HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-14 Park Board Minutes 1
Minutes of the
Edina Park Board
December 14, 2010
Edina City Hall, Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Austin Dummer, Bill Lough, Todd Fronek, Ellen Jones, Jennifer
Kenney, Felix Pronove, Randy Meyer, Joseph Hulbert, Louise Segreto
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Peterson, Rob Presthus, Keeya Steel
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Todd Anderson
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Louise Segreto MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 9, 2010 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Jennifer Kenney SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse Consultant - Mr. Keprios reminded the Park Board
that at the November Park Board meeting he was asked to do a little more research to
see what he could find regarding consulting services and the benefits it might bring the
golf course. He indicated that it seemed to make sense to him, that if they were to spend
that kind of money, maybe they could look into the Braemar Memorial Fund.
Therefore, he asked Todd Anderson, Braemar Golf Course Manager, to call on the
Braemar Golf Association Men’s Club because that would be the proper protocol for
using those funds and see if there would be any interest or support on their behalf to
utilize the funds for that purpose. He stated that the Braemar Golf Association has a
wonderful group of volunteers and they were kind enough to spend some time with Mr.
Anderson and himself as well as they submitted a letter that is in the Park Board packet.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that he also asked the Park Board members to submit some of
their ideas on what they think should be looked at down the road if they were to hire a
consultant and thanked those members who responded.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he contacted the two vendors that Mr. Hulbert
had been in touch with and asked them to submit a proposal and both vendors did. He
stated that if they were to go that route the least expensive would be Sirius which he
thinks would do a good job in covering what it is the Park Board is looking for.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that he thinks what he is hearing from their constituents at the
golf course and the golf association is that even though a lot of the ideas are great and
there are things that need to be looked at, it is their collective opinion that the new
management is very capable as well as there is a lot of brain power in their volunteers
who play the game and are patrons of the course. Therefore, they feel they can put
themselves on the right track and essentially do their own consulting and save money.
Mr. Keprios commented that is not to say they have to go that route; it just means that
they are not going to recommend spending Braemar Memorial funds to do it. He noted
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they would need to use money from Braemar Golf Course operating funds if the Park
Board approves the proposal to hire a consultant. Mr. Keprios indicated that from staff
perspective he thinks they ought to give their new management an opportunity to
address a lot of these things and welcomes every Park Board member to be engaged in
that process.
Ms. Segreto indicated that there seems to be an issue about whether or not the memorial
funds can be used in connection with what they are discussing. She asked if it would be
appropriate to have the city attorney advise them about whether or not the funds are
available. Mr. Keprios replied that it would be appropriate but the Golf Association is
recommending that it not be used for this particular purpose. He noted that they
probably have some projects in mind long-term that they would like to save those funds
for. Ms. Segreto asked who controls the memorial fund money and asked if the Golf
Association is the governing body for disbursement of the funds. Mr. Keprios replied as
it states in the Park Board packet, the Braemar Golf Association's input is to be taken
seriously and is very valuable; however, at the end of the day it is the City Council’s
decision. Ms. Segreto asked if they are advisory to which Mr. Keprios replied yes, that
is correct.
Mr. Lough asked if they have ever had an outside consultant engaged to study Braemar
Golf Course and make recommendations about its operations. Mr. Keprios replied at
one time they had “secret shoppers” that went to all of the facilities pretending to be
customers and would write a report on what they found and what type of customer
service they received. He noted as far as having a consultant to study the efficiencies
and the business plan the answer is no. However, they have had consultants more than
once study the course and its layout as well as the clubhouse when they went through the
exercise of expanding the golf course and clubhouse, but not anything that is similar to
what is now on the table. He noted that to his knowledge we have not hired outside
consultants to study the all Braemar Golf Course operations.
Mr. Lough asked approximately what the percentage of empty tee times is over the
course of the season. Mr. Anderson replied that’s a tough question because it varies
dramatically. He noted that between the original two nines (1 through 18) they are
probably at 80% capacity. He noted the new nine is at capacity on evenings and
weekends but during the day is the tough spot. Mr. Anderson pointed out, in looking at
the numbers of other golf courses, Braemar is doing very, very well.
Mr. Lough asked what is being done to fill up the empty tee times to which Mr.
Anderson responded they are putting more money into marketing and conditioning the
course. Next year they will try to put more money into marketing the new nine during
the weekday hours earlier in the day where they are falling a little short.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they are currently in the process of updating
their business plan which is done for every enterprise facility. He indicated they work
with Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director, and that the business plans address
a lot of those questions of marketing, identifying who the customer is and where they
should focus their advertising dollars. Mr. Lough asked when the business plan will be
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ready. Mr. Keprios replied a lot is going to depend on how quickly they can get all of
their data together but should be ready by spring 2011.
Mr. Lough asked Mr. Anderson that given the scheduled tee times are a vanishing asset
has he ever looked at or pursued what he would call “innovative pricing policies” to tee
times. Mr. Anderson replied that he has done quite a bit of research into that area and he
believes it’s a short term fix to a long term detriment. He stated that once you lower
your price point to a certain level that’s what your customer remembers your price
being. He indicated Braemar has a great location and they are improving the quality of
the product so he really doesn’t feel that they should be dropping the price with the
exception of some very off times. He added that a number of courses have dropped their
prices dramatically and he thinks if the economy ever rebounds people aren’t going to
remember them being a $50.00 course but rather a $20.00 course.
Mr. Fronek indicated that by hiring a consultant it appears to him that this would have
somewhat of a return on an investment. Mr. Keprios replied he doesn’t think there is
any argument that hiring a consultant would probably have a return on investment. He
noted that he thinks the argument is the collective wisdom from the volunteers is that
they can do the same thing without paying for a consultant. They feel that our new
management ought to be given the opportunity to implement a lot of the input that he is
hearing from the people who play the course as well as the knowledge of decades of
experience Mr. Anderson has to prove we are on the right track and save $15,000
because in the end it will be the same result.
Mr. Hulbert stated he wants to see Mr. Anderson get on the right track and succeed and
he sees this as an opportunity to help Mr. Anderson succeed. He noted that he thinks
one thing a consultant could do is help to prioritize our needs and wants at Braemar.
Mr. Hulbert pointed out that they’ve talked about people not wanting to play the new
nine for various reasons but they would bring in an architect to help address some of
those concerns of why people don’t want to play that course. He added they will
conduct a survey of the golfers that we have and get demographics of the players that are
out there so that we can target our marketing efforts towards the people that play the
course and want to continue to play the course and for those who have never played it.
He stated this isn’t an investment in a depreciating item, it’s an investment to try to get
Braemar back into profitability and find new and creative ways along with the ideas staff
has. Mr. Hulbert indicated it’s not an indictment of management or staff or patrons of
the course, it’s an investment in ways to compliment and grow our community park
asset and that’s the way he is trying to present it and look at it.
Mr. Segreto indicated she agrees with Mr. Hulbert especially in light of trying to write a
business plan because she does believe there would be a return on investment. She
stated that with all due respect to the golf association and volunteers, who are valuable
to any study process, we need to recognize that their business is really not the analysis of
systems of golf operations. Therefore, she feels this should be a time to have a
professional come in and take a look. Ms. Segreto asked if there are any local
consulting firms who would be better posed to tell them how their golf course stands in
the golfing community in the Minnesota area.
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Mr. Anderson stated that he is not opposed to fresh eyes and other insights into the golf
course and added that he was a consultant to golf courses for 12 plus years so he thinks
he has a good feeling about what they would be looking at. He stressed that although he
has worked for Braemar for a long time he never had the power to do a lot of things he
wanted to do. Therefore, he would appreciate it if staff could be given a little time to do
some things because they are on track with doing some of the things mentioned that
need to be done and they know what can and can’t be done financially because it is
complex. Mr. Anderson asked the Park Board to give his staff a little time, even mid-
way through the golf season, and if things aren’t going the way the Park Board thinks
they should be then bring in a consultant. He asked for a little time because it’s always
been his plan over the winter to do some restructuring and go from there. He noted that
he would rather use those monies to implement things than go to a consultant because he
knows a consultant will propose a lot of things that right now financially cannot be
accomplished.
Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Anderson if he is aware of any local consultants in the Minnesota
area that would be comparable to the two quotes that we have. Mr. Anderson replied
that they did use Al McMurchie who is the Course Manager for Inver Wood Golf
Course in Inver Grove Heights, to do an assessment of the driving range and the new
nine. He noted that he was dead-on with the driving range but the new nine as far as a
return on investment the plan would work but over a course of a longer period of time.
Mr. Keprios stated that maybe he needs to do a little more research and if the Park Board
would like him to do that he would be happy to go back to the drawing board and find
some other local consultants to see if they are competitive and maybe more
knowledgeable of the golf courses in this area. He informed the Park Board that he did
receive a copy of the study that was done for Apple Valley for Valley Wood Golf
Course, a national golf foundation, and they ended up proposing between a 2.5 million
up to a concept of a 4.5 million dollar clubhouse replacement and stated that they still
have the old building in place even though the study was done in 2005 for $18,000. Mr.
Keprios added that their park director seemed to think that the study was marginally
beneficial for them.
Mr. Hulbert indicated that he really wants to see Mr. Anderson succeed and therefore is
trying to present something that will give him ideas so that maybe two years down the
road they could be one of those golf courses that goes from losing $200,000 to having a
million dollar turn-around and that would be Mr. Anderson’s leadership. He noted that
he would love to give Mr. Anderson time but he feels the time is now to consider this
type of thing. He explained that it’s a one week operational review and then they come
back in the summer and take a look at that new nine and give us some ideas from a
professional architect who does this for a living.
Mr. Hulbert indicated that as an example in coming up with a master plan for
Countryside Park they brought in a consultant to come up with great ideas and schematic
ways for the park to be redesigned to give people some concepts of what could be done.
He noted that Mr. Meyer made a great point at their last meeting if they are going to
redo the driving range and they want to redo the golf dome shouldn’t they be looking at
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the big picture. If they want to ultimately have a new clubhouse down the road maybe it
makes sense to relocate the golf dome, maybe it makes sense to relocate in the future
where the clubhouse would be. Mr. Hulbert stated that these consultants will come in
and help them prioritize their capital improvement plans and their wish lists and the
things that they want.
Mr. Hulbert stated that if they are going to look at putting money into the golf dome to
rebuild it or relocate it or if they want to redo the executive nine or rebuild the driving
range they are doing it with a long term vision. They are not just doing it because it
needs to be now because what if they invest ½ million dollars on a golf dome and ½
million dollars into the driving range and say five years later they want to rebuild the
clubhouse maybe it would have made more sense to put it someplace else. Mr. Hulbert
indicated that he thinks working with a consultant will give them the ability to get
together and have some focus and build a long-term plan. He stated that he knows there
are a lot of great minds in and around Braemar that want to do the same thing and they
would all be part of that process together. He commented that he thinks this is a critical
time to take a look at this jewel of our park system that right now is losing money.
Mr. Anderson indicated that he appreciates that; however, being the manager now for
only a couple of months he doesn’t feel that they are at a point where they are going to
go under. Therefore, he would ask again to give him until the middle of summer to
show the Park Board what he can do. He noted he would be happy to have some
consultants come in and he is open to things outside the box. However, he feels it’s a
little premature at this time because over the winter he has a number of things in place
and a number of changes. Mr. Anderson stated he is not against it; however, he would
just like to see it pushed back a little bit.
Mr. Dummer stated he thinks that we should not throw money into something that’s not
needed. He noted that he does agree with the idea that they need to take an evaluation
with what’s going to happen with Braemar; however, he feels Mr. Anderson and his
staff can do the evaluation themselves. He indicated that he thinks it’s important to be
in their hands from the get go all the way to the finish and in his opinion it should be
consistent the whole way through.
Mr. Anderson commented that over the course of the winter he sees staff putting
together a five year master plan and if they could go through this summer or part way
through the summer he would be more than happy to have consultants come in and
compare it. Mr. Anderson stated that he thinks they are on task to improve Braemar but
again he totally is open to another set of eyes.
Mr. Meyer indicated that he likes the suggestion of getting a local quote from a
consultant; however, he doesn’t think they should do an assessment of the course in the
middle of the winter but rather schedule it for June or July. He suggested getting a local
quote and bringing it back to the next meeting and then choose which one we would
like. If there is support for it and it is approved in the $15,000 range then they can
proceed with it that way. Mr. Meyer stated that way they can sort of get up and running
and proceed with some of their thoughts. He pointed out that the reality is the things
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they are talking about are more long-term visions and then having an assessment of that
next summer, he thinks would be more appropriate versus bringing someone in from
outside the state potentially in the middle of the winter because it probably isn’t going to
give them the value they are looking for in what they want to do.
Mr. Lough indicated that he thinks Mr. Meyer made some good points and he would
also like to continue to emphasize that there is some aspect of a turnaround situation
which does not relate to five or ten year plans. He noted that he would like see
something put together in a way that would emphasize changes from the past. He noted
that while existing patrons are certainly a wonderful asset that should be relied upon the
fact of where they are at Braemar may also suggest that they try some things that haven’t
been tried before. He stated while they may get a consultant to come in next summer
and review what’s been done he would really like to emphasize and urge Mr. Anderson
with the time available and with all of the inputs, resources, volunteers and staff that he
really works on trying to put together a plan that specifies and isolates changes that are
going to be made from how things have been done in the past because it looks as though
a turn-around is needed.
Rick Windham, 6233 Belmore, indicated that he is the 2011 President of the Braemar’s
Men’s Club and informed the Park Board that the Men’s Club did recommend that this
is not the right time for a consultant study. He indicated that it seemed Mr. Hulbert
referred to changing the clubhouse facility and noted as members of the Men’s Club,
while the clubhouse could be improved a little bit, that’s not the reason patrons come to
Braemar. He stated that what they want is a golf course that has the best golfing
experience in the area for an appropriate price. This includes having a driving range
with grass on it that is safe to hit balls on, level fairways, etc. Mr. Windham noted that
back in September they went to Mr. Anderson with a list of eight items they felt needed
to be changed and/or fixed to which Mr. Anderson took action on all eight items. He
noted they feel Mr. Anderson is a person of action that will do things that are needed.
He stated that if the Park Board wants to spend money at Braemar they should put it
towards implementing the strategic plan and sooner rather than later would be their
thought. Mr. Windham commented that in regards to making the clubhouse a place to
gather for non-golfing events he doesn’t see it as a good thing. They don’t think the
clubhouse should be competing with other restaurants and entertainment venues that are
for profit entities. He noted there are plenty of those around if a person wants to have a
beer and watch a Twins game. He commented they enjoy watching the game when they
are finished with golf but they don’t want the clubhouse filled with non-golf people as
well. They don’t think expanding the clubhouse significantly would have a big bearing
on the number of people that play golf there but rather have a quality golf facility so that
the golfing experience is better than the golf courses that compete with Braemar.
Bob Teese, 6304 Red Fox Lane, informed the Park Board there is a solid base of talent
between employees and patrons to get ideas and suggestions from. He indicated that he
doesn’t know of one consultant that’s ever come in and done anything but interview
people to get the best ideas and then play back those ideas along with some other ones
they may have learned at another golf course and put that as part of their summary and
recommendation. Mr. Teese commented that they already have a wish list at Braemar
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and they’ve already taken some action and Mr. Anderson will have a plan in place by
spring. He noted they don’t need any more help right now and if the Park Board has
$15,000 they want to spend then fix the dome because it is a money machine. Mr. Teese
pointed out that Mr. Windham is the sounding board for over 300 people who are in the
Men’s Club for what they want. He stated they want to go out with camaraderie,
friendship, a good round of golf with friends and significant others and when they finish
maybe have a beer at the clubhouse.
Mr. Windham noted that as members of the Men’s Club they would like to form a closer
working relationship with the Park Board and in May they will have an event they
would like the Park Board members to attend to interact with many of the players that
play there as well as have a good time.
Mr. Hulbert stated that he thinks what he is hearing is the Park Board would like to get a
little more information and talk about it again at their next meeting.
Mr. Fronek asked Mr. Keprios if they’ve ever done a long range plan at Braemar like
they have done at Countryside Park, Pamela Park, etc. Mr. Keprios replied they do have
a long range plan that doesn’t show up in the five year capital plan because there is no
money. He indicated there is a long-term wish list that has been on the radar screen for
some time which the business plan will outline. He noted that he would be happy to
bring that to the next meeting and noted that it addresses the expansion of the driving
range, possibly turn the executive course into a par three course, improvements to the
new nine to make it more playable, golf dome building and more. Mr. Keprios indicated
that he would be happy to bring forward both the short term and long term plan in
addition to looking at some other local consultants if that’s the direction the Park Board
would like him to go.
Ms. Jones asked is that the same as the strategic plan to which Mr. Keprios replied yes.
Mr. Keprios again stated that the reason they are not seeing it now is because there are
no dollars to do it. He stated that he thinks a consultant will tell you the same thing that
these folks already know need to be done down the road. Mr. Keprios indicated that
when you are talking about the finer day-to-day details of procedural efficiencies you are
getting a little more into management which he would prefer the Park Board not do. He
noted that Mr. Anderson is already focused on and has made some changes.
Mr. Lough stated that he hopes they are sensitive to not getting into the day to day
month to month management of an operation like Braemar. He indicated as a Park
Board member what he would like to see when you take on some of these activities that
you can establish measurement systems as to how these translate into revenue and how
that translates into costs savings and how that actually in some way or another enhances
the long-term survivability of Braemar as an asset to the city and to the citizens of
Edina.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that he thinks the goals are the same and that we are all on the
same team and want the same thing. He noted that he thinks his staff and the patrons of
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Braemar are hungry to prove they’ve got the answers and how to get there is going to be
the key.
Mr. Dummer indicated that it seems that everyone has brought up the same points of
trying to keep the idea of saving money as well as getting ideas implemented as much as
possible. He noted that he is a little confused they could either go about bringing in an
outside consultant to look at this to tell us answers that we seemingly already have or go
with staff and put the money towards fixing the golf dome or something. He stated that
he thinks they should go down the road of killing two birds with one stone.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that next month he will be happy to provide them
with a summary of what the short and long term plans are for Braemar.
Mr. Fronek indicated that if the business plan is going to in a sense duplicate what one
of these consultants does then as a Park Board he would love to see that business plan in
a more comprehensive sense. He noted then as Mr. Anderson mentioned in July or
August if their recommendation is not to have a consultant but rather have it done
internally then they have something to go back to as Mr. Lough previously said with
some type of a measurement system.
Mr. Keprios stated that if the mindset of the Park Board is to go down the road of a
consultant he can do that and that's fine; however, he would respectfully ask not to go
back and do more research and work only to find out later that you already have your
mind set on this course of action.
Mr. Hulbert commented that he is still of the mind that he would like to find out if there
is a local company and see what they would offer and bring it up at the next meeting.
He noted if Park Board members want to see what has been put together so far by staff
as far as the business plan then we need to see what has been done so far because that
will give them something to look at between now and the next meeting. He added that
he doesn’t think it takes that much time to see if there is something local and what they
have to say.
B. Veteran’s Memorial Resolution – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board he would like a
recommendation for the Veteran’s Memorial Resolution for City Council’s approval.
He pointed out that the resolution is something that is required by law in order to spend
dollars on a veteran’s memorial. He noted that basically they need to commit to the
amount of money they intend to spend on the project. He stated that the estimated costs
to design and build the memorial shall not exceed $400,000. He added that the
$400,000 is to be inclusive all soft costs, engineering fees, architect fees etc. Mr.
Keprios indicated that if they find at the end of the day that it’s going to cost slightly
more the City Council does have the authority to change that by a new resolution.
Mr. Meyer indicated that it’s his understanding that the balance of those funds will come
from donations. Mr. Keprios replied that is correct and added that the City Council has
approved the Park Board’s recommendation of $30,000 seed money through the capital
improvement plan. He noted that they will not spend any of that until all of the legal
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language is in place. Mr. Meyer asked if they should clarify that in the resolution that
the sources for funds are that the city has committed the seed funding of $30,000 and
that the balance is to come from donations. Mr. Keprios replied that he asked that
question of legal counsel and was told it’s not necessary. He noted that he thinks it’s a
good idea and they certainly could add the language that the remaining funds will be
from donated sources. He stated, however if the committee fails to raise dollars the City
Council still have the option to eventually complete it with tax dollars, the intent is to do
it with donated dollars but it doesn’t lock them into it. Mr. Meyer stated that he thinks
they have to do it one way or another if he is going to vote for the resolution. He
indicated that he thinks it needs to be clarified up front and if that changes it also should
be clarified. Mr. Meyer explained that he is uncomfortable having it pass with the
potential that if they can’t raise the funds the city is going to bill the taxpayer. Mr.
Keprios responded you could add the language that it would all be donated dollars.
Mr. Lough asked if the money can’t be raised then what alternatives does the city have,
can money already raised be returned if they decide not to complete it. He stated that
raises a whole series of questions that “intent” does not answer. Mr. Keprios replied that
the language that will be on all requests for donations will state that donations will go
through the Edina Community Foundation and if the project doesn’t go through the
funds will remain in that account to continue something eventually for a Veteran’s
Memorial whether it be next year, five years, 50 years, etc. The donation will not be
returned and will not be used for any other purpose than a Veteran’s Memorial.
Mr. Lough asked is there a time frame to which Mr. Keprios replied the Veteran’s
Committee goal is to have it completed with an opening on Veteran’s Day, November
11, 2012. Mr. Keprios stated that he can add the language that all funds besides the
$30,000 seed money will come from donations to be raised by the committee. Mr.
Meyer asked if they are going to allow construction to begin before all of the funding is
raised. Mr. Keprios replied no, they will not put a shovel into the ground until all of the
funds are in place.
Joseph Hulbert MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION WITH AN AMENDMENT
THAT THE COST TO THE CITY SHOULD NOT EXCEED $30,000 THE BALANCE
SHALL BE RAISED THROUGH PRIVATE DONATIONS. Todd Fronek
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Veterans Memorial Ordinance – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the ordinance
is also a requirement by law stating that the city has the intent to build it, equip it and
maintain it at the specific location. It clearly states that it’s not going to be left in the
hands of volunteers to maintain, it’s the city’s responsibility.
Mr. Meyer asked if we have a sense of what the maintenance will be. He also asked
what type of life expectancy of the memorial amenities they are looking at. Mr. Keprios
replied the committee has discussed those issues and their plan is for it to be very
sustainable yet durable. He noted that the maintenance will very minimal with the
exception if they decide they want to plow the snow in the winter so people can visit it
during winter months.
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Todd Fronek MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE. Jennifer Kenney
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. Community Foundation Agreement – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that it’s
staff recommendation and the recommendation of the chairman of the Veterans
Committee that they enter into this agreement with the Edina Community Foundation.
He pointed out that one of the key benefits is that the money handling will take place
from someone other than the Finance Department. Secondly, if money is donated to the
city it is public information so if someone wanted to donate anonymously this way they
could.
Mr. Fronek asked if there is going to be any permanent recognition of donors at the site.
Mr. Keprios replied that the committee is very sensitive to not give too much
recognition to the donors because the main focus and purpose is to honor veterans. He
indicated that the committee felt very strongly that those who make smaller donations
should not have their name etched in stone forever. He noted they want to appropriately
recognize the larger donors who want the recognition, which will be part of the
marketing and fundraising strategy because the larger donors are going to want
something in return. Todd Fronek MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT.
Jennifer Kenney SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
E. City Code Amendment – ATV/Snowmobile & Motorized Water Craft use on Public
Property – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he received a request from a parent
coach of the Nordic ski team from Edina High School for permission to groom a Nordic
ski trail on city property by the High School campus. He indicated that when he asked
how they were planning to groom the trail he was informed with the use of a
snowmobile. Mr. Keprios pointed out that legally they can’t do it because it’s against
City Code and the only way he could be granted permission is if they were to change the
City Code. Therefore he is recommending that the Park Board approve the concept to
recommend a City Code amendment that grants the City Manager or Park Director the
authority to grant permission to authorized City personnel or agents of the City
(approved by the Park Director or City Manager) to operate ATVs, snowmobiles and
motorized craft on City-owned park property including the City’s lakes and ponds. He
noted that permission may only be granted for maintenance, training and safety
purposes. In no case will permission be granted for recreational uses. He noted that he
recently found out that they are already covered under the ordinance for the watercraft
part of it. Mr. Keprios handed out to the Park Board the proposed amendment from the
City attorney which states specifically what is in his staff report. He pointed out that it
does grant the school district the authority to grant permission on school property to use
a snowmobile which does need to be an amendment to the city code to allow it to
happen.
Ms. Jones asked if this would apply to the Nine Mile Creek trail since it would be
county property within the city. Mr. Keprios replied they would have to discuss that
with Nine Mile because it would have to be in part of the trail agreement before the City
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grants easements to Three Rivers Park District. It would be something they would need
to negotiate with Three Rivers Park District to become part of the agreement.
Ms. Jones indicated that since it is the middle of ski team season would it be possible to
ask the City Council to waive the second reading. Mr. Keprios replied he thinks that
would be a good recommendation on the Park Board’s part. He noted that he is asking
the Park Board to recommend the document created by their attorney to adopt a
Resolution to amend Section 11435.03 subd. 2 of the City Code as written.
Mr. Meyer asked for clarification what does permission entails and will you draft a letter
stating they have permission to do the trail grooming for this season. Mr. Keprios
replied that these permissions are always done in writing and in this case we would use a
formal Park Permit which is also copied to the Police Department and Park Maintenance
Department.
Randy Meyer MOVED TO APPROVE. Ellen Jones SECONDED THE MOTION.
WITH THE RECOMMENDATION TO WAIVE THE SECOND READING AS
WELL. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT ACCEPTED. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
III. UPDATES FROM STAFF
A. Golf Dome - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that with all the record breaking
snow we received, unfortunately the golf dome collapsed. He noted that it will be
repaired as soon as possible and we expect to have it up and operational by Thursday or
Friday at the latest. Mr. Meyer asked is there insurance coverage for that to which Mr.
Keprios replied they have a $10,000 deductible on their insurance and are hoping to fix
it for less than $8,000.
B. Veterans’ Memorial – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they mailed out 16
requests for proposals and questionnaires to architecture firms and expects to get
approximately 8 to 10 returned which will then be reviewed and rated to see how many
will qualify for interviews.
C. Nine Mile Creek - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Nine Mile Creek
Regional Trail creek-based route recommendation they sent to the City Council was
approved 5 to 0. He noted that after a lengthy discussion they decided that the Park
Board’s recommendation made the most sense. He congratulated the Park Board and
thanked them for their support.
Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Meyer to bring the Park Board up to speed on the work session
held last night with Three Rivers Park District staff and the School Board of Education.
Mr. Meyer informed the Park Board that the School Board was given a presentation and
shown where the trail would go through their property now that the creek-based route
has been approved by City Council. He indicated there were a few questions and
answers and that Three Rivers is going to do some research on what the options are to
get students going to school up the hill as part of the overall plan and what costs are
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associated with that and who will be picking up those costs. He commented that they
also wanted to make sure that there would not be any limitations on the development of
the football and track field at some future date as well as they want to make sure that the
trail is not considered mitigating wetlands. He stated that overall there seems to be
support from the School Board and hopes they can get it approved.
D. Courtney Fields - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that earlier when they had the
wet heavy snow that the weight on the protective netting at Courtney fields caused
tremendous stress on all of the poles that are connected. Unfortunately, one of the poles
that had light fixtures on it snapped at the base. He noted that thankfully it missed the
building and bleachers but the light fixtures will have to be replaced. Mr. Keprios
pointed out that they did have the same engineering firm that designed and rebuilt it a
few years ago come out to look at it and see if any other poles will have to come down.
He noted that he is sure this will be an insurance issue and we will do our part to ensure
that things are back up in place and ready for use before the start of the 2011baseball
season.
Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Keprios if he expects in the future they will have to take the
netting down. Mr. Keprios replied they were specifically asked to design it so that they
wouldn’t have to take down the netting and therefore it was engineered to stay up with
four inch mesh where snow was supposed to run through it. They do not want to get
back into the scenario of taking it down because it’s a massive netting system and is a
very lengthy process. In addition, the kids want to get on the field immediately when
the snow melts.
F. Centennial Lakes – Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Centennial Lakes is now
open for skating and that the rest of the 11 rinks/hockey rinks and warming houses will
open this Friday.