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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-08-11 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. August 11, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Lord, Andrew Montgomery, Jim Fee, Pat Vagnoni, Bill Jenkins, Bob Christianson, Beth Hall, Jean Rydell, Mac Thayer, Paul O'Connor MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Herring STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Susan Weigle, John Valliere OTHERS PRESENT: Bill Weir I. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 14,_1992 MINUTES Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 14 1992 MINUTES. Pat Vagnoni SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. HENNEPIN COUNTY PARK RESERVE REPORT Mr. Christianson welcomed Bill Weir, Commissioner of the District 3 Hennepin Parks, to the meeting. Mr. Weir informed the Park Board that Hennepin Parks is among the four top finalists for a national award as one of the best park systems in the country serving a population of 250,000 or more. Mr. Weir then presented a video on the Hennepin Parks System and handed out brochures. Ms. Vagnoni inquired about the Bryant Lake project. Mr. Weir responded that they are working on the construction of the roads and pathways at Bryant Lake Park. Mr. Weir asked the Park Board if Edina would possibly be interested in linking a trail to other parks in the surrounding areas. Mr. Weir noted that conceivably Edina could work in.cooperation with Hopkins close to the northwest corner of Edina. Mr. Weir basically wanted input to see if Edina would be interested in a project such as this. Mr. Christianson asked how a trail like this would be financed. Mr. Weir indicated by taxes. The entire Hennepin County Park system tax levy on the median price home is now about $12.00/year. This number, however, does tend to go up every year. It was asked if this would be a revenue facility? Mr. Weir indicated that there is no way it could be a revenue facility. Mr. Weir also informed the Park Board of the new in-line skating program. More people are skating now than ever before. There will soon be trails available for the different level skaters. Mr. Weir also indicated that Hennepin Parks is looking at having a few parks focus on winter activities. Mr. Weir did point out that the Edina Schools use the Hennepin Parks quite a bit. Especially Hyland and Carver. Mr. Weir explained that the Hennepin Parks are in the process of working with leasing railroad right-of-ways and linking the Hennepin Parks and Metropolitan Regional Park Path Systems. Mr. Christianson thanked Mr. Weir and indicated how everyone appreciates the job he is doing. . III. FEES AND CHARGES Mr. Kojetin indicated that the City is working on the 1993 budget. He pointed out that he has met with his facility managers and there are some increases. Basically there is a 3% increase in some areas and a 1% increase in other areas. Mr. Kojetin informed the Park Board that there have been a few changes in the fees and charges since the original fees and charges were sent to the Board members. The first change that Mr. Kojetin pointed out was in regards to the ice time at Braemar Arena. He indicated that in September of 1992 the price will be $96.00 and in September of 1993.the amount will be somewhere between $99.00 and $100.00. The arena is set up to change their fees in September of each year. The next item brought up was the daily admission fee to the aquatic center. Mr. Kojetin indicated that he had talked with Andrew Herring and that Mr. Herring felt that the $5.00 daily admission fee is too much to charge. Mr. Kojetin noted, however, that Mr. Herring did not indicate how much he felt it should be reduced. Mr. Herring suggested having a twilight fee. A person would pay only so much after a certain time. Mr. Montgomery suggested that guests of season ticket holders pay a reduced amount. Ms. Vagnoni suggested a $2.50 fee. The Park Board members discussed this and decided that $3.00 would be better for the twilight fee and the guest fee. Mr. MacHolda expressed that the majority of his calls from dissatisfied customers were not on the daily admission fee but were on the season pass and the pool's closing date. Mr. MacHolda explained that once a person pays their $5.00 that includes all water amenities. Other area pools charge a daily admission and so much per slide The majority of the people seem to prefer the one time fee. Secondly, Mr. MacHolda addressed the pool season. He pointed out that two years ago Edina and Bloomington were the only metropolitan area pools that stayed opened until Labor Day. This year Edina, like last year, will be closing the fourth Sunday of August. Mr. MacHolda noted that Bloomington and Richfield are staying open until Labor Day. Mr. MacHolda noted that the way the weather has been this season it appears to be the right decision to close on August 23rd. All other metropolitan area pools are closing anywhere from August 14th through Labor Day. 2 Thirdly, Mr. MacHolda addressed the pool season tickets. He stated that there are a lot of nannies, grandchildren, foreign exchange students and extended families that have complained about the family season ticket. Mr. MacHolda noted that the pool has been operating the same way since 1958 and times are a lot different now. Mr. MacHolda noted that he felt like a police officer this year. There were all kinds of names and birthdates on season tickets, it was embarrassing for the customer as well as himself. Mr. MacHolda indicated that the staff has discussed a new season ticket proposal where a season ticket for two members of a family would cost $45.00. Each additional person that is added to the pass would cost $10.00 pet person up to a maximum of seven people on one pass. This would give season ticket holders the opportunity to add mixed families, single parents, baby-sitters, etc. to be included in their season ticket. Therefore, it would be $65.00 for a family of four which is what a family season ticket currently costs. Mr. MacHolda did point out that the season pass is like an insurance policy if you have a bad summer. Mr. Kojetin and Mr. Valliere explained the changes on the fees and charges at the Golf Course. Mr. Kojetin noted that the fees were originally $60 for patrons, going up $5.00. It will now be left at $55 and the green fees will be raised by $1.00. Going from $15.50 to $16.50 for 18 -hole non -patron and $13.50 for 18 -hole patron. The 9 -Hole is $9.75 non -patron and $8.25 patron. It was asked if there was a limit as to the number of patrons. Mr. Valliere indicated that anyone living in Edina can purchase a patron card. A patron card gives a person a starting time and a discount on the green fees. Mr. Valliere noted there were approximately 2,200 sold. Mr. Valliere noted that somehow it will need to be worked out where Normandale can fit in with the same patron card. Mr. O'Connor asked if you have a patron card for the executive course does it also include the golf course. Mr. Valliere explained that the regular patron card will include the regulation course and both the Executive Course and Normandale Course. The new Executive Course patron card is to encourage patron card sales for the shorter courses but at a more affordable price for juniors and people who just play those courses. It was also noted that the.senior rates are being phased out. It was asked what age is considered a senior? Mr. Valliere indicated that the age is 65 or older. It was asked how Braemar's fees compare with other public golf course fees. Mr. Valliere indicated that the variable goes anywhere from $13.00 to $25.00 at Edinborough. Brookview, which is a comparable course, is $17.00. Mr. Valliere also noted that the golf buckets are going up .50. This will generate a large revenue. Mr. Kojetin stated that Edinborough Park's daily fee will go up from $2.50 to $3.00. This will include such things as the ice skating rink, the pool and the track. Mr. Keprios brought up the topic that the Athletic Associations have been charged $5.00 per person as a field maintenance fee since 1987. This fee has never been raised and maybe should be recommended to be raised to $6.00 per person. A decision does not have to be made now but everyone should_ start to think about it.. Last time the associations were not notified when 3 this recommendation was made. Mr. Christianson felt that this topic should first be brought to the Athletic Associations and then to the Park Board. The Athletic Associations are the people being affected by it. It was noted that this first came about when the City Council cut the field maintenance budget in half, and to make up the other half a field maintenance fee was added. Mr. Keprios stated that when he mentioned this to the Edina Youth Softball Association, they did not seem concerned and indicated it would not be a problem. It was recommended that the athletic associations should be notified first of this fee increase and then bring the topic back for a recommendation at the next Park Board meeting. Andy Montgomery MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE FEES AND CHARGES AS PROPOSED WITH THE ADDITION OF A $3.00 GUEST FEE IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL SEASON PASS AND A $3.00 FEE IF YOU ENTER THE POOL AFTER 5:00 P.M. Bill Jenkins SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. It was noted that attendance should be taken of how many patrons use the pool after 5:00 p.m. and how many guests of season pass holders use the pool. IV. WINTER SKATING FACILITIES Mr. Kojetin indicated that since the attendance figures from last winter showed such a small usage on outdoor skating facilities and, due to some of the budget constraints, that maybe the Park -Board should consider closing some skating facilities in the city. With the exception of Strachauer Park, the staff is not recommending what rinks should be closed. The staff feels that due to the amount of extreme low usage at Strachauer park, it should be closed. This facility only has general skating and there are no hockey boards. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that some of the small neighborhood rinks that do not have warming houses do get flooded, and he continually gets requests to keep flooding these rinks. Mr. Kojetin.pointed out that so far in the budget discussions with the staff and City Council, the two positions that are open from the two maintenance men that left the Park and Recreation Department will not be filled for the 1993 season. However, those positions will not be taken off of the books but will be reconsidered in the future after the 1993 budget. It was asked if there is another park close to Strachauer if it is closed. Mr. Kojetin noted that there will not be one in that area on the east side of France Avenue if Strachauer is closed. Mr. Kojetin indicated that Pamela Park would be the closest park. Mr. Jenkins asked about the maintenance men not being rehired. Mr. Kojetin stated that because of budget cuts all areas of the City are facing a manpower loss for 1993. It was noted that it is difficult to determine ,what rinks will be used frequently each year. The number of kids in each area fluctuates so much year after year. 4 Mr. Kojetin brought up a few points. He noted that first of all the boards need to be replaced at Arden Park and the cost for those would be around $12,000. Mr. Kojetin also indicated that it is under consideration that there will be no maintenance of the rinks on Saturdays and Sundays. Since approximately 1985, it was recommended that the City consider a $10,000 overtime cost to take care of the rinks on the weekends. This was recommended and approved by the City Council and has been continued each year. This year, however, it is recommended to be discontinued. The staff is, however, considering some other method of maintaining a certain amount of rinks that are in the areas where there are traditionally a lot of skaters on the weekends. This would keep the overtime costs to a minimum for the City. Mr. Kojetin noted that these suggestions are still in the discussion process for the 1993 budget. Mr. Kojetin noted that they do maintain Centennial Lakes as a family skating facility. There is, however, no hockey rink there. Mr. Christianson commented that Centennial Lakes is not out of the City Budget. It is out of the Centennial Lakes budget. Mr. Christianson asked Mr. Kojetin if his recommendation is to close down Strachauer Park? Mr. Kojetin indicated that at this time he would like to keep all of the rinks open with the exception of Strachauer, but he will have to see what happens with the future budget meetings and discussions with the City Council. Mr. Jenkins asked how much money will be saved by closing down a rink? Mr. Kojetin noted that it will not be a lot since manpower is still needed at the other parks. Instead of doing manpower on the rinks they are doing manpower on the trees. Money would be saved on heating, lighting and the attendant on duty. Mr. Lord asked Mr. Kojetin if he expects an uproar from the residents over this issue. Mr. Kojetin noted that it is hard too tell. The weather is what will play a big factor. Mr. O'Connor noted that you have to look at what the resident wants. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the boards at Arden Park should be replaced this year. In the replacement of hockey boards, one hockey rink is done each year and a rink is generally replaced every 10 years. The Arden Park rink is scheduled to be replaced this year at a cost of approximately $12,000. Rather than replacing the boards this year, Mr. Kojetin suggested possibly taking the boards down and not replacing them or putting a minimum repair on the boards to get through this year. Mr. Keprios stated that another area in which you might hear from the public on is the boards may not be put back up after they tear down the old ones. This means there will be no hockey rink. Mr. Kojetin indicated that they are still discussing this and have not yet taken them down. Mr. Kojetin noted that he can do some modifications there like he did last year. Mr. Christianson noted that there should be a motion on this issue. 5 Mr. Montgomery asked what will be done with the structure at Strachauer Park? Mr. Kojetin noted that it would be nice if it could be picked up and moved someplace else. Mr. Christianson noted that the issue before the Park Board is to make a recommendation on the Strachauer Skating rink situation. Jean Rydell MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE STRACHAUER SKATING FACILITY BE CLOSED FOR THE 1992-1993 YEAR. Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Montgomery again asked if there is any way that the building could be removed from the site? Ms. Rydell indicated that should not be done since you may have to reopen it again just like the schools. It was again noted' that where the kids are fluctuates all the time. Mr. Christianson made an editorial comment that he thinks that the sense of the Park Board is to look at a way to juggle the personnel to see if there's a way to keep some of the rinks open or at least usable on Saturdays and Sundays and there is a sense among some of the board members that a hockey rink should remain at Arden Park. Mr. Lord again noted that Arden Park is one of the most popular rinks. Ms. Rydell asked if it would be possible to keep one hockey rink and one skating rink in every quadrant opened on Saturdays and Sundays? Mr. Kojetin replied that suggestion is also being looked at. Mr. Kojetin noted that he wanted to bring this topic up so that the Board members are aware that there is a problem. This will be discussed again at the next Park Board meeting because it does need to be resolved at this meeting. There are some financial constraints on budgeting and something will need to be cut. V. DOGS IN THE PARK Mr. Kojetin noted that the new ordinances were passed a week ago and will be effective as of September 1, 1992. The ordinances on dogs indicates that all dogs need to be on a leash and the leash can be no more than 10 ft. long. There no longer can be the whistle command. Also, the Director needs to post signs in areas where no dogs should be allowed. Mr. Kojetin would like the Park Board to think about areas where they would like to see these signs posted. Possibly at Arneson Acres where some dogs are running through the flowers, and also possibly some playground areas. Mr. Kojetin would like the Park Board to talk to people and get some thoughts and concerns on the topic to bring back for discussion at the next Park Board meeting or future meetings. VI. SENIOR CENTER UPDATE Ms. Weigle informed the Park Board that there will be a grand opening on Saturday morning, September 12th from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon. There will be a ribbon cutting and all of the senior organizations will be represented in some way or another. The line dancers will be giving a demonstration. The Community Education Board will also be there. 2 Ms. Weigle also stated that she wanted to take a group picture because the seniors felt there should be a picture of the City Council Members and the Park Board members put up that day so people would understand who made this all possible. VII. OTHER A. Park Ranger - Mr. Kojetin and Mr. Keprios wanted to bring to the Park Board's attention the incident that happened to the Park Ranger. They explained that the article speaks for itself. Tony, the Park Ranger, has been doing an excellent job. B. Participation From Open Enrollment - Mr. Kojetin explained that he has received a couple of calls on people living outside of Edina but because of open enrollment are going to Edina schools. These people want to know if they can participate in the Edina Athletic Association sports. These people feel that if the Edina schools have open enrollment then the athletic associations should have open enrollment. Mr. Christianson noted that the statutes say that the school districts have to have open enrollment. Mr. Kojetin stated that there is a movement out there and how big it is, he's not sure but he wanted to make sure the Park Board was aware of this situation in case they received any phone calls. One call was on soccer and other call was on hockey. Mr. Christianson stated that this is not the Park Board's area. Mr. Kojetin stated that these people calling want the Park Board to overrule the associations. C. Presentation to Andy Montgomery - Mr. Keprios presented a trophy to Andrew Montgomery, the manager of the Good Sam softball team, for being the 1992 35 & Over League Champions. Good Sam had a record of 8 - 2 outscoring their opponents by 96 runs. Congratulations! D. Edina Hockey Association Budget - The Edina Hockey Association, EHA, has approved their ice allocation and solve the dilemma. Mr. Keprios noted that last year the A & B traveling teams from the Squirt on up were getting in the area of 36 hours of indoor ice. This ice time was allocated to them between the basic program ice offering and their surcharge ice. This year that has been drastically cut back and each team from Pee Wees on up will receive 27 total hours. The one level that was a little low again was the Squirt C, although it's a little more ice than they received last year. There will still be some really good ice left over for the ice auction that was talked about previously. Also, the EHA has voted to eliminate the Squirt Tournament. Mr. Christianson asked Mr. Keprios if this satisfies all factions to the best of his knowledge. Mr. Keprios indicated that it sure seems to. The Park Board indicated that it looks like a good job has been done. VIII.ADJOURNMENT Mac Thayer MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING 9:20 P.M. Bill Jenkins SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 7