HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-10 Park Board Minutes 1
EDINA PARK BOARD
7:00 P.M.
EDINA COMMUNITY ROOM
EDINA CITY HALL
AUGUST 10, 2004
_____________________________
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Damman, George Klus, Karla Sitek, Alice Hulbert, Jeff
Johnson, Floyd Grabiel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Linda Presthus, Jeff Sorem, Andy Finsness, Mike Weiss
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Vince Cockriel
OTHERS PRESENT: Russille Kimmel, James Zwilling, Susan Simonton, Diane Plunkett
Latham, Dan Latham, Betty Workinger, Jean White, John Haeg,
Rita Carlotto, Kathy Zuspan, Jan Coldman-Carter, Julia Risser,
Naomi Griffith, Richard Griffith
____________________________
I. NEW EDITOR SUN NEWSPAPER
Mr. Klus introduced James Zwilling, the new Editor to the Sun Newspaper who is
replacing Laura Walden. Mr. Zwilling asked everyone to feel free to give him a call
anytime they have something they would like to talk to him about.
II. PARK ASSIGNMENT PRESENTATION – GEORGE KLUS
Mr. Klus indicated that his park assignments were Highlands Park, Todd Park and Alden
Park. Mr. Klus stated that Highlands Park is located on Doncaster Way and Ayshire
Boulevard. He noted that the park sits on 44 acres and added that there are several parts
to the park. Mr. Klus pointed out that it has a very large open space to which this year it
was used for soccer fields because of the field shortage they had this year. He noted
usually they have one big soccer field with some practice areas. Mr. Klus added that
there is also an adult softball field located at the park.
Mr. Klus explained that the neighbors on each side of the park have really taken
ownership of the park as well as Highlands School has done some planting. He indicated
that the park has a wooded area with a pathway and noted that there is a lot of wildlife
there. Mr. Klus commented that the Edina Garden Council does a wonderful job at
Highlands Park, which is very much appreciated.
Mr. Klus indicated that the tennis courts get quite a bit of use. He also pointed out that
with the last referendum new playground equipment was put in.
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Mr. Klus again stated that the neighbors really do take care of this park and twice a year
they pick up the trash and cut the weeds. He indicated that the city forester has also been
at the park taking out some of the buckthorn and commented that he has done a nice job.
Mr. Klus stated that Highlands Park has one of the older warming houses. However, the
ice rinks get used all the time but the parking lot is starting to wear out.
Mr. Klus indicated that the next park he visited was Todd Park, which is located on
Vandervork Avenue. He noted that this park was named after T. Lea Todd, who was part
of the Village Council from 1943 to 1968. Mr. Klus pointed out that Todd Park has a
wonderful basketball court, which gets used all the time. There is also a softball field,
tennis courts and playground equipment. Mr. Klus added that Todd Park has some great
open green areas. He informed the Park Board that Todd Park has one of the new
warming houses, which does get used quite a bit. Mr. Klus stated that Todd Park also has
a great wooded area that runs along Minnehaha Creek.
Mr. Klus indicated that the last park he visited was Alden Park, which is located on
Belmore Lane. He stated that the park sits right on the border of Hopkins and Edina. He
noted that it’s probably one of the few parks that have been adopted by someone outside
the City of Edina. Mr. Klus commented that there is a little ball diamond that looks like
it hasn’t been used all summer to which Mr. MacHolda replied Alden Park is not a
scheduled site. Mr. Klus commented that there is a nice green area, which looks like
something that could be used in the future. He indicated that Alden Park has the worst
playground equipment he has seen. He noted that the best thing about the playground is
probably the surface for the basketball court. Mr. Klus stated that the park sits on
approximately 4 acres, is hilly and sits right in the middle of a neighborhood. He pointed
out that across the street is the Harley Hopkins Park, which is in the City of Hopkins. He
noted it’s kind of like the two parks run together with just a street between them. He
added that there were a lot of cigarette butts and thinks perhaps that may be a place where
kids go to smoke. Mr. Klus stated that it looks like the park is hardly ever used, however,
he does think the park does have some potential if the neighborhood wants it.
III. APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2004 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Dr. Hulbert indicated that she did have one correction. At the June Park Board meeting
there were two physicians in the community who came to give testimony and one was
addressed as Dr. Dehnel and the woman who testified is Dr. Zuspan and not Ms. Zuspan.
Jeff Johnson MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 8, 2004 PARK BOARD MINUTES.
Mike Damman SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
IV. CONSERVATION LEAGUE OF EDINA – JEAN WHITE
Mr. Klus indicated that Jean White, a member of the Conservation League of Edina, is
here tonight to talk a little bit about the water quality in the parks that they are
monitoring. Ms. White introduced Russille Kimmel from the Nine Mile Town Homes as
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well as Diane Plunkett Latham who is here tonight as a citizen to offer testimony.
(Attached to the minutes is Ms. White’s report.)
Dr. Hulbert asked if she understands correctly that from an ecological sense that
duckweed is good and algae is bad to which Ms. White replied that duckweed is sort of a
happy medium. Dr. Hulbert asked if she understands correctly that duckweed is not a
sign of a degraded body of water. Ms. White responded that duckweed is a combination
of different small types of plants that are native, however, it is not an invasive plant. She
noted that Ms. Kimmel could explain the difference a little more carefully. Ms. Kimmel
explained that algae eats nutrients and when duckweed is killed off it goes to the bottom
and creates sludge and that is what the algae eat. She noted that duckweed is naturally
occurring and indicated that there are five species of duckweed in Minnesota. Ms.
Kimmel pointed out that duckweed is carried around from pond to pond by the ducks and
in a way it is like vitamins for the ponds to which the ducks and geese eat. She informed
the Park Board that they have had duckweed harvests at Nine Mile Village.
Mr. Klus asked if duckweed typically has a smell to which Ms. Kimmel replied that
duckweed has no odor dead or alive. She explained that the sludge which is created by
storm drain run-off, killing algae with chemicals, pet droppings and whatever gets in
there creates the sludge which has a horrible odor.
V. UPDATES
A. Duckweed Control on Highlands Park Pond - Mr. Keprios indicated that as a follow-
up for the treatment of duckweed at Highlands the DNR has denied the city’s request for
a permit to treat that duckweed. Mr. Klus asked if the neighbors have been given a copy
of the letter that the DNR sent to which Mr. Cockriel replied he was waiting to hear back
from the Park Board before he contacted the neighbors.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that he believes the DNR had told them ahead of time when they
asked about duckweed is that they preferred to get rid of duckweed without the use of
aquacides. The DNR preferred using a mechanical removal method. However, the
recommendation was to have the City apply for a chemical permit to which has now been
denied. Mr. Keprios indicated that if the neighbors want them to pursue a mechanical
removal that is something that they can request of the Park Board. However, his guess is
that they will probably not do that because it would be a very expensive process.
Ms. Kimmel informed the Park Board that she has lived in Edina for three years and that
she is a citizen biologist as well as a member of the Wetland Help Evaluation Project.
She explained that she goes out and collects macro-invertebrates and plant species and
explained that by doing this they can evaluate the quality of the wetlands. She noted that
she has been involved lifelong in wetland research. She indicated that she is aware of the
Highlands Pond issue and would like to provide some clarity regarding the wetlands. Ms.
Kimmel explained that she has been working on the pond at Nine Mile Village, which is
a degraded pond, which receives street run-off water. She noted that she took pictures of
the pond she has been working with at Nine Mile Village as well as pictures of the pond
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at Colonial Church, which is a neighboring pond that uses a lot of chemicals to kill the
duckweed. She stated that she has proof of what works and what doesn’t.
Ms. Kimmel explained that duckweed is very healthy and nutritional for the ponds,
however, algae is not and is a sign of a sick pond. She stated that the little bit of algae
that blooms late in August is okay. Ms. Kimmel explained that when people kill aquatic
plants with copper sulfate the results only last for five to ten days. She indicated that as
dead aquatic plants sink it increases the amount of sludge on the bottom and degrades the
health of the wetland, which in turn kills the birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Ms. Kimmel indicated that when she moved to Nine Mile Village three years ago the
pond had a terrible smell and was full of sludge. She noted that the pond is now healthy
and they did not use any chemicals but rather she put out barley bags. Their chemical-
free approach to treating this pond takes away the nutrients that algae would need to grow
and in turn creates enzymes that eat away the sludge. Ms. Kimmel indicated that they are
now pioneering pond skimming. She then passed around pictures of the Nine Mile
Village Pond, which does not use chemicals and pictures of the Colonial Church Pond,
which does use chemicals. In addition, Colonial Church has storm drains where Nine
Mile Village has to deal with run-off water. She noted that barley clarifies the water.
Mr. Keprios asked Ms. Kimmel if they’ve done any mechanical removal to which Ms.
Kimmel explained how they have been pond skimming. Mr. Keprios asked doesn’t that
have the same negative effect as the chemicals on the invertebrates, etc. Ms. Kimmel
explained that pond skimming is non-chemical. It’s the same issue of people not liking it
green and wanting it removed. Mr. Keprios asked aren’t some of the smallest life forms
dependent on that vegetation. Ms. Kimmel replied that they are not dependent on the
duckweed. She explained that the problem is when you add a really noxious chemical to
the water, such as copper sulfate, because it kills all of the macro-invertebrates. Mr. Klus
asked aren’t you still killing the invertebrates when you are doing manual removal to
which Ms. Kimmel pointed out to think of pond skimming as dusting, just sweeping
across the top. She explained that by doing this and using barley bags on a healthy pond
it reduces the duckweed as well as it clarifies the water. It holistically adds nutrients and
nothing they do harms any life in the pond.
Dr. Hulbert asked why is it okay for Colonial Church to use copper sulfate but it’s not
okay for Highlands Pond. Mr. Cockriel replied that because it’s a private pond and it’s
smaller than 1½ acre, therefore, it’s not DNR controlled. He also pointed out that if it
were DNR controlled they could apply for a permit because copper sulfate is a registered,
legal substance that is used in Minnesota as long as it’s used per label.
Dr. Hulbert asked Mr. Cockriel what ponds he treats as a city to which he replied there
are 40 different ponds throughout the city and none of them are within parkland. If there
is a pond that is enclosed within a park they do not chemically treat it, they leave it as a
natural area. Mr. Cockriel explained that there are quite a few bodies of water that are
owned partially by the city and partially by the homeowners. Therefore, in those cases
they work together and treat for algae only, they do not put in copper sulfate. However,
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that’s not to say that they never use copper sulfate because there are occasions where they
have had to keep a narrow waterway open to keep from flooding.
Mr. Klus indicated that he thinks they need to find a way to educate the neighbors on
treating these ponds especially with copper sulfate. He stated that he didn’t realize that if
copper sulfate is used it only lasts for a short period of time. He noted that somehow they
need to educate these people. He commented that the letter they received from the DNR
also needs to be shared with the neighbors. Mr. Cockriel responded that he would be
happy to host a neighborhood meeting along with the Conservation League of Edina. Mr.
Klus asked Mr. Keprios and Mr. Cockriel to give the neighbors who attended last
month’s meeting a copy of the letter from the DNR as well as some information in a
quick memo.
Ms. Latham commented that between Ms. White, Ms. Kimmel and herself they represent
over six different organizations in Edina. She noted that they are going to run a series of
editorials and letters to the editor as well as they will be talking to their different
organizations to which they will invite the public so they can start educating everyone on
this topic. Ms. Latham commented that she recently looked at Highlands Pond and saw
that across the street there is another very small pond, which has duckweed. She
explained that duckweed could also be transported in mud on the ducks feet so any
waterfowl within flying distance are going to keep bringing it back.
Ms. Latham asked Mr. Keprios if it would be possible for the City to post the Park Board
minutes and agendas on the city’s website to which he noted he will see that it is taken
care of.
B. Buckthorn Study – Mr. Keprios indicated that he just wanted to update everyone on
the results he received from Prairie Restoration regarding buckthorn and as you will
notice the report is missing a few parks. The two parks, which have the greatest
infestation of buckthorn, are Braemar Park and Bredesen Park to which Prairie
Restoration is aware of. He explained that Prairie Restoration was originally told that we
know there is buckthorn at those two parks so they didn’t need to look at it. However,
that direction has now changed and they would like for Prairie Restoration to look at
those two areas and give them some recommendations so that it is consistent throughout
the report. In addition, they would like for them to look at all of the parks including the
open space areas. Therefore, the report is not yet complete. Mr. Keprios stated that the
report isn’t to suggest that this is necessarily the exact way they are going to approach it.
He noted that it would be on a future agenda for discussion. He commented that the
reason he put it on the agenda for tonight is to give the Park Board a heads up.
Ms. Latham indicated that she would like to bring to the Park Board’s attention that there
were seven parks listed on the report as being suitable for volunteer help. She noted that
she thinks what they meant by this is that there were small amounts of buckthorn at these
parks. She stated that all of the parks are suitable for volunteer help and asked the Park
Board to please accept help from people who would like to volunteer at the parks. Ms.
Latham stressed to the residents that when they read this report to please support the Park
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and Recreation Department and the prioritized parks. She pointed out that not all of the
parks can be worked on simultaneously and commented that the buckthorn is not going to
go away immediately. Therefore, everyone needs to be patient.
Ms. Latham also reminded everyone that; once the buckthorn is taken out, the stumps
need to be painted right away. She noted that the volunteers cannot paint the stumps
because they are not licensed to deal with chemicals. She pointed out that as a result of
stumps not getting painted the buckthorn that were cut last June are now eight inches
high and the ones that were cut in July are just starting to bud out. Therefore, if they are
going to use Round-up they will have to be sprayed multiple times which takes more than
just painting for the first time or else they will have to be sprayed with a more toxic
chemical. Ms. Latham stated so as part of the plan there will need to be some type of
mechanism for painting these. She noted that perhaps it could be weed inspector or a
retired employee such as Marv Huiras or if the city is willing perhaps to use volunteers to
which she noted she would be right there with her paintbrush. Ms. Latham pointed out
that the stump only needs to be painted on the same day, someone would not have to
follow the chain saw around. She stated that the Buckthorn Abatement Steering
Committee would once again be happy to assist in the planning process.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that there is some people who have taken the
buckthorn cause to an extreme and are likely now in violation of the law. He asked the
Park Board that if any Edina residents approach them and ask if it is mandatory to get rid
of buckthorn the answer is no. Mr. Keprios explained that a new Edina resident recently
received a letter that had the Nature Conservancy Logo on the envelope basically telling
them that they had to get rid of their buckthorn because it is prohibited in Edina. The
letter read “In the course of a survey of your neighborhood we have discovered that you
have thicket of Buckthorn on your property. As you should be aware this is an invasive,
noxious growth, which is prohibited in Edina and must be removed. In the near future we
will place a large sign on the street side of your property notifying the public of this
problem. If the removal of the Buckthorn is not achieved within one week of placing this
sign the necessary steps will be utilized to remove this threat, at your expense, and in the
near future we will place a large sign on the street side of your property notifying the
public of this problem that if the removal of buckthorn is not achieved within a week
placing a sign the necessary steps will be utilized to remove the threat at your expense.”
Mr. Keprios noted that it was signed the League of Women Voters of Edina and the
Edina Garden Council. Mr. Keprios stated that there is no way in the world that this
letter came from the League of Women Voters or the Edina Garden Council. He
indicated that he has also contacted the Nature Conservancy and has alerted Edina’s
Chief of Police who is going to investigate this. Mr. Keprios asked that if anyone knows
who is doing this to tell them to stop immediately.
C. Lewis Park West Athletic Field Construction - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board
that the contractor has now pretty much completed all of his work and the field is ready
for seeding. Mr. Keprios commented that if they stay on schedule and the weather
cooperates the field should be playable in June of next year.
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VI. TOBACCO-FREE POLICY
Mr. Klus reviewed part of Mr. Keprios staff report regarding the tobacco policy, which
stated “after giving the Park Board’s policy recommendation more thought, I would like
to suggest that the Park Board consider revising their recommendation to the City
Council. As the recommendation stands now, tobacco would not be permitted anywhere
in the parks during scheduled youth athletic games; however, tobacco would be allowed
during practices and scrimmages. In my opinion, the policy should be more consistent
and simplified. At the very least, I would suggest that parks should be tobacco-free
during all scheduled youth athletic events, which includes games, scrimmages and
practices. To further simplify the matter, I would also suggest that the Park Board
consider a policy that makes all parks tobacco-free at all times except for Braemar Golf
Course and Fred Richards Golf Course where tobacco may used on the course itself. As
a matter of parliamentary procedure, this matter should be discussed only if the majority
of those who voted in favor of the current proposal are willing to reopen discussion for
reconsideration. If the majority of those who voted yes choose not to reopen discussion,
then the matter will not be further discussed and the policy will be brought to the City
Council at their August 17th meeting as proposed at the June 8 Park Board meeting.”
Mr. Klus asked Ms. Canton who voted in favor of the Park Board’s recommendations to
which she replied both recommendations passed unanimously.
Mr. Keprios explained that the reason he is bringing this back to the Park Board is to see
if you may want to reconsider your motion otherwise it will go on to the City Council as
it was proposed. Mr. Keprios pointed out that when he presents this recommendation to
the City Council they are going to ask him how they plan on educating the public about
this policy. People are going to need to be aware that they can smoke if the event is a
scrimmage, however, they cannot smoke if it’s a game. He noted that it has been awhile
since the last Park Board meeting and thought some of you may have changed your mind
and may want to simplify the policy. Therefore, he is suggesting that all of the parks be
smoke free with the exception of the two golf courses. Ms. Sitek questioned why the
two golf courses to which Mr. Keprios replied that smoking would only be allowed on
the playing holes. Smoking would not be allowed on the driving range or during golf
lessons. Mr. Damman asked what about smoking outside on the deck to which Mr.
Keprios replied that yes, people can smoke on the deck. Mr. Keprios stated that at the
very least he would ask that the Park Board consider going smoke free during all youth
athletic events.
Mr. Grabiel asked about Centennial Lakes to which Mr. Keprios replied they would make
that smoke-free as well. He indicated that he asked Mr. Shirley and Ms. Kattreh if they
thought this was going to be an issue especially because of the businesses and restaurants.
He noted that both of them didn’t seem to think it would become a big issue because the
restaurants and businesses have their own property where they can send their smokers
outside and they would not have to be on park property. Mr. Grabiel stated that as soon
as someone walks out the back door of any of those office buildings and walks down the
steps they are on park property. Therefore, you are going to have people smoking on
park property. Mr. Grabiel pointed out that he used to work at Centennial Lakes and he
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knows exactly what the situation is. Dr. Hulbert stated that those people are going to
have to go out the front doors of the office buildings and not the back doors. Mr. Grabiel
stressed that people who smoke cigarettes are not morally deficient. He noted that if
people are worried about smokers setting a bad example at youth athletic events then deal
with that. However, there are not kids walking around the office buildings at Centennial
Lakes and therefore he doesn’t think it’s right to have the policy that covers all parks
including Centennial Lakes around the office buildings.
Dr. Hulbert asked is she to take it that the Park Board has moved to re-open this issue to
which Mr. Klus replied no. Mr. Klus stated that first he would like to know if as a Park
Board the members who are here are willing to reopen this and if the Park Board does not
unanimously vote to reopen and discuss this then they will not reopen it. Dr. Hulbert
pointed out that not all members present tonight were present at the June Park Board
meeting. Mr. Klus replied he understands that, however, they do have a quorum so it is
officially a Park Board meeting to which they can make that decision. Mr. Klus stated
that his position is that unless each one of us wants to reopen this then we send the
recommendation that we currently have to the City Council. Dr. Hulbert replied that she
doesn’t know if that’s according to the rules of the system and asked Mr. Klus if he
makes the rules to which he replied no. Dr. Hulbert stated that she thinks the rules state
that it has to be the majority of the members who were in favor of the original motion.
Mr. Klus replied that it was unanimous and there are six Park Board members present
tonight. Dr. Hulbert pointed out that she thinks it’s a roll call issue and that the people
who voted in favor should be polled and the people who were not involved in this
discussion at the June Park Board meeting do not have a vote on this. Mr. Keprios stated
that he thinks the way the parliamentary procedure goes is we need a majority of those
who voted in favor of them, not everyone, but if the majority wants to open it for
reconsideration it could again be discussed.
Mr. Damman stated that he would like to reopen the discussion.
Ms. Sitek stated that she thinks the motion should stay the way it is.
Mr. Johnson indicated that he agrees with Mr. Keprios in which it should include all
youth athletic events. Ms. Sitek indicated that she agrees with that too. Mr. Johnson
suggested that they re-open this and add “during all youth athletic events”
Dr. Hulbert commented that she thinks they have to re-open this because it looks foolish
the way it is. She noted that the way it is now it’s not workable and people are just going
to think it’s silly.
Mr. Grabiel stated that if it’s just to consider the question of whether or not it should be
all youth athletic events he wouldn’t have a problem with opening it up. However, if
they are going to expand it again and suddenly make a motion to cover all parks under all
circumstances, he would be against that. Mr. Klus pointed out that he doesn’t think they
can open it up for all parks because that is something they have already debated. He
noted that it’s his feeling as Chair of the Park Board that it was debated and everyone had
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a chance to vote on it. Dr. Hulbert disagreed and stated that they did not vote on that,
however, she would like to a vote on the 24/7 policy/ordinance. She noted that when it
was brought to the Park Board by a citizen for us to consider and vote on we didn’t. Dr.
Hulbert therefore felt that they should at least give the citizens an answer to what they are
asking. Mr. Keprios stated that he thinks a motion needs to be made to reopen the
discussion.
Alice Hulbert MOVED TO REOPEN THE DISCUSSION. Mike Damman SECONDED
IT.
IN FAVOR: Karla Sitek, Jeff Johnson, Mike Damman, Alice Hulbert
AGAINST: Floyd Grabiel, George Klus
MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Klus clarified that they are not going to debate the whole smoking policy and re-open
public testimony because that has already been done and we know where the public
stands. He noted that this is a Park Board issue that needs to be clarified.
Dr. Hulbert stated that she would like to move that we vote on whether to make all
facilities tobacco free 24/7. Mr. Klus stated that he doesn’t think that is appropriate for
this motion to which Dr. Hulbert replied that they never voted on it and feels they owe to
the people who testified in favor of it to actually vote on it. Dr. Hulbert stressed that she
doesn’t think it’s reasonable for all of the input they received to not have voted on it. Mr.
Johnson commented that he thought they did vote on it. Ms. Canton pointed out that
there was a motion made for tobacco-free 24/7 on the playgrounds, which failed.
Mr. Klus indicated that before a motion is made he would like to hear everyone’s
thoughts on the matter.
Ms. Sitek stated that she thinks they need to make the change to state that it should be
tobacco free at all youth events and leave it at that. Dr. Hulbert asked Ms. Sitek if she
means athletic events or events because there is a big difference. Ms. Sitek replied
athletic events and leave it at that.
Mr. Johnson noted that he agrees with what Ms. Sitek said.
Mr. Damman indicated that he would like to see golf courses still be able to allow
smoking. He noted that he was originally against having Centennial Lakes be a tobacco
free park. However, now that he knows more about it he thinks that if they do go tobacco
free he doesn’t think it would be as bad as he originally anticipated. Mr. Damman stated
that he would like to see all of the parks go tobacco free with the exception of the golf
courses. Mr. Klus asked Mr. Damman if he is asking for something more than just no
smoking at athletic events because there are no athletic events at Centennial Lakes to
which Mr. Damman replied that’s correct. Mr. Klus asked so this is an addition to what
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Mr. Johnson and Ms. Sitek said, you are adding one more piece to it. Mr. Damman
responded that is correct. Mr. Klus asked if he is going with what Mr. Keprios has
suggested in that all parks are to be tobacco free including Centennial Lakes with the
exception of the golf course. Mr. Damman replied that is correct. Ms. Sitek indicated
that she is not for the 24/7 suggestion, however, she is going to play the devil’s advocate
and asked why can’t people smoke at Centennial Lakes but they can smoke at the golf
courses. She commented that seems ridiculous.
Mr. Grabiel stated that he would support making a change to include games, scrimmages
and practices as scheduled at youth athletic events.
Dr. Hulbert indicated that parks are a place where kids can go and their families know it
will be a healthy, smoke-free environment for them. She commented that most of the
time the parks are smoke-free but not always and there are no guarantees. Dr. Hulbert
pointed out that she thinks it’s interesting that the pool has been tobacco free for a long
time and there hasn’t been an outcry from the community. She noted that she doesn’t
really see any difference in the swimming pool than the playgrounds. She commented
that people are running around in both places where people could step on burning butts
that have been thrown on the ground. Dr. Hulbert indicated that she also doesn’t
understand the logic in having youth athletic events isolated as places where people
shouldn’t smoke but it’s okay to smoke at the playgrounds where kids are playing all
summer, especially with the playground programs going on. She stated that’s pretty
arbitrary and illogical. Parks are supposed to be places where people can exercise and
breathe fresh air and it doesn’t make sense to have someone smoking, there are plenty of
other places for smokers to go. Mr. Grabiel asked if they should exempt from taxation
for parks those people who are smoking. Dr. Hulbert stated that the majority of the
people in Edina pay to clean up all of the cigarette butts at Centennial Lakes by people
who don’t even live in the city but who work at Centennial Lakes. Mr. Grabiel stated
that the people who live in Edina pay to support their parks. Dr. Hulbert replied that they
are not allowed to trash it. Mr. Grabiel noted that there are already ordinances against
litter. Dr. Hulbert pointed out that as far as she is concerned there should be no smoking
in the parks because it’s already outlawed through litter, lighting fires and releasing
noxious vapors. Mr. Grabiel stated that maybe they should just ban cigarette smoking all
together to which Dr. Hulbert replied that would be fine with her but she’s not the
president.
Mr. Johnson commented that it seems to him that the only place where it is a problem is
at Centennial Lakes because he thinks it’s a very rare occurrence to see someone smoking
at the parks. He noted that people can run around the park all they want and they are not
going to get secondhand smoke. He stated that you can’t sell him on secondhand smoke
in an outside area unless you’re running right behind somebody that’s smoking and
hyperventilating behind you. He suggested that maybe we should put a designated
smoking area at Centennial Lakes for the smokers because he really doesn’t think this is a
big issue at the parks. Ms. Sitek replied that she agrees. Dr. Hulbert stated that she
thinks when it’s not an issue then taking a stand to show your community and youth what
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your values are and that we don’t just roll over and not talk about it. Mr. Johnson replied
that he doesn’t think they need to take a stand against it if it doesn’t happen.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that there is a significant difference between policy and
ordinance. He explained that policy indicates that it’s going to be voluntarily self-
enforced. He noted that he thinks by the Park Board setting a policy they are sending a
statement to the community telling them that we prefer they not smoke in the parks
because they would like to have the parks stay a healthy environment for everyone. Mr.
Keprios stated that it’s as much a statement as anything. They are not creating a new
law. Mr. Keprios commented that he appreciates the Park Board discussing this again,
because under the Park Board’s current recommendation, it would be very difficult for
them to come up with signage as to when it is and isn’t okay to smoke at the parks.
Dr. Hulbert indicated that it’s overwhelming how much the community wants to see this
happen. It’s already happened in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, and Richfield so it’s not
like it’s some new radical idea. Ms. Sitek replied that she sees the opposite and doesn’t
think it’s overwhelming and doesn’t necessarily think they need to follow those other
cities. Ms. Sitek noted that she agrees with Mr. Johnson in that this issue has gotten way
blown out of proportion. She stated that she has been going to the parks for years and she
just doesn’t see people smoking in the parks and if there’s a problem with cigarette butts
at Centennial Lakes then put out more ashtrays because people will use them. Dr.
Hulbert responded that all of the office buildings have ashtrays and people still throw
them all over the place. She noted that an ashtray would have to be placed every 20 ft. at
Centennial Lakes. Ms. Sitek stated that if people want to make a statement they can
make it as a parent they don’t have to have the city make a statement.
Mr. Klus stated that he is glad they are making this a policy rather than an ordinance
because he does think they are making a statement. He noted that he does have a
problem with having a policy at Centennial Lakes because he doesn’t think they would be
able to enforce it. He indicated that he thinks if they find they have issues with it in the
future then they need to come back and revisit it. Mr. Klus pointed out that he
understands one of the issues that Dr. Hulbert has is with the amphitheatre, which she
said is terrible. He noted that if they find they need to revisit that then he would go along
with a recommendation stating there is no smoking allowed during events. Mr. Klus
again stated that he can’t see doing this at Centennial Lakes because it’s just
unenforceable with all of those people working in those buildings. Mr. Klus stressed that
he doesn’t want to see them do anything to the golf courses.
Mr. Klus commented that he thinks the residents are smart enough to not argue with us
and will follow along. He wants to give them credit for being smart enough to help us
not have those smoke-free environments. He wants to give them the opportunity to prove
it to us before we have to crack down to something harder.
Floyd Grabiel MOVED THAT THE TERM ATHLETIC EVENTS IS USED IN THE
POLICY PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE PARK BOARD WITH THE TERM
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ATHLETIC EVENTS TO INCLUDE GAMES, SCRIMMAGES AND PRACTICES.
Karla Sitek SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Keprios again thanked everyone for reconsidering. He really appreciates it.
Alice Hulbert MOVED THAT WE HAVE A TOBACCO FREE PARK SYSTEM IN
EDINA 24/7. Motion failed for lack of SECOND.
Alice Hulbert MOVED TO APPROVE THAT IN EDINA THEY WILL HAVE
TOBACCO FREE PLAY LOTS 24/7. Mr. Klus commented that they have considered
that policy to which Dr. Hulbert replied that they are the only city that ever considered it
and voted it down. Mr. Klus stressed that that motion was made at the June Park Board
meeting and it failed.
Dr. Hulbert MOVED THAT THEY HAVE TOBACCO FREE JULY 4TH FIREWORKS.
Motion failed for lack of SECOND.
Dr. Hulbert MOVED THAT WE HAVE TOBACCO FREE WALKING TRAILS AT
BREDESEN PARK AND ROSLAND PARK FOR PEOPLE WHOM WISH TO
EXERCISE WITHOUT BREATHING SMOKE. Motion failed for lack of SECOND.
Dr. Hulbert MOVED THAT WE HAVE TOBACCO FREE PRACTICE FACILITIES
AT THE GOLF COURSE, THE DRIVING RANGE AND PUTTING GREENS. Motion
failed for lack of SECOND.
Mr. Klus informed the Park Board that he will be out of town when this goes before the
City Council and noted that he has asked Mr. Grabiel and Mr. Damman to attend the City
Council meeting. He stated that he would encourage all of the Park Board members to
attend this meeting because he is sure there will be quite a crowd there. Mr. Klus stated
that he knows that the City Council has always been very good at allowing someone from
the Park Board stand up and give their input on the Park Board’s motions. Mr. Klus
commented that he thinks the Park Board has done a great job in discussing this very
tough issue.
VII. OTHER
A. Building At Braemar Park - Mr. Klus informed the Park Board that at the next City
Council meeting they will hopefully pass some type of motion that deals with building
something at Braemar. Mr. Klus commented that the bigger issue that he thinks will
come out of the City Council meeting is how much we will need to look at fundraising
for the building. He indicated that he hopes the associations they’ve heard from in the
past that want an indoor practice facility will attend this City Council meeting because
they definitely need to be an advocate for the building. Ms. Sitek asked if the
associations are aware that they should be at the City Council meeting. Mr. Klus replied
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he is hoping a notice will be put in the Sun newspaper as well as he has individually
talked to a few of the associations encouraging them to attend. Mr. Klus stated that he
has explained to them that they need to be prepared to raise money for this building
because if the City Council does pass this we’ll need to start putting everything together.
B. Park Assignment Presentation – It was noted that Linda Presthus has the next park
presentation assignment.
C. Tri-City Skate Park - Ms. Sitek noted that she would just like to make a quick
comment about the skate park to which it is an awesome facility. She noted everyone
should really stop by and look at it. She commented that she literally drops her son off at
noon and doesn’t pick him up until 8:00 pm. Mr. Keprios stated that he is very proud of
the facility and the partnership.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Jeff Johnson MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:50 P.M. Karla Sitek
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.