HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-08 Parks & Rec Comm MinutesDraft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 05/13/2024
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina Parks & Recreation Commission
Braemar Golf Course
April 8, 2024
7 p.m.
I. Call to Order
Chair Doscotch called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Doscotch, Kane, Luangrath, Pettit, Pfuhl, Spanhake, Weaver
and Student Commissioners DiLorenzo and Holtey
Commissioner Absent: Garazatua
Commissioner Welsh arrived at 7:02 p.m.
Staff Present: Staff Liaison Perry Vetter, Assistant Director Parks & Natural Resources Tom Swenson,
Assistant Director Recreation & Facilities Tracy Petersen, Recreation Supervisor Nicole Gorman,
General Manager of Braemar Arena & Field Jesse Buchholz, Assistant Manager Correy McConnach,
and Administrative Coordinator Janet Canton
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Pfuhl to approve the meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Weaver. Motion
carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Pfuhl to approve the March 12, 2024, minutes. Motion seconded by
Spanhake. Motion carried.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
A. Welcome New Member to the Parks & Recreation Commission
Chair Doscotch informed the Commission they will reschedule this item until the next meeting.
Staff Liaison Vetter informed the commission that the newly appointed Commissioner Garazatua
was on Military Reserve Duty during the last meeting, and he has since been required to go on
Active Duty.
B. Introduction of Braemar Arena & Field General Manager
Assistant Director Petersen introduced Jesse Buchholz, the new General Manager of Braemar
Arena & Field. General Manager Buchholz was introduced, and his credentials were given. The
Commissioners were directed to their packets for additional information. General Manager
Bucholz is now in his fifth week of employment.
VI. Community Comment
None
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Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 05/13/2024
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. Senior Center Update
Assistant Director Petersen introduced Recreation Supervisor Nicole Gorman of the Edina
Senior Center. Recreation Supervisor Gorman stated that there are nine programable spaces at
the Senior Center, one shuffleboard area, and an aquarium. There are a total of six staff members
at the Senior Center. Recreation Supervisor Gorman is the only full-time staff member. The
other five staff members are part-time. Recreation Supervisor Gorman gave an overview of the
services offered at the Senior Center. The operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8
a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; however, after-hour programming is often offered up until 8 p.m. and on
Saturdays.
B. Braemar Ice Arena & Field Facility Update
General Manager Buchholz introduced Corey McConnach, the Assistant General Manager of Braemar
Arena & Field. Assistant General Manager McConnach has been with the city for nine years, seven of
which have been full-time.
General Manager Buchholz stated that there are currently 110 staff members, most of which are part-
time. There are approximately 500,000 people in the facility each year. There are three permanent ice
sheets, and one seasonal rink that is functional from early November to mid-March. General Manager
Buchholz gave an overview of the programs offered along with the management of equipment, noting
the expansion/renovation project is a big focus right now.
Assistant General Manager McConnach stated that the Braemar Dome season runs from the first week
in November through the end of April. The day-to-day operations is supported with 12 part-time staff
members and seven full-time staff members. The outdoor space is 17 acres, and the indoor space is
100,000 square-feet. There are approximately 100,000 visitors each year.
Assistant General Manager McConnach stated that the staff is looking into some upgrading
opportunities, they are reviewing and updating the emergency plans, and they have applied for some
County grant money to repair and replace some equipment. A major challenge is the drainage system
below the fields, and the severe weather we experience are not ideal for domes in general. The
replacement cost for the turf alone would be approximately $500,000.
C. 20024 Commission Work Plan
Initiative 1.6.1 – Review and comment on Fred Richards Implementation. Staff Liaison
Vetter stated that Parks Planner Rachel Finberg will be reaching out to the four Initiative Leaders
soon to share the draft proposal requesting architectural services for the actual building. Parks
Planner Finberg has also prepared a survey for Student Commissioner DeLorenzo to gather input
from high school peers related to social and casual use of other space used around the
community.
Initiative 1.6.2 – Review and comment on Braemar Park Implementation. Staff Liaison
Vetter stated that Parks Planner Finberg will be sharing information on the bid requests to build
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 05/13/2024
the mountain biking trails that were approved by the City Council. The next step is to review a
contract for ongoing maintenance with MORC (Minnesota Off Road Cycling Federation).
Initiative 1.6.3 – Review and comment on Braemar Arena Implementation. Staff Liaison
Vetter stated that there is an owner’s representative for the arena group, and they are hoping to
have architectural and engineering request proposals in April.
Initiative 1.6.4 – Community Garden Study and Report. Chair Doscotch informed the
Commission that Commissioners are coordinating a discussion with representation from the
Energy Environment Commission, which had to be cancelled. The hope is to reschedule it for
some time during the week of April 15. Student Commissioner Holtey gave a PowerPoint
presentation on community gardens. The York Park Community Garden is in full utilization, and
there is a wait list. School Gardens are popular and maintained by the students during the school
year and during the summer, parents tend the School Gardens.
In the Community Garden, a 10-foot by 10-foot plot is $40 to rent for the year, and a 10-foot by
15-foot plot is $50 to rent for the year. People who are current renters have priority over new-
comers.
Initiative 1.6.5 – Review and compare park shelter building amenities and function. Staff
Liaison Vetter stated that he sent some information on comparable facilities in order to show
what is available at the different locations.
VIII. Chair and Member Comments
Commissioner Kane brought up a concern for parking issues at the Braemar Golf Dome,
which he feels are safety issues. Commissioner Kane asked whether some signage,
additional lighting, or even flashing lights can be added? It was noted that currently there is
consideration for expanding the parking and/or creating a trail head in that area. Staff will
discuss with the Engineering Traffic Safety representative on any interim review that can
occur.
Commissioner Pettit brought up dog parks, noting Edina has only two, and asked what are
the steps for removal/replacement for worn-out/damaged park chairs? Assistant Director
Swenson indicated that the city does have a bench donation program.
IX. Staff Comments
A. Upcoming Meetings and Events
Staff Liaison Vetter gave the following updates:
There is a large project in process to remove buckthorn from 31 acres. This is a three-
year process using grant money.
The Parks & Recreation Commission May meeting will be held on Monday, May 13. The
Edina Girls Fast Pitch will be coming with a special request.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, there will be a Joint Work Session with the City Council.
Attendance at this meeting is recommended, but not required. The meeting will begin at
5:30 p.m.
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 05/13/2024
In June the Parks & Recreation Commission meetings will return to Tuesdays.
X. Adjournment
Motion made by Spanhake to adjourn the April 8, 2024, meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion
seconded by Weaver. Meeting adjourned.