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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 8:00 p.m. August 13, 1996 MEMBERS PRESENT: Beth Hall, Dave Crowther, Andy Herring, Becky Bennett, Mike Burley, Jim Fee, John Dovolis, Bill Jenkins MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Montgomery, Jean Rydell STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton I. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 12, 1996 MINUTES Andy Herring MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 12, 1996 PARK BOARD MINUTES. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. EDINA AQUATIC CENTER DOME PROPOSAL UPDATE Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Edina Swim Club no longer has a dome proposal. They realized how difficult it would be to come up with the money. Mr. Keprios pointed out, however, that he feels it was good for them to go through the process. Ms. Bennett stated that she thinks it was important that the Swim Club Board inform all Swim Club members and have them come to their own conclusion. III. LAKE EDINA PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT UPDATE Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that he hasn't done anything to Lake Edina Park at this point other than attempt to first correct the safety issue involving Normandale Golf Course. Staff is attempting to correct the safety issue of the potentially hazardous area with the golf balls. Secondly, they are going to cut the grass differently, reorient the tee and possibly erect some netting. Mr. Fee noted that he thought the Park Board already passed a motion on this issue. Mr. Keprios replied that is correct, however, a gentleman showed up at the City Council meeting to further discuss the issue. The gentleman pointed out that to plow out the area and level it made absolutely no sense because it's peat and in a matter of a few years, or even as few as one, it will be right back to where it was. There will be weeds where we currently have a really good growth of grass. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn't disagree with this because if we are going to do it right and make the area playable we have to put fabric down and that's not financially feasible. Mr. Keprios stated that what he is trying to say is if we are ever going to put in playground equipment we need to make the current area safe and leave the ring in place until we feel it is safe. However, once we feel we have the safety issue corrected we are going to go ahead and put in the trail. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios if he received another call from a resident relative to the equipment issue. Mr. Crowther went on to explain that he received a couple of calls from one individual who was upset at the Park Board's decision and felt we didn't properly canvas the neighborhood. He noted that this resident would like to have the playground equipment installed. Mr. Keprios indicated that this gentleman did come in and visit him in his office for 45 minutes. Mr. Crowther stated that he was never notified and felt maybe there were more people who might be in favor of the equipment. Mr. Keprios explained that he sent out a notice to everyone within 1,000 feet of the park and that most everyone else outside of that area actually lives closer to Cornelia School where there is ample play equipment. Mr. Keprios noted that for this gentleman it is just a slightly shorter walk for him to Lake Edina. Mr. Keprios noted that he explained to him that right now it's not a safe condition and we are not sure what we are going to do. It could be developed, however, we are not sure what the best development is at this point. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if it has been our practice to canvas the neighborhoods and get their input. Mr. Keprios replied that in areas where he feels there is going to be controversy and we are adding something new that has never been there before he will send out meeting notices. Mr. Fee noted that he thinks this is a good idea to get neighborhood input and involvement. IV. CHOWEN PARK BASKETBALL COURT LIGHTS Mr. Keprios pointed out that lights are always a potentially controversial issue. Mr. Keprios indicated that he mailed out 111 notices to people who live in the immediate area of Chowen Park. He went on to explain that the idea for lights came when he was giving a speech at Chowen Park for the Hidden Valley Garden Club. There were a group of people playing basketball who listened to the speech and afterwards asked him if lights could be put up. He noted that these people have been using the headlights of their cars when playing basketball in the evening. Mr. Keprios explained that he never heard anything negative about putting up lights, however, he sent out notices to get some feedback. Mr. Keprios stated that it was close to a 50/50 response both in favor of the project and against it. Mr. Keprios explained that one thing that would be hard for Chowen Park is they would be the first and only park in the City of Edina to have a lighted basketball court. He noted that this might attract too much pressure on a park of that size. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there is conduit in the ground so in the future if they decide to put in lights it will not be a big deal. The cost would be approximately $5,500 to $6,000. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that at this time his recommendation is not to do this. He noted that right now the neighborhood is split and he doesn't want to push it. He indicated that right now there are enough people out there who may want to get a petition going to force the issue to have a hearing. 2 Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios if he has heard from anyone in the neighborhood and he replied that he has heard from almost all of them. Mr. Dovolis asked Mr. Keprios what is the next step. Mr. Keprios replied that he will now send out notices to the same 111 residents and say thank you for your input, however, at this time there seems to be a large enough objection and therefore he will not be recommending it. Mr. Burley noted that he is curious as to why this makes sense when a person can play basketball until 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. He asked if the lights would allow people to play until midnight. Mr. Keprios explained that the lights would be on a timer and a photocell, therefore, people would not be able to turn the lights on by themselves during daylight hours. The timer would automatically shut off the lights at whatever time they are set to go off, such as 9:00 p.m. Mr. Keprios explained that the lights would buy a couple of months each year to be able to play into the fall. Lighted basketball courts is popular in other communities. Mr. Fee asked if there is anything else at the park that could be utilized because of the lights. Mr. Keprios noted that the kids may feel a little safer using the playground equipment and it might add a little bit of light to the picnic shelter. The Park Board indicated that they support Mr. Keprios' decision. V. STRACHAUER PARK PLANS AND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING RESULTS Mr. Keprios pointed out that 297 notices were sent to people who live near the Strachauer Park area to invite them to a neighborhood input meeting. He indicated that the big issue was the proposed parking lot. Mr. Keprios then went on to explain how the park would look on a map. Of the 297 notices sent out, 23 people attended the meeting. Mr. Keprios indicated that the meeting went very well. He also pointed out that they want to make the soccer field more -of a practice site than a game site. Mr. Herring asked what is happening to the warming house. Mr. Keprios replied that a concrete apron was put around the warming house and they are going to repair the brick damage to the corner of the building. Also, the warming house now has a new furnace as well as a new roof. VI. OTHER A. Lewis Park - Mr. Burley asked if there is a specific plan for Lewis Park. Mr. Keprios replied that his understanding is the Park Board would like to see a basketball court put in and if money is available that will be done. Mr. Keprios explained that they will have to come up with a plan as to where to put it, however, the broken equipment needs to be replaced first. Therefore, a basketball court could probably be put in sometime next year. Mr. Keprios pointed out that right now they are repainting the warming house. Also, they will be building a comfort station on the west end of 3 the park which will essentially consist of restrooms, a utility room and drinking fountain. He noted that this should pretty much complete Lewis Park. Mr. Burley indicated that a basketball court would be great, however, his concern is that Lewis Park have more of a variety. Mr. Burley asked if the neighborhood should be canvassed for any other thoughts as to what should be put in the Park. Mr. Burley stated that three fields are being utilized for soccer and noted that he would like to see Lewis Park be more of a neighborhood park. Right now it is used for a lot of organizations. Mr. Fee pointed out that Lewis Park was not designed to be neighborhood park. Mr. Burley noted that he understands that, however, his contention is for that segment of Edina where there is no park except for the playground equipment. There is no where for a kid to go and play a pick up game of baseball or basketball. Mr. Burley stated that something else needs to be put in Lewis Park that is more community or neighborhood friendly besides just being a facility for soccer, football and hockey. Mr. Dovolis indicated that he thinks this is a legitimate request and asked Mr. Keprios if he would do a study on this. Ms. Bennett indicated that she does agree with Mr. Burley and feels now that there is more money, we need to look at the different age groups that we serve and the Lewis Park area does not have much. Mr. Crowther asked Ms. Bennett what she would like to see put in at Lewis Park. Ms. Bennett responded the people would like to see a basketball court, backstop, and sand volleyball. Mr. Burley noted that his teenage kids are going to Hopkins to play frisbee golf, volleyball and horseshoes. He pointed out that the teenagers in Edina have no place to go. Mr. Burley noted that Lewis Park might be a good place for some of these activities. Mr. Herring asked if the sand volleyball court is used at Lake Cornelia and Mr. Keprios noted that it would be used more if it was in better shape. Mr. Crowther pointed out that the consensus seems to be that we need to at least look at some of these ideas and see if they are practical. Mr. Keprios indicated that he and Mr. MacHolda will work on getting some information together. B. Walnut Ridge - Mr. Jenkins asked if the location of the Walnut Ridge hockey rink is being moved. Mr. Keprios replied that currently the answer is no. He indicated that he left it with the Arnold's and their next door neighbors to talk it over and get back to him. Mr. Keprios noted that his sense is that it isn't going to do any good if the rink is moved another 100 to 200 yards, they are going to hear that tractor come through the park. Mr. Keprios also informed the Arnolds that he promises to stay on the same maintenance schedule that they have had. C. New Hockey Boards - Mr. Keprios noted that Lewis Park and Normandale Park are going to get new hockey boards and new asphalt surfaces. 4 VII D. Lake Cornelia Park - Mr. Keprios indicated that there is a bid in two weeks for the Lake Cornelia Park playground equipment. E. Aquatic Center and Ice Arena - Mr. Keprios stated that they have hired the architects for the aquatic center and ice arena. Mr. Keprios also pointed out that it looks like there will not be enough money to build an Olympic size arena. F. Van Valkenburg Park - Mr. Keprios noted that in the not too distant future they will work on the completion of Van Valkenburg Park by adding the playground equipment, pathways, etc. G. John Dovolis - Mr. Keprios noted that Mr. Dovolis sold four furnaces for the park shelters at cost. Therefore, we now have four furnaces for the price of three. Everyone thanked Mr. Dovolis. H. Minnesota Splash - Mr. Herring indicated that Minnesota Splash was a nice family event. I. Park Tour - It was noted that at the September meeting there will be a park tour and an update on the progress of the different parks. ADJOURNMENT Jim Fee MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:45 P.M. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 5