HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-14 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
October 14, 1997
____________________________
MEMBERS PRESENT: Phyllis Kohler, Becky Bennett, Michael Burley, John Dovolis, Jim
Fee, Andrew Herring, Bill Jenkins, Andrew Montgomery, Jean
Rydell
MEMBERS ABSENT: Beth Hall, Dave Crowther
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT: Barbara Johnson
_____________________________
I. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 12, 1997 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 12, 1997 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Bill Jenkins SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. 1998 FEES AND CHARGES (PRELIMINARY REVIEW).
Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that this year he wanted to hand out the fees and
charges a month earlier for everyone to review. The reason being if anyone would like
any additional information he will have a month to prepare and do whatever additional
research may be necessary. He stated that a recommendation for the fees and charges will
need to be made at the November Park Board meeting.
Mr. Burley commented that he recalls last year the main issue was the fee at the golf
course. Mr. Keprios indicated that Mr. Valliere does send out a survey and noted that he
would be happy to copy that survey to the Park Board as well as have Mr. Valliere attend
the November Park Board meeting.
Mr. Montgomery pointed out that he was trying to rationalize the adult athletic fees. He
noted that men’s softball is $310.00, indoor basketball is $425.00, 4-man hockey is
$200.00 and co-rec broomball is $475.00. He asked how does staff support those
differences. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he will send out a copy of the
budgets which show the revenues and expenses for each adult athletic program. Mr.
Keprios noted that with the basketball program there are three officials and that’s where a
huge expense is, whereas hockey is self-officiated. Also, everyone pays a facility user fee
just like the various youth associations.
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Ms. Bennett indicated that she just received information regarding the open skating hours
at Braemar arena and pointed out that there are actually less hours of open skating than
last year. She asked why is this happening when there is now going to be a third sheet of
ice. Mr. Keprios explained that last year the open ice hours were reduced to
accommodate the girls hockey program. Ms. Bennett stated that there is no longer open
skating on Friday nights and feels that was a very popular family activity. Mr. Keprios
commented that he will look into it but recalls it was a financial decision. However, if
it’s dollars versus how much service we provide we do need to look at that. Mr. Keprios
informed the Park Board that Mr. Thayer will be at next month’s Park Board meeting to
answer further questions. Mr. Burley added that after a referendum and spending money
on a new arena he feels that the community would want to see more open skating.
Mr. Burley asked why the adult non-patron pays more at the Richards Golf Course than
they do at the Braemar Executive Golf Course. Mr. Keprios replied that it’s because
there is a difference in the courses and the debt service to be paid, however, he noted that
Mr. Valliere can answer that question at the next Park Board meeting. Mr. Herring added
that he would also like to know what kind of use the two golf courses get.
Mr. Herring indicated that he would like to have a discussion on how much time and
energy goes into maintaining the bandy sheet of ice at Lewis Park for the limited number
of residents. Mr. MacHolda replied that the “C” league plays exclusively at Lewis Park.
The “B” league plays a minimum of 50% of their games at Lewis Park and the “A”
league plays approximately 40% of their games at Lewis Park. He stated that bandy is
played seven days a week at Lewis Park. Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Herring if he is looking
for the amount of labor it takes to maintain the bandy sheet of ice. Mr. Herring replied
for the maintenance of the sheet of ice and for MacHolda’s time spent on the program.
Mr. Herring stated that the Aquatic Center increases make him a little uncomfortable.
Mr. MacHolda replied this past summer there were some concerns about the fees being
too high because we opened the main pool June 14th and the wading pool in July. He
explained the reason the fees were left the same is because they have not been raised in
seven years. However, if the pool had opened Memorial weekend he would have raised
the fees. He noted that St. Louis Park’s fees are slightly higher than Edina’s fees. Mr.
MacHolda stated that St. Louis Park will be approximately $10.00 to $15.00 higher than
what Edina is proposing for 1998. He indicated that St. Louis Park was sold out on most
days this past summer. He also explained that St. Louis Park is the only pool Edina
should be compared to because they are the only two pools that are very similar in what
they offer to the public.
Mr. Burley asked what is the purpose for raising the Aquatic Center fees, is it to meet the
budget or is it to provide a slush fund. Mr. MacHolda replied that this year they broke
even. He indicated that the last time the pool was renovated it was done through a
revenue bond and we are going to be spending approximately $80,000 a year up front to
pay back that revenue bond. Therefore, to keep pace with expenses we need to increase
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the fees. He noted that as Mr. Keprios stated in his staff report, it’s not necessarily to
offset something else but the goal is to have it self-sufficient. Mr. Keprios also pointed
out that down the road the Aquatic Center is expected to pay back their $207,000 loan
from the Developer’s Fund.
Mr. Keprios confirmed that at the next Park Board meeting Mr. Valliere and Mr. Thayer
will be present to answer any further questions that the Park Board may have.
III. PARK SHELTER BUILDING PLANS
Mr. Keprios explained that previously all bids were rejected for the three shelter buildings
and three comfort stations, therefore, they went back to the drawing board. He indicated
that recently Mr. Dovolis helped him work with the architect to find a way to cut back on
some expenses. Mr. Keprios presented drawings of the new designs and commented that
the cost is now approximately $54,000 for each comfort station building compared to the
original design which cost $117,000.
Mr. Jenkins asked what amenities or square footage are being lost and Mr. Keprios
replied that they are only losing square footage. Mr. Keprios explained that the shelter
building plans have been broken down into two separate buildings. The larger of the two
buildings will be at Cornelia School and Weber Park. The smaller two buildings will be
at Walnut Ridge Park and Todd Park.
Mr. Keprios gave a breakdown of the costs for the shelter buildings. He noted that he
feels the cost analyzer is a little high, however, he expects the bids to come in less than
one million dollars. Mr. Keprios stated that we may be a little short but Mr. Rosland has
assured him that we will be able to borrow any additional money needed to cover the
shortfall.
Mr. Keprios noted that Mr. Dovolis has also offered a tremendous savings to the City by
offering to sell at cost all of the heating and plumbing fixtures for the buildings. This will
obviously be a significant savings. Mr. Dovolis has been extremely helpful.
Mr. Keprios indicated that he feels we can go forward with these plans, however, the
Walnut Ridge area is a very sensitive area and as the Park Board may recall we assured
those residents an opportunity to review any revised plans. Mr. Keprios indicated that he
would like to send out notices and invite these people to attend the November Park Board
meeting. Mr. Montgomery responded that he doesn’t feel we need to bring this issue
before another Park Board meeting. He noted that possibly a different meeting could be
set up for those people to attend and have a few park board members present. Mr.
Keprios indicated that he will set up a meeting time.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that this will be the last set of projects for the
referendum dollars. He noted that there are a few projects that we did not get to yet,
however, he hopes to accomplish the majority of the remaining projects through the
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operating budget in the years to come. He stated that we planning on doing pathways,
irrigation systems, fencing and hard surface areas in the coming years within the
operating budget. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Engineering Department has really
come to the rescue on a lot of things.
Mr. Herring asked if there will be a capital budget for next year and Mr. Keprios replied
no. The Park and Recreation Department has no capital dollars in the 1998 budget and
there will be little money left in the Developers Fund after the completion of the Art
Center Media Lab. Mr. Keprios explained that there is no capital plan for the City of
Edina because there are levy limits in place which will be there for at least another year.
Mr. Jenkins asked about the new roof being put on the Golf Dome at Braemar. Mr.
Keprios replied that the new roof will be put on the Golf Dome the end of this month. He
indicated that it is being paid through the trust fund at Edinborough, therefore, it’s a loan
from Edinborough that we will be paying ourselves back. In essence, we are borrowing
money from ourselves to get the job done which we may also have to do if we run short
of money when we build the shelter buildings.
Mr. Burley asked about the basketball courts at Lewis Park and Utley Park. He indicated
that he was informed that the Basketball Board went back to Mr. Rosland and stated that
they wanted to build an indoor facility with private funds out at Braemar. Mr. Burley
commented that he likes the idea but that he doesn’t know how practical it is. Mr.
Keprios replied that he did hear talk of this several months ago but he noted that another
possibility might be the Northwest Club on York Avenue. Jerry Noyce mentioned that it
may be for sale.
Mr. Keprios commented that Doug Johnson is thinking about adding on another
gymnasium at the community center. Ms. Rydell commented that there might be gym
space available over at the Lewis Engineering site or at the Grace Church site because
they are moving. Mr. Keprios indicated that there are a lot of possibilities and there is a
lot of demand for more gym space in Edina.
IV. PARK REFERENDUM UPDATE
Mr. Keprios handed out a list indicating where he feels we are going to end up with the
park referendum projects. He noted there are a number of projects that do not show up on
the list, however, he hopes to still complete them such as the asphalt work, irrigation
work and a lot of fencing work which will all come out of the operating budget.
It was asked what is happening with the Gun Range and Mr. Keprios explained that a new
multi-jurisdictional training facility for both police and fire is planned on being built. He
noted that the training facility will include a number of cities, as well as, the Metropolitan
Airport Commissions Security Force. Mr. Keprios indicated that the City of Edina’s part
of the deal is to provide the land for the site. He noted that it will be built a little bit
further to the north than the existing gun range building and construction is scheduled to
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start next year. Mr. Fee asked if the $50,000 is part of the city’s contribution and Mr.
Keprios replied no. He explained that the $50,000 is what was previously needed to
make the current facility useable. However, if we weren’t going to continue to operate
the gun range than the site needed to be cleaned up in which the low bid came in at
$30,000. Therefore, the site is now cleaned of lead. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the
$20,000 that is left will probably come into play when we demolish the building or get rid
of the rest of the lead.
Mr. Burley asked if the new facility will be open to the citizens of Edina. Mr. Keprios
indicated that has not yet been decided and Mr. Burley asked then why are we doing this.
Mr. Keprios replied that the police in this area need a place to train and all of the cities in
the area are willing to pay for a facility. The main reason they chose Edina is so they
don’t have to send their officers to distant places for their training. In addition, the
county and state informed us we had to put in some type of ventilation system in place at
the existing building just to remain open due to potential lead dust. Therefore, the timing
worked out well.
Mr. Burley asked who will determine whether or not the citizens will be able to use the
facility. Mr. Keprios replied it will be the City Council and the topic will likely come
before the Park Board down the road. Mr. Montgomery asked where is there another
range open to the public. Mr. Keprios replied that the closest one he knows of is in
Robbinsdale and there is also one at Mystic Lake Casino.
Mr. Keprios indicated that on the list he handed out there is an asterisk next to the items
he feels we are committed to still do. He noted that at Heights Park we are going to try to
put the basketball court in ourselves in the Spring. Mr. Keprios commented that there are
some other improvements that are not listed which are going to eventually get done.
Mr. Herring asked what is the biggest item that we promised that we didn’t deliver and
Mr. Keprios responded that it is the shelter buildings and comfort stations. However,
there will be other items that we will hear about such as irrigation and fencing. Other
than that all of the other major items have been taken care of.
V. OTHER
A. Strong Beer Recommendation to the City Council - Mr. Keprios explained that the
City Council has looked at the Park Board’s recommendation to allow the various
facilities to allow consumption of but not sale of strong beer. He indicated that it has
now turned into a much larger issue. He noted that the City Council has directed staff to
investigate the risks vs. rewards of selling alcohol on the golf course and allowing
consumption of strong beer at various park sites.
Mr. Montgomery asked how do they rationalize selling strong beer at restaurants but we
cannot have it at our own facilities. Mr. Keprios explained that to consume strong beer at
the sites were we currently sell 3.2 is not a big change in the ordinance. However, for us
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to sell strong beer or wine would require us to have a wine license which then we would
need a liquor manager.
Mr. Montgomery asked why can’t we at least get the strong beer in for the catered
functions at these various facilities. Mr. Keprios commented that the City Council is
reviewing the matter. They want to review it as a package and not piece meal it.
B. Sponsorships and Donations Policy Revision (advertising on scoreboards) - Mr.
Keprios indicated that the City Council did pass the Park Board’s recommendation on the
sponsorships and donations policy revision. He explained that the procedure we are
going to use for now (on a two year trial basis) is anything $5,000 or greater or any
advertising that shows up where it has otherwise never shown up will require prior City
Council approval. Otherwise, it is in the hands of the City Manager to decide what’s
appropriate and what’s not. He noted that the City Council was very supportive and
doesn’t feel there is any issue regarding the scoreboards.
Ms. Bennett asked who will be sponsoring the baseball scoreboards and Mr. Keprios
replied that he has not heard what baseball is securing for the scoreboards. Mr.
MacHolda indicated that he thought baseball was looking at the beverage companies,
Holiday, Davanni’s and Edina Reality. There are four fields that need scoreboards so
they can have multiple sponsors. Mr. Keprios commented that they are going to review
these on a case by case basis where it applies. He also pointed out that everything will go
through the Park Board first and then it will be passed on to the City Council.
Mr. Jenkins asked if the Baseball Association will receive all of the funds through
advertising at places such as Courtney Fields. Mr. Keprios explained that if there is any
advertising to be done at Courtney Fields it will be to fund a specific project like an
amenity such as in this case to fund a scoreboard. He noted that the Baseball Association
will not receive any money, it becomes property of the City of Edina to improve the city
facilities.
C. Aquatennial Swim Meet - Mr. Keprios indicated that the Park Board’s
recommendation went before the City Council. He noted that the President of the Edina
Swim Club, John Witzel, was present and spoke to the City Council. Essentially what
happened is the City Council asked that the City Manager to work this out. The Council
stated that staff should be in charge of scheduling facilities. Mr. Montgomery asked if the
Edina Swim Club will be using the Edina Aquatic Center for their 1998 Aquatennial
Swim Meet. Mr. Keprios noted that there has been no decision made yet. Mr. Herring
commented that the recommendation of the Park Board has not changed.
Mr. Burley asked if he understood correctly that the Edina Swim Club may have their
swim meet in Edina next year and Mr. Keprios replied that it is a possibility. Mr. Burley
commented that the Park Board made a very difficult decision on this issue and the Park
Board tries to buffer the City Council on a lot of these issues when maybe we should just
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send these people to the City Council in the first place. Mr. Montgomery indicated that
the Park Board would be very disappointed if the swim meet were held in Edina in July.
Ms. Kohler indicated that she feels it would be valuable if the Park Board published their
practices and procedures as far as how citizen groups may address the Park Board and
under what circumstances. She noted that hearing from small groups does not represent
the 39,000 other people.
D. Edina Senior Center - Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board where they are at
with the senior center. He noted that he has just met with the architect and handed out
information stating the differences between the plans at the Community Center and the
YMCA. Mr. Keprios explained that at the Community Center they would be able to add
parking spaces.
Mr. Keprios stated that the YMCA deal is still on the table. Mr. Herring asked if there
are any other options and Mr. Keprios replied there are numerous options. For example,
we could have a referendum and build a free standing building, we could take over Grace
Church, etc. Mr. Herring asked if any other options have been pursued and Mr. Keprios
noted that the YMCA and Edina Community Center are the only two options he has been
directed to research.. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Community Center site is similar
to the YMCA in that they would pick up the maintenance and utilities whereas with a free
standing building we are on our own for maintenance and utilities. Mr. Keprios indicated
that the school would also be able to use this area just like the YMCA which might be a
trade-off to help cover the operating costs. Mr. Herring asked if the seniors have had any
input on the Community Center option. Mr. Keprios stated not yet but he will be meeting
with them at the end of the month to bring them up to speed and ask for their input.
Mr. Fee asked who is the force behind this plan and it was noted it is the City Council.
Mr. Herring asked if this community center location is the preferred location from the
position of staff. Mr. Keprios replied that they are not that far into the study yet but
looking ahead he feels the answer would be yes.
E. Edina Garden Council - It was noted that Barbara Johnson from the Edina Garden
Council was in attendance. Ms. Johnson indicated that she has been an Edina resident for
44 years. Ms. Johnson commented that the Garden Club does not currently have a
representative to attend the Park Board meetings to see what might affect them so that is
why she is attending the meeting. Mr. Keprios commented that the Edina Garden
Council has donated money to build the Arneson Acres gazebo and they are now looking
into funding a fountain for the center of the formal gardens.
F. About Town - Mr. Fee complemented Mr. Keprios and the Park Department
regarding the hard work involved in implementing the Park Referenda. He noted that he
feels Mr. Keprios has done a great job and he knows it’s been a lot of work from the very
beginning through the whole process. Mr. Keprios indicated that he has a great staff who
have all been fortunate to have a supportive City Manager, Park Board and City Council.
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G. Putt-Putt Golf Course - Mr. Keprios indicated that next spring or summer the Park
Board will play at the putt-putt golf course when all 18 holes have been completed.
H. Van Valkenburg Park - Mr. Keprios noted that Van Valkenburg Park was vandalized
twice in the last week. He indicated that they are having security put in as well as the
police officers will be patrolling it more heavily.
I. Van Valkenburg Park/Braemar Football Fields - Mr. Jenkins asked if football will be
played again at Braemar once the fields are back in. Mr. Keprios replied not for awhile
because the turf is just too vulnerable for the first year or two. Mr. Jenkins asked if they
envision going back to Braemar after that time period and it was noted that they would
like to try an every other year approach with football. He pointed out that it does shorten
the adult fall softball program but he feels that is the right way to go.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Bill Jenkins MOVED TO ADJOURN THE PARK MEETING AT 8:45 P.M. Jean Rydell
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.