HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-14 Park Board Minutes 1
EDINA PARK BOARD
7:00 P.M.
EDINA COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MAY 14, 2002
_____________________________
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andy Finsness, Mike Damman, Floyd Grabiel,
Allyson Grande, Dave Fredlund, Karla Sitek, Tom White,
Ardis Wexler, George Klus, Jeff Johnson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Linda Presthus
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT: Cynthia McGarvey, Laura Nisi, Jane Sutton, Mike
Waddick, Jeff Werbalowsky, Amy Sensor, Octavio Portu,
Laura Masuda, Candace Amberg, George Watson
______________________________
I. APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2002 PARK BOARD
MINUTES
Floyd Grabiel MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 9, 2002 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Karla Sitek SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. FOX MEADOW PARK DEVELOPMENT
Candace Amberg, an architect from Brauer and Associates, indicated that they
walked through Fox Meadow Park and looked over the area and met with the
neighbors. After talking with the neighbors and noting what they liked and did
not like they came up with a preliminary plan. Ms. Amberg then went over what
the current plan looks like and explained each item. She noted that they kept the
plan as simple as possible, which is what the neighborhood wanted, and kept it
more of a mini-park. The neighbors want the park to be a place where people of
all ages can enjoy themselves. They really want to see the site improved but keep
in mind the privacy and safety of the neighbors who live nearby. The neighbors
also want to keep the wooded and nature areas in their natural state. They also
would like to see more plantings to create a buffer along Blake Road and around
the utility boxes and cellular phone tower. Ms. Amberg noted that they want to
keep it a simple plan for people of all ages and become a place for family
activities.
Mr. Grabiel asked if the wooded lot would have lake accessibility to which Ms.
Amberg replied it has a very steep slope but you could get there.
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The architects noted that the neighborhood was very cooperative and very
compromising and they really appreciated all of their efforts.
Mr. Grabiel noted that the maps show subdivisions for development and asked
why the property never had homes built on it. Mr. Keprios stated that the
property was purchased by the City through a land purchase referendum in 1975,
however, the park development referendum offered at the same time failed.
Cynthia McGarvey, who lives adjacent to the park, indicated that everyone was
very congenial in meeting the needs of the committee and she is 100% for this
plan.
Laura Nisi thanked Mr. Keprios and everyone on the Park Board for their support
and thanked the neighbors. She noted that the plan definitely has something for
everyone.
Jeff Werbalowsky, who lives adjacent to the park, indicated that Mr. Keprios did
a great job and was a great mediator. He noted that the neighborhood is planning
to hold a fundraiser to help pay for the park. The neighbors feel very strongly
about this.
Amy Sensor, resident, indicated that she has two small children and it’s nice to
see the neighborhood come together and it will be wonderful to have a gathering
place at the park. She noted that everyone is excited and she would like to see the
project accelerated as much as possible.
Octavio Portu, who also lives adjacent to the park, pointed out that Mr. Keprios
has gone the extra mile on this project and he would like to compliment him on
the nice job he has done.
Laura Masuda, resident, indicated that she has three two-year olds and would like
to see the park developed asap.
Jane Sutton, resident, indicated that the neighbors have had such frustration
because the park’s current state is such an eye sore. She noted that she does not
let her kids go there in its current condition and also noted that a lot of people use
it as a dog site. Ms. Sutton commented that if nothing is done with it she would
like to see it sold into lots which she realizes is not the best alternative. She stated
that something needs to be done soon and this is the best plan for the site.
Mr. Fredlund asked if $197,450 is an accurate number of what it would cost to
build the park to which the architects replied that is a very, very rough number.
Mr. Johnson asked about any people with concerns to which Mr. Keprios replied
there is no-one in attendance tonight with a concern. He did point out, however,
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that he did receive an e-mail today from Don and Carol Doughman, which he has
made copies of for all Park Board members. The Doughman’s major concerns are
safety and privacy. The Doughmans would like to see some heavy planting of
trees behind the homes and would also like to have the City place fencing along
the edge of the park behind their property. They also noted that they will work
with the City and neighborhood and are still supportive.
Mr. Keprios thanked the committee members who helped develop the master
plan. He noted that this process was a good one with positive and supportive
input. He complimented the neighborhood for their involvement.
Floyd Grabiel MOVED THAT THE PARK BOARD APPROVE THE FOX
MEADOW PARK MASTER PLAN AND URGE THE CITY COUNCIL TO
PROCEED AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE TO FUND THE PARK
DEVELOPMENT.
Mike Damman SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Fredlund asked how much money are we asking for, and what funds are
available. Mr. Keprios noted that there is currently about $170,000 in the
developers’ fund that is not earmarked for anything right now. Mr. Keprios
pointed out that the park could be done in phases. Possibly phase I development
would be to beautify the park before putting in permanent park infrastructure. It
was asked isn’t it cheaper to do everything at once instead of in phases. Mr.
Keprios replied that if it’s all done within two years it should not be significantly
less expensive.
Mr. White insightfully asked since the bid for the sprinkler system at Braemar Ice
Arena came in lower than expected could that money be used for this project. Mr.
Keprios replied it cannot because that’s part of the revenue facilities capital
improvement plan which has its own separate funding source.
Mr. White MOVED TO AMEND MR. GRABIEL’S MOTION TO
RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT STAFF TO MEET
WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD IN SUPPORT OF THEIR FUND RAISING
EFFORTS.
Ardis Wexler SECONDED THE AMENDMENT.
Ms. Wexler asked what level of funding should be considered. Mr. Keprios stated
that he would not recommend spending any more than $100,000 from the
developer’s fund because we need to keep funds available in case of urgent
unforeseen capital needs that may arise.
Ms. Wexler made a motion TO AMEND MR. GRABIEL’S MOTION THAT
THE PARK BOARD RECOMMEND USING THE DEVELOPER’S FUND UP
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TO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000 TO BEGIN DEVELOPMENT
OF THE FOX MEADOW PARK MASTER PLAN.
Tom White SECONDED THE AMENDMENT.
Mr. Keprios indicated that this will probably go before the City Council at their
meeting on Tuesday, June 4th. It was asked if this will be enough time for the
neighbors to talk to Mr. Keprios about fundraising. Mr. Keprios stated that he
will stay in touch with the neighborhood committee.
MOTIONS CARRIED.
Mr. Fredlund asked if the City has ever used private funding money to develop a
park. Mr. Keprios replied that the City has received donations from youth athletic
associations for field improvements and basketball courts but never from a
neighborhood for park development of this magnitude. The Mike Kelly family
donated $75,000 for the Edina Art Center and the Jack Rice family donated the
gazebo that is currently at Utley Park.
Mr. Keprios noted that several neighbors of Fox Meadow Park seem very
motivated to raise funds to move the development forward as soon as possible.
Mr. Fredlund felt that possibly by donating money towards the park the
neighborhood may feel some ownership. Mr. Keprios commented that he made it
clear to the committee that if residents donate money it does not give them any
legal ownership of the property or allow the donors to dictate how it is developed.
The City Council will ultimately decide how the park gets developed.
Ms. Wexler asked where the money comes from that is in the Developer’s Fund.
Mr. Keprios explained that new real estate property development is charged a
percentage fee, which is placed in the developer’s fund to be used for park
improvements. The law calls for either donating a percentage of the property to
be used as park land or cash in lieu of land.
III. UPDATES
A. Needs Assessment Survey – Mr. Keprios indicated that the City Council
approved the Park Board’s recommendation regarding the needs assessment
survey in 2004. He noted that Mr. White also attended the City Council
meeting that evening. Based on Mr. White’s sparkling presentation, the
Council’s vote was unanimous. This vote of support empowers the Park
Board to work with the consultant to establish the questions to be asked in the
survey. Mr. Keprios noted that this should be an exciting project for us to
work on together in 2004.
B. Aquatic Center - Mr. MacHolda commented that there is not a lot to report.
The weather has been pretty tough this spring for outdoor construction. The
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crew has been working on the dry play area when the weather permits. As for
the cable ride, they are still trying to resolve the cable return issue.
Mr. MacHolda stated that the perimeter fence needs a concrete apron before
the fence can be put in place.
Mr. MacHolda stated that the water slide is complete and needs to be waxed,
and the canopy needs to be put on top of the tower.
Mr. MacHolda noted that the main problem right now is that the State of
Minnesota did not approve the variance request for the plunge pool. He
explained that the State requires that all pools must have a walkway all the
way around the body of water. He noted that a better alternative in his view is
to create a bridge across the flumes and plunge pool, which will be easier to
supervise and adds an enjoyable viewing area.
Mr. MacHolda commented that at a previous Park Board meeting Ms. Sitek
wanted to know if the stairs up to the flume are see-through. He indicated that
the steps are cement and you cannot see through them. In addition, there is a
wonderful view of the Rosland Park and Aquatic Center at the top of the
stairs.
It was asked what is the reason for the state requiring a walkway to which Mr.
MacHolda replied it is needed for safety issues. He noted this is the first
plunge pool in the state of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota has a lot of
reluctance to offer a variance for existing regulations regarding pools.
Ms. Wexler asked if there will be a separate fee for the cable ride or is it part
of the admission. Mr. MacHolda noted that everything is included in the price
of admission. There are no extra fees for the new amenities. Mr. MacHolda
stated that the fees were not raised very much this year because of the fact that
they are under construction and do not know if everything will be completed
on time.
Ms. Wexler noted that she is troubled with the constant raising of fees. She is
concerned the fee will be out of reach for some of the Edina residents who
want to use the pool. Therefore, she would like to go on the record to bring
this issue up at some point in the next year. Mr. MacHolda commented that
the Edina Aquatic Center fees are below the market and that the Aquatic
Center funds itself 100%.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that grant-in-aid is available to families who live in
Edina. Families who qualify can receive up to $150.00 per calendar year. It
is called the Rosland Grant-In-Aid Fund, which is provided by the Edina
Community Foundation. Ms. Wexler asked how the grant-in-aid is
publicized. Mr. Keprios indicated that other than being listed in the Activities
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Directory, it is not heavily publicized. He also noted that in order for families
to qualify he checks to see if they qualify for the school lunch program. He
noted that he has run into situations lately where people who were applying
for a grant-in-aid did not qualify.
C. Lewis Park Soccer Fields Renovation – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board
that the soccer fields at Lewis Park are under construction. He noted that it is
a great project and the fields will be ready for play mid-June of 2003.
Mr. Keprios also noted that construction on the Walnut Ridge tennis courts
has begun and the courts will be ready for play in approximately 35 days.
D. Off-Leash Dog Park – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he has
spoken to the Minneapolis Park Director. They still have not reached an
agreement with the Minneapolis Public Works Department. In addition, the
Minneapolis Park Board does not have adequate funding in place this year to
build the parking lot and fencing. Mr. Keprios noted that he hopes to have a
follow-up meeting with the Minneapolis Park Director in the next few weeks.
E. First Tier Regional Trail – Mr. Keprios noted that he would like to thank
George Klus for attending the First Tier Regional Trail meeting at Yorktown
Park. Mr. Klus gave a speech hoping they will move forward. Mr. Keprios
noted that one of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission
members asked him at the meeting if Edina would be willing to help pay for a
portion of the trail development. Mr. Keprios stated that his response in that
meeting was that the residents of Edina have been paying taxes to the
Hennepin Parks system for years and yet there are no Hennepin Parks
facilities in Edina. All of the parkland in Edina is owned and maintained by
the City of Edina.
F. Skate Park – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Mr. MacHolda
received a $20,000 donation from Pepsi for development of the skate park.
Also, they have approached Best Buy for a sizable contribution and are still
waiting to hear back from them.
Mr. Klus presented Mr. Keprios with a check from the Edina Rotary Club for
the Skate Park in the amount of $2,500.00. It was noted that the Edina
Rotary Clubs have done a lot for the city. Everyone thanked Mr. Klus.
IV. OTHER
A. Grange Hall Meeting – Mr. Keprios noted that the Park Board meeting in
October will be held at the Grange Hall.
B. June 11th Park Board Meeting - Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board what time
they would like to start the Park Board Tour. It was agreed that the start time
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will be 6:30 p.m. and that the tour will consist of the Aquatic Center only.
The Park Board will then have their meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Edina City Hall in
the Council Chambers. It was noted that everyone will provide their own
transportation and will meet at the Aquatic Center.
Mr. Keprios noted that at the June meeting he would like to discuss the
possibility of putting in a permanent play structure at Edinborough Park in
place of the existing skating rink. It was asked if the residents of Edinborough
are aware of this to which Mr. Keprios replied no. Mr. Keprios also stated
that this is one way that we in the long-term can reduce the operating fund
deficit spending at Edinborough Park.
C. Braemar Inspection Tour - Mr. Keprios reminded the Park Board to mark on
their calendars that the Braemar Inspection Tour will be held on Tuesday, July
11th.
D. Braemar Golf Leagues – Ms. Wexler asked about John Valliere’s new policy
that all golf leagues must pay their greens fees in advance and if there has
been significant opposition to this new policy. Ms. Sitek commented that this
has not been well received by some leagues.
Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board if they would like John Valliere, Braemar
Golf Course Manager, to attend the next Park Board meeting to discuss this
issue. It was noted that they would like Mr. Valliere to attend the next Park
Board meeting.
E. Rugby - Mr. White asked about the situation with Rugby’s field use. Mr.
MacHolda indicated that since Rugby is not a High School sport and it’s not
an incorporated youth athletic association it unfortunately gets passed back
and forth between the city and school. He noted that Rugby has been more
than a little frustrated trying to secure quality field space. Mr. MacHolda
stated that he would love to see the sophomore baseball team move to Garden
Park and have Rugby practice and play at McCarthy.
V. ADJOURNMENT
George Klus MOVED TO AJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:30 P.M. Floyd
Grabiel SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.