HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-08 Park Board Minutes1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA PARK BOARD
HELD AT CITY HALL
April 8, 2014
7 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Gieseke called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Answering roll call were Members Cella, Downing, Jones, Gieseke, Steel, Jacobson, McCormick,
Segreto, Greene.
Student Members present: Johnson.
Absent: Member Deeds and student member Good.
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Steel made a motion, seconded by Member Segreto, to approve the meeting agenda.
Ayes: Members Cella, Downing, Jones, Gieseke, Steel, Jacobson, McCormick, Segreto, Greene.
Motion carried.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
Member Steel made a motion, seconded by Member Cella, to approve the consent agenda as
follows:
IV.A. Approval of Minutes – Regular Park Board Meeting of March 11, 2014
Ayes: Members Cella, Downing, Jones, Gieseke, Steel, Jacobson, McCormick, Segreto, Greene.
Motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
None.
VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VI.A. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail Update
Ms. Kattreh introduced the following people: Toby Muse from SEH, Eric Nelson and Jonathan Vlaming
from Three Rivers Park District.
Mr. Nelson provided a Nine Mile Regional Trail update, noting the trail is 15 miles from Hopkins to
Bloomington, and Edina is the only incomplete segment.
Member Jones asked about a connection to the LRT station. Mr. Vlaming indicated Opus station is the
closest station.
Mr. Nelson continued discussion of the three options for the trail, expressing preference for the third
option.
The board discussed the directionality of the trail, whether it should be a one-way or a two-way trail.
Mr. Nelson stated the public participation aspect of the process will focus on residents within 50 feet of
the trail edge who may require some screening – whether it is vegetative screening or fencing. The
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screening would be on the private side of the property line so the neighbors would be in charge of
maintaining it.
Mr. Nelson laid out the timeline for the next few months, noting a more refined version of the trail will
come back before the Park Board on June 10.
Member Segreto asked what will happen if the federal grant is not received for the western portion.
Mr. Vlaming responded that it will be up to the Three Rivers Park District Board to decide whether it
wishes to front the money or delay the western portion of the trail.
Member Jones asked whether the trails will be cleared or if they will be available in the winter for the
Nordic Team. Mr. Nelson responded currently, the policy is not to clear the trails, though a permit can
be applied for in order to allow parties to clear the trail. Mr. Vlaming added that policy is under
consideration.
VI.B. Pamela Park Site Plan
Ms. Kattreh introduced Jay Pomeroy of Anderson-Johnson, noting some changes have been made to
the site plan.
Mr. Pomeroy reported that the Watershed District has provided feedback on the site plan, and changes
to the trail have been made in order to provide a wetland buffer.
Member Steel made a motion, seconded by Member Segreto, to approve the Pamela Park site plan
with the alternate trail plan in it.
Member McCormick stated last time a few conditions were added regarding the drinking fountain and
enough restrooms and asked whether those need to be incorporated this time.
Chair Gieseke noted those additions were part of the minutes last time, so they are in the record.
Ayes: Members Cella, Downing, Jones, Gieseke, Steel, Jacobson, McCormick, Segreto, Greene.
Motion carried.
VI.C. Minnesota Wild at Braemar Arena
Ms. Kattreh introduced Susie Miller, Braemar Arena General Manager.
Ms. Miller provided a presentation to the Park Board, reviewing the very positive interactions the
Minnesota Wild had with Braemar Arena over the past year. She notified the Park Board that there
was a proposed contract with the Wild, noting the contract is currently under consideration by the
Wild’s owner. She provided basic outlines of various remodeling projects included in the proposed
contract in order to accommodate the arena becoming the Wild’s new practice facility. She noted that
since the Wild would be paying for the remodeling and would use a private rather than a public
process, it is not unrealistic to expect construction to be completed this fall.
Member Cella cautioned that the Wild logo not be too large to dwarf the Hornet’s Nest logos. Ms.
Miller agreed that care will be taken with the size of the logo.
Member Steel suggested getting the students’ perspective on this plan as well.
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Member Cella expressed concern that the contract be very clear who the primary customers are: the
Edina youth leagues. Ms. Miller affirmed that the contract will be very clear about the priority of the
Edina youth hockey.
Ms. Miller stated the biggest concern is the six to eight hours of ice shortage that may result if this
contract comes to pass.
Member Jones clarified the Park Board has not been asked to comment on the contract or the finances
of this proposal. She continued that ideally, the exterior architectural standards could be updated.
Ms. Miller noted the irrigation system is the first step in the right direction.
Member Jones commented on user fees for figure skating and hockey. She asked that the board
rethink the figure skaters having to contribute financially, as they have not used the Hornet’s Nest and
their ice time has been cut.
Ms. Kattreh commented staff has been discussing that issue. She noted the Braemar City of Lakes
Figure Skating Club is paying $2,100 a year.
Member McCormick asked about the length of the lease. Ms. Miller stated the contract requests a 10-
year lease.
Ms. Kattreh noted the Wild would pay for all the improvements, architectural fees, and permits. After
the 10-year lease, if they decide to leave, they would take all personal property but everything else will
become the property of the City of Edina.
Member Steel made a motion, seconded by Member Downing, to approve the remodel proposal
presented tonight.
Ayes: Members Cella, Downing, Jones, Gieseke, Steel, Jacobson, McCormick, Segreto, Greene.
Motion carried.
Ms. Miller then provided a timeline update on the outdoor ice rink.
VI.D. National Kids to Parks Day
Ms. Kattreh explained the National Kids to Parks Day, which will be held on May 17. The Mayor will
introduce a proclamation at the April 22 City Council meeting.
VI.E. Community Education Services Board Member
Member Segreto acknowledged she will be stepping down from her service on this board, and she has
really enjoyed her time there.
Chair Gieseke made a motion, seconded by Member Jones, to appoint Member Steel to the
Community Education Services board member.
No other nominations were made.
Ayes: Members Cella, Downing, Jones, Gieseke, Steel, Jacobson, McCormick, Segreto, Greene.
Motion carried.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
VII.A. Council Updates
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No discussion.
VII.B. Other Correspondence
No discussion.
VII.C. Veteran’s Memorial Committee, January 17, 2014 Minutes
A question was asked regarding tree removal. Ms. Kattreh noted this can be brought back to the Park
Board when more developed plans are in place.
VIII. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
None.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
Chair Gieseke noted the upcoming 35th Annual Edina Volunteer Awards; former Park Board Chair
Joseph Hulbert will be awarded the Volunteer Recognition Award.
Ms. Kattreh provided the following update: the Braemar executive course opened today, and the rest
of the course will be opening tomorrow; tomorrow Ladies Night at the Dome will be held; this Friday is
a plot renter’s meeting at the Community Garden; bids for the Sports Dome are opening on April 22.
She also reported on the City Council agenda on April 22: a resolution for the Braemar City of Lakes
Figure Skating Club award, a recommendation for the park design process on Fred Richards, a
discussion of Braemar Golf Course master plan options, approval of bid package 1 for the Sports Dome,
the Minnesota Wild discussion, and final bid authorization for Pamela Park.
Member Cella asked about the status on Fred Richards. Ms. Kattreh clarified the City Council has asked
staff to revisit the City Council with two proposals, one concerning hiring a consultant for Braemar Golf
Course, and secondly, a plan to begin the design process to repurpose Fred Richards Golf Course.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Gieseke made a motion, seconded by Member Steel, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Ayes: Members Cella, Downing, Jones, Gieseke, Steel, Jacobson, McCormick, Segreto, Greene.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.