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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-11 Park Board Minutes 1 EDINA PARK BOARD 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 11, 2003 _____________________________ MEMBERS PRESENT: Andy Finsness, Mike Damman, Karla Sitek, Ardis Wexler, George Klus, Jeff Johnson, Floyd Grabiel, Linda Presthus, Allyson Grande, Mike Weiss MEMBERS ABSENT: David Fredlund STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton OTHERS PRESENT: Tom White, Dick Cermele, Dale Nelson, Jim Nunn, Fred Fink, Bob Rauch, Kathryn Peterson ______________________________ I. ELECTION OF OFFICERS John Keprios indicated that Ardis Wexler would like to be considered for the position of Vice Chair and asked if it could be delayed for later because she will not be able to be at the Park Board at 7:00 p.m. It was decided to delay the election for vice chair until later in the meeting. Mr. White asked for nominations for chair. Floyd Grabiel NOMINATED GEORGE KLUS FOR CHAIR. Jeff Johnson SECONDED THE NOMINATION. Nominations closed. George Klus was voted as Chair of the Park Board. II. TOM WHITE Mr. Keprios explained that he asked Tom White to attend the Park Board meeting because he wanted to thank him for all of his services to the Park Board. Mr. Keprios indicated that Mr. White will be recognized at the Board and Commission meeting. III. APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2002 PARK BOARD MINUTES Floyd Grabiel MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 12, 2002 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Linda Presthus SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. 2 IV. EDINA THEATRE COMPANY – DR. DICK CERMELE Mr. Keprios introduced Dr. Dick Cermele and noted that he comes to the Edina Park and Recreation Department with a tremendous amount of talent and background in the area of theatre, drama and especially directing. He stated that he wants to thank Dr. Cermele publicly for all of the volunteer time that he has put forward. Dr. Cermele indicated that they were hoping to produce their first play just before the week of Thanksgiving. He explained that he chose a play that only has three characters in it, two women and a man. However, two weeks into rehearsal the male actor had scheduling conflicts and therefore left. At that time they decided to get through the holiday season and wait a little while. He noted that they hope to have their first production ready the first week of June. Dr. Cermele stated that he has directed and acted in a lot of plays over the years and now that he is retired he was looking for something to do and wanted to start up a community theatre in Edina. He noted that he met with Mr. Keprios who suggested looking at the Grange Hall as a place for them. Dr. Cermele commented that the Grange Hall was not designed to be a theatre but it could be and will be. Dr. Cermele informed the Park Board that approximately 60 women have volunteered their efforts in many directions, however, they are having a more difficult time finding men. He noted that this will be their first big challenge before they can resume their rehearsals. Dr. Cermele explained that they envision charging $5.00 a ticket for at least the first couple of seasons. He noted that he has figured out that they could arrange approximately 80 chairs and still have a good playing area. He indicated that they are not here to make money but are here to offer and produce plays for the people of Edina. Dr. Cermele pointed out that they are going to try to give preference to actors from Edina first and then actors from elsewhere. Mr. Klus commented to Mr. Keprios that he assumes he has helped them with their initial budget to which it was noted yes. Mr. Klus informed Dr. Cermele that he may also want to check with community organizations and service clubs in Edina about donating money to the community theatre. He noted that he thinks a lot of organizations and clubs would gladly like to see them grow. Ms. Presthus stated that she thinks the budget does not look very realistic and asked if there is a shortfall who is going to cover it. Mr. Keprios replied that those are all fair comments however, he thinks we are in a position to expect some level of subsidy to help get them started. Ms. Presthus commented that she would like to know where the money is coming from to which Mr. Keprios explained that they have a budget set aside to help get them off the ground. It’s part of the service they provide, they give them a facility, a venue and help get them started and become self-sufficient. Ms. Presthus asked if they go over budget do we have a contingency of $5,000 to $10,000 extra. Mr. Keprios 3 replied that there are going to be some revenues to which they will pay back a big share. He noted that these are volunteers, whom are not paid. He stated that any money they generate will go right back to the people who are putting out the dollars. Dr. Cermele pointed out that the biggest items on the budget are lights and costumes, therefore when they are having problems with the budget they need to chose plays that are modern where people can use their own costumes. He noted that small cast plays are easy to costume and easy to light. Dr. Cermele stated that in a community like this of highly educated people for the most part they want to produce and establish a reputation of quality productions. People accept anything if it’s done well and he can do it well as he has proved with his career over the years. Mr. Finsness commented that he thinks the venue will help to gain attendance rather than hinder it. He noted that he thinks people will go just to be in that venue. He pointed out that they will be on shaky legs the first couple of years and it’s going to be a real challenge but he knows they can do it. V. EDINA TRAVELING BASEBALL CLUB Mr. Klus stated that as Mr. Keprios stated in his memo there are two issues that need to be dealt with tonight. First, which rate should the Edina Traveling Baseball Club (ETBC) have to pay and second what priority does the ETBC fall under. Mr. Klus read through the list of priorities. Mr. Keprios pointed out that it’s important to remember that two years ago when the policy was put together it was developed with the intent that you want to recognize each youth athletic association as the priority provider for that particular sport for all age groups. He explained that was the intent because different groups were starting to come forward saying that they demand access to the city’s facilities because they didn’t like the way certain programs were being run. Mr. Keprios stated that is why the policy was put in place, however, the policy as written does not specify recognizing one group that serves all ages and needs for that particular sport. That way they won’t have to deal with three, four, five or six competing groups who all have different philosophies. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that what has happened is a group of parents went out and became incorporated to be in compliance with the existing policy. However, in his view, what doesn’t work here is that it doesn’t serve the greater population. Mr. Keprios explained that if you equate this to the soccer scenario, there are two different soccer organizations out there. The Edina Soccer Club is the traveling component, which really doesn’t compete with Edina Soccer Association. They are in cooperation with each other. He noted in his view the baseball issue is not an apples to apples scenario. Mr. Johnson asked why can’t baseball be run like soccer. Mr. Keprios replied that in his view the ETBC is essentially in competition with an existing program that is already being offered for that age group. He noted his view is that a group of people didn’t like the way the Edina Baseball Association (EBA) changed their program and they wanted to have something different. He pointed out that when he says different 4 he thinks this group wanted the baseball program to be run the same way it was the previous year. Ms. Presthus asked if this is a one-year deal and does it only incorporate 12 year-olds. Mr. Keprios suggested that the Park Board hear from both groups and then ask specific questions of them. Kathryn Peterson, President of the ETBC, indicated that she has served on the Edina Soccer Club for many years, has been a coach for the Edina Soccer Association and the Edina Youth Softball Association and has been a team manager and volunteer for both soccer and hockey. Ms. Peterson noted that in her role with the Edina Soccer Board she brought organization, professionalism and the highest level of integrity to it. She commented that she would not be part of an organization if it didn’t represent those qualities. She noted that she joined the Soccer Board because it was disorganized and seemed to lack accountability for anything and stated that she thinks it’s fair to say that she left the board in many times better shape than when she had started. Bob Rauch, Secretary of the ETBC, indicated that he has coached both baseball and basketball and has also been the ice coordinator for the Edina Hockey Association. He added that he continues to work on many projects in an unofficial capacity with the associations. Fred Fink, ETBC board member, indicated that he has been a board member on the Edina Basketball Association and Edina Girls Traveling Basketball Association. He noted that he has also coached in-house basketball, traveling basketball and football. Ms. Peterson explained that their club evolved to fill a void that occurred when some fairly drastic changes were made in the EBA program that were unveiled in late November. Therefore, they stepped in to continue the traveling programs that had been taken away from the 12 year old age group. She noted that she believes they meet all of the criteria that are laid forth in the city’s guidelines for priority two. She indicated that the first criteria is that their organization is solely for the Edina community to which they are 100% for the Edina youth who live or go to school in Edina. The second criteria is that they form a non-profit organization to which they are incorporated under Minnesota law. She stated that because they have not completed a fiscal year they do not have information for the third criteria, however, once it is available she will send Mr. Keprios a statement of their financial status. The fourth criteria is that they are open to all players. Ms. Peterson informed the Park Board that they mailed out over 300 postcards to 6th grade boys in Edina inviting them to tryouts, which were open to everyone. She noted that 29 registrants signed up, which represent approximately 30% of the active registered players in this age group who registered for traveling baseball. Ms. Peterson indicated that their board meetings are open to the public and are posted on their website as well as their meeting minutes. She also pointed out that they have invited and have had an EBA board member at several of their meetings. Ms. Peterson stated that they are available to answer questions via e-mail from their web site. She also noted that they will be holding a parent informational meeting before they make any plans for the season to get input from interested parties. Ms. Peterson pointed out that their teams play during the spring and summer, which is also the primary season for the EBA. 5 Dale Nelson, President of the EBA, indicated that he has been on the board for six years and noted that he would like to respond to a few proposals made by the ETBC. He explained that last fall they were approached by Brad Baker, a former EBA board member and coach, who indicated that he wanted to take some 12 year old kids and practice during the week and play tournaments because they did not like the traveling program or the little league program. Mr. Nelson stated that just as a point of fact this group rejected their traveling program early on and also rejected the little league program as not suitable. Mr. Nelson explained that they have checked with surrounding communities as well as they have they have consulted with youth development and sports experts about what’s best for the community in developing youth through baseball. He noted that this is the first time they have been affiliated with little league baseball in Edina. Mr. Nelson informed the Park Board that the EBA has over 900 registrants to which some 12 year olds have registered to play in both programs. He noted that EBA feels they are the primary baseball association in Edina and that they should have access to the fields and if there is field space left over then obviously any citizen group can apply for that. He indicated that they are providing a program for kids of all ages and ability levels and are trying to meet the needs of all kids. Mr. Finsness asked if the 29 registered players are the “cream of the crop” to which Mr. Rauch replied he doesn’t know how you would be able to answer that. However, if you’re asking whether the bulk of those boys played traveling baseball last year the answer would be yes. Mr. Johnson commented that he would guess that is probably the case. Ms. Presthus asked the ETBC what their purpose is. She asked if this is a one year shot and is it only for 12 year olds or will they be expanding it to other age groups. Mr. Rauch replied that they don’t see this as a one year measure. He noted that they would like to work similar to the way the Edina Soccer Association does. Mr. Rauch commented that they don’t want to be viewed as a group of people who are doing a one year thing just for their kids. He indicated that at that meeting they offered to interview board members from the EBA who would like to join the traveling part of baseball. Mr. Rauch indicated that he can see the two organizations living together harmoniously in the future. Ms. Peterson pointed out that given the time frame they had to work with there was only so much they could do and they needed to start somewhere. She indicated that they did make the offer to try to merge into the EBA and have a merged organization. Mr. Keprios indicated that under the ETBC’s Articles of Incorporation it states their purpose is to organize, operate, educate, promote and stimulate interests in the game of baseball for players under the age of 17 in Edina. He asked if they are opening the program up to all of those under 17 or is it just for 12 year-olds. Ms. Peterson replied they put that in just for the purpose of incorporation. Mr. Keprios commented that in his view that’s an issue in itself to say that you are going to become a non-profit group to serve a certain age group and then turn around and only serve a selected age group. Mr. 6 Klus asked if there is a reason why other age groups were not included. Ms. Peterson replied it was a question of timing and resources because the EBA program was announced in late November. Also, they wanted to start with something that was manageable. Ms. Peterson explained that they are not trying to compete with the EBA but rather they are trying to fill a void that was left when a program was eliminated for a group of kids who wanted to continue with that program. Mr. Klus asked Mr. Nelson if he understands correctly that in little league this year they are going to allow some traveling. Mr. Nelson replied that there are some 12 year old traveling players from last year who want to continue on that team. Therefore, they are being allowed to play in some tournaments this year as a traveling team as a concession to their concerns of wanting to stay together as a team and have that experience. Mr. Fink stated that to follow up in terms of the different age groups they are intending for it to be phased in. He noted that they have already had inquiries from 10 and 11 year olds. He indicated that he expects the organization to be very viable in the future for a variety of age groups. Mr. Fink explained that when the EBA originally announced their plans to convert to little league status, some parents asked to have a 12-year old traveling component within EBA’s program and have some concessions in the transition period. Mr. Grabiel indicated that he has three questions. First, is EBA not run on democratic principles, don’t board members have input. Second, why do we need two different baseball programs in the City of Edina. Third, how is it that you are coming before the Park Board on some kind of forming status and yet all of your materials have “City of Edina” on them and are in “Care of Edina Park and Recreation” as though you are already fully integrated with the Park and Recreation Department. Ms. Peterson replied that she was given permission by Mr. MacHolda to use the City of Edina’s address on their materials. She noted that she did not do it without permission. Mr. Grabiel asked why do we need two baseball organizations. Ms. Peterson replied that in her opinion the EBA made some fairly radical changes in their program that were presented in meetings in late November as a done deal. They did not ask for input and they did not do any marketing research. She stated that she felt they were sales meetings. The EBA basically told them this is good for you and this is what we are going to do. She noted that there was a lot of discussion at the meetings, there were questions about transition, there were promises made by the EBA to have follow-up meetings, especially for this age group, which did not happen. She indicated that what the EBA proposed was a transition year where the 9, 10, 11 and house league 12 would play Little League and that they would maintain traveling teams for the 12 year olds for a transition year. Ms. Presthus asked Ms. Peterson if she is opposed to the Little League concept to which she replied she is not opposed to the Little League concept. Mr. Rauch indicated that they are not opposed to Little League being in existence, in fact they think it’s a very good house program, they feel there is a need for a traveling program. Mr. Nelson pointed out that the EBA Little League program does participate in 16 games in the metro league as well as three tournaments per year. He explained that having a traveling team 7 at age 12 was a very controversial issue with the EBA. Most of the board members felt it’s not the type of programming they should be offering. They don’t believe it’s the best way to develop their athletes. Therefore, he feels that the ETBC is rejecting the traditional traveling program, they are not rejecting Little League. Mr. Finsness asked how this would affect the fields and would there be enough space. Mr. MacHolda replied that they aren’t necessarily adding more kids, they are just working with two different organizations in terms of scheduling. Ms. Peterson informed the Park Board that they have no interest in having priority over the EBA, they accept second priority to lesser fields. She noted that she feels very confident in saying that they will not have any issues with scheduling fields. Ms. Presthus asked if she understands correctly that there is a traveling baseball program as part of the EBA to which it was noted yes. Ms. Peterson clarified that EBA has a minor traveling component and added that there are different focuses of the program. Mr. Nelson stated that the Little League program is not a house program, that is a serious mischaracterization of what Little League baseball is. Mr. Nelson explained that their current traveling teams have a 16 metro league game schedule plus playoffs for ages 11 through 15 as well as the EBA has paid for three tournaments. This year, however, instead of being in the metro league the Little League will still have the same three tournaments as they would have had in traveling. He noted that it’s the same traveling component that the 13A team will have. Ms. Peterson asked Mr. Nelson to clarify that all seven teams in Little League are Edina teams playing each other, which is in fact a house league. Mr. Nelson replied that they are also playing against teams from Golden Valley. Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Nunn what baseball program Minnetonka participates in to which he replied they are in Little League. Mr. Nunn noted that the big difference between a Little League program and a traveling program is traveling holds their tryouts in a gymnasium in March. Little League play part of their season and then an all-star team is formed based on their performance on the field. Mr. Johnson asked why can’t baseball be run like soccer and hockey where there is one A team and one B team and then five or six C teams. Mr. Rauch replied that he would hate to sit here and debate which association has a better angle on this. He noted that all they are asking for is field usage, they are not asking for priority over EBA. Mr. Weiss asked if the question at hand is whether or not the ETBC qualifies for a priority two status. Mr. Keprios replied that’s a great question and that’s where he has the biggest issue. He indicated that if you read their articles of incorporation they are supposed to be open like the EBA. However, they are serving only a small segment within the group of baseball. He noted that if they are accepted under the articles of which they’ve been formed there are now two competing traveling groups. Mr. Keprios stated that in his view if you write this out he thinks their status should be a priority seven. Again it was noted that the question is are they or are they not a priority two. 8 Mr. Keprios pointed out that he was never approached on this issue until it was essentially too late. He indicated that he asked the two groups to discuss this and come to some sort of a compromise, which obviously did not happen. Mr. Keprios explained that if the ETBC would be content with having their program exist for one year only he would be fine with that, they could grandfather them in. He noted that they would be charged the $8.00 per head user fee which would provide them with fields with the understanding that it is a one year deal and next year it would be dissolved. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn’t think Edina wants or needs two baseball associations. Mr. Keprios indicated that is a compromise that the Park Board might want to look at. Ms. Wexler asked if the ETBC were granted this as a one year proposal what would happen to the 12 year olds next year to which Ms. Peterson replied that would be a little difficult to answer. She noted that it would depend on some other factors as well as if there is a viable traveling program that exists within the EBA. If there were a viable traveling program they would probably work back into that program. Ms. Peterson explained that this began as a transition for this age group, it was created out of a need. Ms. Sitek asked Ms. Peterson what was the void she referred to. Ms. Peterson replied that the void was specifically a traveling baseball program. The players in the traveling program last year were very hopeful to do it again this year. However, they were deeply disappointment by the decisions made by the EBA. The kids felt that they had no input on the matter. Ms. Peterson noted that the kids wanted to continue in the program that they were so successful in last year and it was their expectation they would continue in that program. Mr. Johnson asked the ETBC if a 10 or 11 year old hot shot player would be able to play on the 12 year-old team to which Ms. Peterson replied they would not preclude them but they would not encourage them. Mr. Grabiel asked if a 12 year old that’s never played baseball before and doesn’t have much skill would he be able to come to the ETBC and play ball. Ms. Peterson replied that the answer is not likely nor would he probably play in any other traveling baseball program. Ms. Peterson thanked the Park Board and commented that they are not asking the Park Board to bless their program, all they are asking for is to have some field use. They are willing to take second priority behind the EBA. She noted that she doesn’t understand why this is such a big deal because they are all Edina kids just wanting to play Edina baseball. She noted that she also is troubled with the motivation of the EBA to do anything to try to impede their effort because it’s stated in the Little League materials that their goal is to keep as many kids playing as possible in Edina. She noted that is their goal as well and she believes it should be the Park Board’s goal also. In closing comments Mr. Nelson indicated that the ETBC is a renegade team that went to the state and received a formal charter to come to you as an association. He pointed out 9 that as a renegade team they would have no rights but as an athletic association they do. Mr. Nelson suggested to the Park Board that they consider the precedent of saying if any group of parents in any sport do not like what an association is doing they can go to the state and form their own association and come to Park Board and ask for equal standing. He noted that’s not a precedent that he thinks should be started. Edina does not need 20 different baseball associations. Mr. Keprios commented that he thinks it’s in Edina’s best interest to have your organized sports run by one organization for each sport. If the traveling component spins off and becomes a traveling club, such as the Soccer Club, in his view it is still one organization they are dealing with. Mr. Keprios again pointed out that maybe a way to get through this is to make them an offer that they may or may not accept. Let the ETBC exist for one year with the agreement that at the end of one year it will be dissolved. Mr. Klus commented that he thinks we have to be careful that we don’t allow them to come back and do this again to which Mr. Keprios replied that next year you just say no. Mr. Keprios noted that the other thing the Park Board could do is tell them they are not a recognized organization and they are a priority seven and they need to pay fee of $38.00 an hour to rent a field. Ms. Presthus explained that what bothers her is that the EBA does have a traveling component except for this new 12 year old group. She noted that there is a traveling component for age 13 on up. However, what this organization is doing and that she has a problem with is there are two traveling programs, two conflicting organizations which makes this different from soccer, basketball, etc. Mr. Klus commented that he thinks what happened was there have been two different philosophies on what traveling baseball should be. Ms. Presthus indicated just because people have different philosophies doesn’t mean they can just go out and create their own association. Mr. Weiss stated that he sees the EBA as being sanctioned by the City of Edina whereas the ETBC is an independent organization that is trying to qualify for a priority two. Mr. Weiss pointed out that they can argue the moral basis, however, they are in compliance with everything as stated in our written policy. Ms. Presthus stated that the problem she sees is that we are setting a precedent and opening ourselves up to everyone who wants to form their own organization. Mr. Damman stated that he doesn’t like the idea of having two organizations that fill the same need, however, maybe we can grandfather them in for one year and have them go back with everyone else next year. He noted that he also has the same fear of setting a precedent. Mr. Grabiel indicated that he thinks it’s important that the Park Board recognize one association per sport where possible. He also pointed out that there is a recommended guideline, in addition to all of the priorities, that all boys and girls receive equal opportunities to participate in any activity at whatever ability level they play. He noted that the EBA does that. Mr. Grabiel stated that he doesn’t think the ETBC is entitled to near equal status because of that and therefore should be a priority seven. 10 Mr. Finsness commented that he doesn’t think it’s in the best interest of the city to have two competing organizations. It’s confusing and would be difficult to manage. Ms. Grande stated that she thinks it will cause more problems if we allow this to happen for the future with other organizations. She noted that she would suggest that they let ETBC do this for one year but that it will end after one year. They ended last year’s season with the assumption that they would be able to play this year so maybe they should be able to play one more year. Mr. Grabiel pointed out that they can still play this year. The issue is not whether or not they’ll be able to play baseball. The issue is how does the ETBC interact and relate to the Park Board. Floyd Grabiel MOVED THAT THE PARK BOARD ADOPT JOHN KEPRIOS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE EDINA TRAVELING BASEBALL CLUB PRIORITY BE ESTABLISHED AS A PRIORITY SEVEN AND THE FEES BE CHARGED ACCORDINGLY. Ardis Wexler SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Johnson asked what does it mean to them to be a priority seven as opposed to a priority two, are they going to be that far down on the chain in getting fields. Mr. MacHolda indicated that even if the ETBC were a priority two he has already informed Ms. Peterson that he needs to schedule the EBA first to which he hasn’t even begun to start that process. The EBA still needs to complete their registration and form their teams. However, if they fall to a priority seven, he doesn’t know that there are going to be very many requests between a priority two and priority seven. Therefore, they would still probably be secondary. Mr. Klus asked how this would affect the practice times for the EBA teams. Where would that fit in? Mr. MacHolda replied that for the early season practices he has a set schedule. It’s typically around the second week of May through the end of summer where coaches can call the Park office to schedule their own practices. Mr. Klus asked where would the ETBC fit into the priority two versus the priority seven. Mr. MacHolda replied that’s a great question and noted if they were a priority seven he would have to make sure that the EBA has all of their requests in before it is opened up to a lower priority. Mr. Klus stated that there would have to be a time frame otherwise it wouldn’t be fair to other groups, they could end up waiting all summer for field time. Mr. Finsness asked if something needed to be added to the motion stating that we even recognize the team. Mr. Johnson commented that he doesn’t see anything they have done that would not qualify them as a priority two. Mr. Klus indicated that Mr. Grabiel did bring up the point that they need to be open to everyone and he feels they are not. Ms. Wexler asked if the maker of the motion would accept an amendment to change it to a priority two since there has been more discussion. Mr. Grabiel replied no, he wants to discourage people from starting their own teams for whatever reason in opposition to the established associations. 11 Mr. Keprios indicated that he didn’t do a very good job in clearly stating that they will only recognize one group for each individual sport whether it be the traveling league component or house league component. Therefore, that part of the language will need to be cleared up. Secondly, we currently do not state in our policy who pays what so that also needs to be cleared up. Mr. Keprios noted that he will be coming forward with a recommendation at a future Park Board meeting to make those adjustments. Mr. Keprios suggested asking the ETBC if they were given an $8.00 a head opportunity with good field time on a one-year basis would they dissolve this organization after one season. Ms. Peterson replied that she would say that would be a strong possibility, however, she cannot speak for the board members who are not here but feels it’s a strong possibility and a fair compromise. Ms. Presthus indicated that she doesn’t see how we cannot give the ETBC a priority two based on the way it is currently written. She noted that she would like to see the motion defeated and make a new motion giving the ETBC a priority two and grandfather it in with the limitation of one year. Mr. Grabiel stated so every time a group splinters off and decides they want to do something we’ll tell them they can do it for one year. Mr. Finsness replied that Mr. Keprios is going to rewrite the language so this will not happen again. Mr. Weiss commented that he thinks the ETBC has a fairly unique set of circumstances. MOTION CALLED. MOTION DEFEATED. Linda Presthus MOVED THAT WE GRANT THE EDINA TRAVELING BASEBALL CLUB A ONE-YEAR GRANDFATHER PRIORITY TWO STATUS UNDER THE RULES WE HAVE NOW, ONLY ONE YEAR BECAUSE THEY CURRENTLY MEET THE CRITERIA. THIS IS ONLY A ONE YEAR GRANT. Mike Weiss SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Keprios stated that if this motion passes it will be his intent to charge the ETBC $8.00 a head and treat them as a priority two team. Ms. Presthus asked if she could add that their priority two fall after the EBA to which it was noted that the ETBC has no objection to that. Mr. Klus asked if that includes practice times for all of the EBA age groups, and where does that fit in because that is also a big concern. Mr. Weiss stated that they are not creating additional teams to which Mr. Klus replied they are not creating additional teams but they are competing for additional times to practice. Mr. Keprios indicated that they will still consider the EBA a priority one status within the priority two category. GRANT THE EDINA BASEBALL TRAVELING CLUB A ONE-YEAR RECOGNITION UNDER PRIORITY TWO STATUS BECAUSE THEY MEET THE CRITERIA OF THE CURRENT POLICY; HOWEVER, WITH THE 12 UNDERSTANDING THAT OUR POLICY WILL REVISED THIS YEAR IN A MANNER THAT WILL NOT QUALIFY EBTC AS PRIORITY TWO STATUS NEXT YEAR. Mr. Grabiel asked to offer an amendment to that motion. It doesn’t change the result of the motion but he would like to take out from the language “THEY MEET THE CRITERIA”. He noted that he doesn’t see any reason for them to concede that point, we made them priority two. Andy Finsness called the question. In favor: Andy Finsness, Mike Damman, Karla Sitek, Ardis Wexler, George Klus, Jeff Johnson, Linda Presthus, Allyson Grande, Mike Weiss Opposed: Floyd Grabiel MOTION CARRIED. VI. NEW PARK BOARD MEMBER MIKE WEISS Mr. Klus introduced new Park Board member Mike Weiss. He noted that Mr. Weiss has a strong interest in youth sports and feels he will be a great addition to the Park Board. Mr. Weiss informed that Park Board that he has served on the Edina Basketball Board and the Edina Football Board for a number of years. He indicated that he has an 11 year- old son and a 10 year-old daughter. VII. 24TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS RECEPTION – NOMINATION Mr. Keprios indicated that this is a wonderful way to recognize volunteers annually. He indicated that there are two ways you can do this. First, you can do it on your own as a Park Board and during the reception go up to the podium and present some recognition to a volunteer of your choice. Secondly, you can make a nomination to a volunteer to receive one of the Mayor’s commendation awards. He noted that the Park Board can do one or both or choose to do nothing. It was noted that Mr. White has been a great leader on the Park Board for a long time and did a wonderful job. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would be happy to do all of the paper work. Mr. Klus stated that he would be glad to be one of the representatives there to present it to Mr. White and would welcome everyone to attend with him. VIII. 2003 MEETING DATES & PLACES Mr. Klus indicated that Mr. Keprios has proposed that all of the Park Board meetings in 2003 be held at City Hall. He noted that he does not like that recommendation and asked 13 the Park Board for their input. Mr. Klus also suggested that each month he give Park Board members an assignment to look at a certain park and report back at the meeting. He noted that there are a lot of parks out there that most of us don’t know anything about. After some discussion it was decided that the Park Board meetings would all be held at City Hall. Ms. Wexler indicated that she does like that idea of possibly presenting two five minute reports at each Park Board meeting that would bring the board members up to date. Mr. Finsness commented that he also thinks that would work out well. IX. SKATE PARK Mr. Keprios handed out the final draft of the skate park agreement between the three cities and the YMCA. He noted that if you look at Exhibit C, the Ground Lease Agreement between the City of Edina and the YMCA, you have already endorsed this in concept. However, he needs the Park Board’s final stamp of approval on the legal document. He explained that this document defines exactly the funding sources and commitments, as well as, donations that have been secured for the project. He noted that it will be on the agenda at next week’s City Council meeting. Mr. Keprios commented that the YMCA will have to pay for any difference that goes above and beyond the budget. Mr. Keprios noted that there is another exhibit on the very last page that details out the cost and you will notice there is a $25,704 contingency which gives the YMCA a healthy cushion, and this gets us the skate park that you’ve already seen in the design concept stage and approved. Floyd Grabiel MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY APPROVE THE FINAL DRAFT SKATE PARK AGREEMENT AND GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT AS PROPOSED. Karla Sitek SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. X. OTHER A. Forestry Reports – Mr. Keprios handed out the year-end forestry report as well as a report on the number of trees taken down and trimmed in the last year. He noted that the Forestry Department has been a very busy, successful, and progressive department this past year. B. DNR Update – Mr. Keprios indicated that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources continues to use Highland Lake as a Walleye rearing pond, which has been very successful for the DNR. Mr. Keprios has recently granted the DNR permission to use the lake as a rearing pond for 2003. 14 C. Highlands Park – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they will be replacing one of the wooden light poles at the hockey rink with a 75’ metal pole with an antenna on top, which serves cellular phones. He explained that because of the way the federal law is written we must provide a site where there is dead coverage, and if we don’t provide them with a suitable location of our choice, then they will come in and put it wherever they choose. Mr. Damman asked if the Park Department receives any money for this to which it was noted yes in that the revenues go into the general fund, which supports parks and recreation programs. Mr. Johnson asked if the pole could be put somewhere else that is maybe a little more remote. Mr. Keprios replied that, under the circumstances, we feel this is the best location for this area, which is better than allowing the cellular phone company the opportunity to place it wherever they wish. Mr. Klus asked what happens when a new park shelter is put in at Highlands Park and the old one is torn down. Mr. Keprios replied he has checked into that and the cellular phone company will have to pay for any of their expenses. D. All Presidents Meeting – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they are going to have an all Presidents meeting on Thursday, March 27th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He noted that they have a very interesting agenda and he thinks they will also discuss the formation of two associations. He indicated he will give them a heads up as to where the Park Board is headed on the issue. E. 7300 Bush Lake Road – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that some individuals have asked the City Council to purchase and renovate the 7300 West Bush Lake Road property. Their proposal asks the City to buy it and turn it into four gymnasiums and indoor soccer facility. Mr. Keprios indicated that they have hired a consultant to study it and he will give his report at next week’s City Council meeting. Ms. Presthus asked who is presenting this proposal. Mr. Keprios replied that the proposal was been made by the Edina Basketball Association and Edina Soccer Club. He noted that the City Council has directed staff to study it and report back with what is it going to cost to buy it, renovate it and operate it. XI. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR Mr. Klus asked for nominations for Vice Chair of the Park Board. Floyd Grabiel NOMINATED ANDY FINSNESS. Mike Damman SECONDED. Linda Presthus NOMINATED ARDIS WEXLER Jeff Johnson SECONDED. Mr. Klus asked each candidate to give a speech indicating why they would like to be Vice Chair. Linda Sitek MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS. 15 Floyd Grabiel SECONDED THE MOTION. Ms. Wexler indicated that she has been on the Park Board a couple of years and has been a long time resident of Edina and very active in the community. She noted that she has been an active member of and at times president of the PTA/PTSO at the elementary school, middle school and high school where her kids have attended. She indicated that she has served on the Community Education Board and has also been an election judge for over 25 years. Mr. Finsness indicated that he has been an Edina resident for 12 years. He noted that he has a son who just graduated from high school, a daughter who is in special education in the 10th grade and a fourth grade daughter who attends the Normandale French Immersion School. He stated that he has been on the Park Board for five years and feels he has a good handle on what the issues are as well as some of the history behind them and feels he can offer some continuity and would love to serve as Vice Chair. Mr. Grabiel commented that both are quality candidates. Andy Finsness received the majority vote in a written ballot process. XII. ADJOURNMENT Linda Presthus MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:25 P.M. Jeff Johnson SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.