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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. 2 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, 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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.