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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-11 Park Board Packet�1 owe • '��OAeoHAT4� City of Edina EDINA PARK BOARD Tuesday, February 11, 1997 7:30 p.m. Manager's Conference Room AGENDA 1. Approval of January 14, 1997, Park Board meeting minutes. *2. Lewis Park Improvements. A. Comfort Station. B. Basketball Court. 3. Parks Referendum Projects Update. 4. Other. *5. Adjournment. * These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action. City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461 Memo To: Edina Park Board. From: John Keprios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department Date: February 6, 1997 Re: STAFF REPORT. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Tuesday, February 11, 1997, Park Board Agenda. 2. January 14, 1997, Park Board Minutes. 3. Letter, survey post card and site map for Lewis Park. 4. List of comments submitted on the post cards. 5. Revised Lewis Park site map. STAFF REPORT The following is the monthly staff report concerning each item on the agenda with the exception of Approval of the Minutes and Other. "Other" is listed on the agenda in case last minute items come up between now and the Park Board meeting, plus, cover any other concerns of Park Board members and/or attendees. LEWIS PARK IMPROVMENTS As you will notice on the enclosed materials, a letter, survey post card and site map were mailed to 227 neighboring residents of the Lewis Park area. Of those 227, 110 returned the self-addressed stamped post card (approximately a 48% return). The results of the survey are as follows: 1. BASKETBALL COURT 70 (64%) IN FAVOR OF CONSTRUCTING AN OUTDOOR BASKETBALL COURT AT LEWIS PARK. 39 (36%) NOT IN FAVOR OF CONSTRUCTING A BASKETBALL COURT AT LEWIS PARK. 2. COMFORT STATION 82 (75%) IN FAVOR OF CONSTRUCTING A COMFORT STATION AT -2- LEWIS PARK. 28 (25%) NOT IN FAVOR OF CONSTRUCTING A COMFORT STATION AT LEWIS PARK. As noted in the survey results, the majority of neighboring residents are in favor of adding both amenities to Lewis Park. All of the comments submitted on the post cards are also enclosed for your review. The "comments received" are organized in three categories: 1 . POSITIVE COMMENTS - Those comments written on posts cards where the party selected "yes" for both amenities. 2. NEGATIVE COMMENTS - Those comments written on post cards where the party selected "no" for both amenities. 3. COMMENTS ON A CARD THAT WERE FOR ONE PROJECT AND AGAINST ANOTHER - Those comments written on post cards where the party selected "yes" for one amenity and "no" for the other. Staff Comments and Recommendations Regarding Comfort Station The majority of people who oppose the comfort station seem to have similar concerns that many residents have who live in close proximity to any park. Their common objections are that the new amenities will draw more people to the park and thus more traffic. There is no argument that more park amenities will likely draw more people and traffic to a park. This becomes a judgment call as to what recreational opportunities (both scheduled and non- scheduled) should each particular public park be expected to provide. Noise, lights, traffic and aesthetics all need to be considered when planning parks. Another typical objection is that new amenities should not be added simply because "kids will abuse or vandalize the amenity." In my view, this is never a good reason to not improve a park or no add a worthwhile park amenity. Another common concern by many residents is that the comfort station be maintained on a regular basis. If the facility gets built, staff intends to contract with a cleaning service to keep all restroom facilities maintained on a daily basis. We recognize that cleanliness is extremely important to the public and we (staff) will do our part to maintain every facility to the best of our ability with the resources available to us. It is also staff's recommendation that all four proposed comfort stations be open only during spring, summer and fall months. These facilities would be winterized and locked up during the winter months. If we find that there are numerous requests to open a particular comfort station during the winter months, each building will be designed and built in such a way that -3 - mechanical heating equipment could be added to the building in the future to keep it open year around. As a reminder, the four comfort stations are proposed to be constructed at: • Lewis Park • Wooddale Park • Garden Park • Lake Cornelia Park After receiving several phone calls from residents and after reviewing the written comments, it is staff's recommendation to propose a different location for the comfort station than what was originally proposed. It would seem to make some sense to locate the comfort station nearer the tennis courts on the south side of the walking bridge as shown on the enclosed "REVISED SITE MAP." There are several reasons for this revised new location: 1 . Original proposed location is objectionable to several responding neighboring residents. 2. Revised location is more sheltered from view of neighboring residents. 3. Excellent soil conditions for construction at new site. 4. Provides better access to utilities (sewer and water), which reduces the cost of construction by approximately $8,000. 5. Provides easy access to all park users (tennis players, soccer and football players, playground equipment users, walkers and joggers) and easy access for maintenance. 6. Revised location is close to existing portable toilet location. The actual size and dimensions of this proposed comfort station have not yet been determined. The architectural firm of Smiley Glotter Nyberg (SGN) is currently working on a design. As shown at the January Park Board meeting, the building will have a men's and a women's restroom with a small storage area room on the back side of the building for athletic and maintenance equipment. The budget for construction of each comfort station is $70,000. It is staff's recommendation that a comfort station be constructed near the tennis courts in the location shown on the revised Lewis Park site map. Staff Comments and Recommendations Regarding Basketball Court 64% of those residents who responded to the survey are in favor of having a basketball court at Lewis Park. Again, the main concerns of those opposed to the court is increased noise, traffic, and activity. The proposed E location of the basketball court also appears to be a major concern land I agree). Lewis Park is classified as one of Edina's nine Community Playfields. Lewis Park is 21.04 acres in size and by definition "Community Playfields are designed to provide facilities for diverse recreational activities for young people and adults, although a section is also typically set aside for smaller neighborhood children and has a service area of 9-16 square miles." This definition is quoted directly from the Jupiter Report. It appears as though the majority of the neighboring residents clearly approve of constructing a basketball court at Lewis Park. My biggest concern is the location of the court. After reviewing all of the input from residents and discussing it with residents over the phone, I would recommend that we go forward with construction of a basketball court at Lewis Park but at the revised site location, which is just north of the warming house. Staff is proposing this location for the following reasons: 1 . Close to adequate parking. 2. Better separation from the playground site, which I believe to be a positive. 3. Better separation from the soccer/football field, which eliminates any potential safety hazards. 4. Allows more space for multi -use of the green space on the west end of the park, such as, installation of a back stop for non-scheduled baseball or softball play. 5. Aesthetically more pleasing to have the hard surface court on the east end of the park (less green space taken away from the park). The one drawback to this new proposed site location is the effect on the small skating rink. A small skating rink can still be provided over the top of the basketball court, however, the distance between the basketball posts is shorter than what currently is provided. We could still provide a reasonable shinny hockey area for youngsters by flooding over the basketball court and placing the small wood goals just inside each basketball pole. The current length of the small skating rink is 154 feet. The distance between the two basketball standards would be 89 feet. I am of the opinion that this would still be an adequate size rink for that age group. In addition, there is a special urethane hard -surface coating product that would be applied to the basketball court to prevent hairline cracks that could develop from flooding an ice rink over the color -coated basketball surface. Therefore, it is staff's recommendation to construct a basketball court at Lewis Park on the east end of the park as shown on the revised site map. -5 - Further, it is staff's recommendation to pursue the Edina Basketball Association's offer to pay for this construction project. PARKS REFERENDUM PROJECTS UPDATE The results of the Braemar Arena bids will not be known until after the February Park Board meeting. The Braemar South Arena bid openings had to be delayed until Wednesday, February 12, and Thursday, February 13, 1997. All other parks referendum project progress will be given in a verbal report at the Park Board meeting. EDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. January 14, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Dovolis, Beth Hall, Jim Fee, Dave Crowther, Andy Herring, Bill Jenkins, Jean Rydell, Becky Bennett, Andrew Montgomery, Mike Burley, Phyllis Kohler STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Damman, Anne White, Shirley Taylor, Pete Anderson L APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 10, 1996 PARK BOARD MINUTES John Dovolis MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 10, 1996 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Andy Herring SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. IL EDINA AQUATIC CENTER Mr. Keprios noted that this was on the agenda by the request of Mr. Herring so the Park Board can have an opportunity to look at in detail where we are to date with the renovation of the aquatic center. Mr. Keprios indicated that he hopes the staff report gave everyone a good idea of where we are at. Mr. Herring replied that the reason he wanted this to be on the agenda is to have a better understanding of what will and will not be done. He noted that he was very impressed with the original design and beautiful drawings Mr. MacHolda originally shared with the Park Board. Mr. MacHolda explained to the Park Board that they were basically looking at three things: demolishing and rebuilding the bathhouse, expanding the wading pool and replacing the worn filtration system. Those are the three items that really needed to be accomplished. He indicated that they first met with the architects in July where they brainstormed and came up with a conceptual master plan, however, the dollars available would not permit everything to be done. Mr. MacHolda stated that the existing bathhouse was torn down and is being rebuilt. The wading pool has been demolished and will be enlarged and the pool filtration room will be gutted and completely renewed. He indicated that an item that was specified but eliminated was the larger play structure for the zero depth pool. Other items on the conceptual master plan but not pursued at this time were the lily pad walk, sand volleyball and the sand play area as well as expanding the perimeter fence. Mr. Jenkins asked about the road and Mr. MacHolda responded that it is not going to be done, however, they are going to continue to utilize the rear service entry as well as provide some ADA parking in the back. Mr. Herring asked what the cost of the additional items would be and Mr. MacHolda responded they have never calculated that, however, he would like to see the architectural firm put all of the ideas into a concrete master plan with dollars attached. Mr. MacHolda explained that he hopes once the current construction is done we can take the next step with the architectural firm and look at the other items. Mr. MacHolda explained on the drawing the old bathhouse and new bathhouse. Mr. MacHolda stated that initially they were looking at a 1,500 bather capacity bathhouse, however, that was sized down 1,000 square feet and is now a 850 bather capacity bathhouse. Mr. MacHolda pointed out that two years ago the average bather load was 1,400 a day. This year we saw 120,000 bathers. Mr. MacHolda explained that the bather load is looked at in two ways. One is the water surface and the other is by the number of showers and stalls. We are currently attempting to add two showers and two stalls to give our bathhouse a 1,000 bather capacity number. This would match our water surface. Ms. Bennett asked what is going on right now with the construction of the bathhouse. Mr. MacHolda explained that the bathhouse is currently being built, and it is projected to be completed by April 1. Therefore, there is no reason the main pool cannot open on Memorial Weekend. However, he does not want to do that because the wading pool may not be done until July 1' and he explained he wants to minimize the amount of construction with the general public as much as possible. Therefore, the pool will open a week later on June 7h as it is stated in the Activities Directory. Mr. MacHolda stated they have clearly spent the money that was allocated and were able to do the three things they really wanted to do, build a new bathhouse, expand the wading pool, and bring the filtration/sanitation system up to speed. These are the items the public was told we were going to do and we are meeting that obligation. Mr. MacHolda stated that the one item he would really like to see for next spring's opening is the play structure, he really wishes it would be renewed and enlarged. It was asked how much money that would cost and Mr. MacHolda replied it would cost approximately $140,000. He pointed out that the zero depth pool area bather capacity is 400. Mr. Keprios noted that there was one council member who was of the opinion that we should do the larger structure. Mr. Burley asked why the rest of the council was against the idea. Mr. Keprios responded because the project is already more than $300,000 over budget on a 1. l million dollar project. Mr. Herring indicated that according to the staff report we are going to take $200,000 out of the Developer's Fund. Mr. Herring then noted that Mr. Jenkins had previously suggested using a revenue bond for this in which this would be ideally suited for that kind 2 of financing. Mr. Crowther asked how can we expect the council to approve something like that when we have already gone through the whole bond process and did not estimate correctly. He noted that he doesn't think the public would stand for that. Mr. Herring suggested giving up all of the signs that are in the budget and look to where else there may be money available. Mr. Dovolis asked Mr. Herring to give some background on why are we revisiting this issue. Mr. Herring noted that he thinks the aquatic center is one of the most highly used and best assets in Edina. It's an asset that pays for itself and is used by a broad spectrum of people in the community and is used by all ages. He stated he is concerned that we are cutting and skimping every step of the way on this and we are going to have competing facilities. He commented that we don't need to have the cadillac but we should have a good facility. He indicated that he wanted to revisit this to be sure he understood what was and was not going to happen. Mr. Herring stated that he wanted to hear what Mr. MacHolda's priorities are as to what he would like to see done. He stated that he would really like to see the master plan done and wants to make sure that we are not doing things that are limiting us from in the future doing the master plan to make this a real quality facility. Mr. Dovolis indicated that he agrees on all of the points but what he is questioning, and maybe this should be directed to Mr. MacHolda, is this truly the vision and is this something that's going to take us into the year 2000 and beyond. Mr. Dovolis asked, are we shortchanging ourselves by not providing these things now or should we be looking at a plan to implement these items down the road over a series of years. Mr. MacHolda responded that he agrees with the council member in that he thinks we are making a mistake by not finding the dollars to do the play structure now. Mr. MacHolda pointed out that the aquatic center could lose a great deal of season tickets and revenue next year and beyond. The aquatic center has been profitable because it offered something that nobody else had. Mr. MacHolda indicated that this is the one item that he would really like to see done even if we need to lease to purchase. He also noted that he would like to go forward with a master plan not necessarily in 1997 but hopefully in 1998. Mr. Keprios commented to the Park Board that if they would take a good, strong, hard look at the long-term future of this facility we need to sit down and establish what do you want, how do you want this facility to function in the next 10, 20 and 25 years. Do you want it to be a competitive pool or do you want it to be a family aquatic center. These are some real tough decisions and some real key philosophical decisions that need to be made. There is no question that St. Louis Park is going to draw business away from us. However, these are some questions that need to be answered before we dive in and start to move this and change that. Mr. Keprios commented that futuristically before we start making any more changes there should be a master plan like Mr. Herring suggested that we all buy into and work towards. Mr. Burley asked is there a way to get a handle on how much all of this will cost. Mr. MacHolda stated that he knows the play structure is $140,000. He noted that for all of 3 the other items that we are looking at we would need to make a commitment with the architectural firm for approximately $5,000 to do a master plan, which he feels should have been done a long time ago. Mr. Herring noted that his suggestion would be to ask the staff to assist the Park Board to think about alternative ways to finance or to pay for the additional play structure. The second item would be to recommend to spend a little money to work up a master plan that we would try to develop over a certain period of time. Mr. Montgomery indicated that he is concerned with some of the deletes. He noted that he feels in the heat of the summer there really should be air conditioning because you have people working there and what would they do if someone had heat exhaustion. Mr. Dovolis commented that the air conditioning is listed as being very expensive and commented he would like to take a closer look at that. Mr. Herring MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE STAFF WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A COMMITTEE FROM THE PARK BOARD PURSUE CREATIVE IDEAS FOR FINANCING AND ALSO COME UP WITH A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PARK BOARD ON HOW TO ACQUIRE THIS NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR THE ZERO DEPTH POOL. SECONDLY, TO RECOMMEND THAT WE GET AUTHORIZATION TO SPEND AN ESTIMATED $5,000 FOR DEVELOPING A MASTER PLAN AND IF THAT COMMITTEE WOULD WORK WITH THE STAFF AND THEN COME BACK AND MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE PARK BOARD RELATIVE TO THAT MASTER PLAN. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Herring indicated that he would like someone else to help him on the committee and Mr. Montgomery stated that he would. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. MacHolda what he intends to do about the over -usage versus capacity situation. He asked him if he will keep people from using the pool when he reaches capacity. Mr. MacHolda replied that he has designed the bathhouse with the intent of always knowing the number of bathers pool side. He is having turn -style going in and a turn -style going out. III. PARK AND RECREATION INTERN Mr. Keprios introduced the recreation intern, Mike Damman, a graduate student from the University of Minnesota who has been attending a lot of the meetings and will be assigned some hands-on park development tasks. Mr. Damman is a resident of Edina and has been very active in the community. He served as chair of the playground equipment development committee for Countryside School. He is familiar with the town and is anxious to learn more about the parks and recreation. IV. PARK REFERENDUM PROJECTS UPDATE Mr. Keprios stated that hopefully he made all of the changes on the priority list that were mentioned at last month's Park Board meeting. Mr. Montgomery indicated that his only concern is maybe we should do more of the little things because we get a lot of points for the cosmetic items. He suggested one of the shelter buildings or a major item be put on hold for a year or so to see where we are at financially. He noted that possibly Walnut Ridge could be put on hold which would be $220,000 that we could bank for a year or so. Mr. Montgomery pointed out that he is concerned that a lot of these little projects are going to score more points with the neighborhoods that will affect more people than the shelter building in the northwest corner of Edina for $220,000. Mr. Crowther stated that the residents were told we were going to build the shelter buildings. He indicated that he feels we sold the referendum on certain projects and we have to follow-up on them. Mr. Montgomery replied that he thought we said a lot of these things were going to happen. Mr. Crowther responded that we said certain ones were definitely going to be done before others and that the little cosmetic items were going to be done if we had enough money after doing the major items. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios what his thoughts were. Mr. Keprios indicated that the larger shelter buildings are something that we promised the community and he thinks it's something they are expecting. He noted that he has representatives from each of the neighborhoods serving on a task force committee and Jeff Arnold is representing the Walnut Ridge shelter building. Mr. Keprios indicated he could pose the question to these representatives about the possibility of delaying a shelter building. Mr. Herring indicated that he thought we were going to receive interest through the bond issue fund earnings. Mr. Keprios stated that the finance director has indicated to him that we will receive approximately $400,000 in interest when this is all said and done. However, everything needs to be completed by August 1, 1998, in order for us to receive all of the interest. Otherwise, it will be forfeited to the Federal Government. Mr. Keprios explained that what he is asking the Park Board to do at this time is to keep visiting the priority list because it was sold to the community as a priority list and we need to make good on that. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he received a letter from the Arden Park neighborhood indicating that they do not want a parking lot at Arden Park which was a budgeted item for them. However, they would like to take that money and spend it on other things. Mr. Keprios indicated that he thinks it's wonderful they have a wish list, however, unfortunately we don't have the money to do everything on every neighborhood's wish list. He noted that we are going to see more of that. Mr. Keprios indicated that he hopes to accomplish as much of every neighborhood's wish lists as possible, however, for now we need to stay focused on what we promised and keep it by project not necessarily dollar per park. 5 Ms. Rydell asked how many kids are skating at Strachauer Park because she rarely sees people there and wanted to know how committed we are to spending $20,000 for a hockey rink. Mr. Keprios noted that the argument has been that without a hockey rink it's not going to get much use when there is such a beautiful general open skating area nearby at Centennial Lakes. He indicated that he thinks the numbers will climb dramatically when a hockey rink is put in. Mr. Keprios commented that a lot of the outdoor skating takes place on the hockey rinks. Mr. Anderson, resident of the Strachauer Park neighborhood, indicated that if you look at the demographics of the neighborhood you can see that there are a lot of kids who would make use of that facility. Also, the fact that there is a permanent warming house there makes it an ideal candidate to have permanent boards and a hard surface area for use year round. V. OTHER A. Comfort Stations - Mr. Keprios indicated that he originally thought the comfort stations would have unisex bathrooms, however, he now feels there should be both a men's and women's rest room. He noted that it will not be that much more expensive. Mr. Keprios explained that the comfort stations will open and close with electronic locks that we can program from City Hall. There will be comfort stations at Wooddale Park, Garden Park, Lake Cornelia Park and Lewis Park. Mr. Keprios indicated they are currently meeting with architects and there is a lot of planning going on. B. Fred Richard's Golf Course - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that renaming the Normandale Golf Course to Fred Richard's Golf Course did unanimously pass with the City Council. Mr. Keprios noted that there will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony in the spring. C. Adopt -A -Park - Mr. Montgomery asked what is happening with the Adopt -A -Park signs, people have adopted parks over two years ago and there still are no signs. Mr. Keprios indicated that Ms. Bertrand has informed him that we currently have all the signs at the Edina Public Works Building, however, they are painting the back side of them so they will look better. He noted right now it is not a high priority during the winter months. D. Lewis Park Basketball Court - Mr. Burley asked what the status is of the basketball court at Lewis Park. Mr. Keprios indicated that the Basketball Association has indicated that they would be interested in donating finances necessary to construct a basketball court at Lewis Park. Mr. Montgomery asked if the neighborhood has been informed yet of the basketball court and Mr. Keprios indicated that he will be sending out a survey this month. 1.1 E. Senior Center - Ms. Rydell asked what the status is with the YMCA and the Senior Center. Mr. Keprios indicated there currently has not been a whole lot of movement on it. It's in the YMCA's court and they are struggling with whether or not they want to go forward with the relationship. V. ADJOURNMENT Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:35 P.M. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 7 January 24, 1997 Dear Resident Neighbor of Lewis Park: City of Edina The Edina Park Board and Edina Park and Recreation Department are asking for your input regarding the addition of two amenities proposed for Lewis Park. The two proposed improvements are: 1 . The addition of an outdoor basketball court. 2. The addition of a comfort station (permanent restroom facilities). In 1996, the Edina Park Board was approached by neighbors of the Lewis Park neighborhood requesting the addition of an outdoor basketball court. In addition, staff has recommended to the Edina Park Board that the temporary portable toilet facility (currently surrounded by a cedar fence) be replaced with a small permanent comfort station, which includes a women's and men's permanent restroom facility. Each restroom would have only one toilet and one sink. Each restroom can be locked from the inside. The doors would be locked electronically 3t night and would be programmed to automatically open in the morning. The comfort station would have an aesthetically pleasing exterior design with attractive brick and cedar wood siding. The comfort station would be kept maintained for cleanliness on a routine basis and would be available to all park users during park open hours year around. Both amenities are proposed to be placed on the west end of the park. A location map is enclosed for your review. The Edina Park Board is requesting your views regarding these two proposed park improvements by filling out the enclosed self-addressed stamped post card survey and drop it in the mail no later than February 4, 1997. Results of the survey will be discussed at the February Park Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 1997, 7:30 p.m., Manager's Conference Room at Edina City Hall. Your input on this topic is a vitally important part of the decision making process and is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your valuable input. Sincer ly,/ John Keprios/,Director Edina Park and Recreation Department City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461 LEWIS PARK PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS PLEASE RESPOND BY FEBRUARY 4, ; ' Please indicate your preference in regard to the: 1. Basketball Court ❑ 1 am in favor of constructing an outdoor basketball court at Lewis Park. ❑ 1 am not in favor of constructing an outdoor basketball court at Lewis Park. 2. Comfort Station ❑ 1 am in favor of constructing a comfort station at Lewis Park. ❑ I am not in favor of constructing a comfort station at Lewis Park. Comments: LEWIS PARK PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTING A BASKETBALL COURT 70 In favor of constructing an outdoor basketball court 39 Against constructing an outdoor basketball court CONSTRUCTING A COMFORT STATION 82 In favor of constructing a comfort station 28 Against constructing a comfort station COMMENTS RECEIVED POSITIVE COMMENTS My "pro" response is contingent on ample efforts to keep both facilities safe and clean. Needed improvement. How about a sidewalk on the Dewey Hill north side? Comfort station should be locked after 10:00 p.m. or whenever park is closed. I worry about safety for children and also about drug dealing. I am an architect and do not put this at proposed location - blocks entry experience to park for neighborhood and parking lot visitors. Construct comfort station where existing portable unit is. It is much more centrally located and screened from Dewey Hill parking view. The proposed location is right at the entry node of the park for parking and neighborhood entry access and you block view to park with a toilet. It doesn't make sense. Pleased that the property is being used for our youth rather than a walking path. Don't allow parking on Lewis Ridge Parkway. We need both! Turn out lights at a reasonable time. Hockey lights are kept on at late hours and wastes electricity. We strongly support both items! Anything we can do to help the kids is great!! Only if Edina will properly police it. Comfort station is very necessary! Please plant additional evergreen trees along the south side of the park along Dewey Hill Road and pond is an eyesore during dry summers. Please include a diaper changing table in the restrooms. Wonderful idea. Very important to have a comfort station - especially for the yong people who practice or have games at the park. Yes, it must be kept up! Sounds fine to me at that location. I don't play basketball but I do walk in the parks almost every day. Good idea! It is important that kids have health and safe things to do that will help. Good idea. NEGATIVE COMMENTS Many kids drink in that area, don't make it anymore inviting. Please do not place comfort station at west end - too many "passerbys" already mill around - put it up by the rink away from residential! The changes will affect the current character of Lewis Park. Backboard noise at night can be very annoying!! What are the costs of these two projects? I feel present satellites are enough "comfort". Will bring too much extra traffic. Dewey Hill and Cahill are already heavily traveled. Too much traffic NOW! Too much noise created in quiet now neighborhood - bad, bad news. Soccer players (families) already are parking on Tara. Basketball will only bring more cars - Bad. Too close to residential area - Too close to playground where young families with little kids same time (bad mix) - Wrong side of the park - One comfort station enough in park. We don't need anymore traffic in the area - nor do we need a basketball court and bath room. Is not in favor of a comfort station except proximity to the present skating warming house or near the tennis court. The court and some of the traffic it would be likely to generate would not be compatible with usage of the adjourning small children's playground. In addition it would end the tranquillity and attractiveness of a popular walking circle. Comfort station - there is one presently in the park building I believe. The location of the basketball court is not desirable should be relocated if it is to be built at all. COMMENTS ON A CARD THAT WERE FOR ONE PROJECT AND AGAINST ANOTHER Think the park is great the way it is. In spite of the good intentions, there would be continuous damage to the comfort station and to those who tried to use it. A full-time park policeman would ask too much. Comfort stations have been found to not be well taken care of and because youths have misused stations. Too many activities will hinder the joy of using the park for walking exercise. A basketball court would bring traffic on our private driveway. There is a lot as it is. No one should park in any private driveway any place. FORESTRY REPORT 1/14/97 submitted by Tom Horwath Edina Park and Recreation Department Forester Looking back at the year, the first thing that comes to mind was the dry conditions of the summer. Although the official drought sirens never sounded , the 8" shortage of rainfall kept the City's water truck constantly in motion during July and August. Marvin Huiras and Mark Hill were busy for seven weeks making sure all the newly planted trees received plenty of supplemental water. Besides the annual problems of Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt, this year also brought greater than usual problems with Oak Chlorosis, another outbreak of Two -Lined Chestnut borers affecting oak trees; and an infestation of Elm leaf beetles affecting all of the Cathedral Elms planted on boulevards over the last four years. On the positive side, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported a very low number of Gypsy Moths trapped this year which indicates that the eradication efforts two years ago was successful. Other topics for discussion in this report will include new tree plantings, tree -care recommendations, boulevard tree -trimming program, and clear -view complaints. Also, included with this report is a compilation of work orders completed in 1996, prepared by Mark Armstrong. It was a busy summer for the tree crew. I wish to thank all those who worked on city trees this year. Their professionalism and knowledge is greatly appreciated. Edina's urban forest is healthier and safer with their efforts. Dutch Elm Disease This year I marked 139 Elm trees for removal due to Dutch Elm Disease. One hundred were on private property, 22 on boulevards, and eight in city parks. All but 17 of these trees have been removed. These 17 trees have a removal deadline, of Feb. 1, 1997, after which I will re -inspect these sites to assure their removal. Oak Wilt Each year a separate report on Oak Wilt in Edina is submitted by Kunde Company, specialists in Oak Wilt contracted by the City to identify Oak Wilt infection centers. They conduct ground surveys and aerial surveys for this purpose each year. Initially, I receive calls from residents who suspect their trees may have Oak Wilt, or are affected by some other pathogen. I respond to these calls to see if Oak Wilt can be ruled out or to see if a I can determine, by field symptoms, the presence of Oak Wilt. Usually, if field symptoms are inconclusive but Oak Wilt is still suspected, I relay the site information to Kunde Company. In many cases, lab samples are necessary. When I received positive identification for Oak Wilt from Kunde Company, I inform the residents of control measures and options that are necessary. Control recommendations can vary from site to site based on tree variety, density, and proximity to adjoining land. Other Oak Diseases Oak trees, like all other species of trees, have a variety of disease affecting them. Other noteworthy afflictions this year have been Oak Chlorosis, Two -Lined Chestnut Borer, and Armillaria root rot. I have noted symptoms of Oak Chlorosis in Edina since I first started working here. Oddly enough, I had seldom noted it in any other city. Symptoms of Oak Chlorosis are yellow foliage and in many cases gradual decline of the affected trees. This year it seemed more abundant than in previous years. Studies have previously been made on this, but without conclusive determination of it's cause. Generally it's believed to be a lack of iron available to the tree. The lack of iron is due to a higher pH in the soil than oaks are accustomed to. This summer I contacted the Metro DNR Forestry Health Unit to find more current information. I learned that two specialists there were monitoring and studying this disease. I was told this problem was especially confined to the Edina, St. Louis Park and Bloomington area. In the absence of specific causal factors, I asked whether some type of soil amelioration should be advised around these trees. A program of composting/mulching/acidification could not hurt and probably would be beneficial. I was told. I had learned previously, and had always believed that about 80% of tree problems are directly related to poor soil conditions. Many studies at universities around the country are focusing on organic soil ameliorations to benefit tree health, with very encouraging results. When soil conditions are at their best, trees receive enough nutrients to synthesize compounds which can be used to build up their own defensive systems, or immune systems. These compounds are considered the last compounds made, when all other tree physiological functions have been satisfied. Therefore, healthy soil is critical for healthy trees. Symptoms of Two -Lined Chestnut Borers were noted this summer in oak trees. This insect can successfully attack and colonize oak trees which are in weakened or stressed conditions. Their larvae breed between the bark and cambium of the tree, destroying the phloem and xylem tissues of the trees. The insect was in high populations after the drought of the late 80's. The third most noted oak disease, the past several years has been Armillaria root rot. I have detected the presence of this root -collar rot over the last several years. Using a field prognosis method I learned from the DNR, I have found this disease to be present in Red, Northern White, and Bur Oak species. This is a disease affecting a wide variety of tree species. In most cases it is considered a secondary pathogen, but also capable of being a primary pathogen attacking healthy trees. It usually invades root systems weakened by other causes, such as poor soil conditions, adversely affecting the health of the root system. Tree Planting Trees were planted this year using stock ranging from tree seeds through tree spaded transplants. Seeds, seedlings, bare -root, containers, balled and burlapped, and tree -spaded trees were all used for planting stock. Parks benefiting from new trees included Lake Cornelia, Arden, Chowen, VanValkenburg, Edina Art Center, Garden and Bredesen. Other sites included York Pond and Mirror Lakes. We received 30 free trees from the Landscape Plant Development Center this spring. This is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The purpose of this project, called "City Tree Project" is to find or develop trees which will adapt to very harsh city conditions. Trees are being tested to withstand very poor soil conditions, disease resistance, their natural ability to assimilate toxic chemicals or metals in soils (hypoaccumulation) and new varieties to this area. Van Valkenburg Park received the most Department of Natural Resources seedlings we planted this year. Approximately 200 oak seedlings and 50 Souiland Poplars were planted on the weedy hill east of the ball fields. Throughout the summer I mulched each seedling for further weed control and moisture retention, since there were no plans to water all these seedlings. In the fall I planted a number of acorns as well. I'll inspect in the spring for germination. If this is successful, I will continue planting this weedy hill with seedlings in the spring and seeds in the fall. Other seeds I would like to try include Black Cherry, Walnut, Hawthorne, American Hazelnut, American Elm and Maple. I also intend on planting some pioneer species of trees at this site. Poplars, Aspens and Birch are some such pioneer species noted for growing first on disturbed sites. These pioneer species help prepare the way for early -middle succession trees. Also, taken into consideration at this site are the varieties of trees growing in the natural woods bordering this area so the new plantings will blend well with the existing established growth. New Planting Recommendations The most opportunistic and important time to give trees a chance to be healthy is at planting time. Proper planting techniques give trees their best chance to quickly adjust and recover full health while poor techniques lead to future stresses that trees may not be able to overcome. Recent research has shown that tree mortality has occurred even 10 to 20 years after planting as a consequence of poor planting. Proper planting begins with site evaluation; choosing the most suitable trees for the site; careful inspection of trees at the nursery; and site preparation. Trees must never be planted too deep, should be back filled carefully with, in most cases, amended soils, and composted/mulched widely to encourage new roots to spread horizontally as they do in nature, rather than encircling themselves in a poorly prepared site. New mulching recommendations say to mulch wide away from tree and not too thick. Ideally, in most cases depending on existing soil properties, compost should be laid down first or even tilled in 6" to8" deep. Then a top -dressing of mulch material be applied, flat on the ground rather than burmed up to retain water toward the center. Mulch should never be touching the tree trunk. Watering recommendations have always been to water the tree at the dripline or beyond, rather than at the trunks. Watering at the trunk encourages root -rot or girdling roots while watering outside the dripline encourages roots to spread away horizontally from the tree. The absorbing roots of trees are the roots furthest away from the tree, not near the trunk. I have been told that if the mulch is not burmed up, all the water runs off the surface, away from the tree. I'm sure that's true, but I believe this situation can be corrected at planting time by amending, cultivating 6"-8" deep, and mulching a wider area outside the dripline of the tree. This amended site should be far more able to accept and retain water. There is no doubt that good, careful planting techniques will reduce future labor and maintenance costs, and help promote faster and healthier growth of our investments in the parks. Modern emphasis on tree -care focuses on disease preventative practices, rather than attacking problems after they occur. We are learning how to create the most desirable and healthy conditions for trees so that the trees themselves are capable of developing strong resistance against detrimental attacks. Usually no single stress on a tree biotic or abiotic is enough to kill a tree. Trees can usually withstand an insect attack; a fungal blight; lawn- mower injuries; improper trimming. However, when stresses are added up, tree health declines to a point where stress leads to strain, and it's too late for anyone to help in any way. Thus it is important to consider things all tree -care specialists can do to reduce tree stresses and enhance tree health. Clear View Complaints This year I received 16 clear -view complaints. Each complaint I receive I inspect the site to determine the extent of the problem, and what would be necessary to alleviate the problem. If the problem arises from vegetation on a residential lot, I notify the resident of the safety hazard and that it is their responsibility to correct the situation. All clear -views that needed attention this year were corrected satisfactorily. Boulevard Tree Trimming By March 1996, Tree Trimming 1994-1996, the city administered a boulevard tree trimming operation was completed. Approximately 500 trees were trimmed. Not many complaints were received from the affected residents. Based on this very low ratio of complaints, and the high quality of service from the contracted tree -trimming company, I consider the program to be very successful. I extend my gratitude to the City Council for their support and commitment; to you John, also for your support and commitment, and to Tree Removals - 734 Trees Oak Wilt - 10 trees, 149" DBH, 1 job order Dutch Elm Disease - 21 Elms, 236" DBH, 10 job orders Dead, Hazard, Decline - DBH # 300" Elm 5: 210" Oak li 658" Boxelder 1: 550" Buckthorn 2 420" Cedar 8, 162" Spruce 1: 122" Cottonwood 9 63" Poplar 1: 62" Linden 8 55" Maple 11 MAJOR PROJECTS 703 trees removed, 3623" DBH rees DBH 682" Willow 46" Russian Olive 46" White Pine Z 44" Ash 44" Crab Apple 43" Mugo Pine 40" Mulberry 36" Cherry 34" Locust 6" Hackberry 1. Braemar Blvd 186 trees trimmed 35 willows removed, 105"DBH 2. Down Road 228 Removals Boxelder & Elm, 456" DBH 3. Mark Terrace 73 Trees Trimmed 76 Removals Boxelder & Elm, 304"DBH 4. Street Department Dump Site - 70`x' & Amundson Ave 103 Removals 663" DBH 5. Utility Department Holding Pond - Blake Rd & Interlachen 135 Removals, 906"DBH 20 Willows, 176"DBH 3 Basswood, 34"DBH 18 Elms, 162"DBH 2 Spruce, 8" DBH 7 Cottonwood, 56"DBH 1 Ash, 8" DBH 6 Locust, 44" DBH 1 Oak, 10" DBH 5 Maple, 35" DBH 1 Cherry, 5"DBH 6. 63rd Street & Wilryan & Warren 115 Removals: Ash, Boxelder, Cherry, 230"DBH 7. Pamela Park & Pamela Place 64 Removals, 197"DBH 23 Buckthorn, 56"DBH 6 Elm, 24"DBH 13 Boxelder, 46"DBH 3 Poplar, 12"DBH 15 Ash, 41 "DBH 3 Cherry, 8"DBH 1 Cottonwood, 10" DBH 8. Lewis Park Pathway 63 Removals - Cottonwood, 315"DBH 20 Trees Trimmed TOTALS for 1996 1584 Trees Removed 7446"DBH 790 Trees Trimmed 90 job orders # trees 64 5 17 6 12 14 17 5 8 1 8 jobs SUMMARY OF TREE WORK PERFORMED BY CITY PERSONNEL January 1, 1996 - November 30, 1996 Compiled and written by Mark Armstrong TOTAL JOB ORDERS Tree Trimming by Park Maintenance 338 Trees Trimmed 63 trees re -mulch Brush Pile Pickups 32 City generated 8 Dump & Go Brush Disposal 57 Loads - Log Loader 21 Loads - Chips Planting by Park Maintenance - 52 trees Douglas Fir - 15 Linden - 3 Oaks - 9 Ash - 2 Crabapple - 9 Maple - 2 Honeysuckle - 6 Spruce - 2 Dwarf Ash - 3 Locust - 1 Plantings by Park Facilities - 668 trees Normandale & Braemar Golf Course 34 Centennial Lakes Park 11 Van Valkeburg Park 350 Art Center 35 Grandview 238 C1earView/roadway clearance 33 trees trimmed 3 brush piles 14 tree removals - 64" DBH 6 Boxelder - 16" DBH 8 Cottonwood 48" DBH Storm/wind Damage Broken branch trimming Elm - 85 Cottonwood - 4 Willow - 12 Russian Olive - 2 Hackberry - 1 140 trees - 75 job orders Apple - 1 Maple - 11 Spruce - 3 Ash - 7 Locust - 1 White Pine - 7 Oak - 2 Boxelder - 3 Linden - 1 Poplar Removal of Damaged Trees DBH DBH 44" Boxelder 84" Willow 36" Oak 6" Cedar 17 trees, 198" DBH - 10 job orders 296 51 job orders 40 job orders 15 job orders 7 job orders 85 job orders # trees DBH # trees 6 6" Russian Olive 1 4 6" Poplar 1 2 10" Spruce 1 1 6" Cottonwood 1 Solvei Swenson for her hard work in maintaining the boulevard tree inventory, billing operations and other office work associated with this program. Currently, I am busy delivering tree -trimming notices, preparing trimming lists, supervising the contracted trimmers and answering concerned residents questions regarding the trimming of their boulevard trees in area #5. This area should be completed by mid- March. Concluding remarks Summer of 1996 marked my sixth year of employment for the City of Edina and my 18I' year of employment as a City Forester. Learning about trees is an endless venture. Shade tree research has increased dramatically these past two decades. Old tree care standards are scrutinized and changed when they are found to be ineffectual, or even harmful to trees. New methods are tested, and when proven to be beneficial, are pushed to become today's standards. My challenge is to learn the latest research, and more importantly, make sure it is applied. My goal and duty is to make sure each newly planted tree in the city is given the right environment so that it is capable of being a healthy tree. Trees make a park, and healthy trees make a park a place of beauty and pride. I have always felt privileged to work for trees. Unrivaled in their beauty, endless in their fascination, so numerous in their uses for us and countless wildlife besides, they can hardly be taken for granted. I greatly enjoy working for the City of Edina. The commitment to and appreciation of trees is very apparent. I hope to continue to be a small part of this great tree -care endeavor throughout the city. Respectfully Submitted. Tom Horwath Forester