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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-21 Work Session Meeting Packet Meeting location: Edina City Hall Community Room 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30 PM Accessibility Support: The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Meeting Topics 3.1. Update on Edina Art Center Colocation at Southdale Library 3.2. Aquatic Center Pump Room 4. Adjournment Page 1 of 22 d ITEM REPORT Date: January 21, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion Meeting: City Council Agenda Number: 3.1 Prepared By: Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation Director, Tracy Petersen, Assistant Director Parks & Recreation, Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor Art Center Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Parks & Recreation Item Title: Update on Edina Art Center Colocation at Southdale Library Action Requested: Discuss Edina Art Center Colocation at Southdale Library. Information/Background: See attached staff report. Hennepin County continues to move forward with its newly designed Southdale Library. As a part of this project, the Edina Art Center is poised to be collocated at the site as a tenant. Staff will provide an update on the status of the project. Resources/Financial Impacts: This project has identified capital impacts as part of the construction of the new Hennepin County Library and collocated Art Center. Operational impacts will be identified as part of the FY2026/FY 2027 Budget for partial year 2027 and full budget year of 2028. Relationship to City Policies: This discussion correlates to the 2024-2025 Budget Work Plan item to develop and adopt a long- term plan for future of the Art Center and delivery of art programs. Supporting Documentation: 1. Staff Report: Update on Edina Art Center Colocation at Southdale Library Page 2 of 22 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Information / Background: The City of Edina Art Center (EAC) opened in 1977 at its current location, 4701 W.64th St., out of a home built in 1948. The EAC was expanded in the mid-1990s and is currently operating as a program facility with limited use of the main floor. The center’s mission is to provide the community with a place to enjoy artistic and cultural events and learn how to express their creativity through artmaking. Art Center staff currently host art classes and workshops at the EAC building, as well as alternate spaces throughout the city, including the Edina Senior Center, Arneson Acres Park, the Fred Richards Park Clubhouse and other park buildings. The pottery area and lower level at the current EAC remain closed and not usable for the community. Past Planning Over the course of the last several years, multiple studies and program analysis reports have been completed on the current Art Center and future facility needs that ultimately did not move forward. Those studies have focused on expansion, new opportunities and program growth. Prior to the pandemic, staff studied the Art Center from a code and compliance standpoint. Numerous deficiencies were identified from 1) Code compliance, safety, and mandates; 2) Projects that protect people, property, and infrastructure; 3) ADA Improvements; 4) Betterment of operations, new services, support programming (FFE); and 5) Replacement of infrastructure past due, aging or inefficient (near failure or could fail). In recent years, city staff have explored multiple options for both updating the current site, building pottery space only, leasing commercial or industrial space and building a new art center. Staff undertook a planning study to review a continuum of space size and subsequent construction cost estimates preparation for a potential full art center facility. The Arts & Culture Commission (ACC) participated in this process as a part of their workplan during that time. This work and the City Council and Arts & Culture Commission work session input indicated that Edina would best be served by a full art center facility. In 2023, Hennepin County approached the city with an opportunity to colocate the Date:January 21, 2025 To:Mayor & City Council From:Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation Director; Tracy Petersen, Assistant Director-Recreation & Facilities; Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor-Arts Subject:Update on Edina Art Center Colocation at Southdale Library Page 3 of 22 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Art Center at the Southdale Library location and the City Council approved a Letter of Intent with Hennepin County in 2024. Current Planning Staff have been working collaboratively with Hennepin County to address space and design needs in the proposed new space. The design of the new Southdale Library, developed by MSR Design, was informed by years of community engagement efforts and created with community in mind. The proposed design addresses site access and redevelopment; connection to people, amenities and nature; sustainability; and partnerships. The Hennepin County plan proposes that the Edina Art Center will be a tenant at the library, with an initial 20-year lease agreement. The county will build and own the building and surrounding 3-acre green space. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be formulated to outline exterior shared costs and responsibility for maintenance. The outdoor green space would also provide a connect the Edina Promenade to Three Rivers Park District’s Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail as well as provide a connection to Adams Park in Richfield. The County will provide the warm shell of the art center space, and the City of Edina will be responsible for providing the furniture, fixtures and equipment suitable for the designated art spaces. Currently, the proposed new EAC is planned to have two studios, a makerspace, two pottery wheel rooms, a pottery hand building room, a glaze bay, a kiln room and outdoor kilns. There will also be additional spaces for multi-purpose/group/camp use, an art gallery and a gift shop. Shared spaces also include a large community room located on the second level, outdoor terrace, and outdoor education space. The shared spaces allow for efficiencies in cost relating to items such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, parking, etc. Attention has been given to ensure that the EAC will serve everyone, from beginners to experts, in a multitude of art forms and provide an equitable and welcoming experience. Community Perspective Since this is not a City of Edina led project, engagement has not been straightforward. Design, facility size, and planning decisions are the responsibility of Hennepin County with input and collaboration from the city where appropriate. The ACC has continued to provide the community perspective to studying the potential for art space in Edina. They have participated in studying the prior pottery only concept, participated in space planning for a full art center and conducted tours of surrounding communities in relation to this colocation plan. The ACC is highly supportive of the colocation and has had an opportunity to provide input and feedback as plans have developed, most recently reviewing at their December 2024 commission meeting. Page 4 of 22 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Webb Management has been assisting staff with additional community engagement opportunities related to art programming. Some of these additional opportunities included interviews and an online survey that have helped shape the art spaces, formulated an activity profile and will assist in drafting a pro- forma operating budget. The city has also utilized Better Together Edina and Be Heard Hennepin County to provide updates on the project. Finally, city staff have participated in Hennepin County led community engagement meetings. Arts and Culture Commission members have been extended an invitation to attend the January 21, 2025 work session. Next Steps The project is currently in the design development phase. The project is expected to take around three years to complete, with the new Edina Art Center tentative opening date anticipated for late summer/early fall of 2027. Demolition, groundbreaking and construction of the Southdale library is tentatively set for spring 2025. The library has closed to begin to plan for deconstruction of the existing building. During construction, Edina Art Center staff anticipate running art programs in our current fashion, out of the current EAC, Edina Senior Center and various locations throughout Edina. In 2025, staff anticipate reviewing detailed operating agreements for a 20-year lease (with extension options) for the facility and an MOU for the shared operational aspects of the green space during the second and third quarter. Staff will also build out the operational aspects of the facility related to the programmatic, operational and budgetary needs of the facility. Page 5 of 22 d ITEM REPORT Date: January 21, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion Information Meeting: City Council Agenda Number: 3.2 Prepared By: Pa Thao, Finance Director Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Finance Item Title: Aquatic Center Pump Room Action Requested: Discussion focused on the urgent need for the Aquatic Center pump room replacement and the limited financing options available. Information/Background: The Edina Aquatic Center, located within Rosland Park, offers opportunities for recreation in and around the water in a controlled environment. The facility includes an 8-lane 50-meter pool, zero depth entry pool, Shipwreck Express Zip Line, and a 207-foot body slide and 300-foot tube slide, the FlowRider - a surf simulator and the Oakwood Forest Playground area. The facility also includes admissions, concessions, and changing/locker rooms buildings. Approximately 75,000 to 85,000 visitors patronize the facility annually over a roughly three-month period, an average of 850 – 1,000 people per day. Peak times and days of the week can see those numbers vastly increase. It is estimated that 75% of visitors are from outside Edina. The center opened in 1958 and has gone through a variety of changes and renovations. Since those improvements were completed there has been an evolution in the building & pool code requirements, patron preferences, and use of the facility. A brief timeline of major construction activity at the Aquatic Center follows. Year Milestones 1958 Aquatic Center opened with an eight lane 50-meter main pool, diving well, diving boards, and a youth pool. 1991 Wading pool and waterslide additions 1997 Locker room, changing area and concession area renovation. Wading pool and filter room addition 2002 30’ tall tower with body slide, tube slide and plunge pool added. Zipline added with pirate ship themed platform and a fully themed dry playground added. Filter room and heater room updated. 2006 Step-in entry added to the 50-meter main pool. 2012 FlowRider was installed as the first outdoor surf simulator in the state. 2016 Main pool sand filters replaced with Neptune-Benson Defender filter. Converted from gas chlorine to chlorine tablets. 2017 Plunge pool and zero-depth pool filter replaced with Neptune-Benson Defender filters. Whitewater AquaPlay zero-depth play structure installed. Page 6 of 22 2021 The two feeder panels for the filter and pump room electrically failed. They were relocated out of the filter and pump room to the electrical room adjacent to the service panel. This was a short to medium-term repair. Since the 2021 electrical project, staff have engaged professional services to plan for the upcoming repair project. Specifically, the 1958 original pool pump house structure needs replacement to accommodate changes in state code related to pumping apparatus, filter requirements, electrical capacity, and surge tank reservoirs to address swimmer capacity displacement. This includes work to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural improvements to the pump house room. The deteriorating infrastructure poses operational risks, safety concerns, and compliance issues, which could force facility closures if left unaddressed. Time is of the essence, as delays in addressing these issues could lead to further deterioration, higher repair costs, and potential disruption of the upcoming summer season. The facility’s popularity and high patronage underline the importance of maintaining its functionality for the community and visitors alike. The Aquatic Center is a cherished community resource that brings significant economic and recreational value to Edina and the surrounding region. Addressing the critical infrastructure needs of the pump house must be a priority to ensure the facility continues to thrive. Urgent action is required to secure funding and implement the necessary repairs before the issues escalate further, threatening both the safety and operation of this vital public asset. Nick Anhut from Ehlers will be available for discussion regarding financial considerations. Resources/Financial Impacts: Financing the necessary upgrades presents a significant challenge. With limited funding options available, the project must compete with other city infrastructure and recreation priorities. Traditional sources of funding, such as municipal bonds or grants, are highly constrained, and there is limited capacity to increase user fees without risking affordability for patrons. One potential option is bonding for the project, which would require an annual levy commitment. While bonding could provide the necessary funding to complete the project, it would also impose significant financial obligations on the city, potentially straining budgets for other priorities. Another possibility is utilizing the Edina Law; however, the Aquatic Center cannot generate sufficient revenue to meet the debt repayment requirements on its own. This limitation would also restrict future funding opportunities for other Enterprises. Careful consideration and strategic planning are essential to balance these financial challenges with the pressing need for facility improvements. Without timely investment, the Aquatic Center risks falling further out of compliance with state codes, reducing its operational lifespan and jeopardizing its role as a major regional attraction. Exploring alternative funding mechanisms, partnerships, or phased improvement plans may be necessary to bridge the financial gap while ensuring the facility’s long-term viability. Relationship to City Policies: This is essential for our City Work Plan Supporting Documentation: 1. Aquatic Center Issue Photos 2. Staff Presentation Page 7 of 22 Fairly significant corrosion is exhibited by the balancing tanks of the wading pool and main pool tanks, in particular the supports of these tanks. Along with structural members for the structure itself, the supports for these tanks should be replaced or bolstered as soon as possible. Three gas-fired water boilers heat water for the main pool, the wading pool, and the plunge pool. A flange on pool recirculation piping leaks severely and must be repaired. Page 8 of 22 The pump room that serves the flowrider pool’s filtration and chemical treatment needs is in excellent condition. It is kept ventilated via a sidewall exhaust fan. However, like the main pump room, it lacks a heating unit, which also leaves the room susceptible to high relative humidity during the offseason that may accelerate corrosion. Corrosion at plank support angle should be replaced with stainless Page 9 of 22 Column base showing significant corrosions Page 10 of 22 EdinaMN.gov Aquatic Center Work Session January 21, 2025 Page 11 of 22 Background Year Milestones 1958 Aquatic Center opened with an eight lane 50-meter main pool, diving well, diving boards, and a youth pool. 1991 Wading pool and waterslide additions 1997 Locker room, changing area and concession area renovation. Wading pool and filter room addition 2002 30’ tall tower with body slide, tube slide and plunge pool added. Zipline added with pirate ship themed platform and a fully themed dry playground added. Filter room and heater room updated. 2006 Step-in entry added to the 50-meter main pool. 2012 FlowRider was installed as the first outdoor surf simulator in the state. 2016 Main pool sand filters replaced with Neptune-Benson Defender filter. Converted from gas chlorine to chlorine tablets. 2017 Plunge pool and zero-depth pool filter replaced with Neptune-Benson Defender filters. Whitewater AquaPlay zero-depth play structure installed. 2021 The two feeder panels for the filter and pump room electrically failed. They were relocated out of the filter and pump room to the electrical room adjacent to the service panel. This was a short to medium-term repair. Page 12 of 22 Original Pool Pump House •Built in 1958 •State code updates needed: •Pumping apparatus •Filter requirements •Electrical capacity •Surge tank reservoirs •https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=7WdTpbYq1C4 Page 13 of 22 Significant issues Balancing tanks of the wading pool and main pool tanks Three gas-fired water boilers heat water for the main pool, the wading pool, and the plunge pool Sidewall exhaust fan in pump room of Flowrider Pool Filtration and Chemical Treatment room Page 14 of 22 Significant issues Corrosion at plank support angle should be replaced with stainless steel Column base showing significant corrosions Page 15 of 22 Pump Room Addition Page 16 of 22 Timeline of project Year Event 2021 Major electrical failures. Interim repairs completed. Summer 2022 Existing conditions assessment of the facility, including immediate recommendations. Winter 2022 Concept design begins – incorporating assessment findings and staff input 2023 Schematic design and design development Winter 2024 Construction documents (CD) design1 Spring 2025+Complete CD phase. Onboard a construction manager and bid the project 1. One year hiatus to explore funding options for construction Page 17 of 22 Bonds For Municipal Recreation Facilities Bonding Alternative Financing Costs Source of Repayment Authorization Process; Limits Edina Special Law Priced at “AAA/Aaa” Rates Pooled Enterprise Revenues (liquor, golf, aquatic center and arena funds) Council Authorization; Limited to Net Revenue Capacity Referendum Same as above Irrevocable Tax Levy Special Election; Subject to Statutory Debt Limit (~$445 Million capacity) Tax Abatement Same as above Irrevocable Tax Levy Council Public Hearing; Abatement Limit (~$256 Million capacity) HRA Public Project Priced at “AA” (higher) Rates; added transaction costs Budget Appropriation (Tax Levy / Facility Revenue) HRA / Council; Subject to Statutory Debt Limit Page 18 of 22 Aquatic Center – 2025 Capital Funding •Financial History - Break-even operating cashflow •Will need support from other funds to make debt payments •Outstanding Debt Payments (2017B Bonds) •FY 2025 – $102,800 •FY 2026 – $104,000 •Hypothetical $5 million Debt Service Estimates (“AAA/Aaa” Rates): Alternatives:10 Year Term 15 Year Term 20 Year Term Average DS:$590,076*$432,125 $357,641 Rate:3.36%3.61%3.81% Cumulative Interest:$900,755 $1,481,873 $2,152,813 * Equivalent to a 0.96% levy increase Page 19 of 22 Bonds For Municipal Recreation Facilities •Edina Special Law: •Ability to issue General Obligation Bonds for land, buildings, and equipment used for outdoor and indoor sport and recreational facilities •The bonds are payable from the revenues of any so designated facilities and the net revenues of the municipal liquor operation •Prior to a new issuance, net revenues from the preceding fiscal year must equal or exceed the maximum principal and interest due •Each year, the City must set aside a reserve equal to the remaining average annual debt service Page 20 of 22 Existing Special Law Bonds •Designated Enterprise Funds (As of Fiscal Year 2025) •Liquor •Aquatic Center Outstanding •2017B Bonds $ 195,000 2017 Zero-Depth Play & Renovations •Golf •2015B $ 970,000 Range/Par 3 and Clubhouse •2017B $ 3,975,000 Course Renovations •2021C $ 330,000 2013 Golf Dome Refinancing •Arena •2017D $ 733,000 2009 Ice and Equipment Replacement •2021C $ 1,255,000 2012 Arena Improvements •Total $ 7,458,000 Page 21 of 22 Existing Special Law Bonds and Net Revenue •Net Revenue capacity to meet Special Law Test: FY Principal Interest Total P&I Debt Coverage Coverage Amount 2025 1,046,000.00 231,753.76 1,277,753.76 140.0%511,400.24 2026 1,073,000.00 196,473.76 1,269,473.76 140.9%519,680.24 2027 1,012,000.00 160,193.76 1,172,193.76 152.6%616,960.24 2028 1,044,000.00 126,593.76 1,170,593.76 152.8%618,560.24 2029 988,000.00 91,843.76 1,079,843.76 165.7%709,310.24 2030 865,000.00 64,287.50 929,287.50 192.5%859,866.50 2031 705,000.00 39,550.00 744,550.00 240.3%1,044,604.00 2032 725,000.00 20,050.00 745,050.00 240.1%1,044,104.00 2033 - - - 1,789,154.00 4.00% 7,458,000.00 930,746.30 8,388,746.30 9 year PV:$6,125,759.81 Totals - GO Recreational Revenue Bonds $1,789,154 FY 2023 Pledged Net Revenues Page 22 of 22