HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-07-12 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:00 p.m.
July 12, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Bill Lord, Andy Montgomery, Ernie Fischer,
Beth Hall, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Jean Rydell, Dave
Crowther
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andy Herring, John Dovolis (excused absence)
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Nelson, Mike Milo, Livy DonFrancesco, Don Kennedy,
Nance Alexander, Carly Alexander, Tyler Alexander, Rick
Wald, John Wurm, Beth Forbord, Frank Stageberg, Eric Lund,
John Rohm, David Olson, Ben Olson, K.C. Olson, Stan Erdall,
Mark Anderson, Cindy Shapiro, David Shapiro, Mark Shapiro,
Dick Meredith, Karee Shapiro, Stacy Shapiro, Betsy
Schneider, Chuck Schenider, Maggie Schneider, Terry
Schneider, Kate Schneider, Steven Johnson, Colin Peterson,
Lucille Smith, Calvin Smith, Nancy Atchison, Tom Atchison,
Dave Nelson, Mary Jane Nelson, Pat Johnson, John Dixon,
Suzanne Dixon, Nick Wand, Carlson Family, Eric Hansen
Family, Bill Peria, Bill Sherwin, Rob Linner, Mike Ross,
Wayne Bach, Pam Cabalka, Fritz Corrigan, Glenda Corrigan,
John Ericson, Dana Arnold, Per.H. Bonde, Jude Dugan Olson,
Judy Schumeister, Steve Schumeister, Stacey Schumeister,
Andy Schumeister, Arielle Lasky, Rebecca Lasky, Rachel
Lasky, Kathy Berg, Bobby Arnold, Erik Arnold, Mike
Lindstrand, Ann Putnam, Caryl Morgan, Randy Morgan, Todd
Peterson, Fern Peterson, Jim Leary, Candy Heigl, Mark Heigl,
Ken Nix, Bobbie Nix, Roderick Nix, Mary Shuraleff, Hugh
Meeker, Carol Shapiro, Kelly Bennewitz, Jim O'Neill, Karen
O'Neill, Claire O'Neill, Aaron O'Neill, Paul Schroeder, Lyn
Schroeder, Sara Schroeder, Matt Schroeder, Kathleen Flynn
Peterson, Steven Peterson, Peter Halls, Kip Knelman, John
Rossman, Dave Baron
I. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 14, 1994 MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 14, 1994 MINUTES. Beth Hall
SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Jenkins explained to the audience that the Park Board is not going
to make any recommendation at this time on the status of the outdoor
skating rinks. The issue will be discussed and everyone's comments will
be heard. A recommendation will be made at the September Park Board
meeting.
Mr. Keprios thanked the audience for being at the Park Board meeting and
also thanked everyone who called and sent in letters and petitions. He
noted that what the Park Board and staff want is community input on the
skating rink issue and that is why the article appeared in the
newspaper. Mr. Keprios then explained that the Park Board is an
advisory board to the City Council. The Edina City Council will
ultimately make the final decision.
Mr. Keprios gave a presentation with several visual overhead graphs and
statistics to the audience regarding the skating rinks. He indicated
that the Park Board members have already seen the presentation at a
previous meeting. He noted the reason we are here today is to get the
community's input.
Mr. Keprios stated that the main reason we took a close look at the
winter months was to see if we are allocating our resources in the right
direction. He pointed out that in 1977-78 there were almost 120,000
skaters. Last year there were 24,000 skaters.
Mr. Keprios stated that in 1977-78 we were allocated $73,000 in
professional maintenance fees to provide ice and at that time there were
more rinks. If you divide that out by the total number of skaters, we
were able to provide outdoor ice at a cost of $.62 per skater. That
does not include the cost of warming house attendants, the
infrastructure of the hockey rink itself, heat and lights. In 1978-79
the cost went to $.82 per skater. This past year it cost $3.69 per
skater.
Mr. Keprios then displayed another chart of how we match up to other
communities. Edina has a population of 48,000 with 10 hockey rinks.
St. Louis Park, a similar population, has only 4 hockey rinks and 10
unsupervised general skating areas. Richfield has a population of
42,000 and have 8 rinks. Eden Prairie with a population of 39,000 have
7 rinks. Bloomington with a very large population have 22 hockey rinks.
Mr. Keprios showed the number of skaters that used each of the parks
this past year. He pointed out that Centennial Lakes had over 19,000
skaters and that all of the other rinks combined had a total of
approximately 24,000 skaters. Mr. Keprios explained that the
replacement schedule of hockey boards are another element to look at
when possibly deciding to close rinks as well as location. He pointed
out that Highlands has been budgeted this year to receive new hockey
boards. To do this it costs approximately $10,000. Mr. Keprios then
pointed out that if any rinks are closed this year the hockey boards
will probably stay in place in case they would be reopened again in the
future. Mr. Keprios did point out that the staff and Park Board are
aware that there is a swell of younger kids coming through the
community.
Mr. Keprios then noted that another question is how will this affect the
Edina Hockey Association (EHA). He indicated that in the ERA newsletter
they suggest that in the advent of girls hockey are going to need more
outdoor ice time. He pointed out that EHA last year used the outdoor
ice for a total 14% of all available hours that could be scheduled for a
hockey practice time. On the weekdays it was a total of 29 1/2%.
Mr. Keprios indicated that fiscal responsibility is one of the reasons
they are suggesting doing this. He pointed out that since 1990 we have
lost two full-time maintenance men and the City Council has not refunded
these positions. Therefore, we are trying to find creative ways to get
all of the work done with the resources that we have. Mr. Keprios noted
that some of the things that need to get done as staff sees it are:
trees need to be trimmed; walking paths need to plowed at Bredesen Park
and Lake Cornelia on a more timely basis; and we need to improve our
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snow removal in the parking lots and skating areas. Also, we could
improve the quality of our outdoor ice at all the sites if we had more
resources to do that by lessening our number of hockey rinks. We also
need to maintain our park equipment such as hockey nets, picnic tables,
tennis nets, etc. These are items we do not have time to fix in the
summer and would like to see get done during the winter.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios to explain what's involved in the maintenance
of a rink. He noted that on an every day basis we have 11 full-time
professional maintenance staff that currently maintain the rinks. It's
also important to know that in the winter time park maintenance staff
are also called upon to plow the streets. Currently, we have three
sweepers and eight flooders. Mr. Keprios explained that a question that
was brought to him was could we do a modified maintenance. He noted
that the staff experts have indicated that if a day or two is skipped
then ice builds up in the corners. What happens then is the kids shovel
the snow against the boards and when it melts and freezes on the edges
of the boards the rinks are basically ruined for the remainder of the
season. They need to be maintained on a daily basis to have quality
ice.
Jay Simons, President of EHA, explained to the audience where the Hockey
Association stands on this issue. He pointed out that they recently
published a quarterly report and indicated in there that EHA will be
scheduling practices for all of the teams this year on outdoor ice. He
stated that this year they are planning on having 48 teams from the Mite
level through the Jr. Gold level. Mr. Jenkins asked how many hours will
be scheduled outside as compared to last year. Mr. Simons noted that he
doesn't know exactly how many hours were scheduled on outdoor ice but
that there was not outdoor ice scheduled for the Squirt through Jr. Gold
levels. The Mites have traditionally practiced outside on a regular
basis.
Mr. Simons explained that indoor ice is purchased in advanced for each
team above the Mite level. However, we aren't going to be able to get
any more hours of indoor ice this year because Blake has adopted a full
schedule of a womens varsity program and Brecks ice arena prices are at
$145-$165 an hour and we can't afford that cost. In fact, many of the
neighboring areas where we have purchased ice have also adopted a
women's hockey program. Therefore, there are more hockey teams
competing for the indoor ice. In Edina we have already scheduled three
womens teams. Two at the squirt level and one at a higher level. These
female teams will also get the same amount of indoor ice hours as the
other teams. This year there are two additional Squirt teams, two
additional Mite teams and one additional Bantam team. Therefore, you
can see that we have already increased our number of teams and cannot
acquire any more indoor ice time.
Mr. Simons pointed out that it's simple to see that we are compelled to
use the outdoor ice and schedule our teams for practices there.
Mr. Simons stated that this year they have also been advised that the
City Council is going to consider having the Hockey Association, for the
first time, pay an outdoor ice hockey rink user fee that is passed on to
all of our participants. This is the same type fee that is paid if you
play soccer, football, baseball, softball, etc. Up until this year EHA
has not paid that user fee. The user fee will be somewhere between
$7.00 -$8.00. Mr. Simons pointed out that the EHA hopes that this user
fee money will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the hockey
rinks. Mr. Simons also pointed out that as an association they are
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prepared to contribute, if necessary, some form additional funds to
maintain the hockey rinks.
Mr. Simons commented that for people who skate outdoors they know that
if a rink is flooded on Friday, by Sunday the ice is so that you just
can't practice to the same extent outdoors as you can indoors.
Therefore, the concern is that some of the practice time outdoors isn't
going to be as meaningful as it might have been indoors because of the
condition of the ice.
Mr. Simons then explained that they are currently exploring a number of
other things on a premature basis such as obtaining a third shelter
facility.
Mr. Simons stated that they do not intend to violate the Wednesday night
religion education night. He also stated that the heaviest usage for
outdoor ice time by EHA will be on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
evenings. It was pointed out that at a minimum EHA will schedule 1 hour
per team. Therefore, the number of outdoor ice time would be 48 to 96
hours. The Park Board thanked Mr Simons for his report.
At this time residents voiced their comments and concerns.
Rob Linner, 6606 Parkwood Lane, indicated that he would like to keep the
Walnut Ridge rink opened. He stated that there has been quite a
turnover in the neighborhood. Last year alone five new families moved
in with 12 kids total.
Steve Brandon, Rob's neighbor, noted that he helped organized a petition
drive and presented to the Park Board a petition with over 100
signatures. He also noted that what he found in talking to the
neighbors was that no one wants to see their neighborhood rink closed.
He stated that everyone is here for the kids. He also indicated that he
understands the numbers are going down, but he feels the trend is
starting to go the other way.
Resident, stated that the number of people he has talked to have also
said that if more funds are needed possibly through some creative way
funds could be contributed.
Bill Peria, 5932 Tamarac Ave., stated that he lives in the Walnut Ridge
neighborhood and noted that he, along with John Kennedy, distributed 200
copies of a petition asking for the facilities of Walnut Ridge to be
kept open. He noted that they received 113, and that indicates a lot of
interest.
Nancy Atchison, 6512 Warren Ave., noted that she has lived across the
street from Normandale Park for over 30 years and that is where she
raised her kids. She then gave the Park Board petitions she had
collected. She stated that she spent 12 years on the School Board and
knows that when these things happen neighborhoods come together because
everyone loves their parks. She stated that there is fear in her
neighborhood that if they close the rinks that next year there will be
no park and she would like to be assured that will not happen in the
foreseeable future. She indicated that one of things that distinguishes
this rink is that it's nestled in the hills and it has a lot of
protection from the hillside that surround it. She noted that the rink
is a neighborhood gathering place and neighborhood places are very
important. That's one of the reasons we need to keep these amenities
here are for the kind of town that we've always taken pride in having.
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She then pointed out that in this neighborhood they are cut off from a
lot of other places by major highways. Therefore, there aren't very
many places where kids can go outside the neighborhood without
supervision. It's nice to not have to hop in a car to go to Centennial
Lakes in order skate. She then expressed that for her it's the future
that we need to provide for so kids can remain healthy and resilient.
Mr. Jenkins at this time made it clear to everyone that they are not
closing any parks. Secondly, he noted that they are looking at possibly
closing a couple of the rinks.
Mary Shuraleff, 6612 Kenney Place, noted that she lives across the
street from Normandale Park and when she saw the article in the
newspaper she distributed a flyer. She stated that today, within an
hour before she left her house, some children came to her door who had
collected over 80 signatures. She indicated that these are kids from
Normandale, however, her wish is that all of the parks remain open. She
noted that there has got to be a way to keep these parks open. There
are enough people that want them opened and if it's a matter of money
maybe we can think of a creative way to raise enough.
Mark Heigl, 6300 Knoll Drive, stated that there are all levels of hockey
that are being played at the different rinks. There are the starters,
the pick-up hockey games, the structured EHA practices, the adults, etc.
He noted that here has to be enough rinks where everyone can play. He
indicated that he puts in at least three hours every weekend at Walnut
Ridge.
Brandon, Glendale Parkway, noted that he lives across the street from
Highlands and that it's a great place to go after school. He indicated
that a lot of kids bring their skates to school so they can go to the
rink after school. He then stated that he and a couple of buddies
collected approximately 150 signatures for the Park Board.
Chris, Pamela Park, asked if the city could subcontract out for bids to
relieve some the pressure from the maintenance people who cannot get
everything done. He explained that he looks forward to skating with his
5 year old daughter every winter. He stated that if the problem is the
upkeep of the rinks, then possibly each community within the rink itself
could maintain them. He noted that the rink attendance was very poor
last year but that you also need to look at the overall weather. If the
winter had been a little bit better there probably would have been more
families skating. He also stated that the rinks themselves convey a
community spirit in the area. He then indicated that he feels
Centennial Lakes is not a bad area but that it is a little too
commercialized. The neighborhood rinks are a place where we get to meet
our neighbors and see how everyone is doing during the winter months.
For some people that's the main reason they go.
Resident, Walnut Ridge area, noted that he built his house 10 years ago
and one of the reasons was because there was a rink in back of it. He
stated that his son was fortunate enough to go through the Edina hockey
program, who has now graduated. Therefore, he really doesn't have a
personal reason to have the rink. However, it's great to listen to his
son talk about his buddies who didn't make it through the whole program
but still loved to skate and play the game and just have fun. They were
always out there playing on Friday and Saturday nights and this kept
them out of trouble. He also stated that he likes the idea of examining
the cost structure in the productivity in the parks department. He
knows the city is working all the time with tax constraints and budget
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constraints. He felt that contracting out is not a bad idea and that
maybe it should be explored as a way to provide these services at a low
cost. He stated that we have to look at all aspects of how to more
effectively and more productively maintain these rinks and keep them all
open so that we have something for our young people to enjoy.
Dave Baron, 6620 Londonderry Dr., indicated that he lives near Walnut
Ridge park and that his kids went to school in the Hopkins School
District. He noted that he was president of the Hopkins Hockey
Association and is currently the referee scheduler for Section 3. He
also noted that his sons were in the hockey program and skated at Walnut
Ridge. Skating at Walnut Ridge was the only contact his kids had with
the neighbors, everyone associated there.
Resident, Highlands Park, indicated that she is speaking on behalf of
Highlands School that was reopened four years ago. She indicated that
there has been a big growth in this community and that Highlands Park is
connected to the school and she would like the Park Board to consider
this fact.
Kate Donnelly -Schneider, 6505 Biscayne Blvd., noted that Walnut Ridge is
the basic reason she is here. She stated that community is the most
important thing that we have. She noted that as beautiful as Centennial
Lakes is, it does not combine family and neighborhood. She noted that
the last few years the neighborhood has organized skating parties at the
rink. She also noted that the neighborhood has had a huge turnaround.
Carrie Hansen, indicated that she lives directly across the street from
Highlands Park. She noted that she has lived in Edina her whole life
and as a kid she skated at Concord Elementary School. She indicated
that she bought her house because of Highlands rink. She stated that
she has one child who plays hockey and one who does not and that both
children are at the rink equally. She indicated that she agrees with
everyone to keep all of the parks open. She noted that she understands
and appreciates fiscal responsibility. However, she stated that she is
"really getting tired of fiscal responsibility at the expense of our
children and family."
Eric Arnold, Pamela Park, noted that he has played hockey his whole life
and that he loves the game. However, he has never made an Edina City
League team. He pointed out that he enjoys going to the rink every day
to skate and that he wants to see the rink kept open.
A woman asked if the decision to look at closing the rinks came after
EHA has agreed to the user fee. Mr. Keprios indicated that it really
had no factor. Mr. Keprios then gave background information on the City
Council and explained that one of the ways to try to keep taxes down is
to find creative ways to generate revenue. He pointed out that the City
Council is a user fee based philosophical council. He noted that all of
the organized athletic programs who play field sports pay a field usage
fee. This basically helps offset some of the maintenance costs. He
then pointed out that it does not improve maintenance, it basically
helps to keep your taxes down.
A resident commented to the Park Board and staff that as you look at the
other priorities that have been mentioned, you need to think about what
you have heard from the people here tonight. That is, our children and
the future of our community want a neighborhood park where they can go
to.
Terry Schneider, 6505 Biscyane Blvd., noted that he lives by Walnut
Ridge Park, and that there are 30 to 40% more kids today in the
neighborhood. They like having a park where the kids can to by
themselves.
Becky, lives on Mall Drive, indicated that she is a transplant from New
York State and that she really has a tremendous appreciation for the
community of Edina. She noted that she feels we all develop a fiduciary
responsibility to come together as a community to continue to add value
to our community. A simple example is by adding a biffy at Walnut Ridge
last year it pleased many adults as well as children and we would like
to continue to see the parks develop.
Resident, Tamarac Ave., noted that he has been a resident of Edina since
1965 and was a rink rat at Cornelia in the middle 1970's. He noted that
he wants to make sure that his children, who are now 2 and 4, have the
same opportunity to do the things that he was able to do in the 60's and
70's. He feels there has to be a creative way to keep these parks open.
Nance Alexander, 5601 Schaefer Rd., noted that she is here unofficially
as president of EGAA, and officially as the parent of 3 children. She
noted that her 13 year old had the opportunity to play hockey for the
first time last year. Unfortunately, Edina wasn't able to provide a
team so she played in Minnetonka. She explained that her daughter was
unable to make the meeting tonight but wanted her to come and speak on
her behalf. Her daughter wants to make sure that there will be ice time
for her little brother and sister. Ms. Alexander noted that she is here
as a child advocate and thinks we are all here for the same reason and
the reason is to provide good, safe quality activities in our community.
Kip Knelmam, 4812 Rolling Green Parkway, noted that Highlands is where
his kids go to school and play. He indicated that he has three boys
ages 10, 9, and 5 and he would like them to have the ability to walk to
the park by themselves like he used to. However, they can't. He
indicated that Edina is a safe district but at the same time he is not
willing to let his kids walk to the park. He indicated that he is not
just promoting Highlands'Park, but the whole district in terms of parks.
He noted that his kids have an opportunity to experience a lot of things
that kids today just don't get to do. He explained that he works with
inner city kids and that it's a real challenge to try and put together
family neighborhood programs for kids. He stated that he can't believe
that the Park Board and the City Council members can't get together and
get enough creativity among themselves to keep the parks open. He also
noted that he is a little surprised by the fact there has not been any
communication of what the hockey program is and how many more kids are
going to be skating next year. He noted that we need to get together
and work something out with the community to make sure that our kids are
going to have the ability to go to the parks.
Mr. Keprios indicated that he has heard some good comments, however, he
does not want people to walk away with the idea that staff doesn't
communicate with hockey because that couldn't be further from the truth.
He explained that a meeting was set up months ago, long before this
issue even reached this level, to work together and apprise EHA of the
situation and where we are headed. To explain what the numbers mean and
what the statistics are and to find out what the hockey demands are and
where girls hockey is going. We also kicked around the idea of possibly
a third covered rink or having four different rinks, one in each
quadrant of the city. He explained that they brainstormed a lot of
ideas and worked very closely together. He also noted that there is a
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professional advisor from the staff that attends every one of their
meetings. The resident then mentioned that the group assembled here
tonight does not want a third rink or four covered rinks, they want
neighborhood rinks where kids can walk to.
The residents asked what can they do now to try to keep all of the rinks
open. Mr. Jenkins explained that the process right now is that this is
a public hearing to discuss the possible closing of rinks that were
mentioned in the article. The process then will be for the Park Board
to discuss this at the September Park Board meeting to make a
recommendation to the City Council. Then at that point the City Council
has the final say.
A resident asked the Park Board if they would like to keep hearing from
the concerned residents. Mr. Jenkins indicated that would be fine.
Another resident asked what is the criteria for keeping the parks open.
Mr. Jenkins stated there is not a set criteria for that. Another
resident asked what is the process if you are choosing four of six rinks
to make a determination. Mr. Keprios indicated that part of the
criteria is sitting right in front of us. If there was absolutely no
response from this group here tonight then the decision might have been
made tonight. A resident asked if it is response that they want. Mr.
Keprios explained that the idea was to gather input from the residents,
it was not intended to be a front page article in the newspaper. A
resident commented that the article hit everyone by surprise.
Another resident stated to the Park Board that he thinks the residents
feel that either we are in or we are out. That there should be
something between now and September that we can do to be a part of that
decision making process. What criteria need to be made because all
staff is talking about is money and all the residents are talking about
is neighborhoods and sometimes the two don't mix. Therefore, we are
feeling frustration.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if it is two people that are causing the
shortage. Mr. Keprios answered that is part of the problem but it's not
the main problem. He noted that the comment he keeps hearing is that we
are being fiscally responsible at the expense of children. Mr. Keprios
explained that he hopes everyone understands that it's the staff's job
to be fiscally responsible with your tax money and with what limited
resources we have. We do our best to assess the needs and desires of
the community and their park system and then have to make
recommendations. These recommendations can be accepted or rejected but
it's important that we determine what the community wants and that's
where we are here today. We have limited amount of resources and during
the winter months we are putting all of our eggs in one basket. Staff
sees other needs in the park system that aren't getting done due to our
lack of available resources. The residents asked what is the dollar
amount. Mr. Keprios noted that the dollar amount to replace two full-
time maintenance men would be $80,000. He explained that this proposal
has been made to the City Council to refund those two positions and have
been told no. Mr. Fee noted that's the problem, we only have so many
dollars to do so many things and therefore something has to give. He
pointed out that there are a lot of hockey players sitting on the Park
Board and no one wants to see any rinks close.
A resident pointed out that the people on the Park Board are
volunteering their time for their good judgment. Therefore, if we if we
can only have a few rinks that are well maintained maybe we can all work
together. It may be that our favorite rink isn't going to stay open but
N.
through their good judgment they can pick the ones and we can enjoy what
our community is with good quality rinks and not all of us having crummy
ones.
Mr. Fee explained that this issue has been going on for three to four
years and it didn't just all of sudden come up. He noted that because
of budget constraints it actually has been going on for many, many
years. Now, the last couple of years we have had two less maintenance
workers to get the job done. He noted that the Park Board has explored
every possibility that there is. A resident asked if they could
volunteer and work on the rinks. Mr. Jenkins stated that they have
tried that before and it doesn't work. There is an art to maintaining
rinks.
A resident asked Mr. Keprios if what he is saying is that we have an
$80,000 issue here and if we can solve that $80,000 issue than we keep
our rinks open. Mr. Keprios noted that it is not simply an $80,000
problem. If you don't mind the deterioration in the parks as we see it,
then we can go on status quo. The rinks will be maintained as you
currently see them. Mr. Keprios indicated that staff's recommendation
would be instead of going to the City Council and beating them up at
truth and taxation time tell them to raise your taxes a few dollars so
we can get those two full-time maintenance men and get the level and
service you are requesting from the Park and Recreation Department.
A resident asked the Park Board that if they were going to vote today on
a recommendation would they vote to close the rinks. Mr. Jenkins noted
that he doesn't think that's correct. The resident asked if there is
something the residents we can do as a community within the next few
months to help try to solve the $80,000 problem. Mr. Jenkins noted that
he would address those concerns to the City Council.
A resident asked if two full-time men could be hired just for the winter
season. Mr. Keprios indicated that cannot be done because of the how
the union contract works.
A resident commented that closing the rinks isn't going to necessarily
save a whole lot of money. Mr. Keprios stated that is a good point but
it will allow us to do other things that are currently not getting done
and are not going to get done with the resources that we have.
A resident pointed out again that what the Park Board is hearing from
the residents is we want to see the parks clean and maintained and
periodically replacing things but the bottom line is that the kids need
to come first. Neighborhoods first, make sure that you don't lose site
of that.
Mr. Keprios thanked all of the residents for coming to the meeting to
express their thoughts and concerns.
III. LAKE CORNELIA PARKPLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PLAN - JOHN KEPRIOS
Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that Lake Cornelia Park is the
most heavily used playground site in the City. He indicated that the
Edina Federated Womens Club have given over $30,000 through the years to
make it the first of its kind with handicapped accessible equipment. He
then pointed out that like all things in the park system there is a life
expectancy and about 90% of its life is now over. Therefore, we now
need to do something. Mr. Keprios then went on to explain that again
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with the financial help of the Federated Womens Club, staff has come up
with a great idea for new equipment at the park that will not be a tax
burden to the city. The Federated Womens Club has given us $2,500 to
pay for a playground equipment plan. The proposal is to pay for the
project through a community fundraising drive.
The playground equipment theme is based on the movie the "Wizard of Oz"
and is called "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". It's been through about
four or five different changes and we have been working with Bill Bach
through the Earl F. Anderson Company. Mr. Keprios showed drawings of
the equipment and pointed out that there are three different sections
for age appropriate groups. Mr. Keprios indicated that the plan also
includes restroom facilities which are much needed in this park.
Mr. Keprios explained how this plan can be paid for. He noted that the
cost will be roughly $200,000 installed and that's making it completely
accessible with combination ramps and transfer stations for those with
disabilities. Ms. Rydell asked what is the life expectancy for this
equipment. Mr. Keprios noted that the current aluminum structures are
supposed to have a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years. Mr. Keprios
indicated that a lot of your wood structure equipment life expectancy is
only about 10 years.
Mr. Keprios indicated that it's a very grandiose plan and it's a
realistic plan.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that there are no outside groups willing to
finance the whole thing at this time. However, we would love to get
the approval to go ahead and sell gift bricks and there are couple of
different ways to do this. He noted that other communities have done
this and have funded anywhere from $5,000 to 5 million dollar projects.
Mr. Keprios stated that they have not yet decided on what the cost of a
brick would be but that there are different size bricks. He stated that
those who donate money will formally get their name etched in stone and
it will become part of the yellow brick road. He also noted that he
thinks there is are some possible large donors out there willing to
help.
Mr. Crowther asked if we will rename the park. Mr. Keprios stated that
it really hasn't been discussed at this time. It was mentioned that a
lot of people get confused with Lake Cornelia Park and Cornelia School
Park. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the Federated Womens Club will
definitely be recognized somewhere in the park because it is well
deserved.
Mr. Keprios explained that the next step in the process would be to get
Park Board's recommendation and approval from the City Council to go to
the Edina Foundation and have them be the fiscal agent for this project.
If approved, they would be the ones literally spending the money to
build the project.
Ms. Rydell asked if this can built in stages or all at one time. Mr.
Keprios noted that he would like to have a chart that would show the
goal and once we reach that goal we would build the whole thing. Mr.
Keprios then pointed out that in the next few months you are going to
see less equipment out there because there is a lot of hazardous
playground equipment that needs to be removed and we currently don't
have funding to replace it.
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IV
Jim Fee MOVED TO GO FORWARD WITH THE CONCEPT OF THE LAKE CORNELIA
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PLAN AND MAKE IT A COMMUNITY FUNDED PROJECT. Jean
Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FALL SOCCER PROGRAM
Mr. MacHolda noted that he is speaking on behalf of Al Frank. He
explained that the Edina Soccer Association is looking for the Park
Board's blessing to have an extended season that would be played on
Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the fall. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr.
MacHolda if he sees any downside to this at all. Mr. MacHolda indicated
that he does not. Mr. Jenkins pointed out that he lost a few football
guys last year to this program.
Mr. MacHolda pointed out that he didn't believe there were a lot of kids
that did that because football is never played on Saturday and Sunday
afternoons. Mr. Crowther noted that it's really unusual that a kid play
both football and soccer and that he didn't think the fall soccer had
any depreciable impact on the football program.
Mr. MacHolda noted that he likes having control over this program
otherwise these people will just go to the parks and play on their own.
Mr. MacHolda noted that he thinks the community can only benefit from
it. Mr. Crowther MOVED TO APPROVE THE FALL SOCCER LEAGUE THE SAME AS
LAST YEAR. Bill Lord SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADOPT -A -PARK PROGRAM
Mr. Keprios handed out a copy of an adopt -a -park program that Golden
Valley is now doing. He explained that adopt -a -park does exist in other
communities and has been a proven winner. He pointed out that it draws
a community together and helps clean up the parks in a way that can't be
done cost effectively with paid staff. The concept being in an adopt -a -
park program is that people will take pride and ownership and will be
able to pick up neighborhood parks which will be recognized by a
personalized sign that would be placed at their neighborhood park
similar to the adopt -a -highway. He noted the adopt -a -highway has been
extremely successful to the State Highway Department. Virtually every
roadway mile has been adopted at this point.
Mr. Keprios stated that one of the benefits of the program is that
people will have pride and take ownership in their local park. Groups
will pick up the garbage at a minimum of twice a year on a scheduled
basis. Also, have these people let us know a minimum of 48 hours in
advance so we can provide them with bags and tell them exactly where to
drop them off and also encourage recycling. Mr. Montgomery asked if the
union would file some type of grievance in any shape or form. Mr.
Keprios indicated no, that in fact some of these ideas have come from
our maintenance staff. These are maintenance items that we would love
to get done but just can't cost effectively with our paid staff. Mr.
Montgomery asked if this is stuff that could be done when we have the
summer help. Mr. Montgomery noted that the adopt -a -park does not
replace a full-time worker. This is a volunteer effort. Mr. Keprios
noted that we would not lay off anyone because of this program, it's not
a threat to their livelihood. Mr. Crowther noted that we wouldn't hire
anyone to do this. Mr. Keprios indicated no, it would be too costly.
Mr. Keprios noted that the only other thing he would want to add is to
not limit ourselves to just the 36 areas. There a few small open space
places where he would like to see this also done.
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Jean Rydell MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CONCEPT OF THE ADOPT -A -PARK PROGRAM.
Jim Fee SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Fischer asked about groups that we may not want to sponsor a park.
Mr. Keprios noted we need to look at the group and the park to make sure
there is enough labor to do it and make sure that it's politically
correct. For example, he doesn't know if we would want a gambling
institution or a liquor institution to take on one of the parks. Mr.
Keprios indicated that if there's an issue with a certain group that he
would bring it to the Park Board's attention. Otherwise, the parks will
be assigned on a first come, first served basis administered by Julia
Bertrand, our Recreation Supervisor. Mr. Fischer noted that's the only
criticism he's heard of on the adopt -a -highway program. Mr. Keprios
noted that we will be sensitive to that. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios
if he will be the clearing vehicle for these groups. Mr. Keprios
indicated that yes, he will. Mr. Crowther suggested that in some cases
he may want to check with Jerry Gilligan from a liability discrimination
standpoint.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
VI. OTHER
A. Eagle Scout Project - Mr. Keprios noted that we get a lot of
requests for Eagle Scout projects for the Park and Recreation
Department. He indicated that he is bringing this one to the Park
Board's attention because they will be seeing them all around and
may receive some questions on it.
He noted that two gentlemen have been putting up those new style
Wood Duck houses throughout the United States. Currently, a
gentleman named Damon Iola, is finishing up his Eagle Scout
project by putting up 10 of these houses in Bredesen park. Mr.
Keprios showed the Park Board what the houses look like and gave a
background on the houses.
B. Letter from Bart Larson - Mr. Keprios indicated that John
Valliere received a letter from Bart Larson, Edina High School
Golf Coach, thanking him for the tee times at Braemar Golf Course.
Mr. Keprios indicated that this year the girls won the state
title.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:45 P.M. Jim Fee
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
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