HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-09 Park Board Minutes 1
EDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
NOVEMBER 9, 1999
____________________________________
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Dave Fredlund, George Klus, Karla Sitek, John
Murrin, Chuck Mooty, Tom White
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Herring, Andrew Finsness, Floyd Grabiel, Linda Presthus
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton, John Valliere
OTHERS PRESENT: Bruce Carlson, Jude Dugan Olson
____________________________________
I. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 12, 1999 PARK BOARD MINUTES
George Klus MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 12, 1999 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Bill Jenkins SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION ADVERTISING PROPOSAL
Mr. Keprios indicated that as his staff report points out the Edina Hockey Association
(EHA) is requesting that they be able to venture into an advertising fundraiser. He noted
that Mr. Bruce Carlson, President of EHA, has submitted a letter that outlines EHA’s
proposal. Mr. Keprios showed examples of what the ads would look like and indicated
that Larry Thayer, manager of Braemar Ice Arena, gave the EHA permission to put
advertising on the dashers on a temporary basis for a recent Bantam tournament. Mr.
Carlson explained that the advertisements are clear decals that are 10’ long by 30” high
and stick right onto the boards. Mr. Jenkins asked which arenas would have the
advertisements and Mr. Carlson replied they would be in the West and South arenas.
This way the East arena is open for the Figure Skating Club to have the same opportunity.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that some precedent has already been set in the arena with the
advertising that was done for the hockey tournaments on a short-term basis. He also
commented that the Edina Baseball Association has set some precedent because they have
been advertising on the scoreboards at Courtney fields.
Mr. Carlson commented that they use the same company that does the decals for Mariucci
Arena, and it’s a very high quality look. Mr. Keprios indicated that one question that
came to his mind is the aesthetics. Also, he noted that the city is not doing this with the
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intent to make money but with the intent to be supportive much like we are with the
concession stand for the Edina Hockey Parents. He noted, however, that the city does get
a cut of the profits. Mr. Keprios indicated that another issue of concern is to make sure
that the East arena is set aside if the Figure Skating Club is interested in using advertising
as a fundraiser. He explained that he did speak to the president of the Figure Skating
Club and was told the issue would be discussed with their Board members, however, they
are not sure if this is something they would be interested in. Mr. Keprios noted that the
Figure Skating Club’s concern is could the advertisements be taken down from the West
arena when they have their figure skating show. He informed her that he did not have the
answer. Mr. Carlson commented that once you remove the adhesive you have to redo
them in which Mr. Keprios responded that, if necessary, they we could simply cover them
up.
Mr. Murrin asked if this has good revenue potential. Mr. Carlson explained that if they
sold everything the gross revenue would be approximately $40,000 with net revenues of
$26,500. The revenue sharing market appears to be 25% of the net revenue going to
Braemar Arena, which would be $6,625 in this example. Mr. Keprios commented that
this would be a great fundraising opportunity for the EHA.
Mr. Mooty asked what is the approach as far as what’s appropriate to have advertised as
well as the look and consistency of the advertising. Mr. Keprios explained that a few year
ago he was asked to come up with a policy for advertising on city property. The policy
included language that covers us so we are sure to stay away from alcohol, tobacco and
all of the other politically and culturally sensitive issues. The process is that it has to
meet the city’s approval and he will administratively handle that issue. Ms. Sitek
explained that the graphic people suggest just using one word with their logo because that
is what the people will see, as well as it makes less of a danger of coming up with
inappropriate items. Mr. Mooty confirmed that Mr. Keprios is saying that he will be
giving the approval from the city’s standpoint in which Mr. Keprios replied that is
correct. He noted that if there is ever any question or issue he will run it through the
process, however, he doesn’t see there being a problem.
Mr. Carlson indicated that he had a discussion with Mr. Thayer regarding the fact that the
city has a deal with Coca-Cola and therefore we do need to offer them a dasher on each
board if they want to pay for it. Mr. Mooty asked if the deal with Coca-Cola prohibits
any tie with a competitor. Mr. Keprios noted that the contract arrangement is that we
have so no other soft drink competitors could come into the city throughout the whole
park system including the golf course. In return Coca-Cola gives us a lot of dollars up
front to use for capital at those enterprise facilities, $80,000 to be exact. He noted that
was part of the contract arrangement that if there was any advertising they would be it.
Mr. Keprios stated that at one time Coca-Cola requested to advertise on a dasher board
and we told them no. Mr. Murrin asked if it is legal to favor one competitor to the
exclusivity of another. Mr. Keprios explained that we had an open bid process where
other soft drink companies competed for the large contract, which resulted in tremendous
savings for the city. He commented that not long ago Pepsi was the provider for the city.
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Mr. Jenkins asked what is going to be done with the money that is made. Mr. Carlson
replied that the additional resources will assist in keeping our program costs affordable to
the youth hockey players in our community and help us to maintain the standards
associated with administering the program. Mr. Jenkins asked how many participants are
there in the program to which Mr. Carlson noted about 800. Primarily what they want to
do is reduce or maintain registration fees and make it a more affordable experience. He
also explained that what they do through capital improvements helps out the entire
program and more times than not the High School as well. They put in a shooting cage a
few years ago, they now have a furnished meeting room, video resources, coaching
resources and an education program for coaches. He pointed out that they require all of
their coaches to be certified even the assistant coaches which costs $35.00 to $40.00 per
person and there are a lot of coaches.
Jude Dugan Olson pointed out that they have one sponsor for each team and they are
usually Edina businesses or parents who sponsor these teams. She noted that right now
they have 35 community sponsors. She indicated that five of those sponsors have already
indicated that they would be interested in this advertising fundraiser.
Mr. Mooty asked if the hockey season is a full year as far as the hockey association is
involved. Mr. Carlson responded that their season is basically November through the
middle of March. However, there are kids who play hockey all year which is through
other organizations and individuals. Mr. Mooty indicated that the reason he is asking is
does the association really get the benefit for a full year. He noted that he doesn’t see that
to be a real problem but he thinks again it is setting a precedent for other activities that we
get into where the beneficiary of it is not for the time that all of the activity is going on.
This may have a potential to cause some more issues as we go into this endeavor. Mr.
Mooty commented that he thinks it’s a great way to capitalize and utilize whatever dollars
we can get from outside to support it.
Mr. Carlson suggested taking it one year at a time and see how it goes. Mr. Mooty
replied he thinks that is the approach we are going to have to take. It should be done on
an annual basis. Mr. Carlson indicated that maybe it would make sense to make the
contract 6 to 8 months. Mr. Mooty noted that he doesn’t know if you would lose much by
saying it’s for the season, but again you could try it and see what happens.
George Klus MOVED THAT WE APPROVE THE EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
ADVERTISING PROPOSAL FOR THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER 1ST, 1999
THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2000.
Mr. White noted that Mr. Keprios had mentioned in his proposal that the motion needs to
be contingent on the Figure Skating Club. Mr. Keprios replied that he wanted them to
have their day in court if they are interested and believes they have been informed and
will continue to have an opportunity to participate. Mr. Klus stated that the EHA is only
asking for the West and South arenas.
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John MURRIN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
III. BRAEMAR & FRED RICHARDS GOLF COURSES PRESENTATION - JOHN
VALLIERE
Mr. Keprios indicated that John Valliere, manager of the golf courses, will give a brief
presentation to inform the Park Board about Braemar and Fred Richards golf courses. He
will discuss the history, mission, philosophy and general operations of the golf courses.
Mr. Keprios commented that the finances were already discussed at the October meeting
and therefore the focus will be more on the philosophy and operations.
Mr. Valliere indicated that he would first like to start off with the history of the Braemar
Golf Course. He explained that the golf course was built in 1963 and opened in 1964,
therefore, the city manager at that time decided that the address should be 6364 Dewey
Hill Road. The address is now 6364 John Harris Drive in honor of John Harris who is an
Edina resident who won the US National Amateur in 1993. The city wanted to recognize
him and that is why it was renamed. Mr. Valliere stated that Braemar has hosted a lot of
national tournaments as well as state tournaments and there have been a lot of good
reviews.
Mr. Valliere pointed out that Braemar also prides itself with the outstanding lesson
programs that are offered. He indicated that Braemar has seven PGA instructors who are
renowned in the state. There are group lessons and individual lessons offered for both
juniors and adults. He explained that they introduce people to the game and hopefully get
them involved so they stay with the game.
Mr. Valliere indicated that the patron card was already in place when he started working
at Braemar Golf Course in 1969. He explained that the patron card is a card that gives
people who live in the community first access to the course as well as it gives them a
reduction in the green fees. He noted that he feels the patron card has created customer
loyalty and the desire for them to get into leagues. It’s almost like a community within a
community at Braemar. He commented that there are some people who have played golf
together for 30 years.
Mr. Valliere stated that the golf dome has been very profitable. He explained that the
dome started out as a privately owned facility on public land and they were paying the
city rent. The golf dome didn’t turn the corner as quickly as the previous owners wanted
and subsequently the city bought it. Mr. Valliere commented that with the staff’s efforts
it has become a very profitable venture for the city. However, right now it is starting to
have more competition because there are more and more inflatable domes being built in
the metropolitan area.
Mr. Valliere pointed out that there are 45 holes total and they take a lot of maintenance.
He indicated that there are approximately 130 to 140 people who work at the golf courses
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in the summer. He then noted that the question he always gets asked is what do we do
during the winter. Mr. Valliere explained that in the summer they start at 6:00 a.m. and
are usually still there until 10:00 p.m. Therefore, his staff is run ragged especially when
the seasonal help is gone and the weather is still nice outside. Mr. White asked if the golf
courses are still open to which Valliere replied yes they are. Mr. Valliere noted that there
are 12 full-time people who work for the golf courses and 8 of them work on
maintenance. He indicated that because there are so many seasonal people, training and
wages can be a problem because they are only there for 90 days. However, the majority
of his seasonal staff do a good job and have a good work ethic and care about the facility.
Mr. Valliere pointed out that a lot of improvements have been made over the years with
the driving range, executive course and so on. He noted that they are always trying to
meet the needs of the community as it grows.
Mr. Valliere explained that when the golf course first opened up in the 1960’s there were
350 patron card holders. In the late 1970’s there were 900 to 1,100 patron cards sold. In
the late 1980’s there were 1,800 patron cards sold to which we could not accommodate
everyone on the regulation 18 hole course. Therefore, it became necessary to expand and
now meets the needs of the community. This year there were 2,650 patron cards sold.
However, it’s still a challenge because the new nine hasn’t been tremendously received
by the larger portion of clientele which are seniors. The reason is because there are
climbs involved which needed to be there because of stipulations from the Corps of
Engineers. He indicated that they are hoping that they can somehow soften the golf
course and make it a little more receptive. This is something that will definitely have to
be addressed in the future.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Mr. Valliere does a tremendous job with the
golf courses. It’s not just a summer operation but it’s a twelve month operation with the
golf dome, banquet facilities, grill area and maintenance. There is a great staff out there
and Mr. Valliere and his staff deserve a lot of credit.
Mr. Fredlund asked Mr. Valliere if there have been any ideas on softening the golf course.
Mr. Valliere replied there have been a couple of architects who have looked at it but there
have not been any permanent plans drawn up. He noted that now that some time has
gone by maybe they can approach the Corps of Engineers with a new routing plan so that
we can soften the course.
Mr. Keprios added that Mr. Valliere has an excellent goose management program at
Braemar. He noted that the golf course has had a dog living there for the last three years
and it has done a wonderful job.
IV. COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICES REPORT - LINDA PRESTHUS
Ms. Presthus was not at the Park Board meeting but Mr. Keprios commented that he
attended the most recent Community Education Services Meeting where they discussed
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putting together a generic joint publicity piece. He explained that Park and Recreation
will be putting in about 2 ½ pages of our basic program service offerings and who to
contact. As more progress is made on this issue Ms. Presthus and himself will keep the
Park Board up-to-date.
Mr. Murrin informed the Park Board that the School Board just finished their election and
Colleen Feige, Peyton Robb and Maureen Andrew-Knudsen will be the new School
Board members. He noted that they are looking forward to the new group but that they
are also losing some good people.
V. COMMUNITY CENTER STUDY UPDATE - CHUCK MOOTY
Mr. Mooty indicated that he has been meeting every two to three weeks with the various
people who have been involved in this process. These are people from the school board,
city and outside experts who are in the fields of engineering and architecture. He
explained that currently they are trying to get a better sense of what the costs are going to
be for the project.
Mr. Mooty stated that the concept is basically to revitalize the whole community center
area which includes improvements to the football and soccer facilities. Currently they are
looking into the different types of turf in order to get the maximum utilization of that
space. They are also looking at trying to enhance the baseball field. Mr. Mooty indicated
that they are also looking at adding on to the field house three basketball courts on the
south side of the community center.
Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Mooty if this is a task force that he is on and asked who put the
committee together. Mr. Mooty replied that basically Ken Dragseth and Gordon Hughes
have put this committee together. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Mooty if he is on the committee
irrespective of his position on the Park Board. Mr. Mooty noted that he is on this
committee because he has been a big proponent of trying to enhance the different
facilities and therefore was asked to be part of the committee. This way the Park Board is
also part of it.
Mr. Mooty indicated that he feels everything is progressing and right now they are trying
to prioritize because of the dollars, it’s not going to be cheap. We need to figure out what
are the critical items and then try to finalize the overall improvements. Mr. Mooty stated
that there are also other things such as the theatre improvements and parking
enhancements. Mr. Jenkins asked if those plans are firmed up a little bit with the
finalization of the Lewis site. Mr. Mooty responded that things will start moving more
now that they’ve made that decision. Mr. Jenkins stated that he thought there was some
talk about putting gymnasiums on that site. Mr. Mooty replied at one time there was but
when the WEMEP proposal got turned down so did the gymnasiums. He indicated that
potentially gymnasiums could be put there, however, it makes the most economic sense to
keep everything together and not separate it further out.
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Mr. Mooty noted that the goal is to have the referendum take place in May. Mr. Keprios
indicated that he received the latest numbers and it’s not going to be a cheap venture,
however, it is one that is very important and we need to pursue it and see what type of
response there is because it’s important for the community.
Mr. Jenkins asked have they finalized the components that are going into the bid. Mr.
Mooty replied that all of the components have been identified but because there are so
many things there is a basic core of items. Mr. Jenkins asked what are the core items.
Mr. Mooty noted that it is basically the field house with three gymnasiums. Mr. Jenkins
asked if that is enough to which Mr. Mooty replied three are not enough. Mr. Jenkins
asked why don’t you do four. Mr. Mooty commented that four is one of the options with
the concept of adding one gymnasium onto Concord because from an enrollment
standpoint they have been the ballooning elementary school. Mr. Mooty stated that
according to the experts the issue with four is the economics, it turned out better to do
three and splitting the fourth gymnasium somewhere else. The three gymnasiums will be
side by side with basically net dividers because of the cost. Therefore, the core will be
the field house, locker room improvements, some remodeling of Concord, South View
and the Community Center gymnasiums as well as remodeling of the theatre. There will
be new facilities for the football stadium. Mr. Mooty went on to say that the two tennis
courts may be moved up to where the other tennis courts are and ultimately may be
lighted. Mr. Jenkins asked if all of this will be district maintained to which Mr. Mooty
replied yes.
Mr. Jenkins asked how much are they looking at to which Mr. Mooty replied it currently
is in the 15 plus million. Mr. Murrin asked if this includes what is being done at the
Kunz-Lewis site with the senior center and library. Mr. Mooty commented that will be a
separate deal.
Ms. Sitek asked who is going to say what the referendum is for and how is this going to
be sold to the public. Mr. Mooty replied that both the school and city will be selling this
referendum and will be saying it is for enhancements for the school district as well as the
city. He indicated that the city will have the up front dollars and the school district will
take care of the ongoing maintenance. Ms. Sitek noted that she feels a lot of people will
say didn’t you recently ask for everything you needed. Mr. Jenkins stated that he would
like to bring up the bidding process and noted to make sure the numbers are correct and
you don’t end up short like we did for the Park Bond. You have to spend money to figure
out what it’s going to cost, you can’t just guess. Mr. Mooty commented that he agrees.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that at the last meeting all of the numbers were laid out. If such
and such was done it would cost a certain amount and if other things were done it would
cost this amount. Every scenario imaginable was discussed. A lot of comments were
thrown out as to what makes financial sense and what doesn’t. Therefore, like Mr. Mooty
mentioned, we are down to three gymnasiums and a track up above and those kinds of
things. Mr. Keprios stated that where it stands today is both Ken Dragseth and Gordon
Hughes are cooperatively drafting a memo to the elected officials (school board and city
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council) to request a joint meeting to answer all of the tough questions. He pointed out
that there are a lot of questions that still need to be answered and ultimately thinks that
some of this will come before the Park Board.
Mr. Keprios commented that he would like to go back to what was discussed earlier
regarding Mr. Mooty serving on the committee. He indicated that Mr. Mooty is being a
little bit humble in that his participation with this group is far more than just an interested
party. Mr. Mooty is really leading the charge, very respectfully, on the gymnasium side of
life and if it wasn’t for him this may not even be on the docket.
Mr. Murrin commented that he knows the school district has invested a lot of time and
effort in this and also feels that if it wasn’t for Mr. Mooty this whole thing wouldn’t
really be going on. He stated that he thinks this has been well thought out and the people
who are working on this are doing a great job.
VI. OTHER
A. Donation Policy - Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios if once in a while he could put in
his staff report who has donated what so that the Park Board is aware of who has donated
money. Mr. Keprios replied that he is working on updating his donation list so that it is
current to where we are at. When this is completed he will make sure the Park Board
receives the information.
B. EGAA Scholarship - Mr. Jenkins indicated that he read in EGAA’s minutes that
they offer scholarships and asked what kind of scholarships they are. Mr. Keprios replied
they are $500.00 scholarships for college and they have been doing it for years.
C. Referendum - Mr. White stated that he has already discussed briefly with Mr.
Keprios to have staff identify capital issues to see if we should pursue a referendum in
May. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he feels capital issues for Park and Recreation should be
coming out of the annual city budget. We should be receiving $180,000 to $200,000
every year from the city to address these capital needs.
Mr. Keprios commented that Mr. Herring did a wonderful job representing the Park
Board on the capital budget. He went before the City Council during the budget hearing
process and indicated that the Park and Recreation Department’s number one issue is that
we need a capital plan and need it right now. Mr. Herring informed the City Council that
it doesn’t serve the community well to let things go and then try to fix it all at once. Mr.
Keprios stated that Mr. Herring did a fine job, kept it very positive and to the point and
was well received. However, in response to what Mr. White has said there are a few large
ticket items that might be appropriate to include in the referendum because certain
projects would have to wait forever under a capital plan. Mr. White asked Mr. Keprios to
have a report regarding this at the next Park Board meeting.
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D. Julia Bertrand - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Julia Bertrand,
Recreation Supervisor, will be leaving the department. Her last day will be November
29th. He noted that Ms. Bertrand has been with the city for 5 years and has done a great
job. However, she has decided to stay home and be a full-time Mom. Mr. Keprios
indicated that they have replaced her with Donna Tilsner who will start with the city on
November 22nd. He indicated that Ms. Tilsner is an Edina resident who has worked in
Park and Recreation for over 22 years and currently works for the City of Eagan. She is
wonderful and he is sure she will do a fabulous job for us.
E. Wooddale Comfort Station - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the City
Council has approved to go forward with the Wooddale Comfort Station.
F. Hennepin County Parks - Mr. Keprios indicated that Hennepin County has pulled
together a lot of first and second ring suburbs who have made an issue with Hennepin
County and he has been part of several meetings with them. Mr. Keprios explained that
when Hennepin Parks were first formed by the legislature a lot of suburbs like Edina had
already formed their own park system. Therefore, in Edina we have 1,553 acres of park
land, all city owned. There is no county, state or federal park land in Edina. Mr. Keprios
noted that some people have been complaining that they pay a lot of taxes to the county
but don’t get the benefit, they have to drive in order to get a benefit from their county tax
dollar. He stated that they are currently trying to get some benefit into the first ring
suburbs where maybe there is some land that could be county land. Also, possibly take it
a step further and have a consorted effort to have a regional trail system that upgrades
some of our trails to connect to some of the major regional corridors. Hennepin County
has already identified that if the Canadian Pacific Railroad here in Edina were to ever get
abandoned there is already a process in place to make that corridor a wonderful trail
system.
Mr. Keprios explained that he suggested the possibility to Hennepin County that they may
want to consider purchasing Bredesen Park. He noted that it would have restrictions such
as they give the city tons of money, it always has to remain park land for natural purposes
and they maintain it on their nickel. Also, if it were to ever go to anything other than
parkland it goes back to the ownership of the city. Mr. Keprios also pointed out that they
would have the funding to do some naturalist programs and possibly build a small nature
center. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn’t know how they are going to respond to this but
he thought he would suggest it to them since they asked. Mr. Jenkins asked is Hennepin
County Parks driving this in which Mr. Keprios responded that is correct. Mr. Jenkins
also asked what is Hennepin County getting out of this deal. Mr. Keprios replied they
would add it to their park system and also commented that Hennepin County has a lot of
money because they are not strapped with levy limits like we are. He stated that the Park
Board will be hearing more about this as we go down the road.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
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Karla Sitek MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:55 P.M. George Klus
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.