HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-02-09 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
February 9, 1993
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Bill Lord, Jean Rydell, Pat Vagnoni, Beth
Hall, James Fee, Paul O'Connor, Andrew Herring, Andrew
Montgomery, Dave Crowther
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mac Thayer
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Janet Canton, Laura Lancrete
OTHERS PRESENT: Gail Peterson, Steve Peterson
I. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR
Mr. Kojetin called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Nominations were
taken for Park Board Chair. Jean Rydell nominated Pat Vagnoni. Bill Lord
nominated Bill Jenkins. Paul O'Connor MOVED TO CLOSE THE NOMINATIONS.
Andrew Montgomery SECONDED THE MOTION. A written closed ballot was taken.
The Chair for the Park Board is Bill Jenkins.
Nominations were taken for Vice -Chair. Mr. Lord nominated Jim Fee. Mr.
O'Connor nominated Pat Vagnoni. Andrew Herring MOVED THAT THE NOMINATIONS
BE CLOSED. Paul O'Connor SECONDED THE MOTION. A written closed ballot was
taken. The vote was a tie on the vice -chair position. Another closed
ballot was taken which also resulted in a tie. Andrew Herring MOVED THAT
THE PARK BOARD TABLE THE VOTE FOR VICE -CHAIR UNTIL THE NEXT PARK BOARD
MEETING. Dave Crowther SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Jenkins opened up the meeting and thanked the Park Board members for
selecting him as Chair of the Park Board.
II. NEW PARK BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Jenkins introduced Dave Crowther to the Park Board as the new Park
Board member. Everyone welcomed Mr. Crowther.
III. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 13. 1993 MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 13, 1993 MINUTES. Paul O'Connor
SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
IV. ADAPTIVE RECREATION PROGRAM REPORT - LAURA LANCRETE
Mr. Keprios introduced Laura Lancrete, Adaptive Recreation Supervisor. He
noted that Ms. Lancrete has just started her third year as the Adaptive
Recreation Supervisor.
Ms. Lancrete distributed the winter brochure and explained that the art
work on the cover is done by participants in the program. The first cover
was done by a girl from Edina and the current cover was done by a man who
lives in Bloomington. They are pictures of themselves either alone or with
friends enjoying the programs offered either in the adaptive recreation or
in the learning exchange (ABLE). The adaptive recreation program is
through the park and recreation department and the learning exchange
program is through community education in each community. She noted that
all eight components work together to provide educational and recreational
services for people with disabilities in Edina, Bloomington, Richfield and
Eden Prairie. There are both segregated and integrated programs. The
segregated programs are for people with disabilities only and the
integrated programs are for people with and without disabilities. Ms.
Lancrete explained that they also provide assistance to people with
disabilities who want to participate in soccer, the Art Center, etc. These
people are provided with a sign language interpreter or a one-on-one aid to
help them have a positive experience. Ms. Lancrete stated the program is a
great benefit to the community.
Ms. Lancrete then handed out a welcome flyer that was created as part of
the parent advisory board. This board has four subcommittees which are
marketing, education, programing and special projects. The flyer is for
new parents to introduce them to what the South Suburban Adaptive
Recreation is and it lists some of the programs.
Ms. Lancrete indicated that she is adding more programs due to the
popularity and demand. Two days are being added to the swimnastics program
which is for adults with physical disabilities. One day is being added to
the adaptive gymnastics at the Thompson Academy of Gymnastics. Ms.
Lancrete explained this is a very popular class where children have been
making some breakthroughs. Also, out of parent demand, the adaptive swim
lessons are going to be offered year round.
Ms. Lancrete stated that the cooperative does a lot of sharing especially
with staff training, facilities and equipment. This saves a lot of money
for each of the communities.
Mr. Jenkins asked how the numbers are doing. Mr. Lancrete indicated that
they are up.
Mr. Fee asked if the information is getting out to all of the potential
people that could participate in these programs. Ms. Lancrete stated that
is one of their continuing goals and that it is part of the parent advisory
board. She indicated that this board has a marketing and education
committee which goes out to different committees and boards to reach more
of the public. Ms. Lancrete explained that part of her job also is to keep
in contact with the special education directors, adaptive phy-ed teachers
and the special education teacher's to keep them aware of the programs that
are being offered. She indicated that she keeps in contact with them each
quarter.
Mr. Fee indicated that these are good programs and he wants to make sure
that everyone who might be able to participate is aware of the programs.
Ms. Lancrete stated that a video is shown on cable in addition to the
marketing that is done.
Mr. Kojetin asked if there are quite a number of youngsters who are being
mainstreamed into the different athletic programs. Ms. Lancrete noted
there are a few and she has people who go out and work with them. Ms.
Lancrete pointed out that the number of deaf children and adults needing
sign language interpreters has increased. Mr. Kojetin explained that the
City receives CDBG money from the county and state for sign language
interpreters. Sign language interpreters get to be expensive. Last year
approximately $3,000 went to the interpreters. It costs approximately
$25.00 to $50.00 an hour for a sign language interpreter. Mr. Kojetin
indicated that he hopes the state and county continue to fund the program.
Ms. Lancrete indicated that she has a good rapport with Hennepin County who
are very supportive of the programs. Ms. Lancrete stated that in the front
of the calendar there is information on the American With Disabilities Act
along with Susan Wohlrabe's phone number to call with any complaints.
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• Mr. Keprios noted that in addition to Ms. Lancrete's responsibilities as
Adaptive Recreation Supervisor she also runs the playground program. Mr.
Keprios stated that this year there will be a change and they will no
longer have the Playground Olympics. Ms. Lancrete has come up with a new
idea through a lot of research that she did on last year's program. This
year there will be a family jamboree.
Ms. Lancrete indicated that she did a survey of what the parents would like
to see in the future. In past years there was an Olympic festival where
kids would compete and race against each other according to age group.
This year she has decided to tie in a family theme and have non-competitive
activities. It will be held July 15th and there will be popcorn and
refreshments as well as entertainment. There will also be family games and
relays where everyone can win instead of it being a competitive activity.
Ms. Vagnoni indicated that she received something from the Soccer
Association and they mentioned the adaptive soccer program. Ms. Lancrete
stated that the soccer association has been especially supportive of the
program. The presidents of all of the associations have been great to work
with because of the communication with the presidents.
Ms. Vagnoni asked if it was possible to get people to volunteer as sign
language interpreters. Ms. Lancrete indicated that volunteers for
interpreting are hard to come by these days.
V. RESIDENTS' CONCERNS OF CORNELIA SCHOOL PARK CONSTRUCTION AND SCHEDULED USE
GAIL PETERSON. EDINA RESIDENT
Mr. Kojetin indicated that some of the neighbors in the Cornelia School
area are concerned about the relocation and construction that is being done
on the adult softball field. He noted that it has been a problem in the
past with the field being such a short distance. Therefore, it is being
upgraded to make it a better field which includes an outfield fence being
put in. Mr. Keprios stated that because of moving it to the corner of the
park, they are interrupting some of the neighbors in that area. Mr.
Kojetin then introduced Gail Peterson who is a resident with some
concerns. Mr. Kojetin stated that he and John Keprios have been
communicating with Ms. Peterson on this issue.
Ms. Peterson handed out some background information and proposals and
explained that one November morning they looked out their window and saw
bulldozers, sod, and a fence going up. She called the City and found out
that the little league baseball field was being converted into an adult
softball field. She stated they were disturbed from the fact that they
didn't know about it. Ms. Peterson indicated that Mr. Kojetin told them
that since the Lake Edina Park softball fields were no longer available,
because of the Normandale Golf Course, another park was needed for an adult
softball field. Ms. Peterson indicated that she asked why other sites
could not be used such as Yorktown. Mr. Kojetin explained that Cornelia
has been used as an adult softball field in the past and it is a good field
for them. Ms. Peterson indicated that the neighbors are concerned about
this because Cornelia has houses directly around it and because of the
amount of traffic that will be coming into the area. This makes it a
safety issue especially with all of the children. Also, there are
approximately 15 to 18 parking spaces in the parking lot and there are
approximately 40 to 50 spaces that will be needed.
Ms. Peterson proposed that 8 of the 18 parking spaces be reserved for
tennis players. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that after the lot is full, people
can park in the north parking lot which used to be the old softball parking
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lot. Ms. Peterson then asked if the tennis courts will be replaced that
were lost due to the Normandale Golf Course. Mr. Kojetin said not at this
time, but space is being held for future needs.
Mr. Peterson asked whether the City subsidizes the adult softball program
and if they do, why do they choose to do this. It was noted that the
program breaks even.
Ms. Peterson stated that when she and a neighbor met with Mr. Kojetin and
Mr. Keprios it was their understanding that the games would be scheduled
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a total of 10 games on Mondays, 10
games on Tuesdays and 12 games on Wednesdays. She also noted that they
talked about having only one game per evening. Ms. Peterson then asked if
the police could monitor the games and report any drinking violations or
excessive trash to the park. Ms. Peterson suggested having temporary no
parking signs. She felt this could be an education piece used at the
beginning of the season to let people know about the parking situation and
also suggested sending out correspondence on the parking regulations.
Mr. Montgomery pointed out that there is no way there can be one game a
night. Ms. Peterson stated that it was her understanding when she met with
Mr. Keprios and Mr. Kojetin that it would be only one game per evening.
Mr. Keprios indicated that was not agreed to. He stated that there are 10
weeks of league play in a softball season and suggested that he alternate
the Cornelia School field with other neighborhood fields. He will keep
the total number of games to 10 on Mondays, 10 on Tuesdays and 12 on
Wednesdays for a total of 32 games in the 10 week season. Mr. Keprios
explained that he would have 2 games on Monday at Cornelia School and the
following Monday there would none, the Monday after that there would be two
games again, etc.
Mr. Peterson asked Mr. Keprios why he would schedule two games one week and
none the next week. Mr. Keprios replied because he is trying to
accommodate the neighborhood's request. He then explained that the umpires
will not do just one game. Mr. Kojetin explained that they are trying to
move the games around to other areas rather than schedule them all at
Cornelia School, which would be the easiest thing to do. The staff is
trying to be sensitive to and accommodate everyone's concerns. Mr. Keprios
stated that teams would much rather have all games played at the Cornelia
School site rather than at Yorktown Park, Todd Park or Highlands Park
simply because the Cornelia School site has outfield fencing and superior
playing turf.
Mr. Peterson asked,"What is adult softball to Edina, and is it
subsidized?" Mr. Kojetin explained that you have to look at it as an adult
activity just like the kids activities. There are approximately 125 to 135
teams with 15-20 people on a team. That is a lot of residents in the
community who want to participate in an athletic program in the evening.
Mr. Kojetin stated that when the decision was made to upgrade the field, it
wasn't decided to build a new field. There was a field there that was
built back in the early 19601s. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the field may
not be used as often as it was many years ago, however, the field needed to
be upgraded since we will be using it a lot more for the adult softball
program. Mr. Peterson asked, "What is the efficiency; is it 100%, 808,
608, what is it?" Mr. Kojetin stated that we are trying to do the best we
can and not let them use it 1008. Mr. Fee indicated that it depends on
what the demand is. He noted that there are other fields that are used
1008 of the time for adult softball and then we branch out into the smaller
fields, of which Cornelia School is one of them. Mr. Peterson asked who
puts the limitation on when a field gets used, particularly when it's right
in the middle of a community. Mr. O'Connor indicated that it's the Park
Board who makes that decision and he thinks anything up to 1008 depending
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upon the evaluation of the league. He noted it will be used 100% of the
time if it's necessary. Mr. O'Connor felt that Mr. Peterson should
appreciate the staff being sensitive to his concerns and trying to
accommodate him as much as possible.
Ms. Peterson stated that if regulations are not put into effect before the
fact, people are going to get into bad habits especially as far as parking
is concerned. Mr. Kojetin stated that these are good suggestions and as
soon as the weather is good they will start lining the parking lots so more
cars will be able to park there. Ms. Peterson asked if there has ever been
a traffic problem when two games are scheduled a night. Mr. Kojetin
replied that you are going to have traffic like any other type of activity
when it is over, there are going to be a few cars. He stated, however,
that he has never had anybody call and complain about the traffic. Mr.
Montgomery stated that from his experience people are not loitering around,
they want to get home. Ms. Peterson indicated that people are going to
take the closest space available and they are going to park on both sides
of the street so signs will need to be posted and information sent out.
Mr. Keprios indicated to Ms. Peterson that she brought up some really good
comments and concerns. He stated that he and Mr. Kojetin will continue to
work with the neighborhood and he will work closely with the 2,000 softball
players. Ms. Peterson then noted that she is concerned about people
drinking alcohol in the park. Mr. Keprios explained that this year in
regards to drinking he is implementing a new policy. The $100 eligibility
deposit will also have a rule that states that if they are cited in a
written form by either the Edina Police or the Edina Park Ranger, they will
forfeit their $100 and could conceivably be kicked out of the league. He
noted that he is taking it very seriously. Mr: Keprios then indicated that
he will mention that at the manager's meeting and will follow-up with
another correspondence to the teams that are going to be at that field. He
also stated that he will instruct the Park Ranger to visit the site during
game nights. He will also keep a close eye on the trash and will be sure
that there are enough receptacles there. Mr. Keprios noted that the
traffic situation is out of his jurisdiction. He cannot put up no parking
signs, that is up to traffic safety. Mr. Kojetin indicated that he will
try to work something out.
Mr. O'Connor stated that one of the issues that he would really support is
the parking issue on the street. Because of the kids in the area, it's
easy to have an accident happen. Mr. Kojetin explained that what happens
when you put no parking signs on the park people will park on the resident
side and if you put a no parking sign on the resident side, they don't like
a big post in their yard. Mr. Kojetin suggested that we try temporary no
parking signs. Ms. Peterson stated that once people get into the habit it
would only be the beginning of the season when there is a problem.
Mr. Kojetin pointed out that the park has had some serious vandalism and
asked Ms. Peterson if she was aware of anything happening there. Ms.
Peterson stated that she is not.
Ms. Peterson indicated that she hopes her suggestions will be put into
effect and will help make the program go well for everyone. She thanked
the Park Board for providing them the time to discuss this issue.
VI. WALNUT RIDGE
Mr. Kojetin informed the Park Board that he met with Mr. Arnold and Vince
Cockriel, Park Foreman. Mr. Kojetin noted that he feels Mr. Arnold now
understands the how the ice making process is done. It was agreed upon
that when the crews start building the ice between Thanksgiving and before
Christmas they can start anytime they need to. However, after the first of
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the year the ice can be maintained after 7:00 a.m. Mr. Kojetin stated that
the crews will be able to get ice sooner but through the whole season the
quality of ice will not be as good because there will not be as many hours
put in.
Ms. Vagnoni asked about Mr. Arnold's concern over the maintenance men not
showing up at Walnut Ridge. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the maintenance men
were there but were on a lunch break. In addition to this, because of the
bad weather the maintenance men were unable to get to Walnut Ridge every
day.
VII. RESIDENT/NON-RESIDENT POLICY
Mr. Kojetin explained to the Park Board that we need to have a written
policy on the resident/non-resident issue in regards to our own programs.
The programs include: swimming lessons, tennis lessons, coach pitch,
playground, and team tennis. Mr. Keprios indicated that staff can only
make recommendations, they cannot set policy. He stated that he has
received a lot of calls from non-residents and since a formal policy has
never been adopted he is not really able to give them an answer. Mr.
Keprios indicated that his recommendation is that we accept non-residents
into these programs as of May 1st. This gives the residents plenty of time
to register since registration began February 1st. In addition to this
they will pay a $5.00 non-resident fee. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Keprios if
he foresees anything where we would offer the programs to non-residents and
get a resident who didn't register until after May 1st and the program is
now closed because of the non-residents. Mr. Keprios noted that he will
find a way to make sure that the residents will be in a program before a
non-resident is. Mr. Jenkins stated that what he is saying is he doesn't
want to be eliminating an Edina resident who wants to participate in a
program. Pat Vagnoni MOVED TO ACCEPT NON-RESIDENTS INTO THE PARK AND
RECREATION PROGRAMS AFTER MAY IST AND THAT THEY PAY A $5.00 NON-RESIDENT
FEE. IN ADDITION ALL RESIDENTS ARE TO BE PLACED IN A PROGRAM BEFORE THE
NON-RESIDENTS. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
VIII.VISITATION SITES FOR 1993
Mr. Kojetin indicated that the June Park Board meeting is traditionally a
tour of the different parks and facilities. He asked the Park Board if
they had any ideas on where they would like to go. Mr. Herring indicated
that he would like to tour the different construction sites. Ms. Vagnoni
indicated that she would like to see the new soccer fields at Creek Valley
and the adult softball field at Cornelia School Park.
Mr. Fee asked about the old softball field at Cornelia School. Mr. Keprios
indicated that the old adult softball field is going to become a girls
softball field. It has a shorter outfield which makes it ideal for them.
He then explained that they are going to upgrade the adult softball field
where it is but since the right field is so close to the school building
they are putting in a fence. Ms. Rydell asked if the Yorktown Park could
be used or is it a funny size. Mr. Keprios replied that it is a terrible
field and that it doesn't have the distance in right field.
IX.LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Mr. Kojetin indicated that on February 27th the League of Women Voters will
be having a tour of the City. He noted that the head of each department
will be in their offices to answer questions as well as the Chairman of
each of the boards.
Mr. Kojetin handed out a proclamation for Bob Christianson and asked
everyone to sign it. Ms. Vagnoni stated that he should be the recipient of
the Mayor's Special Commendation Award at the volunteer recognition
reception that will be held in April. Mr. Kojetin noted that award is for
outstanding volunteer service to the City of Edina while in an elected or
appointed position., Jim Fee MOVED TO HONOR BOB CHRISTIANSON FOR THE
MAYOR'S SPECIAL COMMENDATION AWARD. Pat Vagnoni SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Kojetin explained that in the past the Park Board has given out four
lifetime season passes to each of the facilities. Passes were given to
Warren Hyde, Jerry Dalen, Joan Lonsbury and Willard Ikola who was given a
lifetime pass to Braemar Arena only. He asked the Park Board if this is
something they would consider giving to Bob Christianson. The Park Board
could recommend it to the City Council since it involves funding. It
usually is very minimal that these people use their lifetime pass to the
facilities.
Mr. Fee asked how many years Mr. Christianson was on the Park Board. Mr.
Kojetin noted he was with the Park Board for a total of 11 years. He was a
school board representative on the Park Board from 1981 to 1986 and served
on the Park Board from 1987 to 1993. Mr. Kojetin stated that the reason he
brought this up is the fact that Bob Christianson spent a lot of time
trying to sell some of our big projects in the last five years to the City
Council. Mr. Kojetin stated that he feels Bob Christianson really did an
outstanding job for the park system.
Ms. Vagnoni asked what the lifetime pass includes. It was noted that it
would include: The Braemar Golf Courses, Braemar Arena, Edina Art Center,
Edinborough Park -Centennial Lakes, Edina Aquatic Center and the Brian
Wippermann Memorial Gun Range. Mr. Fee MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY
COUNCIL THAT A LIFETIME PASS BE GIVEN TO BOB CHRISTIANSON FOR BRAEMAR
ARENA, BRAEMAR GOLF COURSES, EDINA AQUATIC CENTER, EDINA ART CENTER,
EDINBOROUGH PARK -CENTENNIAL LAKES, BRIAN WIPPERMANN MEMORIAL GUN RANGE.
Paul O'Connor SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
XI. _OTHERS
A. Hockey Association and Basketball Association - Mr. Herring informed
Mr. Keprios that there has been a conflict this season between the Mite
Hockey program and the first and second grade basketball program. He
stated that he understands the gyms are available on Saturday mornings at
the elementary schools. He then stated that the second year mites also
have been playing on Saturday mornings. Mr. Herring felt this is very
unfortunate that kids who are 6, 7, and 8 years old cannot play both
sports. Mr. Herring noted that with a little coordination possibly the
mite hockey could play in the afternoon. Mr. Herring explained that he
just wants Mr. Keprios to be aware that there has been a conflict. Mr.
Keprios indicated that he has never heard that complaint before. Mr.
Jenkins noted that he has also experienced this conflict. Mr. Keprios
stated that the Mites traditionally have been scheduled on Saturday
mornings. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the 1st and 2nd graders have only had
a program for the last couple of years. Mr. Keprios noted that he would
see to it that this be changed for next year.
B. Future School District Fees and Charges - Mr. Herring asked Mr. O'Connor
as the District goes to look for ways to raise revenues what might we
expect given the partnership we have between the City and the Park Board.
Mr. O'Connor indicated that they are really in tough shape for next year,
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there is about two million dollars that needs to be cut out of the current
budget. Mr. O'Connor stated that they simply want to break even with the
Park and Recreation programs. In other words, cover our expenses with the
janitors, etc. He doesn't see them ever trying to make money on that. Mr.
Herring asked about eliminating the sport programs. Mr. O'Connor stated
that he didn't know. He explained that they are going through a process
now that's going to take a couple of months and then administration has to
come back to the school board with a recommendation. He indicated that
they gave the staff the financial goals that have to be achieved. Mr.
Kojetin stated that the City Council and the School Board met about a month
ago and discussed a lot of items and some of those related to Park and
Recreation. Mr. Kojetin stated that he is putting together a report to
submit to Mr. Rosland in regards to some of these items.
Mr. Kojetin noted that the big item is the field house. He indicated that
he met with Mr. Keprios, Mr. Johnson, the architect and the school
contractor to talk about the flooring and other items that need to be done
in the field house. The School District is putting together a priority
list of things that have to be done. The bids came in fairly well on the
construction that they are doing now so there might be some money left over
that can be used in the fieldhouse. Mr. Kojetin indicated that last year
the City transferred $19,000 from the Tax Increment District to the School
District for upgrading the tennis courts. He then noted that approximately
$22,000 could be transferred to the School District for an athletic project
since this amount of money is available each year. Possibly the School
District could fund a project, such as the basketball floor for the
fieldhouse, up front. The City could then pay back the School District an
annual fee of $22,000 over a period of three to four years for the
project. Mr. Kojetin explained that this issue was discussed a little bit
at the meeting but before anything can be done, the architect has to
evaluate the total needs of the fieldhouse. Mr. Kojetin felt it was an
excellent meeting with the school. Mr. Kojetin stated the main priority
that the park and recreation department and the city would be interesting
in funding would be the basketball floor in the fieldhouse.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
James Fee MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:00 P.M. Andrew Montgomery
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.