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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:00 p.m. Tour June 13, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Montgomery, Beth Hall, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Jean Rydell, Bill Jenkins, John Dovolis, Mike Burley MEMBERS ABSENT: Dave Crowther, Andrew Herring, Frank Bennett STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton OTHERS PRESENT: Ed Myslivecek I. PARK BOARD TOUR The Park Board took a tour to the following parks: A. Grove Street/Moore Property Open Space - Mr. Keprios indicated that he has been approached by a few residents to have a community gardens. The Moore Property site is currently the location under consideration by staff. It was asked if the Garden Council would be part of this and it was noted that they would not although they think it is a good idea. It was asked who would maintain it and Mr. Keprios indicated that the maintenance men would till the property once a year and that the cost would be recovered from the fee that is charged to have a garden. It was noted that the land would be divided into 8 to 10 plots and only vegetables would be planted. Mr. Keprios explained that this would be done on an experimental basis and that letters would be sent out to area residents explaining the community gardens project. The Park Board indicated that they think this is a good idea as long as the neighbors do not object. B. Cornelia School Park - Mr. Keprios indicated that, for the past four years, Mike Julius has organized dozens of volunteers and secured various funds to plan over 400 trees and make several other improvements at the Cornelia School/Park with the assistance from the Park Maintenance Department staff. He stated that the playground equipment is the School District's and that the city is giving $15,000 to this park for new basketball hoops, asphalt, trash receptacles and park benches. The park, however, still needs several improvements, such as, a new warming house which would cost between $100,000 and $150,000. Mr. Keprios pointed out that under the new Turf Management Plan this park is 100% tolerant for weeds. He also pointed out what the new park benches look like that will eventually be placed in all of the parks. C. Lewis Park - Mr. Keprios pointed out the cedar fence posts that have been put around the portable restrooms. It was asked if a backstop could be put in for the neighborhood kids to play ball. Mr. Keprios noted that he would be happy to look into it. D. Brian Wippermann Memorial Gun Range - Mr. Keprios explained that there has been talk about turning the gun range into a multi -city training center. He noted that we need to upgrade the indoor ventilation system to eliminate a lead dust problem. He explained that to upgrade the ventilation system it will cost between $35,000 and $50,000. He stated that to remove the lead from the outdoor facility we have received preliminary cost estimates of approximately $100,000 to $250,000. It was asked how much is the gun range used by Edina residents and Mr. Keprios replied that he doesn't know since it is open to the public and is well advertised throughout the twin cities. He also pointed out that, with the exception of the Minneapolis Gun Club in Lakeville, we are the only outdoor trap range in the area. Mr. Keprios explained that if they did not have private rentals they would lose a lot of money. He noted that right now the gun range breaks even financially. Mr. Keprios stressed that the lead issue is an important environmental issue and that turning the gun range into a training center would help solve a lot of problems. E. Walnut Ridge - Mr. Keprios pointed out the tennis courts that are currently being resurfaced by Mikkelson Construction. He also pointed out that the turf area is on a flood plain and would be an unstable turf area for soccer as well as there is very little parking. He noted that there is a lot of concrete underneath the turf area that was used as land fill when the park was originally developed. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the playground equipment needs to be upgraded. II. APPROVAL OF MAY 9. 1995 PARK BOARD MINUTES John Dovolis MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 9, 1995 MINUTES. Mike Burley SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. III. APPOINTMENT TO EDINA COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICES BOARD Mr. Keprios indicated that there needs to be a formal nomination for the appointment to the Edina Community Education Services Board. John Dovolis MOVED TO APPOINT JEAN RYDELL TO THE EDINA COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICES BOARD. Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. OTHER A. Edina Soccer Association Proposal - Mr. Keprios thanked all of the Park Board members for their help in trying to resolve the ESA proposal issue from the last two Park Board meetings. He noted that staff will do their best to resolve these types of issues at the staff level so they do not become major issues that demand City Council approval. B. Bredesen Park - Mr. Jenkins indicated that Mr. Faust recently was riding his bike on the path at Bredesen Park when another gentlemen was coming straight at him. He noted that he dove to get out of the way and wiped out. Mr. Jenkins suggested the paths be repainted at Bredesen Park. Mr. Keprios indicated that he will look into it. K C. July Meeting - Mr. Montgomery asked if there is a meeting on July 11th and 18th. Mr. Keprios indicated that, as noted in the staff report, there currently is a Park Board meeting scheduled for July 11 and the Braemar Inspection Tour is scheduled for July 18. He stated that there are a few items that will need to be discussed. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Edina Basketball Association wants to propose a joint funding venture to bring the basketball courts up to speed. He also noted that part of their current verbal proposal is to create a new basketball court at Wooddale Park. Mr. Jenkins asked if the Basketball Association could wait to present their idea at the August Park Board meeting and not have a July meeting. Mr. Keprios noted that the Basketball Association would like to do some things yet this year and if it is delayed another month we unfortunately lose construction for a month or two. Mr. Jenkins stated that he would like to skip the July 11th meeting and have the Basketball Association give their presentation at the Braemar Inspection Tour, after golf but before dinner. Everyone agreed to this. Mr. Burley asked if there is a problem putting a basketball court in at Wooddale Park. Mr. Keprios indicated that there may be a problem from the neighbors perspective, as well as, a parking issue. Mr. Jenkins asked if more background information could be put in his staff report on the issue. Mr. Keprios explained that what the EBA is currently proposing is to build a basketball court this year. He noted that he explained to them that we are on a charge where we are not going to build anything new until we repair the infrastructure that is already in place. He stated that the Basketball Association indicated that, if we repair the basketball court at Strachauer Park, then the EBA would fund the repairs for possibly Weber Park or some other hard surface area in need of repair. Mr. Keprios explained that the EBA is very interested in having the outdoor basketball courts brought up to speed as soon a possible. Mr. Dovolis asked what the thoughts are on putting together a game plan of what needs to be done before the end of the year and how are we going to prioritize certain items. Mr. Keprios indicated that is something that the subcommittee and Park Board will address. Mr. Keprios noted that his first preference would be to fund the park improvements through the capital plan over a period of 6 or 7 years. The Edina City Council will ultimately decide what funding approach will be utilized, which may be a general obligation bond issue. Mr. Dovolis asked when are we going to get this so we get up to speed and know where we are at. Mr. Keprios indicated as soon as he can get it. Mr. Fee asked how much is going to be allocated and Mr. Keprios noted that it's more complicated than a simple dollar figure. He explained that there are several other parts to the issue which includes possibly renovating City Hall, building a new paramedic/fire station, and training facility at the gun range. He noted there are a lot of things involved. Ms. Bennett asked if it will all be under one bond and Mr. Keprios indicated that the number of issues will be decided by the Edina City Council. 3 Mr. Burley asked if the budget has been $180,000 for the last ten years and Mr. Keprios noted that it used to be $220,000. Mr. Burley asked if it's been cut down because the tax base is small. Mr. Keprios indicated no, it's been cut back because we are a very conservative city. Mr. Keprios noted that the 1996 budgeting process is currently underway. Mr. Keprios explained that all of the expenses don't come out of taxes, there is a good percentage that comes out of fees, licenses, and charges. Mr. Keprios noted that he doesn't know what to cut in the Park Department other than staff which means the grass would be mowed less than it is now, etc. Mr. Burley indicated that he thinks there are different ways to fund the department's capital needs other than through the $180,000. He noted that there are so many services provided for all of the athletic associations which currently require a user fee. Mr. Fee noted that's what the City Council wants to see is more user fees charged for people who use the park and recreation facilities. Ms. Bennett indicated that it seems like a lot of the associations, such as basketball and soccer, have needs and have the funds to support their needs and are coming forward with the funds. She noted that she has had people come up to her and ask her why is there an excess in these associations funds when they are paying all of these traveling fees. Mr. Jenkins noted that is where it is coming from. Mr. Burley indicated that he used to run the basketball program and when he took over their budget had $3,000. He explained that they then cut everything out such as socks, kept fees the same and had scholarships. He noted that at the end of the season they had $35,000 to $40,000 in the budget and realized they went too far the other way. He explained that they never really readjusted it to make it fair and now they have all of these slush funds. He noted that what he thinks people are expressing to Ms. Bennett is a concern that people pay a fee blindly and so their kids can participate in a sport and some of these athletic associations have a lot of money. Mr. Burley stated that he doesn't know if this is our business or not, but is it right that these associations have so much money. Mr. Fee noted that they are independent associations and that's where we get into the fine line of do we let them run themselves or do we give them some input. Mr. Jenkins pointed out that most of the associations have been pretty good about throwing money towards the City as far as helping to upgrade different facilities, etc. He noted that he thinks that some of the associations are more than willing to put money towards Park and Recreation. Mr. Burley noted that is not what he is saying because so far everything has been positive. What he is saying is that as a Park Board is it our job to put a little bit of a benchmark on this. He noted that people naively think we as an organization help set those fees. Ms. Bennett noted that they are under our umbrella and people absolutely think that. Mr. Fee indicated that we charge a field use fee which the associations incorporate into their registration fee. Mr. Fee noted that the associations are in control of their own budgets and as a Park Board we are not involved in those issues. He noted he's not sure how involved 4 the staff gets in those issues but for the most part they are very independent boards. Mr. Keprios stated that the associations are meant to be independent. Mr. Dovolis explained that he was involved with the Football Association for 12 years and that they helped put in bleachers, a press box, lights and scoreboards at Braemar. He stated that we need to learn to tap into those funds a little bit more. Mr. Fee indicated that if the City Council is asking that we tighten things up and have a zero increase in the budget, we are going to have to look at different alternatives and pass them on. Ms. Bennett stated that at some point these non-profit associations are making a profit. Mr. Dovolis indicated that they are supposed to give back a certain percentage but he doesn't think that's happening. Ms. Bennett asked what is that percentage and Mr. Dovolis stated that it's in the Non -Profit Act and he doesn't remember what the exact percentage is. Mr. Dovolis indicated they are suppose to give a certain percentage back and he thinks it might be a good idea if the associations are talked to and we start tapping into some of these funds because there are a lot of dollars involved. Mr. Burley asked what do we charge for a kid to play in a sport. Mr. Keprios indicated that we currently charge a $5.00 field use fee. Also, for Braemar Arena facility users, there is a $15 capital fee that goes to offset the bonds at the new east arena. Mr. Keprios explained that his own personal view is that this is not the way to maintain and develop our parks. He noted that the associations do a fabulous job and that we have one of the best set ups in the country. He stated that he would not like to see us headed in the direction to find ways to manipulate as much money out of these independent groups as a regular source of capital and/or operating income to maintain what we have. Mr. Keprios indicated that he believes that we should not rely on these associations to fund our capital plan. Mr. Jenkins stated that he feels the park system funding should come from the general fund. Mr. Keprios noted that it's a public good and everybody should pay for it. Mr. Dovolis indicated that is not what they are saying. They are saying that maybe we should use these funds as much as we can, not as a way the parks should be funded, but should somehow be tapped into for some creative financing. Ms. Bennett indicated that she heard Courtney Fields are going to be torn up next year and asked what the status is on that. Mr. Keprios stated that they are in need of a total rejuvenation. It is becoming unsafe turf in the outfield. V. ADJOURNMENT John Dovolis MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40 P.M. Becky Bennett SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 5