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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-11 Park Board PacketEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. Manager's Conference Room October 11, 1994 A C E N D A (:�) C -_A o t� C1 Q V) ( P- � A City of Edina QCY— a V CP UVi(U(V\ 1. Approval of the September 13, 1994 Park Board Minutes 2. Braemar Tennis Courts - Richard Coonrod 3. Park Maintenance Department Annual Report - Vince Cockriel, Park Foreman 4. Other These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 TDD (612) 927-5461 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 CITY OF EDINA PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: October 3, 1994 TO: All Park Board Members.(_ FROM: John Keprios, Director SUBJECT: Staff report for upcoming Park Board meeting. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. September 13, 1994, Park Board meeting minutes. 2. October 11, 1994, Park Board Agenda. 3. September 26, 1994, letter to Richard Coonrod. 4. September 26, 1994, letter to Harvey Dow. 5. September 1, 1994, letter to Harvey Dow. 6. July 27, 1994, letter to Harvey Dow. 7. August 25, 1994, letter of recommendations from Tennis West/Finley Bros. Enterprises. 8. September 27, 1994, letter of recommendation from INSPEC, Inc. 9. August 5, 1994, letter from James Donahue. 10. September 29, 1993, bid tabulation of Garden Park tennis courts improvement. 11. Braemar Tennis Courts Chronology. 12. Residents Response to Removal of Braemar Tennis Courts. 13. July 16, 1994, letter from Mr. Bill Greer. 14. September 7, 1994, U.S.A. Today newspaper article. 15. Letter from Mary -Anne MacKinnon and Dick Hembree. 16. City Council minutes from July 5, 1994, concerning Braemar tennis courts. 17. City Council minutes from July 18, 1994, concerning Braemar tennis courts. 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. -2- BRAEMAR TENNIS COURTS On July 5, 1994, the Edina City Council approved the Edina Park Board's recommendation to remove the Braemar tennis courts. Soon after that decision, the residents who live close to the courts communicated to the City Council by means of petitions, letters and attendance at the following City Council meeting on July 18, 1994. At the July 18, 1994, City Council meeting, the Edina City council upheld its earlier decision that supported the Park Board's recommendation to remove the Braemar tennis courts. A number of letters, recommendations and petitions concerning the Braemar tennis court issue are enclosed for your review. Mr. Richard Coonrod, Edina resident, would like to make a proposal to the Edina Park Board concerning the possibility of maintaining the Braemar tennis courts. At the time of this staff report, Mr. Coonrod did not have a specific proposal and therefore I do not have a staff recommendation. As directed by the City Manager, Mr. Ken Rosland, I ask that the Edina Park Board hear Mr. Coonrod's proposal and then make a decision based on the facts and merits of his proposal. PARR MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Vince Cockriel, Park Foreman, will be giving an annual report on matters concerning the Edina Park Maintenance Department. The Edina Park Maintenance Department currently has 15 full-time maintenance workers, two of which are non-union employees. The Park Maintenance Department staff are very dedicated to their jobs and are committed to maintaining Edina's Park System to the best of their ability given the current availability of resources. Mr. Cockriel will be giving a brief presentation regarding the year-round operations of the Edina Park Maintenance Department. NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARR ASSOCIATION CONGRESS Just as a reminder, the NRPA National Congress is hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and runs from Wednesday, October 12, through Saturday, October 15, 1994. There are many interesting on-site institutes and educational sessions, as well as, a comprehensive exhibit hall that have been scheduled. In fact, one of the on-site institutes includes a visit to Edinborough Park and Centennial Lakes Park. Because all Edina Park Board members are currently NRPA members, you are eligible to attend the conference at the membership rates. If you wish to attend the conference, the Edina Park and Recreation Department will cover your registration fees. For those who may wish to attend, please call me at 927-8861 ext. 230. eii I\ September 26, 1994 ��1LV �= I Edina Richard A. Coonrod 7133 Gleason Rd. Edina, MN 55424 Dear Mr. Coonrod: Thank you for your sincere interest in the Braemar tennis courts. As per Mr. Ken Rosland's, City Manager, instructions, I have enclosed a copy of Braemar tennis court repair scenarios that were submitted by Mr. Ray Finley of Tennis West Finley Brothers Enterprises. Mr. Dwight Carlson of Carlson/LaVine Company has also reviewed Mr. Finley's synopsis of the Braemar tennis courts and appears to be in agreement with the findings. As you will notice, Mr. Finley strongly recommends Option C (approx. 120,000.00), which is suggested to be the most reasonable value for the dollar. However, Mr. Finley and Mr. Carlson seem to agree that Option B (approx. $14,000.00) is a viable alternative. Due to the poor condition of the existing courts, both parties seem to strongly suggest that a simple "resurfacing" (Option A) would not be a wise approach at this time. I asked our Public Works Department staff to research the costs involved to remove and dispose of the existing Braemar tennis courts (using our own City of Edina staff). Their results suggest that removal and disposal of the 120' x 105' asphalt tennis court and 2' concrete border around the tennis court (approx. 470 linear feet) would cost $1,820.00. Our Park Maintenance Department staff suggests that the restoration of the tennis court landscape area (grading, topsoil and seeding) would cost approximately $2,000.00 (again using City of Edina staff). According to Mr. Finley, there are contractors, such as himself, who would be willing to remove and salvage the tennis court fencing at no fee to the City of Edina. Therefore the total costs for removal and disposal of the tennis courts (including restoration/landscaping) are estimated to be $3,820.00. I understand that you may have financial support to propose a donation to the City of Edina in efforts to continue to maintain the Braemar tennis courts. If you have such a request, I ask that you first present your proposal to the Edina Park Board at one of their monthly board meetings. The Edina Park Board meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. The upcoming Park Board meeting is scheduled for October 11, 1994, at 7:30 p.m. and the next one will be November 8, 1994. The November meeting City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461 -2 - begins at 8:00 p.m. due to election day. If you intend to pursue this approach, I ask that you please call me to include your proposal as a Park Board agenda item. Lastly, I have also enclosed a copy for your review of a USA TODAY newspaper article regarding the current popularity of tennis that was brought to my attntion by our honorable Edina Mayor Frederick Richards. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Many thanks. Sincerely, John Kep os, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department enclosures: 1. Copy of Tennis West letter of recommendations. 2. Copy of USA TODAY newspaper article. cc: Mayor Frederick Richards Mr. Ken Rosland, City Manager Mr. Harvey Dow • November 7, 1994 Edina Park Board: As an Edina resident in the Braemar area, I am submitting this proposal to you with the or hope that you will reverse your prior decision to remove the tens courts in Braemar Park. Concerned and interested citizens have made you aware of their views -- I will not be redundant in that respect. I, as a member of the Braemar area residents ad hoc effort, submit that we will contribute 30% of the renovation/reconstruction cost, not to exceed $3,500, to restore Braemar's courts to recreational playing condition. Park management will, of course, manage the project so that the courts will be restored for normal 1995 play. We believe that this contribution is a significant show of our concern for budgetary issues and our sincere belief that this recreational asset should be preserved for the benefit of the community. Thank you for your consideration. (Fe F Ell CiLv of Edina September 26, 1994 Harvey Dow 6212 Loch Moor Drive Edina, MN 55439 Dear uarvev: In L'-.. to your request, I have enclosed the following information: 1. 1994 Garden Park tennis court reconstruction bids. 2. Letter to Mr. Richard Coonrod. 3. USA TODAY newspaper article. As you will notice in the letter to Mr. Coonrod, the total costs for removal and disposal of the Braemar tennis courts (including restoration/landscaping) are estimated to be $3,820.00. If you require further information, please feel free to call me. Many thanks. Sincerely, John Kep ios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department cc: Mayor Frederick Richards Mr _^ Rosland, City Manager Achard Coonrod City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461 CHV Of' Edina J September 1, 1994 Harvey Dow 6212 Loch Moor Drive Edina, MN 55439 Dear Harvey: In follow-up to your request, I have enclosed the following information: 1. Edina Park Board Members list. 2. Ray Finley's assessment of the Braemar tennis courts. 3. Tennis court maintenance schedule. 4. Edina Park Board's tennis court study report. To answer your question concerning scheduled maintenance, the Edina Park Maintenance Department does not have an adequate number of staff to routinely sweep clean and fill cracks on the tennis courts. Our current number of full-time Park Maintenance staff is fifteen (15), which includes the Foreman and our non-union Janitor. In 1990, the Edina Park Maintenacne staff lost a full-time maintenance worker and the position was not reinstated by the Edina City Council. The same thing occured in 1991, which reduced our work force another full-time worker. In other words, since 1990, our Park Maintenance staff has been reduced from 17 to 15. All resurfacing and repairs on our tennis courts are done by contractors and a copy of that schedule is enclosed for your review. If you need further information, don't hesitate to call. Many thanks. Sing rely, r John Ken os, 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 City of Edina July 27, 1994 Harvey Dow 6212 Loch Moor Drive Edina, MN 55439 Dear Harvey: In follow-up to your request, I have enclosed information on tennis court maintenance and the Edina Park Board's written report. To answer some of your questions, the Braemar tennis courts were constructed in 1971 and were last resurfaced in 1987. The original surface material is a cold -poured laykold surface material, which is now considered by industry standards to be inferior to hot asphalt. Professional tennis court construction companies have suggested that the existing surface at the Braemar tennis courts is not a good candidate for an over -lament, which would have been a slightly less expensive alternative to removal and replacement. The old laykold surface has a poor structural integrity at this point in time and needs to be removed and replaced. You also asked for financial information regarding the construction and maintenance of tennis courts. Enclosed in this mailing are copies of two pages from the United States Tennis Association's "TENNIS COURTS: Construction, Maintenance, Equipment, and Guideline Specifications" publication. These two pages outline construction and resurfacing costs in 1992 dollars. If you need further information, don't hesitate to call. I will, however, be on vacation after today until August 9, 1994. Many thanks. Sincerely, John Kepr os, 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 AUG -26-94 FRI 10 10 TENNIS WEST FAX N0. 6129338272 8-25-94.. . . TC -94-1773 P. 02 Edina .Parks Dept. 480.1••-W: 50th St:._,.:........�......._.............._ .. _ ...... ......... ..... Edina,:. Mn. 55424... ........ -_:.............___. ... _ ............_. _ , Attn: John Keprios Ph. 92.7-8861..........._..... _ ... Fait 927.-7645.T,_. _ _.... .. Re: -Braemar -:Park . :... Zern.ia:Cs�utE _I mpcavemenx�__. ..... ..._........... ......................... _.,._... .,....... _.._ ---- �...__.....__..., . . Recommendation(s) for the repair of a battery: of two (2) doubles tennis courts. ( approx. t08' z 170`' at tJie aboxe.noted.location. - Courttype: Hot muted aspbalt base, over crushed aggregate with. -a -cold m•fixed-emulsion-blenti-vmar_,course (approx. Generically referred to as ( "Old Laykold_Pour System" j;. ••_ _ ._._...>... Present--Condit'w' n:••Cracked, brokemand-dried,eut: (-Structurat-cracks-and shrinkage; cracks, dominate the surfaee4. ; Recommended -Rep: ir•Techn•iques: A.)• "Resurfacing": surface treatement coatings. ('emul- __...,s'rfied"asphalt"ard/or acry ;).. _.... _ .... - , lits .�.._ --Estimated•cust; � •750.00-'- �^• * * * We feel this would be a complete waste of money.: ' ..: _ Eztrentely short term return on money. (Z or "yris. - .. _.._... _.....__.at.•best• �--�-:......�.._ .. --- , B.) "Overlay System": iClean,treat, and flit cracks. Apply non -woven paving mernbrane:-P.Ive 2"• -asphalt; :over J Estimated cost :.$14,000.00 We've-expereeneed good -success£-overlaying p.ouc.system0. Reflective. crackingspe �ecially,.th.e c ....... .. ® structuraLcracks can not be gauaranteed against. .C-}` "Re-construction":.Remove..existing.asphalt..adn•emulison - materials.` Rework crushed rock base. Add additional; "-;requires-base a—ggregifflO. Pave'2�'asphaltbase course MN.QOT• 2331.:3:1 R.;. -.Pave J! --mod. asphalt wear- course • - Fm MNDOT 2331-41A. irrstali Decoralt DIS -1'C_ Color Surface _ .. System for new asphalt construction: �- _. ... --Wmated•-cosL'..$30;000.00 'ObviouslY, Your best value. Ailso;,yooull, now have - new courts witb:an expected 30 yr. life: John, L_can't in good conscience recommend Option,A.) TENNMESIS _M T • 38-7383 Finleyros. Ent rases Phone. 612 s ey �P 5801 Baker Road Minnetonka. MN 55345 Fax: 612-933.8272 S E P— 2 7— 9 4 T U E 1 4: 50 I "SPEC I N C - SPEC, INC. 0 5s0 1 1 hduth Suvri Minnrulx'1i" MN 5;42. 1'h t•12 54bl-04 laxt;I."4i ;466; 555 Wi•,t I.nvtun n -r, suitr 420 Milw,wkrr. Wl 57207 Ph 414.744.6962 Fax 414.744.698 1 l ;ngintvring h A rrhi rn -rarul servir .s 6r exrerior wu11s, and OUrdoor si-wrs A(Ili rifs. September 27, 1994 Mr. John Keprios City of Edina 5801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 RE: Tennis Court Evaluation for Braemar Park Dear Mr. Keprios: As requested, our personnel performed an evaluation of the existing tennis courts located at Braemar Park in Edina, Minnesota. The existing tennis courts at Braemar Park consist of two doubles courts with a bituminous pavement surface. The courts are surrounded by an 8' high chain-link fence set into a 2' wide concrete maintenance strip. The courts have a color coat finish with the playing court color green and the background color red. 'Ilse two courts are striped for doubles play. The existing tennis courts at Braemar Park are in poor condition. The two courts exhibit widespread block cracking, most of which contains large amounts of vegetative growth. Most of these cracks are less than 114" wide, however, in many areas, the color coat finish has chipped away along the crack edges revealing the bituminous pavement surface. In addition, the courts exhibit several depressed areas that appear to pond water. The concrete maintenance strip and chain-link fence are in good condition overall, as well as the net posts. Based upon the existing condition of the Braemar Park tennis courts, we recommend performing a 2' bituminous pavement overlay in conjunction with a paving fabric in 1995. Prior to overlaying, the existing pavement surface would be milled along the maintenance strip to allow the new pavement to meet flush with the concrete edge. In addition, the existing net posts and net tie -downs would be raised 2". The two courts would then be color coated and restriped. The estimated construction cost of this maintenance is approximately $12,000 - $15,000. Due to the widespread cracking present in the courts and the potential for reflective cracking in the future, an alternative method would be to reconstruct the existing courts. P - 0:2 SEP - 2 7- 9 4 TUE 1 4: S a I N S P E C, INC. Mr. John Keprios September 27, 1994 Page Two This reconstruction would consist of excavating the existing courts to a pre -determined depth and replacing with a new base aggregate and pavement section. A new concrete maintenance strip and new fencing would ',istalled around the perimeter of the courts. New net posts would also be installed and set in co... -te footings. The courts would then be color coated and restriped. The estimated construction cost of this work would be approximately between $40,000 - $50,000. We have enjoyed examining the tennis courts at Braemar Park and preparing this evaluation. When rehabilitation is implemented and projects develop, we are available to prepare construction documents, and perform construction administration and quality control testing. If there are any questions or if you would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. INSPEC, INC. Vichael D. Remi ton, P. . Project Manager MDR/jh JAMES E. DONOHUE CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT 6308 ROLF AVE. EDINA, MN 55439 612/941-3513 August 5, 1994 Mayor Fred Richards City of Edina Edina, MN Dear Fred, It is with a great deal of interest that I read the article in this week's Edina Sun concerning the closing of the Braemar Park tennis court. For the past 25 years I have been, and still am, a very ardent tennis player. In this period of time I have seen the interest in tennis drop drastically and the number of courts has increased. The courts at Edina High School are unused most of June, July and August. The Normandale court, in outstanding condition, has considerably less play than 10-15 years ago. I believe that you have certainly made the right decision to close the Braemar courts. To spend $20,000 - $30,000 to redo these unused courts would be fiscally irresponsible and absolutely stupid based -" ,.,sage and availability of other courts. Stir to your original decision! Now if your are talking about spending $20,000 to $30,000 let's look at the lights on baseball field #1 at the Braemar baseball complex. Coaches and umpires have told me this year that the lights at C- 1 are very inadequate and below the standards of neighboring parks like Valley View, Dred Scott, Big Willow and Dakota Field. Bob Kojetin did a survey on the lights last fall but my understanding is that only minor improvements have been made. The poles should be taller and the candle power increased on the poles. We have games on this field almost every night for 3 months and have a sub standard lighting system. Sincerely yours, ?CC-. John Keprios BID TABULATION - 9/23/93 CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA CONTRACT 93-5 Garden Park Tennis Courts Improvement 93-5 PLANHC- "R ADDM. NO.1 ACKN. TOTAL BID CONTRACT 93-5 ALT: #1 UNIT PRICE. ALT. #2 UNIT PRICE Aero Asphalt. Inc. J- D O /o =` Q/ /S' v� T Alber Construction, Inc. o?O ,F ;7 - Barb^ � ' 'structicn Co., Inc. Barb— ✓ Bitumin.. -isulting & Contractir .. J 7- Carlson-L_aVine, inc. Carlson- LaVi r. e, 7/1 6'7 5 Finley Bros. Enterprises S� r McNamara Contracting, Inc. Town & Country Fence, Inc. ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE $22,000.00 BID TABULATION - 9/29/93 CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA CONTRACT 93-5 Garden Park Tennis Courts Improvement 93-5 PLANHOLDER ADDM. NO.1 ACKN. TOTAL BID CONTRACT 93-5 ALT: #1 UNIT PRICE: ALT. 42 UNIT PRICE. Aero Asphalt. Inc. J Alber Construction. Inc. a0 'F Barber Construction Co.. Inc. ✓ a y S� / �> �' Bituminous Consulting & Contracting Co.. Inc. � 7 �— Carlson-LaVine. Inc. C�t / 7// i� I Finley Bros. Enterprises VI" McNamara Contracting, Inc. Town & Country Fence, Inc. ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE $22,000.00 Braemar Tennis Courts Contact: John Keprios, Park & Recreation Department Director 927-8861 Chronology August, 1993: Edina Park Board voted to remove Braemar tennis courts located at Dewey Hill Road and Gleason Avenue. October, 1993: Edina City Council asked the Park Board to revisit the closing of Braemar courts and to look at all city tennis courts. Park Board was to recommend other closings, if warranted, and determine costs of upgrading and re -building those in need. Spring, 1994: Park Board formed ^ommittee, chaired by Board embers Andrew Montgomery and Jean Rydell, to study the condition and use of all Edina tennis courts.. June 14, 1994: Montgomery. and Rydell reported findings and recommendations. Park Board again recommended that the ; City Council approve the removal of the Braemar tennis courts. July 5, 1994: Edina City Council voted to approve closing of Braemar tennis courts. July 18, 1994: Edina City Council takes public comment on closing of Braemar tennis courts. City's Reasons to Close Braemar Tennis Courts 1. Lewis Park tennis courts, built in 1987, and in very good condition, lie only five blocks away. Braemar court use fell off substantially when Lewis courts were completed. 2. More than ample court time is available to meet current demand in Edina overall, and in the Braemar tennis court neighborhood. There are 15 tennis court sites in the Edina Park system, each having two tennis courts. In addition, there are seven courts at Edina High School and seven more at the Edina Community Center. Although many need routine repair, all are playable. 3. Overall budget restraints limit city's ability to maintain redundant, less used facilities. ESTIMATED COSTS Remove Braemar tennis courts and restore area .$4,000-$5,000 Repair Braemar tennis courts ..$20,000-$30,000 (Includes the cost of removing and disposing of worn-out asphalt, replacing the surface with new asphalt, acrylic surface. paint, nets, standards and fence repair) 4. Repairing Braemar tennis courts would consume the entire tennis court repair budget at the expense of repairing courts used by many more people. Outdoor asphalt -surface tennis courts in Minnesota's climate require routine maintenance every three to four years at a cost of $2,000 to $3,000 per set of courts. Estimated life expectancy of asphalt -surface tennis courts is approximately 20 years, at which time they must be rebuilt at a cost of $20,000 to $30,000. 5. Other courts have been closed without harm. Last year Lake Edina Park tennis courts were removed as part of the Normandale Golf Course expansion plan. Since the removal of these courts, the Edina Park and Recreation Department has received no complaints. A RESIDENTS RESPONSE TO REMOVAL OF BRAEMAR TENNIS COURTS 1994 Edina Park and Recreation Department 7/18 Frank Smith Gleason Circle support removal, hardly used, Lewis close by RESIDENT ADDRESS RESPONSE 7/15 Kathy Johnston Hyde Park Circle oppose, use courts 7/15 Dr. Pinkus oppose 7/15 Mr. S. Gillman 7120 Gleason oppose, only courts with bathroom nearby, wind doesn't whip through 7/15 John & Ann Cronin oppose 7/15 Kris McGrath 6212 Braeburn Cr oppose 7/15 Ann Bryan 5836 Long Brake Tr oppose 7/15 Bruce Shapiro 7128 Mark Terrace oppose 7/15 Todd Dyste oppose 7/15 John Otterli 7121 Schey oppose 7/15 Mrs. & Mr. Viera 7131 Gleason oppose 7/15 John Trohl Mark Terrace oppose 7/15 Mrs. Lacy oppose 7/18 Elaine Skrenter oppose 7/18 Annette Anderson 7008 Mark Terrace oppose, turn over in neighborhood, biking distance 7/18 Mary Jane Yue 6812 Gleason Rd. oppose 7/18 Dick & Phyllis Connrod 7133 Gleason Rd. oppose 7/18 Millie Carr 7204 Schey Dr. oppose, close by, enconomics, turn over 7/18 Darcy & Mike Dahnert 7318 Claredon Dr. oppose 7/18 Marcia Treno oppose 7/18 Margaret & Wayne Twito oppose 7/18 Bill Greer 7125 Schey Dr. oppose - letter 7/18 Lane Jorgenson 7132 Mark Terrace oppose 7/18 Frank Smith Gleason Circle support removal, hardly used, Lewis close by PE,rIT10N FOR EDINA CITY COUNCIL BRARMAR TENNIS COURTS The mot ion passed by the Edina City Counc i. I on J►t.Lv 5, 1994 t:.o remove the Braemar tennis courts was not genera.l.ly known to the neighborhood residents. We ask Hiat. your reconsider the plan Lo remove the courts. The courts were not used recent -Ly because Lhe surface was strewn w.iLh cracks and weeds. ProperLy maintained, these courts will have a posi.t.ive impact, on property values. Removing the courts will li.keb, have the opposite effect. The residents of this area used these courts because of its superior local ion , bu L s Lopped bocaitse of' Ll►e r. trndown Condit, ion- The ue i gt►bor•hood chi ] d r vii carr, and did , wa 1. k or ride Lhe i r• bikes Lo Lhe I?r•awn►a r• t'„►i rl.s . 11, i" i ndeod :e "nc- i s;hhor•hood" f"ac i l i t y . ob-%riously, Lhe cost, I.o Lear• out. Lhese c•our•Ls and remove Lhe fencing wi l -I likely be more Chart the cost; to properly resurface. We ask that the City Cour►ci.l rescind the order to remove and to see t.lrat proper surfacing of Br.aernar courts is effected as soon as possible. Respec ru-1. Ly sc►bnt i t. Led : Name Acid r(. -ss -7v 1,3 U)e(&,q ltacL MN Please be at the City Council. meet.imy 7-18-94 on this issue. Bill Greer �WG*�/ ',125 Schev Drive July 16 , 1994 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439 612/9414086 To: Fred Richards Jack Rice Peggy Kelly Glenn Smith Jane Paulus John Keprios Bill Jenkins This is in regard to the two tennis courts in Braemar Park. My home is 200 yards from these tennis courts. I had become accustomed to the thunk of tennis balls all day long on summer days. But no more. I have discussed the possible abandonment of these courts over the past year with Bob Kojetin and with Bill Jenkins. These were the arguments for abandonment. 1. It is too costly to resurace the courts, with a cost figure mentioned of about $17,000. 2. The ground under the courts would have to be reconditioned. 3. Usage of these courts had diminished, but there would be a test period which would extend through August of this year. Let me address these arguments: 1. I have played on the Hyland courts off of 94th street in Bloomington which were resurfaced about three years ago. Cost: $4,000. Vendor's name available on request. 2. An Edina resident whose engineering career has been in soils and water control told me the ground under the tennis courts should certainly be stabilized after 20 years. 3. Usage of these courts has diminished because maintenance has been abandoned: The surface has become unplayable and the weeds in the courts are high. I was a member of the Edina Park Board during the acquisition and development of Braemar Park. It was originally intended as a multi -use park. Now, if the tennis courts are taken out, the entire eastern 7/8ths of the park is devoted to a single activity: golf. (over) Braemar tennis courts --2 I understand the golf courses produce revenue, as do the ice arenas. Baseball and softball diamonds and soccer fields don't return revenue. Nor do tennis courts. The Police Department and the Fire Department don't produce revenue, but we certainly have them in place. I pay my share of taxes and I trade at Edina Liquor Stores. But I'm forced to travel to Minnetonka, Hopkins and Bloomington to find open courts in playable shape. Sincerely, Bill Greer SNY�WMIucua i c}wi v the" effect of 39sing istruction. i ,se Minister of Inter- Hashimoto, is expect - 4th U.S. Trade Repro- ckey r' . itor and U.S. ;erre' Ron Brown hingl ie talks will and a-, parts, tele - tions and medical and insurance. U.S. to Japan Walter Mon - not say whether the 3 will follow through of sanctions against agreements aren't Sept 30 deadline. But ,sday that the U.S. o resolve the differ - ,tions aren't needed. ly after negotiators compromise. rfines cut domestic ig a string of summer 'ght Sept 16. Travel is Nov. 23, 27 and 28. tch the sale, which A a Friday or, $gtur- t carrier Southwest i6% of its markets by D RULES: The nay cut how much of t securities that can't would limit funds' ities, such as deriva- it the limit was until Fun," i now have :tarl itual funds ivah . ,osses from 'es. Derivatives are lent in interest rates, or stock prices. r & Gamble CEO 9,000 bonus this year ipany's $157 million pany says in a proxy e interest -rate swap cut 5 percent from year. After the cut s fiscal year ended the year before. He id $335,000 in profit Treasury Depart - notes Tuesday at an from 4.61% a week e 4.43% Aug. 8. Also, in average discount ands 5-7B OB -k exchaiiW 8B orst stocks ;nents maker's eamings tumble. AMEX —United Guardian HSN targets new on-line consumers By Phil Hampton USA TODAY Home Shopping Network is going on line, but it's not clear which line. . HSN says it will announce to- day an acquisition that takes its home shopping service "to po- tentially millions of customers via on-line services." A news release provided no further de- tails. And Home Shopping offi- cials could not be reached for comment Neither could offi- cials at Prodigy, America On- line or CompuServe. - - - - - HSN =d Prodigy !r.. May be7' gan developing an on-line "store" for personal computer users. "Prodigy has been very cable -friendly, and Prodigy has explored and played around with going on line more than AOL (America Online)," says Larry Gerbrandt, analyst with Paul Kagan Associates. And Prodigy might like the cash, says Rob Agee, editor of newsletter Interactive Televi- sion Report. Neither Agee nor Gerbrandt was sure who the deal is with, or whether it will involve an entire on-line ser- vice or just a piece of the ac- tion. But they agreed on line is a great place for HSN because shoppers can pick their catego- ry of merchandise rather than waiting for it "Over the short term, it makes a lot more sense to de- liver o-liver interactive services to the PC than to the TV set," Ger- brandt says. I COVER STORY Tennis has hit a pivotal point Players shift ByEllen TODAY Neuborne roles to net COLUMBUS, Ohio — Five s onsorshi hours before game time, p p Jimmy Connors is at center dollars court for a press conference. Before he steps to the mike, he spies the stand set-up and 0o. Tom Weir takes his partner and tour column 3C co -creator, Ray Benton, ! aside. "'Thrn, cnaM are 4nn far back," he says gesturing to the space between court's edge and the stands, where 3,000 spectators will gather later this evening. "I want people to be able to hear what we're saying while we play, feel in- volved. They should be closer." Is this tennis? The sport renowned for telling its fans to sit down, be quiet, don't move and do not feed or annoy the players? Tennis, where most players see fans as little more than a necessary evil of the game? Not regular tennis. Back East, they are setting up for the U.S. Open, but here in Columbus is stop No. 5 of the Champi- ons Tour. Connors and 11 of his longtime rivals are back on the court in the fledgling over -35 event some are hoping will bring some excitement back to the tennis industry. Connors, 42, is part owner of the tour's parent company, Net Assets. Bjorn Borg, John Lloyd, Roscoe Tanner and Guillermo Vilas are among those who have signed on to play. It's not the first "senior" event for the tennis circuit But supporters say it has the best cast of characters, reunit- ing some of the most colorful players that tennis produced at a time when interest in the sport is sagging. "Tennis is taking a beating," says Brad Patterson, execu- tive director of the Tennis Industry Association. Participa- tion has plummeted from its height of 35 million in 1978 to 22 million last year. Equipment sales fell 9% last year. Ni- DiPaCe ca. U*4 rF...c ai • in wo By Bill Montague USA TODAY The USA is back lead pack in the global ecc race, a new study says. The World Econom rum, a research group ir. va, Switzerland, ranks ti first among 41 indust tions in its 1994 World Cc tiveness Report, out tod� "After more than a c of self-doubt, the (USA) is back at the top," WE cials said in a news rele The study puts the the No.1 spot for the fir. since 1985. For eight yei pan has topped the list, is based on economic st and a survey of 16,500 bl executives around the v. Japan slid to No. 3 thi as a prolonged recessic political turmoil hurt thc nese economy. The A-, land nation of Singapor second place. Competitiveness expe the WEF report highlig impressive, if painful, made by U.S. companie the past decade in cuttin and improving product G "The USA has cleaner act in a number of areas Dan Burton, president Council on Competitiver business -backed U.S. i Factors cited by the WE ► Economic growth. 'I to its improved competit sition, the USA has led l covery from the global sion of the early 199( J&J bi unit fog By Del Jones USA TODAY In a deal that oozes cor sense, Johnson & John buying Eastman Kodak'_ sion that tests blood for e thing from high chole¢te- cancer. The $1 billion cash sa Kodak's Clinical Diagnosti vision to the world's la maker of health prod comes only one week afte dak said it would sell Ste Winthrop to SmithKline cham for $2.9 billion. Ste makes over-the-counter c such as Phillips' Milk of nesia and Neo-Synephrine Kodak is getting at least more than Wall Street ana expected for each comp The cash will slash its from $6 billion to about $', lion and allow it to concent on fighting off Japan's Photo Film. It will also let dak focus on an unclear fu that will rapidly move f film to digital transmission storage of images, says an, Nicholas Heymann of Nat\ Securities. Tennis changes with marketing game Continued from IB ke's tennis shoe division saw revenue sink 36% in the USA last year. Andre Agassi and Monica Seles have dropped off the Sports Marketing Letter's list of top 10 endorsers, bumped by Dan Jansen and Nancy Kerrigan. In May, Sports Illustrated ran a cover story titled "Is Tennis Dying?" "These are not statistical blips. These are real problems for the sport and the industry," Patterson says. Critics blame everything from the style o1 men's play, which has devel- oped into a battle of power serves with few volleys, to the youth of current champions and their dearth of cha- risma. But connec- tion is the constant refrain. Fans want to feel connected to the sport and its players. And that connection has been fading in ten- nis while improving in other sports. The problem, experts say, is that tennis is a consumer product losing touch with its target market Chrysler and Cadillac as sponsors. Tennis also has great demograph- ics. The average fan earns more than $55,000 a year, is a college grad- uate and has a managerial job. Champions, now in its second year, wants to be to tennis what the Senior PGA is to golf. That means bringing back the stars that made the sport a hit and teaching them to work as hard of[ the court — schmoozing with fans and sponsors — as they do on the court trying to win. "Borg! Borg!" shrieks a group of boys no higher than a tennis net, chasing down the five -time Wimble- don winner. Borg stops his stroll from the practice «Some players are experienced on this business side. Some need to learn it. But connecting with the sponsors and seeing they get what they need out of each event is key to this tour." — Ray Denton, co -creator of the Champions Tour Tennis is the worst -marketed sport in the country today," says John Feinstein, sports commentator and author of Hard Courts, a nonfiction book about life on the professional tennis circuit. "Golfers every Wednesday have to play Pro Ams, that means a profes- sional gets out there with four ama- teurs for five hours, showing them how to hit the ball, smiling no matter what they do. They consider it part of their job. You ask a tennis player to do that, and he'll look at you like you just landed from Mars." The Champions Tour takes its model from golf. The Senior PGA Tour, which has kept greats such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus on the course, is considered a sports marketing coup. It has grown from two tournaments in 1980 to 43 this year, now offering more than $21 million in prize money. Golf fans — especially in the age group that loves Palmer and Nicklaus — are a desir- able consumer market and the Se- nior PGA has attracted the likes of court to the showers to autograph a hat, a water bottle, a T- shirt and a tennis ball. "Jimmy! Jim- my!" the group is now calling, chasing after Connors. Giving auto- graphs isn't the half of what Champions players are asked to do. Every Tuesday on the tour there's a mandatory players meeting, where the schedule of events is outlined. Who will work which corpo- rate party. Who will staff the clinics. A two-page assignment list is handed out so players know where they're supposed to be. Benton makes sure they know why, too. "I talk to them about what we need from them at different events, what each sponsor wants from the event," he says. Citibank, which sponsored the Champion Tour's stop in Westchester, N.Y., in July, used the event to entertain corporate cli- ents. Corel, a software graphics com- pany, will sponsor this month's Hil- ton Head, S.C., stop, and wants publicity for its brand. "Some play- ers are experienced on this business side. Some need to learn it. But con- necting with the sponsors and seeing they get what they need out of each event is key to this tour," Benton says. These are the players I grew up with, the players I can relate to," says John Janzyk, attending the New Albany Country Club players recep- tion. "I'd rather be out here with Con- nors schmoozing than watching Bor- ey MOOOrt UeUtSM, USA IUUAr ACE Andre Agassi eliminated Michael Chang Monday at the U.S. Open, and spiced his playing with a dash of flash. is Becker play like a machine." That's part of the attraction for sponsors, too. The star players of ten- nis are in their 208, younger than most vice presidents of marketing and CEOs of potential sponsors. The age difference can be hard to bridge. The ability of corporate executives to trot out the tennis greats of their generation is considered a market- ing plus. Last year, Corel invited some if its best customers, such as CompUSA, to matches and parties. "Our guests were so impressed. They were meeting their heroes," says Valerie McCavour, director of corpo- rate services for Corel. Another advantage: price. "At a U.S. Open -type event, sponsorship can range from a quarter of a mil- lion up to several million dollars," says Mark Attorney, publisher of Tennis magazine. "At a tour like Champions, a local sponsor could be the big name for a quarter -million." Connors changes shirts three times in one hour as he moves from event to event A T-shirt showing the Champions Tour charity, Pediatric Aids Foundation, is the attire for the center -court press conference. Then back to the trunk of his rental car for an official tour T-shirt to wear at the Prince children's clinic. Back again, post -clinic, for a Reebok polo shirt "I'd forgotten how to pack for an en- tire day out Used to be I'd play and then head back to my hotel," he says. But his trunk is packed with the day's attire, tennis equipment and his golf bag. "I'll try to sneak that in between commitments. "I'm used for a lot of things be- sides just tennis," he says. "I under- stand that That's part of the work A Way Around the Ups and Downs or Interest Rates. Franklin Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund It's no secret that interest rates influence many _---- __—.._— —� investments. But there may be a way to minimize the Call 1-800- � effect of these fluctuations without trying to sec - 1342 -FUND and -guess the market. It's called the Franklin X f 2 9G y Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund, and as . I its name implies, it's invested primarily in a portfo- I I ho of U.S. government or agency guaranteed ; FRANKLIN FUNDS j I 777 Mariners Island Boulevard adjustable rate mortgage securities! So when interest j San Mateo, CA 94404-1585 rates change, the fund's yield changes, and the share i �' 1 world like a free prospectus I � price is subject to less fluctuation, containing more complete information on the I t Franklin Adjustable U.S. Government But that's only Parr of the Qoal:' The fiord also i Securities, Frnd, ;.utwd , :ala harga and I'm doing. And it is work. But we're trying to build something here." It hasn't been easy. It took Benton three months to line up the tour's first sponsor, grocery chain Big Bear, in 1992. Though it has grown to nine events from three last year, the tour lacks an umbrella sponsor. Infiniti, which was a sponsor last year, chose to put money in the U.S. Open this year. Ticket sales have been choppy for the tour, which began in mid- March and ends in Los Angeles next month. The Columbus stop is sold out for the weekend matches. But stop No. 2 in las Vegas was a disappoint- ment The May event failed to draw full stadiums, even for the finals. "This event is still in its show -me stage," says Brian Murphy, publisher of Sports Marketing Letter. "You need three or four years to know if this is going to work." There are some concerns about the Champions Tour. ► Tennis magazine's Adorney doubts the tour will reinvigorate in- terest in tennis because it only ap- peals to current fans of the game. "It's great for fans who remember the great rivalries of the '70s and '80s. But we need to be thinking about the future of the sport and fo- cusing on encouraging newcomers." ► It's a lot easier to play high-level golf into your 30s and 40s than it is to play high-level tennis. "A falloff in skill level will be a lot more obvious in tennis than in golf," says Don Dix- on, CEO of Lifestyle Marketing. "If these guys are not in good shape, if they're just going through the mo- tions, that will show." No, People are calling this The Jim- my Connors Tour. What happens when he gives up play? "Connors is the marquee guy out there. How do you make a tradition out of one play- er?" Feinstein says. "If most are tun- ing in to watch Jimmy play, this is a lining for his pocket But it's not go- ing to make much of a difference to tennis overall." Between afternoon clinics and the evening cocktail parties, Connors does get his golf bag out to hit the course with fellow competitor Vitas Gerulaitis. Connors works in two in- terviews at the same time. Gerulaitis jokes that having press along has Connors on exceptional behavior. Climbing into the golf cart after the second hole, Connors calls back to Gerulaitis, "Hey, did you hear someone calls us the Jurassic Tour?" Gerulaitis shrugs. "Jurassic Park made a lot of money." Connors, who didn't think the Ju- rass:c iabei was tin, i,...ny a nunute ago, now smiles. "Yeah, I guess we'll take that comparison." 6305 Loch Moor Drive Edina, MN 55439 John Keprios Asst. Director Edina Park and Recreation Dept. 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 Dear Mr. Keprios, As relative newcomers to Edina (2 years) and to the U.S. (5 years in Mpls. after moving from Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., Canada), we feel compelled to write and express our disappointment in the condition of the playgrounds and recreation facilities in Edina. We realize there is a finite amount of resources and many diverse interests to cater to, but we find the condition of the playgrounds, lack of a year round "multi -use" aquatic facility, and the lack of maintenance and proposed destruction of nearby Braemar tennis courts disturbing. We have 2 young children and since there are no appealing play areas within walking distance, and we end up driving somewhere anyways, we leave Edina entirely and take advantage of the diverse and interesting parks and playgrounds in Mpls. (e.g., Linden Hills, Pershing Park, Lake Harriet or Calhoun). What makes them nicer? Some of the reasons are lots of mature shade trees, several (i.e., more than a token one or two) benches and picnic tables, a source of drinking water and a place to play and splash in the water. There are always other parents and kids there, which makes them enjoyable for all ages. These parks are a great way to meet others. I don't think that just because we live in the suburbs we want to avoid the sense of community these places provide. It seems in Edina the emphasis is all on big, central facilities (e.g.,the Aquatic Center), vs. interesting and inviting neighbourhood parks. With some influx of resources, some improvements could be made to the sorry state of some of the playgrounds in this area. (Lewis Park could benefit from a few upgrades ... a few extra trees, a couple of extra benches, maybe a piece or two of newer play equipment?). On the grand scale,however, I'm surprised there is no year round community based aquatic facility (not a lap pool like Edinborough, but a real multi -use facility). Maybe I'm mistaken in what, I believe the City should offer its residents in terms of recreation facilities. It may be a wider cultural difference ...in the U.S. the private sector takes up the slack and provides what the public does not. Maybe we are expected to join private clubs to meet our recreation needs. But it does seem a waste to have existing facilities fall into disrepair and neglect, thereby decreasing their appeal and utilization and ultimately leading to their destruction (e.g. Braemar Tennis courts). Yours truly, Mary -Anne MacKinnon Dick Hembree publication deadlines notice must be sent to the Edina Sun -Current, as the official newspaper, on the prior Thursday. If the Council does not set the hearing date as anticipated, the process is started over when the date is set. Discussion followed as to whether staff should make such an assumption. Planner Larsen clarified that if notice is sent to the official newspaper after Council sets the hearing date, planning matters would be pushed back two to three weeks depending on the cycle. Attorney Gilligan interjected that the statute requires some period of time for publishing and posting notice - it does not require a formal resolution calling for a hearing. He said in some cities this is done at the staff level with no formal action by the council. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that Attorney Gilligan work with staff and provide Council with a full outline of past practice and recommended procedure. REMOVAL OF BRAEIiAR TENNIS COURTS ORDERED Park and Recreation Director Keprios presented the recommendation of the Edina Park Board from its meeting of June 14, 1994, that the Braemar tennis courts be removed. He presented history on the issue summarized as follows. The Braemar courts are over 20 years old and have been repaired several times. The existing surface is basically laykold asphalt which is beyond its life expectancy and repair stage and needs to be totally replaced. Estimated cost for replacement of the surface is between $20,000 - $30,000 based on contractor bids. The Edina Park Board first made this recommendation at its August 10, 1993, meeting. The Council referred the matter back to the Park Board for study of all of the City's tennis courts. A task force committee, chaired by Andrew Montgomery and Jean Rydell, undertook this study. The committee's general comments were that tennis appears to be on the decrease and that it does not appear that $30,000 is a prudent expenditure of funds which could be better spent for playground equipment, paving for basketball, etc. Tennis courts if not repaired should be dismantled and fences removed. Staff would concur with the Edina Park Board's recommendation to remove the Braemar tennis courts for the following reasons: 1. Lack of available funding to adequately maintain tennis courts. 2. Lack of tennis court use. 3. The Lewis Park tennis courts built in 1987 are in close proximity. 4. Ample tennis court time is available to meet the current demand. Director Keprios noted that Bill Jenkins, Park Board Chair, was present to answer questions. Chairman Jenkins told Council that although the Park Board was reluctant to make the recommendation it felt it was prudent to remove the Braemar courts at this time and restore the area to a landscape condition. Harvey Dow, 6212 Loch Moor Drive, said that when the Braemar courts were in better shape and prior to the construction of the Lewis Park courts they were heavily used. He explained that he has played on a newly developed court surface in Toronto, Canada, which originated in Switzerland, consisting of ground up rubber and polymer which can be applied to an existing surface. As the material sets, colored granules are added so that the color is permanent. After that dries, loose granules are applied and the surface then plays like clay. The other advantage is that there is zero maintenance except for relining about every four years. He suggested that the City consider using this new surface which would be easier for seniors to play on and in the long run would actually cost less. Member Rice asked Mr. Dow what in his judgement has led to the decline in use of outdoor tennis courts. Mr. Dow said he felt tennis is a cyclical sport which may account for the current decrease in play. Member Smith suggested that the Park Board look at creating a small picnic area if the tennis courts are removed. Member Paulus suggested that a temporary sign be placed at the site advising users of the location of the nearest tennis courts. Member Rice made a motion to approve the recommendation of the Edina Park Board for removal of the Braemar tennis courts. Motion was seconded by Member Paulus. Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Rice, Smith, Richards Motion carried. *PETITION FOR ALLEY PAVING CONVERSION TO PUBLIC ALLEY REFERRED TO ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Motion was made by Member Smith and was seconded by Member Rice to refer the petition for alley paving/conversion to public alley in the 4100 block of Sunnyside Road to the Engineering Department for processing. Mot 4:.i was carried on ro'Ic.all vote - five ayes. *PETITION FOR STANDARD STR'' TANA LANE) REFERRED TO ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Motion was made. Smith and was seconded by Member Rice to refer the petition for standard lighting on Lantana Lane to the Engineering Department for processing. Motion was carried on rollcall vote - five ayes. COUNCIL ADVISED OF 1995 BIIDGET HEARINGS Manager Rosland advised Council of the following proposed schedule of 1995 Budget hearings noting that the two latter dates are for the purpose of receiving public comment: Monday, July 18 5:30 to 6:30 P.M. (Budget Assumptions) Thursday, August 18 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. (Preliminary Budget) Thursday, August 25 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. (Preliminary Budget) Member Paulus made a motion approving the 1995 Budget hearing dates as recommended. Motion was seconded by Member Kelly. Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Rice, Smith, Richards CLAIMS PAID Member Rice made a motion to approve payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated June 30, 1994, and consisting of 33 pages: General Fund $264,419.11; C.D.B.G. $3,025.00; Communication $9,606.66; Working Capital $12,635.79; Art Center $10,751.51; Swimming Pool $2,020.34; Golf Coursar$32,414.74; Ice Arena $2,382.00; Gun Range $457.62; Edinborough/Centennial Lakes $20,419.20; utility Fund $293,027.09; Storm Sewer $6,035.77; Liquor fund $89,801.91; Construction Fund $52,970.11; TOTAL $799,966.85. Member Paulus seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Rice, Smith, Richards Motion carried. There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Richards declared the meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M. City Clerk 0 TM CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDINA ORDAINS: 1 Section 1. Subd. 12 of Subsection 460.03 of Section 460 of the City Code is amended as follows: "Subd. 12. Projecting Signs. Projecting signs shall be permitted only in the Planned Commercial District, subject to the following restrictions: A. The maximum sign area shall be 20 square feet per facing. B. Not less than eight feet of clearance shall be provided between the sidewalk elevation and the lowest point of the projecting sign. C. Signs shall project from the face of the building no more than the lesser of (i) one-third of the sidewalk width or, (ii) six feet. Sidewalk width shall be measured perpendicular to the face of the building at the proposed sign location. D. The maximum sign area of wall signs located on the same building of the projecting sign shall not exceed five percent of the wall area. E. Proof of insurance and indemnification shall be provided in accordance with Subd. 5 of Subsection 460.06." Section 2. Subd. 5 of Subsection 460.06 of Section 460 of the City Code is amended by adding a new last sentence as follows: "The owner shall also indemnify and hold the City and the City's officials and employees harmless from any loss, cost, damage and expenses caused by the projecting sign. Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon passage and publication. ATTEST: Mayor ,City Clerk Motion for adoption of the ordinance was seconded by Member Kelly. Rollcall: Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Smith, Richards Ordinance adopted. (DECISION TO REMOVE BRAEMAR TENNIS COURTS UPHELD Harvey Dow, 6212 Loch Moor Drive, said he was speaking for a number of residents who could not attend. He read a proposal, signed by residents in the area, asking the Council to reconsider its action on July 5, 1994, to remove the Braemar tennis courts. ,The reason the courts were not used recently was because of their poor 'condition. Properly maintained, these courts will have a positive impact on property values. It was emphasized that these courts are indeed a ('neighborhood facility'. The proposal stated that the cost to tear out these ,courts and remove the fencing will likely be more than the cost to properly resurface. It asked that the Council rescind the order to remove and to see that proper surfacing of the Braemar courts is effected as soon as possible. The following residents spoke in support of the request to rescind the Council's prior action and resurface the Braemar courts: Stanford Gillman, 17120 Gleason Road; Lonnie Skrentner, 6161 Loch Moor Drive; Dave Johnston, 7420 Hyde Park Circle; Lane Jorgenson, 7132 Mark Terrace Drive; Dick Coonrod, 7133 Gleason Road; Michael Grunewald, 7200 Schey Drive; Margaret Twito, 7117 Tralee Drive; and Bill Greer, 7125 Schey Drive. Mayor Richards explained that the function of the Park Board is to oversee the various park facilities and make recommendations to the Council concerning those facilities. Following an earlier recommendation of the Park Board, the Council requested that a study be made of the use and condition of all 44 tennis courts in the City. Based on the results of the study, the Park Board recommended that the Braemar tennis courts be removed. As to fiscal responsibility, Mayor Richards said the Council faces pressure on that issue continually and residents keep saying 'keep the spending down'. The reality is that the City cannot afford to do everything that is wanted by the citizens. He told the audience that the City has fewer than five more employees today than it had ten years ago and yet the services the City provides is something to take pride in. Mayor Richards recalled that there was some discussion at the last meeting about uses for the tennis court area and staff was challenged to come back with alternative uses for the Council to consider. Member Paulus commented that she was flooded with phone calls on this issue. As to citizens not being notified when the Council discussed the Braemar tennis courts, she said the five Council Members are elected to make such decisions. Further, that if all the residents were asked which courts to close it would be impossible to come to a consensus. Member Paulus emphasized that the tax dollars are already being stretched and maintenance is being deferred. This issue concerns the Park and Recreation budget which cannot be stretched further. Her conclusion was that the Council acted prudently in making the decision to remove the Braemar courts. Member Kelly commented that the issue of the City's tennis courts has gone on for a year and that a lot of thought about the community as a whole was part of the decision. She agreed that a plan should be developed so that the neighbors would know of the proposed use for that area. Member Smith recalled that when the tennis courts at Lewis Park were proposed he voted against that because he felt the City had enough courts. He also was concerned about the cost to refurbished those some day which is the issue being discussed now - maintenance of the City's assets whether they are used or not. Member Smith concluded that the Council made an economic decision two weeks ago. He concurred that a plan be developed for use of that area. Mayor Richards called for Council action on the request to rescind the decision on the Braemar tennis courts. No motion being offered, Mayor Richards said the Council decision of July 5, 1994 to remove the Braemar tennis courts would stand. *AWARD OF BID CONTINUED TO AUGUST 15 1994 FOR ONE 1.75 4 -WHEEL DRIVE ARTICIIIATED LOADER Motion was made by Member Smith and was seconded by Member Kelly to continue the award of bid for one 1.75 4-Mheel drive articulated loader to the Council meeting of August 15, 1994. Motion carried on rollcall vote - five ayes. *AWARD OF BID CONTINUED TO AUGUST 15 1994 FOR ONE 3.5 4 -WHEEL DRIVE ARTICULATED LOADER Motion was made by Member Smith and was seconded by Member Kelly to continue the award of bid for one 3.5 4 -wheel drive articulated loader to the Council meeting of August 15, 1994. Motion carried on rollcall vote - five ayes. *BID AWARDED FOR ARROWHEAD LAKE AERATION SYSTEM Motion was made by Member Smith and was seconded by Member Kelly for award of bid for Arrowhead Lake aeration system to sole bidder, Clean Flo Laboratories, at $9,735.27. Motion carried on rollcall vote - five ayes. *BID AWARDED FOR ONE MANHOLE PULLER/EXTRACTOR Motion was made by Member Smith