HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-11 Park Board Minutes1
MINUTES
OF THE MEETING OF THE
PARK BOARD
HELD AT CITY HALL
September 11, 2012
7:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Steel called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm
II. WELCOME NEW STUDENT MEMBERS
The student members were not in attendance.
III. ROLLCALL
Answering roll call were Members Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke,
Jones, Kathryn Peterson
John O’Leary arrived at 7:37pm
IV. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Dan Peterson made a motion, seconded by Member Segreto, approving the meeting
agenda.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
Member Dan Peterson made a motion, seconded by Member Segreto approving the consent
agenda as follows:
V.A. Approval of Minutes – Retreat meeting on Monday, August 13, 2012
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried
VI. COMMUNITY COMMENT
Ann Larson, 5025 Lincoln Circle, informed the Park Board she was bitten by a dog at the Edina Dog
Park in June because the owner in question was not paying attention to his dog as well as his dog was
not under voice control which it states in the rules. She stated that the owner did not have a dog collar
for his dog and in fact did not have any identification tags. She explained the owner was on his cell
phone half-way across the park with his back turned to the dog when the dog bit her in the forearm. She
informed the Park Board she had to get a series of rabies shots because the owner’s dog did not have
updated shots. She pointed out this raises some issues that have been ongoing at the park in terms of it
does not seem like the park is really policed and rules are not being followed. In addition, there are a lot
of people using the park that are not paying for it as well as there is a lot of dog poop that owners are not
picking up.
Herb Anderson, 3 Wellesly Place, informed the Park Board that people who do not belong in the dog
park are using it and telling their friends because they know it is not being policed anymore and it really
is getting out of hand. He asked if there could be better rules and perhaps put a flyer in with the notice
when it’s time to renew the dog license collars and also saying if you don’t pick up after your dog(s) you
won’t be allowed in the park.
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VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VII.A. August 13, 2012 Park Board Retreat Review
Member Jones indicated she thought the retreat was a great event; however, it was different from what
she had expected. She noted that they never discussed the surveys they filled out and asked if they will
be given a time to do that. She commented if they were just going to brainstorm a work plan she would
have never suggested the meeting not be televised because the public does have every right to hear them
brainstorm and discuss a work plan.
Member Jacobson stated that she also wished they could have reviewed the survey results and figure out
how they could work more efficiently together because a lot of times she feels they are on different
pages and if they could figure out how to corral that into an efficient meeting it would help all of them.
Member Segreto explained since it was originally her idea it really was her intent to work on
interpersonal communications but, with all due respect, unless you really are skilled in that field or had
some professional assistance from outside it really would be hard for a chairperson to do. She
commented that she would like to do that and they do have the survey to work with. She stated it was a
productive meeting; however, it wasn’t what her expectation was.
Chair Steel replied they certainly can do that moving forward; however, it is a little frustrating because
she did present the agenda in advance and she thought it was pretty clear. She noted they can put this on
the agenda for discussion at a future meeting. Member Jones responded she is not sure what they would
be discussing because it sounds like this is something that is not possible to do without a facilitator;
therefore, maybe they could bring in a facilitator and plan it as a non-televised meeting. She added that
she doesn’t want them to waste their time filling out a survey and then do nothing with it and asked Ms.
Kattreh if she could find out if there is someone on staff who could provide some kind of facilitating.
Member Hulbert responded he thought that is what they originally had asked for and were told no.
Member Segreto replied that is correct, when she first brainstormed the idea with Mr. Keprios he said
they had never done something like that before and really didn’t have the budget for it. She commented
that maybe this is something they could do next summer and maybe they could get a budget line to have
a facilitator help them.
Chair Steel clarified that each question on the survey was taken into consideration and after meeting
with Ms. Kattreh and Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager, they identified what they felt were the key
issues. While interpersonal relationships is certainly a component there are other components they felt
were more important to impacting their work right now which is they need to have a work plan turned in
tomorrow. Therefore, if the Park Board doesn’t understand their role they are not going to be able to
function so she did have to make a decision to prioritize but going forward they can continue to look at
the other components to make them more effective.
Member Deeds indicated that he thought the retreat was good and the only change he would make in the
future is that there be no “block voting” because it becomes a little biased.
VII.B. 2013 Park Board Work Plan – Keeya Steel, Chairperson
Chair Steel informed the Park Board that she worked with Mr. Keprios and Ms. Kattreh on this and that
she would like to go through it item by item.
“Strategic Planning with a Comprehensive Needs Assessment” - Chair Steel indicated that she thought
it was apparent that they need more strategic planning throughout their activities and that this item
would most comprehensively include the different questions they had at the Park Board retreat. She
stated that she really didn’t think it made sense to start new programming without having a strategic plan
and a needs assessment before investing money into specific programs or facilities.
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“Edina Senior Center” - Chair Steel explained the reason she did not include this under the Strategic
Plan is because it’s looking at existing data and this has already been talked about and has a $900
budget. Member Segreto asked what is the $900 based upon to which Ms. Kattreh replied that is
something Mr. Keprios put together and she does not have the answer but will find out.
Member Hulbert commented he believes former Park Board Member Bill Lough was very interested in
this and maybe they could reach out to him and see if he has the desire to have community involvement
with the study of the Edina Senior Center. Chair Steel replied it does state under Park Board duties it
includes former working groups or committees and therefore feels communicating that to him would be
very valuable.
Member Jacobson stated she has one tangential question on the Edina Center Study: is it more about the
use of the building when it’s not in use as a Senior Center or is it about the Senior Center activities or
both? Chair Steel replied she believes both. Member Jones commented that she would like to add
parking to the study.
“Cost Recovery Goals for Enterprise Facilities” - Chair Steel stated they did pass a recommendation
asking City Council that they study this again. She pointed out there is an overlap with the Strategic
Plan in everything they will be doing because it will be comprehensive. However, this will be a little
different because again they are looking at existing data and also one of the items mentioned at the
retreat was classification and therefore thinks that also plays into this initiative. She commented that she
believes the recommendation they passed to the City Council has not been acted on yet and that once the
“Work Plan” goes to City Council they will have a chance to review it.
Member Jones asked if they could add a discussion of what makes something an enterprise facility, what
are the principles and maybe it should include enterprise budgets, statistics and business plans to which
Member Deeds added criteria classification. Member Kathryn Peterson commented that was the point of
the classification to try to make head or tail of what is or is not considered an enterprise.
Member Dan Peterson stated that with respect to cost recovery they need to know what is the cost to
keep it going and how many people use it and how many people they need to use it in order to recover
the cost; however, he is not sure if those numbers are available. Chair Steel indicated that right now it
says “review enterprise facility budget” and doesn’t know if that’s sufficient.
“New Initiatives” - Chair Steel explained there were a few more items added and under the “Ongoing
Responsibilities” they have their CIP but Scott Neal expressed that he would like articulated separately
and she was informed by staff that these are necessary to include. She added all of these items will be
addressed in 2013.
“Renovate Garden Park Baseball Field Initiative” - Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board this initiative
was brought forth by the Edina Baseball Association. There are some fields that they would like to see
improved and first on their list is Garden Park and the plan is for the City to partner with the EBA. The
EBA is offering a $100,000 donation and the City is applying for a grant for approximately $260,000
through Hennepin County Youth Sports. If they receive funding this is a project they will be working on
and there will be action in the form of a public hearing in October. If everything passes they will begin
working on the project in 2013.
“Barrier Free Replacement Playground Equipment at Wooddale Park Initiative” - Ms. Kattreh informed
the Park Board this initiative was brought to them by an Edina resident who lives in the neighborhood
and is interested in putting together a fundraising campaign to replace the playground equipment with a
completely barrier play structure. She noted they are anticipating a budget of approximately $300,000
and they do have some matching funds that they can put in their CIP for 2013. She noted this is an
addition to this year but they are looking at it as being completely done by the neighborhood’s
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fundraising effort. She added they are in the very preliminary stages right now but anticipate it being
more of an initiative in 2013 as well.
“Lake Edina Pathway Initiative” - Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board this is an initiative that came
about in conjunction with “Do Town” as well as interest by some City Council members in an attempt to
try to bridge the Parklawn neighborhood and Cornelia School. This will give kids in that neighborhood
a safe route to access the school and the playground. She noted it was added to the 2013 CIP and is
something that will take place in the form of a public hearing with the neighborhood.
“Countryside Park Master Plan” – Ms. Kattreh indicated they have been working on this for over a year
and are getting very close to completing a master plan. She indicated they will be asking Park Board to
review and comment on a play structure to which they’ve been working on the design for several
months. She noted that Member Hulbert has volunteered to serve on the committee to replace the shelter
building.
Member Jones asked where the one million dollar budget on that item came from. Ms. Kattreh replied
they had $330,000 in their CIP for this year to replace the playground equipment and pathways. In
addition, they received $695,000 in a park dedication fee from the “Waters Development” which is the
reason they are able to move forward with the entire master plan.
“Ongoing Responsibilities” - Chair Steel informed the Park Board they have a list of ongoing
responsibilities which basically are annual duties as well as a list of work plan ideas to be considered in
the future: CIP, Fees and Charges, Donations Policy, Naming of Parks and Facilities Policy, User Fee
Policy, 2014-2015 Operating Budget, Edina Veteran’s Memorial, Update Bylaws, Election of Officers
and the 2014 Park Board Work Plan.
“Other Work Plan Ideas Considered for Current Year or Future Years” – Chair Steel informed the Park
Board of the following other work plan ideas: Cooperative Agreement with the School District; Sports
Dome and the Masters Parks Plan, which again had interest from City Council.
Member Deeds indicated that being a part of the Sports Dome Committee he would like to see it come to
a conclusion and would like to see it somewhere on the Work Plan with a deadline date and get it done.
He stated they need to find a location and make a decision, pick a date and get a plan to present to the
Park Board and then move it on to the City Council rather than have it on the “Other Work Plan Ideas”.
Ms. Kattreh responded the reason it was put on the Work Plan is because it’s titled “New Initiatives” and
this is more of a current year initiative. She stated that she totally agrees and maybe it’s a matter of
keeping it where it is with a final date; however, they certainly can move it to the “New Initiative”
section as well. Member Deeds stated that he would like to see a general timeframe where there will be
a recommendation, review and comment on the Sports Dome on a calendar. Chair Steel replied the Park
Board will have a chance to review the calendar but the idea of this is to make sure that the City Council
is in agreement with their initiatives.
Member Jones indicated they have several initiatives that are going on right now that they hope to have
completed and the Sports Dome is one of them. She stated that in looking at “Ongoing Responsibilities”
she would like some clarification that the Donations and Naming Policy Working Group is not
considered ongoing because she thought they were done so likewise there will be expectations of their
involvement in the future. Therefore, she would not recommend them to be on their Work Plan. Chair
Steel replied that is a good point and suggested that they be put under “Ongoing Responsibilities” and
move the Sports Dome into that as well and after each item write “completed by such date”. Member
Jones indicated that they are different than “Ongoing Responsibilities” such as the CIP, fees and charges,
operating budget, bylaws and election of officers.
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Member Kathryn Peterson asked if they could put an item under “Ongoing Responsibilities” that says
“Policy Review as needed”. Chair Steel replied she doesn’t think that speaks to the Sports Dome and
suggested adding a new category “Ongoing Initiatives”. Members Jones commented that she thinks the
target completion dates are good and she likes the form for the “New Initiatives” but she would cut the
word “New” out of there for the other initiatives like the Sports Dome.
Chair Steel asked if it is the general consensus that the Donations and Naming Policy, User Fee Policy
and Sports Dome are initiatives that should be completed in 2013 to which Member Deeds replied he
thought some of those were completed. Chair Steel replied that the City Council will continue to work
on the Donations and Naming Policy with the Park Board and the City Council did pass the User Fee
Policy. However, if they start receiving new data they will need to work on the policy.
Member Jones indicated that regarding the “Edina Veterans Memorial Committee” she would suggest
they open it up again to have a Park Board member be a representative on that committee and find out if
there is going to be a target completion date or is it going to be ongoing forever. Chair Steel replied that
she thinks having it on the Work Plan is sufficient for being able to talk about it; however when they
start discussing the calendar they will try to get those specifics regarding the memorial.
Member Jones commented on the “Master Parks Plan” for the “Other Park Plan Ideas” she considers it
to be something similar to the Strategic Planning and Comprehensive Needs Assessment and therefore
would like to put it under the first Initiative. Chair Steel replied she thinks it’s a little different and asked
Ms. Kattreh to explain what a “Master Parks Plan” looks like. Ms. Kattreh explained the difference with
the “Master Parks Plan” would be an actual study of each park facility itself and its uses and possible
modifications. She explained the “Strategic Plan” is looking at their operations, programming and how
it relates to the economy today as well as how it relates to our vision and mission statements. The
Master Parks Plan being very park facility specific and the other more operational mission and vision
related.
Member Deeds asked if Countryside Park already has a master plan and therefore this is just a plan that
is moving forward on a plan that exists, correct? Ms. Kattreh replied yes and added they are able to
move forward with that plan because of the Park Dedication fee from the “Waters Development”.
Member Jones indicated that she has a different definition of a “Master Parks Plan”. For example, there
is a master plan for Countryside Park in existence and there is a master plan in existence for Garden
Park; however, other communities create Master Parks Plan and showed the Park Board two examples of
Master Parks plan from other communities. One community is a city in Illinois with similar
demographics to Edina and in it they talk about a needs assessment and they talk a little bit about a
strategic plan and it’s all a part of the Master Parks Plan. It takes a ten year vision of where they want to
be and looks at all of their facilities. She stated the other city she looked at was Roseville and they do
have the aspects of what goes on in each individual park but it’s a broader strategic plan. She stated that
with these two master plans, since they incorporate the strategic plan and the needs assessment, they talk
about the process those cities used in order to create a needs assessment in order to create the strategic
plan and that might be a good tool for them as they work on the first work plan. She noted she would
ask staff to say if there are other cities that have similar things. She commented that sometimes she feels
like she is developing knowledge of how to create the mechanics of something so that they can advise on
policy when in fact there are many different cities that have tried to do the same thing that we’ve done
and we might figure out how that fits. She noted she would suggest as they move forward this may be
something for them to consider. Chair Steel asked Member Jones if she is suggesting seeing a “Strategic
Master Parks Plan” instead of a “Strategic Plan” to which Member Jones replied yes, a “Master Parks
Plan” which would include strategic planning and comprehensive needs assessment. Chair Steel noted
she could be wrong but she doesn’t think the Parks Plan usually includes the enterprise facilities because
it’s looked at differently. Ms. Kattreh pointed out that she thinks they are arguing over semantics
because she has seen different plans called different things but thinks it’s very important that you are
specific about what it is that you want. For example, are you looking for a master plan like you’ve seen
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for Countryside Park, where they are creating a more efficient facility or are they looking at something
more general such as this is what you want to see at the park and this is how it relates to the recreation
and sport programs as a whole. It could include enterprises or not include enterprises, it really is a scope
that would be determined by you because all master plans are done differently and called different things
so it depends on the scope you want to see so if there is something you want done in one year or in
multiple phases you need to determine what the key points are that you will be looking for immediately
in 2013.
Member Segreto stated that she is really weary of spending lots of money on a consultant for an
independent study on master plans. She indicated that while she supports a strategic plan for them to
understand and sort through what their strategy is for a five year period she is really not a proponent.
She commented that in looking at the plan that was just circulated it’s so full of just statistics that they
will have yet another thing on the shelf and she has full confidence in Edina Parks staff to work with the
strategic plan that the Park Board comes up with. She added they could use the money that they would
spend on their planning process and put into their parks.
Member Jones indicated she thinks they need to clarify if they’re looking at a five or ten year plan and
what are the objectives. She agrees they need to begin with a comprehensive needs assessment and
strategic plan and see where they go from there. Chair Steel responded she thinks they are getting a little
ahead of themselves on whether they want a five year strategic plan that’s going to cover these facilities
and will have this level of detail because that is going to take some discussion.
Member Jones asked if they can look at adding anything to the Work Plan because she believes the City
Council consensus was reached regarding the Grandview process on the following: Park Board to
address community needs, use of public spaces, and specific building programming which would drive
building design. Chair Steel responded that she has included that under the Strategic Plan under
rationale it states “Park Board has shown interest in needs assessment including but limited to nature
programming, winters activities and then the Grandview Community Center programming/amenities”.
She stated that by making sure they do a needs assessment they are including all of the items that are
coming up. Member Jones stated that she sees the target completion date is “ongoing” so this is a small
area plan where the City Council would like to have some guidance so that they can develop that area.
Therefore, she would recommend that they get a target completion date because it appears the Park
Board is to address the community needs, the use of public spaces and civic building programming
which would drive the building design. Member Jones stated she thinks that they would need either to
have that as a separate item under the work plan or just a target completion date for the needs
assessment. Member Deeds asked if we want Grandview cut out as a separate item because you think
it’s more eminent time wise. Member Jones replied maybe and maybe the City Council will say it’s not,
she would just like some clarity. Chair Steel noted that she is hesitant and it depends if they decide to do
an internal needs assessment or not.
Member Deeds suggested they ask the City Council for some guidance on what their time frame looks
like for Grandview. Ms. Kattreh indicated that the September 19th meeting has a work session and if
Park Board would like to add Grandview then she would suggest adding it as a new initiative if you
would like to give them some verbiage for that. The City Council can then decide whether they want to
keep it or choose to eliminate it.
Chair Steel indicated that her only reservation about adding it as a separate item is because she doesn’t
want to spend money on a needs assessment and then do another needs assessment. Member Jones
replied she thinks that was quite clear that they are looking at consolidating and potentially what it is that
they might need in that space and how it might all fit together in a comprehensive needs assessment. She
would never recommend there be more than one needs assessment. Chair Steel asked would it be
sufficient under rationale to write “address” and then the language “City Council’s action” to which
Member Jones replied she thinks that would be great.
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Member Dan Peterson indicated that he believes a few weeks ago the City Council copied emails to the
Park Board regarding community gardens and noted that two or three years ago he tried to get the Park
Board interested in that issue and there was no interest. He stated they are the only city in the western
suburbs that does not have a community garden. He commented that the easy way to get going on it is
to see where the need would be the greatest and that is around Centennial Lakes with all of the
apartments and condominiums. He noted that he thought the YMCA has some land which Mr. Keprios
thought could be used just across York. He commented if staff could figure out what’s going on at the
YMCA and let the Park Board know in the next couple of months. Chair Steel asked Ms. Kattreh what
the City Council has done recently as far as community gardens. Ms. Kattreh replied there have been
some discussions particularly related to “Do Town” about community gardens but they haven’t received
any specific directives.
Member Jones commented that she agrees that keeps coming up and most likely is going to be part of a
needs assessment. She asked are they really going to say the needs assessment is going to take place this
year and they will move forward with it next year. She stated that she thinks it’s worth discussing
whether or not they want to try to move faster on this. She noted that she is a little surprised this hasn’t
ended up in their work plan because there seems to be many initiatives that weren’t even part of their
CIP last year and not even part of the five year CIP and she feels very reactionary. Member Hulbert
indicated that he thinks they always have the ability to add things as the year progresses, he thinks they
always have flexibility if the time would permit. Chair Steel suggested adding it under “Other Work
Plan Ideas”.
Chair Steel informed the Park Board that she agrees with Member Jones about the CIP items and she
also had the same conversation with staff but some of the items are already supported by City Council.
Member Jones commented that she is very excited about some of the things they have added but does
get a little frustrated because it seems as if they are constantly reacting to the next thing to which Chair
Steel replied she feels the same way.
Member Jones informed the Park Board of one more idea she had and that is to talk about Green Energy
and try to add that to the work plan. She explained that other cities are becoming very active in working
with third parties and/or creating solar community gardens which would work for a community like
Edina. She pointed out Minneapolis has been able to save $14,000 a year in electricity and considering
what their arena burns in electricity she would like to at least evaluate some other methods of green
energy. Member Segreto asked if it would be more appropriate for the Energy and Environment
Commission to work on to which Member Jones replied she thinks it would be a great thing for them to
work together on and the savings could go towards the parks. Member Segreto commented that
programmatically should they not be the spear leader on the effort. Member Jones replied she is just
saying if it’s parkland, then it is something that she thinks they should be involved in and maybe they
could suggest a joint work group. Member Jones pointed out that when looking at reducing cost for the
enterprise facilities and when they look at how much energy is burned heating the ice arena, etc., none of
their work plan programs have really tried to target a reduction in cost.
Strategic Planning With a Comprehensive Needs Assessment
Member Jones made a motion, seconded by Member Deeds, to accept the initiative “Strategic
Planning with a Comprehensive Needs Assessment” and add under rationale “address City
Council’s actions on the Grandview Area Plan”.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion Carried.
Edina Senior Center Study
Chair Steel commented that Member Jones made the suggestion to add “Parking” under proposed
changes on the Park Board duties.
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Member Dan Peterson indicated he does not understand why it is on the agenda because it seems to him
it is not broken. Member Deeds replied that they discussed last year that the utilization is extremely low
as well as have very low utilization rates and the cost that they are running relative to utilization is quite
high. Therefore, he thinks there is a good indication that they need to figure out a better use for the
space and believes that is the rationale for it, there is good evidence that it needs to be looked at.
Member Jacobson commented that she wishes it would state that in the Park Board duties because it
sounds more like it’s trying to look at the Senior Center as a whole and not utilizing the capacity or the
potential income for the building.
Member Jacobson made a motion, seconded by Hulbert to add the statement of “increase the
utilization of the building”.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Gieseke to approve the initiative itself.
Member Jones stated she is trying to figure out how many working groups they are assigning themselves
right now; she would like to get a tally of what is ongoing and what they have just approved. She added
they need to be clear and a good thing about creating a work plan is now they will be intentional about
what they ask each other to do. She noted they have the “Sports Dome Committee” that is going to
continue work this year and asked if there are any others that are ongoing. Member Deeds asked about
the “Naming and Donations” to which Member Jones replied they are pretty much done, there is one
more meeting. Member Jones stated they have the Sports Dome and the Senior Center and asked if the
“strategic planning” is going to be a working group to which Chair Steel replied no; that will be the full
Park Board. Member Deeds commented that is going to be a lot of working groups and would guess will
take anywhere from one to three years because if you do a good job on a strategic plan it will take a lot of
time, energy, effort and a lot of data collection. They are not going to be able to do it as one massive
board so there is a lot under that one initiative there. Member Jones commented that she thinks that alone
will be a board task.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Cost Recovery Goals for Enterprise Facilities
There was a suggestion to add in criteria for classification.
Member Hulbert made a motion, seconded by Member Dan Peterson to approve the initiative
Cost Recovery Goals for Enterprise Facilities.
Member Deeds indicated as they start stacking up what they are putting forward as initiatives for 2013
that’s a lot of work. He knows this probably needs to be done but these are some big projects and asked
is this a 2013 project or a 2014 project. Member Kathryn Peterson suggested they push out the
completion date. Member Deeds commented that he thinks they need to think about prioritization a little
bit because they all have jobs and lives. Chair Steel asked is there a preferred completion date.
Member Dan Peterson stated that he thinks this is a very important study and he doesn’t see the
economy getting any better for anyone quickly and feels the City Council is going to have to come to
grips with can we afford to do this stuff that doesn’t pay their own way. He suggested they all give it
some thought and let Ms. Kattreh or Mr. Keprios know what we think should be the elements of the
study and put that in writing and then talk about it in three or four months. He asked is this something
that needs to be done in the next 12 months. Member Kathryn Peterson suggested making the
completion date June of 2014.
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Member Kathryn Peterson made an amendment to the motion, seconded by Member Hulbert, to
change the completion date to June 2014.
Amendment Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn
Peterson
Amendment carried.
Motion to approve the initiative.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Renovate Garden Park Baseball Field
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Hulbert, to approve the initiative to renovate
Garden Park Baseball Field.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Barrier Free Replacement Playground Equipment – Wooddale Park
Member Kathryn Peterson asked if this is strictly for the replacement of the tot lot area as opposed to
any other improvements or changes to the park to which Ms. Kattreh replied that is correct.
Member Jones stated there are many playgrounds that are quite old and there is a replacement schedule
for those and asked if this is when it would normally be replaced or are they moving ahead of others.
Ms. Kattreh replied it is moving approximately eight years ahead of the normal replacement schedule
which is why they are asking for the fundraising campaign. Member Jones asked if it is similar to the
“Hornet’s Nest” that unless a certain amount of funds are raised the City will not replace it ahead of
time. Ms. Kattreh replied that is correct but they have not yet had those discussions or a
recommendation from the Park Board or City Council to say they need to raise 100% and she is hoping
to get some involvement from the Park Board to help with that but at this point they are hoping for a
100% contribution in fundraising.
Member Kathryn Peterson asked in the context of providing a barrier free playground has there been any
discussion about which park might be best suited to do that. Ms. Kattreh replied those are some
discussions they’ve had with the neighbors and as staff. She pointed out that at this point because of the
proximity to the home of the person that is spearheading this campaign Wooddale Park is the primary
focus. She noted they did discuss other parks in Edina and it might be something that with the
involvement with the Park Board they may want to do at other park locations as well.
Member Deeds asked if they currently have any barrier free playground places or is this a new addition
to which Ms. Kattreh replied this would be a new addition to the playgrounds in Edina; there currently is
no completely barrier free playground equipment in Edina.
Member Kathryn Peterson asked if barrier free parks will bring in people from outside the city and might
there be parking issues as a result. Ms. Kattreh replied those are some discussions that they’ve had and
thinks they would see people coming in from outside Edina but they definitely want to keep the
neighborhood park feel and don’t want to overrun the parking or the neighborhood so they are definitely
going to keep it at a scale that will be very reasonable for that park.
Member Jones indicated that this is the first time she has heard of this project and it sounds like a
wonderful project but if this passes as part of the work plan does that mean it’s part of the CIP budget.
Ms. Kattreh replied they did put a dollar amount in the CIP budget that you will be looking at and the
City Council will have an opportunity to approve later in the year. Ms. Kattreh commented that Member
Jones talked about being reactionary at times and as staff they also feel that they are being very
reactionary but she tries to look at that in a positive mode. She noted they listen to what the residents are
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asking for and they hope to be able to act and respond in a timely manner. In this case where they have
someone that might be looking at making a $200,000 or $300,000 donation to improve a park eight to
ten years ahead of time may be viewed as reactionary but as staff they look at it as they are trying to be
proactive to what the residents are requesting.
Chair Steel pointed out that they want to be careful when they are wording their initiatives that they are
not approving the specific project they are just getting it on their calendar. Ms. Kattreh commented that
to completely answer Member Jones question you are not approving a dollar amount and in this case
they put a $300,000 budget just to give an idea of what they think the entire project might cost but
believes they put $100,000 in the CIP for the project but are thinking the whole project may cost
$300,000.
Member Deeds commented that he would like to speak in favor of putting this on because he thinks with
the improvement and barrier free that is being talked about it is going to become an ADA issue and
thinks you are either going to need to do it or get sued because it’s going to become an access issue and
they might as well be in front of it.
Member Dan Peterson made a motion, seconded by Member Deeds, to approve the initiative
Barrier Free Replacement Playground Equipment at Wooddale Park.
Member Jones made an amendment to the motion, seconded by Member Hulbert, to add “Park
Board will be asked to review and comment on design and hold standard public notice”.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Amendment carried.
Motion to approve Initiative
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Lake Edina Pathway
Member Segreto made a motion, seconded by Member Gieseke, to approve the initiative Lake
Edina Pathway as one of the 2013 new initiatives.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Countryside Park Master Plan
Member Segreto made a motion, seconded by Member Dan Peterson, to approve the initiative
Countryside Park Master Plan as one of the 2013 new initiatives.
Member Dan Peterson asked staff to give some thought to what percentage of new playground
equipment should be barrier free and to let them know at a future meeting. Ms. Kattreh replied this is
going to be their first playground that they are going to be putting in a completely poured in place safety
surface so that it will be 100% accessible.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Ongoing Responsibilities
Chair Steel identified the “Ongoing Responsibilities” are: CIP, fees and charges, operating budget,
bylaws, election of officers and the work plan.
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Hulbert, to approve the Ongoing
Responsibilities.
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Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Creating a New Category
Chair Steel indicated they talked about creating a new category “Ongoing Initiatives” which would
include: Donations and Naming of Parks and Facilities Policy, User Fee Policy, Edina Veterans
Memorial and Sports Dome.
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Gieseke, to approve the “Ongoing
Initiatives”.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Other Work Plan Ideas Considered for Current Year or Future Years
Ms. Kattreh explained both Creek Valley School and Cornelia School have property lines that are
unusual because there is school use on city property and there is city use of ball fields on school
property. Historically this has been a handshake agreement but they would like to firm up these
relationships in a more formal agreement so they know what is going on, what they can and cannot do,
as well as possibly discuss field improvements and those sorts of things.
Member Deeds made a motion, seconded by Member Dan Peterson, to approve the Cooperative
Agreement with School District for use, upgrade and maintenance of Creek Valley Park athletic
fields and Cornelia School Park athletic fields.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Master Parks Plan
Member Segreto stated she thinks they are all in agreement and they just passed that the Strategic
Planning would be part of the “2013 New Initiative” on the work plan; however, she wants to make sure
they are not trying to create what was just handed out. She thinks Ms. Kattreh said it perfectly that it
could be a matter of semantics so she is not in favor of that kind of planning, it’s overwhelming. Chair
Steel explained that the rationale behind this is the City Council expressed interest in a Masters Parks
Plan. Member Segreto suggested they should wait until the City Council gives them an official direction
if that is what they want them to do.
Member Jones stated she has a separate opinion on this. She explained they have a schedule so they are
able to tell neighborhoods that in so many years they are going to get a new swing set and this is the type
of strategic planning; however, the Master Parks Plan is a little more detailed and feels it is something
Edina could use.
Member Hulbert indicated that his impression of what Member Jones handed out was different than
what the Master Parks Plan is that the Park Board is being asked to approve. Chair Steel stated that she
really thinks it comes down to what you make it. Member Deeds commented that he thinks what they
are talking about is if they put a strategic plan together it’s going to set forth goals, visions and what it is
they think Edina should have in terms of amenities, etc., going forward over the next decade. He noted
the Master Parks Plan then follows as the implementation. How is it they are going to achieve these
goals; specifically what are they going to do with the parks they have as well as what new things are
needed and it begins to go into more detail. Member Deeds pointed out that the only challenge with this
is you have to have the first one done well before they can do the second one.
Member Dan Peterson commented that he thinks they need further background with what the City
Council is thinking about.
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New Items Suggested
Member Dan Peterson made a motion, seconded by Member Hulbert, to put Community Gardens
on the agenda.
Member Hulbert indicated that he thought there was some potential land use around the YMCA that
could potentially be used for a community garden and thinks a lot of people would like it and so if it is a
possibility he would like to see it explored.
Member Deeds asked what is specifically being proposed; is it proposing a working group? Member
Hulbert replied he thinks it should be on the “Ongoing Responsibilities” and have staff give updates as
to what is going on with the land by the YMCA. In addition, see if there is a possibility they could enter
into an agreement so they could have a discussion as to whether or not it would be feasible to put in a
community garden. Member Dan Peterson suggested they put this on their November agenda because
Mr. Keprios will be back and he can give them the current status.
Chair Steel made an amendment to the motion, seconded by Member Segreto, to include this item
under “Other Work Plan ideas”. Member Dan Peterson accepted the friendly motion so they
could vote once.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
Member Jones commented that she has been thinking about what Member Segreto has said about Energy
and Environment and so her motion would be that she would suggest that they put it under “Other Work
Plan Ideas” considered for current year or future year and suggest that they somehow ask the Energy and
Environment Commission if they would be willing to co-chair a work group to pursue that.
Member Jones made a motion, seconded by Member Deeds, to add a working group with the
Edina Energy and Environment Commission to talk about green energy assessment and
implementation in the parks.
Ayes: Dan Peterson, Jacobson, Hulbert, Segreto, Steel, Deeds, Gieseke, Jones, Kathryn Peterson
Motion carried.
VIII. WELCOME NEW STUDENT MEMBER –
Chair Steel welcomed the new student, John O’Leary, who then gave the Park Board some information
about himself.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Ms. Kattreh indicated there is one letter that has been placed in front of the Park Board members.
X. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Jones informed the Park Board that the City Council did hear the Naming and Donations Policy
because they basically said it was something that was too complicated to take into consideration during a
meeting and would prefer to discuss it at the December work session.
Chair Steel informed the Park Board that she presented the User Fee Policy to the City Council and they
pretty much accepted the recommendations in the interest of collecting data, and they may take another
look at it.
Member Deeds asked where they stand on the Sports Dome location. Ms. Kattreh replied they have
been working with Creek Valley Church and have had discussions on their site and thinks at this point
they have enough information to be able to report back to the group so she will be scheduling a meeting
soon.
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Member Hulbert commented that in regards to the letter they received regarding adding baskets for disc
golf he would ask that staff touch base with Tom Horwath, City Forester, first because it does scar up
those old trees and is not sure what it will do to the health of those old trees. Ms. Kattreh replied that
does bring up another point in that they receive requests like this on a regular basis and Mr. Keprios and
she had talked about wanting the Park Board to come up with a very specific policy and procedure on
how they would like staff to address these concerns. She noted even if there was a policy on the website
where if someone has a request or there is something they would like to see in the park that there is
paperwork that would need to be filled out, there is a petition that needs to be signed and explain the
process that will need to be gone through with the Park Board. This is something they would like the
Park Board to consider.
XI. STAFF COMMENTS
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that in front of them is a resolution that they will pass on to the
City Council next week as part of their Hennepin County Youth Sports Grant. She explained that they
need to have the City Council pass this resolution which essentially states they have the ability to staff
and the funding to be able to maintain the field at Garden Park that they are requesting funds for.
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that the Hornet’s Nest project is moving along very smoothly and
they are still on track for an early December opening date.
Ms. Kattreh informed the Park Board that regarding the golf dome they are working with RJM as a
construction manager and they are in the process of determining what they need in a new golf dome and
they are putting together some figures. She explained once they have a building plan and some figures
in place they will go back to the insurance company to work on negotiating those fees. She stated that
they are not going to be able to have the golf dome open for this golf season but that the opening date is
anticipated for October of 2013.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm