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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-08-08 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. August 8, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT Beth Hall, Andrew Herring, Bill Jenkins, Mike Burley, John Dovolis, Jean Rydell Becky Bennett, Dave Crowther, Jim Fee, Andrew Montgomery, Frank Bennett John Keprios, John Valliere and Solvei Swenson I. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 11, 1995 PARK BOARD MINUTES John Dovolis MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 11, 1995 MINUTES. Mike Burley SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. H. DISCOUNT GOLF CAR RATEBRAEMAR GOLF COURSE Mr. Jenkins stated that at the last meeting there was some discussion on discount golf car rates based on disabilities. John Keprios presented an update with staffs recommendations as outlined in the Staff Report. Single golf car dependents would be given a 50% discount providing they do not have anyone to share the expense of a car rental. Mr. Dovolis expressed a concern over starting a senior rate at the golf course because it creates a burden for the facility. Mr. Burley clarified that a senior rate transfers additional cost to other age bracket golfers. Mr. Jenkins stated that someone would be subsidizing the cost. Further discussion regarding senior rates will be discussed at the meeting regarding fees and charges. Jean Rydell MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO OFFER A 50% DISCOUNT ON THE GOLF CAR RENTAL RATE, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, TO GOLFERS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES THAT RENDER THEM GOLF CAR DEPENDENT AND ARE SINGLE -RIDER GOLFERS. THIS NEW POLICY MANDATES THAT NO MORE THAN TWO GOLF CARS ARE ALLOWED PER FOUR -SOME AND THERE MAY NOT BE MORE THAN ONE SINGLE -RIDER GOLF CAR PER FOUR- SOME. John Dovolis SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. III. SOFT SPIKE GOLF SHOES - JOHN VALLIERE, GOLF COURSE MANAGER John Valliere stated that John Nylund, Golf Course Superintendent, has already distributed a memo to golf leagues indicating that we highly advocate the use of soft spike shoes. However, mandating the use of them is not in the best interest of the course at this time in terms of public relations. Mr. Valliere distributed examples of the different spikes available. He stated that the traditional spikes do scuff greens and leave mounds. He would expect that people will change over to soft spikes on their own in time. He is not comfortable with mandating the use of soft spikes at this time. If the board does mandate soft spike use, Mr. Valliere would like 1996 as a transition year and start mandatory use in 1997. Mr. Valliere and Mr. Jenkins expressed concerns about potential lawsuits from slippery soles of the soft spikes if they were mandated immediately. Mr. Jenkins agrees that recommending use and encouraging leagues to switch to soft spikes would be an appropriate action to take at this time. Mr. Dovolis stated that the course should be alerted to the dangers involved in soft spikes; such as slippery wet tile in washrooms, wood ties along cart paths that can be slippery, walking down an incline in rain. He suggested to help market it, rope off half of the putting green for soft spikes and the other half for regular spikes, the patrons would see the difference. Perhaps something similar in the clubhouse could be done to emphasis the effect on the carpeting. Mr. Burley asked if the spikes help aerate the turf. Mr. Jenkins stated that the spikes are not long enough to benefit the turf in that way. Mr. Valliere agreed. The Park Board agreed by concensus to encourage use of soft spikes but not make them mandatory at this time. IV. PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE John Keprios stated that at City Council on Monday, August 5, they voted 5 to 0 in favor of staffs proposed Park Improvement Plan. The framework is a 4.9 million dollar budget for park improvements and a separate 2.5 million dollar budget for a third ice rink at Braemar Park. Mr. Jenkins asked if the 2.5 million would include zambonis and locker rooms needed between the east and the west arenas. Mr. Keprios stated that some of the equipment needs would be included in the Park Improvement Plan so that if the ice rink fails the items needed for the arena would still be attainable. Mr. Burley inquired if the staff presented the 4.9 million dollar amount. Mr. Keprios stated he is very pleased with the proposed 4.9 million amount. Mr. Keprios stated he will put together an itinerary and meet with the sub -committee of three from the Park Board to propose a strategy and timetable to the City Council. Mr. Herring asked if the council was planning on a November 1996, election. Mr. Keprios stated they are looking at April or May 1996. Mr. Jenkins stated that he was pleased with the Spring time frame. Mr. Herring asked if they will have separate ballot items for the City Hall and the Fire Station. Mr. Keprios stated that council has decided to fund that through other means instead of a general obligation bond. Mr. Herring asked for clarification that City Hall and Fire Station would not be through a bond issue. Mr. Keprios stated that was correct. It would be funded through selling bonds through HRA. The Fire Station and City Hall remodeling are seen as issues they have to do and not something they feel is a choice. Mr. Herring clarified that the two items on the ballot would be the park improvement bond and the third sheet of ice. Mr. Burley asked where the sheet of ice would go. Mr. Keprios stated behind the arena facing north south off the east arena toward the gun range. A board member inquired whether the city hall will be remodeled or a new structure. Mr. Keprios stated that they are looking at remodeling. In order to create more space at City Hall they are looking at making the Council Chambers into office space and move the Council meetings to another location. Also, there is consideration to relocate the Park and Recreation Department Administration offices. Mr. Keprios stated they are looking at being part of the third sheet of ice structure at Braemar. Board members suggested, Edinborough or Centennial Park or part of the undeveloped land in the area. Mr. Keprios stated that location, access and expense are important factors. There was a question as to the placement of the new fire station. Mr. Keprios stated it would be where the tennis courts are currently located at Yorktown. Park. Mr. Burley expressed a concern in regard to the Park Board sub -committee being used to determine what would and would not be part of the Park Improvement Bond. He felt that the entire Park Board would be beneficial to that process. Mr. Keprios stated that the recommendations to the City Council would be left up to the entire Park Board but that the small group would help in developing ideas and suggestions. Mr. Herring inquired what would happen if the third sheet of ice failed. Mr. Keprios stated that it would be missed but we could survive. Board members expressed concern over the third sheet of ice failing in the vote. Financing was discussed for the third sheet of ice. The status of the user paying for the new structure as opposed to all tax payers paying for the structure. Mr. Herring expressed concern on how to generate a positive response from someone that does not intend to use the facility but would be paying for it in taxes. Board members discussed ways to promote the idea in the community. Mr. Jenkins inquired if the $250,000 could be obtained from the Mighty Ducks fund at the state legislature. Mr. Keprios has already started application for the money. V. OTHER 1. Moore Property- Community Park Mr. Keprios distributed a letter that was sent to 59 residents that boarder the Moore Property at 5100 Grove St, in regard to a community garden. The overwhelming response so far has been in opposition. Mr. Keprios stated that staff will be reconsidering offering the community gardens. 2. July 17, 1995 Council Minutes Mr. Keprios distributed the Minutes of the July 17, 1995, Council meeting for the Park Boards information. 3. Edina insert in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune Copies of the Edina insert that was in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune was distributed. 4. Minnesota Splash Mr. Keprios reported that there was a good turn out at Centennial Lakes for Minnesota Splash. Youth Programs Ms. Rydell inquired how Edina handles boys playing in girls programs and girls playing in boys programs. Mr. Keprios stated that Edina allows boys to play on girls teams and girls are permitted to play on boys teams in accordance with state law. VI. ADJOURNMENT Jean Rydelll MOVE TO ADJOURN. John Dovolis SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.