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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-12 Park Board Minutes 1 Minutes of the Edina Park Board February 12, 2008 Edina City Hall, Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Ray O’Connell, Todd Fronek, Rob Presthus, Mike Damman, Joseph Hulbert, Howard Merriam, Randy Meyer, George Klus, Dan Peterson MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Nelson, Jeff Sorem STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton I. WELCOME NEW PARK BOARD MEMBERS – INTRODUCTIONS Dan Peterson, Joseph Hulbert and Rob Presthus, new Park Board members, each introduced themselves to the Park Board. II. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 8, 2008 PARK BOARD MINUTES George Klus MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 8, 2008 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Randy Meyer SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Park Board Orientation - Mr. Keprios gave a 20-minute Power Point presentation on the Park and Recreation Department to the Park Board. Mr. O’Connell stated that he has two questions. First, in Edina’s 20/20 Plan it states there is a plan to expand Centennial Lakes both to the north and to the south and was wondering what the current status is with that. He noted that his second question is they’ve talked many times about the GM piece of property and noted that is has changed hands and asked if there is any availability of that land for park land. Mr. Keprios stated that the development of the publicly owned property to the north of Centennial Lakes Park is called The Promenade. There has been significant public input into the process and this exciting plan is moving forward. In answer to the second question Mr. Keprios informed Mr. O’Connell that the GM site has not been discussed as being appropriate park property. However, he does know that the city is very interested in the Golden Valley Microwave Foods building. It may potentially become the site for the new public works building. B. Appointment to the Community Education Services Board – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Linda Presthus has been the Park Board’s liaison to the Community Education Services Board for a long time. However, since her term has now ended they need to find a current Park Board member to take her spot. He 2 indicated that he thinks the city and the school do a great job of communicating with each other. He noted that he thinks this is a great way for the volunteers of the community from the Park Board and Community Education to keep that connection open. He stated that Ms. Presthus did a wonderful job and that he appreciates all of the time that she has put into it. C. HopeKids Evening at Edinborough Park – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he is proposing that the City of Edina support the “HopeKids” mission by offering them free use of Edinborough Park the evening of Friday, May 30, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mr. Keprios explained that HopeKids is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is “to provide ongoing events and activities and a powerful, unique support community for children with cancer and other life- threatening medical conditions. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope can be a powerful medicine.” HopeKids was founded in October 2001 and they serve over 600 children in primarily the Phoenix and Twin Cities areas. Mr. Keprios stated that he believes the City of Edina can offer these 200 (or more) HopeKids participants and volunteers a very special and memorable night at Edinborough Park. He indicated that at this point in time, it is highly unlikely that Edinborough Park will receive a request for a private rental on this date. He added that Adventure Peak indoor playground and Great Hall closes to the public at 5:00 pm so he does not see there being a problem. Mr. Keprios indicated that if the Park Board approves this recommendation and the event is a success, it is his intent to present a challenge; via the Minnesota Park and Recreation Association, to other Park and Recreation Departments throughout Minnesota to open their doors for one special event for these very special children. Staff recommended that the Edina Park Board recommend to the City Council that the City of Edina provide HopeKids exclusive and free use of Edinborough Park on Friday, May 30, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mr. Keprios noted that it would be a one-time event for this group and explained that he doesn’t feel he has the authorization to do this on his own and therefore he would like to have the Park Board’s approval. George Klus MOVED TO APPROVE THE FREE USE OF EDINBOROUGH PARK FOR THIS GROUP, MAY 30, 2008 FROM 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM. Todd Fronek SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios if he feels this is something that he has to bring before the Park Board and City Council because he would think as staff he could just do this because he can’t see these things being controversial. Mr. Keprios replied that technically and legally he is not allowed to give anything away. He explained that 3 this is a large enough event and even though there is very little out of pocket expense to the city it’s a matter of precedence and policy. Mr. Merriam asked if as a Park Board they could volunteer to participate or help out with the event. Mr. Keprios replied that would be wonderful and that he would pass the information on to the appropriate people to see if they could use some volunteers. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sharon LaBine, 5229 Lochloy Drive, asked how the Park Board members are elected. Mr. Keprios explained that first there is an application process and then there is an interview process with City Council members. It was noted that all openings are published in the Sun Current as well as posted on the City’s website. V. UPDATES FROM STAFF A. Outdoor Skating Rinks - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that all of the outdoor skating rinks will remain open until Sunday, March 2nd and then depending on the weather they may continue to keep the following four rinks open: Highlands, Weber, Cornelia School and Lewis. B. Lewis Park Proposal – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Lewis Park proposal will be on the March 3rd City Council Agenda. C. Braemar Non-Resident Patron Card – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that their recommendation for the non-resident patron card for Braemar will be on the February 19th City Council agenda. D. Courtney Maintenance Building – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Courtney Maintenance Building is currently under construction. E. Boards and Commissions Meeting – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Boards and Commissions meeting will be held on Monday, March 17th at 5:00 pm at Braemar Golf Course. He noted that formal invitations will be sent out. F. Edina Unplugged – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Monday, March 10th is the annual “Edina Un-Plugged” where everyone is encouraged to not schedule any activities but to spend time with their kids. He noted that it’s been a great initiative and it gives us a kind of look in the mirror approach as to how overscheduled we can sometimes be. G. Fairview Southdale Hospital – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Fairview Southdale Hospital has agreed to again sponsor the fireworks. They are giving us a $15,000 sponsorship of our fireworks at Rosland Park this year for the Fourth of July. 4 H. Athletic Facilities Fundraising Group - Mr. Klus gave an update on the Athletic Facilities Fundraising Foundation. He noted that he will be meeting with the Facilities Committee for the Board of Education on February 20th. He explained that they have been working on a needs assessment for their fundraising efforts on school property. Mr. Klus indicated the proposal they are initially looking at is to spend approximately 3.75 million dollars of fundraising over time to donate to school property to help improve some of their facilities. Mr. Klus stated that secondly, they are looking at fundraising approximately 1.7 million to 1.8 million dollars to improve Pamela Park. I. Garden Park Pathway, York Park and McGuire Park Playground Equipment - Mr. Keprios stated that in two weeks they are going to open bids to construct the master plan for the Garden Park pathway. In addition, they will open bids to replace the playground equipment at York Park and McGuire Park. J. Park Board Meeting Calendar – Mr. Keprios pointed out a couple of changes on the 2008 Park Board meeting calendar. He noted that the September Park Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 10th because of the primary election. The November Park Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12th because of Veteran’s Day. Mr. Keprios also pointed out that the Braemar Inspection tour will take place on Tuesday, July 8th starting at 1:00 pm. VI. PARK BOARD COMMENTS A. Thank You to Outgoing Park Board Members - Mr. Klus stated that he would like the minutes to reflect a big thank you to Andy Finsness, Linda Presthus and Karla Sitek. He indicated that these are three individuals who have given quite a few years to this Park Board and have provided a lot of leadership and a lot of their time. Mr. Keprios mentioned that the outgoing board members will be recognized for all of their years of service at the Boards and Commission meeting on March 17th. B. Winter Night Out - Mr. Damman informed the Park Board that he attended the “Winter Night Out” on January 11th and that it was very successful. He noted that some of the rinks had a lot of people while others there were not as many. He indicated that it’s his understanding that next year they are going to trim it down and focus on a few of the more popular areas. Mr. Damman commented that he talked to a lot of people who were very happy about the event. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00 PM.