HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-11 Park Board Minutes 1
Minutes of the
Edina Park Board
January 11, 2011
Edina City Hall, Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Lough, Todd Fronek, Ellen Jones, Jennifer Kenney, Joseph
Hulbert, Louise Segreto, Dan Peterson, Rob Presthus, Keeya Steel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Randy Meyer, Felix Pronove, Austin Dummer
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Louise Segreto MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 14, 2010 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Jennifer Kenney SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse Consultant - Mr. Hulbert proposed to the Park Board
that they submit a recommendation to the City Council that they utilize the services of
an independent consultant to help put together a vision for Braemar Park. He explained
that he would like to see it cover items listed on pages one through seven of NGF’s
proposal. He added he would also like to see a customer survey done which he thinks
would be beneficial for marketing and feedback to course management.
Mr. Hulbert pointed out that during the last three years the clubhouse has lost $470,000.
He noted that he realizes $15,000 to $20,000 is a lot to pay for a consultant and as the
City Finance Director said at their November meeting this amount of money will not
make a difference one way or another on a multi-million dollar facility like Braemar
especially if it’s going to add value over the next several years.
Mr. Hulbert stated that as far as a consultant he thinks it’s important that the consultant
not be in competition with Braemar. In addition, he doesn’t think they should be in the
business of facilitating the sale or taking over the management of a golf course and
doesn’t think they should be affiliated past or present with the course or its management;
however, they should have extensive experience in the field.
Mr. Hulbert indicated that Mr. Keprios did contact a local consultant “Continental Golf
Corporation”, and included in the Park Board packet is a letter from their president
David Mooty. He stated that after researching it, it just didn’t feel like it was the right
fit. Mr. Hulbert noted that he contacted the “United States Golf Association” to try to
find a reputable lead to put him in touch with. He commented he was given the name of
a group in Wisconsin; however, they only work in turf management and maintenance
operations but suggested he contact the National Golf Foundation which he already had.
2
Ms. Steel apologized for not being at the last Park Board meeting but noted that she did
watch it online. She indicated she liked the comparison to the Pamela Park and
Countryside Park long-term plans that have been done in the past; however, this has a
business component to it and they need to look at the operational aspects. She pointed
out that she also thinks they need to look at the community input aspect and would like
to entertain the idea of putting together a task force like they have done in the past for
Pamela Park and the Veterans Memorial.
Ms. Steel explained that she put together a handout and that the purpose of the task force
would be to come together before the consultant came to Edina so that they could
discuss what their concerns and questions would be for the consultant. Ms. Steel stated
that Mr. Hulbert and she were able to talk to NGF and they do take community input as
part of their report which would be valuable. She commented that more importantly the
task force would be completing an evaluation of the report and will then present an
action plan to the Park Board. She indicated that she thinks this follows the precedent
that the Park Board has set in the past and allows for community input from those who
would be interested in being involved in this process.
Mr. Segreto indicated that she thinks combining a task force and an outside independent
consultant would really give them the best of both worlds in terms of getting local input
and a breath of fresh air.
Mr. Lough stated that he thinks systemic losses by golf operations in total over time
should be unacceptable to city management and to the City Council. He noted that if
what they are trying to do is take a look at forecasts, which are continuing to project
losses, then if the City Council wishes the Park Board to take a look at ways in which
they can stop an enterprise operation from systemically losing money that he thinks they
would have some sort of charter for them to do that. He asked who is it now that looks
in detail at an enterprise operation to try to assure the city and community that
something that was not meant to be subsidized per se by other sources of revenue is
indeed on the road to becoming healthy. He stated that if they think it would be useful
to have a consultant then they can make that recommendation to the City Council;
however, he hasn’t gone into enough detail to understand the plans from the
management themselves as to what it is they are trying to do to correct the situation. He
indicated that a consultant is going to do a long laundry list of one year, two year, three
year operating plans and make detailed recommendations about pluses and minuses that
can be done now and in the near future. Mr. Lough commented that his own personal
experience is that the amounts of money that they are talking about are fairly modest;
however, any amount of money that they might spend on something like this should
probably be approved by the City Council even if they have local authority to do so for
less than $20,000.
Mr. Peterson indicated that every municipal golf operation have the same thing on their
agenda. He noted that a lot of it is the economy and added that private clubs are going
downhill and cutting staff. He stated that he thinks they have good management at
3
Braemar and they are lucky to have them. He indicated that one thing he would like a
consultant and task force to look at is should we continue to have two dedicated
executive or par three courses, is one enough. Secondly, can they continue to afford 27
holes for the regulation course? It costs a lot of money and maybe they could save staff
and maintenance costs if they only need 18 holes, at least until the economy improves.
Mr. Fronek indicated that he agrees with Mr. Peterson and he doesn’t think this whole
process has ever been an indictment of current or former management, Braemar has run
great for 40 plus years of its existence. He noted that Braemar is a great jewel in the
middle of their city and they provide a great service to their residents. However, he does
not want to wait until Braemar becomes a crisis. Mr. Fronek pointed out that he thinks
now is probably the time to look at Braemar and decide what they want to do in terms of
a 10 or 15 year plan and thinks a consultant is going to be a good first step in starting to
formulate that process.
Ms. Jones stated that she agrees they may want to consider creating a task force but her
concern is that they lose sight of the big vision. She noted they have this wonderful golf
course but according to the 15 year plan they are going to have to invest over three
million dollars to which the majority will go towards maintenance. She indicated that
she has no idea how they would be able to fund that and doesn’t know what the
priorities are. Ms. Jones stated that she does think that if they seek help for how they
can go about budgeting for it they could help them with that. She commented that she
does want community involvement, especially the people involved in the Braemar Golf
Club. She noted that she wants them to remain involved and doesn’t want them to feel
alienated by hiring a consultant. She added that she also doesn’t want them to waste
their money on a consultant going down paths the community doesn’t want so therefore
the idea of identifying what they want the task force to look at can save them money.
Mr. Presthus indicated that isn’t the general purpose of what they are doing on this right
now is to try to find ways to get more revenue at the golf course. He commented as Mr.
Fronek pointed out Braemar has been successful for 40 plus years and compared to most
public courses it’s very successful but now they are in an economic downturn. He
indicated that he likes the idea of a task force and based on the information they received
from Mr. Mooty he thinks they should combine the two as a first step rather than pay
$15,000 to $20,000 on a consultant. He noted that maybe they don’t want to use Mr.
Mooty but he is trying to expand on the task force and maybe they should appoint the
task force to work with Braemar staff and focus on their revenue enhancement side
rather than the big picture items to start.
Mr. Hulbert stated that his original thought was to have an A to Z evaluation of the
course and stated that he doesn’t see why they can’t go with both NGF & Mr. Mooty.
He indicated that it takes a little time to build up momentum and try to get something
accomplished. He noted it was his intent from the beginning why look at half the
operation when you can look at the entire operation.
Ms. Segreto asked in terms of the notification requirements to form a task force is there
a requisite notice period that would slow the process down. Mr. Keprios replied he
4
believes you can form a task force on your own and that you don’t need to rely on City
Council to do that. He noted that he would recommend that staff be added to the task
force. Mr. Hulbert commented that he could see it being valuable to have staff present
at the meetings and help direct thoughts and ideas.
Joseph Hulbert MOVED THAT PARK BOARD SUBMIT A RECOMMENDATION
TO CITY COUNCIL THAT WE UTILIZE THE SERVICES OF AN INDEPENDENT
GOLF CONSULTANT ALONG WITH THE PROPOSED TASK FORCE.
Todd Fronek SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Fronek stated that to clarify Ms. Steel’s “Proposed Task Force Composition” the
purpose of the task force is in part to determine the scope of the consultant and he asked
Ms. Steel to comment on the scope of the task force.
Ms. Steel explained that first she wanted to make sure the Park Board was in agreement
with the composition of the Task Force. She noted that secondly she thought the Park
Board could come to some agreement on that part and then go ahead with the motion.
Mr. Hulbert asked Ms. Steel how she thinks the task force would operate in its roles and
responsibilities. Ms. Steel replied instead of making a motion first she wanted to have
more discussion. Ms. Steel apologized to Mr. Keprios for not including staff in the task
force.
Ms. Segreto agreed staff should be a part of the task force and asked how many staff
members would be appropriate. Mr. Fronek replied he thinks Todd Anderson, Manager
of Braemar, should be part of the task force. Ms. Segreto stated that her concern is that
it not be too large that it becomes cumbersome and suggested having a total of ten
people on the task force. Ms. Jones stated that for the Small Site Task Force she was on
there were 20 plus people on it and she felt it functioned well as an open type of body;
they did not turn anyone away who was interested in being involved. Ms. Segreto
responded that she is in favor of keeping it as small as they can and that ten members
would be good. In addition, she agrees Mr. Anderson should be added as the staff
representative.
Ms. Jones asked if they should discuss the immediate timeline they are thinking. Mr.
Keprios replied that a task force by definition is a short-term working committee, it’s not
an ongoing commission or board and the life expectancy is until the end of the project,
however long that takes. He stated that he thinks it’s a little premature to determine
how long it needs to be in existence but he would think they would want to have them
stick around until the consultant has done what the task force wants them to do since that
appears to be the purpose of it. Also he would think the task force would stick around
until the results of the study and the recommendations of the consultants are complete
and presentations are delivered to Park Board and City Council and at that time the task
force job would be done. Mr. Keprios commented that he doesn’t think there needs to
have a definitive ending date. Ms. Steel asked can they determine when they begin
meeting to which Mr. Keprios replied as soon as the task force can be assembled they
can start meeting.
5
Mr. Hulbert clarified that Mr. Keprios will be part of the task force as a staff liaison to
which Mr. Keprios replied he would be happy to be on the task force.
Mr. Hulbert indicated if this goes to the City Council and they agree he would like for
the consultant to do a site visit when the golf course is in operational mode. He noted it
would be nice to have the task force in place a month ahead of time so they are able to
have one or two meetings so that they can brainstorm some ideas. Mr. Hulbert asked
Ms. Steel to comment on ways she thought the task force would interact with the Park
Board. Ms. Steel replied that their purpose would be to develop and present an action
plan to the Park Board. She noted that Mr. Keprios could give updates to the Park
Board as they go along as well there will be some Park Board members on the task
force.
Mr. Keprios stated that one of the challenges they may face is there may be more than
one person from the clubs and association that want to be involved and who do you pick
at that point because he does think there will be a lot of support and enthusiasm for it.
Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Hulbert if he is recommending just a consultant or does he want
a specific consultant. Mr. Hulbert responded he would like to recommend to the City
Council to hire an independent consultant that has no ties or affiliation with anyone at
Braemar to give an unvarnished assessment of recommendations as well as have
community input and find a way to tie the two together. He noted he would like enough
time to have at least a couple of meetings before the consultant begins their process so
that the task force can give their input to the consultant.
Ms. Segreto commented that she’s a little confused because Mr. Lough explained why
he thought it would be best for this issue to be sent to the City Council with a
recommendation but she thought the Park Board had authority to make a decision for
expenditures that were less than $20,000. Mr. Keprios explained the Park Board has the
authority to advise the City Council regardless of the dollar amount. He stated that
when money is involved anything under $20,000 does not necessarily have to be brought
to City Council to expedite your process. He indicated that if the Park Board wanted to
save time as long as the cost is under $20,000 it becomes the City Manager’s decision
whether or not it needs to go to City Council for consideration and, if not, he has the
authority to sign the contract.
Ms. Segreto indicated that she has spent a lot of time looking at the proposals and as far
as she is concerned based on the discussions they’ve had she would like to recommend
NGF to the City Council so that they don’t have to go through the lengthy process of
listening to presentations because that will slow down the process.
Ms. Steel stated that she is not comfortable sending a recommendation to the City
Manager because she feels with Park Board being appointed by the City Council it is
their duty to advise the City Council.
Ms. Kenney noted that she agrees with Ms. Steel but it seems to some extent they are
not in agreement on exactly how they should proceed. She pointed out that she feels
6
more comfortable with the recommendation of forming a task force, and possibly at the
same time recommending to the City Council that once they receive feedback from the
task force that the feedback would then be provided to the consultant to look at. She
stated that she thinks it’s premature right now for them to name a consultant and have
the City Manager sign a contract.
Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board if the City Council passes the recommendation what
process would they like to use for the selection of a consultant. Mr. Hulbert replied if
the City Council agrees with the recommendation and hypothetically want to put out
their own Request For proposal his only request would be to include the two consultants
they have already done. He stated again what’s important to him is that they be
independent and unaffiliated with the Braemar and provide truly an independent
analysis. Mr. Keprios replied that with all due respect the Park Board did ask staff to do
that but then put a stop to it and did your own research. Mr. Keprios stated that he
doesn’t think they should expect the City Council to decide on which consultants they
are going to use or decide on the process, they will more than likely look to the Park
Board to provide that. Mr. Hulbert stated that he is trying to be respectful of City
Council and their decision making ability. Mr. Keprios explained that typically the
ways these things work is you would request what you feel is in the best interest of the
City of Edina to hire an independent consultant and would then ask staff to put together
a request for proposal which would then be sent out to the Park Board to review. He
indicated to Mr. Hulbert that he has already done that on his own and if that is what the
Park Board is comfortable with then he is okay with that because he is here to support
the Park Board and is more than happy to do the leg work that is his job. Mr. Keprios
stressed that he thinks if you ask the City Council to tell you which consultants you
should hire is not a good recommendation to come from the Park Board. He stated that
if you want to go forward and you’re not comfortable with what you currently have and
you’re not ready to make a decision maybe you would like for the task force to be
involved in that or perhaps you want staff to send out more RFP’s; however, he doesn’t
think Park Board should ask the City Council to give you direction on what to
recommend.
Mr. Presthus indicated that based on everything he’s heard he would suggest that they
approve the idea of putting together a task force and he likes the start of what the
composition of the task force is. However, he does think there needs to be some
discussion outside of this meeting to finalize what the actual composition is. He noted
that he thinks they are on the right track but there are a couple of other ideas that they
don’t necessarily need to talk about now. He commented that they still have time to
establish that and put it together because they are not hiring a consultant until the
summer when the course is open. He stated that he thinks part of the point of putting the
task force together will be for them to decide whether it makes sense as well as for them
to use a consultant. He commented if they want to use a consultant the task force can
help review that because like Mr. Keprios stated he has done a lot of this work already
and if the task force is going to be involved then why don’t they just approve a task
force. Mr. Hulbert responded that he would like for the recommendation to include that
we utilize the services of a consultant and if it’s NGF, the one he is most comfortable
with, that’s what he would make a motion on. Mr. Presthus noted that what he is saying
7
is if they are going to make a task force they might as well empower them in that way
because it’s not a one person decision; otherwise don’t even have a task force.
Mr. Lough stated that he agrees to some point with what Mr. Presthus is saying. He
noted the purpose of the task force, as Ms. Steel has written, would be to define specific
concerns and questions to ask the consultant. Mr. Lough indicated that it sounds like
what they need is a body to bring them together around what they are trying to figure out
going forward. He stated if the consultant can answer these questions and propose
solutions that they think may be helpful then at that time they could entertain the idea of
going ahead and hiring a consultant and sorting out which consultants will be the best.
Mr. Lough commented isn’t the primary purpose of the task force to get the issues
framed, the questions asked and the concerns defined.
Mr. Hulbert commented that he just thinks they are looking at it from different
directions and that the concept for task force is to let the consultant know what’s
important to the community with the golf course. Mr. Lough replied that may turn out
to be the case but you have to go through that step first and we are not necessarily
wedded to a consultant once they’ve made a list of concerns and questions but wouldn’t
the task force have to recommend that.
Mr. Presthus asked isn’t the point of bringing in an outside consultant to get a whole set
of fresh eyes and we can point them in the direction with the task force. He noted that
he likes the idea of a task force but if we are telling a consultant this is what we want
and building around this then they are not really coming with fresh eyes. Mr. Hulbert
pointed out that he thought it was important because it’s a community golf course and
the community in some ways should be involved in the process to make sure they can
convey their list of concerns, thoughts and ideas for the course. He noted that ultimately
the consultant would be someone who would come in and give an evaluation and ideas
for the course. Mr. Presthus suggested that the task force come up with their ideas and
the consultant has their own ideas and then they two can collaborate together after that.
Mr. Hulbert responded that he doesn’t think the consultant is going to stick around and
collaborate with the task force. Mr. Presthus replied no but they can take the consultant’s
proposal and compare it with what the task force has been saying and then the Park
Board would choose the best route to go forward, they would be separate.
Ms. Steel stated that as the person who came up with the idea for the task force she has
talked to NGF and she would recommend NGF as their consultant in going forward in
addition to the task force. She pointed out that Mr. Keprios has done a lot of work
looking for different consultants and so she would not make a recommendation tonight
to put that burden on the City Council to look for another consultant. She noted they
have done a lot of work and NGF is a very reputable consulting firm.
Mr. Fronek indicated that he doesn’t think anyone doubts NGF’s capabilities or what
they can do. He noted as an advisory board they need to rely on staff and asked Mr.
Keprios for his opinion. Mr. Keprios replied that NGF is a very qualified firm and
would probably do an outstanding job. He stated that he was sent on a charge by the
Park Board to find local competition but if you really want a set of fresh eyes like you
8
discussed he thinks an outside look from that group would be just fine and if that’s the
direction Park Board wants to go, he will fully support it.
Mr. Fronek asked what would be the timing of signing a contract with NGF or any
consultant. Mr. Keprios replied if it’s recommended tonight it could be rather quick
depending on the City Manager and his sense of it which he thinks he would support it.
Mr. Fronek asked would they need to do it that quickly to which Mr. Keprios replied the
better question would be do you want to. Mr. Keprios pointed out this is not a staff
driven thing; it is not something staff brought forward. He stated that he applauds the
Park Board for bringing this forward if you think it’s the direction we need to go to turn
things around and staff is happy to give it their best shot.
Mr. Peterson asked wouldn’t it make sense to get the task force going as quickly as
possible and then in two to four months recommend to the City Council a consultant.
He noted that he thinks there will be some good and true local citizens looking at the
issues and that will still leave plenty of time for the golf season. He stated that he has a
very strong belief that Braemar isn’t broken, it’s the economy that’s currently broken
and that eventually the economy will get better. He pointed out that every golf course
he knows of have the same difficulties and therefore would put his stake on our fellow
citizens to set the path and then look at the consultant early or mid-summer.
Mr. Hulbert stated that he likes that idea and as far as timing goes maybe they could put
something in the Sun Current or on Edina Patch indicating that we are looking for
people to form a task force. He noted if people are interested they could submit an
application or something showing their desire to be on a task force. He indicated they
could go over them at the next meeting or two and try to have something in place by
March or April. He commented this way they have some time to get their legs
underneath them and then try to get NGF out in June or July.
Ms. Jones stated that she doesn’t want to waste people’s time and therefore feels if they
are going to go through the City Council they should wait for their approval before they
create a task force. Mr. Hulbert commented that he agrees.
Ms. Steel noted that she thinks it should be a two part recommendation.
Ms. Jones stated that her experience has been that neighborhoods like involvement in
this type of thing. She noted there are three at large community representatives and she
would like to make sure that one representative is from the neighborhood. She
commented they may want to reduce it to two at large plus one neighborhood
representative.
Mr. Keprios reminded the Park Board that procedurally there is a motion and a second
on the table to recommend to the City Council to hire a consultant and form a task force.
Mr. Hulbert asked the Park Board if they would prefer there be two motions versus one
motion. Ms. Kenney replied yes, she would. Mr. Keprios noted that procedurally you
have a motion on the table that’s been seconded. Mr. Hulbert asked if he could
withdraw his motion. Ms. Steel indicated that she’s afraid to do them separately because
they are hand in hand motions the task force is acting upon the consultant. Ms. Kenney
9
replied that her understanding is that the consultant is acting upon the task force. Mr.
Hulbert responded he doesn’t think the consultant is acting on the task force, the
consultant is acting independently, and the task force is somewhat acting independently
by providing ideas and things they feel are important to the consultant but are also
coming back with ideas to the Park Board, golf course and City Council. Ms. Kenney
stated that she doesn’t think it’s an accurate statement to say that the task force is acting
upon the consultant’s recommendations, if anything it’s the opposite but regardless at a
minimum they are independent and the task force is going to come up with its
recommendations and the consultants are going to come up with their recommendation.
She pointed out that for the last three months the motion that they have never really
acted upon is as a Park Board do they agree that they want to request that the City
Council hire a consultant and so she thinks that needs to be decided.
Mr. Hulbert stated his motion was to use an independent consultant, not specifying one,
but with the caveat of also creating a task force he would like to amend that motion and
specify using NGF. Mr. Keprios replied that needs a second. Ms. Segreto SECONDED
THE MOTION.
Mr. Peterson asked for a time frame. Mr. Hulbert replied the timeframe would be to try
to get feedback from the City Council and see if they can get it on their agenda for their
next meeting. He stated that he would like for the Park Board at their next meeting to
decide a course of action for putting out request for people at large that want to be a part
of this task force. He indicated he would like to get a task force in place by the middle
of March or April and he would like for the consultant to look at Braemar mid-June.
Mr. Lough commented that he is of the opinion that the task force has work to do before
a consultant is considered. He commented that he doesn’t think they go in parallel and
is not particularly favorably inclined toward recommending hiring a consultant right
now.
Mr. Hulbert stated that the motion on the table is to hire an independent golf consultant
using NGF and implementing the utilization of a task force if possible by the middle of
March or April and having NGF come out in June and give the task force two months to
do their due diligence and formulate ideas.
Mr. Keprios indicated that he thinks procedurally they should vote on the amendment
first and if that passes then ask for a vote on the original motion. Mr. Lough asked for
the original motion to be repeated
RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THAT WE UTILIZE THE SERVICES OF AN
INDEPENDENT GOLF COURSE CONSULTANT AND AT THE SAME TIME
UTILIZING A TASK FORCE AS STATED IN MS. STEEL’S MEMO WITH THE
ADDITION OF ONE STAFF MEMBER AND MR. KEPRIOS.
The Amendment: “TO RECOMMEND NGF AS THE CONSULTANT”.
10
IN FAVOR OF AMENDMENT: Todd Fronek, Keeya Steel, Joseph Hulbert, Ellen
Jones, Louise Segreto
AGAINST AMENDMENT: Jennifer Kenney, Dan Peterson, Bill Lough, Rob Presthus
Mr. Keprios stated six votes are need to pass the amendment so AMENDMENT TO
ORIGINAL MOTION FAILED.
Mr. Hulbert repeated the original motion “TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL
THAT THEY USE THE SERVICES OF AN INDEPENDENT GOLF CONSULTANT
AS LISTED ON SERVICES FOR EXAMPLE ON ONE THROUGH SEVEN WITH
NGF’S PROPOSAL ALONG WITH THE UTILIZATION OF A TASK FORCE IN
THE TIME FRAME THEY SUGGESTED”.
IN FAVOR: Todd Fronek, Keeya Steel, Ellen Jones, Joseph Hulbert, Dan Peterson,
Louise Segreto
AGAINST – Jennifer Kenny, Bill Lough, Rob Presthus
MOTION PASSED
Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board what process they are envisioning for hiring a
consultant assuming the City Council approves the recommendation. Mr. Hulbert
replied he is anticipating a little feedback from City Council. Mr. Presthus commented
that he thinks what Mr. Keprios is saying is that we need to give the City Council a more
definitive outline of what we recommend that the process should be rather than asking
them for feedback because that is the Park Board’s job. Mr. Keprios asked the Park
Board if they are expecting the task force to make a recommendation for consultants and
then have them give presentations. Mr. Hulbert asked for thoughts from the Park Board.
Mr. Fronek stated that he thinks it should be staff, if staff feels that the recommendations
that have come forth already are sufficient then put that in the recommendation and if
not send out an RFP to a few more companies to come in and take a look. Mr. Hulbert
responded that he thinks Mr. Keprios made it clear that he didn’t want to do that because
staff has already done the due diligence process. Mr. Keprios replied that he will be
happy to do whatever it is that the Park Board would like for him to do.
Ms. Segreto stated that she is really uncomfortable having the task force involved with
selecting a consultant. She explained she feels what they really need is someone from
outside of this community to come in and analyze Braemar. She noted that rightfully so
the task force is made up of people who are very involved in the golf course and may not
have an independent analysis of the selection of the consultant. Ms. Segreto indicated
that she thinks the task force should help narrow what the consultant studies. She asked
that any Park Board members who are uncomfortable with NGF should do whatever due
diligence they think is necessary to feel comfortable in recommending to the City
Council who we should use.
11
Ms. Kenney indicated that she voted against the original motion. She stated to clarify
the Park Board was first asked to vote on a specific consultant and then were asked to
vote on whether they wanted to hire a consultant at all and so both of her votes were no.
She stated that if it’s the Park Board’s majority decision that they are going to
recommend hiring a consultant then she thinks it’s a different question on whether they
want to recommend a specific consultant. She pointed out that it may be worth making
another motion since it has already been decided that they are going to recommend
hiring a consultant.
Mr. Presthus stated that he agrees with Ms. Kenney because he voted based on the same
reasoning. He indicated that if they are going to go with a consultant then NGF makes
sense because Mr. Keprios has already done due diligence.
Todd Fronek MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PARK BOARD
RECOMMENDS HIRING NGF AS THE CONSULTANT. Louise Segreto
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Hulbert stated that part of him feels that if they start to get into specifics of the
timing of when they create a task force, aren’t they kind of putting the cart ahead of the
horse. He indicated that ultimately the City Council could say they don’t like either of
the ideas. He noted that he thinks if they can have a task force up and running by April
and have NGF here in June that will give the task force two months. He stated that
before they decide any of this he thinks they need to wait until they get some sort of
feedback from the City Council.
Mr. Keprios explained what he would like to see happen is to bring this information to
the City Council as soon as possible and see if there is any opposition. He stated that
next he would recommend that they do a quick work session with the City Council and
Park Board and hammer this out. He commented that he suspects they will support what
you would like to do and make it successful. Mr. Hulbert suggested that maybe they
turn their next Park Board meeting into a work session or possibly they could schedule
something in between. Mr. Keprios responded that first he thinks he will have the City
Manager discuss this with the City Council and see what their desire is from there
because it will delay the process if they wait to do it in a City Council setting.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
John West, 6113 Kaymar Drive, stated that he has a couple of questions. He noted that he
is a fan of Braemar Golf Course and loves Braemar and was curious as to the issue
statement and the discussion about taking the issue or questions to the City Council. He
asked what would be the issue statement, what is the issue they are trying to solve. He
understands that Braemar Golf Course is perhaps not profitable but one question he has is
how you would phrase that to the City Council and then what would you ask City Council
to do and then if there was some discussion about a consultant and a task force what would
be their mission statement. He asked what information would you want from this task
force or this consultant to make the appropriate decision. He noted that he heard a lot of
discussion about a consultant and task force but driving down a little bit deeper what
12
information do you want from either the consultant or the task force to make a decision or
recommendation to the City Council because he didn’t hear a lot about that. Again he
asked what is it they are trying to solve. Mr. Hulbert informed Mr. West that they don’t
have a practice of dialoging during the public comment portion of the agenda but assured
him that those will all be things that they will be deliberating and talking about over the
coming months.
IV. STAFF UPDATES
A. Star Tribune Article - Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board to refer to the article that was in
their packet pertaining to the small triangular piece of open space designated as a park
that was recently in the Star Tribune newspaper. He pointed out that one thing the
article did not address that he did state was if the constituent feels that if this is still
something he would like to purse then he has the option of requesting that the matter be
placed on the Park Board's agenda.
B. Centennial Lakes, Braemar, Golf Dome - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that they
had a great Winter Festival at Centennial Lakes. He noted that Braemar Arena is now
up and operational. Lastly, the golf dome was repaired in less than five days and that is
back up and operational.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 pm.