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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 ri 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 3 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 4 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 5 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.