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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-08 Park Board Minutes 1 Minutes of the Edina Park Board April 8, 2008 Edina City Hall, Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Joseph Hulbert, Rob Presthus, Randy Meyer, Howard Merriam, George Klus, Mike Damman, Dan Peterson, Jeff Sorem, Ray O’Connell, Todd Fronek MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Nelson STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton I. ELECTION OF OFFICERS John Keprios opened up the floor for nominations for Chair of the Park Board. Jeff Sorem MOVED TO NOMINATE TODD FRONEK. Howard Merriam MOVED TO NOMINATE MIKE DAMMAN. Ray O’Connell MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS. George Klus SECONDED THE MOTION. A secret ballot was done to which Mr. Keprios tallied the count. Mr. Keprios stated that Todd Fronek has been voted as Chair of the Park Board. John Keprios opened the floor for Vice Chair of the Park Board Howard Merriam MOVED TO NOMINATE MIKE DAMMAN. Ray O’Connell MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS. George Klus SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Keprios stated that Mike Damman has been voted as the Vice-Chair of the Park Board. Mr. Keprios congratulated and thanked Mr. Fronek and Mr. Damman. II. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 12, 2008 PARK BOARD MINUTES Ray O’Connell MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 12, 2008 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Howard Merriam SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. 2 III. NEW BUSINESS A. Countryside Park Master Plan - Mr. Keprios gave a brief overview of the project and showed the Park Board two concept drawings that were done by architects for Countryside Park. Mr. Keprios handed out the current capital improvement plan and pointed out the projects that are in line for the next several years. He stated that the plan is pertinent to their discussion tonight as to the funding because he sees in the not too distant future they probably will have an opportunity to fund this project through the capital improvement plan. He noted that is one option that can be discussed at a different meeting. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the architect took input from the Park Board meeting and the committee when coming up with the two different concepts. He noted that in both concepts there is no outdoor skating. However, everything is subject to change based on the process and input from the neighborhood. Mr. Keprios stated that last time he was of the opinion that we ought to wait until we have the money in hand before we start to look at improving the park. However, he now has a different view and is of the opinion that we don’t know how much money to ask for if we don’t know what the plan is. Therefore, what he is proposing that the Park Board support the concept and process of sending out notices to all of those that live within 1,000 feet of the park. He indicated there would be an informal off camera setting where the architect would show the two concepts and get input. He stated that once the neighborhood and Park Board have given their input, the architect would come back with a consensus plan. Mr. Keprios stated that once he receives the blessing he will start to put dollars to it and they can start to decide whether they want to put it into their capital plan or look at other funding alternatives. Mr. Fronek stated the motion is on the floor to give our blessing to have Mr. Keprios meet with the neighbors of Countryside Park as well as the consultant in order to further develop these concepts. George Klus SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Meyer asked if 1,000 feet would be a wide enough area and suggested that other forms of public notification be used whether it’s a sign in the park or a notice in the Sun newspaper. He stated that he thinks we want to make sure that we get to the people who are using the space versus just the neighbors that happen to live within 1,000 feet because he is sure that people from all over use Countryside Park. Mr. Merriam informed the Park Board that today he spent a little bit of time at Countryside Park and noted that by being there in person it really gave him a whole different view of the park. He noted that perhaps the new Chair could facilitate a visit to the park. He stated that it’s just an idea to get a view of everything by actually being at the park. 3 Mr. Klus stated that he knows the Fire Department uses the tennis courts and basketball court quite a bit and suggested that they may want to get their input as well. Mr. Damman commented that he agrees with Mr. Meyer in that they should use other forms of public notification in addition to a mailing to the neighborhood because there are a lot of people who travel to come and use Countryside Park. He stated that they need to give everyone a chance that uses Countryside Park to give their input. Mr. Peterson stated that he would like to see Colonial Church involved with this as well. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he did have a face to face meeting with Colonial Church’s Business Director to which he laid out all of the plans and asked for them to provide him some written input. He indicated to Mr. Peterson that if he thinks there are some other amenities that would benefit the church that currently are not in plan he would love to hear them. He added that he suggested to their Business Director to consider a cooperative adventure with the parking lot renovation but has not received any commitment from Colonial Church at this point. Mr. Sorem stated that he thinks these are some great concepts and is excited for the discussions with the neighbors to see what some of their ideas are for the park. However, the most interesting idea he wants to hear from the neighbors is about the need for a walking path especially with Bredesen Park being close by. He noted that the big thing is getting the neighborhood’s input and finalizing the plan. Mr. O’Connell commented that regarding the Bredesen Park walking path maybe they could promote a good interconnect by expanding around Countryside Park. Mr. O’Connell pointed out that anything they can do to maximize the parking will help sell the package because that’s a big issue on Olinger. He noted that the tennis court at Countryside Park does get used a lot. Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios to look into the potential private development next door because it could have some type of athletic potential in it. He commented that he thinks it’s important for the neighbors to know about it even though it’s not controlled by the city and is a private development. Mr. Keprios replied that he will keep a close watch on it and report back at the next Park Board meeting. Mr. Fronek commented that he thinks they have some great concepts moving forward and it’s a great starting point to talk to the neighbors. Todd Fronek entertained a motion to close discussion. George Klus MOVED. Howard Merriam SECONDED. Todd Fronek stated that the motion on the table is TO DIRECT MR. KEPRIOS TO MEET WITH THE NEIGHBORS BUT ALSO TO HAVE SOME FORM OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION THROUGH THE NEIGHBORS, COLONIAL CHURCH AND THE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Hulbert asked Mr. Keprios if he would consider sending out notices to the people who live further than 1,000 feet to the north because to the south are the fire 4 department and the Crosstown Highway and to the west is the church. He also asked if a sign could be placed on the fence of the little league field letting people know there might be a meeting to talk about the park. Mr. Keprios replied he would be happy to look at 1,500 feet and see where the lines seem to make the most sense. He commented that they will be liberal when picking a radius that makes sense. Mr. Keprios stated that he thinks it’s appropriate to post some signs at the park as well as well as inform the athletic associations and put a notice in the newspaper. B. Community Education Services Board – Mr. Keprios stated that he is very pleased to announce that Ray O’Connell has volunteered to serve on the Community Education Services Board. Mr. Keprios thanked Mr. O’Connell. IV. UPDATES FROM STAFF A. Fireworks Display Selection Committee - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he is looking for a volunteer who would be willing to serve on the fireworks display selection committee. He explained that it is a one time meeting only committee where vendors would show their fireworks display both in writing and on a DVD. He noted there may be a representative from Fairview Southdale Hospital as well as a couple of staff members and hopefully the fire marshal. He added that Fairview Southdale Hospital is donating $15,000 for the fireworks display; therefore, they don’t want to leave any money on the table and want to select the best vendor with the best proposal. Mr. Keprios asked that any Park Board members who may be interested in being on this committee can talk to him after the meeting. B. Murals on the City Gym Walls - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Edina Public Art Committee did a super job with the murals that are now on the walls of the two city gyms on the Edina Community Center campus. Mr. Keprios showed a few pictures of what some of the murals look like. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they had enough funding from their interest earnings from the development of the gyms that they were able to pay for these. V. PARK BOARD COMMENTS A. Walking Path at Braemar - Mr. O’Connell commented that he has had a couple of conversations with Mr. Valliere regarding the walking trail that goes along the north side of the golf course and stops just south of the maintenance shed. He noted that it looks like they can tie that trail into the old trail that is above the gun range and goes across the west side of the golf course and down on the south side and then comes up over the hills and on to Gleason. Mr. O’Connell indicated that they would like to somehow find a way to get around that corridor because it’s a very dangerous corner. Mr. Keprios replied that’s a great idea and he will make it a point to talk to Wayne Houle, City Engineer. He indicated that he knows there are some wetland challenges in that corner and he doesn’t know just how much they can widen the trail if at all. 5 B. Vandalism in the Parks - Mr. Peterson commented that he recently read an article in the “About Town” on park vandalism and cameras. He asked Mr. Keprios if they caught the people and asked what happens when they are caught. Mr. Keprios replied he doesn’t know that it does an effective job of catching the people as much as it does to deter the vandalism. He noted that they have caught one person and they’ve identified the face of another. He stated that if the camera keeps the kids from vandalizing the parks then their mission has been accomplished and it seems to be working.