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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-05-10 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. May 10, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Andy Herring, Bill Lord, Andy Montgomery, Ernie Fischer, Beth Hall, Dave Crowther, Jim Fee, Jean Rydell MEMBERS ABSENT: Becky Bennett, John Dovolis STAFF PRESENT: ' John Keprios, Janet Canton, Julia Bertrand OTHERS PRESENT: Dawn Kerrison, John Alt I. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 12, 1994 MINUTES Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 12, 1994 MINUTES. Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. INTRODUCTION OF NEW RECREATION SUPERVISOR - JULIA BERTRAND Mr. Keprios introduced Julia Bertrand, the new Park and Recreation Supervisor. Ms. Bertrand gave a brief history of herself. She indicated that she grew up in the community and attended Benilde-St. Margaret's. She stated that she now lives in Lino Lakes, is married and has two children with a third one on the way. Ms. Bertrand stated that she attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where she majored in Chemistry and Community Health Education. She indicated that she was the Recreation Supervisor for the intramural sport programs for the University of Minnesota Duluth. Ms. Bertrand indicated that while she was in college she also worked at the Minikanda Club teaching swimming lessons and lifeguarding. After that she worked for the City of Edina at the Aquatic Center. She then started working at Honeywell in the Chemistry Department and had been there for the last 7 1/2 years. She noted that the last couple of years she tried to get back into the recreation field but it never worked out until now. III. THE RAGERS ASSOCIATION REQUEST - DAWN KERRISON Mr. Keprios indicated that Ms. Kerrison has done a great job of putting together a proposal for the Park Board. Mr. Herring indicated that he did not receive a Park Board packet. Mr. Keprios noted that Ms. Kerrison gave a speech at the last Park Board meeting and has more information to share tonight. Ms. Kerrison introduced John Alt who is a parent volunteer on the new board. Ms. Kerrison indicated that the same letter she sent to 1600 parents of 6, 7, 8 grade students also appeared in the Sun Current newspaper. She noted that 20 people responded to her letter right away and after interviewing them she has selected 12 people to be on the board. Mr. Fee indicated that h feels Ms. Kerrison is asking for a couple of things and would like to know what the staff's comments are as to whether we can accommodate her from a Park and Recreation standpoint. Mr. Keprios indicated th t basically Ms. Kerrison is asking for support from Park and Recreation for some advisory assistance, which she has been getting and we are more than happy to provide. He noted that the staff buys into the concept. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would be more than happy to sit on the board as a professional advisor. He also indicated that clerical staff would be provided exactly the same way as it is for the other 13 athletic associations and there are guidelines for that service. Mr. Keprios explained that in regards to financial assistance whether it be for insurance premiums, overtime for police, or any other direct out of pocket expenses, Ms. Kerrison is requesting that come from contingency funds and not from Park and Recreation program funds. He noted that the Park and Recreation budget could not absorb that this year. Mr. Keprios noted that her recommendation is really directed to the City Council if they are willing to spend money out of contingencies to support it. Also, any future financial support would also come from some other budgeted form and not affect any existing programs in Park and Recreation. Mr. Keprios pointed out hat the city is more than happy to continue to provide the root beer at the city's cost and the maintenance service when it's needed and sma ler odds and ends. He noted that Park and Recreation will be as su portive as they can without causing any expense to other existing progra s. Mr. Jenkins asked what the status is with the insurance. Mr. Crowther noted that they are stilL waiting for the underwriters to make a commitment, right now they are pricing it out for us. He noted that it's going to be at a reasonable cost. Much less than the initial $5,000 that was quoted a d will be more like $2,500. Mr. Jenkins asked Ms. Kerrison how they wi 1 pay for the insurance premiums. Ms. Kerrison noted that right now acc rding to the budget at the very least the City would need to help out tae first year so that it can get on its feet and not incur expense while doing that. Ms. Kerrison pointed out that she sees tremendous potential for raising funds from the parents because they will charge a membership fee and have other fundraising ideas. Mr. Fischer asked if the by-laws in the report are similar to what other athletic associations are? Ms. Kerrison indicated that they are modeled after the Hockey Associations. Mr. Fischer asked if there is any danger that this would become a draw from other communities that they would rather not have. Ms. Kerrison noted that it's a possibility but they have not run into proble s yet. Mr. Fee asked if the definition Edina is by schools or reside a and Ms. Kerrison noted that it's a city program and therefore b residence. Ms. Hall asked Ms. Kerrison if she is looking at having four or five dances or if she is planning on going dance by dance. Ms. Kerrison noted that she would like to plan more formally than dance by dance but in reality that is how it will have to go. She indicated that her �i I message to the kids is always going to be if you want to ruin this you probably will. She indicated that this program is for the good kids who want to be good and not to reform the bad the kids. Mr. Keprios noted that one of the real attractions to the program he feels is the Lewis Engineering building that is currently being used for the dances. He noted that his concern is what would happen if that is no longer available. Ms. Kerrison noted her attitude is that she will cross that bridge when she comes to it. She indicated that she does have it for this summer. She noted when the time comes the City may need to help her find a new place. Mr. Montgomery noted that playing the devils advocate, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the Park Board recognizing this as an association as opposed to just promoting it. Mr. Jenkins noted that it gives them a little bit more credibility. Mr. Montgomery asked what's the commitment that the Park Board has as opposed to another organization putting something together like this to assist the kids of Edina. Mr. Montgomery indicated that he feels this organization may be competing against some of the church programs. Ms. Kerrison noted that she is in touch with the people who run similar programs and she does not conflict with them. They always check each others calendars. Mr. Montgomery noted that he is not opposed to the program. Ms. Kerrison noted that the city helped get the Ragers on its feet in the beginning and that Mr. Rosland wanted it to fit into the structure of the city and didn't know where else to put it. Mr. Montgomery pointed out that there are various organizations that are affiliated with Braemar Golf Course that are not recognized organizations of the Park Board, such as the mens golf league and womens groups. These people get our support but they are not recognized as an association. He indicated there is some questioning do we have to have this kind of a tie to get the same support for the organization. Mr. Fee noted that he feels just initially and that's the key point Mr. Keprios made. Right now they need our help where the mens golf league doesn't. They are self-supporting and they have John Valliere. This is a brand new organization and they are trying to get out of the blocks and they need some direction and help. After a year or two, maybe they will be self-supporting and it will be like any of the other associations where they don't have to rely on us as much as they did initially. Mr. Keprios pointed out some associations rely on us more than others. Mr. Herring had Ms. Kerrison clarify a few items on the budget. He then asked that the Park Board is not taking any position with respect to finance. Mr. Jenkins noted that is correct, we are not involved in the finance. Mr. Lord noted that's the City Council's decision. Mr. Fee noted that the City Council needs to be aware that the Ragers are looking for funding support. Jim Fee MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT WE ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL AS PRESENTED IN DAWN KERRISON'S LETTER OF MAY 6, 1994 REQUESTING THAT THE PARK BOARD RECOGNIZE THE RACERS AS AN INDEPENDENT 3 ASSOCIATION UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE PARK BOARD AND AT THIS POINT THE PARK BOARD IS WILLING TO FURNISH THE SERVICES BEING REQUESTED IN HER LETTER AND THAT THE PARK BOARD WOULD ALSO LIKE TO CALL TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY ARE REQUESTING SOME ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND OUTSIDE FUNDING WHICH WILL NEED TO BE ACTED UPON IN ADDITION TO OUR RECOMMENDATION TO RECOGNIZE THEM AS AN ASSOCIATION. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. THE VOTE WAS UNANIMOUS. Ms. Kerrison thanked the Park Board. IV. OUTDOOR SKATING RINK RECOMMENDATION - JOHN KEPRIOS Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that the first time this topic was brought their attention it was the staff's recommendation to eliminate four rinks. After doing more research we found Edina is a little bit on the high side compared to other communities. In addition, Edina has a greater senior population per capita compared to all of the other communities that were surveyed. Mr. Keprios stated that after discussing the proposal with the Hockey Board we found we could easily remove three or four hockey rinks and there would not be a great effect on their demand for usage. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Hockey Association used a total of only 14% of all available outdoor ice time and during the week only 29.5% was reserved by the Hockey Association. Mr. Keprios suggested that it may be more acceptable to only close two rinks this year and two rinks next year and see what happens. Mr. Keprios pointed out that he has looked into getting cross country snow skiing grooming equipment. However, if even four or five rinks were closed there would still not be enough money to purchase such equipment. He explained that closing rinks really doesn't save money because we still have to pay for the manpower. He noted we could keep all ten hockey rinks open and the cost really wouldn't change with the exception of some minor things. It is not going to free up a lot of staff time by just closing two rinks. However, it will give us more quality ice at the facilities and free up more time to do some other maintenance items. Mr. Keprios indicated that the two rinks he is looking at closing are Strachauer Park, which had 17 to 20 kids per week, and Walnut Ridge. He stated that there are no rest room facilities at Walnut Ridge. He then stated to the Park Board that he is not looking for a motion on this issue at this time. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios what he thought the next two rinks might be that would be closed. Mr. Keprios indicated he would recommend to take a rink from each quadrant that currently have three rinks and also look at the attendance figures. He then suggested to close Normandale and Pamela. Mr. Montgomery asked when the rink was redone at Walnut Ridge. Mr. Keprios noted within the last few years. Mr. Montgomery stated that he does have a little bit of a problem with Walnut Ridge because of its location. He also noted that he does not consider closing Strachauer as closing a hockey rink. He feels that is just a neighborhood general skating surface like the other general skating surfaces we have been doing. Mr. Keprios stated that maybe Walnut Ridge isn't the best 4 recommendation. Mr. Montgomery asked which is the next rink that needs to be done. Mr. Keprios replied Pamela and Cornelia School. However, Cornelia School is the only hockey rink in that quadrant and would never recommend to close that rink. Mr. Fee asked if the boards at Walnut Ridge could be placed at Cornelia School. Mr. Keprios indicated that he asked the Park Foreman that question and it was indicated that it really couldn't be done effectively and would be very difficult. Mr. Fee asked what would be done with the boards at Walnut Ridge. Mr. Keprios stated that they would remain there, they would not hurry up and take anything down. Mr. Montgomery also noted that we should look at concentric circles because a lot of parks will overlap where some other parks such as Walnut Ridge are isolated. Mr. Keprios stated that we also need to look at attendance figures. Mr. Crowther noted that the Hockey Association's minutes stated that due to the projected indoor ice shortage, outdoor ice will need to be used more by the EHA teams in the upcoming season. He then asked Mr. Keprios if EHA have given any idea as to how much more time they want to schedule on outdoor ice. Mr. Keprios stated that at their last meeting the bottom line was they don't know how much more they will need. They are not going to know until they see what the demand will be for girls hockey. The question was asked if girls hockey is going to get really big. Mr. Keprios stated that it's going to grow but how much it's hard to tell at this point. Mr. Keprios stated that we could close two or three hockey rinks and it really will likely not affect their supply and demand. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Keprios that if he takes all of the politics aside and knew he would not receive any heat would he recommend closing all four rinks this year. Mr. Keprios noted that he would. Mr. Keprios then stated that if we close anymore than two rinks, the public would need to be notified for a hearing. They need to be aware of it. Mr. Lord indicated maybe we should close four rinks and see what the reaction is. Mr. Keprios stated that we used to be able to provide outdoor ice at .60 per skater. Now it costs $3.67 per skater. Mr. Lord indicated that having a neighborhood rink is very attractive to the Edina homeowner and it's what makes Edina special compared to other communities. Therefore, if people are willing to pay taxes for it, let them have it. It was pointed out that every year when the Park Board tries to close a rink there are at least 50 people saying they want to keep it open and the Park Board backs down. Also, this cannot be financially justified because we never know what kind of weather we will get each year. Mr. Herring noted that the other side of the issue is that we could have a lot of rinks but the ice won't be the greatest quality, but they will be nearby and maybe that's the better solution. He stated he would be okay with that too. Mr. Fee stated that he agrees with Mr. Lord that maybe this is more of a neighborhood issue than a Hockey Association issue. He noted that maybe what should be done is close down all of the rinks and indicate that there will be four outdoor covered hockey rinks plus a skating area and have a bond issue to support it. Mr. Keprios pointed out that one problem is we lack adequate manpower. Like Ms. 5 V. Rydell has stated, people also want other activities. We tend to put all of our eggs in one basket in the winter and that is skating and hockey rinks. Mr. Fee asked if the staff could put together a letter that justifies the recommendation to close the four rinks mentioned and then have the Park Board review it at the next meeting to see if it's acceptable or make any modifications. Then, once the letter is finalized, publish it in the Sun Current newspaper and see what kind of feedback we get. NORMANDALE GOLF COURSE GRAND OPENING Mr. Keprios indicated that the grand opening for the Normandale Golf Course will be at Noon on May 26, 1994 with a 1:00 p.m. kick-off tournament. He noted that the invitations to the event will be going out soon. Mr. Keprios explained that the course is just about playable. It was asked if the clubhouse will offer food and it was noted that there are vending machines. Mr. Montgomery asked when the other course will be done. Mr. Keprios noted that they are hoping to have the grand opening of the new nine along with the ribbon cutting ceremony on John Harris Drive and the inspection tour all on the same day and it will probably be the first part of August. VI. OTHER A. Community Education Services Board Meeting - Ms. Rydell noted that she attended a Community Education Services Board Facility meeting and the discussion centered around the $100,000 remodeling job of the community center. She indicated that there are signs everywhere which state no food or drink in the gym. She then passed around pictures for the Park Board to see showing how people are bringing in pop and food which eat through the gym floors. She asked the Park Board to give her suggestions on how to help solve this problem. She noted that a lot of the activities held in the Community Center are Park and Recreation activities. Mr. Keprios noted that the E.G.A.A. has a standing rule no food or pop in any gyms at any time. B. Wednesday Night - Mr. Herring noted that he was asked by the religious education coordinator at St. Patrick's Church to remind the staff and association presidents that there has been an information policy to not schedule athletic events on Wednesday evenings. He noted that a lot of the churches are working together to have Wednesday night as religion night. Mr. Jenkins indicated that in his dealings with the athletic associations they have tried to make an effort to stay away from scheduling events on Wednesday evenings. Mr. Keprios stated that, for all of the activities that the staff has the power to schedule, they stay away from Wednesday nights with the exception of Braemar arena because they cannot let that ice time remain unscheduled at $96/hour. Mr. Crowther asked if there was a deal between separation between church and state. He feels the Park Board should not have a formal policy because it conflicts with a religious situation. Mr. Keprios stated that is a fair comment, however, the Park Board has passed a strong recommendation that we stay away from Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings when possible. VI. ADJOURNMENT Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40 P.M. Andy Herring SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 7