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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-14 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. March 14, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Herring, Andrew Montgomery, Beth Hall, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Dave Crowther, Jean Rydell, Bill Jenkins, John Dovolis, Frank Bennett, Mike Burley STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton, Todd Anderson OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Young, Karen Kitchen I. NEW PARK BOARD MEMBER - FRANK BENNETT Mr. Jenkins introduced the new Park Board member Frank Bennett. Mr. Bennett is the representative from the School Board. II. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 14, 1995 MINUTES Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 14, 1995 MINUTES. Andy Montgomery SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. III. GIRLS HOCKEY PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION - RICK YOUNG. EDINA RESIDENT Rick Young explained that the School Board voted to add girls hockey at the varsity level next year. He asked if there is some flexibility and support that the City can give regarding the fees on the hours of ice time used in the early morning hours for both boys and girls. He indicated that it would be for the first year only. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios what the Figure Skating Association pays for ice time for that time period. Mr. Keprios indicated that any time prior to 8:00 a.m. is $75.00 an hour. The regular fee is $100.00 an hour and there are no exceptions. Mr. Young stated that he was not aware of the $75.00. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Young if he is comfortable with the plan that is in place of $75.00 for the early morning hours. Mr. Young indicated yes, that would be great. IV. CAPITAL PLAN PROCESS Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that they may want to have more of a say and ownership regarding the capital plan and prioritizing the limited resources. He indicated that there is currently $180,000 in the capital plan and an additional $20,000 that is already committed to the Art Center and Arena. He stated that there is an additional $46,000 that is part of the operating budget, which takes care of such things as playground equipment, paths, hard surfaces, tennis courts, benches, etc. Mr. Jenkins asked if the $46,000 is coming from a separate fund and Mr. Keprios noted that it is actually part of the operating fund. It comes out of the maintenance budget which has been approved for 1995. He noted that staff typically decides where the $46,000 is most needed. Mr. Jenkins asked if the number has been fairly constant or does it change every year. Mr. Keprios indicated that the capital plan has only gone down in all of the years that he has been here. It used to be as high as $250,000 and now it's down to $180,000. He pointed out that the capital plan is currently scheduled to be $180,000 per year for the next five years. However, he hopes that the capital budget will be increased in the years to come to keep up with the infrastructure upgrades that are badly needed. Mr. Montgomery asked where does the playground equipment come out of or are we not upgrading any playground equipment. Mr. Keprios indicated that staff is not planning to upgrade any playground equipment this year. Mr. Montgomery then asked about the Federated Womens donated dollars for the Lake Cornelia Park playground equipment plan. Mr. Keprios indicated that the plan would ideally be implemented in 1996. Mr. Keprios stated that he would like the Park Board to decide if they would like to be a part of this decision making process. If yes, then we need to go forward and talk about the plan as it is currently proposed. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios if the $200,000 is left directly to the staff to spend and Mr. Keprios indicated that is essentially true, however, the City Council approves each and every expenditure. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios if he proposed more than $246,000 for the 1995 capital plan. Mr. Keprios indicated that he proposed a lot more than that but was told that was all there was going to be. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios how much he proposed and he noted about one million dollars. Mr. Keprios explained that the million dollars includes things from the slide presentation that he previously showed the Park Board of infrastructure in need of repair and/or replacement. Mr. Keprios explained that the Homestead Agricultural Credit Act has cut local governments, which is basically nothing more than state aid to local governments. He noted that Edina is going to take a hit of about $250,000. In addition, the City Hall roof is in need of emergency repair, which is expected to cost approximately $100,000. Each Department was recently asked to help fund the unexpected loss in revenues (HACA cuts) and the unexpected cost of repairing the City Hall roof. Mr. Keprios explained that he has offered the $80,000 out of the Developer's Fund, which has been earmarked for Arneson Acres Park development to help cover the financial crisis. The fact is that the Garden Council is not currently pleased with the park development plan and, therefore, the Park Department will delay that development for now. All of the departments are making a contribution to this $350,000 shortfall. Mr. Jenkins noted that he thought the Developer's Fund is a different source altogether. Mr. Keprios noted that it may be a good 2 idea to have the finance director come to a Park Board meeting to better explain the financing and budget process. Mr. Montgomery indicated that there are several items proposed on the capital list and asked who makes the decisions as to what items are knocked out. He asked if the Park Board can review the priorities and noted that the playground equipment is a concern of his. Mr. Keprios indicated we have $180,000 and we need to prioritize where the money should be spent this year. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Keprios if he budgeted $101,000 to do the tennis courts in 1995 what does he foresee that expenditure being in 1996? Mr. Keprios indicated approximately another $100,000. Mr. Jenkins then asked what it was in 1994 and Mr. Keprios indicated zero. Mr. Fee asked isn't that a lot of money to be spending on tennis courts. Mr. Keprios replied that he feels it's needed and necessary at this point and feels we cannot wait another year because deferred maintenance is what is really hurting the department. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Weber Park and Creek Valley Park warming house roofs are not part of the capital plan. He noted that the roof that really needs to be repaired the most is Weber Park and the cost to fix it is estimated to be between $25,000 and $30,000. Mr. Keprios stated that the roofing professional has indicated that the roof will probably last one more year. Mr. Keprios questioned if we should put $30,000 into that building as it stands today. He then suggested having a small committee take a tour of other facilities and park shelters to see if we should replace the building instead of repairing the roof. Mr. Keprios explained that the building may have some historical significance to some people because the building use to serve as Morningside's City Hall. He noted that currently some Park Department trucks, as well as, 42nd Street Theater Group items are stored there. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the building does have a kitchen and restrooms. However, nothing meets ADA requirements and the restrooms cannot be accessed from outside the warming house. He also pointed out that all of the windows leak and if we are going to fix the roof we should replace all of the windows. Mr. Keprios stated that basically the building is used to store things and change skates. Mr. Burley arrived at this point and apologized for being late. Mr. Jenkins introduced him and the Park Board members each introduced themselves. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if he is looking for a motion as far as participation in this process. Mr. Keprios stated that, before he explains the numbers any further, the Park Board needs to decide if they want to decide on the capital plan or do you want to leave it to staff to do. Mr. Herring confirmed that Mr. Keprios is asking if the Park Board wants to be involved in coming up with the priorities for the use of the capital plan. He noted he assumes that would mean advocating a larger capital plan to the City Council and working with these priorities. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he feels maybe we should be a little more involved in the process. Mr. Fee stated that we are not going to know all of the nitty gritty like they are but this is the kind 3 of information he thinks we need to look at in order to help Mr. Keprios decide. He then pointed out that they may not always agree on the priority of things, especially if we only have $180,000. Mr. Fee then stated it looks like half is going to be spent on tennis courts and we need to discuss this, especially if we only have $200,000 to work with. Mr. Fee noted that the Park Board needs to have some kind of input. Mr. Jenkins asked if a motion is needed and Mr. Keprios noted that a consensus would be good enough. Mr. Dovolis noted that he can help him with the warming houses if Mr. Keprios needs help. Mr. Herring asked if they could again see the million dollar list so that they have a sense of what else is out there. Mr. Keprios indicated that the current needs are much greater than that, however, he will submit another list to everyone again. Mr. Herring noted that he's also struck by using $100,000 for tennis courts. Mr. Keprios explained that the $101,200 is an engineer's estimate and is probably a high estimate, and that the bids should come in much lower. Mr. Jenkins stated that it is still a big chunk of capital dollars when we are strapped to begin with. Mr. Keprios stated that people are complaining that the reason they are not playing the tennis courts is because they are not being maintained. He pointed out that, in the capital plan, staff is suggesting that we not build anything new until we repair what needs to be fixed. Mr. Keprios stated that, if tennis courts are not repaired, people cannot use them, whereas, children can still use playground equipment even though it is old, it is still usable. Mr. Montgomery noted that we need to realistically see that tennis is not as popular as it was five to eight years ago. Mr. Fee asked why don't we put $100,000 into Lake Cornelia Park and Mr. Keprios indicated that it is in the plan for 1996. Mr. Fee indicated that Lake Cornelia Park gets used every day all day as opposed to a couple of tennis courts that are going to get played on at the most a couple of hours a day. Mr. Frank Bennett mentioned that the Edina School is putting in three new sets of playground equipment at the elementary schools and possibly if you add a set we can get a volume discount. Mr. Bennett stated that possibly the Morningside Rotary Club would be interested in raising funds for the roof or a new building at Weber Park. V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board if there are any objections that the election of officers be held at the March meeting from now on. He explained that he found nothing in the by-laws that states we cannot do that. Everyone agreed that would be fine. Mr. Keprios opened up nominations for Park Board Chair. Jim Fee NOMINATED Bill Jenkins. Jean Rydell NOMINATED Andrew Montgomery. C John Dovolis MOVED TO CLOSE THE NOMINATIONS. Andrew Montgomery SECONDED THE MOTION. NOMINATION CLOSED. Mr. Herring noted that he would like to make a comment about the Chair of the Park Board. He stated that historically the Park Board has elected a Chair and that Chair has served for an extended period of 3 to 5 years. He noted that he frankly would like to see that change more frequently, say every two years. He feels this would bring new ideas and new energy to the position and that people do things differently and the interaction would be different and he feels that would be healthy. He noted that it would be his recommendation that we elect a new Chair this year and Andy Montgomery is wholly acceptable to him. He pointed out that he doesn't mean this directly addressed at Mr. Jenkins, but he feels there would be a lot of merit in moving the Chair around and he hopes people would consider that. Mr. Burley asked what is the Chairman's responsibility? Mr. Keprios stated that basically the Chair is the leader of the group, runs the meetings and typically has the authority to assign task forces, subcommittees, study groups, things of that sort. There are also a few other functions, such as, making presentations to the City Council and giving speeches at various functions. Mr. Herring asked if the Chair has input in setting the agenda for the meetings. It was explained that the Park and Recreation Director writes up the agenda and runs it by the Chair before the meeting. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Herring if he feels the Park Board hasn't been running well. He asked if he feels that Mr. Christianson didn't do a great job or Mr. Jenkins isn't doing a great job. Mr. Herring noted that he thinks you get into a rut. Mr. Herring stated that Mr. Jenkins has certain priorities and Mr. Montgomery has certain priorities and that both would approach things differently. He noted that's not to say that it would be better but it will be different and it will bring new energy to the group. He indicated that Mr. Montgomery may end up being a poor new leader, he doesn't think so and he doesn't think Mr. Jenkins has a been a poor leader. He just feels that change in a group like this would be good. Mr. Crowther indicated that maybe each nominee should talk about what their priorities would be for the coming year. Mr. Crowther noted that he hears him say change just for the sake of change and he definitely doesn't approve or agree with that kind of a philosophy. Therefore, he would like each nominee tell us what they would like to accomplish or what they might do different. Mr. Dovolis pointed out that he has been involved with various other organizations where there has been constant change of leadership and there has been more tendency to reinvent the wheel. He stated that all of a sudden you start with a leadership and you're starting from square one again. He would be in complete disagreement for a yearly type of thing. Mr. Dovolis explained that he has seen too many things happen where all of a sudden you are starting from scratch all over again. He pointed that when Mr. Herring talked about energy and so forth it is part of the Park Board's responsibility as members to create the 5 energies. If someone doesn't like the way things are going they should speak up. He feels it isn't the job of the Chairman to create those things or to create the agenda and partnership with that. The staff has to create the things that we need to do and obviously there are a lot of things to be done and he feels now is not the right time to be making any changes. There are a lot of things on our plate for next year and although he agrees partially with Mr. Herring, he has seen it happen too many times where things grind to a complete halt and it takes 6 months to get up to speed again when there is someone new. Mr. Fee noted that he has been on the Park Board 11 years and Mr. Jenkins is the third Chair. He pointed that it has been very positive experiences with Ms. Lonsbury and Mr. Christianson. He stated that Mr. Jenkins doesn't have anymore authority than anybody else on the Park Board and he thinks he's done a pretty good job and he's only been doing it two years. Mr. Fee agrees that having a new Park and Recreation Director has been a positive change. Mr. Keprios has done an excellent job and has made some changes that quite honestly needed to be made. Mr. Fee noted that he feels a three year process would add a little more stability and also pointed out that the Chair doesn't have any more authority or voting power than the rest of the Board. Mr. Montgomery stated that he sees a lot of talent on the Park Board and doesn't feel that it is being utilized. He noted that we don't really get involved in things prior to the meetings. He indicated that he feels there are so many things that we could be doing. Mr. Montgomery explained that when he saw the herbicide presentation, the effort that the Edina Community Health Services Advisory Committee people put in as a board to come up with that program was great. He indicated that he asked himself do we as a group around this table put that energy into the Park Board. He pointed out that with the capital plan maybe there could be three people on a committee to meet with Mr. Keprios and come back to the Board with an independent point of view. He noted that we are going to be under more pressure with the capital budget and we are eliminating tennis courts. He feels that the Park Board should spend more energy in four weeks than what they do. He also pointed out that nobody thought about what the community was really looking for as an alternative to the Braemar tennis site. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he prefers more of a hands-off approach to leadership. He would like to rely on the staff to do the leg work and give us the information and the decisions as to what's going on. If there is anything out of line or there are things that have to be looked at he feels we have always been very open and willing to put in the time depending on the situation to address those things. Mr. Jenkins stated that with the capital plan he agrees we should be getting more involved, however, we should not be micro -managing, which means getting too involved in the day-to-day activities. The things that have just been mentioned he wouldn't say are micro -management. They are projects and ideas that probably should be looked at as a Board and noted that he is open to suggestions along the way. Mr. Jenkins stated that we are all in this together and whoever is Chairman there is no reason we can't get these out as well. Mr. Jenkins stated that his standpoint is he is trying to work with the City Council and with the Mayor in the long range plan of developing or getting capital funds to improve the infrastructure of our parks. He noted that's really his biggest goal if there were one from a Park Board standpoint. From a day-to-day standpoint he feels he is a little more hands-off and let the staff do their deal and he would like to keep on with the long range plan the big picture plan of approving the overall infrastructure of the parks. The Park Board voted by written ballot and Mr. Keprios indicated that the Park Board chose Mr. Jenkins to be the 1995 Chairman. Mr. Keprios then opened up nominations for Vice -Chair. Dave Crowther NOMINATED Andy Montgomery. Jim Fee SECONDED. John Dovolis MOVED THAT THE NOMINATIONS BE CLOSED. Andrew Herring SECONDED. Mr. Keprios indicated that Andy Montgomery is the Park Board's 1995 Vice -Chair. Mr. Herring indicated that he would like to work with Mr. Jenkins in dealing with the issue of financing for the capital improvement. Mr. Herring also noted that he would like to offer up that we might want to consider a finance committee for the Park Board. He noted that he doesn't quite understand the whole overall budget. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he has never really seen those either. Mr. Keprios stated that we could form a small committee and get the Finance Director to walk us through it all. Mr. Jenkins noted that he would welcome any participation. Mr. Dovolis indicated that Mr. Herring brought up a good point to try to divide the Park Board into subcommittees in order to get things done and to help Mr. Keprios and the staff. Everyone should be involved, it is a learning process. Mr. Dovolis pointed out that from the very beginning he has felt that our park system is deteriorating to such an extent and that's why we need to spend $101,000 on tennis courts or playground equipment. Now is the time with new leadership to get our feet into these things so we can get things done. Mr. Burley noted that he has been on other boards and has found that sometimes there is a dictatorship in that 3 to 4 people run the whole board. He stated that the only active and good boards are the ones where everybody is involved from the moment they get on. Mr. Burley noted that he volunteered to be on the Park Board because he has lived in the community for 30 years and sees it in need of some help financially for improvements. Mr. Jenkins noted that he thinks it's good we are getting all of these things on the table and he is wide open to forming subcommittees and a task force when we need to get certain things done. Mr. Montgomery noted that maybe he and Mr. Jenkins can set some time aside and reformulate the responsibilities of the Park Board and Mr. Jenkins noted he would be glad to do that. Mr. Bennett noted that one thing he remembers from last fall when Dennis YA Maetzold was running for City Council is he had said that the parks were a top priority and suggested using him as an alley and a sounding board. Mr. Jenkins noted that our two greatest allies are Fred Richards and Dennis Maetzold. VI. 1995 CAPITAL PLAN Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios if the tennis courts are his first priority and he noted he would have to say they are. Mr. Keprios indicated that he feels we have an obligation and responsibility to the community to repair what we have. He noted that there is no sense having expensive equipment and not maintaining them so they get to the point where they cannot be played on. This is also why we are not seeing the development of anything new. We need to fix what we have. Mr. Keprios brought up the issue of repairing the warming house roofs. He indicated that he is still not sure what to do with the Weber Park shelter area as was mentioned earlier. He noted that he would like to work with a small committee to look at some other alternatives. He noted that he would appreciate some input on this. He also stated that the repair of the Creek Valley shelter roof will be co -funded through the Engineering Department since they have a well at that site and it is not in as near bad of shape as the rest of them. He noted that the other warming house roofs definitely need to be done this year. Mr. Crowther asked if we need to look at all of the roofs or just the one. Mr. Keprios stated that he has had a professional roofer look at all of the roofs and helped him to prioritize them. Mr. Keprios indicated that he doesn't need anyone to look at the roofs but needs someone to help him with the long range vision of what we should be recommending to the City Council. Mr. Keprios stated that Mr. Bennett's comments regarding Mr. Maetzold were right on. He noted that Mr. Maetzold has directed staff to work with the City Manager and the Park Board to come up with some kind of a plan that will get us going. He noted that it appears as though we have a lot of support from the City Council to work towards upgrading our Park infrastructure. Mr. Herring noted that we need to do something with the Weber situation. He stated that maybe there is a community group over there that could work on this issue. He doesn't know that you should really take four people from the Park Board to work on this. He feels maybe one person from the Park Board and then leverage on the community and create some kind of task force to come up with an idea. Mr. Herring also noted that volunteers like us can have their hand out trying to raise funds for this project. Mr. Keprios noted that the building is opened up for restroom access but pointed out that a lot of money would need to be put into them so they would meet ADA requirements. Mr. Keprios indicated that it would cost between $90,000 and $100,000 to build a new building compared to $30,000 to replace a roof. Mr. Herring stated that he would like to see a community group, one like Mike Julius', get involved and come up with new ideas on how to raise money and get the right facility. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he doesn't recommend that we rely on forming a neighborhood committee in every single park to raise monies to develop their particular park. He noted that he doesn't think that is the way to develop a park system. Mr. Keprios suggested that the Park Board adopt a vision, inform the neighborhood and get their input, and then come forward with a recommendation. Mr. Fee asked how do you prioritize Weber when it is heavily used by so many other surrounding cities. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn't think that is the case. He indicated there are a lot of Edina residents who play hockey there. He pointed out that the entire Morningside group live at that park and it is heavily used by the Edina Hockey Association. Ms. Rydell asked if the area would be a feasible location for a free standing Senior Center. Mr. Keprios stated that is a possible idea. Mr. Herring noted that the U8 soccer plays at Weber and always use the restroom facilities there. Mr. Burley asked what is Mr. Julius doing. Mr. Jenkins explained that he is very involved in fundraising and volunteer recruitment to develop Cornelia School and its Park. Mr. Burley asked where do the funds come from. It was noted that funds have come from fundraising efforts and the City of Edina capital plan. Mr. Burley asked Mr. Keprios what is the problem with this approach. Mr. Keprios explained that there is $15,000 in the 1995 capital plan that is earmarked for further development of Cornelia School Park, which is what the Park Board approved upon Mr. Julius's presentation months ago. Mr. Keprios pointed out that Mr. Julius wants to do something for that particular park every year for the next several years. Mr. Jenkins indicated there is no way we can do this at every park. Mr. Keprios indicated that he loves the momentum and the community volunteerism, however, there is a danger in putting all of our eggs in one basket. Mr. Bennett asked Mr. Keprios if he has any five or ten year long range plans on capital expenditures because it seems to him that as you look at it there needs to be a balance between repair and replacement. Mr. Keprios noted that the Jupiter Report addressed those long range plans, however, the funding requests have not been supported. He indicated that is why Dennis Maetzold has asked staff to come up with a plan. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Keprios if he would like a point person from the Park Board to work with him on this. He noted that he would and Mr. Dovolis volunteered to be the point person. Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board if they see anything on the list that doesn't sit right with them. Mr. Montgomery asked if Todd Park was paved or not and Mr. Keprios indicated that was a big part of the capital plan last year. Mr. Montgomery asked if we are planning to do that at Cornelia School Park and it was noted yes, as well as, Strachauer Park hard surface area and the path at Bredesen. Mr. Montgomery indicated that there is no playground equipment listed and there is so much for tennis courts and he feels tennis is just not being played like it used to be. Mr. Keprios explained that a lot of the playground equipment is really old and some of it has to be removed, however, there is a lot of equipment that is still usable. He then 01 pointed out that the tennis courts, if we don't repair them, are not even going to be usable. Mr. Burley asked what is the biggest reason that the Braemar tennis courts are being ripped up and Mr. Keprios explained because of lack of tennis court use and lack of available funding. He explained that the courts, which were constructed in 1979, had to be completely rebuilt or torn out. He stated that he hopes that we do not remove any more park amenities due to budget constraints. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Montgomery if the funds were available would he have a problem spending $100,000. Mr. Montgomery indicated that he has a problem spending half of it on tennis courts when there are so few people using them. He noted that he feels there are other things the community needs such as sand volleyball courts. Mr. Crowther indicated that if we go out and rip out half of our tennis courts we would fill up the Council Chambers again with residents saying they are paying all of this money to live in Edina and they want tennis courts even if they are not being used. Mr. Crowther indicated that whether they are used or not we need to maintain them because people expect them. He noted that maybe we can do three this year and cut some of the money out and put it towards another project. However, he has a hard time seeing us not repair the tennis courts. Mr. Burley asked how many courts are there and it was noted there are 15 pair. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he wants to do everything we can but maybe we should only have 13 pair and keep those up to speed. Mr. Burley asked if we need to repair 3 to 4 sets of courts each year on a regular basis. Mr. Crowther stated that, as part of the big picture, we are going to have to work with the City Council to try and figure out a way to get the necessary dollars so we don't fail on this effort. Ms. Rydell asked Mr. Keprios if the new surface on the tennis courts will be torn by either skateboards or roller blades. Mr. Keprios indicated that signs will be put up and the policy will be enforced by the seasonal Park Ranger to keep the skateboards and in-line skaters off of them. Mr. Montgomery asked if there is any way we can come up with any more money for this year. Mr. Keprios indicated that the 1995 budget is set. In fact, the Park Department just surrendered $80,000 to help get through the City's short term financial crisis. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios if he did three of the six tennis courts this year would there be a substantial increase in cost to do the three you didn't do next year. Mr. Keprios indicated it would not. Ms. Rydell asked which three would be done? Mr. Keprios indicated Highlands definitely. Mr. Herring asked if that is because of lack of potential use or because of disrepair. Mr. Keprios noted because of disrepair but also noted that all six are at a bad point. Mr. Herring asked which one would be fixed because once it's fixed it's going to get the most use in 10 the community. Mr. Keprios indicated that he thinks they all get the same use and doesn't know that he know the answer to that question. Mr. Herring stated that he would like to discuss doing half of the tennis courts this year and put the other $45,000 into playground equipment. Mr. Bennett stated that philosophically he would like to see all six of them done and the reason is he thinks so many things the Park Board does are for kids and in theory it seems to him the tennis courts would benefit the whole community. Mr. Burley asked Mr. Keprios if the Park Board votes on this capital plan and then if it's yes, it's a done deal. Mr. Keprios stated that the Park Board should have a say as to how the money is prioritized. He noted that, as everyone can see, these decisions are not easy ones. Mr. Crowther asked when do some of the these projects need to be started. Mr. Keprios stated that they should be started as soon as possible. Mr. Keprios indicated the roofs are his number one priority and already has a bid opening scheduled for roof repairs. Ms. Hall asked what's left to do at the Edina Aquatic Center. She thought everything was done. He noted that there is a whole list of needs that have been submitted by Ed MacHolda, however, Mr. Keprios does not have that list with him at the meeting. Mr. Jenkins asked, if only half of the tennis courts were done, where would the other $45,000 best be spent. Mr. Keprios indicated it would be a toss up but he would probably repair some other hard surface areas or asphalt paths. Mr. Keprios indicated that he really would like to see the tennis courts taken care of. In some cases, it's becoming a safety issue with all of the gaping cracks. Mr. Burley asked Mr. Keprios if he is asking for the Park Board to approve the capital plan. He also noted that it sounds like in the future everybody wants to grind out what our priorities are. However, for the Park Board to make impulse decisions tonight against this plan would be kind of tough. Mr. Burley also stated that we need to figure out things, such as, is tennis a trend that's dying. Mr. Fee suggested that Mr. Montgomery and Ms. Rydell look at the tennis courts again since they are most familiar with them and then discuss it with Mr. Keprios as to whether we should spend $101,000 or $50,000. Mr. Fee stated that otherwise we are going to get into micro management which feels the Park Board is not educated to do, qualified to do, or have enough information to do. Mr. Montgomery indicated that last year we went through the same process with the capital plan and agreed on it yet we didn't know that Lewis Park would be getting playground equipment or that a softball cage was being put in and those are substantial funds. His question is we approved this plan and then when some other priority comes up midstream and the plan changes. Mr. Keprios indicated that the batting cage at Pamela Park is being funded in part by the Girls Fast Pitch softball Association. He also stated that playground sites need to be replaced and it's a tough call on which ones need to be replaced first. Mr. 11 Keprios indicated that he has been approached by a couple of Park Board members that would like to be more a part of the capital plan and that's great. However, it's already March and have to get going on some of these projects because we cannot wait another three months. Mr. Dovolis indicated that Mr. Fee mentioned micro -managing, however, he feels these are suggestions from staff. He noted that we have to bite the bullet and get these things done like they are supposed to be done but instead we are sitting here and arguing little by little about all of these items. He noted that we are going to study this to death and he doesn't agree with that at all. We need to get it done and over with. Mr. Fee indicated that he feels it's too late to get into it this year, but he agrees with everyone that we want to look at this process but he doesn't want to get into the micro -management deal. Jim Fee MOVED THAT WE ACCEPT THE PROPOSED 1995 CAPITAL PLAN AS SUGGESTED BY STAFF. Mr. Crowther stated that he agrees with the tennis court issue but feels maybe we should only do three this year and see how it goes. It's just like the pesticide issue, do a few and see what happens. Let's see if we get more play when they are brand new and go from there. But don't do them all at one time, phase into it. Jim Fee MOVED THAT WE ACCEPT THE PROPOSED 1995 CAPITAL PLAN AS SUGGESTED BY STAFF WITH THE QUALIFICATION THAT WE PROCEED INITIALLY WITH THREE COURTS AT WHICHEVER PRIORITY STAFF DETERMINES AND THEN ASSESS THE SITUATION TO SEE IF THE REST OF THE COURTS SHOULD BE DONE NOW OR POSSIBLY DELAYED UNTIL NEXT YEAR. Dave Crowther SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he feels all six should be done. Mr. Bennett indicated that by the nature of the motion you are going to have to wait until the next year because you need to go through the whole summer once it's done to get back into the habit. Mr. Fee noted that he will take out the caveat and return to the original motion. Dave Crowther SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Herring noted that for the record he has a very hard time spending $100,000 out of $180,000 on six tennis courts. Mr. Fee noted that he thinks we are all in agreement of that but it's too late in the ball game to be micro -managing at this point. Mr. Herring indicated that he doesn't think it's micro -managing, he thinks it's wholly consistent with the functions of the Park Board. Mr. Fee noted that he's not arguing that, he's just saying that timing is the issue, this should be done in October and not in March. Ms. Hall suggested that everyone take notes as they drive by the tennis courts to see how often they are actually being used. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he's caught, he has a hard time spending $100,000 out of $180,000 on tennis courts. However, are we going to 12 take care of these things and get them done or are we going to keep prioritize which ones need patching the worst. Mr. Keprios stated these are very difficult decisions. The Park Board voted on accepting the staff's recommendation for the 1995 capital plan. MOTION CARRIED 9 TO 2. Andrew Herring and Becky Bennett opposed. VII. LAKE CORNELIA PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PLAN Mr. Keprios indicated that, based on the previous discussions, he will need to provide the Park Board with a lot more information on this topic before making a recommendation. Therefore, he would like it to be tabled for a future meeting. Mr. Keprios asked Ms. Hall about the Federated Women's vote on the Lake Cornelia playground project. Ms. Hall noted that they are voting on this Thursday night. She noted that it is a yes/no vote and it reads right now that $10,000 is designated to go to Lake Cornelia Park for upgrading and new equipment. She explained that they are waiting to hear that if we give you this $10,000 do we keep it in a savings account or wait until next year and hopefully Santa House will make another $10,000 and we can add it to that. Mr. Jenkins questioned if the $10,000 is earmarked to be used now and if it is not do we lose the money. Ms. Hall indicated that the money would be the Park and Recreation Department's, however, Mr. Keprios and the President of the Federated Women would need to decide who keeps it until it is used. Mr. Keprios explained that the total cost of the new revised Lake Cornelia Park playground equipment plan is $160,000. Staff is currently recommending funding from four different sources: 1) $18,000 from the community development block grant money to put in accessibility items. 2) $48,000 from the City's capital plan. 3) $47,000 from fundraising by the Federated Womens Club. 4) $47,000 from Norwest Bank Foundation matching funds. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios if he has thought about next year's plan and Mr. Keprios indicated that he has and it is equally as difficult as this year's. He hopes that the City Council will approve an increase in the capital plan for 1996. Mr. Burley asked if it will be a larger budget. Mr. Keprios indicated that the City Council approves the budget and the Park Board will be involved in recommending a short and long term financing plan. Mr. Keprios explained that he thinks our needs are urgent and fears that a referendum may not pass. Mr. Crowther indicated that he thinks the City Council is of the mind that they are willing to do something along those lines. He noted that it seems to him that we should approve the $47,000 right now for the 1996 capital plan, however, we can hardly agree on 1995 where we've already got money allotted. Next year we don't know how much money is going to be allotted and we don't know what the priorities are. Mr. Crowther indicated that it's hard to say yes 13 even though we want the money, it's a difficult situation. Mr. Crowther stated that we don't even know how much capital funding the City Council is going to approve for the 1996 budget. Mr. Keprios indicated that therein lies part of the problem, which will temporarily have to delay any decision on the Lake Cornelia Park plan. Mr. Jenkins indicated that at the next meeting we will have more information and can think about it. VIII. ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION OF THE EDINA PARK BOARD Mr. Keprios explained that he reviewed the by-laws to see if the Chair can be elected in March. After doing a lot of research he found some old rules that the Park Board lives by and handed those out to the Park Board. Mr. Dovolis asked Mr. Keprios if these rules need to be redone. Mr. Keprios indicated that he thinks staff should come up with the recommended changes or assign a sub -committee to make recommendations to be approved by the Park Board. IX. OTHER A. Lake Cornelia Fireworks - Mr. Keprios indicated that he just received a proposal letter from Norwest Bank regarding the fireworks. He noted that they are offering the City of Edina $3,000, however, they did list a few conditions. In return, Norwest Bank proposes that the city pay for the development and production of a poster and have a poster contest. He noted that the city should not accept the contribution under those conditions. He noted we do not want it to look as if it's Norwest Bank's fireworks when they are only contributing less than a third of the cost. Mr. Burley asked how much do the fireworks cost. It was noted the cost is approximately $7,000 a year and that most displays cost between $10,000 and $20,000. He noted that Norwest is willing to give us $3,000 every year for the next three years. He stated, however, that the other conditions demand that Norwest Bank be the exclusive co-sponsor in part for the next three years. It was the consensus of the Park Board to recommend that the Edina City Council accept Norwest Bank's proposal with the conditions as presented and recommended by staff. X. ADJOURNMENT Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:15 P.M. Andrew Herring SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 14