HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-13 Park Board Minutes 1
EDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JUNE 13, 2000
_____________________________
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andy Herring, Tom White, Linda Presthus, George Klus, Floyd
Grabiel, Andy Finsness, David Fredlund, Scot Housh
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chuck Mooty, John Murrin, Karla Sitek
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Matt Graber, John
Carlson, Mike Siitari
OTHERS PRESENT: Ethan Rogers, Cliff Fechner, Delois Fechner, Dean Zimmerman,
Belinda Davis, Jon Niemiec, Deb Smith, Robin Hartl, Bob Shaw,
Ken Grieshaber, Gordon Burke, Kenny Duke, Heather Duke,
Colette Prohofsky, Al Kosters, Eddy Christensson, Karen
Christensson, Randy Meyer, Bob Clinton
___________________________
I. APPROVAL OF THE MAY 9, 2000 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Floyd Grabiel MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 9, 2000 PARK BOARD MINUTES.
Dave Fredlund SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. OFF-LEASH DOG SITE
Mr. Keprios introduced Joan Niemiec, Director of Planning for the City of Minneapolis,
and indicated that she will introduce her staff and then will give a brief presentation. He
stated that following her presentation we will hear the perspective from those in
attendance and then it will go to the Park Board for discussion and a recommendation to
the City Council.
Joan Niemiec stated that in addition to her staff, Dean Zimmerman, who is one of their
Park Commissioners, is also present. She explained that in September of 1997 the
Minneapolis Park Board, City Council and the Mayor felt there was enough interest in
off-leash dog recreation areas that they started a citizen advisory committee. The
committee consisted of 19 appointed members and their charge was to look at the
feasibility of off-leash dog recreation areas. She stated that they completed their work in
October of 1998 and then prepared a study which was presented to the rest of the body.
At that time staff got together and looked at approximately 50 sites which was then
reduced to 25 sites. Ms. Niemiec indicated that in September they held four different
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meetings to which there was a wide range of attendance. At these meetings they asked
what people would be willing to pay and asked if they currently have dog licenses for
their dogs. She explained that based on the survey results Ken Grieshaber, Landscape
Architect for the City of Minneapolis, and herself went to the board and made a
recommendation to reduce the number of sites to eight. She noted that in March the team
went out again and found that people are generally in support of off-leash dog recreation
areas and do see a need for them.
Ms. Niemiec explained that the survey results were broken down by Minneapolis
residents, non-residents and those who didn’t specify to which there were a total of 64
present at the meeting. The people who were in support of this particular site 32 out of
36 residents said yes, 13 of 21 non-residents said yes and 4 out of 7 unspecified residents
said yes. Also the majority of people who attended this meeting were dog owners with
the majority of them having dog licenses.
Ms. Niemiec indicated that the Minneapolis Park Board has now approved 4 of the 8 sites
to which two have been given preliminary approval, one was this one based on further
communication with St. Louis Park and Edina. She noted that they are hoping to open
mid-July or early August.
Ms. Niemiec explained that because of the proposed opening taking place mid-year the
rates would be reduced for this year. Currently the fee they are looking at for residents is
$20.00 plus $10.00 for each additional dog in the household. Edina and St. Louis Park
residents would be able to pay the Minneapolis resident fee.
Robin Hartl, President of Responsible Owners of Mannerly Pets Minneapolis Chapter
(ROMP), explained that they are a non-profit organization of dog owners that was formed
to better the reputation of dog owners. She noted that to do this they actually do more
with furthering education of people, peer pressure and being good role models, therefore,
by developing off-leash recreation areas for dogs helps to assist them with their goal. Ms.
Hartl pointed out that studies of other off-leash dog areas by the citizen advisory
committees in such cities as Seattle, Washington, Toronto, San Francisco, Milwaukee,
Portland, New York and many other cities have shown that these areas have had a very
positive benefit for the citizens of their city dog owners and non-dog owners alike. The
areas have been shown to promote healthier communities by bringing people together in a
way that’s socially comfortable. The more people get to know each other in a community
the more interest they have in their neighborhood which creates a much safer
environment. Off-leash areas also decrease dog nuisance behaviors such as excessive
barking and loose dogs on the street since these areas give dog owners a place to give
their dogs the exercise that they need and to release a lot of their pent up energy. She
commented that this concept may be new to the Twin Cities but it is not new in many
other cities in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe. The knowledge to establish such
areas has been well developed over the past ten years from such organizations as the
National Recreation and Park Association and the American Kennel Club. They develop
materials that they make available to communities that are interested in this very popular
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recreation. To help make these areas succeed the off-leash programs stress the
importance of the involvement of organized dog owners. Ms. Hartl explained that their
organization will assign site stewards to each area to monitor the off-leash activity. This
has been proven to be the most effective type of enforcement. The stewards will help
stock doggy bags, help with any landscaping needs, clean up and will apply peer pressure
to other park users to obey the rules and regulations. She pointed out that the dog owners
that use these areas really have a vested interest in making sure that they succeed because
they know that it will be their loss if it fails. She noted that their organization has worked
very hard for a long time to get these areas approved and they will continue to work hard
to see that these are enjoyable places for everyone for a very long time to come. Ms.
Hartl indicated that this organization actually started out in Ramsey County and has gone
to Bloomington as well as other communities outside of Minneapolis.
Ken Grieshaber, Landscape Architect with the Park Board Planning Department gave a
presentation on the area that they are currently looking at. He explained that in 1998
when the task force presented their report to the Planning staff their job was to go out and
evaluate all of the criteria they talked about as well as come up with their own set of
criteria before they went out to look at all of the sites. He pointed out that the first criteria
they wanted to establish was to look at the site size and location, the site needed to be a
minimum of one acre. Secondly they wanted to equally distribute the site throughout the
city because another important issue is overuse. Their intent was to try to design sites
that could be accommodated for people to walk to. Thirdly, they wanted to identify sites
which currently have fenced or natural buffers on one or more boundaries. Mr.
Grieshaber also explained that they wanted to identify potential conflicts with active park
areas, a lot of their neighborhood parks as well as yours have conflicts with athletic fields,
sledding hills, picnic areas, pathways, play areas, etc. They also needed to look at
potential conflicts with passive park areas, other surrounding land uses, potential conflicts
with residential housing from the parking potential, environmentalist water bodies and
commercial properties.
Mr. Grieshaber stated that they also needed to look at site accessibility and safety to make
sure that these sites are convenient to people who access with both walking and driving as
well as provide adequate on street and off street parking areas. He indicated that they
also want to establish sites in areas which allow users to feel safe and secure when they
are using the facilities.
Mr. Grieshaber explained that the area they are proposing to develop is four acres in size
and they are proposing to put a four foot high chain link fence around it. He noted that
the research indicated that a fence is really needed in order to make this successful. He
pointed out that the number one issue from everyone has been parking. He noted that
they are in the process of trying to negotiate with their public works department to put in
a small 12 to 15 car parking lot north of the lift station. He indicated that there is
currently parking available on the east side of France but not on the west.
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Mr. Grieshaber stated that because this is a joint venture with three municipalities they
are looking at having three separate entrances. He explained they are looking at having
two different areas: one where people would take the leash off of their dog and the other
one is the actual off-leash area. He pointed out that St. Louis Park currently does not
allow dogs in their parks and therefore is something that will need to be worked out. Mr.
Grieshaber indicated that the Minneapolis is proposing to provide for all of the sites
fencing, entrance gates, trash receptacles, dog waste bags and signage as well as
maintenance for some of the vegetation. Mr. Grieshaber then went through some of the
rules they are talking about posting at all of the sites such as dogs need to be on their
leashes when entering and leaving the facilities, all dog feces need to be picked up and
disposed of, no dogs in heat will be allowed at the facilities, at the first sign of aggression
dogs need to be leashed, dogs must be kept in view and under voice control at all times
and young children must be supervised. Ms. Niemiec noted that ROMP will mainly be
enforcing the site with volunteers and will be signing an agreement with the Minneapolis
Park Board indicating certain standards that will need to be followed.
Ms. Presthus asked what the fee for a whole year would be to which Ms. Niemiec replied
for the year 2001 it will cost $25.00 for residents and $35.00 for non-residents. Ms.
Presthus asked how much a dog license costs in the City of Minneapolis to which Ms.
Niemiec responded it depends on if the dog is neutered or not. Ms. Presthus then asked if
Edina residents need to purchase a Minneapolis dog license to which Ms. Niemiec replied
they would need to show some type of verification that they do have an Edina dog
license. They need to make sure that all of the dogs have been vaccinated.
Mr. Klus asked what the hours of operation would be for this site to which Ms. Niemiec
replied they will be the same as the park hours, 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Ms. Niemiec
explained that they will be doing evaluations to see if they are on the right track and what
might need some adjusting.
Mr. Klus asked if there have been any discussions on monitoring whether or not the land
gets overused or not to which Ms. Niemiec replied that would be part of the evaluation.
Ms. Klus asked if this has been a concern. Ms. Niemiec explained that one of the reasons
they are charging for these sites is because they are supposed to pay for themselves and
the people in charge of maintenance of operations have projected each site to cost
approximately $7,000 per site per year. Ms. Niemiec commented that the regular clean
up is the responsibility of ROMP and the dog owners.
Mr. Housh asked if there is going to be any additional lighting put because in the winter it
is very dark in the evening. Ms. Niemiec noted that it all depends on how much money
they have available. Currently they have received $100,000 from the capital budget
which will basically go towards fencing and commented that lighting is one thing they
have heard quite often at their meetings.
Mr. Klus asked what has been the discussion and concern on safety and security for this
site because the area is quite wooded. Ms. Niemiec pointed out that the volunteer group
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is monitoring the dogs and part of the rules is that people enter at their own risk. Mr.
White asked who will be responsible for policing the area, Minneapolis police or Edina
police. Ms. Niemiec explained that is something that the attorneys are currently working
on and there will be signs posted indicating who to call in case of an emergency.
Mr. Klus asked if there will be a limit as to how many dogs will be allowed in the area at
one time to which Ms. Niemiec responded they have not established anything at this time
but is something that will need to be worked out. Ms. Hartl commented that it pretty
much works itself out. If there are a lot of dogs there people will generally leave and
come back at a different time. That usually happens during the peak periods, early in the
mornings before work and early evening hours after work. She noted there really haven’t
been a whole lot of incidences where there were just too many dogs. Mr. White asked
how many dogs can one person have with them at a time to which it was noted
theoretically they can have three dogs with them however, they need to be in sight and
under voice control at all times.
Ms. Presthus noted that it is going to take a lot of volunteers to cover all of these sites.
Ms. Hartl replied that basically the site people are going to be made up of the dog owners
who are already using the site on a regular basis. They have a very large membership and
a lot of people who want to be site stewards. She noted that the site stewards will be
identified so if people have comments or concerns they will know who to approach and
the site stewards will report back on a regular basis.
Mr. Herring asked if he understands correctly that ROMP has not yet done this in the twin
cities area. Ms. Hartl explained that ROMP is an organization that started in Ramsey
County where they currently have two off-leash areas. The program has been in effect for
1 ½ years and they just received the approval to continue with the program. She noted
there are a lot of other chapters but she is with the Minneapolis chapter. Ms. Hartl noted
that Bloomington is currently in the process of developing a couple of off-leash areas.
Mr. Herring asked how successful Ramsey County has been with enforcing the permits
and licenses to which Ms. Hartl replied they have had very good success because the
people who use the site really want it to succeed and they know if they don’t take care of
it and it’s not successful they will lose it.
Mr. Keprios commented that one of his first concerns is parking. Off street parking is a
big issue especially since the only parking available is on France Avenue on the east side.
He stated that he feels it is imperative to have at least 10 to 12 identified off-street
parking spaces. Mr. Keprios indicated that enforcement is a very big issue for Edina and
it sounds like it’s still a bit up in the air as to whether or not the Minneapolis Park Board
can legally enforce the site or have the resources to monitor the site and that may become
a stumbling block. He noted that he is pleased to hear that ROMP is dedicated to helping
with enforcement and they are hoping that the Minneapolis Park police can respond to the
emergency calls. Mr. Herring asked when will this issue be resolved to which Ms.
Niemiec noted that they are hoping to make a recommendation to the Minneapolis Park
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Board on June 28th. She noted that some calls would go to the animal control officer and
some would go straight to 911.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that whoever purchases a permit to use the site will also sign off
on a waiver to hold Edina harmless in case of liability issues. He noted that it was agreed
to that Minneapolis would provide clean-up bags as well as trash receptacles that are
maintained on a regular basis. Also, Edina residents will be allowed to purchase the
permit to use the facility at the Minneapolis resident rate and that an Edina dog license
would be adequate.
Police Chief, Mike Siitari, indicated that he did attend the March meeting in Minneapolis
and he has not seen a whole lot of improvements. He noted that he doesn’t think this
proposal is anywhere near developed enough to approve it from a police perspective and
feels it would become an enforcement problem area for the Edina police. He noted that
there are two sites where he would not welcome this and those are Weber Park and
Rosland Park. These are problem areas and if this is put in it will double or triple the
problems they already have. He noted that the response time is much better with Edina
police than it would ever be with any of the Minneapolis enforcement agencies unless
they staff it specifically. Therefore, he feels it will fall upon the Edina police. Chief
Siitari stated that with true emergencies you will want to use Edina police, but it’s going
to be a drain on our resources. He noted that he doesn’t see any way that this benefits the
City of Edina to justify the costs. Minneapolis benefits by being able to say they have an
off-leash dog area that benefits all of the residents of their city but the costs fall upon
Edina, specifically with enforcement by the Edina Police Department. Mr. White asked if
there is a specific dollar figure as to what the increase in cost would be for the staff.
Chief Siitari replied that he could not project that. He stated that one question he has is
what if someone is violating the law and the volunteer tells that they can’t be in there no
one is going to want a conflict and the police will be called. He indicated that he doesn’t
want to see the police department dedicated to enforcing off-leash laws, there are a lot
more important things for the police to be doing.
Chief Siitari pointed out the traffic safety issue along France Avenue and commented that
there are no cross walks for the pedestrians to use which does create a safety issue.
France Avenue is a main complaint area and they do issue a lot of speeding tickets along
that area.
Chief Siitari explained that he feels off-leash dog parks are a good idea but this specific
proposal at this site is not well developed at all. Mr. White indicated that approximately
three or four years ago there was some discussion of having an off-leash dog park at Todd
Park. At that time the animal control officer stated that one thing that does help the
compliance is they can inform the dog owners that there is an off-leash dog park where
they go where they would not be issued a ticket. Mr. White asked Chief Siitari if he sees
that helping to which Chief Siitari replied in theory he is in favor of it but not at this
location right off of France Avenue next to Weber Park. He has too many reservations
about this site.
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Ms. Presthus asked Chief Siitari how often right now there are problems at Weber Park
and Calvin Christian School with the dog owners. Chief Siitari replied that they have had
a couple of confrontations. He noted that he went out to the area right after the
Minneapolis meeting and there were four people with their dogs off of leashes which is a
violation. He noted that they don’t actively go out and enforce this but that number is
going to multiply and for people that don’t have a permit they will just go next door and
use that area. He also added that a lot of people don’t clean up after their dogs and there
will be problems out there.
Mr. Grabiel asked if the law enforcement agencies have had any problems at the two sites
in Ramsey County to which Chief Siitari replied he didn’t know they even had any and
will be sure to check into it. He indicated that he is also very skeptical of finding enough
volunteers to man all of the sites for all of the hours of operation.
Mr. Herring asked Chief Siitari if he would still be concerned if there was an agreement
stating that the primary jurisdiction would be the Minneapolis police. Chief Siitari
replied that he would still be concerned because he feels their response time would be
lacking. Again, he stated that the true emergencies should be directed to Edina because
the response time is so much better.
Colette Prohofsky, Edina resident, indicated that she is a dog owner as well as her
children attend Calvin Christian School and therefore has views on both sides of the
issue. She stated that her main concern is parking because people do park in the school’s
parking lot all of the time. She indicated that last year the school put up a fence along the
property line and people still parked at the school and walked down the whole length of
the fence to get to that area. Ms. Prohofsky noted that it would be much more convenient
for people to park in the school’s parking lot than it would be for them to park on France
Avenue. Even if there is a parking lot the school will still be much more convenient to
park at and this does concern her. She commented that she wants to be a good neighbor
and doesn’t mind if people park there but she has heard that there is dog feces on the
soccer field and noted that will definitely increase and that really concerns her as a parent.
She stated that as a pet owner she is very responsible about cleaning up after her pet but
not everyone who owns a dog is responsible. Again, she commented that parking is her
main concern.
Delois Fechner, Edina resident, indicated that she lives adjacent to where the proposed
off-leash site would be located. She asked why can’t people fence in their own yards for
their dogs to run. She noted that it’s already difficult living on France Avenue and
doesn’t like the idea of parking along the east side of France Avenue, it’s dangerous.
She noted that she feels the $100,000 could be put to better use.
Debbie Smith, Edina resident, indicated that she is a dog owner and her yard is fenced,
however, it is not large enough to let her dog adequately run. She noted that she is in
favor of an off-leash dog site in Edina.
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Ethan Rogers, Edina resident, indicated that looking out his window he can see the
proposed area. He noted that this property is not just sitting in a vacuum, kids ride their
bikes and play in there every day and by putting a fence in for dogs in essence you are
fencing the kids out.
Mr. Rogers stated that he is a dog owner and loves dogs but if this is put in there will be
maybe 10 dogs at once there but how many kids will not be able to play there as a result
of that. This is one vacant lot where the kids love to play. Mr. Rogers stated that he
hopes the Edina Park Board is not going to look at what is best for the Minneapolis
residents and politicians but look at how it affects the residents of Edina. He noted that
his is sure that there are going to be a bunch of Edina residents who are dog owners who
are going to get permits for this site. However, there are going to be 100 kids who aren’t
going to be allowed in that area anymore because they are already afraid of the dogs.
Mr. Rogers pointed out that if this is approved there will be who knows how many dogs
out there with their owners controlling them by voice which means there will be a lot of
shouting going on out his back door from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Along with that there
will be cars pulling in, slamming doors and dogs barking. Also, there are no restroom
facilities available for the dog owners so you can add some odor into that mixture as well.
Therefore, what’s in this for Edina. Mr. Rogers also pointed out that the area cannot be
made handicap accessible and handicap people have a right to bring their dogs too. He
stated that this area is a residential neighborhood and it’s going to become a public
meeting place to draw all of these people and we don’t need it, there are no pluses for
Edina with this as far as he sees it.
Bob Clinton, Edina resident, indicated that he has a dog and feels Edina needs at least one
off-leash dog park. He noted that this area is not a legal park right now, people are
trespassing on Minneapolis property, therefore, if it’s put to a use that’s legal then the city
actually gets something out of it. He stated that if this isn’t a good place for it then maybe
Edina needs to find that because we could really use one in Edina.
Heather Duke, Edina resident, indicated that she is in favor of an off-leash dog park and a
lot of issues have been identified as problematic at this proposed site. She noted that she
would like to say that dog parks do promote community and bring people together with a
common interest. It also helps dogs to interact with other dogs and people on regular
basis which in turn helps dogs become calmer. She stated that this is a very positive
experience for dog owners. Ms. Duke commented that if this site doesn’t work out with
the City of Minneapolis the City of Edina needs to address the community’s need and
desire for a dog park within our city.
Randy Meyer, Edina resident, indicated that he lives right across from Calvin Christian
School and is a pet owner, however, he has some problems with this park. He noted that
one of the primary issues he has is currently dogs are running loose all over Weber field
and next to his property on a regular basis. People are parking at Weber Park field with
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their dogs loaded up in their vehicles where they come running out and circle around next
to his property and then take off into the woods. Mr. Meyer commented that he never
heard mentioned how rough the terrain is back there and noted that they can’t just go back
there and put up a fence for $12,000. There is some major landscaping that needs to be
done. He stated that he is also concerned about the parking and the traffic that is going
through Calvin Christian School and Weber Park.
Bob Shaw indicated that he is with Calvin Christian School and their primary concern has
been the parking issue. He explained that they put up a fence along the east side of the
property from Weber Field all the way up to the park in an attempt to cut down on the
number of people who park in the schools parking lot to let their dogs run free. He stated
that it has cut down a little bit, however, nothing substantial and people are still parking
there. Mr. Shaw noted that since they have put up the fence some people are now parking
over at the Weber Park comfort station and the dogs go and run over in that area as well.
He indicated that he doesn’t think by putting in a small fence in the area it’s going to cut
down on the people who are currently bringing their dogs there. He again stated that their
main concern is parking and dog owners letting their dogs out of their cars with small
children around.
John Carlson, Edina Animal Control officer, indicated that they receive an average of 2 to
3 complaints a week in that area and usually more during the summer months. He noted
that they see it all the time where people are parking at Weber Park and Calvin Christian
School unloading their dogs to run. He noted that they have handed out citations and a
copy of the city ordinance to people but that’s not working. He noted that voice
command does not work for a lot of dogs even when dog owners are screaming at the top
of their lungs. There are often times dogs running loose throughout Weber Park. It has
long been a problem area.
Kenneth Duke, Edina resident, indicated that he attends this park three days a week with
his dog. He noted that his opinion is that there are more juice boxes and garbage from
soccer moms than there is dog feces. He stated that at spring clean up they cleaned up
more garbage than they did dog feces. Most people pick up after their dogs and now with
ROMP involved it will for sure stay clean. He indicated that if the Park Board turns this
down people are going to keep doing it anyway and you won’t be able to enforce it
because people are still going to be sneaking around and taking the leashes off of their
dogs.
Mr. Keprios explained that this is not the first time an off-leash site has been brought
before the Park Board for action. The Park Board considered requests from the Todd
Park neighborhood in the recent past. However, what’s unique about this site is that it is
not a park that the City of Edina owns and is not to be looked upon as a park. The City of
Minneapolis Public Works owns this property. Mr. Keprios stated that he looks at this as
an opportunity. The City of Minneapolis has essentially asked the City of Edina for a
change in our ordinance and for the Park Board’s recommendation to help make this
happen. It’s not Edina’s decision whether the site should be used for a bike path, a
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walking path, a nature trail, etc. It’s not land that is owned by the City of Edina. The
Minneapolis Park Board has come to us with a recommendation for an opportunity for a
first ring suburb of Minneapolis to have an off-leash dog site where we currently don’t
have one. He noted that in the past they have looked at other sites within the City of
Edina that will possibly be considered as they go down the road. However, at this time
this might be a great test site to see how it works out. If this site doesn’t work out then
maybe look at another area for a trial period.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Park Board has been asked to hold hands with two other
jurisdictions on this and to remember this is not Edina park land. He indicated that with
regards to enforcement he respects what Chief Siitari has said and stated that he himself
cannot say if it is or is not going to work enforcement wise. Mr. Keprios commented that
he doesn’t think we can say the volunteers can or cannot do the job until they’ve had the
chance to prove what they can do. He pointed out that off-leash sites are sweeping the
country and have been proven to work and feels we should give it a try because we
always have the option of backing out.
Mr. Keprios explained that having an off-leash dog site would probably require a change
in our ordinance because currently we do not allow any off-leash dogs at any of the parks.
However, there are people out there doing it, therefore, why not see if we can control it
and hopefully some of the irresponsible dog owners might take it upon themselves to go
to where there are rules and regulations of enforcement on a more regular basis.
Mr. Keprios commented that he does think dog parks promote community. He indicated
that he understands the issue with having a gate near the Calvin Christian School and
hopes that issue can be worked out. He also noted that he hopes the Minneapolis Park
Board is successful in having Minneapolis enforce the property and feels those issues can
be worked out.
Mr. Klus indicated that he likes the concept of an off-leash dog park but feels there are
too many open issues to take action at this time. He noted that he especially has a
problem with it being open in the evening during the winter hours when it’s dark, he
doesn’t mind during the day when it can be properly monitored and enforced. However,
at night with a wide open area like that and no lights he has a concern. Again, Mr. Klus
noted that he feels there are too many open issues to push this through and make a
recommendation at this time. He would like to wait until some of the issues have been
resolved and brought back before the Park Board.
Mr. Grabiel asked if it is possible that given what has been said tonight will the people
from Minneapolis be able to come back to us so we can take a look at what you are
proposing with some of the parking issues and access issues being addressed. Dean
Zimmerman, Minneapolis Park Commissioner, noted that he thinks they are certainly
willing to go back and take a look at it and make some modifications. He indicated that
in terms of enforcement possibly the Minneapolis Park Board could lease the land from
Minneapolis Public Works for a nominal fee which would then give them some
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empowerment to run their policing. He stated that with parking he is not sure but again
they will go to public works and see if they can put in some parking.
Mr. Grabiel indicated that he is concerned about a couple of comments that were made
where dog owners have indicated that if they get an off-leash dog park they are going to
go ahead and do it anyway in the parks. He noted that is not a very good way to persuade
a public body to do anything. He noted that he also was offended by one letter
complaining about overzealous enforcement and commented that ordinances and rules
need to be enforced.
Mr. White commented that he has a couple of reservations with the number one being
parking, we do need to make sure that there is adequate parking there. He noted he would
also like to see there be only one entrance and not three to make it easier for the volunteer
who is supervising the park and have it located wherever the nearest parking is. He
indicated that he also thinks that would cut down on the number of people cutting through
Calvin Christian School and Weber Park. Mr. White noted that he is also concerned
about security and wants to make sure that there is an agreement in place as to who needs
to respond to emergency calls. He stated that he is also in agreement with Mr. Klus in
that he doesn’t feel he can give his final approval until some the items discussed have
been resolved.
Mr. Finsness indicated that if even one or two neighbors are truly in ear shot of the
barking, yelping, whistling, etc., for even a two year test would be a horrible thing to have
to live with. Mr. Fredlund questioned if it would it be any different than it is right now.
George Klus MOVED THAT WE TABLE THIS UNTIL THE AUGUST PARK BOARD
MEETING IN ORDER TO GIVE THE MINNEAPOLIS PARK BOARD TIME TO GET
BACK TO US WITH SOME OF THESE ISSUES ADDRESSED.
Tom White SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Housh asked what specific issues are we going to wait to hear back on to which Mr.
Herring replied the issues that Mr. Keprios has raised and that parking is very critical to
his vote. Mr. Herring also noted that he agrees there are a lot of issues that still need to
be resolved.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO TABLE THE ISSUE.
Mr. Herring thanked everyone who attended the meeting.
III. RESULTS OF LEWIS PARK BANDY/SOCCER FIELD STUDY
Mr. Keprios noted that as his staff report points out unless there is any funding that
becomes available soon his recommendation is to keep everything status quo and
continue to have bandy.
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Mr. MacHolda indicated that he would like to see the area termed green space and
eliminate the word soccer because there is also football, rugby, lacrosse, etc. to which it
was noted that area is multi-purpose.
Mr. Herring asked if irrigation is really required for that area to which Mr. Keprios
replied yes in order to maintain it at the level that we are being expected to.
IV. UPDATES:
A. City/School Referendum Update - Mr. Keprios noted that the city/school referendum
has been postponed and it looks like they are leaning towards a May 2001 special election
referendum. The Mayor is currently looking at establishing a blue ribbon committee
which has yet to be determined. Mr. Keprios added that he thinks this is very positive.
B. Grandview Square - Sherwood Park - Mr. Keprios indicated that the City Council did
approve the Grandview Square proposal and did use the plan that was shown at the last
Park Board meeting.
C. Skate Park - Mr. MacHolda indicated that on June 21st there will be a meeting at 7:00
p.m. at the Southdale YMCA. He noted that each city, Edina, Bloomington and
Richfield, are doing their own advertising of this meeting and it looks like everything is
moving forward. He stated that in terms of funding they have $120,000 without
solicitation from private businesses because each city is committed to funding $40,000.
Mr. MacHolda explained that they are looking at doing a combination of an
indoor/outdoor skate park which would have in-line skating, skate boards and trick bikes.
Mr. Keprios indicated that at the meeting they hope to establish a task force of youth to
help design this and added that the YMCA is very much committed to this.
D. Park and Recreation Summer Intern - Mr. Keprios introduced Matt Graber, Park and
Recreation’s summer intern, who will be with us until August 18th. He noted that he has
already been a big help.
E. Fishing Pier Grand Opening - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the grand
opening of the fishing pier at Lake Cornelia will be on June 21st at 1:15 p.m. He stated
that they will be recognizing the Department of Natural Resources people who have
helped make this happen along with Edina Realty who donated $5,000 towards the pier.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that the DNR has already stocked the lake with 346 keeper-sized
blue gills.
V. OTHER
A. Wooddale Park - Mr. Housh asked what is the status with Wooddale Park because a
lot of people have been asking him about the playground. Mr. Keprios replied that the
trusses for the comfort station were supposed to be delivered today and noted that if all
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goes well the playground equipment will be in the ground and usable by the Fourth of
July weekend. He noted that the comfort station is supposed to be ready and operational
by July 28th.
B. Turf Management - Ms. Presthus asked what has happened with the turf management.
Mr. Keprios replied that the City Council made it real clear that they are not pleased with
the looks of things. Therefore, he has been directed to establish a plan of action to that
meets their expectations.
C. Centennial Lakes - Mr. Grabiel commented that he recently saw some cranes at
Centennial Lakes Park. Mr. Klus asked for an update on Centennial Lakes Park. Mr.
Keprios replied that they are quickly finishing off the rest of the remaining development
because this is the end of the sunset period where they have to use the tax increment
funding which is what developed the whole park. He noted that the north and south ends
are being completed, which will complete development of the entire park. Mr. Keprios
noted that he’s real proud of Tom Shirley and his staff out there, they do an outstanding
job of programming and maintenance. Mr. Grabiel commented that the combination of
everything that goes on out there is utterly fantastic.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
George Klus MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:30 P.M. Floyd Grabiel
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.