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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-04-12 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. April 12, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Dave Crowther, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Jean Rydell, Andrew Montgomery, Andrew Herring, Beth Hall, John Dovolis, Ernie Fischer, Bill Lord STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton, John Valliere OTHERS PRESENT: Dawn Kerrison I. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 8. 1994 MINUTES Andy Herring MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 8, 1994 MINUTES. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. THE RAGERS ASSOCIATION REQUEST - DAWN KERRISON Mr. Keprios introduced Dawn Kerrison who has been actively involved in providing six teen dance events during the last year. He noted that she is trying to make this a permanent program. Mr. Keprios stated that one thought was to incorporate a group of volunteers to make it function similar to a youth athletic association. This group would establish by-laws and have the City's involvement. Ms. Kerrison indicated that she originally had planned to make a formal presentation at this time, however, things have changed since she last spoke to Mr. Keprios. She indicated that she has met again with Mr. Rosland recently and feels that she is moving this issue a little too fast. She stated she was hoping to get a formal board together before their next dance this June. Ms. Kerrison explained that she has decided to take this deadline off of herself and take more time to put the whole thing together properly and present a formal presentation at a later date. Ms. Kerrison stated that her first concern is that the "Ragers" idea be fully embraced by the community, which she feels has been up to this point. She indicated she has had tremendous support from the community as well as from the Sun Newspaper, Mr. Rosland and Mr. Keprios. She noted that a large number of parents have indicated they want these dances to go on and feel they are needed. Mr. Jenkins ask Ms. Kerrison if she could give the Park Board a little background information on these teen dances. Ms. Kerrison explained that these teen dances are called the "Ragers". She noted they were looking for a name that would give the series of dance events some appeal to the kids that would set them apart from some of the recreational dances through the schools and churches. Mr. Jenkins asked when the Ragers started and Ms. Kerrison noted that it was about a year ago that they had the first dance. She explained that what brought this about is the fact that she has four children and the oldest one is a 15 year old boy who was 14 at the time. She noted that he is a clean cut all american type of guy, but every weekend it was a huge battle with him and his friend where they were going to go and what they were going to do. She stated that the reports were coming back every weekend about the drinking incidents with the 13 to 14 year old "good" kids you hear about. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that even if her child was not going to be drinking that it was not acceptable for him to even be in a place where this was happening. She noted that she was very frustrated and it came to the point where her son asked her what is he supposed to do, stay home and watch videos until he turns 16. Ms. Kerrison thought that was a very good question. She indicated that teenagers have a certain right to be given a place to get together and do the things that they should be doing at that age which is socializing with the opposite sex, burning off some energy and having a good time and being young. Ms. Kerrison stated that these things are provided for the older high school kids, however, although they are chaperoned, the chaperoning that goes on is very good on paper only. You hear afterwards that the parents know everyone who was drunk and stoned but nobody turns anyone in or does anything about it. Ms. Kerrison noted that she decided she was going to have an event on her own, like a private party, and see how it goes. Ms. Kerrison explained that she found a place to have it and before she knew it people were helping out in all different ways. She indicated that it was at this time she talked to Mr. Rosland and he informed her that she would need to be an agent of the city or she could get sued and have no protection. She indicated that Ken Rosland made her an agent of the city on a temporary basis and the first dance ended up a huge success. She hired college kids as bouncers inside the building and approximately 20 parent volunteers to stay outside of the building. She also noted that they hired 2 off duty police officers. Ms. Kerrison indicated that they posted it ahead of time on posters and on the tickets as well as having the parent volunteers know that anyone suspected of using chemicals would be busted. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that at the first dance there was one 14 year old girl that did get taken away and there have been no other incidents. Ms. Kerrison stated that parents were giving her money to keep these dances going and when she did run out of money she got on the phone and in two days raised $5,000. She noted that this idea is really wanted and needed by both the kids and parents. However, she pointed out that she cannot keep doing this on her own and the kids keep asking when the next Rager is. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that there is a problem with insurance. She has been told that it would be about $5,000 a year to insure such a thing. In which case if there are only going to be 6 dances a year, she didn't know if it would be worth it. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that she has a lot of things she wants to ask the City for. The items would include that police be provided free of charge, maintenance help, clean up help, have doors meet fire code, etc. 2 Ms. Kerrison explained that she will be writing a letter asking people to volunteer to be on the board for this organization. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that she is here tonight to ask the Park Board for their preliminary support before pursuing the next step. She noted that Mr. Rosland originally wanted this to be under Park and Recreation because he thought the Ragers could get Park and Recreation funds to help them. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that the last thing she wants is to take some of Park and Recreation's funds. Mr. Jenkins asked how much is charged for the dances. Ms. Kerrison noted that they have charged $3.00 and have charged $5.00. At one dance there were 250 kids and they almost broke even. However, the rest of the dances have lost approximately $100. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that each dance costs about $1200 and this includes the bands, printing, mailing and hiring people. Ms. Bennett asked if there is food or refreshments served. Ms. Kerrison noted that they have kegs of root beer only and no one is allowed to bring in any containers. Mr. Herring asked Ms. Kerrison if she has talked to the school district regarding this. Ms. Kerrison indicated that she possibly would like a liaison but that she has found it very beneficial to not be involved with the school as far as running it. She has found that the schools are so overburdened already. Mr. Herring asked Ms. Kerrison if she has talked with Youth Enrichment and Youth Development. Ms. Kerrison noted that these people also already have full schedules and wasn't sure if this really was their thing. Mr. Herring noted that he's not sure that's true because Youth Enrichment right now is in the process of trying to decide what it is they are. Ms. Kerrison noted that they could probably help her but that she wouldn't want to be entangled in their bureaucratic red tape. Mr. Herring noted that Youth Development is under Community Education Services and it actually has an advisory board that consists of volunteers from the community and there are parents and students on the advisory board. Mr. Herring pointed out to Ms. Kerrison that she may want to check with this group because they do get special funding from the state. Mr. Fischer also indicated that he thinks this is an excellent idea. Mr. Montgomery asked what age group can attend these dances. Ms. Kerrison stated that it is for junior high kids, 7th through 9th graders although they have had 10th grade and that did work out. Ms. Kerrison also pointed out that she has had senior high students call her who are interested in helping her with the dances. Ms. Kerrison explained that she is just asking for the Park Board's support at this stage. Mr. Fee noted that he thinks what Ms. Kerrison is doing is fabulous and feels it would be as good as any athletic association. Mr. Jenkins noted that he also would agree. Mr. Keprios asked Ms. Kerrison what she is looking for from the Park Board tonight. Ms. Kerrison noted that she would like them to make a motion that the Ragers could act as an independent association under 3 III Park and Recreation and operate like other athletic associations. Mr. Jenkins noted that the Park Board would need more information in a formal presentation before a motion could be made. Mr. Dovolis noted that we need to have all of the facts in the presentation such as the rules of conduct, specifics, who the board of directors are, who is responsible, are they self-supporting, and some sort of by-laws. Ms. Kerrison noted that she has all of that done but that she wanted to make sure she had a board before it is voted on. Mr. Jenkins suggested that no motion be made tonight and at the next Park Board meeting have a formal presentation. Mr. Montgomery asked about financial support. He noted that for the athletic associations the Park Board is basically a sounding board and we are not giving them any financial support and felt it sounded as though the Ragers would be looking for financial support. Mr. Fee indicated that she may need it, but that it's a different issue. Mr. Jenkins felt that if this thing is structured properly they are not going to need any money from Park and Recreation. There should be enough outside sources. Mr. Jenkins noted that Ms. Kerrison will attend the next Park Board meeting to give us an update on her situation. GOLF COURSE REPORT - JOHN VALLIERE Mr. Valliere stated that he hoped the report he sent out to the Park Board covered most of the questions regarding the golf courses. He stated that without making a large presentation he would like to let the Park Board know the status of the golf courses. Mr. Valliere indicated that they opened the main golf course on Thursday and this weekend they are having tryouts for the Edina High School team. He stated that the driving range, as he indicated in his report, has been quite a problem and they will struggle a little bit until they get some grass. Mr. Valliere noted that the executive course has been opened now for about 2 1/2 weeks. He stated that the Normandale Golf Course will be opening in approximately late May. He also noted that the new nine golf course will be opening in late July. Mr. Jenkins asked if most of the new nine hole course will be seeded. Mr. Valliere indicated that it is mostly seeded, however, some of the greens were sodded. Mr. Valliere pointed out that there has been a lot of excitement in terms of people's questions. He noted that he thinks we will make a splash this summer because it's going to be a challenging and fun golf course. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Valliere if we are going to play the new nine as a separate course. Mr. Valliere noted that this year we are going to utilize it as separate nine hole golf course and that is for a couple of reasons. First of all, we want to see how long it's going to take to play. The other reason is that it's going to be a difficult course to play because it's a hilly course and it's demanding. Subsequently, if you were to integrate full play on it Mr. Valliere feels it's going to not move as quickly for the obvious reasons. An Mr. Valliere indicated that most of the ladies leagues are filled. He also noted that there are 120 men in the senior mens league and that is played on Monday mornings, which is full. Mr. Valliere stated that he has leagues signed up to play at Normandale Golf Course on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. He is leaving Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday open. He noted that he is taking non- resident leagues at this time until enough residents discover the course and can fill the leagues. The leagues signed up right now have no license beyond one year. Mr. Valliere pointed out that he is still a little uncomfortable with the situation on the 16th fairway. He noted that they finally received approval from the watershed district to do some filling in that fairway. It is below the 832 flood plain contour, but the watershed district have allowed us to fill in only that fairway. He explained that the fill is in place and they are going to sod it. However, right now it's a muddy mess. Mr. Dovolis asked Mr. Valliere if there has been a problem with the geese and he indicated that they have had problems. Mr. Dovolis suggested using reflective tape like they have done at Interlachen's golf course. He stated that really has helped the problem. He indicated it's a very inexpensive way to get rid of the geese. Mr. Dovolis asked Mr. Valliere if they have ever thought of putting together a tournament to help raise funds for golf course improvements, etc. Mr. Valliere indicated that last year the combination of bad weather and construction hampered his income but he thinks it will come back this year. He also noted that there were some costs in building Normandale and the new nine. Mr. Valliere indicated that is a good idea and he and Mr. Keprios should explore that suggestion. The Park Board thanked Mr. Valliere for his report. IV. VANDALISM Mr. Keprios indicated that he wanted the Park Board to be aware of the vandalism that does go on in the park system. He indicated that it's an important issue that we wrestle with on an ongoing basis and it's not a budgeted item. He stated that it's hard to know how much vandalism you will get on a given year. Mr. Keprios indicated that past figures indicate that vandalism costs approximately $50,000 to $60,000 each year. Mr. Keprios pointed out that Braemar has gotten hit lately, people drive their 4 wheel drive vehicles over parts of the golf course. Also, there has been some vandalism at Normandale with the irrigation posts. Mr. Keprios did point out that he did have some good news. Due to good Edina Police work, the person who has been stealing wallets out of the locker rooms at Edinborough has been caught. A sting operation was set up. Mr. Keprios indicated that at the end of the year he will try to put together a report on the vandalism. 5 Mr. Dovolis asked Mr. Keprios if they have thought about rent -a -cops. Mr. Keprios stated that right now they are talking about a lot of things but the police are guiding them towards investing money into more vandal resistent infrastructure and use rent -a -cops on a temporary basis. Mr. Keprios also pointed out that the park ranger position they started three years ago has helped in controlling some of the vandalism. Mr. Fischer asked Mr. Keprios if he notices a trend going one way or another. Mr. Keprios stated that when Mr. Kojetin was asked that question two years ago he indicated that it's always been there and he has never seen it waiver up or down, it's pretty much consistent. Mr. Dovolis asked if there is night security at Braemar or Normandale. Mr. Keprios indicated that they only have night security at the Aquatic Center because of the liability. However, he noted that there are security systems in those buildings. V. TENNIS COURTS Mr. Keprios stated that as his report indicates we are behind in our maintenance of a lot of the tennis courts. Mr. Keprios explained that the Park Board made a recommendation to the City Council last fall to consider getting rid of some of the tennis courts since they are not getting a lot of use. The City Council's response was to not get rid of any tennis courts until we study the entire tennis court issue. Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board for some direction on this issue. Mr. Keprios indicated that in 1993 the only tennis courts that were worked on were Garden and there was also some patching done at Highlands and Utley. He noted that Garden was done for $17,000 which was a really good price because the next lowest bid was $22,000. Mr. Keprios noted that there is roughly $40,000 allocated this year for equipment repairs. This includes: playground equipment, hard surface areas, tennis courts, fencing, benches, bleachers, paths, etc. Mr. Keprios indicated that in some cases it could cost as much as $30,000 to rebuild a tennis court. Mr. Crowther asked if the Normandale overlay was done by our people or was that contracted out. Mr. Keprios noted that it was contracted out. Mr. Crowther then asked if the city crews have done any of the tennis courts or hard surface areas that were talked about last year. Mr. Keprios noted that he wrote a work order to have Todd Park's hard surface area done, however, they got tied up with the streets and wet weather and never got to it. Mr. Crowther asked what is the cost if we have our own staff do it. Mr. Keprios stated that the hard surface area could possibly be done cheaper in-house. However, the tennis courts are a little bit more tricky. We really don't have staff that can do the color coating, lining and striping. Mr. Montgomery stated that within the city there are 7 decent tennis courts at the high school and 4 or 5 at the Community Center and yet he perceives a reduction in the amount of people playing tennis. Therefore, he would recommend not putting money into all of the tennis courts, especially when we have a bunch of other items on the table such as the hockey rinks. It just does not seem to be a prudent expense. C Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios if he has received a lot of complaints on the condition of the courts. Mr. Keprios noted that he received a lot of complaints last year and has already received at least a dozen this year. Mr. Fee noted that he would agree with Mr. Montgomery that we should not spend this kind of money on two courts at Braemar. Mr. Montgomery suggested that he would gladly organize an effort for park board members who are interested in volunteering to do the study on the tennis courts and see how much they are getting used. Mr. Keprios asked what kind of a time line should we be looking at for the results of the study. It was noted June would be good. Ms. Hall asked about the people who say they cannot play on the courts because they are in too poor of shape. Mr. Fee suggested telling those people that we are doing a feasibility study on the tennis courts. Mr. Keprios noted that is the argument that he has already heard and that is what we need to find out is what is the demand of the courts. Mr. Lord suggested taking the three best courts and monitor them this summer and see how much play they get and then you can see how much interest there is in the game. Mr. Keprios noted that he doesn't know what the best scientific approach would be to do the study and that's why it's on the table. Mr. Fee asked if everyone would agree that we each take a court and monitor it for May and June and then come back in June. Ms. Rydell commented that there is usually more play early in the summer season. Mr. Herring asked that of all of the items listed for 1994 which ones are we going to do. Mr. Keprios noted that what he is looking at is a wish list and that there is not enough money to do all of them. Mr. Herring asked how much money is there and Mr. Keprios indicated $40,000. He noted that is why he is bringing it to the Park Board's attention. Mr. Keprios also pointed out that the only decent playable basketball court right now is Countryside. The rest of the hard surface playing areas are basically beyond repair. Mr. Keprios noted that the tennis courts are a small piece of the pie. He indicated that the truth of the matter is he doesn't know if we will ever catch up. There are some real tough decisions that will need to be made and it may lead us toward a bond issue next year. It was noted that Mr. Montgomery will spearhead the study on the tennis courts. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios if the Park Board could get a similar report on the playground equipment for the next Park Board meeting. Mr. Keprios indicated that he can do a report on the playground equipment but he was not sure if it could be done by the next Park Board meeting. Mr. Herring then confirmed that there is $40,000 in the budget to do maintenance of the playgrounds, hard surface areas, tennis courts, walking paths, fences, and all of the park amenities. Mr. Keprios noted that is correct and that there is a capital plan to buy new items. He then explained that for the capital plan there is $200,000 of which 7 $80,000 is going towards Arneson Acres, $10,000 to pay indebtedness to the Art Center, $10,000 to pay indebtedness on the arena, and $50,000- $60,000 to put new roofs on some of the warming house buildings. That leaves approximately $40,000 for miscellaneous park re -development. Mr. Fee noted that he thinks the tennis courts should be on the bottom of the ladder. Mr. Crowther asked if some of the courts could just be patched even though it won't look that nice and keep the people a little bit happier. Mr. Keprios indicated that he does plan to do some of that. Ms. Hall asked if the Braemar tennis courts are closed would they be locked up or torn down. Mr. Keprios indicated that they would probably remove the fencing, asphalt and concrete apron. VI. ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS' PRESIDENTS MEETING Mr. Keprios noted that Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Montgomery attended the Athletic Association's presidents meeting. He indicated that the minutes from that meeting are being finalized right now. Mr. Montgomery noted that late registration seemed to be the biggest problem right now. VII. BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING Mr. Keprios indicated that Mr. Montgomery gave a good speech at the Board and Commission meeting. Mr. Montgomery pointed out that it was unfortunate that he and Ms. Hall were the only people from the Park Board who attended. He noted that it was an informative meeting and interesting to see what else is going on in the community. VIII. OTHER A. Recreation Supervisor - Mr. Keprios indicated that they have hired a new recreation supervisor. He noted that her name is Julia Bertrand and she will begin on April 25th. He explained that Ms. Bertrand was the pool manager quite a few years ago and she did a fabulous job for Mr. MacHolda. He noted that she also has a lot of background in scheduling adult athletics. She comes from the University of Minnesota Duluth and helped run their intramural sports department where she scheduled approximately 7,000 adult softball, football and basketball teams. She is currently working for Honeywell. Mr. Keprios then indicated that Ms. Bertrand is expecting a baby in July and will be taking 90 days maternity leave. He noted that she will be a great addition to our team. B. Normandale Park - Mr. Montgomery asked what the status is with Normandale Park. Mr. Keprios explained that the Engineering Department is going to lower that whole baseball field area about 3 feet and they are supposed to get started on that real soon. He explained that the Jugball program is moved to Braemar because they will be planting grass seed at Normandale rather than spend the extra money to sod the area. C. Bredesen Park - Mr. Montgomery indicated that the animal control officer has been checking licenses at Bredesen Park and he thinks that this is great. Ms. Hall noted that someone asked her about the cracks in walking path at Bredesen. She indicated that she told them it will probably be when the weather is warmer. Mr. Keprios noted that is what they have been telling people, they have to wait until the asphalt plants are open. IX. ADJOURNMENT Jean Rydell MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:45 P.M. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED 0