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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. 2 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 3 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 4 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. 5 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 T 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. 7 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 W 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. 9