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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 8:00 p.m. September 13, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Bill Lord, Andrew Montgomery, Beth Hall, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Dave Crowther, Andrew Herring, John Dovolis MEMBERS ABSENT: Ernie Fischer, Jean Rydell STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Vince Cockriel, Larry Thayer, Janet Canton OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Brindle, Helen Yarmoska, Bill Sherwin, Bob Kojetin I I. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 12, 1994 MINUTES Bill Lord MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 12, 1994 MINUTES. Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. OUTDOOR SKATING RINK RECOMMENDATION Mr. Keprios indicated that the written staff report for the Park Board agenda accurately outlined the results of the July Park Board meeting with regards to the outdoor skating rink hearing. Mr. Keprios stated that most important and most repeated message from the community was that the residents do not want to lose the neighborhood concept of their outdoor skating rinks. He also repeatedly heard that the residents were saying they don't care what it costs as long as they can keep their skating rinks. Mr. Keprios stated that the staff's recommendation is a reaction to what the community wants. Mr. Montgomery indicated that he felt the Pamela Park residents did not respond to the closing of the rinks. Mr. Keprios noted that they did respond just not in the form of letters and petitions. Mr. Crowther pointed out there were a lot of people at the meeting who were in favor of keeping Pamela Park skating rink open. Mr. Herring pointed out to Mr. Keprios that it is not reflected in the minutes if this recommendation means that we are not going to spend any resources on any other items. Do the residents want skating rinks only or other amenities as well. Mr. Herring then asked if the Park Board should maybe make a different recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Keprios explained that he believes that the City Council members have received calls from residents who want to keep their neighborhood parks properly maintained and also have their skating rinks remain open. The residents have voiced their desires which are to have their neighborhood outdoor skating rinks maintained and as well as their parks in general and they are willing to pay for it. Mr. Herring asked about the effects of this recommendation based on the current manpower shortage in the Park Maintenance Department. Mr. Keprios then indicated that the City Council has recently approved to reinstate one of our two -full time maintenance positions that we lost in the last five years. It is currently recommended by the City Council for the 1995 budget. However, it could be scratched depending on the outcome of truth and taxation hearings. Mr. Jenkins noted that someone should make a motion that we are going to follow the staff recommendations to leave the skating rinks open with the exception of Strachauer. Jim Fee MOVED TO ACCEPT THE STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO LEAVE ALL OF THE OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS OPEN WITH THE EXCEPTION OF STRACHAUER PARK. Andy Montgomery SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Fee pointed out to Mr. Keprios that something should be put in the Sun Paper due to the large attendance at the July Park Board meeting. III. BRAEMAR ARENA REPORT - LARRY THAYER Mr. Thayer indicated that he is now in his 25th year with the City of Edina. Mr. Thayer explained that in 1988 he brought to the attention of the Park Board the problem of the east arena being in major need of repair. He then indicated that, if the Edina Park Board and City Council consider a Park Improvement Bond Referendum, that the arena would like to be part of the proposal for park upgrades in the West arena. Mr. Thayer then went through the entries that equal the $326,000 figure that is suggested. He indicated that the West arena facility was built in 1965 and that the locker room is, by today's user's standards, totally unacceptable in that facility. He noted that what he would like to propose to do is knock out the existing walls of the four locker rooms and turn them into two large locker rooms, move the vending machine area and perhaps add two large boxes to the area. Mr. Thayer then stated that there is a lot of commotion where the ice resurfacer is and it has been a serious safety hazard since day one. Therefore, he would like to put a garage at the north side of the arena and use the current space for a locker room, training room, etc. He indicated that to move the resurfacer room would be approximately $20,000 and the locker room expansion would be approximately $40,000. Mr. Thayer pointed out that a problem they have had since day one is the sprinkler issue. The west arena does not have a fire protection sprinkler system and therefore this would be an appropriate time to put one in. Also, the floor matting is in its 9th year and is in major need of replacement and, unfortunately, it's very expensive. 4 Another big item is to replace the emergency exit doors. They are the originals from 1965 and are extremely expensive to replace. Mr. Thayer pointed out that they would prefer to this time go with the glass look that you see around the different arenas. This would cost approximately $45,000. These doors could really be considered a safety issue, as well as an energy efficient and aesthetic issue as well. Mr. Thayer explained that the boards, which were built back in 1965, need to be replaced. The boards should be like the east arena's with a steel frame and plastic system. This would cost approximately $75,000. Also, the Zamboni ice resurfacer needs to be replaced. It was purchased in 1980 and it has been a lemon ever since. Mr. Thayer pointed out that they have tried to keep up with a ten year replacement schedule but that went to the wayside trying to be a self- supporting revenue facility and yet not really having the income. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Thayer if his budget allows for any ongoing or every year annual capital upgrades. Mr. Thayer noted that they have never had that luxury. He pointed out that each year they try to budget approximately $25,000 for upkeep maintenance type issues to try and stay with it but as you look at all of the items the problem is that everything is so expensive. He indicated that they do stay ahead of their operating costs but when it comes to retiring debt they still have to rely on the golf dome. Therefore, they are not totally self- supporting. Mr. Fee asked about the new zamboni and Mr. Thayer indicated that it would cost approximately $70,000. Mr. Thayer then stated that he does have a few Plan B type issues, one being the parking lot. Mr. Jenkins asked if there is anything we can do on the revenue side to help out at all. Mr. Thayer noted that they are real comfortable right now with trying to keep it cost effective for all customers. He also indicated that they stand in the middle of the pack compared with other arenas. Mr. Jenkins asked where is the arena at right now and Mr. Thayer indicated that they are at $100.00 an hour. Mr. Thayer indicated that the City Council wants to raise things by 3% and therefore the arena tries to stay in line with those increases. Mr. Thayer indicated that these are all issues that need to be addressed and we need to somehow prioritize them and get something done before everything deteriorates and we get to a point where it will be real hard to keep up. Mr. Keprios pointed out that Mr. Thayer has been and continue to be a very valuable employee and has done a fabulous job with the arena. IV. ARNESON PARK GAZEBO PLAN - MARY BRINDLE. PRESIDENT OF EDINA GARDEN COUNCIL Mary Brindle, President of the Edina Garden Council and Helen Yarmoska, Vice -President of Edina Garden Council, gave a report on the Garden Council itself before explaining the gazebo plan. 3 Ms. Brindle explained that the Edina Garden Council is an umbrella over a group of clubs. There are nine garden clubs in Edina with 150-160 members. She noted that the groups work very hard together on the different gardens throughout the city. Ms. Brindle stated that the Garden Council back in 1988 decided to put money towards something at Arneson Acres Park and then present it as a gift to the City. Ms. Brindle indicated that after much discussion back and forth for a few years it was finally agreed upon that it would be a gazebo. Ms. Brindle then showed the Park Board what the gazebo will look like and explained the different aspects of it. Ms. Brindle indicated that Mr. Kojetin contacted a man named Andrew Lester who came up with the original gazebo design that blended into the whole park design that Mr. Kojetin will specifically talk about. Ms. Brindle stated that the cost of the original plan with the materials came to approximately $80,000 to $85,000. This amount of -money did not go over too well with the women in the Garden Council. Therefore, a committee was formed with one member from each garden club. This committee then found a middle ground design. The cost of the gazebo that they would like to build will be approximately $30,000. This entire Gazebo project will be paid exclusively by the Edina Garden Council through money they have raised. Ms. Brindle indicated that she wants the Park Board to be aware of what the Garden Council would like to do and make sure that it is okay with the Park Board and City Council to go ahead and proceed with the plan. Mr. Kojetin then gave a brief history of Arneson Acres Park. He indicated that the original design of the 15 acre park had the formal gardens in the middle that was approximately 100 ft. when it was first opened 15 years ago. He noted that at that time they had a Garden Development Committee to decide what should be in this park so that there wouldn't be a mismatch of things. Mr. Kojetin indicated that most formal gardens have some type of a theme. He then explained that when people died they would receive donations in amounts of $10, $15 $20 which are put into the Garden Development Fund. So far this fund has approximately $5,000. Mr. Kojetin explained that the Garden Development Committee interviewed three different architects to find a theme and they hired the architect, Andrew Lester. Mr. Kojetin explained that from Mr. Arneson's speech in 1975 they came up with the Norwegian "Tree Of Life". Within this tree there are different mythologies that Morton Arneson really enjoyed. Therefore the "Tree of Life" was going to be the theme of the park. Mr. Kojetin then went on to explain that the Garden Council had talked about donating money to put a fountain in the park and that's what they focused all of their efforts on. However, no one could decide on what type of fountain to put in the park and then they decided on a gazebo. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the only thing he would maybe disagree with Ms. Brindle is to say that the original gazebo plan would cost approximately $80,000 to $85,000. He feels that the gazebo that they would like to now build will end up costing $80,000 when it's completed. 4 Mr. Kojetin explained that last year $80,000 was put into the budget to start the park. By the time the park is completely finished it will have cost approximately $250,000 to $300,000. Mr. Kojetin then indicated what he would like to see done with the $80,000. First, construct the lake and put in an irrigation loop. Also, put a pathway around the formal gardens and park as well as put in an observation tower. Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Kojetin if he thinks it would be appropriate to ask the Park Board to make a recommendation to go forward with the plan to get the engineering and architecture part done. Mr. Kojetin noted that yes he would like to see them go ahead with it. Mr. Jenkins asked Ms. Brindle and Ms. Yarmoska if they are in agreement with the master plan. Ms. Brindle indicated that they are. Now they are back to thinking about the fountain and therefore the Garden Council will continue it's interest in the development of Arneson Acres Park. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the Garden Council has a plant sale every year which nets them approximately $6,000 to $7,000 per year. Ms. Brindle indicated that this year it was over $10,000. Mr. Kojetin also noted that every other year they have a garden tour which raises a few dollars and then indicated that their expenses are very minimal. Mr. Fee asked about the money that has already been allocated for the Arneson Park Development Project. Mr. Keprios indicated that the $80,000 came from the Developer's Fund and was earmarked for this year. He then explained that the reason the project has not been started yet is because they have not had time. Mr. Fee then asked if all of the work on the home has been completed. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the only thing would be the upkeep maintenance of the house. Mr. Lord asked that the cost of the gazebo be clarified and if that money is corning out of the $80,000 that has been allocated from the Developers Fund. Ms. Brindle indicated that the gazebo is not part of the $80,000. Mr. Lord asked what's been done and paid for. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the concrete floor has been paid for by the Garden Council which cost $21,000. Mr. Lord clarified that the $80,000 from the Developer's Fund has not been spent yet. Mr. Keprios noted that is correct. It is for the park development outside of the formal gardens area and not the gazebo. Mr. Keprios explained that the $80,000 will hopefully get us an irrigation loop, a man-made lake (pond) and some permanent pathways within Arneson Park. Mr. Keprios then indicated that what staff is asking for is a consensus from the Park Board that it's okay to go ahead with the Arneson Park Developement Project (not to be confused with the Gazebo Plan as recommended by the Garden Council). Without a formal vote, the general consensus of the Park Board was to go forward with the current plan as previously recommended. 5 Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Kojetin if it is safe to say that he does not approve of the Garden Council's current Gazebo plan. Mr. Kojetin stated that is correct and he would prefer that the original (more expensive) Gazebo plan be carried out. Mr. Kojetin explained that he would prefer the Gazebo roof to have a skylight and a copper roof as originally designed. Mr. Keprios asked Ms. Brindle if the Garden Council didn't like the original plan because of the money issue or because of the looks. Ms. Brindle indicated they didn't like the looks of the original plan and it represented an enormous amount of money for something that looked unimportant to them. Jim Fee MOVED THAT THE PARK BOARD ACCEPT THE GARDEN COUNCIL'S PROPOSAL TO BUILD THE ARNESON PARK GAZEBO AS PROPOSED WITH GARDEN COUNCIL'S DONATED FUNDS INCLUDING THE $5,000 BEING HELD BY THE CITY IN THE GARDEN COUNCIL DONATIONS ACCOUNT. IN ADDITION, STAFF WILL ASSIST THE GARDEN COUNCIL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STRUCTURE BECAUSE IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY TO OWN AND MAINTAIN. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. V. PARK BOND REFERENDUM PROCESS - JON GURBAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION. Mr. Keprios introduced Jon Gurban, Executive Director for the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. He indicated that Mr. Gurban is here volunteering his time to give us some information about what bond issues are all about in case the Park Board wishes to consider a Park Improvement Bond Referendum. Mr. Gurban gave a slide presentation explaining the ins and outs of taking on a park bond referendum. Mr. Gurban made many suggestions on how to organize a successful bond referendum. After Mr. Gurban's presentation, Mr. Keprios showed colored picture slides of specific areas within Edina's parks that need upgrade and repair. Suggested issues included safety, maintenance, community input, accessibility, aesthetics and completion of the master plan. VI. NRPA PARK AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBER PUBLICATION Mr. Keprios indicated that in the packets that the Park Board members received is the NRPA Park and Recreation Board Member Publication. He noted that his job as staff is to educate the Park Board members and hopes that there is some information in there that may give Park Board members, especially the new members, a better understanding of their job as a volunteer Park Board member. VII. ANNUAL PARK BOARD AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Keprios indicated that he made a list of the upcoming Park Board agenda items so everyone will know what to look forward to hearing. He then indicated that if there's something else you would like to see on an agenda to please give him or the office a call. 0 VIII. OTHER A. Vince Cockriel, Park Foreman - Mr. Keprios introduced Vince Cockriel, Park Foreman and stated that he has done a great job for the Park System and he appreciates him being at the Park Board meeting. Vince will be giving an annual Park Maintenance Department report at the October Park Board meeting. IX. ADJOURNMENT Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 10:30 P.M. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 7