HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-11 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD _.
6:30 p.m.
January 11, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Dave Crowther, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Jean
Rydell, Andrew Montgomery, Bill Lord, Marty Nanne, Andrew
Herring
MEMBERS ABSENT: Beth Hall
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Solvei
Swenson
Mr. Jenkins thanked the Park Board members for showing up an hour earlier for
the meeting. He indicated that they will discuss the agenda items in a
different order than how it appears.
I. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 14, 1993 MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 14, 1993 MINUTES. Bill Lord
SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. AQUATIC CENTER - Opening/Closing Dates and Bus Schedule
Mr. Kojetin indicated that the Mayor received a petition on this issue
and that is why it needs to be discussed. He pointed out that there are
a lot of people on the petition that are not Edina residents. He noted
that they have set the dates for the pool to open on Memorial Weekend
and close on Labor Day weekend. However, Mr. Kojetin suggested that an
official motion be recommended. Mr. Kojetin then stated that he wanted
to review what has been done so far. He noted that the calendar does
state Memorial Weekend and Labor Day as the opening and closing dates.
He explained that last year they opened the pool the week before
Memorial Day and closed it the week before Labor Day. Mr. Kojetin
indicated that the time they are open between Memorial Day and when
school lets out is a big factor. The small pool is open at 10:00 a.m.
and there are a lot of preschoolers that use the pool. The main pool
then opens at 3:00 p.m. until school is out when the regular pool hours
then begin.
Mr. Kojetin explained that this year the buses will only be used for the
11:00 a.m. lessons. Last year it was used for both the 11:00 a.m. and
Noon lessons. Ms. Rydell asked the staff if they think the time will
come when it will not be feasible to have a bus. Mr. MacHolda indicated
that two years ago he made the recommendation to eliminate the bus. He
noted that two years ago the Learn To Swim Program lost $12,000 which
could have been made up if the bus service had been eliminated. Mr.
MacHolda noted that out of approximately 700 swimmers in 1992 there were
80 to 100 regular bus users, which is a very low percentage. Mr.
MacHolda pointed out that he believes we are the only community that
still offers a bus service. Mr. Jenkins asked why are we doing this if
we are losing money on it. Mr. Kojetin explained that two years ago
when they were discussing eliminating the bus service the same people
who went to the truth and taxation meeting stood up before the City
Council and indicated that they wanted the bus service. Therefore,
since it was already in the budget the City Council felt they should
keep the bus service.
Mr. Jenkins asked how many people were in the program last year. Mr.
MacHolda noted there were just short of 1,000 participants. However, he
noted that this year the number will drop since there will be three,
three week sessions and not four, two week sessions. Mr. Jenkins asked
how much the program cost and it was noted that it was $30.00 per
session, per child. He then asked how do you lose $12,000 if you are
grossing $30,000. Mr. MacHolda referred to 1992 and indicated that
there were 671 participants, which brought in $20,130. Salaries for
instructors were $16,487, bus rental $11,000 and pool rental $5,000.
The expenses totaled $32,194, which means we are $12,000 in the hole.
Mr. MacHolda noted that in 1993 he had 129 active bus users, therefore,
the cost per bus user was $83.00. Mr. Kojetin noted that maybe we
should look at how it works this year using the bus for one time period
and then possibly phase it out in 1995.
Mr. MacHolda again pointed out that this year we will be having three,
three week sessions and not four, two week sessions like last year.
This means that instead of taking in $30,000 it will be more like
$25,000. Mr. MacHolda then noted that they will be doing the accounting
part a little bit differently. Instead of depositing the fees into the
park and recreation budget and having to transfer a $5,000 rental fee,
the deposits and expenses will be taken out of the pool budget. Mr.
Jenkins asked why are you changing this accounting part of it. Mr.
Kojetin noted that he thought it would be better to put all of the
lessons into the revenue facility. In the past when the program first
started we ran the whole swimming program through the park and
recreation budget and it was supported by tax dollars. Mr. MacHolda
noted that it's an opportunity to make money as well as it's an
opportunity to lose money. Mr. MacHolda noted that if you eliminate the
bus service you can go from a $5,000 transfer now to maybe make $8,000
to $10,000. Mr. Crowther asked if there is a charge for the bus service
and it was noted that there is no charge.
Bill Lord MOVED THAT THE PARK BOARD ACCEPT THE STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO
OPEN THE AQUATIC CENTER ON MEMORIAL WEEKEND AND CLOSE IT ON LABOR DAY.
ALSO, THAT THE BUS SERVICE WILL ONLY BE USED FOR THE 11:00 A.M. LESSONS
FOR ALL THREE SESSIONS. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED.
III. FORESTRY REPORT
Mr. Kojetin indicated that he brought this topic up as an information
item. He felt it was a very interesting report. He noted that they
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have been working on the Dutch Elm Disease program for the last 25
years. Mr. Kojetin indicated that there will probably be a workshop
this spring with the City Council and staff regarding the diseased elm
trees on the boulevards. At this point the cost to remove the boulevard
trees are part of the operating budget. However, there is talk about
possibly assessing the homeowners for the trees in the future. Mr.
Kojetin indicated that this brings up a couple of questions. For
instance, say a homeowner has been treating their trees for the last
four to five years and it now has to be taken down, it can be very
expensive especially if it's a big tree. Therefore, they feel they put
a lot of money into the tree to keep it alive and now they have to pay
to have it taken down. They wonder why they even tried to prolong its
life. Mr. Kojetin noted that he feels we should continue the program
the way it is now.
Mr. Jenkins asked if our own manpower takes care of the trees or if it's
contracted out. Mr. Kojetin noted that it's contracted out.
IV. M.P.S.A. "PRESIDENTS' AWARD" - CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK
Mr. Kojetin stated that the City of Edina received the Minnesota Park
Supervisors Association "Presidents' Award" for Centennial Lakes. He
noted that this committee goes to different facilities and this year
they picked Centennial Lakes to receive their award. Mr. Keprios noted
that this is a great recognition and indicated that Vince Cockriel, our
Park Foreman, is real proud of the fact that Edina has been recognized
in this way. Ms. Bennett asked where the award will be displayed. It
was noted that it will probably be displayed at Centennial Lakes.
V. EDINA GOLF TOURNAMENT - FUNDRAISER FOR THE EDINA FOUNDATION
Mr. Kojetin explained that the Edina Foundation is looking at having a
golf tournament as their big fundraiser this year. He noted that Mr.
Lord has been working on the committee that is putting it together. Mr.
Kojetin noted that the Edina Foundation contributes a lot of money to
the park and recreation facilities and activities. He noted this is a
concept designed to have fun with people in the community as well as
raise some money. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the tournament would be
played on all three courses, Braemar Golf Course, Edina Country Club
Golf Course, and Interlachen Country Club Golf Course. The event would
take place on a Sunday and Monday. Mr. Lord indicated that the main
thing is to reinforce what Mr. Kojetin said. The Edina Foundation used
to have a big fundraiser at Edinborough, however, there has not been as
much interest the last few years. Therefore, they have decided to try
something new. This might attract some new participants and raise a few
dollars.
Mr. Kojetin noted that this tournament would be taking a Sunday away
from Braemar Golf Course, which would mean if it's a nice day losing
$4,000 to $5,000 because the whole course would be out of operation to
the general public. Mr. Crowther asked if this is something that the
Park Board would need to approve or the management at Braemar Golf
Course. Mr. Kojetin noted it would need to come from a recommendation
by the Park Board to the City Council. Mr. Lord indicated that the
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private clubs still need to approve this. A date for the event has not
yet been selected but it will probably be late August or early
September.
Mr. Crowther asked if this tournament would be like a net tournament so
it's designed for everybody as opposed to a gross tournament where it is
earmarked for the lower handicapped. It was noted that it would work
both ways. Mr. Lord did point out that this tournament is still in the
discussion stage and nothing has been cast in stone.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that he would like a motion made on this issue so
that when the committee goes to the two other golf courses they will
know that Braemar has approved the use of their facility for a Sunday.
Bill Lord MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT BRAEMAR GOLF
COURSE PARTICIPATE IN THE EDINA GOLF TOURNAMENT, SPONSORED BY THE EDINA
FOUNDATION. Dave Crowther SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
VI. DEER CONTROL PROGRAM IN EDINA
Mr. Kojetin indicated that the City of Edina will be starting a Deer
Control Program. He noted that he has been sitting in on deer control
meetings for the last ten years and that Bloomington and Hennepin County
Park Reserve have been participating in one for the last two years. He
noted that deer are now killed at Hylands Park and the Minnesota Valley
area. There have been approximately 300 deer killed per year during the
last two years in their program. Mr. Kojetin noted that all of this
information was in the packet sent to the Park Board members.
Mr. Kojetin stated that Edina is looking at trying to control 50 deer
per year. Mr. Kojetin noted that the Park Board should be aware of this
program since there are three locations were the baiting of deer will
occur. We will be having sharp shooters out at Braemar Park and cages
set up at Bredesen Park, Todd Park and Van Valkenburg Park. The deer
will be eliminated after they have been caught in the cage. The DNR
then takes care of disposing of the deer. The cages will be checked
every morning and evening.
Mr. Kojetin noted that the program will probably be done on a yearly
basis and that it will probably be in November.
Mr. Crowther asked how do you qualify to be a sharp shooter. Mr.
Kojetin noted that they are using police officers.
VII. JOHN HARRIS DRIVE - BRAEMAR PARK
Mr. Kojetin indicated that this issue has been brought up at the past
few City Council meetings and that they have received a couple of
letters objecting to the idea and therefore wanted to get the Park
Board's recommendation on the issue.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that last fall a few people asked what can the
City of Edina do for John Harris after he won the National Amateur Golf
Tournament and Walker Cup Tournament. It was at this time that they
wanted to rename the street that runs from Braemar Boulevard to the
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Clubhouse "John Harris Drive". Mr. Kojetin indicated it would be like
the little stretch of roadway by Braemar Arena that is called "Ikola
Way
Mr. Crowther noted that he has talked with a few people about this and
the feeling is that it is not appropriate. He indicated that some
people feel that John did not play golf at Braemar and therefore it's
not appropriate. Mr. Crowther also asked where do you draw the line on
who to honor in the City by naming something after them. He noted that
there are a lot of prominent people in Edina that have made significant
accomplishments and not all of them are athletic ones. Mr. Crowther
suggested maybe doing something else like the Mayor's Recognition Award
and having a plaque for him.
Mr. Fee indicated that he does agree that renaming the street after John
Harris might not be appropriate. However, he thought maybe look at
renaming the Golf Dome after him since it does not have a name and John
does use the dome.
Ms. Rydell indicated that she has talked with a few people and they also
agree that renaming the street is not appropriate especially since he
has not contributed anything to Braemar Golf Course.
Mr. Lord commented that he believes the original thought was to somehow
give some recognition by the City of Edina to John Harris. He noted,
however, that he does agree with what everyone is saying that renaming
the street is not appropriate. Mr. Lord did point out that what to do
for John Harris is not the point at this time. He indicated, however,
that he is not by any means wanting to not honor him in some other way.
He noted that maybe we could think of something else at a different time
if the City Council should want us to.
Mr. Nanne noted that he agrees with what has been said. Mr. Herring
noted that he is not inclined to rename the street.
Andrew Herring MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE SECTION
OF ROADWAY DISCUSSED NOT BE RENAMED TO JOHN HARRIS DRIVE. Jean Rydell
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
VIII. OTHER
A. Skating Rink - Ms. Bennett indicated that she was approached on
the open skating situation at Lewis Park. This woman indicated that
sometimes there is no recreational skating because all of the rinks are
filled with either hockey, bandy or shinny hockey and she was wondering
what the situation was. Mr. MacHolda explained that when Lewis Park is
fully scheduled the recreational skater does need to go somewhere else.
He noted that the warming house attendants will recommend to these
people to try Creek Valley, Cornelia School or Centennial Lakes, sites
that are better able to accommodate the recreational skater.
Mr. MacHolda stated that Lewis Park is by far the most popular outdoor
skating rink. There were 1,400 hockey players the first week it was
opened. Ms. Bennett asked if the numbers are going down with Bandy not
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playing there as often. It was noted that the number of youngsters
playing hockey and bandy is increasing.
Ms. Bennett asked what hours hockey is allowed on the rink. Mr.
MacHolda noted that he schedules games at 6:00 p.m. However, from 3:30
p.m. to 5:45 p.m. there are a lot of shinny games. The warming house
attendants will try to get these pick-up games to go to the Bandy rink
if possible.
Ms. Rydell asked what the numbers look like at York Park. Mr. MacHolda
noted that the number at Strachauer Park is 185 which is low compared to
other parks but good compared to the year we closed Strachauer which was
285 for the season. Mr. Kojetin noted that there are no numbers for
York Park but that kids have been using it and that they have been
sweeping and flooding it.
B. Bob's Retirement - Mr. Kojetin noted that this is his last Park
Board meeting out of 384. He noted that he has only missed about 5 of
those meetings. He stated that he has really enjoyed the last 32 years
and that the people who serve on the Park Board have been really great.
Mr. Jenkins noted that Bob's retirement party will be on February 9th
and he hopes that everyone can make it. He expressed to Mr. Kojetin
that he appreciates all of his good work that he has done and that it's
the end of a good era. Mr. Lord asked Mr. Kojetin if he will be
involved in some other projects within the City. Mr. Kojetin noted that
he has volunteered to finish the clubhouse project at Normandale Golf
Course. Ms. Rydell asked Mr. Kojetin if he will be stopping by the
Senior Center. Mr. Kojetin noted that he will and also stated that they
are finishing some painting right now up there. Mr. Kojetin also stated
that he will be working with the Historical Society and the gardens at
Arneson Acres as well as volunteering on other different projects.
C. Park Board Meeting Time - Mr. Jenkins noted that he moved the
meeting to 6:30 p.m. because he had to leave town that night but that he
wanted to be at Bob's last Park Board Meeting. Mr. Jenkins then asked
the Park Board if they would be interested in started the Park Board
meetings at 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m. It was noted
that the Park Board would prefer to keep the 7:30 p.m. starting time.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:30 P.M. Andrew Herring
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.