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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-14 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. May 14, 1996 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jean Rydell, Beth Hall, Andrew Montgomery, Dave Crowther, Andy Herring, Becky Bennett, Bill Jenkins, Mike Burley, Jim Fee, John Dovolis MEMBERS ABSENT: Frank Bennett STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton OTHERS PRESENT: Sara Lykken, Bill Lykken I. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN Mr. Keprios indicated that Mr. Montgomery is now the Chair of the Park Board and that a Vice -Chair needs to be elected. Jim Fee NOMINATED DAVE CROWTHER. Mr. Keprios indicated that he needs a motion to close nominations. Jean Rydell MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS, Mike Burley SECONDED. NOMINATIONS CLOSED. Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE DAVE CROWTHER AS VICE-CHAIRMAN, Jim Fee SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Montgomery indicated that he appreciates Mr. Jenkins leadership the past three years and particularly his work on the referendum. He also thanked Ms. Hall for working on the phone bank which was extremely successful and noted whoever was responsible for the brochure did a great job. II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Andrew Montgomery MOVED THAT THE MARCH 12, 1996 MINUTES BE APPROVED. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. III. LEWIS PARK BASKETBALL COURT Mr. Keprios indicated that Sara and Bill Lykken are requesting the Park Board's consideration of adding a basketball court to Lewis Park. Mr. Keprios stated that the city owns and maintains eight basketball courts. He noted that those are Heights, Normandale, Creek Valley, Strachauer, Chowen, Todd, Countryside and Alden. He pointed out that the city doesn't own any basketball courts in the southeast quadrant. Cornelia School Park does have six new hoops on a fairly new surface, however, those are built on school property and they serve the entire quadrant. Mr. Keprios explained that there is enough real estate to put in a basketball court east of the pathway and south of the playground equipment at Lewis Park. However, it comes down to the issues of money, future maintenance, and park usage. Is this the way the park should be used. Mr. Keprios pointed out that in the past Mr. Burley has mentioned that he would like to see a backstop put in at Lewis Park that would function as both a multi -use area for softball or baseball when they are not being used for soccer or football. However, if a basketball court is put in that would pretty much eliminate that opportunity or possibility. Mr. Keprios stated that the question is how do we want the park to function and that is exactly why we have a Park Board to help us wrestle with these issues and requests. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there are going to be a lot of requests that have not been heard before when we begin to complete the bond issue projects. People love their parks and they are going to want to see a lot of things done and that's to be expected, therefore, we are going to have to make some tough decisions. Mr. Crowther asked if there would be room by the tennis courts and Mr. Keprios replied that they could possibly put one in there. It's a good thought and something he hasn't considered. Mr. Burley asked about putting a hoop up on the perimeter of the hockey rink where we already have blacktop. Mr. Keprios replied that's a good thought and there are some communities that do that. He noted that a regulation size hockey rink is 85' wide by 200' long. Ms. Rydell asked if you could put a basketball court across. Mr. Keprios explained that communities do that and pointed out that they put up permanent hoops width wise of a hockey rink and asphalt the inside. He noted that possibly could be an answer, however, he doesn't know if that is what is being requested. Mr. Herring asked why did flag football play perpendicular to the way Mr. Keprios has shown the fields. Mr. Keprios explained that they use the west field in a perpendicular fashion to take advantage of the best turf available, however, there is no reason they cannot have a north and south field. Mr. Jenkins asked how much will a basketball court cost and Mr. Keprios replied that it would cost just over $10,000. Mr. Fee asked Ms. Bennett and Mr. Burley how they feel about this since they are neighbors of the park. Mr. Burley stated that he feels there is nothing for the kids to utilize there except for the soccer fields. He pointed out that his kids played baseball on Dewey Hill Road and used the cul-de-sac down on Cahill and Dewey Hill Road which was not a good spot to play. He noted that he has always felt there should be other functions for pick up activities for kids where the field could be utilized. Mr. Burley noted that he would love to have a half court basketball with some kind of backstop so kids can play a pick up game there. He pointed out that there is no where in that part of Edina for kids to go play baseball. Ms. Bennett indicated that she agrees with Mr. Burley that there is a lot of green space which seems to be utilized by one sport in the spring and summer and that being soccer. She noted it would be interesting to N try to examine what we could do without taking up all of the green space. Ms. Bennett pointed out that she drives by Countryside quite a bit and sees that basketball court being used by a lot of older teenagers and young adults. She stated that she is concerned that maybe we don't have enough types of things for those residents. There are a lot of young adults in that neighborhood. She noted that it would be interesting to see if maybe we could do a half court over by the tennis court and see if that would be feasible. Mr. Lykken stated that what the Park Board has been talking about is pretty much what they have in mind. He noted that they live next to the park and are familiar with the park. He indicated that they also have two children who use the park. Mr. Lykken explained that he has coached all the various sports in Edina and he feels that the kids need to have more of an opportunity to participate in activities without coaches and formalized programming. He noted that when he walks around Lewis Park in the winter time he sees kids playing hockey and figure skating and doing things without coaches and organization which to him is exciting. He pointed out that there are not very many sports where you see that and he feels the non -organized aspects of sports are important for the kids development and also for the development of the sport. Mr. Lykken indicated that his daughter is playing traveling basketball and if she is going to play in a pick up game she has to find someone who has a driveway or has to get over to Countryside, which means crossing the highway. At 12 years old they prefer she didn't do that. Mr. Lykken noted that he feels confident that this basketball court would be heavily utilized and there is parking available. Mrs. Lykken noted that she has been involved in athletics for a long time and has especially been watching the girls basketball program in Edina. She indicated that it is one sport that has been undercounted because it is an indoor winter sport. She stated that what she doesn't see is girls participating in pick-up activities because she feels they are a little intimidated by it. Mrs. Lykken indicated she feels this is a situation where if you build it they will come. Mrs. Lykken pointed out that for two years there were hardly any kids using the playground equipment, however, since the equipment has been renovated there are kids there all the time and she didn't realize how many kids live in the area. Mrs. Lykken feels this would be a good investment. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios if they have gone to the extent yet of getting any neighborhood feedback on this issue. Mr. Crowther stated that he feels this is a sensitive park in that we had the soccer issue and had quite extensive input from the neighborhood. He noted he would be uncomfortable doing anything to Lewis Park without at least getting some feedback from the neighborhood to see what kind of reaction would be received. He noted that he doesn't think it's fair to soccer to have another group come in and say lets put a basketball hoop in here and just go and put it in. He feels that doesn't show consistency or equality. Mr. Montgomery noted that the other be talked about later and asked if should this be part of the overall 3 issue is the $5.5 million that will this is an isolated situation or picture of utilizing the $5.5 million. He questioned why should we be discussing this as a separate issue as opposed to all of the facilities which are upgraded. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios how feasible is it to get input on an issue like this from the neighbors and he replied that it is feasible and it can be done. Mr. Fee pointed out that he is less concerned about signatures because he knows you can get those. However, there are a lot of senior citizens in the area who did show up on some other issues and therefore would like to know what their viewpoint might be. Mr. Burley noted that he feels this section of the community, those who are not in the condominiums, are frustrated that this is strictly a soccer or ice hockey area. He noted that in his opinion the park is totally underutilized and needs something else there such as basketball or baseball. He noted that it should not be a quick fix, it should be part of the overall program. Also, he suggested that possibly the Boys Basketball Association could pay for the whole thing. Jim Fee MOVED THAT THIS PROJECT BE ADDED TO THE OVERALL MASTER PLAN ENCOMPASSING THE 5.5 MILLION AND THAT IT BE CONSIDERED IN LOOKING AT WHAT IS DONE TO LEWIS PARK. THEN HAVE STAFF COME BACK WITH THAT OR ANY OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE NOW GOING TO BE COMING BEFORE US WITH STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION SO WE CAN ADDRESS IT AT A FUTURE POINT IN TIME. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Herring noted that he is not sure he understands what that means. Mr. Fee explained that he is asking them to include it in the plan for consideration because it is now not part of the plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Lykken noted that if there is anything further that they can do to facilitate getting input they would be glad to do that. Mr. Herring indicated to Mr. Keprios that we should notify or discuss this with the Football and Soccer Associations. Mr. Keprios replied they will do that. Mr. Crowther noted that we should have a strategy set up on how to handle all of these types of requests and Mr. Keprios replied that will be discussed. Mr. Fee noted that he does agree that Lewis Park could be better utilized because there is a lot of land, it's beautiful property and it's very accessible. Again, he personally thinks a basketball court would get a tremendous amount of utilization from everyone. Mr. MacHolda indicated that he has a couple of comments. His first is that Lewis Park is not the only site where people have requested a basketball court. He stated that as Mr. Keprios mentioned there will be other amenities with other neighborhood parks who will come forward. Therefore, it's nice to have everything evaluated before we make any decisions. He does agree with Mr. Burley and Ms. Bennett that it would be nice to offer more opportunities for all of the seasons at Lewis Park because right now it seems like a big ice sheet in the winter time and 4 in the summer time a big green space. However, Mr. Herring hit the nail right on the head in saying before the Park Board makes a decision the athletic associations, especially soccer, football and baseball need to be consulted. The reason they come to mind is we have now passed a general park bond referendum and a significant part of that is regrading ballfields. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there are a lot of things that we need to look at before any decisions can be made. IV. LAKE EDINA PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Mr. Keprios explained that Lake Edina Park used to have three softball fields, a tennis court and playground equipment which have now all been taken out for a golf course. He indicated that at the end of Kellogg there is a cul-de-sac that will ultimately have an asphalt path that leads right along the fence and goes up to a concrete ring. Mr. Kojetin put in that concrete ring to designate where the playground equipment will go when money is available to do it. Mr. Keprios indicated that he has now received a petition from some of the residents that they do not want playground equipment put in there. However, a resident came in and said he does want playground equipment. Therefore, to resolve the issue he has sent out 162 notices inviting people to a meeting to discuss the issue. He noted that he would like to have one Park Board member attend the meeting. He noted that they are not going to satisfy everyone, however, it helps to get both sides of the issue in the same room to come to some type of conclusion. Mr. Crowther stated that to him the issue is if we don't put in playground equipment, what do we do with that piece of property. The City owns the property and the surrounding residents should not totally dictate what is done because this area serves the whole quadrant. Mr. Keprios indicated that some of the suggestions are they would like more aesthetically pleasing landscaping in this area. One of their issues is why do we need to put in playground equipment at Lake Edina Park when there is great playground equipment at Cornelia School within four blocks. Mr. Keprios indicated that this is not a bad argument. Mr. Burley asked how much this would cost and he replied they are looking at approximately $25,000 worth of equipment. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Keprios that as staff what do they think. Mr. Keprios replied that he doesn't have a really strong feeling one way or another. Mr. Fee asked if there is a risk from the golf course and Mr. Keprios stated that he will need to look into that, however, they are telling him that there is a risk. Mr. Herring noted to Mr. Keprios that he is absolutely on the right path in letting the issue play itself out and see what happens. It was noted that Dave Crowther will attend the meeting on May 22nd. 5 V. PARK REFERENDA REVIEW Mr. Keprios indicated that there was a tremendous show of support by the community for their park system. It's fabulous that the community came out in the numbers that they did. There was a 13% turnout to the polls and out of those 77% voted yes for the bond issue and 61% voted yes for the third sheet of ice, which is fantastic. He pointed out that the last park -related bond issues passed by 127 votes and 45 votes and one failed by only 105 votes. Mr. Keprios stated that Mr. Montgomery mentioned earlier that it was a great brochure. He noted that the person who deserves the credit for the brochure is Dave Mills who unfortunately passed away the day they final proofread it. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would like to plant a tree in his honor and invite Mr. Mill's surviving immediate family to a brief dedication ceremony. Mr. Keprios explained that where they are headed is no different than what was promised to the community all along. They are planning to repair and replace what is broken first, all the pathways are going to get done this year and that is priority one. Secondly, all of the tennis courts are going to be brought up to speed so they are safe to play on and all the hard surface courts that need it are going to be rebuilt or resurfaced. The ballfield lighting will be done at the Courtney ballfield complex. Also, they are going to asphalt Lewis Park hockey rink as well as Normandale. The reason Normandale is being done is they want to get those kids off the tennis courts because they are ruining them. The hockey boards are going to be fixed at Cornelia School Park plus we need to fix the lighting. Also, we need some lighting replacements at Arden Park as well as some hockey boards need to be replaced. Mr. Keprios stated that Mr. MacHolda has a great playground plan for Lake Cornelia Park that is just about ready to go out for bid. Also, we will figure out Lake Edina Park and Weber Park which is a big one that needs to be done soon. He noted that Golden Years Elementary School is going to donate some money towards Weber Park's playground equipment project, which is really nice. Ms. Hall pointed out that there is a real active group in the Weber Park neighborhood and noted that a lot of those people came in and did some calling on the bond issue. Mr. Keprios noted that as Mr. MacHolda mentioned earlier they are going to regrade quite a few ballfields this year. They are also going to do some safety fencing, 7 sets of tennis courts, repair the roof at Creek Valley and the Art Center, and replace all of the furnaces at the seven shelter buildings. Also, start the design process for the replacement of shelter buildings. Mr. Keprios indicated that there is a whole laundry list of other miscellaneous things as well as building a third rink that need to be done. Mr. Herring asked when the third rink is expected to be done. Mr. Keprios replied that the goal is to have it operational by May 1, 1997. He indicated that the City also received $250,000 from the Mighty Ducks program so we really now have $2.75 million to work with at the arena. Mr. Herring asked what is going to be done with the extra money. Mr. Keprios responded that they are going to design the footprint of the building large enough to put in an olympic size sheet if they decide to go that route. They need to see how the bids come in. The current thinking is that they will build a regulation size rink but put in refrigeration with caps on it to allow for expansion to an olympic size rink at some future date if deemed necessary. Mr. Burley asked why do we want an olympic size rink and Mr. Keprios replied that is where most communities are going to, however, he is not sold on the benefits of it. Mr. Jenkins pointed out that people who have it are not necessarily sold on it either. Mr. Keprios stated that it costs more to build and maintain. Mr. Montgomery asked if the money can go as a reduction of the $250,000 and put that money elsewhere. Mr. Keprios explained that the money has to be used on the rink only. Mr. Montgomery asked if the $250,000 can put into the lighting at Braemar instead of taking the lighting out of the $5.5 million. Mr. Keprios stated that by law the matching grant money must be spent on the arena project. However, we will have to see how the bids come in on the Courtney Field lighting project before determining how much can be done. Mr. Jenkins commented that he thinks the way we have to look at the $250,000 is instead of having a 2.5 million dollar project we now have to look at it as a 2.75 million dollar project. Mr. Jenkins asked when the Braemar parking lot by the baseball fields will be paved. Mr. Keprios explained that Mr. Rosland has put together a southwest quadrant committee because it is such a complicated issue. He noted that it's not just a matter of building a third rink. There are wheels in motion to get more money from the state to put in a state aid road which will then help us to offset some of the costs in the parking lot renovation. Mr. Rosland also just informed him that we received one million dollars to go forward with the training facility for fire and police, which will also have an impact on the design of that area. Mr. Fee asked about the environmental problems at the gun range and Mr. Keprios noted that it will cost approximately $35,000, which is nowhere near the expense that was originally expected. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there are a lot of things that are going to affect each other. The development of a training facility, the development of the rink, the state aid road, the redevelopment of the parking lot and exactly the design that the arena is going to take shape. Also, what can we afford to do with the money that we have. There are a lot of factors involved and we are just now starting to interview architects. Mr. Keprios indicated that they are going to send out notices and they are going to interview every architect that has shown an interest in the project. He commented that right now they are at the infancy stage. Mr. Montgomery indicated that his concern is how is the $5.5 million going to be split. He asked if all of the items that Mr. Keprios read off are items that need to come out of the $5.5 million. He noted that he is not sure that all 7 tennis courts need to be fixed. Mr. 7 Montgomery stated that he would like to have input as a board on how the $5.5 million is going to be spent. Mr. Keprios indicated that construction will begin at the aquatic center the day they close the doors at the end of the season. Mr. Herring stated that he thinks the point Mr. Montgomery is making is with the school bond referendum they were able to do more than they ever expected because they hit the construction mark at a low point. He indicated that he thinks Mr. Montgomery wants to know what our priorities are for the $5.5 million. Are we relying strictly on Mr. Keprios or do we have any input as Park Board members. Mr. Keprios noted that he is not going to go off and spend money without the Park Board's input. He indicated that the reason they are committed to what they are going to do in 1996 is because that was promised to the community throughout the entire Park Referendum information campaign. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if next month the Park Board can receive a list of what the priorities are. Mr. Keprios indicated that he has a list for 1996, 1997 and 1998, however, he cannot guarantee that we are going to do all of these things and in that order. Much of this will be a learn as we go process. Mr. Fee noted that as other requests come in they will have a better handle on the overall picture. VI. OTHER A. Edina Football and Baseball Association - Mr. Herring noted that he just wanted to comment that the Edina Football Association really had their act together this year. Also, it has been his experience that the Baseball Association has their act together this year and that the Doyle Clinic was a nice thing. B. Thanks,- Mr. Keprios indicated he wanted to give a big thanks to everyone who worked so hard on the bond referendum, especially Ms. Hall who worked awfully hard in recruiting the volunteers. C. Park Board Tour - Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board members if there were any requests on where they would like to go. It was noted they would like to see Lake Edina. The Park Board tour will begin at 7:00 p.m. D. Inspection Tour - The Inspection Tour is scheduled for July 16th. E. Van Valkenburg Park - Mr. Keprios indicated that he received a call and they have to get started on the little playground site at Van Valkenburg Park. VII. ADJOURNMENT Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40 P.M. Bill Jenkins SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.