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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-11 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. February 11, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Christianson, Bill Jenkins, Jean Rydell, Pat Vagnoni, Jim Fee, Mac Thayer, Andrew Herring, Paul O'Connor, Beth Hall, Andrew Montgomery MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Lord STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Janet Canton, Susan Weigle, Laura Hinton, Jackie Onischuk OTHERS PRESENT: Reid Evenson, Dick Armbrust, John Basgen, Julie Armbrust Donna Harmon, Bill Fee, Jennifer Fee, Susan Fee, Dick Blooston, Thomas Miller, Dave Crowther, Mary Lillicrap, Tom Treno, Devie Coval, Mary Jean Weigel I. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR Mr. Kojetin brought the meeting to order. He asked for nominations for the Park Board Chair. Bill Jenkins MOVED TO RECOMMEND BOB CHRISTIANSON AS CHAIR OF THE PARK BOARD. Paul O'Connor SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. Mr. Kojetin asked for nominations for the Park Board Vice -Chair. James Fee MOVED TO RECOMMEND BILL JENKINS AS VICE -CHAIR OF THE PARK BOARD. Bill Lord SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. II. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 14, 1992 MINUTES Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 14, 1992 MINUTES. Paul O'Connor SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. III. EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Mr. Christianson informed everyone that at the last Park Board meeting there was a discussion on the differences in the amount of ice time that is allocated to the various hockey teams. Some Park Board members were then concerned about the equal allocation of indoor ice in a City of Edina owned public facility. Mr. Fee had informed the Park Board that some parents were talking about bringing this topic to the City Council. It was then decided that this concern should be brought up at the Park Board meeting with members of the Edina Hockey Association (EHA) present. Mr. Christianson did comment that it is usually not the Park Board's business to get into the athletic associations day-to-day operations. Mr. Kojetin stated that this is not a new concern. In 1974 the Park Board made a recommendation that the Park and Recreation Department schedule all ice time for the Hockey Association after they submit to the Park Department the basic format of hours that they desire. It was noted that Edina Hockey Association used to play 50% outside and 50% inside. However, since the early 1980's, the entire Edina Hockey Association program has been scheduled on indoor ice. After all of the league games have been scheduled, the EHA then allocates practice ice time to the hockey teams. This is where there are concerns from parents and coaches that indoor practice ice times are not divided equally among the hockey teams. The people that are the most concerned are parents and coaches from the "C" league, which has also been known as the House League. It was pointed out that the "C" league in the past did not want to play as much as the two other levels of ability. However, times have changed and the "C" league kids do want to play as much as the other levels. It was noted that most of the "C" league kids did try out to be in the "A" and "B" league. Mr. Keprios introduced the four members from the EHA so that they could answer anyone's questions and concerns. The EHA indicated that District 6 now schedules the games for the "A", "B",and "C" leagues. This is the first year they have scheduled the "C" league. The District 6 is made up of 8 communities. The EHA also commented that some of the other communities have also experienced a drop in the number of kids in the hockey program. It was asked whether all levels play the same amount of games. The EHA indicated that the games played for each level are very close to being equal. The difference is the amount of practice ice time that is allocated to the different leagues. It was also pointed out that the "C" league used to practice primarily outdoors. Now everyone in the program, including Mites, play indoors. Mr. Keprios explained that he reserves so many hours of ice time for games and so many hours of ice time for practices. The EHA then allocates this practice ice. The EHA gave an example of what the allocation of practice ice time was for the Bantams: "A" league 28 hrs.; "B" league 26 hrs.; "C" league 7 hrs. Mr. Montgomery asked if some seasons are longer for one league than another. It was noted that the seasons are pretty much the same. Some may start earlier but also end earlier. Basically the game playing time is equal. Mr. Evenson stated that you get into a "philosophy" with three levels of play. It has been carried on through tradition that the better skilled players, "A" and "B" players, have traditionally been more committed to the sport of hockey and their parents have been more willing to the pay the higher cost. It was asked how many "C" kids tried out for an "A" or "B" league. It was estimated that 90% did try out for the two higher leagues. Mr. Christianson asked why should a kid wanting to travel and willing to put in the time and effort be excluded from the opportunity to travel? The EHA pointed out that the "C" league is now a traveling program and they K just do not get as much indoor practice ice time. Mr. Evenson indicated that people are making assumptions on the number of kids that just want to play recreational hockey and those that want to play traveling hockey. Mr. Christianson expressed his feeling that this is not a good or bad issue. The issue is affording kids the opportunity to use a public facility on an equal basis. The Park Board is responsible for maintaining public facilities and making sure taxpayers are afforded the opportunity to use these facilities fairly. Mr. Basgen stated that Edina is not the only community with this problem. He stated, however, that Apple Valley had all "C" league players traveling this year and some parents did not like this. Especially since they had to drive all over the Twin Cities. The EHA noted that District 6 is sending out a survey to parents to find out what they want concerning driving and costs. These results will be helpful to the EHA. Mr. O'Connor had an idea of dividing the ice time up evenly among each team and let the teams decide how much practice ice time they want. Whatever a team does not want they can.sell it back to the arena. The EHA indicated that this would not work. First of all, people would be giving back the "bad" hours and the Arena ends up losing money. Mr. Armbrust stated that New Hope tried this and they lost between $6,000 and $7,000 by allowing teams to return ice. Mr. O'Connor stated his point that practice ice time should be equally available to all teams. Mr. Herring asked if there can more than one "A" and one "B" league? The EHA explained that there can be and it changes every year. It is based on the number and talent of the kids playing. A parent stated that they are not even given the chance to pay more money to have more indoor practice ice time. It was pointed out that money is not always the problem. The problem is there is no ice available. Another parent indicated that it was brought up that the "C" league does play outdoors a lot. She pointed out that in Minnesota this is not guaranteed. Last week her son had two outdoor practices and both were cancelled due to poor ice conditions because of the weather. This is no longer a valid solution. Mr. Evenson did comment that money is not always the issue and in a lot of cases people do not have the extra money. He stated that every year the EHA is receiving more and more applications for scholarship requests. Mr. Evenson also explained the additional assessment charged to each player which is based on which level team he attains. Thus, every player pays his share of additional indoor ice. He also explained that sponsor monies are an important part of keeping registration costs down and it is difficult to get sponsors to contribute towards a "C" team over an "A" team. Mr. Miller indicated that there is a problem with communication and perception by some of the parents. These parents believe that the EHA board is made up of the parents of "A" and "B" league,players. He also stated that the philosophy 15 years ago is not the same today and the EHA needs to adapt to those changes. The EHA pointed out that there are open positions on their board and they do not discriminate against the parents 3 of "C" league players. Mr. Evenson indicated that he had kids in the "C" league. Mr. Miller also asked if the ERA Board elects their new members. It was stated that they do. Another fact was brought up that there is no way a kid can get beyond a "C" league if he is not given more practice'ice time. One team manager indicated that she has the money from the parents to buy more ice but there is none available. They end up running all over the Twin Cities just to get ice time. Mr. Treno, a "C" league coach, stated the he received 5 hours of indoor ice time for the year. He noted that this is not enough indoor ice time for a player to improve. He indicated that after he received his team roster he held a meeting with the players' parents to discuss how much extra money they would be willing to spend to get more ice time outside of Braemar Arena. As a result of having more ice time, his team's record is 23 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie. Another coach responded to this by saying that the majority of coaches do not have time to be calling over the Twin Cities looking for practice ice. Also, the majority of these parents cannot afford to be buying all of this extra ice. Mr. Christianson asked if the practice ice time is given to the "C" league coaches before they are given their team rosters? It was noted that this is true and coaches do need to make this decision. Mr. Jenkins asked the EHA members if they thought there was a problem and if so, what they felt the solution should be? Mr. Evenson replied that if some of the people have a problem then there is definitely a problem. Mr. Evenson stated that more, research will need to be done on this topic. Mr. Evenson indicated there is no solution at this point. Dick Blooston, an EHA coach, indicated that he had this same problem 15 years ago and did the same thing that Mr. Treno did, he found more ice outside of Braemar Arena and his kids did get better and some of them moved up to the "A" league. This has been a problem for a long time and kids need more playing time at a younger age to get better. Mr. O'Connor MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT ICE TIME BE MADE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR LEAGUE AND THIS DOES EXCLUDE THE MITES. James Fee SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Montgomery asked the Park Board if they really want to be meddling in the day-to-day affairs of the EHA? He felt the Park Board can give guidance in their position but to dictate how they run their association is not the Park Board's position. Mr. Jenkins agreed that they should not be getting into their business, however, he is not disagreeing with this subject. The ice time should be even but we should not be telling the EHA what to do. Mr. Herring commented that he is concerned about the precedent this motion could be setting for the other associations. There are problems with the available of gym time space and baseball field use, etc. He felt the Park Board should look at this motion more closely. 4 Mr. Christianson noted that he is not unsympathetic to this concern but it would set a very bad precedent to directly interfere at this time. The EHA has offered to address the problem and the ERA representatives are aware there is a problem. Mr. Christianson noted that in his 11 years on the Park Board this is the first time this topic has come up. Mr. Christianson felt the Park Board should afford EHA the opportunity to address the issue and deal with it on their own first. John Keprios stated that the Edina Hockey Association is charged with the task of offering a comprehensive youth hockey program offering for youth of all abilities and that the EHA's purpose is not to be a feeder system for the Edina Varsity hockey program. Mr. Montgomery MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION IN COORDINATION WITH THE STAFF LOOK AT THEIR EHA POLICY IN HAVING INDOOR ICE TIME MORE EQUITABLY ALLOCATED AND ADVISE THE PARK BOARD OF THEIR SOLUTIONS. Paul O'Connor withdrew his previous motion. James Fee SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. IV. FUNDRAISING SURVEY REPORT FORM Mr. Keprios submitted the final Fundraising Survey Report form. Ms. Vagnoni indicated that it looked very good. Mr. O'Connor asked if numbers 11 and 12 could have the years 1989 and 1990. Bill Jenkins MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FUNDRAISING SURVEY REPORT FORM WITH THE ADDITION TO NUMBERS 11 AND 12. Paul O'Connor SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Keprios indicated he will send the form out to the athletic associations as soon as possible and will report back to the Park Board at the April meeting. V. PLAYGROUND PROGRAM Mr. Herring brought up the topic of the Playground Program to familiarize everyone with it. Ms. Hinton, Playground Director, indicated that they did send out a survey last year. Ms. Hinton noted that each park has 2 to 4 leaders. Mr. Herring thinks parents need to know that this program is not set up as a daycare setting. Children are free to leave when they want, all they need to do is let a supervisor know they are leaving. It was asked if this program should maybe be more directed towards a daycare setting. It was noted that this would not work because of the expense that is involved in having a daycare and there also would be competition with the private sector. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the age for the playground program has been raised to 6 years old. Children should have completed kindergarten. It was changed because the 5 year olds do not integrate well in a recreational playground setting with 10 year olds. It was noted that the Kids Club also does not serve the 5 and younger category. 5 Mr. Herring's concern is that some parents think their children are being supervised more than they really are and do not realize that their children can leave if they want to. Mr. Herring suggested that possibly one park could be designated as a daycare park. Mr. Keprios stated that this would be a very expensive program in addition to an already very heavily subsidized Playground Program. Mr. Christianson suggested that a flyer of some type should be sent to the parents so they are made aware that it is not a daycare type situation. It was noted that the Playground Program has been in existence since the mid 1950's and is a very good program. It was also suggested that possibly another survey be done and to ask leaders how many kids do actually leave during the program and go home. Mr. Kojetin noted that this year a confirmation is being mailed to people for the programs they have signed up for. At this time a flyer could be sent to the Playground registrants. VI. SENIOR CENTER UPDATE Mr. Kojetin gave an update on the Senior Center. He noted that the Contractor could not start until the end of September because of the School's survey. Mr. Kojetin indicated that because of the late start the contractor could have walked away and the City could have been out $74,000.00. Because of this they have been accommodating to him. The contractor started out strong and the hole was cut for the air conditioner and then the snow came the end of October and the project dragged. Mr. Kojetin stated that the City's crew could not work on this project then because of snow plowing and the contractor did not want our crews there then when he was working. Ms. Weigle had expressed concerns along with the seniors about the removal of the wall last fall. Mr. Kojetin noted that if we remove the wall we would have no separation between the four rooms. The wall is necessary to act as a sound barrier to allow many activities to occur at the same time in each of the four rooms. This was expressed at the Park Board meeting and the Community Education Service Board meeting last fall. Mr. Kojetin attended the Community Education Service Board meeting in January and updated all of the time schedules and the process of what was going on to date and the cost of the project. He again expressed the concern that we were going to leave the wall in so as not to have interruption of activities in any of the four rooms. At this time work was being done by the City crews and the contractor was installing the air conditioning. It is anticipated that most of the construction work will be completed in March and hopefully sometime in April there will be some type of a grand opening of the new area. Mr. Kojetin noted that it is coming along very well. He will give another update again at the next Park Board meeting. Ms. Weigle indicated there are so many more things they will be able to do with four rooms. Ms. Weigle indicated that the seniors have been very pleased with what has been going on so far. C VII. OTHER a. Park Board Meeting Time - Mr. Christianson asked the Park Board if they would be willing to change the meeting time from 7:30 to 7:00 p.m. It was noted that this time would not work out for everyone so the meeting time will remain at 7:30 p.m. b. Baseball Association - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Baseball Association finished their policy on alcohol and drug use. There will be a waiver at registration for all parents and players to sign indicating that they are aware of this policy and will abide by it. Mr. Keprios felt they did a remarkable job. This policy will be sent to the other athletic associations to look at. C. Hockey Moms - Mr. Keprios and Mr. Thayer met with two of the Edina Hockey Moms. Mr. Keprios stated it was a very good meeting and there should be no problems. d. Mailing Labels - Mr. Keprios asked Mr. O'Connor if they would be able to obtain the mailing information from the School District. Mr. O'Connor asked Mr. Keprios to call him to discuss the situation. If this would be possible then the Park and Recreation office would be able to make up the labels and would not need to continually request them from the School Board staff. It was noted by Mr. Keprios that these mailing labels can only be obtained by him so that they can be kept private. The Park and Recreation office would also honor that same privacy rule with the mailing labels. VIII.ADJOURNMENT Mac Thayer MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:50 P.M. Paul O'Connor SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 7