Loading...
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 Draft Minutes☐ 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.