HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-01 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
5:05 P.M.
Mayor Pro Tem Swenson called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. Answering roll call were:
Members Bennett, Brindle and Mayor Pro Tern Swenson. Member Sprague entered the meeting at
5:07 p.m. Mayor Hovland entered the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Park Board Members in attendance were: Bill Lough, Keeya Steel, Randy Meyer, Ellen Jones, Daniel
Peterson, Rob Presthus, Louise Segreto, Felix Pronove, Todd Fronek and Chair Joseph Hulbert. Absent
were: Jennifer Kenny and Austin Dummer
Staff attending the meeting included: Scott Neal, City Manager; Ceil Smith, Assistant to the City
Manager; John Keprios, Park & Recreation Director, Ed Mac Holda, Assistant Park Director; and Debra
Mangen, City Clerk.
Mayor Pro Tern Swenson stated the purpose of the meeting was to review several issues of mutual
concerns.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND STAFF The Council, Park Board and
staff discussed the roles for Board Members and staff. When a large issue requiring research
presents itself, Board Members are encouraged to investigate and research issues. It might be
beneficial to schedule more work sessions for the entire Board. When the breadth and scope of a
particular issue has been defined, staff can proceed as directed by City policy and code.
VETERANS MEMORIAL FUTURE MAINTENANCE EXPENSES Concern was expressed during the
discussion with potential future costs for maintenance of the memorial and capital improvements
that may become necessary for the park infrastructure. Following discussion of the proposed
Veterans Memorial at Utley Park, staff was directed to proceed with the design directing the architect
to reduce maintenance costs in the design, to check with the watershed district regarding impact on
the creek and natural areas, to provide Park Board members with copies of minutes of all Veterans
Memorial Committee meetings, past and future and to post those minutes on the City website and to
have the Park Board host an open house to gather citizen input as to the design and location.
FACILITY USER FEE PER-PARTICIPANT (GYMS. OUTDOOR RINKS AND ATHLETIC FIELDS) The facility
user fee was established by the City Council in 1987 as a means to cover a portion of the Park
Maintenance budget. It began at a rate of $5.00 per participant using City gyms, outdoor rinks and
athletic fields. The last increase was in 2007 when it was increased to the current level of$9.00 per
participant. Director Keprios said the City Council adopted an access to facility policy that defines the
relationship with the athletic associations and the City. The Board and Council discussed whether the
relationship agreement should be reviewed and whether the amount of the subsidy should be
reviewed. There was a cost analysis in process that would be brought before the Park Board with any
resulting recommendation coming to the City Council.
Minutes—Work Session/Edina City Council/February 1, 2011
BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE CONSULTANT Discussion included Park Board's recommendation regarding
the hiring of a consultant to review golf course operations; staff's recommendation to allow the new
manager and staff time to put their process and changes into place; and how to utilize staff expertise
and Park Board expertise in the development of an RFP to analyze the entire City Golf Course
Enterprise including: Braemar Golf Course, Fred Richards Golf Course and the Golf Dome. The RFP
will be developed and a report will be made to Council.
FUTURE OF EDINBOROUGH PARK AND CENTENNIAL LAKE PARK Discussion centered on the cost of
maintenance of the facilities and how to fund that maintenance when the existing trust fund runs out
of funds in four to five years. Staff was directed to attempt to separate the financials for the two
entities, to evaluate what functions each park provides and see where else in the community these
functions can be obtained. Council members expressed support for potential use of a consultant to
study Edinborough Park.
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
O"IA-Ai
Debra A. Ma n, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, February 1, 2011
James B. Hovland, Mayor
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