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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-09 Park Board Minutes 1 EDINA PARK BOARD TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2006 7:00 P.M. EDINA COUNCIL CHAMBERS EDINA CITY HALL _____________________________ MEMBERS PRESENT: Andy Finsness, Gordon Roland, Mike Damman, Karla Sitek, Ray O’Connell, Jeff Johnson, George Klus MEMBERS ABSENT: Linda Presthus, Jeff Sorem, Mike Weiss, Todd Fronek, STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Ann Kattreh OTHERS PRESENT: Idelle Longman, Russ Fortner, Marcia Friedman, Sally Maenner, Fred Bertron, Julie Duckstad, Steve Halgren ___________________________ I. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 11, 2006 PARK BOARD MINUTES Ray O’Connell MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 11, 2006 PARK BOARD MINUTES. George Klus SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. YOUTH SPORTS TASKFORCE RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. Klus explained to the Park Board that the Edina Youth Sports Task Force has been a very long but good process. He noted there was a lot of healthy discussion and he feels what they have put together is a good representation of what they accomplished as a task force. Mr. Klus stated that he would like to thank the task force members: Tom Asp, Mary Brindle, Steve Dove, Russ Fortner, Molly Friedemann, Keith Harmon, Lynne Morishita, Karla Sitek and Michael Weiss. He noted that these are good people within the community who gave up a lot of their time to spend on this and therefore, we owe them a great sense of gratitude. He noted that he would like to thank all of the community members and associations who also gave of their time to give their input. In addition, he would like to thank the staff who were at every meeting and put a lot of their staff time into this to help direct them when they needed some direction. Mr. Klus indicated that after the power point presentation he would hope that the Park Board would pass a motion to approve the two documents: the Relationship Document and the Core Values and Community Strategy Document, on to the City Council. Mr. Klus gave a power point presentation (see attached). 2 Mr. Klus stated that there was great attendance and feedback from both the public and the athletic associations. He pointed out that the task force had a good mix of people who have been involved with boys and girls different sports. In addition, some of them have served on the boards of the athletic associations and some gave good insight by going back 20 to 30 years in the community. Mr. Klus noted that the community did show a real interest in this and commented that at the end of every task force meeting there was public testimony. Mr. Klus stated that the task force realizes that not everyone is going to agree with this or be happy with it, nor should they expect everyone to agree and be happy with it. He stressed that they are not in the business of running the athletic associations, they don’t want to do that. Therefore, they have left enough doors open for them to set their own policies and do their own things. The main idea is they want everyone to understand that this is what the community stands for. Mr. Johnson asked if the task force thought about using the word “fair” instead of “equitable” under the Recommended Guidelines, number one. Mr. Klus explained that the task force did have a lengthy discussion regarding that. He noted that they felt that by using the word “equitable” they want to make sure that the associations are treating the kids fairly. The task force is not necessarily interested in making sure that everyone gets equal playing time, they just ask that they be fair. He commented that they definitely debated it but in the end felt “equitable” better handled what they are trying to do. Mr. Johnson commented that in regards to the Relationship Document, number eight if you read Ms. Presthus letter she states that she would like to see the word “mandate” replaced with “requires”. He noted that he also agrees the word “requires” is more appropriate. Mr. Klus responded that the task force did talk about that but in the end still felt that “mandate” was the better word to use. He explained that they are not telling the athletic associations how often they do mandate checks, they just want to make sure that background checks are done on everyone who has access to Edina’s youth. Mr. Finsness asked Mr. Johnson if he thinks there is a big difference between the “mandate” and “requires” or is it that he just feels it’s a nicer word. Mr. Johnson replied that he does think “requires” sounds nicer but that there is not a major problem with it. Mr. Johnson stated that he thinks the task force spent a lot of time on this and did a nice job, which he truly appreciates. However, his only other concern is with the ad hoc grievance committee. He explained that he is a hockey coach with the Edina Hockey Association (EHA) and what worries them is someone may read something into this document and say they are going to take their grievance past the association and staff level and go directly to ad hoc grievance committee. He commented that his concern is the ad hoc committee is made up of people who don’t know anything about the procedures of EHA, thus they are going to make a decision based on not knowing what EHA has gone through or what they need to do. Mr. Klus explained that if a grievance leaves the association it would then go on to the staff level. He indicated that personally he would hope that most things would be settled at the staff level. However, if they are not, it’s up to staff to make sure that when they put together an ad hoc committee that 3 they educate the committee on everything that has happened. Mr. Klus stressed that he has faith that staff will make sure that it’s fair if it goes that far. He stated that the task force feels that the best way to do that is with presidents from other associations because they understand what it takes to run an association. Mr. Finsness asked if everyone on the task force was happy with the end result to which Mr. Klus replied that he thinks everyone was satisfied. Mr. Klus commented that everyone compromised somewhat and therefore they were able to come up with the most fair and best document they could. He noted that he thinks the task force was pleased that they were able to have a great starting point that can be evaluated and looked at by the Park Board once a year. He explained that they would like to get it out there and tested and if changes need to be made he thinks the Park Board would do a good job. Russ Fortner, Edina Youth Sports Task Force Member, indicated that as everyone knows their biggest problem isn’t the kids, it’s the parents. If a parent is upset they’ll take their grievance as far as they can and at least now they have something for everyone to look at and be aware of. Mr. Fortner thanked everyone on the task force and on behalf of the task force thanked Mr. Klus for all of the time and effort he put into leading this. Mr. O’Connell stated that this it is such a good product and asked how it would be distributed. Mr. Klus replied that once it’s passed by the Park Board it’s up to staff to get the word out to the associations because that is part of their relationship with the associations. Mr. Finsness asked how many grievances are there typically in one year based on what’s happened in the past to which Mr. Keprios replied that they average between one and two a year. However, that depends on what is qualified as a grievance. He explained that Mr. MacHolda fields phone calls almost on a daily basis, which he does a wonderful job facilitating through diplomacy and problem solving as do all of his staff. Mr. Keprios pointed out that most grievances are solved at the staff level. Mr. Keprios also pointed out two locations in the Relationship Document that refers to the Core Values Document as a “resolution.” Mr. Keprios stated he will make that correction on the Relationship Document. Mr. Finsness, on behalf of the Park Board, thanked Mr. Klus for his time, passion and leadership in carrying this forward. Ray O’Connell MOVED TO APPROVE THE YOUTH SPORTS TASKFORCE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADOPT THE YOUTH SPORTS CORE VALUES AND COMMUNITY STRATEGY AND ADOPT THE RELATIONSHIP DOCUMENT WITH THE CORRECTIONS AS POINTED OUT BY MR. KEPRIOS George Klus SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 4 III. RECEIVE PETITION – ARDEN PARK HOCKEY RINK OFF-LEASH DOG AREA PROPOSAL Mr. Finsness indicated that, per Sally Maenner’s, Edina Resident, request and petition to allow Arden Park Hockey Rink to be used as an off-leash dog area, Mr. Keprios is recommending that the Park Board consider asking questions regarding this in the upcoming needs assessment survey. He noted that this way they would be able to get statistical data that measures the level of community need and support for the concept. Mr. Keprios stated that perhaps Ms. Maenner could be part of a focus group as part of the needs assessment process to come up with some ideas to create more off-leash dog areas in the Edina hockey rinks as opposed to establishing just one hockey rink as an off-leash dog area. He noted that he senses they are going to need a little more community support than just the one petition because it is a much bigger issue than one hockey rink. Mr. Johnson commented that he likes the idea. Ms. Maenner noted that she lives on Woodcrest Drive, which is pretty close to Arden Park, and the one thing that was most enlightening to her is how a lot of people who live adjacent to the park feel that it sort of becomes their backyard. She indicated that she met with two people who were absolutely emphatic that this would never happen to which she was very surprised. She commented that she doesn’t believe there is anywhere in Edina where she can throw a ball on a public piece of land and not have the animal control officer chase her down. Ms. Maenner stated that she thinks there’s a fear with some of the neighbors who are strongly opposed to this that it would become a huge draw to which she doesn’t think that would be the case. She explained that for the last three years people have been using the hockey rink as a dog training area with absolutely no problems. However, during the last six months some neighbors have become quite upset and that’s when the crackdown started. She added that she appreciates anything the Park Board can do and added that she would be happy to be part of a task force. Mr. Damman asked Mr. Keprios if he was able to talk to Eden Prairie’s Park Director regarding their use of hockey rinks as off-leash dog areas. Mr. Keprios replied that he did meet with Bob Lambert, Eden Prairie’s Park Director, and they did visit Eden Prairie’s various off-leash dog sites. He noted that he found it very interesting that during the middle of the day, when most people are at work, there were dogs and their owners at every single site. He commented that Eden Prairie Park Director Bob Lambert feels that using four of their outdoor hockey rinks as off-leash dog areas has been very successful. Jeff Johnson MOVED THAT THE CONCEPT OF USING OUR OUTDOOR HOCKEY RINKS AS OFF-LEASH DOG AREAS BE PLACED ON THE UPCOMING NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY. Karla Sitek SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5 IV. POINT DRIVE PARK PROPERTY Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that in their packet there should be two maps of the property in question. He explained that the question at hand is would the city be willing to relinquish this property back to the State of Minnesota and after a lengthy process it would be given back to the City or County to sell it directly to the person who wants to buy it. He pointed out that it can happen that way if the Park Board makes a recommendation worded in that way to which it would then go on to the City Council. Therefore, the long and the short of it is the city would give the property back to the State of Minnesota with the caveat that it only be sold to the person who’s interested in purchasing the property . Mr. Keprios pointed out that in his letter exchange from the other property owner, who lives next to this piece of property, the other party is not interested in acquiring it and would support their neighbor acquiring the property. Mr. Keprios explained that what would happen is the property owner would pay the back taxes that are due as part of the purchase of the property. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that, from the City’s standpoint, it’s listed as for park purposes only; however, in his view it doesn’t really serve any park purposes. He noted that there is no public access to the small parcel of land other than via the lake. Therefore, his recommendation to the Park Board is to do what has been requested. Mr. Keprios commented that if anything, he views it as a liability for the city. Ray O’Connell MOVED THAT THE PARK BOARD RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE CITY CONVEY THE TAX FORFEITED PROPERTY BACK TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WITH THE CAVEAT THAT THE PROPERTY MUST BE SOLD TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF 6704 POINT DRIVE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT ULTIMATELY THE CITY OR COUNTY WILL OFFER THE LAND FOR SALE TO THE ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS WHO WILL THEN PAY ANY TAXES OWED ON THE PROPERTY. Jeff Johnson SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. V. ADVERTISING AGREEMENT – EDINBOROUGH PARK Ann Kattreh, Assistant Manager of Edinborough Park, informed the Park Board that since September of 2003, when they started charging for the lower level in the Great Hall, they have had an inflatable jumper which takes up half of the area. She noted that it has been a phenomenally popular attraction to the Park and gets used daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Ms. Kattreh indicated that their jumper has lasted for a couple of years and even though they’ve made several repairs they have actually been very pleased. She explained that they have gone through a couple of blowers but the original jumper finally went down about a month ago. Therefore, they have been contracting with a company that rents jumpers for special events, etc. who approached her with the idea of giving them a 6 jumper free of charge in lieu of advertising on the jumper. There would be a small sign on the jumper that would say sponsored by Magic Bounce with their phone number and business cards. She noted that the company has dozens of jumpers that come in all different shapes and sizes to which she can go onto their website and pick out any jumper at any time. She stated that, in addition, he would also be willing to bring over any huge slide jumpers and obstacle jumpers for special events free of charge. Ms. Kattreh pointed out that if they were to purchase a jumper it would cost approximately $2,000 to which they would get about two years use out of it. She added that a blower for the jumper costs approximately $500.00. She stated that in the previous jumper they probably put $500.00 worth of repairs into it during those two years. Mr. Keprios explained that it is City policy that they are to deal with all of these advertising requests and sponsorship requests on a case by case basis, therefore, the Park Board has an opportunity to give their thoughts on the matter. Mr. Damman stated that it certainly sounds like a win, win to him. Mr. Johnson replied yes, they should do it. Jeff Johnson MOVED TO ACCEPT THE AGREEMENT FOR THE JUMPER, MAGIC BOUNCE INCORPORATED FREE JUMPER IN LIEU OF SOME ADVERTISING BANNER. Mike Damman SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. VI. ADVERTISING ON GYMNASIUM AND BRAEMAR ATHLETIC FIELD SCOREBOARDS Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board whether or not they felt it would be appropriate to pursue advertising on the scoreboards for the two new gymnasiums and/or the athletic field at Braemar Park if they were unable to fund it through other means. He explained that he thinks there is a good likelihood that with the gymnasiums they’ll be able to cover everything through the bonding, however, he can’t say that with 100% certainty. Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board how they would feel if they at least pursued getting some monies through advertising for the scoreboard at Braemar. He commented that he rather doubts they are going to get advertising dollars to pay for the whole thing, but at least it would help to cut off a chunk of it. Mr. O’Connell indicated that for years he’s been trying to get Braemar Golf Course to use advertisers like many of the other golf courses do. However, John Valliere, the golf course manager, does not want advertising throughout the course. Mr. O’Connell commented that Edina needs money too and there are a lot of advertisers out there that would want to do this. He indicated that in this instance he would support using advertising for scoreboards as long as it’s on city property or for city facilities. 7 Ray O’Connell MOVED THAT MR. KEPRIOS BE AUTHORIZED TO PURSUE THE ADVERTISING PANEL AS A SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THE SCOREBOARDS. Karla Sitek SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Johnson noted that he’s assuming there are currently policies in place of who we will and will not take because obviously there are current advertisers they cannot use. Mr. Keprios replied that they have the right to limit who they will allow to advertise, it needs to be appropriate. Mr. Finsness asked if there is a specific length of time that the advertisers would have to which Mr. Keprios replied that they would have a contract just like they currently do at the Courtney Ball Fields. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. VII. SCHOOL DISTRICT STORAGE BUILDING REQUEST FOR CREEK VALLEY PARK Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he was just informed yesterday afternoon that the architect was not able to get a site plan done by the surveyor in time. Therefore, they do not have a specific site plan to be reviewed. Mr. Keprios asked that this be deferred to the June Park Board meeting. VIII. NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY CONSULTING FIRMS’ PROPOSALS Mr. Finsness informed the Park Board that the Needs Assessment Survey Ad Hoc Committee met at 6:00 pm tonight prior to the Park Board meeting. He indicated that they discussed the five requests for proposals. He stated that “Leisure Vision” is the company that everyone liked the most, and the Ad Hoc Committee unanimously recommends Leisure Vision. Mr. Johnson asked if cost wise they were all pretty comparable and Mr. Finsness replied they are. Mr. Finsness stated that quotes are between $13,000 and $20,000 to which Leisure Vision’s quote is between $13,000 - $15,000 but that could be stepped up a little bit if they wanted some extra add on. He commented that their budget is $19,000 so they are definitely in the ballpark. Mr. Keprios stated that what he thinks the Park Board is asking for is to empower Mr. Finsness and staff to come up with a contract package to go ahead with Leisure Vision. By consensus, the Park Board gave their approval to move forward with Leisure Vision and empower Mr. Keprios to negotiate a contract with assistance from the Ad Hoc Committee. 8 IX. PARK BOARD MEMBER PARK ASSIGNMENTS Mr. Finsness asked the Park Board to look over their park assignments and see if everything looks correct. He indicated that if anyone would like to exchange parks with other Park Board members to let Ms. Canton know. Ms. Canton will have the master copy and will see that it is displayed accurately on the website. Mr. Finsness stated that now is probably a good time of year to go into the parks and see what’s going on and bring any feedback to future Park Board meetings. Ray O’Connell praised the letter that Mr. Keprios sent to Minnesota Vikings owner, Ziggy Wilf. On Ray’s request, Mr. Keprios mailed a letter to Mr. Wilf to let him know that the City of Edina may be interested in acquiring the Minnesota Viking Winter Park property and facilities should the Vikings relocate to Blaine or other community. X. ADJOURNMENT Mike Damman MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:30 PM. Karla Sitek SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.