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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.