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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 2 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 3 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. 4 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. 5 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 101 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. 7 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.