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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-15 Council Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL FEBRUARY 15,2001 6:30 P.M. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Hovland, Housh, Masica, and Mayor Maetzold. Member Kelly entered the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Mayor Maetzold stated the purpose of the special meeting was to hold a public hearing on the proposed referendum for the potential joint park improvement with the School District. Mayor Maetzold explained that about three years ago, various constituents requesting additional gymnasiums, fields and swimming pools had approached the City. The City Council studied the requests and considered options available. One option suggested was to build on School property. This concept was studied with the School District and seemed viable bringing the City to the point of considering a referendum. Based upon constituent’s concern the City appointed a Blue Ribbon Committee charged with studying the needs and options. The Committee began their work in September finishing in January with a report to the City Council. The City Council must decide whether to hold a referendum. Mayor Maetzold said that the voters would ultimately make the decision of whether the project goes forward or would be dropped. He added the purpose of the public hearing was to gather input from the citizens. Park Director Presentation Park Director John Keprios outlined the Blue Ribbon Committee’s work as follows: Fall of 1999 City and School District staff determined that they should work together to provide pubk recreational facilities for commdv use Spring of 2000 - Decision Resources conducted a telephone survey, the suwey determined that the cammdv does support improving current recreation facilities Annust - 2000 - Efleven-member Blue Ribbon Committee formed by City CQI.UIC~~ BACKGROUND I MISSION The City Council asked the Blue Ribbon Committee to answer the following questions: What is the need for additional gymnasiums, soccer fields, and auditoriums in the City? What other needs should be addressed? Is there an opportunity to work with Edina Public Schools to meet the City’s recreational needs? If so, how should such an arrangement be structured? Are there other partnerships that should be made to provide recreational facilities? Is it appropriate for some or all of the facilities to be located on School District property? Will the recommended package of facilities and improvements be acceptable to the community? Committee Meetings PROCESS The process consisted of 13 meetings and a park tour (13 parks and both School campus sites) The meetings began on Thursday, September 14,2000 with the last meeting on January 4, 2001 The committee met for over 60 hours in a span of only seventeen weeks The committee heard over 30 presentations Page 1 Minutes/SpeciaI Edina City Council/Februarv 15,2001 0 The Committee presented recommendations to City Council on January 16,2001 Public Hearing on Feb. 15,2001 0 March 6 - Council approves date, amount and scope of referendum April 23 - Public information mailed to all residents Wednesday, May 16, referendum date RECOMMENDED PROJECTS West Campus Field Improvements Re-orient baseball field Two new softball fields 0 0 Edina High School Black Box Theater Valley View Middle School 25 meter x 25 yard pool and diving well 2gymnasiums Concession stand Lockerrooms Creek Valley Elementary Soccer Field (330' long and 180' wide) East Campus Site Improvements 0 Parking lot expansion (81 new stalls between South View Middle School and ECC) Pedestrian access path Resilient turf for middle football/soccer field Gymnasium and classroom addition Two new soccer fields - lower level Renovate two soccer fields - upper level Renovate main lower level field within track I Concord Elemen- school Southview Middle School Gymnasium Addition Gymnasium Improvements Pool Improvements Large gym improvements Small gym improvements Auditorium and lobby renovations Edina Community Center Gym lobby and concession renovation Khan Stadium Renovation New bleachers and press box (current bleacher capaaty is 5,600; new bleacher capacity is 6,500) Renovate track Resilient turf on varsity field New concession building Lighting improvements Bubble structure Page 2 Minutes/Special Edina Citv Council/ February 15,2001 Indoor Athletic Field (Bubble) Air-supported white colored fabric that covers the artificial turf field inside the new 210’ wide, 380’ long, and 65 feet high (37’ higher than the press box and 13’ lower than existing light standards) Bubble goes up in November and comes down in March Reduces the need for additional gyms (need only 4 vs. 5 or 6 additional gyms) expanded track at KuhLman Stadium *? Potential revenue generating facility I WHY LOCATE AT KUHLMAN STADIUM? KuWman Field must have artificial turf to allow community access Adjacent to schools (maximize use) Storage available under bleachers for fabric Security fencing already in place Least expensive site vs. alternative sites OTHER POTENTIAL LOCATIONS FOR BUBBLE ECC Middle Field 0 0 0 Needs security fencing 0 Needs artificial turf 0 Not close to a school Needs new road & parking lot Too close to residents, field is too small, needs higher fencing Limited space for mechanical plant LewisPark 0 EHS Lower Field I 0 0 Needs artificial turf 0 Needs security fencing 0 Potential damage from flooding Valley View Middle School (next to tennis courts) 0 0 Needs artificial turf. e Needs security fencing. 0 Field is too small. 0 Braemar Park (formerly gun range) _. 0 Needs extensive grading 0 Needs artificial turf 0 0 0 0 Braemar Arena Field North of East Arena 0 0 0 Grade (requires retaining walls) 0 Needs artificial turf Needs new road & parking lot. Needs additional parking and security fencing Not close to a school Site currently planned for Police and Fire Training Facility Existing field would have to be narrowed at least 40’ for Fire Department access Field grade is below parking lot grade and Arena Page 3 Minu€es/Special Edina City Council/Februarv 15,2001 Needs additional security fencing Costs $1.3-$2.1 miuion more than Kuhlman Not close to a school Monday-Friday, 600 p.m.-1000 p.m., approximately 20 hours per week during weekdays (40-60 parking stalls needed during the week) Saturday and Sunday 8:OO a.m.-10:OO p.m., approximately 26 hours per week during weekends (up to 100 parking stalls needed during weekends) I PROJECTED USE OF BUBBLE EDNA PARK AND ENTERPRISE FACILITY IMPROVEMENT Activities Center (Senior Center) Edina Park Improvements Pathways Playground equipment Ball field renovations Fire protection (Tupa Park) Keyless entry system 0 Tri-City skate park Roof replacements (Ameson Acres & Bredesen Parks) Lift station at Arneson Acres Park Parking lot repairs (Arneson Acres, Rosland and Weber Parks) Tennis court renovation Master Plan Renovation 0 Replace worn slide with two new flumes (separate plunge pool) Replace a one-meter diving board with a cable ride Raise the depth of the lap pool to five feet Provide better user access to main pool New deck showers and deck expansion Pottery room expansion Fire protection system Clark gift shop expansion Fire Protection System Ice resurfacing room relocation Furnishings (chairs, tables, computers, sound system, kitchen equipment, pool tables etc.) General infrastructure improvements at 29 park sites Replace Courtney Field concessions building Completion of Van Valkenburg Park Edina Aquatic Center Edina Art Center Braemar Arena Mechanical upgrades at East Arena (heating and dehumidification system) Miscellaneous , ReplaceShowmobile Registration/scheduling software COST ESTIMATES Page 4 Minutes/Special Edina City Council/ Februarv 15,2001 Revised Cost Estimates Preliminary estimates $37,121,600 New estimates $43,620,439 Senior Center furnishings from $225,000 to $400,000 Added elevator at South View Snow load requirements (additional structural reinforcements) 6.5% sales tax 5% contingencies Gymnasiums $11,795,162 Athletic Fields $5,201,301 KuhlmanStadium $6,659,262 Competition Swimming Pools $7,063,086 General Park Infrastructure $5,759,017 Performing/ Visual Arts $3,716,611 Enterprise Facilities $2,416,000 Total Cost of Recommended Projects $43,620,439 Projected Cost Breakdown (not listed in order of priority) Indoor Athletic Facility (bubble) $1,010,000 TAX IMPACT $35,000,000 REFERENDUM ASSESSED ANNUAL PROPERTY VALUE TAX IMPACT $120,000 $65.94 $180,000 $98.91 $255,000 $140.12 $300,000 $164.85 $500,000 $274.75 $1,000,000 $549.50 $40,000,000 REFERENDUM ASSESSED ANNUAL PROPERTY VALUE TAX IMPACT $120,000 $75.36 $180,000 $113.04 $255,000 $160.14 $300,000 $1 88.40 $500,000 $314.00 $1,000,000 $628.00 The Council discussed the various components of the proposed referendum, asking why some costs had increased, if adequate safety measures were incorporated for the ECC, the importance of developing a Capital Improvement Plan, if the proposed projects had been prioritized, did the projects meet Edina Code requirements, how the proposed artificial turf would differ from what people see at the Metrodome, and timing of a spring referendum. Page 5 Minutes/Special Edina Citv CounciWebruarv 15,2001 I Doug Johnson spoke on behalf of the Edina School District and thanked the Council for the opportunity to comment on the proposed facility plan. He said the proposal was an exating opportunity to better our facilities and improve our infrastructure. The partnership between the City and School District would be one where all benefit It would be a wh-win situation. By attaching gyms to schools, it would be possible to accomplish needed community use in the evening while providing Edina students the opportunity to use these same facilities during the day. Not only would there be many athletic facility improvements, field renovation and additions, the performing arts also would be recognized. The remodeling of the Edina Community Center/Normandale Elementary School auditorium and creation of the more intimate black box theater at Edina High School would offer wonderful opportunities for our students and the community. The City referendum would also be combined with the District adding a number of academic classrooms that would be done at District expense as part of this project. Examples of how the partnership between the Gty and District would be valuable can be seen in three of the projects. At Concord Elementary, a new gym would be built over new classrooms. This provides much- needed classrooms and a much-needed adequate elementary gymnasium. At Valley View Middle School, where the area vacated by the existing pool would be reconstructed to add classrooms we are able to accomplish the objective of more academic space along with the need for more and better athletic facilities. At Edina High School, the addition of the black box theater would be in conjunction with adding new classrooms for the District’s orchestra, choir, and band classes. This would be also a great match. Working in partnership, staff at the City and School have created a joint powers operating agreement that specifically guarantees community access while providing daytime access, safety and security for pre K-12 students. The School portion of the referendum proposal has undergone a stringent review and comment by the state of Minnesota. The State has provided their starnp of approval to the project. Each building principal has reviewed and discussed the plans related to their building in detail. They are all in support of the proposal. School site councils have also endorsed the recommendations. Since the Blue Ribbon Report has been released, District staff has had the opportunity to dialogue with parents, students, staff, and community members. Mr. Johnson stated two items he would like to specifically address included the operational costs of the facilities added to School property that would be paid for by the organizations using them. He noted that Board of Education Chair, Frank Bennett has stated publicly that the District will maintain fiscal integrity with any renovation or building additions. Second, many questions have been raised about the proposed bubble on Kuhlman Field. Mr. Johnson said that while the District would certainly use the bubble for many activities, they do not see the bubble as a need for the District. The Blue Ribbon Committee has strongly endorsed the concept for community use. The District would accept the responsibility to manage the bubble should it be built. However, their official position as a District continues to be that they are neutral related to the bubble. I Page 6 Minutes/Special Edina City Council/ Februarv 15,2001 Mr. Johnson concluded stating that District staff has discussed the recommendations with building administrators, teachers, support staff, students, parents and many community members, and found there would be a great deal of support They believe that this project would be in the best interest of our children and would serve our'community well into the fufme. They stand ready to assist with the support of the proposed referendum and look forward to February 26th when the Edina Board of Education will have an opporfanity to dialogue with you about this I plan. Mayor Maetzold thanked Mr. Johnson for his comments and stated the public comment period would begin with a presentation by the ECC Neighborhood Association. Following their presentation, other individuals would be allowed to speak. Public Comment Ryan Langsev, 5801 Concord Avenue, gave an overview of the ECC Neighborhood Association. Mr. Langsev said he supported the referendum, but objected to Kuhlman Field as the site of a bubble. He also stated he thought other locations in Edina could better support a temporary dome. Laura Nelson, 5603 Dalrymple Road objected to the dome proposed placement at Kuhlman Field because of increased traffic, parking problems and potential safety concerns. Ms. Nelson stated she did not want teens racing through her neighborhood driving recklessly. Jeri Albrecht, 5615 Sherwood Avenue, stated she represented the ECC Neighborhood Association opposed to the bubble at Kuhlman. Ms. Albrecht stated that presently crime and vandalism are occurring during High School athletic events. Ms. Albrecht expressed her fear over the potential for increased underage drinking and vandalism to homes and cars in the neighborhood if the dome were built. John Feltl, 4909 Lakeview Drive, stated he opposed the proposed dome at Kuhlman Field because of the previously stated negative impact, but also because it will affect both property values and increase taxes. Mr. Feltl asked that the dome be deleted from the referendum. Ron Fresquez, stated he opposed the dome at Kuhlman Field because of noise debris and decreased air quality. Mr. Fresquez stated that with the existing facility there are problems with PA noise. The proposed dome would be in conflict with Edina's mission statement. Maria Fesenmaier, 5713 Concord Avenue, stated she opposed the dome's proposed location of Kuhlman Field and asked that other locations be investigated. She presented a petition of citizens opposed to the dome at Kuhlman Field. Dan Rectenwald, 5611 Sherwood Avenue, stated he was a five-year resident of Edina and a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee. Mr. Rectenwald said traffic was already an issue in the ECC neighborhood and a dome will only exacerbate the problem. He suggested the dome be located at Braemar. Mr. Rectenwald stated that he and other members of the ECC Neighborhood Associaton support the referendum without the dome at Kuhlman. Sue Covnick, 4508 Lakeview Drive, presented graphic depictions of the neighborhood illustrating the traffic issues and asked that their neighborhood not be asked to bear the burden of the dome. Page 7 Minutes/Special Edina Citv Council/Februarv 15,2001 D Jim Hield, 4712 Aspasia Circle, Soccer Club President stated the Club supported the referendum. Mr. Hield said that with 3,000 children between 8 and 18 participating in soccer programs he had great concern over field use. He supported the dome because the Club currently spends approximately $15,000 to rent the Holy Angels Dome. Mr. Hield felt that the dome would produce revenue and have broad public use. He added he would not be location specific, but urged a dome be included somewhere in the City. Mr. Hield concluded that he considered the increased taxes an acceptable trade off for increased values that would come from the park system improvements. John Beuerleine, 6209 Balder Lane, Soccer Association President, stated his organization serves younger children 5 to 15 years of age and currently has over 2,500 youth in program. There would be a huge need for more and better fields. Mr. Beuerleine urged the Council to go forward with the referendum. Gene Walden, 5805 Dale Avenue stated he supported the proposed referendum. In his opinion, the proposed projects would be tremendous for the community. Mr. Walden said he has coached basketball seven years and has struggled to find practice facilities using area churches and outside hoops in parks. Brad Hanson, 4619 Browndale, said the swim club wholeheartedly supported the referendum, but would also like to increase the 25-meter pool slated for Valley View Middle School with a 50- meter pool. He asked the possibility of this addition be investigated. Tim Mooty, 5809 Sun Road, added the Edina Swim Club supported all of the proposed referendum improvements. He also asked that the addition of a 50-meter pool be investigated. I Michael Sebek, 4401 Fondell Drive, asked that if the referendum goes to the voters it be divided into several questions so it does not either all fail or pass. He expressed concern over ongoing costs of maintenance. Neil Weikart, 4835 Maple Road, Edina Basketball Association President, stated the Association supported the referendum and commended the City and School District for working together on the proposal. Mr. Weikart stated Edina needs improved athletic facilities. With 1200 children involved in their programs they have had to cut events to accommodate the huge demands. * Kathy Cella, 7121 Tupa, Drive, Edina Girls Athletic Association, stated they have about 1300 girls involved in flag football, basketball, volleyball and team tennis. Programs suffer because of lack of gym space. Ms. Cella stated she also supported the referendum. Catherine Mulholland, 6228 Oriole Lane, Secretary of Edina Senior Center asked the support of the Council in including the senior center facility furnishings in the referendum. Simon Whitehead, 5126 Roberts Place, Soccer Club and Edina High School Soccer Coach, stated he supported the proposed dome. Mr. Whitehead stated he disagreed with the ECC Neighborhood Association about rowdy behaviors. He added that Edina needs a domed facility. Page 8 Minutes/Special Edina City Council/ Februarv 15,2001 Dan Akins, 5610 St. Andrews Avenue, stated he opposed the referendum. Mr. Akins said the government should not be in the business of sporG-and the needs stated were a result of poor planning. Doreen Frankel, Concord Site Council and PTO, endorsed the Blue Ribbon Committee’s proposal. Ms. Frankel stated they were excited about the new gymnasium at Concord. David Kranso, 5607 Dalrymple Road, stated he opposed a dome at Kuhlman, but supported improved facilities. Mr. Kranso suggested the bubble be located elsewhere and urged a compromise be found. Richard Novack, 5202 Grandview Lane, stated he supported the Blue Ribbon Committee’s recommendation. He cautioned that he would not want to see the proposed improvements lost in controversy over the dome. Move the dome if necessary, but proceed with the project. Bob Krengel, 405 Blake Road, stated he supported $12,000,000 in park and recreation improvements, but would not support items on School properties. He urged the Council not to mix School and City projects adding that the Edina School District should do their own work. Bridget Collard, 4725 School Road, asked when TSP Architects were hired and stated that a traffic study should have been completed. Mr. Hughes stated that TSP began working with the City in 1999 and then has continued working with the Blue Ribbon Committee. Chris Hayes, 5604 Highwood Drive, Normandale Site Council, gave support to the gym and I auditorium at Normandale Elementary. Anne Cronin, 23 Cooper Circle, stated her support of the ECC improvement and the referendum. John Weddle, 5900 Arbour Avenue, generally stated his support of the proposed referendum, but asked for additional swimming facilities. Mi. Weddle asked for a 50-meter pool and additional spectator seats to be included in the referendum. Lee McGrath, 4614 Moorland Avenue, said that during his campaign he found 5,000 voters who agreed with him that the proposed referendum was fiscally irresponsible. He asked the Council to reject the referendum and put the responsibility for improved facilities on the School District. Ted Volk, 6301 Belrnore Lane, tvolk@visi.com, voiced opposition to the proposed referendum. The items included are too costly. Edina has multiple School Districts and residents of Districts other than the Edina District are already paying taxes for such facilities. Dan Atkins, 6812 Chapel Lane, Acting Director of the Edina Chess Association, expressed concern about traffic at all facilities. He added his limited support of the referendum, but asked that traffic be looked at for all the improved sites. Dick Ward, 6809 Galway Drive, Edina Basketball Association, stated the facilities are needed. Mi. Ward said he believed the facilities could be supported by the community. He told the Council that the negative comments heard were the same as when any issue must be decided. Mr. Ward urged support of the referendum. Page 9 Minutes/Special Edina Citv CouncWFebruary 15,2001 I Kathy Christiansen, 6841 Oaklawn Avenue, parent of Normandale School child, expressed concern about auditorium use during the day. She also asked that security during construction be adequate and that funding sources be identified for protection systems. Ms. Christiansen suggested that before month end representatives of the City and School meet to discuss her concerns. Ms. Christiansen expressed her support of the referendum if the security issues were addressed adequately. Atln Sullivan, 5845 Brookview Avenue, Principle of Valley View Middle School, and resident of Pamela Park expressed her support for the referendum. Link Shey, 4815 Lakeview Drive stated his support of the referendum. Comer Mannix, 4511 Arden Avenue, requested that the Council add $250,000 to the proposed referendum to put the skateboard park that would be being built with the Southdale YMCA indoors. Mi. Mannix stated that teens his age that like skateboarding need a safe place to practice their sport. Ted Brinkman, 7017 Kerry Road, stated he was a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee. Mr. Brinkman gave his support to the referendum and noted the proposed increased cost would be equivalent to a bottle of water each day. I Member Masica expressed her concern that the neighborhood concern over the location of the dome be listened to by the CounciI. She said it was apparent through the testimony that the Kuhlman Field Dome needs further review. Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Member Hovland to close the public hearing at 9:45 P.M. Ayes: Housh, Hovland, Kelly, Masica, Maetzold Motion carried. There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Maetzold declared the meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M. Page 10