HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-09 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
May 9, 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, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Laura Lancrete,
Vince Cockriel, Susan Weigle
OTHERS PRESENT: Laura Odegaard, Mary Kuppe, Sue Patrick Seary, Jane Berkey,
John Landin, Dennis Withers, Virg Dissmeyer, Clyde Blinn,
Marion Kloster, Doris Clegg, Del Bruss, Lorraine Johnson,
Clarence Guldberg, Tom McCanna, Bob Carlson, Nancy Tracy,
Jim Tracy, Louis Starita, Jeff Albrecht, Florence Liemandt,
Marion Sorem, Frank Jones, Jerry Witowski, Jim Gray, Julie
Turnbull, Julie Cologne, Mary Finnegan, Mark Anderson,
Michele Simonet, Alice Hulbert, Jim Callanan, Jim Stangl,
Dick Friedrichs, David Davison, Andy Turnbull, Patti Kelly,
Gary Dalasta, Shannon Hierlmaier, John Hopko
I. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 11. 1995 MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 11, 1995 MINUTES. John Dovolis
SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. SR. CITIZEN CENTER ANNUAL REPORT
Ms. Weigle explained to the Park Board that the Senior Center has been
located on the third floor of the Community Center since 1989 and one of
the biggest concerns is that the lease will be up in the year 2000. She
stated that doesn't necessarily mean that the Community Center doesn't
want them, it's just that the senior don't want to be scrambling around
at the last minute to find a replacement senior center. Mr. Herring
noted that he thought the Community Center has offered to extend the
lease an additional 5 years. Ms. Weigle noted that she has not heard
that. Mr. Herring indicated that he and Ms. Rydell are on the Community
Education Services Board and have been talking about planning and
continuing to have the Senior Center at the Community Center. He noted
that he feels this is not issue, and that the real issue is whether or
not the seniors want to continue to use that facility. Ms. Weigle noted
that was the next point she was going to make.
Ms. Weigle stated that they really wanted to know what the seniors
feelings were about being at the Community Center and so they sent out a
survey which had about a 39% return on it. She indicated that Laura
Schenk, her new assistant, has been tabulating the results. She noted
that most people who answered the survey were between the ages of 71 and
80, however, surveys have also been received from seniors between the
ages of 61 and 70. Ms. Weigle explained that those who live close by
are quite happy with the location and that the majority of complaints
were the third floor location, parking, and transportation to and from
the center. Ms. Weigle pointed out that the senior bus does not bring
people to the Senior Center and there is no public transportation that
goes to the Senior Center.
Ms. Weigle indicated that Ms. Schenk has also put all of the members
into the computer system. She noted that there were approximately 150
people that had not remained active members who were still receiving a
newsletter and being counted as active. Currently the membership is
approximately 1,400.
Ms. Weigle stated that the Advisory Council has indicated that they
would like to have someone from the baby boomer age sit on the Advisory
Council. The reason for this is they are trying to think of what the
baby boomers are going to want for their future because eventually they
will either need to enhance the current facility or else move to a
different location.
Mr. Fee indicated that he thought there was some kind of transportation
that went from the senior buildings on York to the Senior Center. Ms.
Weigle indicated that it doesn't bring them to the Senior Center, it
brings them to Congregate Dining, which is at 7151 York. She noted that
Congregate Dining averages 99 people a day compared to 25 to 30 when it
was at the Community Center. Ms. Weigle explained that there is also
transportation to the grocery store and that volunteer drivers are used
and therefore the bus only goes to the grocery store 2 days a week. Ms.
Weigle indicated that the bus can take 10 people at a time. Mr. Jenkins
asked if that service is well used and Ms. Weigle indicated that yes it
is. Ms. Weigle noted that both Mr. Rosland and Mr. Keprios have asked
her to do a study on transportation because eventually they are going to
have to do something. Mr. Fee asked Ms. Weigle what she would want to
see in the way of transportation and she noted that she thinks there is
going to need to be paid drivers. It's been nearly impossible to get
volunteer bus drivers on a regular basis.
Mr. Jenkins asked how the facility is working after the remodeling that
was done a few years back. Ms. Weigle noted that the Community Center
has been very accommodating and they have a nice working relationship.
Mr. Keprios indicated that it's also worth mentioning that Ms. Weigle
does a wonderful job programming a lot of activities outside the Senior
Center. Ms. Weigle stated that there is a 55 plus softball league that
plays at Van Valkenburg and they have over 100 men a year that play.
Also, there is a line dance held four times a. year at Edinborough as
well as a birthday celebration four times a year. Ms. Weigle indicated
that they play volleyball at Edinborough during the winter and noted
that a lot of the seniors participate in Laura Lancrete's swimming
program at Edinborough.
Mr. Jenkins asked Ms. Weigle what she feels her biggest challenge is and
she indicated getting people to the Senior Center who just simply can't
get there.
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Mr. Fee asked Ms. Weigle if she feels she has the funds to pay for this
service and she indicated she does not. Mr. Fee noted that he would
like to work with Mr. Rosland on the transportation issue and see what
other possible alternatives might be out there. It was noted that all
other communities charge a discount fee for a transportation service and
that no one is doing it for free.
III. EDINA SOCCER ASSOCIATION PROPOSAL FOR LEWIS PARK
Mr. Keprios thanked everyone for coming to the Park Board meeting and
thanked everyone who responded with phone calls, letters and petitions.
He indicated that everything that was sent to him he copied and passed
along to the Park Board.
Mr. Keprios indicated that he would like to briefly go over the proposal
to bring everyone up to speed and explain what happened at last month's
Park Board meeting. He stated that at the April Park Board meeting the
Edina Soccer Association and those interested in bandy gave their views
on the proposal that the Edina Soccer Association presented to the Park
Board. He indicated that since that meeting they have sent out notices
to everyone who lives within approximately 500 feet of the park.
Mr. Keprios then showed an aerial photograph of the Lewis Park area and
explained where everything is located. He noted that the proposal from
the Edina Soccer Association (ESA) is a request to make the bandy field
a soccer field and ESA will donate up to $40,000 to make that happen.
To do this, however, there is basically the potential elimination of the
large sheet of ice and bandy in Edina. He noted that bandy does have
another place to go in Roseville for $190/hour at the John Rose
Minnesota Oval.
Mr. Keprios indicated that a lot of the concerns he has heard is from
the residents living in the Lewis Ridge Condominium units whose biggest
concern is people parking in their private drive. He noted that there
are signs posted which say "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE." Mr. Keprios has
checked with Steve Landry, Edina Fire Marshall, and was told that the
City did not place those signs at that location because it is not (in
the Fire Marshall's opinion) considered to be a fire lane. Therefore
the police cannot tag people who park there. Mr. Keprios suggested that
the people living in the units contact their association's attorney to
see what steps can be taken as far as erecting signs and cars towed who
are literally trespassing on the property.
Mr. Keprios stated that the neighbors have also shown a concern about
the amount of scheduling that would be going on. He indicated that, if
this proposal is accepted, he cannot guarantee that all three fields
would not be scheduled at the same time because there may be times that
will happen.
Mr. Keprios noted that staff would like to be able to have both bandy
and soccer. However, it doesn't look as though that would be possible.
Mr. Keprios then introduced Vince Cockriel, Park Foreman, and John
Hopko, the turf management plan consultant. Mr. Hopko showed a slide
presentation and explained why the turf at Lewis Park cannot be used as
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a multi-purpose site.
Mr. Hopko explained that planted annual rye grass or clover takes at
least 60 days before it can be exposed to traffic. It takes even longer
for sodded areas to take hold and become a safe surface for athletic
use. Mr. Cockriel indicated that at one point they tried planting rye
grass on the bandy field at Lewis Park and the end result was a bed of
weeds. Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Cockriel if you can flood over irrigation
heads and Mr. Cockriel explained that you cannot because there's a
concern of breaking lines and ruining heads. He noted there is also a
safety concern because on warms days you can get a 3 foot melted circle
around an irrigation head.
A resident stated that she talked to someone at the University of
Minnesota Extension Service and they said that you wouldn't have the
problem of the ice killing the grass if you didn't install it on the
grass but waited for snow cover. Mr. Hopko indicated first of all it
would be a challenge to do that because the minute water is applied to
the snow there is going to be some melting. He stated that the second
thing is that if ice of any form stays for 100 days you are in big
trouble and practical experience would tell him that it can't be done.
Mr. Cockriel stated that another issue is in the past few years it's
been hard finding enough snow to even get ice by Christmas. There isn't
the luxury of waiting for a nice coat of 6 to 8 inches of snow before
flooding can begin.
Ms. Simonet, resident, asked about putting down pads like what is done
on the putting greens. Mr. Hopko explained that those mats are actually
very a thin material that would not help in the ice situation because
they actually allow the water to go right through.
Mr. Keprios indicated that in Europe right now they do use fields for
both bandy and soccer and explained that they use a granular material.
He then stated that Mr. MacHolda has played on a similar surface at the
University of Minnesota. Mr. MacHolda indicated that it's a surface in
which you would not leave your feet and attempt to slide. Mr. MacHolda
pointed out that he doesn't think this surface would work for young
children.
Mr. Keprios noted that the Soccer Association and staff looked at what
other alternatives there were for soccer. He explained how some of the
other parks would not work and then noted that we do rely already on
some of the school facilities and there is the question as to whether
they will be available year after year. He indicated that with a good
turf management program you can rest a field, which is what the high
school likes to do. Mr. Keprios explained that we don't have the luxury
of resting our fields but by possibly acquiring this area as a soccer
field we may be able to rotate fields on a limited basis.
Tom McCann, Kemrich Drive, indicated that he feels most of the people
he has spoken with feel that this isn't an issue of multi -use but it is
an issue of traffic and the desire to keep the neighborhood park a
neighborhood park. Mr. McCanna explained that if you look at the
neighborhood around the park you will see that there is a high senior
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content in the townhouses but there is also a lot of young children and
preschool children in the neighborhood. He stated that there is a need
to keep the park as the park as originally planned and not as a sports
field for very dedicated purposes such as soccer. He noted that he has
nothing against soccer and that his sons play soccer, but to sacrifice a
multi -use park for a very specific park like this is not in the best
interest of the neighborhood. He indicated that he very strongly
opposes putting in the soccer field.
Mr. Keprios then explained how the different parks are classified. He
noted that the parks are designated by their acreage which also
determines the service area that the particular park should serve as far
as recreational needs. He noted that Lewis Park is a community
playfield park which is designed to serve the recreational needs of
young people and adults in a 16 square mile service area, which is
essentially all of Edina. A community playfield also typically has an
area set aside for smaller children, which is the case at Lewis. Mr.
Keprios indicated that community playfields typically range in size from
20 to 60 acres. Lewis Park is 21.04 acres. He noted that these parks
serve the whole community and are not really designed to serve just the
immediate neighborhood. Mr. Burley indicated that he totally disagrees
with this and feels it would be making Lewis Park a soccer complex and
does not feel that Lewis Park would have the necessary diversity of
recreational opportunities. Mr. Keprios indicated that it is important
to recognize the purpose or mission of Lewis Park that it is not a
neighborhood park but a community playfield.
Julie Cologne, Kemrich Drive, indicated that she has no association with
bandy and that she is the mother of small children. She stated that
when she takes her children to the park there are spectators watching
soccer while sitting on the swings and the equipment and therefore her
children don't have access to the play equipment. She noted that there
is not another park they can walk to. Ms. Cologne also indicated that
she doesn't see this as soccer/bandy issue but sees it as the Edina
Soccer Association having $40,000 to offer versus the neighbors that do
not want this soccer field. She noted they do not want it in their park
because people park up and down the street and are in the neighborhood
for a long time and it's just going to get worse. She pointed out that
the bandy people play their game and leave and there is never a parking
problem. She is strongly opposed to it.
Micki Simonet, Coventry Way, wanted to know if there was any way there
could be a compromise. She noted that the main concern of a lot of
people is not bandy but is hockey. She explained that she will now be
having girls play hockey and there is not a lot of ice available in
Edina. She asked if it would be possible to take out the bandy rink and
make two hockey rinks and double the size of the recreational rink and
perhaps they could be moved closer to the other soccer fields.
Frank Jones, Lewis Ridge Parkway, asked what the definition is of
adequate parking. Mr. Keprios indicated that there is adequate parking
but not at all times especially if all three fields would ever be
scheduled at once. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there is not adequate
parking at many of the scheduled parks. At Strachauer Park, for
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example, there is no parking and they fill the neighborhood streets.
Mr. Fee asked for a clarification of when soccer would be using the
soccer fields. Patti Kelly, President of ESA, indicated that their
soccer season starts May 15th and ends July 22nd, so it's about 2 1/2
months and they play four nights a week, Monday through Thursday for 2
1/2 hours each night.
Jack Landon, Lewis Ridge Parkway, asked if there are any funds for
restroom facilities for the kids from May 15th through July 22nd so they
don't knock on the neighbors doors saying they have to use the bathroom.
Mr. Keprios noted that is one of the things they are looking into
having. He explained that the Soccer Association has been willing to
help come forward with a plan to build new restroom facilities on the
west end. However, for now they are considering putting in some
portable restrooms with fencing put around them. The Lewis Park shelter
building restroom facilities will be open and available during scheduled
soccer games.
Mary Finnegan, Coventry Way, indicated that she feels this is not a
soccer versus bandy issue but rather soccer versus general recreation.
She stated that the big sheet of ice is not just used for bandy, it is
used for pick-up hockey games, boot hockey, and children learning how to
skate. She stated that you can drive by there any day of the week and
see it filled. Ms. Finnegan pointed out that she thinks it's very sad
that unless you don't come with the voice of an organized sport, you
don't have a voice. She noted that she understands how the parks are
classified, however, if that holds true then the people in this area
have no park and are left with nothing. Ms. Finnegan stated that rather
than eliminating something to put in a third soccer field she would hope
that all of the other options are explored. Ms. Finnegan noted that the
bandy rink is enjoyed by the whole community.
Ms. Bennett indicated that the rink attendance number for 1993-1995 at
Lewis park was 5,459 and that number includes everyone. She noted that
the next closest park in attendance numbers was Arden with 2,934. It
was asked how many of those people are from Bloomington and Ms. Bennett
indicated that she was told that has always been deemed a compliment
because we've got a great sheet of ice and leave it at that. She
pointed out that she just wants to make sure that everyone knows that
sheet of ice is being used and that it's not just sitting there.
Mr. Keprios stated that the large ice rink was built specifically for
bandy and Mr. Kojetin did a wonderful job of bringing bandy to Edina.
Mr. Keprios indicated that when the rink is scheduled for bandy, it's
scheduled 7 days a week every evening and every Saturday and Sunday
primarily for adults. He pointed out that there are over 20 adult teams
and that 90% of the people on those teams are non -Edina residents. Mr.
Keprios indicated that it's been a great program and he would love to be
able to keep both of them.
A resident pointed out that even when the warming house is not open
there are a lot of kids using the rink and those numbers are not put in
the attendance numbers.
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A resident who lives in a 55 plus building indicated that all 53
residents would have attended the meeting if there was more room.
However, she wanted everyone to know that they love the game of bandy
and the mix that is at the park. She noted they are not in favor of
another soccer field in the summer because it will create more traffic.
Doris Clegg, Lewis Ridge, asked how many games are played on the
existing fields and how many are purposed for the third field. Mark
Anderson, Vice President of the Soccer Association, noted that the
fields would be used for the U6 and U8 divisions. He stated that there
are 400 kids in the 5 and 6 year old range and 300 kids in the 7 and 8
year old range. Mr. Anderson explained that the fields would be used
Monday through Thursday evenings starting at 5:00 p.m. He noted that
they play half hour games with the last game ending at 7:30 p.m. He
indicated that right now these kids are playing at Weber field and it is
a real concern from a safety perspective. Mr. Anderson stated that the
Park Department has two full-time men keeping the ice nice and it's
mostly because of the bandy rink. He noted that a lot of money is being
spent to keep that sheet of ice for 24 Edina youth residents to play
bandy because all of the other people playing are non-residents. He
noted that he would like to see the field used for more Edina residents.
Mr. MacHolda stated that the existing two soccer fields are scheduled
for traveling soccer and adult soccer. A resident asked how many
residents play on the adult teams. Mr. MacHolda indicated that
currently 75% of the adults that play are residents.
Dick Friedrichs, 59th Street, stated that he is a bandy player and a
member of the Edina Hockey Association. He noted that his biggest
concern isn't losing bandy but indicated that there are a lot of young
adults, boys and girls using the bandy rink to develop their skills. He
also noted that he thinks it will be hard to get ice at the John Rose
Oval, and that it's not just 24 youth bandy players using the rink.
Alice Hulbert, Tara Road, noted that she has four kids under the age of
10 and they use the park all year round. She noted that she thinks it's
very arrogant of the Soccer Association to come in and say they need
another field and here is $40,000 and you can't use it for anything else
for the rest of the year. She stated if they want to buy it they should
have to pay full market value for it. She indicated that she likes to
take her kids to the park to play kickball, baseball, summer frisbee,
walk the dog, etc. and now there will be no space to do that. She noted
that there are already two soccer fields and there needs to be a little
space left to do other things. Ms. Hulbert also noted that she brings
her kids to the park four days a week to skate and she noted that they
don't play bandy or hockey but they do like to figure skate on the rink.
She stated that she is worried about everyone being crammed into the
other rinks and is also worried about the girls getting enough ice time
for their hockey.
Patti Kelly, Edina Soccer Association President, indicated that she
thinks there is a gross misconception that appears to be surfacing that
Edina Soccer wants to use these fields solely for soccer and eliminate
any other activity on the field. She noted that is wrong. Ms. Kelly
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stated that they are asking to use these fields for a soccer program and
then they will be open for individual use when they are not having their
games. She explained that they will use the field for 2 1/2 months,
four evenings a week and then the fields will be available to the
neighborhood for frisbee throwing, etc. Ms. Kelly pointed out that if
you don't flood the field and money is spent to make it a nice field it
will be a much better for other activities. Again, she stressed that
Edina Soccer is not trying to get a hold of these fields and use them
solely for soccer. She noted they are just asking to be able to
schedule games so there are enough fields to service the Edina resident
players. She stated that there is already a hockey rink and skating
rink there and that by eliminating the bandy rink it could free up one
full-time maintenance man to possibly open up a rink in another
neighborhood. She noted they are not trying to take away ice because it
can be put in another place that currently has no ice. She explained
that their purpose is to try and make the field usable for all people
for approximately seven months out of the year.
A resident indicated that he would like to see a study of all of the
fields before a decision is made. He noted that it seems to him that
Pamela would be a good spot and asked what kind of study was done on all
of the parks. Mr. Keprios indicated that there is nothing in writing
but that the Soccer Association and staff took it upon themselves to go
to each and every park in Edina to see if an alternate site exists for
another soccer field. He noted that the answer is yes, however, they
aren't anywhere close to what Lewis Park has to offer.
Mr. Kojetin asked if there could be some other type of turf surface like
what Mr. MacHolda was referring to so that the area could be used for
both sports. Mr. Kojetin suggested putting some of the kids on the west
field and let some of the older kids play in the dirt and then split
some of the kids that are playing at Weber. Mr. Kojetin also indicated
that from time to time that field is going to need to be regraded even
with a good sodded field and that will cost a lot of money to do. Mr.
Kojetin noted that he would like to see a trial or experimental program
where the kids are shifted around a little bit rather than zero in on
one particular facility.
Mr. Fee asked who did the turf study in the last 30 days and it was
noted the Engineering Department went and looked at it. Mr. Keprios
indicated that the Engineering Department believes that they have a
temporary water main leak and the Utility Department is trying to
correct it. He stated that in their professional opinion there is going
to be some settling, however, the majority of it has already taken
place. Mr. Fee asked with the third soccer field is there anything we
can do as far as either adding another hockey rink or expanding the
skating facility on the north side of the warming house. Mr. Keprios
indicated that would not be possible if we need to make the area a
playable soccer field.
Mr. Burley indicated that he can certainly empathize with the Soccer
Association trying to seek new fields for the kids to play on. He noted
that after running the Basketball Association he knows it's not easy
finding adequate space. Mr. Burley stated that he has a real problem
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with an organization coming to the Park Board and asking for a specific
piece of land for X amount of dollars. He noted that the Basketball
Association had $100,000 in their kitty and if they were aware that
there is a potential to, so to speak, bid for a piece of land they might
want to come in and put in basketball courts. He stated that he doesn't
think either situation is right. Mr. Burley also noted that he has a
real problem when Mr. Keprios said that Lewis Park is scheduled to be a
diversified park. He noted that he doesn't see any diversity there and
that his kids have to play baseball on the cul-de-sac with Dewey Hill
Road as their backstop. He noted that if you put another soccer field
there you make the conditions worse and then you also have all of these
other issues that the residents have spoken about. Mr. Burley indicated
that he didn't see anyone put a letter together besides the Soccer
Association that's in favor of this idea. Mr. Burley pointed out that
his kids play soccer and he certainly wants a field for them to play
soccer on but he is opposed to this entirely. He noted that as far as
the bandy versus soccer he doesn't feel that is the issue at all. He
thinks it's a neighborhood ice rink that people have grown accustomed to
that would be sorrily missed by not only the immediate neighborhood but
throughout the whole Edina and neighboring north Bloomington.
Mr. Fee indicated that he is having a hard time understanding why
everyone is getting upset about 2 1/2 hours a night, 4 nights a week for
2 1/2 months. Mr. Fee indicated that a lot of people don't realize that
we have had to close a lot of neighborhood rinks and that a lot of
maintenance is required to maintain the bandy rink. He indicated that
hopefully this maintenance can now be utilized to reopen some of the
skating rinks that have had to be closed. Mr. Fee stated that he was
one of the original guys who played bandy and is very much in favor of
it but he has seen it change drastically from when it started 10 to 12
years ago. He indicated that it used to be 90% Edina residents and now
it's less than 10%. Mr. Fee also pointed out that this is a community
park and not a neighborhood park. Mr. Fee explained that as far as
baseball is concerned it was never intended to have a baseball field.
He noted that some parks have baseball fields and some parks have soccer
fields. Mr. Fee noted that he is very much in favor of the soccer
field.
Mr. Herring indicated that one resident asked what kind of study was
done on the parks. He noted that it was his understanding that Mr.
MacHolda and members from the Soccer Association went to all of the
parks looking for alternative facilities. He stated that while there
was no written report it was discussed at the last meeting and he gives
a lot of deference to our staff and Mr. MacHolda who works with both
bandy and soccer. Mr. Herring noted that we are fortunate that the
Soccer Association can bring $40,000 to the table so that we can use
that money to upgrade the fields and make them playable. Mr. Herring
also pointed out that he is swayed by the number of Edina residents who
play soccer compared to the number of residents in the bandy program.
Mr. Herring also noted that he is swayed by the availability of
additional workers to go and work on other parks and do some of the
other things that we want to do during the winter. Mr. Herring
indicated that maybe Strachauer Park could be opened up again. He
stated that he is in favor of the soccer field.
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Mr. Bennett asked if the 5 and 6 year olds could be divided up so on
Monday they are at one park, Tuesday at another, etc. This way maybe
the turf could also be rested and the community as a whole could share
some of the traffic and hardships that go along with providing a park
for all of our citizens. He noted, however, that this may be
compounding the problem. Mr. Anderson indicated that's a possibility
and something that would have to be worked out with staff because they
do all of the scheduling. Mr. Bennett noted that it probably wouldn't
work for the older kids but may work for the younger ones.
Ms. Hall indicated that we don't know how many U6 and U8 kids there will
be in the next 5 to 8 years. She also noted that with the possibility
of getting a professional hockey team there may be more kids interested
in hockey and feels that is something to think about.
Ms. Bennett indicated that she lives in the Lewis Park neighborhood and
has made a lot of phone calls and has received a lot of phone calls.
She noted that she didn't talk to one person who was in favor of the
soccer field other than what has been received from soccer. She stated
that her kids play all of the sports and she is not biased one way or
another. She pointed out that she does not feel that the John Rose Oval
rink is an alternative to bandy for $190/hr. Ms. Bennett noted that she
feels if we eliminate the large sheet of ice we eliminate bandy from
Minnesota. Mr. Keprios noted that youth bandy could be played on the
hockey rinks.
Ms. Bennett stated that she doesn't see this as a bandy versus soccer
issue but sees it as a sheet of ice that's well used by the neighborhood
people as well as people who don't live in the immediate area. Ms.
Bennett indicated that she doesn't think all of our alternatives have
been looked at with regards to soccer. Ms. Bennett noted that if it's
an issue of lights that there are other facilities that could possibly
be used such as the high school since their program is a fall program.
Ms. Bennett indicated that she realizes the high school likes to rest
their fields but it is still our taxpayer dollars. Ms. Bennett also
suggested that possibly the younger kids could play in the daytime like
the Jugball program and the $40,000 could be used to create jobs for
teenagers to coach the kids during the day.
Ms. Bennett noted that she doesn't like the idea of eliminating one
sport for the sake of another if something else can be worked out. She
stated that she thinks it's real important to look at all of the
alternatives and noted that she doesn't think that has been done. Ms.
Bennett indicated that she doesn't think putting in another soccer field
is the best use of that piece of property at Lewis Park.
Mr. Dovolis indicated that he disagrees with most of Ms. Bennett's
comments. He explained that he grew up in Edina and played sports in
Edina as a young boy. He noted that he recognizes the need of getting
young people involved in sports and explained that he grew up realizing
the importance of what Edina Parks mean to Edina. Mr. Dovolis indicated
that he doesn't look at this as a bandy/soccer issue but feels we need
to look at what is good for the majority of Edina residents. Mr.
Dovolis stated that it doesn't make sense to him that a resident looks
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at the park as it being on their own yard and only the sports they think
should be played can be played there. He noted that to him the
enjoyment comes from the whole park system whether it be visiting or
watching young people playing. Mr. Dovolis indicated that our parks
need a lot of work because there is a lot of deterioration there. He
noted that he is here on behalf of all Edina residents and the youth to
use our facilities. Mr. Dovolis stated that he is for soccer using the
facility because he is for the people and the youth to be able to use
the facilities we have in Edina.
Mr. Jenkins explained to everyone that the Park Board is an advisory
board to the City Council and that at this point they are just trying to
get the facts and information so they can make a recommendation to the
City Council.
Mr. Keprios indicated that he feels the group present right now
represents the immediate neighborhood and his sense is that they do not
want soccer there regardless of the surface. He then noted that the
soccer people would not be satisfied with anything short of a turf that
is considered safe. Mr. Keprios stated that the majority do not think
of this as a bandy/soccer issue but rather a large general sheet of ice
that a lot of people want to keep for various reasons.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if his recommendation is in fact to accept the
Soccer Associations proposal and asked him if he is comfortable to say
that this is the best alternative to solve the problem that exists for
the soccer people. Mr. Keprios indicated that is an accurate statement
and that we need to look at all 40,000 plus residents in which the park
serves. He noted that if it's a giant piece of ice for general skating
that people want, Centennial Lakes has one of the best spots for that in
the Twin City area. He noted that his concern is when neighborhood
groups come before the Park Board wanting an ice rink or hockey rink
because there neighborhood rink has been closed down. He stated that he
doesn't know if there are a lot of people here who in good conscious can
say that Lewis Park deserves this giant sheet of ice but the other areas
need to be denied because of the lack of available resources. Mr.
Keprios indicated that he feels this is a whole community issue.
Jim Fee MOVED THAT WE ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT THE
PROPOSAL FROM THE EDINA SOCCER ASSOCIATION TO PROCEED AS OUTLINED IN THE
MEMORANDUM. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Crowther asked that one point be clarified before he votes. He
asked if the bandy rink is closed could those resources go to Strachauer
Park or another park to add a skating facility to offset the loss. He
noted that it would serve a great need that we are hearing with girls
hockey, which is not going to be served by the bandy rink. He asked if
he can be assured that will be available. Mr. Cockriel indicated that
if we lose the bandy rink and keep the hockey rink and general skating
rink at Lewis his maintenance people could maintain two other complete
facilities.
Ms. Bennett asked if $40,000 is going to take care of getting the soccer
field to the level they want and asked if a feasibility study had been
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done. Mr. Keprios indicated that the Engineering Department has assured
him that the job can be done for approximately $40,000.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.
JOHN DOVOLIS, JIM FEE, ANDREW HERRING, FRANK BENNETT, JEAN RYDELL, DAVE
CROWTHER
ALL THOSE OPPOSED TO THE MOTION.
BILL JENKINS, BECKY BENNETT, MIKE BURLEY, BETH HALL, ANDREW MONTGOMERY
MOTION CARRIED 6 TO 5.
Mr. Keprios indicated this issue will be brought before the City Council
at their June 19th meeting.
The Park Board thanked everyone who attended the meeting.
IV. PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE
Mr. Keprios handed out a first draft of the staff's proposed park
improvement plan. Mr. Keprios noted that he would like to work with the
park improvement committee to help prioritize how we are going to
approach everything. Mr. Keprios indicated that it is to be expected
that not everyone would agree with staff's suggestions in this first
draft. Mr. Keprios indicated that part of this plan he is hoping will
include input from the community. Mr. Burley asked if this list is what
we are hoping to raise funds for or have a referendum for. Mr. Keprios
indicated that there are different ways to fund something like this,
however, it appears as though the City is leaning towards a bond
referendum.
Mr. Burley indicated that he is on the long-range planning committee and
doesn't know if he has the talent to be able to guide everyone on what
should be done first or second. He noted that he has an opinion but
doesn't know if he is qualified enough to make those kind of decisions.
He noted that he feels a little lost. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he
will also be there to help out. Mr. Keprios stated that it really is
his job to come forward and make the recommendation and help prioritize
and come up with the information that is needed.
V. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Park Board and staff set up meetings for each of the subcommittees.
VI. JUNE MEETING - INCLUDING PARK TOUR
Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board where they would like to go for the
June Park Board tour. Mr. Crowther indicated that he would like to go
to the Gun Range since there have been some problems there. Mr. Keprios
then indicated that there has been another proposal put on the table
regarding the gun range. He noted that they would like to make it into
a multi -city training facility for police and fire personnel. He noted
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that it would still be used for firearm safety training and it would
correct all of our environmental issues at the site. He indicated that
it's worth looking at.
Mr. Montgomery noted that he would like to see Walnut Ridge.
Mr. Jenkins indicated that he would like to look at one of the soccer
alternative fields. Mr. MacHolda indicated that Walnut Ridge was looked
at as a soccer alternative.
Mr. Fee suggested Cornelia School since there have been some
improvements done there. Mr. Keprios indicated that the June Park Board
Tour will begin at 7:00 p.m.
VII. OTHER
A. Normandale - Mr. Herring asked if they are done working on the
ball field at Normandale. Mr. Keprios indicated that they have been
struggling with the weather. He noted that the City Council did approve
to put in irrigation and it will regraded and seeded.
B. Todd Park - Mr. Montgomery indicated that he played softball at
Todd Park and it is not in very good shape. Mr. Keprios indicated that
it's in the park improvement plan.
C. Park Board Meeting Time - It was asked if anyone objected to the
Park Board meetings starting at 7:00 p.m. It was noted that would not
work for everyone therefore the meetings will remain at 7:30 p.m.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:40 P.M. Andy Herring
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
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