HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-01-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
January 13, 1993
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Christianson, Andrew Montgomery, Bill Jenkins, Beth
Hall, Jean Rydell, Paul O'Connor, Pat Vagnoni, Bill Lord,
Jim Fee
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Herring, Mac Thayer
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT: Doug Johnson, Jeff Arnold, Rick Edin, Scott Berg, Scott
Fischmann, Ann Lindquist
I. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 8. 1992 MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 8, 1992 MINUTES. Bill Jenkins
SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. JR OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION - SCOTT BERG. PRESIDENT
Scott Berg, Jr. Olympic Volleyball Association President, indicated that
there seems to be some confusion on their part as to what their status is
within the City. He stated that he has heard and read from previous
minutes that E.G.A.A. does not want to be involved with the Jr. Olympic
Volleyball. Therefore, Jr. Olympic Volleyball would like to be considered
a youth association rather than be incorporated under the wing of E.G.A.A.
Mr. Berg informed the Park Board a little bit about the program. He
pointed out that throughout the state, girls volleyball has successfully
become a highly competitive and very exciting sport that is growing
rapidly. He feels the Edina players need a program where they will have a
chance to develop and compete with local teams and teams at the state,
regional and U.S. level. Mr. Berg stated that the volleyball program under
E.G.A.A. is an excellent opportunity for the younger kids to learn the
sport of volleyball in a very non -threatening but somewhat competitive kind
of way.
Mr. Berg explained that a year ago a few of the players and the parents
indicated that a new direction is needed for volleyball in the City of
Edina. There was one varsity high school player who was involved in Jr.
Olympic volleyball outside of the city. This player and her parents felt
that the Jr. Olympic volleyball program had helped her skills tremendously
and it made her a better volleyball player. Now, there are a lot of other
varsity volleyball players for Edina who have been participating in the Jr.
Olympic program and each year the varsity program at the high school has
gotten better and better. The Jr. Olympic Volleyball would like to think
that it's an indirect relationship to their program.
Mr. Berg indicated that they fielded three teams in January of 1992. There
is an Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 league. Each league has 8 to 9
players and the season runs from January through early May. All of the
players have either participated at the jr. high or senior high level. The
players practice twice a week and there are 16 coaches. At the end of the
season the players are asked what was done right and what was done wrong
and then changes are made in the coaches and coaching practices. Mr. Berg
stated that at the present time the program is somewhat loosely organized
but it's their intention to have a set of by-laws in place by the end of
the season. They are also considering becoming an incorporated
organization under the state law.
Mr. Berg indicated that they would like to be able to purchase more gym
time, but it is expensive outside of the City of Edina. Right now the
budget is $200 per player, which is a 100% increase over last year. Some
programs have a budget of $1,200 per player. Mr. Berg stated that Jr.
Olympic Volleyball is a definite need within the community and he feels
they deserve the full support and recognition of the Park Board.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that when the E.G.A.A. was first organized there were
not that many participants so all of the girls athletics were put under one
program. Now, as the E.G.A.A. is growing in size they are starting to
separate somewhat like the boys athletics. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the
present volleyball program is a recreation program under the E.G.A.A. with
no traveling teams and competes during the spring. Mr. Kojetin stated that
how he understands it, the Jr. Olympic Volleyball program is geared more
towards a traveling program for the more advanced girls. The girls also
compete during the winter months when some of the other communities have
their traveling program. Mr. Kojetin explained that because of this he
feels there is a need for this type of program. He also explained that the
volleyball program will run similar to the basketball program in that they
are two different seasons. The season for the girls house league
basketball is in the fall and the season for the girls traveling basketball
is in the winter.
Mr. Christianson asked what, if anything, does Jr. Olympic Volleyball need
to do to qualify in terms of structure, organization and being
incorporated. Do they have to become more formal in their organization and
have by-laws as well as certain other requirements in order to be a
recognized association. Mr. Kojetin indicated that basic guidelines were
passed in 1976 that say everyone has the opportunity to participate and we
do not exclude anyone. Mr. Christianson then asked as the Jr. Olympic
Volleyball is organized today, do they qualify under our guidelines. Mr.
Kojetin indicated that they do qualify. Mr. Christianson asked what else
the Jr. Olympic Volleyball program has to do to be approved as an
association affiliated with the City. Mr. Kojetin indicated that they have
to agree with our basic policy and the way they are running right now they
do. Mr. Berg did note that it is not the intention of Jr. Olympic
Volleyball to be exclusionary.
Mr. Jenkins asked how many are in the volleyball program. It was noted
that there are approximately 30 players in Jr. Olympic Volleyball and
approximately 185 players in E.G.A.A. volleyball. Ms. Vagnoni asked how
many people are on the Jr. Olympic Volleyball Board and it was noted there
are approximately 9 members.
Mr. Christianson asked if the Jr. Olympic Volleyball should be asked to do
anything at this juncture. Mr. Kojetin stated that he feels they should
come to the Park Board with a more formal organization of their group. Mr.
Christianson indicated to Mr. Berg that he should formalize the
organization and adopt some formal by-laws as well as become a non-profit
organization. Mr. Berg indicated that it is his understanding that not all
youth associations are non-profit organizations. Mr. Kojetin indicated
that there are not any rules stating you have to be a non-profit
organization but because of insurance and other internal problems it is
better to be a non-profit organization.
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III. EDINA SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE - DOUG JOHNSON AND DAVID VICK
Mr. Vick and Mr. Johnson of the Edina School District, talked about what
will be going on at the Edina Schools and handed out the construction
schedule. Mr. Vick indicated that they are going to try to keep the gyms
as open and available as possible. Mr. Johnson stated that where he
anticipates there may be some problems this summer is the only gyms that
are going to be available will be the community center and the elementary
schools with the exception of Concord. Mr. Johnson indicated that Mr.
Keprios and Mr. Kojetin are aware of this situation. Mr. Johnson stated
that where the schedule becomes a little bit soft is the elementary schools
have not been scheduled yet. The construction schedule for the secondary
buildings has just been completed. Mr. Johnson noted that a year from now
is the earliest that he can see running into problems but he does not
anticipate any simply because the schools have to use the gyms for physical
education.
Mr. Johnson stated that the Board has not approved any kind of a package
yet for the elementary schools and they won't until May. When they approve
the package a time line will be determined. Mr. Johnson also noted that
this summer they should be able to give the Park Board more of a definite
time line on the construction schedule for the elementary schools. Mr.
Johnson stated that the only thing that would really be a concern would be
the possibility of having to shut down a gym for a week or so depending on
the construction cycle or the mechanical systems.
Mr. Christianson asked Mr. Johnson if he understood correctly that they are
going to try to structure this in such a way that the gyms will be
available during the school year but not in the summer. It was noted that
is correct.
Mr. O'Connor stated that the message the School District really wants to
communicate is they will do everything possible to support the park and
recreation programs. There's very little inconvenience that they foresee
is going to be imposed on the Park and Recreation programs. As we move
into 1993 and especially as we heads towards the fall of 1994 there will be
communication between the Park and Recreation Staff and the School District
in order to help with scheduling.
Mr. Keprios noted that Mr. Johnson and Mr. Vick have been very cooperative
and helpful in sending him memos and answering all of his questions.
IV. YMCA'S 1993 FIELD RENTAL FEE FOR USE OF YORKTOWN PARK FIELD
Mr. Keprios indicated that he has been talking with Ann Lindquist, Program
Director for the youth sports programs for the YMCA. Mr. Keprios indicated
that Ms. Lindquist has provided him with the information that was put in
his memo that he handed out to the Park Board members. Mr. Keprios
explained that after giving this a lot of thought and having a chance to
talk with Ms. Lindquist and Sandra Stoke, YMCA Executive Director, he got a
good feel for what their comfort level is and also gained a better
understanding of the situation. Mr. Keprios indicated that an important
relationship exists between the City of Edina and the YMCA. As stated in
his memo, Mr. Keprios indicated that his recommendation is to raise the
rental fee from $500 to $600. Mr. Keprios stated that he justified in his
own mind that it is a fair and equitable fee to charge given the level of
maintenance and service that they receive from the Park and Recreation
Department. Mr. Keprios noted that we would otherwise maintain the field
.to the same level without their rental. It is a benefit to park users to
have the YMCA next to this park because they utilize the YMCA parking
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spaces as well as have access to their restroom facilities. To ask the
YMCA to pay the same fee that our own participants pay really isn't apples
to apples since they do not receive the same service. If their field use
fee were set at $6.00 per participant, the end result would be that they
would just pick up and go someplace else. Mr. Keprios also pointed out
that there was a typographical error in his memo, it should read a 20%
increase and not a X10 increase.
Mr. O'Connor stated that he is a voice on the other side of this particular
issue. The reason is even though this is a long-term relationship with the
YMCA, which is important, he feels it is equally important that we have a
long-term relationship with the citizens of Edina. It's the citizens of
Edina through taxes that have bought the parks. The YMCA has not purchased
the land on which they enjoy their activities. Mr. O'Connor stated,
however, that there should be a respect of consistency. It seems like
there is a fee based upon one formula for this particular field and quite a
different formula for the other fields for the rest of Edina. Mr. O'Connor
thinks it is critical that there is a consistency. He feels that if the
City looses the YMCA, that's part of the ball game. He thinks that it's
important that we treat everybody the same and that we be consistent.
Mr. Fee asked what else the field is being used for other than the two
programs for the YMCA. Mr. Keprios noted the field will be used a lot more
this year for scheduled adult softball since we lost the Lake Edina fields
to the Normandale Golf Course. Mr. Fee asked if that will conflict with
the YMCA. Mr. Keprios noted that he will schedule around them. Mr. Fee
asked if the YMCA does not use the field for batters up and outdoor soccer
we probably wouldn't be using it at all. Mr. Keprios noted that is an
accurate statement with the exception of adult softball. Mr. Fee indicated
we would be giving up $1,200 of revenue that we otherwise would be
collecting. Mr. Keprios pointed out that what the YMCA gets from us is a
field and that's it. We will cut it, mow it and fertilize it, but that
would be done regardless of their use. Mr. Keprios stated it's a tough
call and he understands what everyone is saying. If we were to provide the
maintenance we provide other fields and charge $6.00 per participant then
yes, he would be of the same mind. Mr. Fee noted that it's an apples to
oranges situation.
Mr. Montgomery asked where do you rent other softball fields to a third
party other than to baseball. What is the fee structure if somebody wanted
to rent a field for a function? Mr. Keprios noted that there are not a lot
of long-term rentals, it's typically a one time shot. Currently, however,
we charge $35.00 per hour or $100.00 per field per day. This usually
prices people right out. Mr. Montgomery asked Ms. Lindquist how many days
they use the Park. Ms. Lindquist indicated that for outdoor soccer they
use it seven weeks and for batters up they use it seven weeks, twice a
week.
Mr. Christianson verified that we are going to mow, water, and fertilize
this field whether the YMCA uses it or not. It was noted that is correct.
Mr. Kojetin did point out however that there is not an irrigation system
out there. Mr. Christianson then stated that irrespective of the YMCAs
use, we are going to do the same work and not any additional maintenance so
basically the field is being rented to them for $1,200 which is $1,200 that
we wouldn't have otherwise. It was noted that is correct and the YMCA does
their own chalking, raking and lining.
Mr. Christianson asked what's to prevent the YMCA from just going over and
using the park and not paying us a dime. It was noted that nothing can
prevent them from doing that. Andy Montgomery MOVED THAT WE ADOPT THE $600
FEE PER ACTIVITY FOR THE YMCA TO USE THE YORKTOWN PARK BALL FIELD. Jim Fee
SECONDED THE MOTION. Ann Lindquist noted that the fee is acceptable to the
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YMCA. In Favor - Bob Christianson, Bill Jenkins, Bill Lord, James Fee, Pat
Vagnoni, Beth Hall, Andy Montgomery, Jean Rydell. Opposed - Paul
O'Connor. MOTION CARRIED.
V. VAN VALKENBURG PARK SOFTBALL COMPLEX RENTAL POLICY
Mr. Keprios indicated that the fee for renting Van Valkenburg Park was
inadvertently left off the 1993 fees and charges proposal. He indicated
that the fee structure has been $100 per field per day. However, what he
has learned since the opening of the complex is there's a value to allowing
groups to use the building. Therefore, he would like the Park Board to
recommend $100 for use of the building per day. Mr. Lord asked if the Park
Department would still control the concessions. Mr. Keprios indicated that
for a fundraiser they can use our concessions building, which would be part
of this $100.00 fee, and they can even use our product for which they
reimburse the City.
Mr. Keprios explained that he has also learned there is enough demand for
this facility from people from within the community that he would like to
limit the availability to only groups within Edina. Mr. Fee asked what is
being done now? Mr. Keprios noted that the last couple of years he has
rented this out he can see it quickly getting out of control. Mr. Fee
asked if there was a conflict last year with Edina groups wanting to use it
versus the outside groups? Mr. Keprios answered no, that he has been able
to work that out but he can see more people quickly finding out what a
tremendous complex this is.
Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Keprios if he has rented it to outside groups
before. Mr. Keprios indicated that yes he has. Mr. Keprios then stated
that he is getting calls again and has told people that he is not taking
any applications at this point until a policy is adopted.
Ms. Vagnoni asked if the complex is ever not used. Mr. Keprios noted that
there have just been a few weekends where it has not been used. Mr.
Keprios stated that he really just wants to exclude the use to all outside
groups for more than a couple of reasons. One is the fear that it will
take away from an otherwise would be rental to an Edina group. The other
is the basic wear and tear on the facility since it really is a premier
facility.
Bill Jenkins MOVED TO RECOMMEND $100 PER DAY PER FIELD AND $100 PER DAY FOR
THE BUILDING AS WELL AS HAVING RENTALS AT VAN VALKENBURG LIMITED TO EDINA
BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS ONLY. Paul O'Connor SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
VI RECREATION REPORT - Edina Athletic Association Meetiny-
Mr. Kojetin indicated that there was an athletic association meeting and
some of the Park Board members attended. Mr. Jenkins stated that it was an
interesting meeting. He felt that it focused the most on the resident
non-resident issue and the fundraising issue. He indicated that some of
the associations wanted a flat policy on the resident/non-resident issue.
Mr. Jenkins explained that he tried to get them to handle their own
business and do what they want. The other issue was insurance. Dave
Crowther, Edina Football Association President, talked about the insurance
issue.
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Chuck Ravine, Executive Director of the Minnesota Assistance Project shared
some interesting service offerings to these non-profit associations, and
each individual association is considering taking advantage of these
professional services by becoming a member of MAP.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that he felt it was probably the best meeting that
they ever had. Mr. Keprios stated that it was nice of the Park Board
members to show an interest to be there. He heard comments from some of
the associations that they really appreciated it. The Park Board members
who attended were Beth Hall, Bill Jenkins, Pat Vagnoni and Andy Herring.
VII. OTHER
A. Congregate Dining - Mr. Kojetin informed the Park Board that the
Senior Congregate Dining is no longer going to be at the Community Center.
Congregate Dining is moving back to the Yorktown Apartments. They felt
that they weren't getting the participation they needed and if they go back
to the Yorktown Apartments they will get more of the seniors. All of our
seniors are still going to be participating with the program and we will be
busing people over there just like we did before. It will open the first
part of February.
B. Walnut Ridge Park -
Jeffrey Arnold indicated that the issue that has come to his attention has
to do with the maintenance of Walnut Ridge ice rink which is behind his
house. Mr. Arnold stated that while he was at his son's mite hockey game
one of his teammates father told him about the condition of the ice. He
stated that the condition was largely attributed to the fact that the
recreation people cannot resurface the rink because the residents around
the rink are complaining about the resurfacing process. Mr. Arnold
explained that after a some discussion it became obvious that the residents
around the rink were complaining about them. Mr. Arnold noted that he
thought there would be other people at the Park Board meeting in regards to
this issue. Mr. Arnold handed out a letter that he had prepared on the
issue. Mr. Jenkins asked if the issue is the ice condition at Walnut
Ridge. Mr. Fee indicated that his son does skate at Walnut Ridge and after
having newly sharpened skates they were pretty beat up when he was done.
Mr. Jenkins asked if we are maintaining the rinks any differently than
other years. Mr. Kojetin noted that he has been talking to Mrs. Arnold for
the last four or five years. He explained that we make ice at every park
in the city from 4:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. However, we cannot go to
Walnut Ridge until 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. Good quality ice cannot be made
if you start at 8:00 a.m. It takes a long period of time to make good
ice.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that every year Mrs. Arnold will call when there is a
maintenance man at the rink around 6:00 a.m. or earlier. Mr. Arnold stated
that when their son was born he was colic and that the ice making equipment
would arrive at the rink between 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning. He stated
you can imagine what that's like when you're up all night. Mr. Arnold
noted that there was a concession made at that time and the equipment came
after 7:00 a.m. Mr. Arnold stated that his neighbors have told him that
the crews start at 3:00 a.m. and he knows that it takes anywhere from a
half hour to 45 minutes to clear the rink behind his house. He indicated
he is at a loss as to what time they come because sometimes the crews start
at 8:15 a.m. and other times at 9:10 a.m. They have been as late as 10:00
a.m. and as early as 3:30 a.m. Mr. Arnold explained that Walnut Ridge is
literally in his back yard and with an 8 year old they think it's
tremendous. He explained that all he has ever asked is that the
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maintenance could be done at a reasonable time in the morning and 7:00 a.m.
seems reasonable. Mr. Kojetin indicated that one of the things that is
very difficult is that the manpower leaves at 12:00 noon. Mr. Kojetin
explained that you can't get 3 or 4 floods on a rink within a 4 hour period
and that is basically what Walnut Ridge is getting. All of the other rinks
are getting 8 hours of flooding. The ice would be of a better quality if
the maintenance men could get in the park at an earlier hour, especially at
the beginning of the season.
Ms. Vagnoni asked if there are any other rinks where people request when
flooding can start. Mr. Kojetin indicated that Walnut Ridge is the only
park. Mr. Montgomery stated that he thought Walnut Ridge is the closest
park to a house.
Mr. Arnold indicated that he is still confused as to how the rinks are
scheduled. He pointed out that say the maintenance men come at 7:00 a.m.
and they are there for a half hour cleaning the rink and then they flood
it.. He indicated that occasionally the people who clean the rink will then
go into the warming house for an hour or so after they get done cleaning.
He noted that he is not really sure what they are doing. Mr. Kojetin
explained that when you flood a rink and fog it, you have to wait for
mother nature to freeze it. You can't go out and flood it once and then
keep reflooding. Mr. Kojetin indicated to Mr. Arnold that he can sit down
with him and specifically go through what is done and how exactly the
program works. Mr. Kojetin also noted that it's not easy to get good
quality ice in Edina because of the hard water.
Mr. Arnold stated that the other gentlemen, Scott Fischmann, here tonight
left because he said the ice quality improved dramatically over the last
day or so. Mr. Kojetin stated that naturally it's going to get better
because of the weather conditions and it takes awhile to build good ice.
Also, some of the rinks have good soil and some are not so good. Also some
have sewers running under them which creates cracks. Mr. Kojetin explained
that some rinks have men working there for 8 hours a day that do nothing
but flood and we know we are gong to get quality ice on those areas. Mr.
Kojetin stated that if we could have a man at Walnut Ridge from 4:00 a.m.
until 12:00 noon flooding, it would have good quality ice. He explained
that you can't have a man begin at 7:00 a.m. and stay there for four hours
and expect good quality ice. Mr. Arnold asked Mr. Kojetin what time the
crews start in the morning and how many sweepers he has. Mr. Kojetin
indicated 3:00 a.m, for sweepers, 4:00 a.m. for flooders and there are 3
sweepers. Mr. Kojetin then explained that you can't sweep a rink with
today's snow in the same time you could do it when there wasn't any snow.
Mr. Montgomery asked Mr. Kojetin when he would want to do this rink. Mr.
Kojetin stated it should be done at 4:00 a.m. when the rest of the rinks
are done. Mr. Kojetin also pointed out that the hockey rinks have to be
shoveled out by hand in order to get good quality ice. You can't use a
snowblower. They use the snowblower to remove the majority of the snow,
but the last little bit has to be shoveled by hand.
Mr. Montgomery asked if we are doing rinks on a daily basis or every other
day. Mr. Kojetin indicated that they are done every single day. Mr.
Arnold stated that has not been the case with Walnut Ridge.
Mr. Montgomery indicated to Mr. Arnold that if he wants better ice he
apparently has to be prepared to let the maintenance men come in at 4:00
a.m. He then noted that he is not hearing that Mr. Arnold is prepared to
let them come in at 4:00 a.m. Mr. Fee stated that it's a Catch 22. Mr.
Montgomery stated that if you want better ice you have to agree to Mr.
Kojetin's schedule.
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Mr. Arnold stated that he finds it really curious that there were not
complaints about the ice quality last year or the year before and if
anything the people are coming earlier this year than they did the last two
years. Mr. Montgomery stated that last year it was a lot colder than this
year has been, especially in December.
Ms. Hall asked how many people use the rink at Walnut Ridge. Mr. Fee
stated that it is a pretty busy rink. Mr. Kojetin stated that the last
couple of years for some reason the older kids have gone over there because
they know that the rink isn't being scheduled and used as much as the other
rinks.
Ms. Vagnoni stated a solution might be to hire people that would have a
different working schedule like 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mr. Montgomery
indicated that a rink needs to get done before the sun comes up and the
temperature changes. Mr. Montgomery asked what happens if Mr. Arnold
converts to the normal schedule and see if the situation changes. Mr.
Christianson replied that apparently that would not be acceptable to the
Arnolds. Mr. Montgomery stated that you can't have it both ways. You
can't have your cake and eat it too. Mr. Lord noted that you only get 10
days out of the 6 weeks that are at a really great stage. Mr. Kojetin
stated that according to the statistics there are six days of good skating
time outside. That's why indoor arenas are built. The best temperature
for making ice and skating is approximately 22 degrees.
Mr. Fee explained to Mr. Arnold that the initial problem is that the City
is under tremendous budget constraints. As far as the rinks are concerned,
some of them had to close down and some of them need new boards. Also, the
crews are only doing a few rinks on the weekends compared to doing every
rink every weekend. It was noted there have been a lot of concessions made
as far as the rinks are concerned and there isn't the flexibility that
maybe there was a couple of years ago.
Mr. Lord indicated to Mr. Arnold that he has to put some value on Mr.
Kojetin's experience. He's been building ice all over this city for 30
years and has done a good job especially now with the restrictions he's
under.
Mr.Christianson stated that the Park Board prides itself in trying to
resolve problems but this one seems to be unsolvable given the constraints
of manpower on the one hand and Mr. Arnolds circumstances on the other
hand. Mr. Christianson then indicated Mr. Lord is right in saying that we
have to rely on our professional staff who maintain and build these rinks.
Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Arnold if he has any suggestions of what could be
done. Mr. Arnold stated that the fact of the matter is the crews don't
come every day as Mr. Kojetin has represented. Mr. Kojetin stated that he
would look into the situation tomorrow.
Mr. Christianson indicated that the Pafk Board needs to respond to Mr.
Arnolds concern. He has raised some questions and even though there is
nothing that we can do about it tonight, the fact that people are not going
there everyday irrespective of the time needs to be looked into and perhaps
there should be some kind of a report. Mr. Christianson then explained
that the Park Board is basically a policy setting board. Mr. Arnold then
stated he would not be at the meeting tonight if it wasn't for the fact
that the other parents indicated they were so concerned about the ice
conditions. Mr. Christianson again indicated that the Park Board is
basically a policy setting board and they try not to get involved in the
nitty gritty day to day operations of the parks and things of that nature.
However, when a citizen calls something to our attention that is being a
difficulty it's up to us to investigate it. Mr. Christianson then stated
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that it seems to him that what should be done is perhaps the staff ought to
look into the fact that the maintenance is not being performed on a daily
basis as its required to be. The staff should look into the scheduling
situation and report back to the Park Board next month. He indicated that
in the meantime we should rely and trust that the staff will take
appropriate action if the maintenance men are not going to the rink when
they are supposed to be going to the rink. Mr. Christianson noted that it
has been his experience that the staff has always been very responsive.
Mr. Kojetin stated he will talk with the maintenance staff tomorrow and
discuss what is happening at Walnut Ridge. Mr. Kojetin then noted that he
has probably had more discussions on this rink in the past 5 years than on
any other rink. Mr. Kojetin also indicated that the maintenance men are
concerned about the quality of the ice because it is a reflection on them
also. Mr. Kojetin stated that he will report back next month.
C. Todd Park - Mr. Fee commented that he drives by Todd Park a lot and has
seen very little activity there. He thinks it's partially due to the fact
that there isn't a warming house. Mr. Fee felt the Park Board should
consider this when they are looking at rinks next year. Mr. Kojetin stated
that in the last 2 or 3 years he has talked with the neighbors there and
asked them to get together a petition and come to the Park Board and let
them know how they feel. Mr. Fee stated that he feels a lot of expense is
being wasted there and that everyone will sign a petition regardless of
whether they skate or not.
Mr. Jenkins indicated that he was at Arden Park and it didn't appear that
all of the boards needed to be replaced. It seemed to him that the corners
and sides are fine and just a few portions need to be done. Mr. Kojetin
indicated that a few boards have been replaced but that the problem is with
the posts. The posts have rotted off, however, they are now frozen in the
ground. Mr. Jenkins indicated this possibly could be a good summer
project.
Mr. Montgomery asked if the York Park sheet of ice is getting used. It was
noted that it is getting used. Mr. Kojetin indicated he has received a
couple of calls on Heights Park being closed this year.
Mr. Montgomery indicated that whoever did the street snow removal did a
super job. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that the park maintenance men are also
scheduled on street maintenance routes which are performed before they are
scheduled to go to the skating rinks.
Bob Christianson indicated this was his last Park Board meeting. He thanked
everyone for their cooperation and participation. He also stated that if he has
offended anybody in his heavy handed manner he apologizes, it was certainly not
done on purpose. He then stated that he has enjoyed very much serving on the
Edina Park and Recreation Board and serving with all the Park Board members.
Ms. Vagnoni asked how many years he has been on the Park Board. Mr.
Christianson stated that all together it has been 11 years.
Mr. Kojetin stated to Mr. Christianson that he really appreciates the amount of
time and things that he has done for the Park and Recreation Department. Mr.
Kojetin also thanked Mr. Christianson for all of the times that he has gone
before the City Council to request various things and as a department we really
appreciate that. Mr. Christianson stated that it has been a lot of fun.
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
Andy Montgomery MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:00 P.M. Bill Lord
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
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