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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-14 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. February 14, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Herring, Andrew Montgomery, Beth Hall, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Dave Crowther, Jean Rydell MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Jenkins, John Dovolis, Frank Bennett STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton I. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 10, 1995 MINUTES Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 10, 1995 MINUTES. Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. BRAEMAR TENNIS COURT SITE PLAN. Mr. Keprios indicated that the City Council would like staff to come forward with a recommendation on what to do with the Braemar Tennis Court site before removal of the courts. Mr. Keprios explained that the tennis courts and parking lot are scheduled to be removed by our staff this spring. He then noted that the people who live closest to this site would like to see grass put in and possibly a few trees. Mr. Keprios stated that he would prefer to sod as opposed to seed so that people will see green right away. Mr. Montgomery asked the Park Board what they thought about putting in a sand volleyball court at the site since the only outdoor volleyball courts in the city are at Lake Cornelia Park. Mr. Keprios stated that the YMCA has approached him to put in sand volleyball courts at Yorktown Park possibly this year. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if he understood correctly that the Braemar tennis court site is not currently planned to be used for anything, such as future expansion of the golf course. Mr. Keprios replied that that is correct. Mr. Fee then asked if we have a better way to spend $4,500 than to put in nice grass on an area that isn't going to be used. Mr. Fee stated that he doesn't know what it would cost to seed versus $4,500 to sod. Mr. Keprios explained that the biggest part of the $4,500 is the removal and disposal of the asphalt, concrete, and fencing. The sod is really minimal. Mr. Crowther stated that if we were to put in another facility we are being a little hypocritical even if it's not the same cost. He noted that we are saying we can't afford to maintain this facility and there will be a one time charge of $4,500 to take it out. Therefore, if we put something else in that area we are not being totally honest with the neighborhood. Mr. Crowther then stated that he thinks sodding makes the most sense. Jim Fee MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE THE IBRAEMAR TENNIS COURTS AND PARKING LOT AND SOD THE AREA. Dave Crowther SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. III. JULY 4TH CELEBRATION EVENT PROPOSAL Mr. Keprios explained that Norwest Bank approached the city for the purpose of Norwest to become more involved in the community. In a meeting with Edina Norwest Bank Branch Manager, Jody Leaf, Mr. Keprios indicated that he felt the Fourth of July celebration would be a good place for their help. Mr. Keprios noted we put on a great show for the Fourth of July with the finale being absolutely fabulous. However, the heart of the show is a little weak compared to other shows and our organized entertainment doesn't begin until 9:00 p.m. Mr. Fee noted that he recalled Mr. Keprios saying last year that we were short in some capacity either in entertainment or the overall fireworks. Mr. Keprios indicated that Edina's fireworks display is the smallest one around. He noted, however, that we are unique in that we are one of the few cities that have tax supported fireworks. He indicated that most communities have a Fourth of July Committee that go out and fund raise in the private sector. Mr. Keprios indicated staff would like for the Park Board to consider looking at different activities that can go on before the Sousa Band, which begins at 9:00 p.m. He explained that a lot of people show up 2 to 3 hours early so they have a good spot to listen to the Sousa Band and view the fireworks display. Mr. Keprios explained that there could be a lot of different things going on earlier in the day. He pointed out that Norwest Bank is very interested in this recommendation. However, they have not committed at this time. Mr. Crowther asked if other communities offer sponsorship to main donors or do they just collectively raise money from various sources and bill it as the city's show. Mr. Keprios stated that in some communities there is one main sponsor who gets all of'the publicity and then there are other communities that have a lot of different businesses who contribute annually. Mr. Crowther asked if we would give Norwest Bank some kind of prime billing and Mr. Keprios indicated that they would definitely get their due recognition. Mr. Fee asked if this would upset anyone else who may want to contribute. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn't have anyone else asking to donate funding at this time. He also pointed out that the City Council has made it clear that they don't want staff out hustling money. Mr. Keprios indicated that maybe down the road we can form a Fourth of July Committee to raise funds and plan an all day Fourth of July Celebration. Mr. Montgomery asked if we will ever come back to a winter function. He noted that one of the most enjoyable times he had was the winter Centennial Celebration. Mr. Keprios stated that Centennial Lakes does have a very successful winter ice festival where there are a lot of winter games and exhibitions. He noted that they try to schedule a lot of family oriented activities. Mr. Keprios then pointed out that he would certainly be open to suggestions. N Jean Rydell MOVED TO ACCEPT THE STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT FUNDING FROM NORWEST BANK TO UPGRADE THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND FUND ADDITIONAL YOUTH ACTIVITIES FOR FOURTH OF JULY, 1995. Jim Fee SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. BUS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE TO THE EDINA AQUATIC CENTER. Mr. MacHolda indicated that two years ago he put together a proposal to have the bus service discontinue. Mr. MacHolda pointed out that there are approximately 700 - 800 kids signed up for the Learn to Swim program. He stated that in 1992 we had three buses for two time periods canvas the city for swimming lessons. He indicated that of the 750 participants there were approximately 120 who used the bus. Mr. MacHolda explained that if you divide that out it costs the city approximately $85.00 per user. Mr. MacHolda then explained that the bus service was continued in 1993 and 1994 with some revisions. The bus went from serving two time periods to one time period and attempted to shorten the length of the bus ride. He noted that he also talked to the Edina School District bus personnel about a reduced rate for a smaller bus and found out that there was not a reduced rate. Mr. MacHolda stated that it is his recommendation at this time to discontinue the bus service. He went on to explain that the bus service has been offered as long as there has been an outdoor swimming pool. However, times have changed quite a bit since then. He indicated that a lot of parents are probably not comfortable putting their 7, 8, and 9 year olds on a bus that is not staffed with supervision. Mr. Keprios stated that the bus transportation program has always been totally tax supported, which appears to be contrary to the fees and charges philosophy that exists throughout the rest of the Park and Recreation Department. He pointed out that it would be cheaper and safer for us to purchase rides for every user through Kids Cab. Mr. MacHolda stated that we had an average of 10 to 12 riders and there was one route where a number of times we didn't have any riders. This past year there were approximately 75 riders out of 800 swimming participants. Mr. Herring asked about paying a fee to ride the bus. He asked what would be the break even point if we offered it on a fee for service basis. How many kids do we need to support one bus driving through the City of Edina. Mr. Herring stated that he thinks the numbers are misleading if you look back to 1992 where no one is paying for the bus. He indicated that he hates to see kids not using the swimming program because they do not have transportation. Mr. MacHolda explained that if we continue the bus service it makes just as much sense to run two instead of one because they charge us an hourly wage plus mileage. Mr. MacHolda explained that if the pool doesn't have a good year then we are looking at a facility that is on the edge of breaking even and we are attaching $12,000, which is what the bus service costs, to bring it that much further into the red. Mr. MacHolda then stated that the general public would prefer 80 new chairs every year instead of a bus service that only a half dozen kids take advantage of. 3 Mr. Keprios then stated that to answer Mr. Herring's question as to what would we charge, his guess is that Kids Cab is much more experienced at running a bus business and chances are we would end up charging more per rider than what Kids Cab charges. He explained the reason for this is our costs are based on what the School District charges. Mr. Keprios noted that he feels Kids Cab can probably provide the service safer, better and probably cheaper than what we could. Mr. Fee asked who has the liability if something happens to these kids. Mr. Keprios indicated that he thinks the perception people have is that their kid is on the bus and therefore Park and Recreation is in charge, however, that's the wrong perception. Mr. Herring stated that it's the exact same risk that we have with the Playground program. We make it clear we are not providing child care. Mr. Crowther asked if transportation is provided for any other program and it was indicated no other program is provided with transportation. Mr. Crowther then stated that to him it's cut and dry, he sees no reason to offer transportation. He noted that we are offering facilities and it is not our responsibility to get people there. He sees no reason why we should run the buses. Mr. Keprios indicated that right now the way the service is budgeted, the money that it costs us to provide that tax free service comes right out of the pool's operating budget, which otherwise could be spent providing other amenities for the pool. Mr. Fee asked if we know what kids have used this service in the past, or if there is a list. It was noted that information is not available. Mr. Fee stated that he was wondering about communicating this to these people if we decide to discontinue the bus service and then give them a number of alternatives. Mr. Crowther suggested giving more than one alternative for transportation so people don't solely rely on Kids Cab. James Fee MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO DISCONTINUE BUS SERVICE WITH THE CAVEAT THAT INFORMATION BE SENT OUT GIVING FAMILIES AS MANY ALTERNATIVES AS FAR AS TRANSPORTATION IS CONCERNED INCLUDING ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO CARPOOL AMONGST THEMSELVES. Dave Crowther SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. V. RESULTS OF FEBRUARY 6. 1995, CITY COUNCIL MEETING: A. Turf Management Plan - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the City adopted the Turf Management Plan without revision including the $25,000 recommended expenditure out of contingency funds. He noted that they are very pleased about the plan and yet they expressed concerns about the impact on the community and future feedback from residents. Mr. Keprios indicated he has already met with the turf consultant and they are currently writing up a contract. Ms. Bennett asked if there is going to be a follow-up article so that the word gets out. Mr. Keprios stated that they are going to try do an information article for the About Town. He explained that they wanted to set up a turf clinic for the public but the timing doesn't work out 4 to do it this year. He noted that they are going to hold off on that so that we can have one year of getting our feet wet and then we can share ,the successes of what we've accomplished and learned and encourage the community to do the same. Mr. Herring indicated that there probably won't be a lot of weeds the first year. Mr. Keprios stated that it will all depend on the kind of season that we have. Mr. Fee noted that he thinks a big part of the success of the program is going to be the way the different properties are classified. He feels it should be spelled out in big letters so people realize how they are categorized. Mr. Keprios indicated that everybody should go away with the understanding that this is an experimental plan that is likely going to be fine tuned in the future. Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that the City Council would like for Ms. Kris McKeon to be recognized for her courage and efforts that lead to the creation and adoption of the Turf Management Plan. He noted that staff recommends that it would be appropriate for the Park Board and Edina Community Health Services Advisory Committee to recognize her at the All Volunteers Award Banquet on April 26th. Mr. Herring asked why the City Council doesn't recognize her themselves. Mr. Keprios indicated that they could, however, he thought it would be appropriate coming from the Park Board since this is where it started. Andrew Herring MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT KRIS MCKEON BE RECOGNIZED AT THE ALL VOLUNTEERS AWARD RECEPTION ON APRIL 26TH. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Park Board Referendum Plan - Mr. Keprios indicated that one of the City Council members pointed out that there are a lot of figures in the Turf Management Plan that suggest some long-term expenditures to irrigate all of the different areas. He was then asked what does he have for a long range plan. Mr. Keprios indicated that he told the City Council that he really doesn't have a long range plan because there currently are not enough resources allocated annually to keep up with everything. Mr. Keprios indicated that the City Council then directed staff to work with Mr. Rosland and the Park Board to come up with a plan of action that addresses the long term needs that may eventually lead to a Park Bond referendum if that's the route the City Council decides to go. Mr. Montgomery stated that down the road he would recommend the Park Board form a subcommittee to follow through with this directive. VI. YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS MEETING Mr. Montgomery indicated that the Youth Athletic Association Presidents Meeting is scheduled for March 23rd. He noted that Mr. Jenkins and he attended last year's meeting and he would recommend anyone else who is interested to attend. Mr. Montgomery stated that he found it to be quite informative last year. Mr. Keprios asked that if anyone has any specific issues they would like to have on the agenda to let him know by the next Park Board meeting. 5 VII. OTHER A. Gypsy Moth Infestation - Mr. Keprios handed out an informational item on the gypsy moth infestation that the City Council approved to go ahead with. He noted that there is going to be a 100 acre helicopter spray of the Indian Hills area to get on top of the gypsy moth problem. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that there is a town meeting scheduled for all of the residents in the area on March 9th so all of their questions can be answered. B. Lake Cornelia Park Playground Equipment - Mr. Keprios showed some color slides of the existing Lake Cornelia Park playground equipment, as well as, other new equipment that would be similar in style and color that staff is proposing in the new plan. Mr. Keprios stated that the original theme plan did not get approved because it was too big, too expensive and the colors too bright. In addition, the City Council expressed a concern that staff should not be raising monies through solicitation for this plan. He explained that the plan has been cut in half, the theme has been cut out altogether, the colors have been changed and staff has found a civic group that may be willing to raise the funds. Mr. Keprios indicated that any salvageable existing equipment would be relocated at other parks that need equipment. Mr. Fee asked who came up with the new plan. Mr. Keprios stated that staff created a new plan upon the directive of the City Council. Mr. Keprios handed out a sheet on the playground equipment and its cost. He then explained what the plan looks like and how it may get financed which is why the issue is before the Park Board tonight as a last minute item. Mr. Keprios indicated that Earl F. Anderson is still the architect for the plan. He explained that the total package as it stands now is $140,000, which is a good $100,000 less than what it originally was. He indicated that the easiest thing for staff to do would be to include it as part of a Park Bond Referendum or through the capital plan. However, he thinks to incorporate volunteers into this project and to continue with this as a community project is important. He explained that the Federated Women should really be applauded because they have done so much with this park over the years. The Federated Womens Club are the reason why Lake Cornelia Park became one of the first handicapped accessible playground equipment structures in the country. He pointed out that it's a statement for this community to know that volunteers really make a difference in this town. Mr. Keprios explained that staff is recommending that the Park Board approve this recommendation tonight because the Federated Womens Club would like to vote on this project soon. Mr. Keprios explained that they are recommending that the Federated Women raise $47,000, which staff believes can be accomplished through corporate donations and by selling gift bricks. The Federated Women's Club would essentially serve as the fiscal raising agent. He noted that the Federated Women have heard his presentation and the majority seem to be very excited and willing to do it. He pointed out that the Federated Women want to know if the City thinks it's a good idea because if they don't, they do not 0 want their members to go through the agony of coming up with a vote on whether or not to take on this project. Mr. Keprios indicated that they are asking the Federated Women to come up with $47,000 because the equipment itself will cost $94,000 and Norwest Bank may be willing to do a matching grant with them. He indicated that the balance of the funding will cover things such as the pathway borders, hard surface areas and restrooms. He noted that we are asking the community to come forward to help us with the playground equipment. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios what he would like the Park Board to do. Mr. Keprios then handed out a letter that he sent to the Federated Women's Club which outlines the whole package and answers a lot of questions. One question is what if Norwest Bank doesn't come through. Do the Federated Woman have to feel obligated to raise the $94,000? The answer is no. He explained that we could just as easily fall back on putting it into a bond issue and see if that passes or we could hold off and do it with our capital plan when the moneys and resources are available. Mr. Herring indicated that he doesn't understand how we have $48,000 and $18,000 to do this project but do not have enough funds to do the tennis courts, keep the ice rinks open and replace other playground equipment. Mr. Keprios indicated that the $18,000 is Community Development Block Grant funds that are earmarked for accessibility projects, which in this case would cover the cost of accessible safety surface materials for the project. Accessibility issues, he feels, such as Lake Cornelia, are a high priority issue and that park most certainly needs the equipment. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios if he is going to remove all of the equipment this spring. Mr. Keprios replied not all of it. The newer equipment will stay. Mr. Herring asked if this is in our existing budget and Mr. Keprios indicated that it is not in our existing budget for this year. He indicated that all of the things Mr. Herring mentioned we are addressing in our capital plan for 1995 such as safety fencing, roofs, pathways, tennis courts, hard surface areas and irrigation. He noted that we have a large list of park improvement needs. Mr. Herring explained that his problem is that he doesn't how to prioritize everything they are up against and he is not comfortable on voting on this issue tonight. Mr. Montgomery noted that it seems to him that it's loud and clear that a bond referendum has to happen. Ms. Rydell asked if the Park Board could get a prioritized laundry list. Mr. Herring stated that is a good idea. Mr. Herring indicated to Mr. Keprios that he trusts his judgment, but this is really in a vacuum. Mr. Fee asked isn't Lake Cornelia a priority. Mr. Keprios indicated that he sees it as a high priority in 1996. Ms. Hall stated that a lot depends on Norwest Bank. Mr. Crowther indicated that we have two issues before us tonight where it looks like Norwest Bank may be giving us a lot of money but yet they really have not committed to doing it yet. Mr. Keprios indicated that is correct and, if they decide they are not interested, then we are not VA going to be able to address it unless there is a bond issue or substantial increase in capital funding. Mr. Keprios indicated to the Park Board that if they do not feel comfortable voting on this tonight that is okay. Mr. Fee stated that he would agree with Mr. Herring in that he thinks there needs to be more discussion and input from the board members that are not here tonight. Mr. Montgomery asked why this issue was brought up tonight and Mr. Keprios indicated that the Federated Women's Club has asked for the Park Board's support tonight for the sake of their Club's timing. Ms. Hall explained that the Federated Women have to bring it before their executive board for a vote before it goes to the general membership for approval. There are 90 members who are entitled to vote yes or no on this project. If this project passes, then a committee would be set up to work on it. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would be happy to come up with a proposed capital plan for this year and next year. Ms. Hall explained that the Federated Women are voting at their March meeting to decide which groups that they will be giving money to. Therefore, it makes a difference if this Lake Cornelia Park project is in the plans. Ms. Hall stated that the Federated Women's Club like giving money to children and women issues and like to keep the money in the community. She also pointed out that they have put a lot of money into Lake Cornelia Park. Mr. Montgomery stated that he doesn't feel we will vote down the project, it's just that the Park Board doesn't have all of the pieces put together yet. He also indicated that he would hate to pass up the $10,000 that the Federated Women's Club would like to set aside for Lake Cornelia Park now. Ms. Rydell asked how long does it take to get a bond referendum to go through. Mr. Keprios indicated that, unless the City of Edina held a special election, the referendum would take place in November of 1996. Mr. Crowther indicated that he agrees with Mr. Herring that if we have something like this rushed at us with the idea that we are going to talk about the park bond referendum, these things need to be coordinated and he didn't think it would be appropriate to say yes even if it's a great idea. We need to get more information before we can act. Mr. Fee asked Ms. Hall what the Park Board needs to get to the Federated Women so that they know we are supportive of doing something. Mr. Fee stated that it has to go in a certain order before we can vote on it and make a formal recommendation. Mr. Keprios noted that he will get information to the Park Board on the breakdown cost of the equipment and a proposed capital plan for the next two years. He will also get the current status of our Developer's Fund so it will help to give some direction. Ms. Rydell asked if there are any other ways other than bond referendums to raise large amounts of money for fixing things. Mr. Keprios indicated that there are other alternatives. One is through raising 0 taxes to increase the capital plan, which must go through truth and taxation hearings. Mr. Keprios indicated that his first preference would be to increase the capital plan rather than borrow money to repair and upgrade the park system. Mr. Keprios explained that a bond issue allows the voters to decide whether or not they are in favor of a specific plan to improve their park system. The drawbacks in funding the improvements through a bond referendum are that borrowed money costs more in the long run, plus, everything needs to be built within approximately 18 months, which can be a big undertaking. Mr. Herring asked about fee incomes. Mr. Keprios indicated that he feels we have a very extensive fees and charges system in place. He noted that one thing that we may want to look at not too far down the road is charging the schools for the use of our fields. Currently they use of all of our fields at no charge. Mr. Herring indicated that they are not charging us for the use of their gyms except for the cost of the custodians on weekends and days when there otherwise would not be a custodian on duty. Mr. Keprios indicated that the Edina School District charges us when they incur an out of pocket expense. He also pointed out that the Park and Recreation Department absorbs a lot of out of pocket expenses to prepare the fields every time the school plays baseball or softball and we have never charged them. Mr. Keprios stated that we also do not charge them for green fees at the Braemar Golf Course. Mr. Keprios indicated that whenever the school incurs a real cost they pass that on. Mr. Herring stated that the Park Board should talk about these things. Mr. Keprios indicated that the Park Board may be hearing more of this issue down the road. Mr. Keprios indicated that as far as a bond issue goes, it really becomes staff's job to present a time table and suggestions. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios if the policy decision has been made that we are going to have a bond issue as opposed to increasing taxes. Mr. Keprios indicated that that has not been determined. Mr. Herring asked why is staff going to spend all of this time doing work on a bond issue when we haven't even decided that that is what we are going to do. Mr. Keprios indicated that staff has been directed by the City Council to work with the City Manager and Park Board to come up with a time table and plan to address the issue of how to get our parks fixed in a reasonable amount of time. C. Edina Soccer Association - Mr. Keprios indicated that the Edina Soccer Association recently approached staff and are offering to donate $30,000 to upgrade Lewis park bandy rink field area to make is suitable for soccer. They are requesting that bandy move someplace else and Lewis field be brought up to speed as a premier playable soccer field for youth. Mr. Keprios indicated that staff has been trying to find a new home for bandy. He stated that they have a great home in Roseville for $170.00 an hour. However, if they have to rely on just that rink it may kill a very successful program for the recreational bandy player. Ms. Bennett asked does Edina Soccer not want us to flood any of that area that's being flooded right now for bandy. Mr. Keprios stated that that is correct, which would pretty much eliminate bandy in Edina. Mr. Herring X asked why do we want to do that. Mr. Keprios indicated that if you look at the total number of Edina residents that play bandy and weigh it against the total number of resident youth that need a place to play soccer, it's going to be tough to say no. Mr. Keprios indicated that soccer is the biggest sport in town right now. There are over 2,100 participants in soccer. Mr. Crowther asked about putting a bandy rink in by the high school since half of it is usually under water. Mr. Keprios indicated that lights would need to be put in and we would have to have a large flat area the size of a soccer field without the fencing. Mr. Keprios pointed out that that piece of property is school property and they are not likely going to let us destroy their turf. Mr. Montgomery asked how many fields will there be at Lewis. Mr. MacHolda indicated that they can put 3 junior fields on what is now the bandy rink. Mr. Herring indicated that he thinks the staff should come with a recommendation on this issue next month. Mr. Fee asked if Bloomington still has a bandy rink. Mr. Keprios indicated no. He noted that there have been bandy rinks at Eagan, Bloomington, two in Minneapolis, and one in Shoreview. He indicated that just about everyone who has tried to put in a bandy rink have found it to be very expensive to operate maintenance wise and no one has a more ideal situation than we have at Lewis right now. He noted that we have a great staff and they make great ice. It's a very successful program but it's a very short season and it has very few Edina residents. Mr. Fee asked what percentage of Edina residents participate in the program. Mr. Keprios indicated about 7%. Mr. Crowther asked what's going to happen with the ice cost if we eliminate making ice out there. Mr. Keprios indicated it would basically relieve one full-time man of that duty, therefore, we could use that person to do other things such as the tree trimming we've been talking about for years. Mr. Keprios stated that they will come up with a staff recommendation. D. Election of Officers - Mr. Montgomery indicated that the one thing that was not done at this meeting was the election of officers. He noted that one thought is to maybe look at this as a March event after we have new people come on board at the February meeting. He indicated that all of a sudden you have two or three people that don't know anyone and they don't know who they are voting for. Mr. Keprios indicated that the only flip side to that is if your chairperson is outgoing. It was noted that that could be worked out. E. New Park Board Member - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Frank Bennett will be replacing Ernie Fischer as the School Board liaison. Mr. Bennett will be at the March Park Board meeting. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Andrew Herring MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:05 P.M. Dave Crowther SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 10