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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. 2 • 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 3 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 4 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 5 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, Fi 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.