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.