HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-14 Park Board Minutes1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA PARK BOARD
HELD AT CITY HALL
May 14, 2013
7:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Steel called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Answering roll call were Members Deeds, Gieseke, Hulbert, Jacobson, Jones, Dan Peterson, Steel,
O’Leary.
Member Almog arrived at 7:13 p.m.
Member Cella arrived at 7:42 p.m.
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Hulbert made a motion, seconded by Member Gieseke, approving the meeting agenda.
Ayes: Members Deeds, Gieseke, Hulbert, Jacobson, Jones, Dan Peterson, Steel
Motion Carried.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Hulbert, approving the consent agenda as
follows:
IV.A. Approval of Minutes – Regular Park Board Meeting of Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Ayes: Members Deeds, Gieseke, Hulbert, Jacobson, Jones, Dan Peterson, Steel
Motion Carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
None.
VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VI.A. Off-Leash Area Pilot Hockey Rink Recommendation and Public Hearing
Ms. Faus reviewed that at the February 12, 2013 Park Board meeting residents requested adding an
off-leash area at one of the hockey rinks. The Park Board requested that staff determine two locations
that would be ideal for this pilot. At the March 12, 2013 Park Board meeting staff recommended two
possible locations, Highlands Park and Pamela Park. After further research, it was determined neither
of the suggested locations would work well with the city’s current recreational programming. It was
especially important to serve the residents on the east side of Edina. Ms. Faus stated at the April 9,
2013 Park Board meeting staff recommended Strachauer Park as the location of the pilot off-leash
seasonal dog area. After further review, it was determined that the location is good based on several
factors: it is easily accessible and conveniently located on the east side of Edina; the hockey rink is full
sized with a grass/sand surface, as opposed to an asphalt surface, the Parks & Recreation Department
does not have any Playground Programs that utilize this location during the spring or summer, and
there is adequate parking and neighborhood access. Adequate parking and safety were also an
important criterion.
Ms. Faus reported that Highlands rink is used for a lot of summertime activities, and kids and dog
owners would be in a direct path with each other, based upon the location of the warming house.
Also, at Pamela Park there is a lot of activity on the fields, and parking is limited. At Cornelia School
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Park, the rinks are used for summer Playground Programs, and the parking lot will be renovated this
summer. She noted that the Arden Park rink is utilized for Playground Programs, and parking is limited.
Ms. Faus continued that Normandale Park is utilized for summer programs, parking is limited, and
there is close proximity of the warming house. All of these issues are present with Walnut Ridge Park,
which also has no parking. At Weber Park, Playground Programs use the rink, and it is a heavily used
park. Lewis Park was also considered, but the hockey rink is asphalt-based. Strachauer Park was
ultimately chosen because it is easily accessible and located on the east side of Edina. There is no
recreational programming during spring and summer, and it has an adequate-sized rink to
accommodate owners and dogs. Also, there is adequate parking and easy neighborhood access.
Ms. Faus stated that logistics-wise, dogs must be licensed and owners will be required to purchase an
off-leash area permit. Additionally, all dogs must wear the collars while in the dog park. Signage will
clearly state rules and regulations and will also state etiquette. The city will install a gate to enclose the
hockey rink. One option is a wooden gate; another option is black vinyl fencing, both of which are
easily removed at the end of the season. The city will provide dog waste bags as a courtesy to owners.
Ms. Faus then presented an overhead of Strachauer Park, demonstrating where the dogs and dog
owners will enter and exit the off-leash area. She noted that park users can walk through to the dog
park without walking by the playground area. She then displayed a photo of the signs in use at Van
Valkenburg as comparison of the signage provided at the other off-leash area in the city. Ms. Faus
noted that she spoke with Tim Hunter, who recommended the same rules be followed with the new
off-leash park. She then displayed the user etiquette signage.
Member Deeds commented that 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seemed to be too early and too late, given the
park’s close proximity to residents. Ms. Faus responded that adjusting the hours would be something
to consider, perhaps opening later in the morning and closing earlier in the evening.
Chair Steel noted that 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. are the same hours in the other off-leash area, and she does
not see anyone in the park very early in the morning or that late in the evening.
Member Gieseke suggested that 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. would be more suitable hours. He asked whether park
users would pay one permit fee for both parks. Ms. Faus responded yes, both places would be covered
by the permit.
Member Dan Peterson inquired about the dog waste bags at Van Valkenburg. Ms. Faus reported that
dog owners oftentimes bring additional bags, which are then hung on the fence. She said the city has
containers that can be used. She noted it is a good idea to encourage users to bring additional bags,
and it would look neater to have a storage container. Member Gieseke suggested the policy should be
the same at both parks.
Member Dan Peterson asked about enforcement of dog waste clean-up. Ms. Faus stated it is the
responsibility of dog owners to clean up after their pets. She hopes to find community members to
work together to enforce those rules.
Chair Steel asked about the best practices for dog owners and whether they are enforceable. She
stated one situation would be a person with a dog-walking business who might bring several dogs to
the park at one time. Ms. Faus noted that all enforcement falls under the Animal Control Department
(Tim Hunter). Rules of etiquette are challenging to enforce, but the city should be hearing and
addressing those concerns. Chair Steel stated there should be a way to register those complaints.
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Member Jacobson stated it should say that people should pay attention to their dog the whole time,
and inquired about cell phone usage rules. Ms. Faus stated the signage can be created to reflect any
Park Board suggestions. It was noted that Van Valkenburg Park was the first dog park, and the city is
hoping to improve the system with the addition of the new dog park.
Member Deeds inquired how many residents received the letter notifying them of the proposed dog
park. Ms. Faus responded the letter was sent to 472 homes, which was a 1,000-feet radius of the park.
Member Jones stated there are certain city ordinances about dogs, one of which is they are required to
carry two bags with them. She suggested the signage should also educate owners about that rule. The
city should not need to provide bags at the park; a trash receptacle, however, should be provided. Ms.
Faus stated several trash cans would be provided.
Member Jones stated that dogs jump and some can jump pretty high. She asked about the height of
the proposed fence. Member Hulbert noted that it is 3 ½ feet high.
Member Jones asked about dogs that might get excited and easily jump over the edge and into the
playground area. Ms. Faus stated that dog owners really need to stay close to their dogs, and that can
be added to the signage as well. She noted that this will be a pilot, so issues will be addressed as they
arise. If that is an ongoing issue, appropriate action will be taken to deal with it.
Member Jones asked how to assess whether this park is successful. Ms. Faus stated success is gauged
by usage of the park, finding out whether neighbors are walking their dogs to the park and using it. City
staff will have to be mindful whether owners are picking up after their animals. If not many people are
utilizing the off-leash dog area, perhaps it is not needed or should be located somewhere else.
Member Jones asked staff to develop some type of objective measurement to determine how it is
affecting parking, how much feces are being left, how many holes are dug into the hockey ground, how
many complaints are being registered. At the end of the season, staff can then report back to the
board. Ms. Faus responded that is a great suggestion. Park maintenance staff is there and often
receive information from users. Neighborhood meetings might also be helpful.
Member Jones asked what staff member is responsible for overseeing this pilot. Ms. Faus stated she is
responsible, though in the past it has been Animal Control.
Member Jones asked whether the park area is mowed in the summer. Ms. Faus stated the area is sand-
based and does not need regular mowing; if it needs to be mowed, it will be. Ms. Kattreh stated she
does not believe there is a need.
Member Peterson asked where the support is coming from for the off-leash dog park. Ms. Faus
responded that Ms. Kattreh received several emails expressing support for additional off-leash areas.
Member Jones also noted that when she visited Strachauer Park, two residents stated their support for
an off-leash park.
Member Peterson stated there was some thought for a separate area for smaller dogs. Ms. Faus stated
this would be all dogs together. It is challenging to enforce a way to separate dogs, but staff trusts that
dog owners will be mindful.
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Member Deeds asked whether the Parks and Recreation staff is alerted about complaints to the Police
Department and encouraged coordination between the two. Ms. Faus stated right now the
communication is not coordinated, but staff will work on that.
Member Jones asked which department receives funding generated by the off-leash area permits. Ms.
Faus stated the funds go to the Police Department.
Member Jones asked for a report on the cost of the project, specifically staff time and maintenance, so
the Park Board can review it at the end of the year. She also suggested determining whether a
percentage of the off-leash permit fee can be allocated to the Parks and Recreation budget.
Winnie Martin, 6012 Ewing Ave. So., expressed support for the dog park and also for the proposed park
hours of 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. and added to keep in mind there are hockey players there during the winter
until 10 or 11:00 p.m. and are sometimes louder. She noted there are two separate fees: a license fee
for the pet and an off-leash fee. Ms. Martin continued that there are a number of residents using the
park currently, and the park is heavily used by owners of non-licensed dogs who do not take care of the
park. She believes this off-leash area will keep the park in better shape, as it will be populated by
people following the regulations, and it will provide more of a neighborhood atmosphere. There are 10
to 12 residents there regularly who pick up dog feces and clean up the park. Ms. Martin stated there is
a higher area of chain link that does go around the rink, to catch hockey pucks. She also noted that
currently the city’s license renewal information clearly states all dogs should clearly be under voice
control and not jumping. Ms. Martin thanked the Board for considering the proposal.
Member Jones stated the resident raised a good point about Animal Control. She would like in the very
beginning to have frequent visits by Animal Control to check for off-leash area tags and licenses. Just
the presence of Animal Control would improve and help it get off to a good start.
Chair Steel commented she does not want the fees to go into the Parks budget. She expressed that 100
percent of the fees should be allocated towards the cost of items at the off-leash park or for
enforcement. She is not sure they are getting their money’s use in terms of enforcement.
Member Hulbert stated the park would be too close to homes. This came up two or three years ago at
Creek Valley School Park. He expressed support for alternative uses for existing spaces, but those rinks
get use in the summer. Member Hulbert stated that he coached youth soccer for years, and practices
were held there. People also play cricket and football in there, and it is way too close to children and
the jungle gym area. The field for soccer is used for young soccer players every weekend; the parking
lot is small. He noted that he has been bitten twice by a dog, and that cannot be planned for.
Member Hulbert asked about a prior proposal in partnership with the City of Minneapolis. Ms. Kattreh
stated another discussion was held with the cities of St. Louis Park and Minneapolis, and it sounded like
Minneapolis was getting close to putting the property up for sale. She recently spoke with City
Manager Scott Neal about this, and he is going to seek out information.
Member Hulbert stated the Golf Dome gets used five months out of the year and asked whether staff
has considered clearing out under the woods. Ms. Kattreh confirmed that does not get used in the
summer time. Member Hulbert encouraged staff to look at an alternative site at 40th and France.
Member Deeds stated this is a close-call decision, as Strachauer Park is a small space. However, he is
willing to support a one-year experiment, on the condition that this is an experiment. If the data is
gathered and it does not work, the off-leash area should go away.
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Member Dan Peterson stated a better location would be a better idea. He would be happy to give it
one-year trial basis, with data collected during the year.
Member Jones stated support for an objective method of tracking the success of the off-leash park,
with particular focus on whether it works well in the neighborhood.
Member Jacobson stated she is pessimistic, and would prefer the idea of using the Golf Dome area in
the summer, which would represent great dual usage.
Member Dan Peterson made a motion, seconded by Member Deeds, to approve the Strachauer Park
hockey rink as the Off-Leash Area Pilot Recommendation for one year, for dogs of all sizes, with the
understanding that data will be collected during the one year to determine the park’s success.
Ayes: Members Deeds, Gieseke, Jacobson, Jones, Dan Peterson, Steel.
Nay: Hulbert.
Motion Carried.
VI.B. Parks and Recreation Department Mission Statement
Chair Steel made a motion, seconded by Member Dan Peterson, to remove the Mission Statement
from the table, as it was tabled at the February Park Board meeting.
Ayes: Members Deeds, Gieseke, Hulbert, Jacobson, Jones, Dan Peterson, Steel
Motion Carried.
Member Jones thanked the working group for its efforts and asked that the members discuss some of
the other recommendations for change.
Member Hulbert stated a preference for the phrase “parks, facilities and programs,” as it seems like a
logical progression.
Member Jones expressed support for the phrase “creative leadership” rather than “creative
management” because it is not the mission of the Board to manage and therefore prefers “leadership”
as originally proposed because it fits a little bit more with what they do. She suggested if they are
looking for a different word to consider maybe “strategic direction” or “creative direction” or “strategic
leadership” instead of “creative management”. She added she is not really certain that they
accomplish this through “creative leadership” she is just not sure that is part of their mission.
Member Deeds asked the board to consider what is being communicated to the staff. He expressed
preference for the term “creative” because it says, to some degree, we should look beyond whatever
the traditional is. “Innovative” is another option, but he prefers “creative”. Member Deeds added that,
overall, he likes the language, with or without the changes, and stated it should help guide the board’s
decision-making process and accomplish goals.
Chair Steel expressed support for the word “creative” because the board should be thinking “outside
the box” for solutions.
Member Deeds stated this does require creative process because Edina is a fully built-out city. He
encouraged keeping “creative” in the mission statement.
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Member Jacobson agreed with using “leadership” rather than “management”.
Chair Steel clarified there seemed to be consensus on the change “parks, facilities and programs”.
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Jones, to approve the Parks and Recreation
Department Mission Statement as follows: “We create parks, facilities and programs to foster a
healthy, inclusive community. We accomplish this through creative leadership, collaborations,
environmentally sustainable practices, and the responsible use of available resources”.
Member Gieseke noted that he likes the phrase either way, but there is a nice alliteration between
“parks, programs” and “facilities and fostering”.
Chair Steel called for the vote on the motion as stated.
Ayes: Members Cella, Deeds, Gieseke, Hulbert, Jacobson, Jones, Dan Peterson, Steel
Motion Carried.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
VII.A. Council Updates
Ms. Kattreh asked for any questions on Council updates included in the packet. Member Deeds
inquired about the Sports Dome, and Ms. Kattreh noted she will talk about that in staff comments.
VII.B. Veteran’s Memorial Committee, March 15, 2013 Minutes
No comments made.
VIII. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Chair Steel stated the subcommittee on strategic planning will continue to meet. She and Member
Cella did some brainstorming this past month, and they will continue to meet with Members Deeds
and Hulbert and bring something forward soon.
Member Deeds noted this season points out the desperate need for playing fields around Edina for
baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. Because they are playing on weak grass fields, they will be lucky
to get half a season in. The season opened on May 12th. He stated good quality turf fields are needed
or the fields will just be torn up. He noted that in other cities with better fields, they are getting in
longer seasons, so this could be a long-term problem for Edina.
Member Peterson stated water is becoming an increasingly interesting problem. He recalled a tour
with the Freshwater Society at the end of Lake Minnetonka about two years ago. He pointed out an
excellent report on Minnesota’s groundwater and whether current use is really sustainable is available
at freshwater.org. Member Peterson noted that increasingly the City of Edina will have questions
about water, and the Park Board will play a role in that.
Member Jones asked whether Chair Steel had been told a Park Board representative for Grandview
Square is needed. Chair Steel noted that she received an email, and it stated those who served
previously are encouraged to serve. Ms. Kattreh confirmed that a representative will be needed.
Member Jones reported that the Grandview Square plan includes a structure that is a city-community
building, and other public space is also in the plan. She would like to ask the City Council what role
they would like the Park Board to play in helping define what that space would look like or if they
would like it to be put in the Park Board’s strategic plan process. Member Jones noted that the mission
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of the next advisory group does not include defining the public piece, so that does become closer to
the mission of the Park Board.
Ms. Kattreh stated she will get more feedback from the Council, though her current understanding is
that a Park Board member will be on the advisory committee.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
Ms. Kattreh noted Donna Tilsner moved to the Senior Center on May 1, and a new Recreation
Supervisor, Eric Boettcher, was hired from the City of Roseville. Mr. Boettcher will begin on May 20 and
will specialize in athletics as well as some other programming. Ms. Kattreh noted that his background
and experience will match well with Edina’s athletic needs.
Ms. Kattreh reported the Golf Dome construction officially started today, and the accessory building
and old driving deck will soon be torn down. The community garden opening is next Monday, May 20,
at 6:30 p.m. The Edina Aquatic Center is opening on June 8, and the golf courses and all athletic fields
are finally open. Ms. Kattreh noted that the park maintenance team is working really hard, as the
weather has put them about a month behind on everything. The Centennial Lakes farmers market will
run June 13 through end of September, from 3 – 7 p.m. Finally, Ms. Kattreh noted that she will be
making a report in June regarding the athletic field recommendation.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Steel made a motion, seconded by Member Deeds, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm.
Ayes: Members Cella, Deeds, Gieseke, Hulbert, Jacobson, Jones, Dan Peterson, Steel
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.