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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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