HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-12 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
September 12, 1995
MEMBERS PRESENT: Becky Bennett, Frank Bennett, Jim Fee, Beth Hall, Bill
Jenkins, Andrew Montgomery
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Burley, Dave Crowther, John Dovolis, Andrew Herring,
Jean Rydell
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT: Jane Michael, Charlotte Burrell, Lila Larson
I. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 8 1995 MINUTES
Jim Fee MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 8, 1995 MINUTES. Frank Bennett
SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. COMMUNITY GARDENS SITE
Mr. Keprios indicated that he sent out 59 letters to residents who
surround the Moore Property. He noted that he received an overwhelming
response against the idea. He also noted that he received a lot of
phone calls from residents who were concerned if a community gardens
site was going to happen or not. Mr. Keprios stated that he has
informed the residents that it is the staff's recommendation to not
recommend a community gardens site. The residents were very pleased to
hear that.
Mr. Keprios indicated that unless there are any strong feelings he will
no longer pursue the issue.
It was the Park Board's general consensus to not further pursue the
matter.
III. PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mr. Keprios explained that on August 7th the City Council approved a
motion to go forward.with a capital improvement plan which includes a
special election bond issue to take place in the spring of 1996. He
indicated that the City Council has asked that the issue be sent back to
the Park Board and staff to make more specific recommendations on how
the bond issue will be approached. Mr. Keprios noted he has done quite
a bit of research and has talked to a lot of different people who have
been very helpful. He stated that he has also talked to people from the
school district who have just gone through somewhat of the same
experience. Mr. Keprios indicated that only one out of five park issues
in the history of Edina have not passed and that one was by a close
margin.
Mr. Keprios indicated that staff will work hard to be sure that the
voters are well informed as to what the bond issue is all about. Mr.
Keprios stated that he has already given two separate speeches to
community groups and so far the response has been favorable. He also
noted that one of the groups expressed some new ideas for park
development that should be added to the plan. He explained that they
would like to see lighted controlled basketball courts at Chowen Park so
people are not using the headlights of their cars.
Mr. Bennett suggested to Mr. Keprios that he also talk to Doug Johnson
from the School District. He noted that Mr. Johnson was the person from
administration who oversaw how they spent the $38 million. He indicated
that it came in under budget and he did a great job. Mr. Keprios stated
that Mr. Johnson has been a really good resource. Mr. Keprios pointed
out that one thing Mr. Johnson expressed was that the voters are not as
concerned about the dollar amount as they are about what is going to get
accomplished for the money. What is in it for them and what is it going
to do for the city.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios for more insight on the third indoor ice rink.
Mr. Keprios explained that the Hockey Association, Figure Skating Club
and Larry Thayer's feasibility study indicate there is a need for a
third skating rink. He explained that even without girls hockey there
is a need for more indoor ice. He stated that a third arena could be
filled from November through March without any trouble. He then pointed
out that during the off months they could have dry floor activities
because there would not be the demand for another indoor sheet of ice on
a year around basis.
Mr. Montgomery asked if the third sheet of ice rink could be called
something else such as a multi-purpose arena. Therefore, people will
know that it is used for other things besides ice skating activities.
Mr. Jenkins asked what type of activities would be used on a non -ice
area. Mr. Keprios indicated there are a number of things it could be
used for such as in-line skating, arts and crafts shows, and other
private rentals. Mr. Montgomery asked if possibly there could be
volleyball or basketball for youth or adults there. Mr. Keprios
indicated that would not work because those activities run contiguously
with the hockey season and ice needs to be started on September 1st.
Mr. Jenkins indicated that he thinks the point is well taken that people
need to know that this is not just a third sheet of ice and that it can
be used for other things during the off season.
Mr. Keprios explained that when the second sheet of ice was renovated,
the. -Hockey -Association and_Figure_Skating Club committed a $15.00 per
participant fee for the life of those bonds. Therefore, each time a
figure skater or hockey player signs up there is a $15.00 capital fee
paid to the City of Edina to participate in the program. Mr. Keprios
suggested that a similar type of a partnership for this third sheet of
ice be considered.
Mr. Montgomery asked where the third sheet of ice would be placed. Mr.
Keprios explained that it would run north, south and would be attached
to the south end of the east arena. He noted there would be a main
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lobby foyer area so that all three arenas could be accessed from one
entrance.
Mr. Keprios indicated what the impact of each bond issue would be to the
taxpayers. He noted that with a 2.5 million dollar issue for a third
rink on an average home in Edina, ($160,000) would be $9.17 per year or
.76 a month, which is less than .03 a day. He added that is assuming
there is no money coming from the figure skaters or the hockey players
on an annual basis to pay for some of the capital expense.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that they will also be requesting an
authorization from the City Council for staff to submit an application
for a $250,000 grant as part of the Mighty Ducks capital fund through
the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. He explained there's 2.9
million dollars being offered and approximately over 200 applicants have
already been submitted. He noted they are offering up to $250,000 per
rink and grants will be awarded in December of 1995.
Mr. Montgomery asked why the arena is a $2,500,000 issue if it's a
revenue facility. He asked if the revenue from users is going to be
used to go against the $2,500,000. Mr. Keprios explained that that
would be the case if the facility were purchased with revenue bonds. If
approved by the voters, these general obligation bonds would be paid by
all property tax payers in Edina and not just the facility users, as
with revenue bonds. If ice could be sold for 12 months a year, then the
facility might qualify for revenue bonds. User fees will sufficiently
pay for operating expenses.
Mr. Jenkins indicated that factoring in the $15.00 usage fee to the
revenue side would reduce the tax obligation. Mr. Keprios explained
that if the capital costs (principal and interest) are financed through
general obligation bonds, then the revenues that are in excess of
operating expenses would become available to help pay for some of the
ongoing capital needs for all 3 rinks in the future. Mr. Keprios
pointed out that the ice arena can make money if they don't have to use
the revenues to offset their debt load. They do make a profit before
having to pay their capital debt and depreciation. Therefore, if we
don't have to use revenues to offset the debt payment, then those funds
can be used to make the improvements that the arena is currently not
capable of funding on its own.
Mr. Jenkins asked if we are planning on bringing the east and west arena
up to speed with the $4.9 million bond issue. Mr. Keprios replied that
$700,000 would be used to make several necessary improvements at the
east and west arenas. Mr. Fee then,asked what the life of the bonds are
and it was indicated they are 20 years.
Mr. Bennett asked if we know where the other 200 applicants are coming
from for the Mighty Ducks bill and do we know how that is going to
impact our existing two rinks as well as a third rink on demand. Mr.
Keprios stated that they have been keeping an eye on that and they know
that New Hope, Plymouth and St. Louis Park have applied. Mr. Keprios
pointed out that Bloomington is not applying for it and that they
currently have three rinks. He indicated that their third rink is
olympic size and that last year they had one fewer teams registered than
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Edina in their total program. Mr. Jenkins asked if Edina's rink would
be olympic size. Mr. Keprios explained that the facility will be
designed to handle olympic size, however, at $2,500,000 we are able to
only build a standard size rink with the ability to cap it in and make
it olympic if we get enough money to expand it. Mr. Fee asked if the
$250,000 would be applied against the $2,500,000. Mr. Keprios replied
that if Edina is awarded the grant, the monies would be likely be used
to make the rink Olympic size and not necessarily reduce the size of the
bond issue. Mr. Fee asked who the recommendation is from and Mr.
Keprios noted the City Manager.
Ms. Bennett asked are there pros and cons of having an Olympic size
rink. Mr. Keprios explained that it is a debatable issue. The Olympic
size rink seems to be the popular rink to build today. He indicated
that Bloomington does have one Olympic size rink, however, they do not
have the seating capacity to hold their high school games in the Olympic
rink. Mr. Keprios stated that it is very unlikely that the Minnesota
High School League will force all communities to use Olympic size rinks.
He also noted that it costs approximately 23% more to build an Olympic
rink versus a standard rink. In addition, it also increases the
operating costs approximately 23%. Mr. Keprios pointed out that Larry
Thayer, Braemar Arena Manager, is recommending we do not need an Olympic
size rink, but also recommends that we not lead ourselves out of that
option in case people down the future decide we really need an Olympic
rink. He stated that the current plan shows that the footprint of the
building would allow expansion to make an Olympic size rink in the
future.
Mr. Bennett indicated that in the 1960's and early 1970's there were
11,000 students and now it's around 6,500. He asked if there are that
many more kids in the skating programs or where is the need coming from.
Mr. Keprios noted that he will give everyone a copy of the feasibility
study that he has included in the application process for the grant. He
stated that it shows what the figure skating association and the hockey
associations' predictions are based on the school projections. Mr.
Keprios pointed out that the number of kids is going to go up and the
number of kids in the programs are going to go up significantly. He
indicated that right now they do not have enough ice to accommodate what
they want to do and the reason for this is they don't want to play their
league games outside anymore. Mr. Keprios stated that for the last 15
years the EHA has purchased additional indoor ice and with the advent
that girls hockey takes off it looks like it could make up 30% of the
entire hockey program.
Mr..Fee.asked how.many park_and__recreation girls teams are there this
year. Mr. Keprios replied he believes there are three. Mr. Bennett
indicated that there is one high school team and at this point that is
questionable.
Mr. Keprios indicated that his memo suggests we develop a referendum
team as well as a timetable on how to approach the bond issues. He also
asked that the Park Board ask any questions they may have or point out
any red flags that they see. Mr. Fee asked who the overall quarterback
is for the project and Mr. Keprios replied that he would guess Mayor
Richards.
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Mr. Jenkins asked about the prioritization of things that need to be
done with the 4.9 million. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he has already
started a list and will be prepared to hand it out at the next Park
Board meeting.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the filter room needs to be
fixed at the Aquatic Center and they may have to look at using money
from the Developer's Fund to do it. If it is not fixed, the aquatic
center may not be operational next year. Mr. Keprios pointed out that
this is included in the 4.9 million and stated that the filter room
needs to be completely redone because it has lived its life and we
barely limped through this season. Mr. Keprios indicated that he will
have a report on this issue at the next Park Board meeting.
Ms. Hall asked if Lake Cornelia Park is part of the 4.9 million and it
was replied that yes, it is. Mr. Keprios noted that they are still
looking forward to this project as being a joint venture.
Mr. Keprios explained that with the priority list he would like to do
the enterprise items first because they have the greatest sense of
urgency such as the emergency doors, skate tile, pool bath house, etc.
He noted that the safety issues need to be taken care of right away and
the maintenance issues need to be next. Lastly, some of the aesthetic
issues will be taken care of until we run out of money. Mr. Keprios
stated that in his proposal he is hoping that every park will have
something done to it.
Mr. Fee asked about a warming house being put in at Cornelia School and
Mr. Keprios replied that is a high priority item as well as a warming
house put in at Weber Park.
Mr. Jenkins asked what does the City Council want the Park Board to do
at this point. Mr. Keprios indicated that the City Council is asking
for a plan of action and a time table. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he
feels the plan is well thought out and looks good.
Ms. Bennett asked Mr. Keprios if he has heard from any other
associations besides hockey. Mr. Keprios indicated that he has. Some
of the needs he has heard are to have more batting cages, a fast pitch
softball complex at Pamela with possibly a concessions building, some
batting cage fencing at Braemar, new lighting for Courtney Fields,
safety fencing in front of all player benches, outdoor basketball
courts, landscaping, irrigation and fence repair. Mr. Keprios stated
that he would anticipate that if this is a go all of the associations
will,get a chance to give us their input. He also pointed out that we
will need to be flexible.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios what he has heard from basketball. Mr.
Keprios indicated that the worn outdoor basketball courts will all get
redone. Mr. Fee asked if anything has been done to solve the indoor
problem that they seem to have. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there is
no place to build an indoor gymnasium. He also questioned whether we
really need more gyms or can we live with what we've got.
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Mr. Montgomery asked about putting up lights at Countryside Park and Mr.
Keprios noted that would be a great recommendation if the neighbors
would approve.
Mr. Bennett asked Mr. Keprios if he could put a list together separating
the 4.9 million items from what was done earlier when we set out some
capital budget plans for a couple of hundred thousand dollars. He noted
he would like to see how those fit in or overlap. Mr. Keprios stated
that for the next meeting he will have a rundown list of everything
we've spent to date.
Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Keprios what he thinks the City Council's reaction
will be to tapping into the Developer's Fund for the pool because he
feels it is legitimate. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the pool was built
in 1957 and we can only band-aid things so many times. He indicated
that we cannot wait for a referendum vote on this particular issue
because the pool needs to be operational for next year and at this point
it may not be operational much longer.
Mr. Montgomery asked about the fire station and Mr. Keprios explained
that they are talking about financing that through HRA funds through
bonding backed up by City capital plan dollars.
Mr. Montgomery asked if the tennis courts will be taken out at Yorktown
Park. Mr. Keprios indicated that is the current plan, however, there is
also talk of building new courts where the softball ballfield is
located. He indicated that where the tennis courts sit now is where the
fire station would be located. Mr. Jenkins asked how much are those
tennis courts used and Mr. Keprios replied that they are mostly used by
the YMCA, however, there are not a lot of tennis courts in that area.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that there is also talk of moving
the Park and Recreation administrative offices out of City Hall. They
are looking at possibly putting the offices at the new third rink. He
noted that a lot of ideas are being kicked around at this point.
Andy Montgomery MOVED TO ACCEPT THE PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS PRESENTED
BY THE STAFF. Frank Bennett SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Bennett asked where the money will come from to inform the voters of
the bond issues. Mr. Keprios stated that it will come out of the
general fund and not from the Park Department's budget.
Mr. Keprios-indicated-that he -is presently putting together a slide show
that can be copied into a video presentation to be shown on cable t.v.
He stated that he wants to do everything he can to inform the residents
of all the facts surrounding the bond issue. Ms. Bennett noted that she
thought it was interesting to see how long it has been since something
has been done to all of the different areas. She noted that may also be
of interest to a lot of people.
Mr. Montgomery expressed a concern with the April 16th voting date. He
asked where that fits in relation to Easter and Spring Break. It was
noted that Spring Break is March 29th through April 9th and Easter is
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April 7th. Mr. Montgomery brought up the point that the city is vacated
that week and maybe the election should be postponed a week or two so we
don't lose the momentum. Either have it before or after Spring Break.
Mr. Jenkins indicated that he thinks April 23rd would be good because
everyone has been back in town for two weeks.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios which Park and Recreation Directors he has met
with. Mr. Keprios noted he has met with Jon Gurban, who is 9 for 9 on
bond issues and has been the Director for several different park and
recreation departments and is now the Executive Director for the
Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. He also has met with Bob
Lambert from Eden Prairie, Eric Blank from the City of Plymouth, Bob
Kojetin and Ken Rosland. Mr. Keprios stated that he has received a lot
of good professional advice on this subject and feels confident with the
recommendations being proposed.
Mr. Bennett MOVED THAT THEY OFFER AN AMENDMENT TO SWITCH THE ELECTION
DATE FROM APRIL 16TH TO APRIL 23RD. Jim Fee SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
IV. OTHER
A. GyRsy Moth - Mr. Keprios stated he received a letter in the mail
from the Department of Agriculture indicating what a successful job was
done on the gypsy moth application. He noted that they feel very good
about it. Mr. Fee asked if people had any complaints on this and it was
indicated no.
B. Sex Discrimination Policy - Mr. Keprios indicated that in response
to Ms. Rydell's question regarding where are we at regarding the sex
discrimination policy, he noted that he thinks we are within the law
with all of our associations. He pointed out that the girls have not
turned boys away that are under the age of 12 and the boys have not
turned any girls away. Mr. Keprios distributed a copy of the current
Minnesota State law regarding sex discrimination in youth athletics.
C. Turf Management Program - Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Keprios indicated
that they attended a meeting this afternoon concerning the new
integrated plant management or integrated pest management program. Mr.
Keprios indicated that he has contacted some people at the University of
Minnesota and Minnesota Extension Service who have been very helpful.
He noted that they will continue to help us as far as monitoring and
implementing the program and will help us educate the community on safe
and environmentally friendly methods of turf care.
Mr. Keprios indicated there were a lot of people who attended the
meeting. He also stated that he was very pleased with the response he
received from the University, Minnesota Extension Service and Department
of Agriculture.
Mr. Keprios indicated that there will likely be a collaborative,
cooperative effort with the University of Minnesota. They are helping
us to establish our turf management plan, which really is an experiment,
to make it successful as well as give us some suggestions on some other
ideas that we have overlooked.
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Mr. Jenkins indicated that it looks like the first year with the turf
management plan has worked pretty well. However, the turf was in good
condition going into it. Mr. Keprios pointed out that it's too early to
tell the success of the program and he also pointed out that areas we
say we are never going to apply herbicides to may not be a good policy.
We may need to apply herbicides once every eight years which would
create a very minimal health risk.
D. Adult Tennis - Mr. Montgomery asked if it would possible to have
inner-park tennis competition. He stated he is trying to find a way to
get tennis going. We need to get some enthusiasm using the courts. Mr.
Keprios replied that he and his staff would be happy to do whatever
everyone wanted and recommended.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that several months ago he attended a meeting by
a consortium of the tennis industry. He indicated that the president of
the industry that sells the tennis supplies noted that tennis is in
trouble. They had statistics and charts that showed surprising
statistics. Tennis is on the down swing so the tennis industry is
funding a program that offers free lessons to get people excited about
the sport and create some enthusiasm.
Mr. Keprios indicated we took advantage of that this past summer and
offered some free tennis lessons at the industry association's expense.
Mr. Montgomery noted his son participates in a lot of co-rec activities
and maybe we should be looking at doing more those types of things
because the next generation seems to be participating in activities
together. Mr. Keprios indicated that they could possibly try to do
tennis ladders.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Andy Montgomery MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:35 P.M. Beth Hall
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.