providing such insurance.
2. The applicant shall indemnify and hold the City and the City's officials and
employees harmless from any loss, cost, damage and expenses arising out of the use,
design, operation, or maintenance of the farmers market.
Section 3. This ordinance is effective immediately upon its passage and publication.
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Published:
148940003 4
RNK:r13'03'_'001)
ATTEST:
Debra A. Mangen, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor
Please publish in the Edina Sun Current on:
Send two affidavits of publication.
Bill to Edina City Clerk
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina do hereby
certify that the attached and foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted by the Edina City
Council at its Regular Meeting of 20_, and as recorded in the
Minutes of said Regular Meeting.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this day of , 20
City Clerk
148940%03
RN K:r 12/03!2009
Minnesota Department of Health
SHIP and Communities
Winter 2009
Working to reduce chronic disease in Minnesota
People are ultimately responsible for the lifestyle
choices they make related to health. However,
the best predictor of health behavior and long-
lasting successful behavior change is often the
community in which a person lives.
The Role of the Community in the
Statewide Health Improvement
Program (SHIP)
The community that surrounds an individual
greatly influences behavior choices. Efforts to
reduce the burden of chronic disease must
recognize that health is the product of multiple
levels of influence (such as genes, beliefs, coping
skills and personal behaviors) combined with
collective conditions (factors in the physical,
social and economic environment). The social
and economic environment is a major
determinant of population health that has not
been a focus of most health improvement efforts
in Minnesota.
SHIP will work with communities to create
policy, environmental and system change to
facilitate increased physical activity and healthy
eating and reduced tobacco use and exposure.
The Current Situation
Today, chronic disease is a concern across the
country, including in many Minnesota
communities. In the United States, chronic
diseases account for 7 in 10 deaths.2 Obesity,
diabetes and asthma are leading causes of death
and disability and contribute to rising health care
costs. In addition, communities of color and
American Indians are significantly more affected
than others.
_Ml N N E S O T A Commissioner's Office
625 Robert Street North
PO Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
(651)201-4989
DEPARTMENTOFNEALTN www. health.state.mn.us
Community-based Health
Improvement
Research has shown that people's health is
related to both the physical and social
environment in which they live. Environments,
social norms, policies, regulations and laws
impact behaviors of individuals. These social
and physical environmental elements can
promote, support and reinforce healthy behaviors
and contribute to the reduction of obesity in the
state of Minnesota.
Studies show that most Americans want to lead
healthy lives and are eager to improve their
lifestyles. In fact, many continuously attempt to
change unhealthy behaviors, only to fail. Most
health improvement strategies assist individuals
in changing health risk behaviors: self-help
pamphlet distribution, individual counseling,
group education classes, support groups and
health risk appraisals. Careful evaluation of these
strategies has shown that long-term behavior
change is very difficult for most participants, and
the success rates are low.
Meanwhile, many communities inadvertently
create barriers to better health. Walking and
biking are not feasible transportation options in
many neighborhoods because of safety concerns,
poor lighting and unreasonable distances from
residences to destinations. Neighborhoods where
residents do not have access to high-quality,
affordable, fresh produce and instead provide
easy access to junk food and tobacco products
disproportionately impact those at the highest
risk for chronic diseases. Increased portion sizes
at restaurants and inexpensive, processed foods
are ever-present.
Continued
SHIP and Communities — page 2
A comprehensive, systematic, coordinated
approach to effecting long-term health behavior
change by influencing the community and
cultural norms is needed. Policy, environment
and system changes are needed to help
communities support healthy behaviors,
including, whenever possible, efforts that are
culturally specific and linguistically appropriate
to reach populations of color and American
Indians.
Unique opportunities exist in Minnesota that
have potential to make significant improvements.
The existence of strong public-private
partnerships along with a solid public health
infrastructure and educational system will help
our state successfully work toward change. An
abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities
and locally grown produce make it possible to
promote active lifestyles and healthy eating.
Communities and SHIP
Examples of community settings for SHIP
include:
• City/county/tribal government
• Neighborhood groups/resource centers
• Local farmers markets
• Local food shelves
• Community organizations, such as the
Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA/YWCA and
4-H
• Caregivers
• Transportation
• Chamber of Commerce
• Media
• Cooperative Extension Services
• Faith -based organizations
• Pre-school child care and pre-
kindergarten
• Parks and recreation
Examples of SHIP Interventions
for Communities
• Increase availability of nutritious foods
through staple foods ordinances, healthy
corner store initiatives and affordable
transportation options to grocery stores
selling nutritious foods.
• Increase the number of farmers markets
available.
• Increase opportunities for non -motorized
transportation (walking and biking) and
access to community recreation facilities.
• Implement tobacco -free policies for
parks, playgrounds, beaches, zoos, fairs
and other recreational settings.
References:
' Minnesota Health Improvement Partnership
Social Conditions and Health Action Team, April
2001. A Call To Action: Advancing Health For
All Through Social and Economic Change, p.4
httn 'iivww hecilth.state mn.rrs divs/c ophn%resort
rcesidoc.s•/cal/toaction. p
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
taken 1/29/09 from
http://wwNv.cdc.gov/NCCdphp.,,'ovei-view.liti-n92
For more information, visit www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/shi
2010 PARK BOARD
MEETING CALENDAR
MEETING
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
Tues., January 12
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., Feb. 9
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., March 9
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., April 13
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., May 11
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., June 8
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., July 13
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., August 10
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., Sept. 14
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., Oct. 12
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., Nov. 9
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Tues., Dec. 14
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
0
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glance at national participation trends—and, standard rate of $13 charged to play the facility's execu-
in all likelihood, the )rounds -played numbers tive course. He's quick to point out, however, the ancillary
at your course—shows that golf is in need of income generated by this hearty group, many of whom re -
bodies. And it's becoming increasingly dear turn to the course to play on their own at other times.
that they don't all have to be "able" bodies. "They take lessons, they eat in our grill room and
Golf facility managers who consistently and they buy merchandise," says Valliere, whose base of ap-
actively reach out to the 51 million•people with disabili- proximately $20,000 in Monday fees extrapolates up -
ties living in the United States are realizing the human- ward to about double that amount in annual revenue
itarian and business benefits of doing so. for these customers.
` "There's a business to be had in providing golf to Farther west, Haggin Oaks Golf Course in Sacramen-
the disabled," insists John Valliere, general manager of to, California, actually employs a staff member, Brian
Braemar Golf Course in Edina, Minnesota, and a con- Rooney,' to spearhead the club's programs for juniors
sultant to public golf facilities. Valliere cites his every- and golfers with disabilities. Like Braemer's contingent
Monday tournament- bitting for the physically chat- in Minnesota, Rooney's complement of players with dis-
lenged as a clear example. abilities numbers approximately 100.
"Our Monday group runs 15 weeks a year, and we do "They're golfers just like anybody else," Rooney says.
100 -plus players every time," he says. "They're comped "When they go out to play, they pay a green fee. We pro -
on cart rental, but otherwise they pay no differently than vide some instruction at ,n,p charge, and the ones that
able-bodied players" need to use our adaptive carts pay to rent it, but they
Adin to Valliere, this initiative yields a revenue don't pay anything on top of that. Otherwise, anything
stream that is, at a minimum, gqual to 1,500 times the that regular golfers would pay for, they pay for."
GO�FBUSINI55,COM
27
Lona-- e..--- u...
Any course operator who caters to
people with disabilities in a signifi-
ant way will almost certainly wind
up working with one of the many orga-
nizations and foundations that serve
this community. These agencies—public
and private—offer event coordination
as well as helpful advice on how to make
the disabled a viable part of business.
One such group is the industry -grown
National Alliance for Accessible Golf,
an organization founded in 2001 on the
premise that America's vast numbers of
physically challenged could greatly ben-
efit from golf activity.
The alliance's GAIN initiative (the
acronym stands for Golf: Accessible and
Inclusive Networks) allows groups for the
disabled to set up ongoing, supported
participation programs at individual golf
facilities. Currently, there are six perma-
nent GAIN programs in the U.S., spread-
ing from Delaware to Mississippi to Utah.
Several years ago, the GAIN program in
28 GOUBUSINESS N o v o in b e r 2 0 0 9
Toledo, Ohio, extended itself to five area
communities, each managed by a part-
nership between a local organization and
a staff member at each course.
As part of its efforts, the National Al-
liance for Accessible Golf educates course
and range owners about the significant
assets that back up individuals with dis-
abilities who seek recreational activity. For
starters, there's the pool of dollars repre-
sented by government disability checks
that, when you provide recreation for the
disabled, you're tapping legitimately into.
What's more, charitable institutions are
able to subsidize their clients as well.
That's why Susan Hagel, therapeutic
director for the Minnesota-based Sister
Kenny Institute, told Valliere long ago
to set reasonable rates for golfers with
disabilities and not think twice about
charging them.
"These people are capable of paying,"
Valliere says. "Some of them are quite well
off. Course owners need to understand
how much value is placed on disabled
recreation—especially outdoor recre-
ation and particularly in the golf setting,
where they can enjoy camaraderie and
build friendships."
Across the board, golf operators with
a clientele of players with disabilities
agree: If being at the golf course makes
able-bodied people feel special, it makes
those who have lost physical capacities
feel that much more so.
Steve Jubb, who directs PGA Chari-
ties (part of the PGA of America Foun-
dation) and is a National Alliance for
Accessible Golf board member, offers up
the relationship between PGA Golf Club
in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and the Visit-
ing Nurses Association (VNA) as a prime
example of local institutions helping the
golf operator.
"Once a month, the VNA holds a
seminar for disabled clients, usually with
a light dinner, where they provide infor-
mation and updates," says Jubb, not-
ing that the majority of these events are
conducted at restaurants or in a hospital
conference room. When the seminars
are staged at PGA Golf Club, however, at-
tendees receive golf instruction and meet
afterwards in the grill.
"The caregiver is there, the disabled
person is there, [and] the day becomes a
real highlight," Jubb says. "The next thing
they're saying is, 'Let's go back."'
Along with the National Alliance for
Accessible Golf, entities like the USGA
pitch in to connect the disabled with their
local course. In 2009, the USGA Grants
Initiative dispensed $1.35 million to wor-
thy causes, one-fifth of which were all
about making golf accessible to players
with disabilities.
Of all sub -groups within the disabled
population, amputees are perhaps best-
known for their golf zeal. The National
Amputee Golf Association (NAGA), now
in its 45th year, partners with
the USGA, the PGA of Ameri-
ca and the Disabled American
Veterans Charitable Trust to
support the activities of some
2,500 members worldwide,
primarily through its First
Swing and Learn to Golf ini-
tiatives. For decades, NAGA
tournaments have provided
many a course owner or in-
structor with an introduction
to golf as played by those with
physical limitations.
"First Swing Rhode Island
was a phenomenal success," says
Harbour, the former golf coach
at Brown University. "We were
growing quickly. We had very
good revenue. Our first year,
we had 100 participants, then it
dropped off to around 40."
Harbour believes that the
program had the potential to
"help every disabled person in
the state," but he insists the
organization had a commit-
tee that "couldn't accept that
"THETeE GOLFERS JUST
LIKE ANYBODY ELSE"
A prime reason why golf
access for disabled persons
has to make business sense
is so managers and teaching
professionals can get past
the feel -good stage, which by
nature is temporary. "It's not
that helping the physically and
mentally challenged doesn't
continue to be especially re-
warding," says Mike Harbour,
a golf professional from Cran-
ston, Rhode Island. "It's just
that any ongoing program
needs to sustain itself and not
become stagnant"
Harbour speaks from ex-
perience. As a director of First
Swing Rhode Island, he wit-
nessed how a golf access pro-
gram for the physically chal-
lenged went from what was, in
his view, a successful venture to
one that stalled out because it
wasn't treated as a business.
vision. They didn't want to
grow it." From his base at a golf
range/entertainment center
called Mulligan's Island, Har-
bour is now attempting to re-
vive the organization and build
its client base aggressively.
olf facility operators have
longbeen hesitant to open
up to victims of physical
disability. Damage to greens
from wheeled devices, slow
play and excess demand on
staff members' time have been
perennial concerns. There's a
learning curve for course own-
ers to travel, no doubt.
Be that as it may, enough
operators have gained experi-
ence and adapted to this mar-
ket that a set of reliable best
practices is emerging. At the
same time, recreation directors
at the various agencies have
TALES FROM THE TEE
THE MAJOR POINT OF ENTRY INTO GOLF participation for the
physically challenged has typically been full-time golf instruc-
tors whose default mode is to take on any interested student
and problem -solve until they've turned them into course-
ready—or at least range-ready—golfers. These teachers have
gained insights and developed techniques that the indus"*,
could and probably should find invaluable. Here's a sampling:
- START BY CHANGING YOUR DEFINITION of what "playing golf'
means. Mark Minier, a professional at Glen Annie Golf Club
in Santa Barbara, California, stresses the need to adapt the
game to fit the player.
"A physically challenged person can't necessarily play
golf on a golf course," he says. "Their golf might be just on the
range. But N that's the case, don't call it'practice.' It may seem
like practice to you, but to them it's a just a particular way of
playing golf --and it's their way."
To help redefine the golfing experience at Glen Annie,
Minier developed target games using different colored hula -
hoops. His clients with disabilities hit shots toward the targets
and try to land balls in as many different hoops as possible.
• UNDERSTAND THAT GOLFERS WITH DISABILITIES have particular
definitions of what is a satisfactory swing or shot. For instance,
many of the players who fall into this category at Haggin Oaks
Golf Course in Sacramento, California, focus on straightness
rather than trajectory or length.
"High, low and how for don't seem to matter, as long as the
shot goes straight," says Brian Rooney, who directs Haggin Oaks'
programs for juniors and golfers with disabilities. "Others only
care about a flush -feeling hit. Others are focused on getting the
ball airborne—it doesn't much matter what direction. The profes-
sional has to go by the client's evaluation, not his own."
- REALIZE EVERY PLAYER'S BACKGROUND and circumstance is
unique. There tend to be different needs and attitudes be-
tween former able-bodied golfers who have become injured
or limited and people who have always had a disability. Un-
derstandably, some of what the formerly able-bodied bring to
their golf rehab is advantageous, some of it is an obstacle.
- CATER YOUR TEACHING STRATEGIES to the particular type of
disability. Stroke patients, who make up a sizable percentage
of disabled golfers, are capable of a swing but their primary
concern and need is achieving and maintaining balance. "Flat
stances for stroke sufferers are vital," Mincer says. "Keep them on
ground that is dead level, and you can achieve results."
• PROVIDE EQUIPMENT THAT WORKS for each person's needs.
Much of Gary Pickle's work with the Scottish Rite Hospital for
Children in San Antonio, Texas, centers on clubfitting and,
naturally, much of this operation includes many non-standard
or "adaptive" club designs. Per -club prices for these very
customized implements are on par with the price for clubs and
putters fitted to a golfer who doesn't have a disability. —D.G.
ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT All
SO-CALLED ADAPTIVE VEHICLES FOR GOLF TEND TO BE THE FIRST IM-
AGE THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN GOLF FOR THE DISABLED IS DIS-
CUSSED. Products like the SoloRider golf cart or the ParaMobile (a
multi -terrain standup wheelchair) are ingeniously designed and der»
form admirably, so they make a strong impression. Theycan also`be .4
expensive (SoloRiders, for instance, run close to $8,000 each), another"'=
attention -grabbing factor.
T.
What course owners should realize is that most golfers with disabilities:. .
are mobile enough to get around and don't need special transporta-
tion. For those who do, Steve Jubb offers two suggestions for making
ownership of adaptive golf cars work: Promote the fact that you have
them and consider a shared -ownership approach by cooperating with
two or three nearby courses for use of the vehicle.
"You need to market and promote to get the usage level for the ve-
hicle up to where it makes sense," says Jubb, who directs PGA Charities
(part of the PGA of America Foundation) and is a National Alliance for
Accessible Golf board member. "You also need to market your course
to the disabled in the first place, so this is just an extension of that fact."
While single -rider golf carts provide a solution to the problems faced
by golfers with mobility limitations, such extreme disabilities are relatively
rare, compared to the great number of golfers (or would-be golfers)
who can get themselves around on a standard cart but struggle with
energy and endurance. Now to the aid of that sub -group comes Sure -
Grip, an established maker of hand controls for automobiles and spe-
cialty vehicles that has begun selling its $500 hand control to individual
golf car owners in the United States (mostly residents of gated communi-
ties) and to golf course owners in its home market of Canada.
SureGrip began its foray into golf when a woman with multiple sclero-
sis told company officials that her legs were too tired to drive home from
the golf course, after pressing and pushing on the foot pedals of her golf
car all day. Unable to get approved for hand controls on her automo-
bile (because her difficulties driving were not constant), the woman
opted instead for a SureGrip "push -rock" control for her personal golf
car that she uses when she plays, which allows the right hand to hold the
wheel and the left hand to maintain contact and control.
Not surprisingly, advocates contend that the potential market for
hand controls on golf cars extends well beyond the obvious candi-
dates. "When you see older golfers who are retired and have fully
paid memberships," says Wesley Deane, director of recreational sales
for SureGrip, "and they're only playing nine instead of 18, or only
playing two days instead of four or five, you're looking at a market for
hand -control devices."
At least one course in Canada—Carmen Creek in Fredericton, New
Brunswick—is taking that approach. Earlier this year, the operators or-
dered two of the push -in (for braking), rock -back (for acceleration) units.
"It's part of Carmen Creek's stated mission to be the area leader
in golf for the disabled," Deane says. "An extra 40 or 50 rounds from
the group of people who need assistance basically pays off their
investment." —D.G.
30 GOUBUSINESS November 2 0 0 9
also learned the ropes. Meanwhile, the codes and
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (though resented at times by builders and their
clients) have done the work of preparing most golf
facilities for the basic needs of players with disabili-
ties. (For more information and to access an ADA
tool kit, visit www.accessgolf.org.)
True, the ADA statutes extend beyond building
codes to require a certain level of service and treat-
ment of disabled persons who are patronizing your
business. But Jubb contends that golf managers
shouldn't expect problems in fulfilling them.
"Under ADA, you have to provide what's
called 'reasonable accommodation,"' he says.
"The Department of Justice has tried to get pub-
lic input from all sides about this. It's still a mat-
ter of interpretation."
Though he's not in a position to provide legal
advice, Jubb argues that "a little forethought and
common sense" are the main tools that operators
need to reach ADA compliance. "[For example],
when you've had heavy rains and the slopes around
greens are slick or a little muddy, you shouldn't
have the single -rider carts on those areas."
Legal issues aside, much of the current mo-
mentum behind golf for the disabled stems from
battlefield injuries suffered in the Iraq and Af-
ghanistan wars. Roadside explosions and suicide
bombings produce amputations, brain injuries
and other disabling conditions at a relatively high
rate, compared to what's been suffered in prior
combat. Also, the psychological toll of multiple
deployments yields a considerable amount of Post -
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is also a
disability eligible for funded rehab.
According to Betsy Clark, the "Wounded War-
rior factor" (as in the Wounded Warrior Project,
the nonprofit organization that seeks to provide
"unique, direct programs and services to meet
the needs of severely injured service members") is
helping drive new initiatives.
"People are looking at our industry and saying,
'Hey, golf is excellent rehab for these deserving
people,"' says Clark, former vice president of pro-
fessional development for the LPGA and now an
independent consultant on this topic. "And when
they experience it, they're truly excited. Who
wouldn't rather play golf than throw a
medicine ball around a rehab room?"
The message is simple: If dedicated
patrons are important to your busi-
ness, reach out to recovering American
veterans. "The dedication of some of
these injured service people is hard to
believe," says Bob Dougherty, a profes-
sional who teaches at two courses in
Southern Pines, North Carolina, and
has conducted golf schools exclusively
for Wounded Warriors.
To illustrate his point, Dougherty
shares the story of one soldier with
whom he worked who had a rod up
his spine and shrapnel wounds in his
shoulder and leg. "It was 95 degrees and
he wanted to stay on the range all day,
Dougherty says. "After a while, he was
bleeding from his shoulder and out of
his leg. He told me, `I can't be back to-
morrow, I have to get some shrapnel
out, but I'll be back the day after."'
For San Antonio, Texas-based teach-
er
each
er and clubfitter Gary Pickle, the Scot
tish Rite Hospital for Children provide
an early source of golfers with physic
challenges. He stepped forward years ago
when the hospital was seeking golf prc
fessionals to take on recovering orthope
dic patients. After some
initial frustration, Pickle
became so intrigued
with his special cases
that today half his time
(though not quite half
his income) is devoted to
teaching and fitting golf-
ers with disabilities-
-Any
isabilities.- ny professional
who enjoys teaching will
be able to help disabled
golfers," Pickle says. "In
the process, he'll become
a better teacher because
this kind of student re-
quires you to take in the
whole person, not just their golf tech-
nique. Then, you start taking that ap-
proach to your able-bodied students as
well, which only helps you teach them."
Achieving success with stroke vic-
tims and amputee golfers also works to
expand Pickle's supply of students with-
out disabilities. "Word gets around," he
says. "It's a win-win situation. They're
appreciative, so they help promote me
and my business."
As the National Alliance for Accessible
Golf points out, disabilities of one kind or
another afflict one in every five Ameri-
cans. The organization has also found
that only 10 percent of persons with
some form of limitation now play golf,
and 35 percent of those who are disabled
and don't currently play are interested
in learning how. With such a potentially
large pool of customers, look for a grow-
ing number of course owners and op-
erators to develop new programming for
- golfers with disabilities while introducing
products and techniques that make the
s process more manageable and, in turn,
al more business -like. 't
David Gould is a Connecticut-based freelance writer
and frequent contributor to Golf Business.
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