HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-10 Park Board Minutes 1
Minutes of the
Edina Park Board
March 10, 2009
Edina City Hall, Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Joseph Hulbert, Jeff Sorem, Ray O’Connell, Todd Fronek, Rob
Presthus, Ben Pobuda, Randy Meyer, Jennifer Kenney, Bill Lough, Keeya Steel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Peterson
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton, Ed MacHolda
I. NEW BUSINESS
A. Welcome New Park Board Members – Mr. Fronek welcomed the new Park Board
members: Jen Kenney, Bill Lough and Keeya Steel. Each new Park Board member
introduced themselves and gave a little background. Mr. Fronek indicated that these
new members are replacing Mike Damman, George Klus and Howard Merriam and
added that he would like to acknowledge and thank them for their service to the Park
Board.
B. Park Board Member Orientation Presentation - Mr. Keprios gave a power point
orientation presentation to the Park Board members.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he was asked by the City Council to go
over the new attendance requirements as set by the City Council. Mr. Keprios
explained that for attendance purposes meetings are defined as regular monthly board
or commission meetings, special meetings called by the board or commission
including project meetings, public open houses and public hearings as well as joint
meetings with the City Council. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Park Board will be
having a joint meeting with the City Council on April 7th at 5:30 pm. He stated that
commissioners and board members must attend at least 75% of all of the meetings
that take place in a calendar year. Also, you cannot fail to attend three consecutive
meetings whether they are regular or special. Mr. Keprios noted that this does not
apply to attendance at meetings of the committees or sub-committees established by
the board or commission or subcommittee is less than the quorum of the board or
commission. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the only exception is the provisions related
to attendance of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Edina, the Edina
Community Foundation, the East Housing Foundation or the City Council.
C. Election of Officers – Mr. Keprios suggested that because there are three new Park
Board members the Park Board may want to make a motion to hold off on the election
of officers until the next Park Board meeting. Randy Meyer MOVED to accept staff’s
recommendation; Ray O’Connell SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
D. Revisions to Relationship Document – Mr. Keprios went over a section of the Youth
Athletic Associations Relationship Document pertaining to the mandatory background
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checks. He pointed out that under the current policy if any applicant (to be a
volunteer coach) has committed any of the crimes that are listed, they may never
volunteer in Edina. Mr. Keprios explained that the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA) recommends a time limit on certain lesser crimes, such as
misdemeanors (7 years) and alcohol related crimes (5 years). Mr. Keprios indicated
that at the December 2008 athletic association presidents meeting there was a
consensus to adopt the NRPA recommendations for criteria for exclusion when doing
the mandatory background checks. Mr. Keprios stated that he would ask that the
qualifications for exemptions be replaced with the NRPA recommendation.
Mr. O’Connell asked Mr. Keprios if he is aware of any violations that have occurred.
Mr. Keprios replied that he is aware of one and within enough time lapsed that person
would be able to serve now. He noted that it’s not a big problem in Edina but he
thinks it would be wise consider the NRPA’s recommendation because it is likely
based on national research and experience.
Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if he has visited with the school district regarding this
issue because he knows they are currently going over this process as well in trying to
decide what the standard policy is. He stated that they’ve been working on updating
it and commented that there may be some opportunities here for some consistencies.
Mr. Keprios replied that he has not but if this is something the Park Board would like
him to do he certainly can and delay the issue to another Park Board meeting. Mr.
Meyer responded that he doesn’t have a strong feeling about it but if the processes are
consistent then people won’t be confused as to why and how the background checks
are done. Mr. Keprios noted that there is no urgency to this and that he would be
more than happy to compare with what the school district policy is.
Mr. Fronek entertained a motion to either pass the recommendation or table it in order
to perhaps provide something consistent with the school district.
Mr. O’Connell MOVED TO PUT INTO EFFECT APPROVE STAFF
RECOMMENDATION. Todd Fronek SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Fronek stated that Mr. Meyer brings up a good point but he thinks it’s important
to follow the NRPA’s recommendation in this matter because they have a lot of
experience. In addition, the athletic association presidents also passed the
recommendation and therefore he doesn’t see why they should hold it up or
recommend something different.
Mr. Hulbert stated that it makes sense to him to have some consistency since the
school district has some similar issues with sports programs. He noted that he would
like to see it delayed to a future meeting.
Mr. Presthus indicated that he is fine with the NRPA’s recommendation.
Mr. Meyer explained that he doesn’t have any problems with how it is written. He is
just trying to think if there is a way they could streamline this or have consistency so
that people understand the process. He noted that often coaches and participants both
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participate at the school level as well as with the Park and Recreation Department.
Mr. Meyer also pointed out that maybe there are efficiencies in having the same
group do the background searches versus having two groups or find other ways to
make it more efficient for both parties.
Ms. Kenney noted that she agrees with Mr. Meyer that there is a potential overlap of
having the same person coach in both the school setting and park and recreation
setting. Therefore, if it could somehow be streamlined for consistency then the
potential for confusion could possibly be avoided.
Mr. Lough indicated that he likes the idea of consistency and efficiency and therefore
is inclined to agree with Mr. Meyer.
Ms. Steel stated that she agrees they should adopt the recommendations from the
NRPA. She also commented they should have a conversation moving forward with
the schools.
Mr. Sorem indicated that since there is no sense of urgency he thinks it’s a good idea
if Mr. Keprios talks to the school and then bring it back to a future Park Board
meeting.
Mr. Pobuda stated that if there’s no urgency he doesn’t see why they need to make a
recommendation at this meeting.
MR. O’CONNELL STATED THAT AS THE LEADER OF THE MOTION AND
HEARING THE CONVERSATION HE WOULD LIKE TO AMEND THE
CURRENT MOTION TO DELAY THE DECISION UNTIL THEY ARE
PRESENTED WITH FURTHER INFORMATION FROM MR. KEPRIOS AS TO
WHAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS DOING. Mr. Fronek SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
E. 4th of July Fireworks Vendor Selection Committee - Mr. Fronek asked if anyone
would like to volunteer to serve on the Fireworks Vender Selection Committee. Ray
O’Connell, Ben Pobuda and Jen Kenney volunteered to be on the committee.
F. Park Board/City Council Work Session – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that
there will be a Park Board/City Council work session scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th
at 5:30 pm at City Hall. He asked if anyone had any input or special agenda items
they would like to discuss with the City Council. He noted the one thing he would
suggest is to talk about the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and share some views on
where both groups are headed. Mr. Meyer suggested tying that into the Bike Task
Force and look at the overall vision for transportation around the city and how trails
will tie into the parks. In addition he has started thinking about some long term
projects with some of the other upgrades that are happening. Mr. Keprios responded
that they just had their work session with the Bike Edina Task Force to which they
covered that very subject. Mr. Keprios asked the members to e-mail anything else
they can think of. He noted that he would rather come up with some talking points
rather than just one issue.
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Mr. Meyer commented that one issue might be that the School Board is looking at
more synthetic athletic fields and they could discuss what the city’s needs are in that
regard.
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. Park Board Member Park Assignments – Mr. Fronek pointed out that Jeff Johnson is
still listed on the assignment sheet and that it should be changed to Randy Meyer.
III. UPDATES FROM STAFF
A. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board there recently
was an open house for the Nine Mike Creek Regional Trail on March 9th at which 253
people were in attendance. He noted that they received a lot of feedback and great
input from the community. Mr. Keprios explained that before the Three Rivers Park
District and the Action Team refine more alignments they are going to ask each
neighborhood to nominate a resident neighbor to serve on the Action Team to help
identify which is the best alternative alignment in each trail segment. He pointed out
that they want the people to have an opportunity to share their views and
recommendations on what is the best alignment for this trail. Mr. Keprios indicated
that ultimately it’s going to come to the Park Board for to discuss and make a
recommendation to the City Council. He added that they still have a long way to go.
Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if at the next Park Board meeting he could give a ten
minute overview of what is they are looking at and what the concerns are. Mr.
Keprios replied that he will have Jonathan Vlaming, Planning Manager for Three
Rivers Park District give a very detailed presentation at next month meeting. His
presentation will be for informational purposes only and there will not be any formal
action requested of the Park Board at that meeting. Therefore, there will not be any
public testimony sought on that agenda item next month. He added that he will also
continue to send the Park Board all of the e-mails and letters he receives from the
community.
Mr. Lough asked if all of the controversy involves parkland. Mr. Keprios explained
that the land they are currently proposing to put the trail on is either owned by the city
or it goes out on to the streets where the City has boulevard easements. He noted that
none of the proposed alignments call for acquiring private property; however, some
easements will need to be needed.
Mr. O’Connell asked about the proposed walking trail and bike friendly overpass at
the Crosstown between Gleason and the high school property. Mr. Keprios replied
that is part of the plan to build a stand alone walking and biking bridge to safely get
over the Crosstown Highway 62 at an area that would create a connection between
the south end of Bredesen Park and the northwest section of the School District’s
High School/Creek Valley Elementary School campus property.
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B. Approval of the December 9, 2008 Park Board Minutes – Joseph Hulbert MOVED
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE LAST MEETING IN DECEMBER.
Randy Meyer SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
C. Pamela Park Task Force – Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that a task force
was put together which included residents as well as representatives from the athletic
associations. He noted that Ms. Tilsner, Mr. MacHolda and himself met with this task
force to help establish an updated master plan for Pamela Park. Mr. Keprios
commented that the first meeting they had there was some wonderful input from the
residents and the athletic associations. Het noted that their next meeting will be in
April. He pointed out that the mission is to hopefully get a consensus from the task
force so that they will be ready to go out to the greater community to seek their input
and invite them to a Park Board meeting. He stated that they have a great task force
and it seems to be working very well.
D. Pamela Park Playground Equipment – Mr. MacHolda informed the Park Board that
this year Pamela Park will have their playground equipment replaced. He indicated
they used the same process where two neighbors represent the greater neighborhood.
He noted that after multiple meetings they decided on a plan with “Little Tykes,”
which was the low bidder at $150,000. Mr. MacHolda commented that the new
equipment should be installed by the end of June. He noted that it will be the same
type of equipment that is currently at McGuire Park.
E. Annual Board and Commission Meeting - Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board to be
sure to contact Susan Heiberg as to whether or not they will be attending the annual
board and commission meeting on March 16th at 5:00 pm at Braemar.
IV. PARK BOARD COMMENTS
A. Outdoor Hockey Season - Mr. Sorem stated that he would like to send kudos to Mr.
Cockriel and his staff again for a wonderful outdoor park hockey season. He
indicated that these guys are known around the state as having the best outdoor ice
and it’s much appreciated. Mr. Sorem commented that most cities threw in the towel
during the warm spell but that Edina kept going and were able to stay open another
two weeks. He also noted that it seemed to him like the rinks were more crowded
than usual.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.