HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-14 PARC Packet
Meeting location:
Braemar Golf Course
6364 John Harris Dr.
Edina, MN
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
7:00 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. Approval of Meeting Agenda
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.1. Minutes:Parks & Recreation Commission Sept. 9, 2025
5. Special Recognitions and Presentations
6. Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share
issues or concerns that are not scheduled for a future public hearing. Items that are on
tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals must
limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on
the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Individuals should not expect the Chair or
Board/Commission Members to respond to their comments tonight. Instead, the
Board/Commission might refer the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting.
7. Reports/Recommendations
7.1. Summer Youth & Special Event Programming Update
7.2. Edina Aquatic Center Update
7.3. Initiative 1.5.6. City Code Update—Article III. Boards, Committees and Commissions,
Division 7. Parks and Recreation Commission
8. Chair and Member Comments
Page 1 of 17
9. Staff Comments
9.1. Upcoming Meetings & Events
9.2. Remote Meeting Participation Policy
10. Adjournment
Page 2 of 17
d
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 14, 2025 Item Activity: Approve
Meeting: Parks & Recreation Commission
Agenda Number: 4.1
Prepared By: Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation
Director
Item Type: Minutes Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Minutes:Parks & Recreation Commission Sept. 9, 2025
Action Requested:
Approve minutes from the Sept. 9, 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting.
Information/Background:
See attached minutes.
Supporting Documentation:
1. PARC Minutes 9-9-2025
Page 3 of 17
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: XX/XX/2024
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina Parks & Recreation Commission
Braemar Golf Course
Sept. 9, 2025
7 p.m.
1. Call to Order
Chair Pfuhl called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Bye, Garazatua, Hulbert, Wick, Kane, Pfuhl, and Student
Commissioners Harrington and Syed
Commissioner Welsh arrived at 7:04 p.m.
Commissioner(s) Absent: Spaulding
Staff Present: Staff Liaison Perry Vetter and Administrative Coordinator Janet Canton
Chair Pfuhl noted that an amendment needs to be made to the agenda. Item 7.1 is going to be
removed from the agenda; General Manager Patty McGrath is unable to attend tonight’s meeting. She
will give her presentation at the October Parks & Recreation Commission meeting
3. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Kane to approve the amended meeting agenda. Motion seconded by
Garazatua.
Motion carried.
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.1 Minutes: Parks & Recreation Commission Aug. 12, 2025
Motion made by Hulbert to approve Aug. 12, 2025 minutes. Motion seconded by Kane.
Motion carried.
5. Special Recognitions and Presentations
5.1 Welcome Student Commissioner Anna Harrington
Staff Liaison Vetter introduced new Student Commissioner Anna Harrington and each
commissioner introduced themselves to Student Commissioner Harrington.
6. Community Comment
None
7. Reports/Recommendations
7.1 Edina Aquatic Center Update
.
Page 4 of 17
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: XX/XX/2024
7.2 Initiative 1.5.3: Review 2016 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan content, identify key
study areas to include in upcoming 2026 update for topics, research and potential
data collection.
Vice chair Kane informed the commission he is the lead on this initiative along with Chair Pfuhl
and Commissioner Welsh. Vice chair Kane gave a presentation on where the working group is
currently at with this initiative. There was a discussion, and commissioners asked questions. He
asked the commission to look it over and if anyone wanted to add something to reach out to the
working group and they will alter the document and will provide updates on the initiative at the
October meeting.
7.3 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Updates
Initiative 1.5.1 – Review and comment on Braemar Arena Implementation. Staff Liaison
Vetter informed the Commission he will send out a doodler poll in the next couple of days to
this initiative’s group to go over the presentations. They are also going to be scheduling with all
of the stakeholders to review the plans for the arena. This will eventually be brought to the
commission.
Initiative 1.5.2 – Review and compare park shelter building amenities and function.
Nothing to update
Initiative 1.5.3 – Review 2016 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan content, identify key
study areas to include in upcoming 2026 update for topics, research and potential data
collection. Already discussed.
Initiative 1.5.4 – Research and if feasible, develop action plan or further research of no
more than two Alternative Funding Strategies (2023 Work Plan Item) to progress that
initiative. Chair Pfuhl informed the commission there is nothing to update but they will be giving
a presentation at the October meeting.
Initiative 1.5.5 – Review Climate Action Plan priorities and conduct research on external
park agencies that are implementing projects that would be beneficial to the Edina Park
system. Commissioner Wick informed the commission there is no update to give but is
currently doing some research.
Initiative 1.5.6 – City Code Update – Article III. Boards, Committees and Commissions,
Division 7. Parks & Recreation Commission. Staff Liaison Vetter informed the Commission he
will probably bring this initiative to the October meeting. He indicated he was briefly able to
glance at it and it’s pretty comprehensive. He noted he will send this to the commission as soon
as possible for everyone to review. Chair Pfuhl asked the commission to look at it so they are
prepared to move on it at the October meeting.
It was decided to move Initiative 1.5.4, Alternate Funding Strategies to the November meeting
because there are already quite a few items set for the October meeting.
Page 5 of 17
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: XX/XX/2024
8 Chair and Member Comments
Commissioner Bye asked what the official use policy is for the Braemar Golf Course after the
course closes. Staff Liaison Vetter replied usually around Nov. 1 is the last day the golf course
is open. After that the course is open to walkers and if they get snow they will start to
groom for cross country and Nordic skiing. People also walk their dogs, but they are not
deputized to do enforcement, and it can an issue with off leashed dogs. Commissioner Bye
indicated that he loves running the trails at Braemar and also runs the course because the
golf cart path is amazing. He noted that he has been attacked by off-leash dogs more times
than he would like to count. He stated there are two signs that state dogs must be on a leash
and licensed with the city. He asked if it would be possible to get more signage on the
trailheads and perhaps the course entry. He commented that people should be using the
trails and thinks off-leash dogs are the reason some people don’t use them. Staff Liaison
Vetter replied that it is not an unreasonable request, and they can do that.
9 Staff Comments
9.1. Upcoming 2025 Meetings and Events
Staff Liaison Vetter gave the following updates:
The November Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday,
Nov. 12
The Braemar dome will be installed at Braemar Field in early October.
The Aquatic Center project kicked off for the pump and filter room and is already
underway. They have been told it will be ready for the 2026 aquatic center season.
10 Adjournment
Motion made by Wick to adjourn Sept. 9, 2025, meeting at 7:52 p.m. Motion seconded by
Garazatua.
Motion carried.
Page 6 of 17
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 14, 2025 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Parks & Recreation Commission
Agenda Number: 7.1
Prepared By:
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Summer Youth & Special Event Programming Update
Action Requested:
None, informational only.
Information/Background:
Amanda Clarke, Recreation Supervisor, will provide a recap on summer youth & special event
programming.
Supporting Documentation:
None
Page 7 of 17
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 14, 2025 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Parks & Recreation Commission
Agenda Number: 7.2
Prepared By:
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Edina Aquatic Center Update
Action Requested:
None, informational only.
Information/Background:
Patty McGrath, General Manager, will provide a recap of the 2025 Edina Aquatic Center season.
Supporting Documentation:
1. 2025 Season Highlights Aquatic Center
Page 8 of 17
2025 Season Highlights
Safe, fun summer!
Staffing
Statistics – see below
Hosted three Member Only After Hours Swim events
Member Only nights and Birthday Budge
Facility improvements
Renewed Edina Kids Club relationship
Expanded Concession Hours
Member
Check-in
Daily
Admission
5
Pass
Adm.
10
Pass
Adm.
Total
Attendance
Season
Pass
Packages
Sold
Multi
5
Passes
Sold
Multi
10
Passes
Sold
Total LG
Rescues
Concession
Revenue
2021 44,002 44,215 88,217 1,929 132 $157,395
2022 37,507 44,349 81,184 4,874 100 $167,539
2023 32,585 47,460 80,225 4,148 118 $162,632
2024 28,204 42,482 70,686 3,414 278 342 78 $152,767
2025 24,883 41,567 3,590 5,139 75,179 3,111 782 599 100 $171,095
* Civic Rec counts each individual season pass holder, not packages sold.
2025 Season Challenges
Season Pass Sales
Variable weather
Looking Ahead to 2026
Filter room replacement project
Review pricing strategies and establish Fees and Charges for 2026
Extend the season by one week from June 4 – August 23
Page 9 of 17
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 14, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: Parks & Recreation Commission
Agenda Number: 7.3
Prepared By: MJ Lamon, Special Projects & Engagement
Manager
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Initiative 1.5.6. City Code Update—Article III. Boards, Committees and
Commissions, Division 7. Parks and Recreation Commission
Action Requested:
This initiative is on the commission's 2025 work plan as a Review and Comment. No motion
required.
Information/Background:
The City of Edina is updating all sections of Chapter 2 – Administration, Article III – Boards,
Committees and Commissions to improve consistency, clarity, and alignment with current practices.
Each commission’s section is being reviewed to ensure it accurately reflects its purpose, duties, and
advisory role. Provided with this agenda item is a staff memo providing rationale for changes, a clean
version with the proposed changes and the old version of city code for comparison.
Supporting Documentation:
1. Division 7 Parks and Recreation Commission Memo
2. Division 7 Clean Version Parks and Recreation Commission
3. Division 7 Old Version Parks and Recreation Commission
Page 10 of 17
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Project Overview:
The City of Edina is updating all sections of Chapter 2 – Administration, Article III – Boards,
Committees and Commissions to improve consistency, clarity, and alignment with current practices.
Each commission’s section is being reviewed to ensure it accurately reflects its purpose, duties, and
advisory role.
• Timeline
o Member Survey: May
o Draft Updates: June-August
o Commission Review and Comment: September – October
o Council Approval: November
o Final Implementation: December
• Key Tasks
o Review existing BC city code sections for inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
o Draft revised sections incorporating member feedback.
o Distribute revised sections to each commission for review and comment.
o Consolidate feedback and prepare a final draft for legal review.
o Present final draft to the council for approval.
o Implement approved updates and inform relevant parties.
• Responsible Parties
o Administration: Ensure all initial inconsistencies are identified, review feedback, work
with liaisons on drafting updates
o Liaisons: Review draft prior to commission consumption
o Commission: Provide review and comment
o Legal Team: Review updates for legal accuracy.
Highlighted Changes:
Establishment and Purpose (Sec. 2-255)
• Broader framing of purpose: Updated from a narrow focus to a vision of enhancing quality of life and
community wellbeing.
Administration Department
EdinaMN.gov
Date: September 3, 2025
To: Parks & Recreation Commission
cc: Parks & Recreation Direction, Perry Vetter
From: City Management Fellow, Zoe Johnson and Special Projects & Engagement Manager, MJ
Lamon
Subject: Update: Chapter 2 – Administration, Article III. Boards, Committees and Commissions
Code, Division 7
Page 11 of 17
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
• Community identity emphasized: New language reflects how parks and recreation strengthen Edina’s
sense of place and belonging.
• Clarified advisory/advocacy role: The commission is described as an advocate for parks and
recreation, not an implementer of programs.
• Inclusivity and sustainability added: Explicit mention of accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability aligns
with city values.
• Human-centered connection: Language now emphasizes how parks and recreation connect residents
“to nature, play, and each other.”
Duties (Sec. 2-256)
• Condensed list: Reduced from a long descriptive paragraph to a clear five-item numbered list.
• Advisory focus: Duties emphasize advising the City Council rather than managing or operating
programs.
• Removed staff functions: References to developing or recommending specific recreation programs
were removed, as this is a staff responsibility.
• Long-term perspective added: Duties highlight input on long-term planning for the park and
recreation system, ensuring future focus.
Page 12 of 17
DIVISION 7. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION1
Sec. 2-255. Establishment and Purpose.
The City Council establishes the Parks and Recreation Commission to promote and support a vibrant parks,
open spaces, and recreation in enhancing the quality of life, fostering community wellbeing, and strengthening
Edina’s identity. The commission serves as an advocate for accessible, inclusive, and sustainable parks and
recreation opportunities that connect residents to nature, play, and each other now and for future generations.
Sec. 2-256. Duties.
The commission shall:
1. Advise the City Council on the planning, development, and use of parks, open spaces, and recreation
facilities.
2. Review and comment on policies, priorities, and community needs related to recreation services and
activities
3. Recommend recreation programs and activities that meet the needs of the community.
4. Review and advise on issues related to natural resources, wildlife management, and preservation of
natural areas.
5. Contribute to long-term planning efforts for maintaining and improving the city’s park and recreation
systems.
Sec. 2-257. Membership.
The parks and recreation commission shall consist of nine regular and two student members.
Secs. 2-258—2-277. Reserved.
Page 13 of 17
Subpart A - CODE OF ORDINANCES
Chapter 2 - ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE III. - BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
DIVISION 7. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Edina, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-06-30 12:06:53 [EST]
(Supp. No. 15 Upd 1)
Page 1 of 1
DIVISION 7. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION1
Sec. 2-255. Establishment.
To provide for a city park and open space system and a city recreation program, a parks and recreation
commission is established.
(Ord. No. 2017-01, § 5, 3-7-2017)
State law reference(s)—Appointed by the mayor with consent of the city council, Minn. Stats. § 412.501.
Sec. 2-256. Duties.
The parks and recreation commission shall develop and review plans and advise the council on the
acquisition and development of parks and recreation facilities, and plan and make recommendations to the council
concerning park activities and recreation programs. The parks and recreation commission shall advise the council
on natural resource, wildlife management, and natural area preservation issues. The parks and recreation
commission shall make and furnish studies, reports and recommendations as the council may request.
(Ord. No. 2017-01, § 5, 3-7-2017)
Sec. 2-257. Membership.
The parks and recreation commission shall consist of nine regular and two student members and one
commission position that will be an ex officio, non-voting member that is nominated by the Edina School Board
and confirmed by the city council. With the exception of voting, the position will be charged with all the same
rights, privileges and responsibilities as the other members of the commission. The school district's nominee will
comply with the city's rules regarding advisory commission members, except that the nominee need not be a
resident of the city. The term of this position is subject to nomination and confirmation on an annual basis.
(Ord. No. 2017-01, § 5, 3-7-2017)
State law reference(s)—Membership, Minn. Stats. § 412.501.
Secs. 2-258—2-277. Reserved.
1Ord. No. 2017-01, § 5, adopted March 7, 2017, amended div. 7 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former div.
7, §§ 2-255—2-257 pertained to the park board, and derived from the Code 1992, §§ 1507.01—1507.03;
Ord. No. 1221; Ord. No. 2001-9, adopted Nov. 5, 2001; Ord. No. 2007-05, adopted April 3, 2007; Ord. No.
2010-04, adopted March 2, 2010; and Ord. No. 2011-02.
State law reference(s)—Park boards, Minn. Stats. § 412.491 et seq.
Page 14 of 17
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 14, 2025 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Parks & Recreation Commission
Agenda Number: 9.1
Prepared By: Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation
Director
Item Type: Other Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Upcoming Meetings & Events
Action Requested:
None, informational only.
Information/Background:
Attached are the upcoming meetings and events for 2025 and unofficial projected dates for the 2026
year.
Supporting Documentation:
1. 2025 Upcoming Meetings and Events
Page 15 of 17
October 14, 2025
Park and Recreation Commission
Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation Director
Upcoming 2025 Meetings and Events
Date 2025 Meeting Dates Time Location*
Oct. 14
Regular Meeting
• Aquatic Center and Edinborough update
• Summer Youth & Special Event Update
• Initiative 1.5.6 – Code Update
7:00 pm Braemar Golf Course
Wed. Nov. 12**
Wednesday Regular Meeting
• 2026 Fees and Charges
• Centennial Lakes Park update
• Initiative 1.5.4 – Alternate Funding Strategies
7:00 pm Braemar Golf Course
Dec. 9 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Braemar Golf Course
* Regular Commission meetings will be held in the Hoyt and Blanchard Room, lower level of Braemar Golf
Course, 6364 John Harris Drive, Edina.
** Date Adjustments – In accordance with the 2025 Observed City Calendar.
2026 PROJECTED Meeting Dates
(Unofficial)
Tuesday January 13 Tuesday July 9
Tuesday February 10 MONDAY August 10**
Tuesday March 10 Tuesday September 8
Tuesday April 14 Tuesday October 13
Tuesday May 12 MONDAY November 9**
Tuesday June 9 Tuesday December 8
Page 16 of 17
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 14, 2025 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Parks & Recreation Commission
Agenda Number: 9.2
Prepared By: Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation
Director
Item Type: Other Department: Parks & Recreation
Item Title: Remote Meeting Participation Policy
Action Requested:
None, informational only.
Information/Background:
At the October 7, 2025, City Council meeting, a Remote Meeting Participation Policy was
approved by the Council. That allows members of City boards and commissions to attend meetings
using interactive technology (audio and video) in accordance with changes to Minnesota's Open
Meeting Law.
Key points to know:
• Members may participate remotely when they are physically unable to attend in person (for
example, due to medical recovery, travel, or work obligations).
• Members must notify their staff liaison at least two business days before the meeting if they
plan to attend virtually.
• At least one member must be physically present at the official meeting location for the
meeting to proceed.
• Members must attend the full meeting and have both audio and video active throughout.
The City is currently completing technology upgrades needed to support this new policy. Boards and
Commissions will be able to begin using remote participation starting January 1, 2026.
This policy is designed to make participation more accessible while maintaining transparency and
compliance with state law. The full policy will be shared with commission members by MJ Lamon.
Supporting Documentation:
None
Page 17 of 17