HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-11 Park Board Minutes 1
Minutes of the
Edina Park Board
December 11, 2007
Edina City Hall, Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ray O’Connell, Todd Fronek, Linda Presthus, Mike Damman, Andy
Finsness, Howard Merriam, Randy Meyer, George Klus
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Sorem, Carolyn Nelson
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
I. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 13, 2007 PARK BOARD MINUTES
George Klus MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 13, 2007 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Mike Damman SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Bike Edina Taskforce Presentation – Kirk Johnson - Mr. Finsness introduced Kirk
Johnson who has been on the Bike Edina Task Force since its inception. Mr. Johnson
pointed out that the Bike Edina Taskforce efforts in 2008 will be to work with
different city groups and partner with the citizens so that they can work on various
implementation projects that would be approved as a result of this plan. Mr. Johnson
gave an overview presentation that goes along with the submitted plan.
Mr. Damman asked what are the issues with the railroad routes? Mr. Johnson replied
there is a lot of interest in having corridors put in just like other communities have
been able to do. He noted that a subset of the Bike Edina Taskforce has been working
with the City and with the Three Rivers Park District in discussing what they might
possibly be able to do and when.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that he serves on the Three Rivers Park District’s CP Rail
taskforce and noted that Three Rivers has hired a consultant to do a feasibility study
which will visit the entire north/south CP Rail corridor.
Mr. Finsness asked Mr. Johnson what he feels are the biggest stumbling blocks
coming up in the future for the city with respect to the bicycle plan implementation.
Mr. Johnson replied that he thinks it’s just the ability to get the different groups
together and work efficiently to get the proper planning in place. He noted that by
working together in the planning they will be able to save money as well as avoid
rework later. Therefore, coordinating and working efficiently together will probably
be the biggest challenge. He commented that based on the last few months he has
seen such great interest that he is very optimistic.
Mr. Merriam asked if any of this will come down to budget and having monies
available because he knows that if you go out and look for them there are some
substantial dollars available. Mr. Johnson replied that is correct there is a lot of
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federal money out there to help fund efforts like this for environmental, health and
other reasons. Therefore, as they get more into the implementation aspects that is
something they will definitely look at tapping into.
Mr. Keprios thanked Mr. Johnson for all of his volunteer help as well as the
committee members. He noted they did an outstanding job as well as it’s a very
comprehensive plan. Mr. Keprios stated that he also appreciates the language that was
put in about bike racks being recommended. Mr. Keprios added that they will now
plan to incorporate them into the CIP to provide even more trails in the parks and
make parks more bicycle friendly. He noted that based on the 2006 Needs
Assessment Survey results and the Bike Edina Taskforce results, the CIP will be
adjusted to address those identified needs for more bicycle and walking trails and
amenities.
Mr. Finsness asked Mr. Johnson if he thinks it will take a consorted effort to get
business owners to put in bike racks. He noted that currently they are non-existent.
Mr. Johnson replied that one parking spot for an automobile can accommodate 14
bicycles. It’s a good trade-off.
B. Non-Resident Patron Card Proposal for Braemar Golf Course – John Valliere – John
Valliere, Manager of Braemar Golf Course, informed the Park Board that he would
like their blessing for a proposal to permit the sale of non-resident patron cards,
starting in 2008, for people who work full-time in Edina. He proposed that the non-
resident patron fee be set at $90.00 for 2008. He added that for 2008 the resident
patron card fee is $70.00. Attached is Mr. Valliere’s proposal.
George Klus MOVED TO APPROVE THE NON-RESIDENT PATRON CARD.
Ray O’Connell SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ms. Presthus asked what the policy is of the surrounding neighborhoods and golf
courses. Mr. Valliere replied that some of the other golf courses do have a policy
while others don’t. Mr. Valliere gave some examples.
Mr. Finsness asked Mr. Valliere if he has any expectation of how non-resident patron
cards may be sold based on inquiries. Mr. Valliere replied that he thinks it would not
be overwhelming the first year, however, they may want to consider setting a limit
because it is an unknown.
Mr. Klus stated to Mr. Valliere that he would hate to see him limit himself not
knowing what’s going to happen because he would agree that for the first year it may
take time for people to learn that this is something that is even offered. He stated that
perhaps during the second year more businesses might be willing to come out. Mr.
Klus commented that a lot of it will depend on how it is promoted and marketed in
the community. He asked Mr. Valliere how he plans to promote and market it. Mr.
Valliere replied they won’t do anything huge but will probably advertise it in the
papers as well as have something on the golf channel. Mr. Valliere indicated they do
have a business plan that they are going to adhere to as well as there are certain things
within the golfing community that they will use to promote it.
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Mr. O’Connell commented that he thinks Mr. Valliere is right to do the analysis at the
end of 2008 and report back what happens as far as participation. However, they will
really want to see what the factors are in 2009 and 2010 once the word is out more.
Ms. Presthus suggested to Mr. Valliere that through his marketing he should also use
the Chamber of Commerce especially since he will be working with businesses.
Mr. Keprios clarified to the Park Board that the non-resident patron would have the
same privilege of reservations as the resident patron. There will not be a one-day
advantage for resident patrons, which was considered previously.
Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Valliere if he has any concerns about the residents being more
competitive to get tee times because now the non-resident patrons will be able to
reserve at the same time. Mr. Valliere replied that they thought about that long and
hard and what they have found is that most of their residents are moving ahead in
their normal securing of tee-times, they tend to act and therefore he doesn’t think they
are going to be locked out. Mr. Valliere stated that if it seems they are starting to get
a lot of resistance then he thinks they should back away and leave an extra day for the
resident patron.
Mr. Finsness noted that the motion on the table is to allow non-resident patron cards
for business people that work in Edina but don’t live in Edina.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
III. UPDATES FROM STAFF
A. Board and Commission Policies - Mr. Keprios went over the e-mail from Gordon
Hughes regarding the new Board and Commission policies.
B. Braemar Maintenance Building – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that
construction has begun on the Braemar Maintenance building.
C. Garden Park Pathway – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they are hoping to
open bids in February for the Garden Park pathway.
IV. PARK BOARD COMMENT
Mr. O’Connell noted that the suggestion he will present to the Park Board was
precipitated by action items on our agenda which were asking for difficult decisions with
muddled and jumbled information. Not only that, they were complex and sometimes
emotional.
The other part of the proposal deals with the fact we have a wonderful park system. This
was no accident. It is the result of an enlightened leadership over the years. Our City
Council, City Administration and Park Board members have done a wonderful job
through the years. One I would single out is William Lewis who served the Park Board
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from 1949 to 1972, which means he served for 23 years. Back then there were no term
limits. He has a park named after him – Lewis Park.
With the above in mind I would like to issue a statement that criteria should be
established by this board to provide clear and definitive standards to protect our precious
parks against commercial intrusion. He stated that he would like for this to be part of the
record and he will provide Janet a copy.
Meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm