HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-12-14 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
December 14, 1993
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Beth Hall, Andrew Herring, Dave Crowther, Jim
Fee, Becky Bennett, Jean Rydell, Paul O'Connor, Andrew
Montgomery, Bill Lord
MEMBERS ABSENT: Marty Nanne
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Julius, Larry Fuglesten
I. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 9. 1993 MINUTES
Paul O'Connor MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 9, 1993 MINUTES. Jean
Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. CORNELIA SCHOOL PTA - PARK DEVELOPMENT - LARRY FUGLESTEN & MIKE JULIUS
Mr. Kojetin introduced Larry Fuglesten, Cornelia School Principal and
Mike Julius, Cornelia School PTA. He indicated that he has been working
with these two gentlemen for the last three years on the Cornelia
School/Park tree planting program. He explained that Cornelia School
Park is a joint park with the City. Mr. Kojetin stated that quite a
number of dollars have been invested into the Cornelia School/Park
grounds which have been raised through the PTA as well as money donated
through the Rotary Club. The city's manpower as well as the kids, PTA
members and neighbors did all of the plantings. However, there are
still a few trees left to plant. Mr. Kojetin then noted that the
school, PTA, and parents are now looking at what to do next.
Mr. Fuglesten stated that he and Mr. Julius had a couple of objectives
that they wanted to share with the Park Board. He indicated that the
key message that he wanted to share is that the school/park is being
revitalized. He explained that three years ago Mr. Julius came into his
office and indicated that he felt something needed to be done with
Cornelia School Park. He noted that they then looked at reforesting the
land since there were not a lot of trees and shrubbery there. He
explained that they put together a plan that would involve help from the
kids and neighbors. They started out by asking the PTA for money so
they could hire an architect to put together a plan. The PTA then put
in more money to get started and the Edina Rotary Club donated $3,000 to
start with the planting of trees. Money was also raised through a
walk-a-thon, individual and family contributions, and the fifth grade
class raised $200. Mr. Fuglesten also noted that last year they applied
for the Minnesota Relief Grant through the Department of Natural
Resources and were one of very few schools in the state to receive a
grant from them. He indicated they received $6,000 to continue with the
planting.
Mr. Fuglesten stated that last summer they put approximately $3,000 into
playground equipment and improvements. Also, next spring they will
finish planting. He noted that they have not only had tremendous
support from the parents within the area but from other residents and
businesses as well. Mr. Fuglesten stressed that this is a park that the
neighborhood cares about a great deal and they want to work with the
Park and Recreation Department and Park Board to develop the park
further. Mr. Fuglesten also pointed out that they have not had a single
incident of vandalism on any of the trees and he thinks it's because
everyone has taken ownership of the park and cares a great deal about
it.
Mr. Julius noted that he is really excited how the project has come
along the last three years. He indicated that there are 60 trees left
to plant which then brings the total to about 400 trees.
Mr. Julius explained that he has put together, with the help of the PTA,
Mr. Fuglesten, and the students, a wish list entitled "Cornelia
Continues to Grow". It is a list is goals for 1994 through 1996.
(Listed below).
1. Tree Planting Completion
2. Outdoor Basketball Courts
a. One Full Court
b. Two Half Courts
c. Various Court Games
3. Playground Structure
4. Junior Soccer Field
5. Sledding Hill Modifications
6. Baseball Field Rejuvenation
7. Warming House Relocation
a. Restrooms
b. Drinking Fountain
C. Storage Facilities
8. Improved & Safe Skating Rink Access
a. Maintenance Truck Access
b. Car & Skater Access
9. Sidewalk Completion
a. South Athletic Field
b. North Side of School
10. Skating Rink Reconfiguration
a. Improved Rink Lighting
11. School & Neighborhood Flower Gardens
12. Neighborhood Gym
Mr. Julius went over this list and the following comments were made.
It was noted that Cornelia has the worst warming house facility. There
are no restrooms or running water. Mr. Kojetin indicated that this was
one of the first warming houses and it was one that they put up every
winter and took the sides down every summer to make a picnic shelter
area. It was too expensive at that time to put in sewer and water. Mr.
Kojetin noted that he has talked to Mr. Fuglesten and Mr. Julius about
possibly putting a warming house adjacent to the school and then tap off
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the school's sewer/water system.
Mr. Kojetin noted that they have also talked about having a joint
gymnasium between the school district and city since we are now short on
gymnasium space. He indicated that maybe we need to look into a bond
issue for the warming houses and a gymnasium. Mr. Kojetin did point out
that with a gymnasium there are a lot of other issues that would need to
be addressed such as traffic patterns, etc.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that a lot of people have asked him when a better
building and restrooms will be put in at Cornelia. He noted that it is
listed in the Jupiter Report, however, the funding and year to be built
are not listed in the report. Mr. Jenkins indicated that for the last 5
plus years we have been talking about doing something at the Cornelia
School Warming House. He then clarified that the city is having
cutbacks on the capital side which means we are unable to do it. Mr.
Kojetin noted that is what he is saying, it doesn't look like there will
be any money coming in and therefore, we may need to look at a bond
issue for these projects. Mr. Jenkins asked if the Developer's Fund
could be tapped for something like this. Mr. Kojetin noted that the
Developer's Fund has approximately $400,000 in it and it possibly could
be used for this.
Ms. Bennett asked if having a gymnasium at this site is the most logical
place for it compared to other parks. Mr. Kojetin noted that it is hard
to say. He stated that possibly Creek Valley would also be a good site
since it is a joint school/park. Mr. Montgomery asked if a gymnasium
were put in would it include a couple of courts. Mr. Kojetin noted that
it would probably be one regulation size court. Mr. Montgomery noted
that by the time you build something like this it would seem like you
would want to put in more than one court. Ms. Rydell stated that a lot
more park space would be taken up if too large of a building were put
in. Mr. Kojetin noted that you also have to look at parking and
traffic. Possibly a gymnasium at some point could also be put in at
Creek Valley. Mr. Kojetin noted that a study would really have to be
done to look at all of the different aspects of building a gymnasium.
Mr. O'Connor asked how can the Park Board move ahead with the warming
house issue at Cornelia School. Mr. Kojetin noted that he thinks it is
something that should be looked at for 1995 since 1994 has already been
scheduled and funded and that we could possibly look at the Developer's
Fund. He noted that it would cost approximately $150,000 for a warming
house building and an investigation would need to be done to get an
amount for the water and sewer. Restroom facilities make it a lot more
expensive, however, ADA funds could possibly be used for the restrooms.
Mr. Kojetin also noted that possibly tax increment funding could be used
from the City to contribute money to this project. This has been done
for the tennis courts at the high school and improvements to the
fieldhouse will also be funded this way.
Mr. Herring stated that he thought the number of ice skaters at this
location was quite low. Mr. Kojetin noted that he feels it is due to
the fact that they do not schedule any games at this site as well as
there are no restrooms, running water or permanent walls.
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Paul O'Connor MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE STAFF WORK
WITH THE CORNELIA SCHOOL PTA AND SCHOOL DISTRICT TO DO A FEASIBILITY
STUDY ON THE RELOCATION OF THE WARMING HOUSE AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION OF
A RESTROOM AND RUNNING WATER. James Fee SECONDED MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED.
Mr. Julius made a comment that if the Park Board needs neighborhood
support, petitions, etc. they have it. Mr. Julius noted that he and Mr.
Fuglesten are here to say that a total of $50,000 has been put into the
play structure as well as the trees over the last three years and they
are now looking at completing as much of the wish list as possible in
the next three years. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Julius if his wish list is
prioritized. He noted that it is not. Mr. Kojetin noted that he has
never seen a neighborhood like this one really get behind a project
around a local elementary school.
Mr. Fee asked how hard would it be to try to assess some cost to these
various items and maybe we get some of these items accomplished. Mr.
O'Connor indicated that he suggested they contact the School Board on
the playground issue because they do have some dollars left over from
the renovation that could be used for this. Mr. Fee noted that is the
kind of input he is looking for because he doesn't know that all of the
items fall under the Park Department's jurisdiction. Both Gentlemen
thanked the Park Board for their consideration.
Mr. O'Connor noted that as a representative to the School District he
would like to read part of letter he received from Congressman Jim
Ramstad. It stated "Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on
selection of Cornelia Elementary Schools the Third Congressional
District elementary school for the month of December."
III. BUDGET OVERVIEW FOR 1994
Mr. Kojetin indicated that he would like to cover the information that
is in the yellow books at the January meeting because it will be more
up-to-date at that time. Mr. Kojetin noted that the last page is the
capital improvement budget for 1994 and that the council has approved
the budget as well as the fees and charges. Mr. Kojetin noted that of
the $200,000 that is indicated, $100,000 of it is coming from the
utility transfer from the Water Department because the wells are on park
property. Mr. Jenkins asked if that number changes every year and it
was noted that it does not, it has been $100,000 for the last ten years.
Of the other $100,000, $20,000 is coming from the general fund and
$80,000 is from the developer's fund. Mr. Jenkins asked about the
equipment capital side of things. This is funded in the Operating
Budget.
Mr. Montgomery asked if it would be appropriate before next months
meeting to go over a few questions that he had on the budget. Possibly
two or three other people would also be interested in doing this. Mr.
Kojetin noted that would be just fine. Mr. Kojetin pointed out, that
the finances are not part of the policy board (Park Board) but are the
City Council's responsibility. Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Kojetin if he is
saying that they have no responsibility in this regard. Mr. Kojetin
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noted that is correct regarding the operating budget. However, the Park
Board has been setting policy in regards to the capital funding of what
projects they would like to make recommendations to the City Council to
fund each year and the fees and charges for the different facilities.
Mr. Crowther asked the staff if it would be out of line to ask for
assistance from some of the athletic associations to help with some of
the maintenance issues. Something that would be beyond the user fee.
He noted that we are looking at tighter money and a lot of the
associations have surpluses that could help us in some of these areas.
Mr. Kojetin noted that he doesn't think it would be out of line. He
indicated that the Hockey Association just bought a scoreboard for the
arena. Mr. Crowther indicated that he is opposed to the athletic
associations having surpluses. He feels they should spread the wealth
as far as upgrading. Mr. Kojetin noted that this would be a good topic
to discuss with the athletic associations. He also noted that a number
of the associations have contributed a lot to the Park Department such
as the Basketball Association has donated money to the fieldhouse, the
Soccer Association has donated money to upgrade the fields such as the
one at Creek Valley and the hockey moms have also contributed a lot.
Mr. Crowther noted that no one has approached the Football Association
for money to help with different maintenance issues. Mr. Kojetin noted
that is an excellent idea.
Mr. Kojetin indicated to the Park Board that a new facility has opened
in Roseville. He noted that they have built a 400 meter speed skating
rink with a Bandy rink in the middle. Mr. Jenkins asked how long that
facility will have ice and it was noted from November 15th until March
15th. It was built so there will still be ice when it is 45 degrees
outside. Mr. Keprios noted that there are 87 bandy games scheduled at
that facility this season. Therefore the Bandy rink at Lewis Park will
be more open for Bandy and other teams to practice.
Mr. Montgomery asked how the outdoor ice was coming along and what the
status was with Mr. Arnold. Mr. Kojetin noted they need some cold
weather for the ice. He also indicated that he talked to Mr. Arnold and
that he requested Walnut Ridge be the last rink taken care of each day.
IV. OTHER
A. Wooddale Park - Mr. Kojetin noted that the City Council took the
Park Board's recommendation to not rename the Wooddale Park ballfield.
B. Normandale Park - Mr. Kojetin indicated that the City has been doing
a storm water study of the neighborhood at Normandale Park. There has
been a lot of flooding off of 66th Street and Naomi Drive. He explained
that the houses on the corner always gets flooded. About a month ago
the recommendation was to use the football/baseball field at Normandale
Park as a water storage area such the same way the fields at Southview
Jr. High on Concord Avenue are being used now. The water storage area
will hold water for approximately 6 hours in a heavy rain and then drain
into the storm water system. They are going to redo the whole baseball
and soccer/football field. Mr. Jenkins asked if it will affect the
usage of the park at all. Mr. Kojetin noted that it will not. Mr.
Jenkins asked where are the funds coming from to do this project. Mr.
Kojetin indicated from the Utility Fund and affected neighbors.
C. Park Board Meetings - Mr. Crowther asked if all handouts as well as
a summary of what will be addressed be mailed in the Park Board packets
instead of being distributed at the actual meeting. He noted that it
will help give the members a better understanding of the issues being
talked about. It will also give Park Board members a chance to ask
questions and make better recommendations. Everyone agreed this would
be a good policy to start doing. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that sometimes
when neighbors or guests appear at the Park Board meetings they do not
give us handouts that we can give to you in advance. However, if at all
possible we will ask these guests to produce some type of information
ahead of time.
D. Paul O'Connor - Mr. Jenkins indicated that this is Paul O'Connor's
last Park Board meeting. He thanked Mr. O'Connor for all of his hours
and noted that he has done a great job the last 3 1/2 years. Mr. Fee
indicated that Mr. O'Connor has been the most diligent School Board
liaison to the Park Board in the nine years that he has been on the
Board and that his input has been very well appreciated.
E. Santa House - Mr. Kojetin noted that Ms. Hall, a member of the
Federated Women's Club, has just completed a successful Santa House,
which has returned to Edina. Ms. Hall noted that all of the workers at
Braemar Golf Course were very helpful. Mr. Herring noted that his kids
loved it.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:55 P.M. Jean Rydell
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
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