HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 p.m.
October 13, 1992
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bill Lord, Andrew Montgomery, Jim Fee, Bill Jenkins,
Bob Christianson, Beth Hall, Jean Rydell, Mac Thayer,
Paul O'Connor, Andrew Herring, Pat Vagnoni
STAFF PRESENT:
Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT:
David Paulin - Edina Girls Fastpitch Softball Assoc.
John Basgen - Edina Hockey Association
Tami Halverson - Edina Girls Traveling Basketball
Carol Mulheran - Edina Swim Club
Gregg Nelson - Edina Soccer Association
Hollie List - Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club
Russ Fortner - Edina Basketball Association
John Lettmann - Edina Baseball Association
Trish Brown/ - Edina Girls Athletic Association
Kaethe Anderson
Steve Cook, Mike Bolen, Keith VanLiere, Miriam Mitchell,
Scharlie Wikman Remele, Ed Hetland, Bette Hetland, Joy
Persons, Grace Mulcahy, Nancy Garnaas, Kevin McTigue
I. APPROVAL OF
THE SEPTEMBER 8 1992 MINUTES
Jean Rydell
MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 8, 1992 MINUTES. Paul O'Connor
SECOND THE
MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS
a. Fundraisers
Mr. Christianson stated that this topic was brought to the Park Board's
attention not quite a year ago when one of the athletic associations was
contemplating the use of charitable gambling proceeds to assist in running
their program. He also noted that the Park Board had a couple of meetings
on the issue and it then went on to the City Council. The City Council
made a determination concerning the propriety or lack thereof in using
gambling proceeds to help athletic associations run their programs. The
City Council referred the issue back to the Park Board for further review
and discussion. The Park Board then received input from the various
associations and recommendations from the staff. In the meantime the City
Council did additional work on charitable gambling in the city.
Mr. Christianson noted that he felt it is correct in saying that the City
Council's perspective on the use of charitable gambling proceeds was not
appropriate and that's were we are at this point in time.
Mr. Kojetin noted that the issue now is can the athletic associations
receive money from an organization outside of the community that is
actually running a pull -tab operation and putting it into their budget. An
example was when the American Legion in Hopkins area wanted to donate some
money to the Girls Athletic Association. The American Legion has a lot of
different fundraisers and one of them is pull -tabs. Mr. Kojetin noted that
this association wanted to know if it was possible for them to receive this
type of funding.
AT THIS TIME, DISCUSSION WAS OPENED TO THE AUDIENCE.
Steve Cook indicated to the Park Board that he is not representing a
specific athletic association, but is a resident of the community who
believes the athletic associations should be able to accept charitable
contributions that have been generated from lawful gambling operations
outside the community. Mr. Cook stated that his understanding is that the
City Council passed the policy which does not allow athletic associations
to accept these funds because the Park Board recommended this. Mr. Cook
also stated that his understanding is that if an association were to accept
funds they would be denied the use of park and recreation facilities. He
noted that in a nutshell this is what he is trying to change.
Mr. Cook explained that one basic argument he heard was we are sending the
wrong message to our children by saying that we take money generated from
gambling proceeds and that's not the way to solve problems. Mr. Cook
stated that he disagrees with this statement for a couple of reasons.
First of all, he noted that no one encourages their children to drink but
yet money is generated from the liquor stores to help cover expenditures of
the city. He does not feel we are sending our kids a bad message because
it is a lawful activity that adults can partake in if they are of the age
and provided that they do it in acceptable ways. Another point Mr. Cook
asked was how many kids ask their parents where does the money come from so
that we can partake in these programs. He feels there are not any kids
that do this.
Mr. Cook also stated that the state of Minnesota has legalized gambling.
He indicated that he is not going to tell his kids to gamble because he
doesn't think they should. However, Mr. Cook thinks that when they are of
legal age they can make adult decisions relative to the entertainment that
they want to partake in. Therefore, he does not think they are creating an
inappropriate message to the children by allowing the athletic
organizations to accept funds from lawful gambling.
Carol Mulheran, Edina Swim Club, indicated that they opposed charitable
gambling. She noted they are concerned about the legal liability and are
also concerned about the image that the Edina Swim Club portrays to the
young. She did state that the vote was extremely close but publicly they
do not support it.
Gregg Nelson, Edina Soccer Association, indicated that they are opposed to
charitable gambling by athletic associations. He indicated that the margin
of vote was against it by approximately a two to one margin.
John Lettmann, Edina Baseball Association, indicated that they opposed the
acceptance of charitable gambling. The vote was about 14 to 2. Mr.
Lettmann indicated that registration costs to baseball participants right
now is a reason why the Baseball Board is in favor of the current policy.
However, if financing should become more difficult, the Baseball Board is
in favor of revisiting the issue. Mr. Lettmann also noted that maybe there
are alternative funding options available. Mr. Christianson asked what
alternatives they have discussed. Mr. Lettmann indicated the board is
having a person from Michigan come in and discuss different options. This
is in the forming stages right now.
Tami Halverson, Edina Girls Traveling Basketball, indicated that they are
in favor of accepting charitable gambling and they voted 11 to 1 in
favor. Ms. Halverson indicated that she was on the original girls
fastpitch board that was offered charitable funds two years ago. She
indicated that contributions like this was the only thing that kept the
program going. She felt it is a whole different ball game if your athletic
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association generates a lot more kids. Ms. Halverson felt that if it comes
down to a program or not a program because of funds then each association
will vote differently on the topic.
John Basgen, Edina Hockey Association, indicated that they are in favor of
accepting money from charitable gambling and they voted 9 to 2. Mr. Basgen
indicated, however, that hockey will not ask for money from that type of
fund. The hockey association has been able to raise the money necessary in
most cases from registration fees and from their fundraiser which has
generally been pizza sales.
David Paulin, Edina Girls Fastpitch Association, indicated that they are in
favor of accepting money from charitable gambling and they voted all in
favor with one abstention. Mr. Paulin personally thinks the board has a
tough job in tackling this issue. He indicated it is good to set a moral
standard but the liquor stores strike him as being very hypocritical.
Greg Nelson commented that he thinks the difference is that the athletic
associations are aimed at the youth and therefore there might be a little
different standard than the liquor stores which are not aimed at youth.
The feeling of the Soccer Board is that certain sources of funding might be
more inappropriate and gambling fell into the category. He stated that
Edina is a community based organization that has youngsters aged 6 to 17.
Russ Fortner, Edina Basketball Association, indicated that basically there
were zero gym costs up until approximately two years ago. Two years ago
they received a bill for approximately $3,000. He then indicated that last
year the bill was up to $9,000 for gym time. When the Basketball Board
found out that they would start being charged for gym time they looked to
where they could generate money and what fat could be cut out. He noted
that what was cut out was team pictures, pants, socks, and they revamped
the jerseys. As much fat as possible was taken out. Mr. Fortner stated
that no one can assure us that it has topped out or stopped. This is going
to be a continuous battle. Mr. Fortner indicated that at this point they
have voted not to vote on the issue because the treasurer stated that there
are ample funds for the foreseeable year. He also noted that this topic
has triggered a lot of discussions and a lot of emotions. Mr. Fortner
stated only so many people can do grant -in -aids and this year has increased
dramatically from last year. Mr. Fortner indicated that it's a hard issue
when we are fighting for survival and the only avenue they might have is •
something that the state and other people have turned to. Mr. Fortner
doesn't think it's right but it's a hard call. When you have a $9,000 bill
how are you supposed to pay the City and will they shut the basketball
program out of the gyms. Mr. Christianson indicated that it's not the city
it's the School Board. The City does not have any control over that. Mr.
Fortner also asked if you pass this issue how do you reopen it? How easy
is it to come back and say lets reopen something that we ruled on. This
would reopen all of the old wounds.
Mr. Christianson noted one thing that he thinks needs to be understood and
that is the Park Board does not pass anything. The Park Board makes
recommendations and he felt that Mr. Cook gave them more credit than they
deserved. This is the City Council's call.
Trish Brown, Edina Girls Athletic Association, indicated they voted in
favor of accepting charitable gambling funds 9 to 1. She noted that the
person who voted against it has resigned from the board due to this fact.
Ms. Brown stated that EGAA has gone through a lot of fee increases and have
also taken a lot of the fat out of their program. There are no longer
trophies, pictures, etc. She also stated that there were 25 kids last year
that required grant -in -aids. She explained that the board is not asking
for this to happen overnight. They realize that something like this takes
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time to change. However, they are looking at maybe 3 to 4 years down the
road when things are a little bit harder. She stated that the fees have
jumped and pretty soon kids will not be able to play because parents are
not going to be able to afford it. Ms. Brown also noted that they have the
same problem with paying for gym time as the boys basketball program has.
There is less gym time and higher gym costs.
Holly List, Braemar Figure Skating Club, indicated that are in a little bit
of a different situation. Because the Club's budget is over $100,000 they
are being wiped out by a lot of other clubs that receive funds in the
area. She stated that they are seeing a reduction in the skaters because
they can't afford it. They don't know how bad they are being hit with it,
however, they can really see it in the future.
Mr. Jenkins indicated that the Football Association was not ready to vote
on the issue at this time.
Mr. O'Connor made a couple of comments on the cost of the basketball
courts. His understanding was that a year ago a meeting was held to inform
everyone what they are actually paying for and that is the cost of
custodial services. He felt that Mr. Fortner and Ms. Brown have
communicated that they are paying a fee that is both exorbitant and unfair,
which he does see it that way. Mr. O'Connor also thought that this issue
was resolved a year ago and if that is not the case it should be revisited.
Ms. Brown replied that she thinks the fact that EGAA was not paying for it
at all and now they are paying for it is something that was not taken into
account on registration fees the first time they had to pay it. No one
relayed this fact to them. Therefore, they did not budget for this. Mr.
Fortner noted that the meeting a year ago was handled very well in
explaining were the costs come from. He did not mean to give the wrong
impression, but to note that these are real costs that are not going to
stop but will be an increasing cost. Mr. Fortner noted that they are
charging $65.00 for registration. Mr. Fortner noted that he does have
people who sign up and say $65.00 is becoming a high number and he does not
think they can go much higher but yet the expenses are going to continue to
increase and they cannot cut anything else out other than take away from
the kids.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Basgen how many grant -in -aids hockey received this year.
Mr. Basgen replied that it was approximately 20 - 25, which is little more
than average from the last couple of years. The number has slowly been
going up. The question was asked what hockey's registration fee is this
year. Mr. Basgen noted that it depends on the level but for the Pee Wee
and Bantam level it is $190.00 and there is an additional surcharge for ice
after you are placed on a team. Ms. Halverson stated that is a lot of
money to be paying for that many grant -in -aids. Mr. Basgen stated that it
is a small percentage out of their whole budget. Ms. Brown noted that she
does not want the Park Board to think that these associations are hurting
so bad that they are all going to be demanding a lot of money. There may
be only one request this year for charitable gambling money. Ms. Brown
indicated that all of the associations are working hard to find other ways
to keep costs down. Ms. Brown knows of other communities that have
pull -tabs and raise a lot of money.
Mr. Christianson indicated that how he understands the situation is the
City Council has articulated a policy where there will be no charitable
gambling funds solicited by or used by Athletic Associations recognized by
the Edina Park Board. Mr. Christianson noted that he sees several courses
open to them. The Park can either do nothing and recommend to the City
Council that we affirm their previously articulated policy or we can make
some other recommendation.
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It was asked if someone wants to make a donation to an Edina Athletic
Association and the money came from charitable gambling, they can't take
it? Mr. Christianson indicated that's not true, the associations can take
the donation but they run the risk of losing whatever benefit the park and
recreation provides them such as field access, scheduling, etc. Ms. Brown
asked if they legally can do that. Mr. Christianson noted that the City
does not have to recognize associations that accept these charitable funds,
they can just leave the football fields, etc. open for general play.
Mr. Montgomery noted that he has a problem with accepting these donations.
Does someone have to go in and find out how each organization raises their
funds. Ms. Halverson noted that you fill out an application which
indicates where certain funds come from.
Mr. O'Connor stated that he brought the charitable gambling issue to the
School Board meeting and they unanimously did not want the Park Board to
recommend to the City Council that the athletic associations be able to
accept charitable gambling funds. All of the elected board members of the
school system said that they do not want the Park Board to support the
acceptance of such money.
Mr. Lord suggested becoming a little more creative and possibly having a
golf tournament to raise money. We have to be more creative if the City
Council is not going to allow us to use these funds that are out there
now. Mr. Lord stated that the Park Board has to help these people out
somehow. This way there could be some sort of an application process to
receive funds.
Mr. Christianson noted that he is sort of inclined to allow the
associations to apply for charitable gambling proceeds from outside sources
as long as those proceeds are fueled and divided by the associations on
some sort of an as needed basis. There would need to be an application
process.
Mr. Christianson noted that he is not unsympathetic to the situation that
these associations find themselves in. He is not unsympathetic to the
arguments that everybody else is doing it and it is a legalized activity.
Mr. Montgomery noted that he feels we should not close the door on these
people because who knows what it will be like in 1995. He would like the
associations to be able to take these funds and just say "thank you".
Mr. Christianson suggested another idea of possibly giving people the
option of adding another dollar to their green fee at the golf courses that
will be given to the Edina Athletic Associations or something to that
effect and maybe people will put in an extra dollar. Mr. Fee indicated
that in the meantime these people need money, they are skimping and cutting
corners and not getting trophies or proper jerseys and pictures. Mr. Fee
felt that is all part of the program that he would hate to see kids missing
out on.
Mr. Christianson noted that the Park Board's job is to make a
recommendation to the City Council.
Mr. Christianson indicated that the athletic association's votes are sort
of an advisory and the Park Board does not necessarily have to be bound by
those. They are, however, very useful and helpful.
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Mr. O'Connor made the point that he thinks it's interesting that the
association that charges the most to participate in has no problem nor do
they perceive one and they are generous enough to give 20 plus
grant-in-aids. Mr. O'Connor also pointed out that his kids do want to know
where the money comes from since a portion is paid by their lawn money.
Mr. Fee asked John Basgen if he thinks hockey has lost kids due to the
cost. Mr. Basgen indicated that he is sure there are more kids out there
who would like to play hockey but don't because it is too expensive for
their parents. Mr. Fortner noted that he has sat at the basketball
registration table for the last two years and the basketball program has
grown at the expense of hockey.
Mr. Montgomery RECOMMENDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE EDINA ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATIONS BE ALLOWED TO ACCEPT FUNDS FROM CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS THAT
RAISE FUNDS THROUGH LEGALIZED GAMBLING PURSUANT TO GRANT REQUESTS. Bill
Jenkins SECOND THE MOTION. 7 in favor and 4 opposed. MOTION CARRIED.
This recommendation will go to the November 2, 1992 City Council meeting.
b. Resident/Non-Resident
Mr. Christianson noted that there is apparently a question on whether or
not there should be open enrollment in our Park and Recreation athletic
programs similar to those in our school system. Mr. Christianson noted
that he understands that this is not allowed at the moment and the Park
Board wanted to solicit the advise of the athletic associations on this
issue.
Mr. Basgen indicated that hockey is governed by District 6. Only people
that live within the Edina City limits can play hockey for Edina.
Permission may, however, be given to someone in a different community to
play hockey in Edina if both communities agree with the request and
District 6 approves the request. Mr. Basgen stated that people have
attempted many different things to persuade the E.H.A. that they are
residents of Edina in order to play hockey here.
Mr. Christianson asked the associations if they want to change the policy
to allow non-residents or open enrollment students into their program.
Gregg Nelson of the Soccer Association commented that soccer runs in club
formations drawing people from a number of geographic areas. Mr. Nelson
stated that the soccer association received a request from the traveling
group, to consider forming a team at the highest competitive level under
the Edina Soccer Association. The reasoning for this is that there is a
limited number of individuals who are willing to make a year round type of
commitment that is necessary to be competitive and what happens is there is
not enough players in Edina to field a team. In order to offer the
opportunity to develop themselves to the fullest potential, the traveling
soccer group has requested that this at least be considered. This is still
in the discussion stage, but Mr. Nelson wanted the Park Board to be aware
of it. The Soccer Association is unsure at this time whether they would
endorse this or not. Mr. Nelson pointed out that the obvious detriment
that he sees is a situation where an Edina resident would be denied
participation so that a non-resident with higher skills takes the place.
This topic.is something new and controversial.
Mr. Christianson asked what the staff recommends on this issue. Mr.
Kojetin stated that there really are two different types of organizations.
There are team sports and there are individual sports. The individual
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sports such as figure skating and swimming, Mr. Kojetin feels can have
anybody join. However, the team sports he feels should stay within the
community with Edina residents only.
Mr. Christianson noted that from his perspective the Park Board can either
do nothing, which means that the existing policy stays in effect, or the
policy can be changed. No Motion was made.
C. Increase In Field Maintenance User Fee
Mr. Kojetin noted that the city also has tight funds like athletic
associations. He informed everyone that the $5.00 maintenance usage fee
first started in 1987. Mr. Kojetin stated that this issue needed to be
brought up again because the city is cutting other areas in the park and
recreation budget. The reason that this fee was initiated in the first
place was the City Council had cut $30,000 out of the field maintenance
budget which directly goes to the preparation of baseball and softball
diamonds, fertilizers, and whatever else has to be done in the park
fields. The City Council indicated that if the athletic associations could
raise $30,000 then that money could be put into a portion of the budget
that would continue to give the same level of maintenance. As prices are
always going up, the City needs to raise this field maintenance fee by
$1.00. It is figured this would generate approximately $4,000 and would
bring the budget up to approximately $36,000 or $37,000.
Mr. Basgen asked if the field maintenance user fee includes the ice rinks?
Mr. Kojetin indicated that it does not, it only affects the outdoor
activities.
Mr. Lettmann indicated that baseball has approximately 1,000 participants
so it would be a pretty good increase. He asked if this increase would
maintain the present level of maintenance or would there be an
improvement. He felt that if the same level of maintenance is done with a
20% increase, that is not an improvement. Mr. Christianson noted that he
felt holding your own would be an improvement.
Bill Lord MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THERE BE AN INCREASE
IN THE FIELD MAINTENANCE USER FEE TO $6.00 AS OPPOSED TO THE PREVIOUS
$5.00. Pat Vagnoni SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Christianson expressed an appreciation to the athletic associations for
attending the Park Board meeting.
III. HIGHLAND PARK PROPERTY
Mr. Christianson gave a brief issue on the background of the Highland Park
Property. He noted that it basically boils down to whether or not the Park
Board, as a matter of policy, will make a recommendation to deviate from a
long standing policy of not conveying park property.
Nancy Garnaas, owner of the property at issue, read the ordinance which
specifically addresses land dedication or past contributions. Ms. Garnaas
indicated that what is critical is where it states that the city, as a
general rule, to acquire the dedication of land in the following
instances. If the property to be dedicated is adjacent to an existing
public park or playground and the additional property will beneficially
expand the park or playground.
Ms. Garnaas then pointed out her piece of property on a map and explained
what piece of property they wish to trade and donate to the City.
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Ms. Garnaas noted that there are several benefits to the Park Department
and to the City through this trade. She stated it will enable the Park
Department to secure the necessary land to complete the acquisition of all
trails within the park. It would also be beneficial to the Park Department
for future development. Ms. Garnaas also pointed out that when the Park
Department wishes to access the meadow, they need to use a particular part
of the trail and this trail cannot be relocated off of the property as it
would necessitate the removal of many trees and would also require fill to
be put into the wetlands, which is against current state and federal law.
Lastly, she indicated that the city will benefit as it would allow Ms.
Garnaas to construct a single family dwelling on their property which would
generate new tax revenues.
Ms. Garnaas stated that the Planning Commission recommends action by the
Park Board and City Council relative to the trade and dedication of
property as well as the path encroachment.
A person in the audience asked Ms. Garnaas why they need a variance. Ms.
Garnaas replied that they need it for width of the property.
Ms. Garnaas indicated that she was informed by a member of the Planning
Commission that this has been done before on three separate occasions.
Ms. Garnaas indicated that she discussed this proposed trade with the
homeowners on the perimeter of the park and has 23 signatures and 2 letters
in support of the dedication and the trade and/or sale of land.
Ms. Garnaas noted that they reside in the neighborhood surrounding Highland
Park that utilize a path connecting Skyline Drive, Lochloy Drive,
Interlachen Bluff, Interlachen Circle, Highland Ice rink, Soccer field and
Elementary School. She indicated that the signatures she has support the
Park Board to: 1) accept the dedication of the park path, and 2) to trade
or sell the park land to improve their plat. Ms. Garnaas also pointed out
that the property they wish to acquire is virtually useless to anyone
except them because of the cliff.
Ms. Garnaas stressed that it is important that due process be followed for
many reasons. Without each step in the process there is chaos and no
clarity. There are many issues to be raised by a subdivision and each of
those issues is planned and dealt with separately in the city's procedure.
Ms. Garnaas stated they want to go in process with each set of answers for
each set of questions.
Ms. Garnaas then presented the Park Board with a video of the property.
Mr. Christianson asked who maintains the path, because it looks as though
someone goes through and keeps the brush down. Mr. Kojetin noted that the
City does not maintain the path, it's maintain by the people who use it.
Mr. Fee indicated that there is also a petition signed by people who are
against doing this and it looks like the majority of them are from Skyline
Drive. Ms. Garnaas noted that the petition Mr. Fee is referring to has to
do with subdivisions and not with the trade or dedication.
Mr. Herring indicated that he wanted to make a clarification that without a
recommendation for the exchange of land, the Planning Commission would not
recommend the subdivision? Ms. Garnaas indicated that she does not think
that is necessarily true, they did not say if the Park Board says no they
will not get a subdivision. Ms. Garnaas indicated that even with the
exchange they still need a width variance.
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Mr. Kojetin indicated on the map exactly what Ms. Garnaas in asking for in
regards to the land and explained how the variance would work.
Mr. Montgomery asked if the Park Board does not trade the land what
jeopardy does that put the path in as far as what legal action could Ms.
Garnaas have against the City for having the path on their property.
Michael Bolen, 5207 Doncaster Way, indicated that he lives directly west
and slightly south of this premises. He indicated that he just received
notice of this issue and has not had a lot of time to prepare. Mr. Bolen
stated that when he bought his lot the thing that impressed him was the
park area. It was complete solitude and he felt as though he was walking
through the woods in north central Minnesota. There were no structures and
there were no improvements, you could walk around the path and see
pheasants and different animals. There was a complete feeling of
tranquility. Mr. Bolen also explained that when he called the park
commission a number of years ago on the improvement of the baseball fields,
etc., he asked about the wild area and was assured that the park would be
kept in its wild state. Mr. Bolen also stated that one of the signatures
on the petition that Ms. Garnaas had, changed her mind and is now opposed.
Mr. Bolen stated that he sees many people come to the park and spend time
in the wooded area, they find it very restful. He pointed out that it is
not just the people in this neighborhood who are using the wildlife area.
He feels that it is very unique. Mr. Bolen asked the Park Board to really
think before they trade this land for something.
Keith Van Liere, 5125 Skyline Drive, indicated that he is in the opponent
category. He indicated that has heard the comments from the staff and Park
Board members and it appears to him that for a trade to happen it needs to
be beneficial to the city. He asked that if there was not a path that
crossed the area this would be a non -issue, because there would be no
benefit to the park. Mr. Van Liere indicated that he is trying to figure
out what the benefit is. Mr. Van Liere stated that the staff said that the
path could be moved if it became an issue. Mr. Christianson asked Mr. Van
Liere what the detriment is to the people who are opposing this.
Mr. Christianson noted that he walked the property and he noted that the
reason they are objecting to the property is because of the result of
another house being built there. A woman noted that is correct, it will
change the character of their neighborhood and this woman noted that she
has lived there for 40 years and has owned the property longer than that.
This woman stated that she doesn't want any park land given up for anyone.
This woman also stated to the Park Board that if they have not seen the
property she does not want them to vote for or against giving up the
property. Mr. Christianson asked the woman if Ms. Garnaas was proposing to
trade the land without requesting to build another house would she oppose
that? She indicated that she would not.
Mr. Montgomery noted that Ms. Garnaas indicated that she heard this has
been done three times in the past. Has the Park Board ever traded property
or would this be the first time that the Park Board would be in a position
of having a trade? Mr. Kojetin indicated that he is not aware of any
previous trades.
Miriam Mitchell, 5124 Skyline Drive, read a letter that her son wrote to
the Park Board. Ms. Mitchell noted that she has lived there for 43 years.
Her son indicated that the possibility of finding solitude and privacy in
the park would be forever lost if this were to happen.
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Mr. Herring shared some thoughts and questions. He asked Mr. Kojetin if
the path were moved off the property would it be a big and/or expensive
task? Mr. Kojetin noted that it could be moved. However, sometimes in the
spring there may be some water on the path. Mr. Herring noted that he
would also like to have some information as to what rights the city may
have to the path, whether there was an easement or there wasn't an easement
and whether the City had adverse possession rights. He does not know and
he would like to have more information because this is being proposed as a
quid quo pro for the grant of this. Mr. Herring indicated that it sounds
like Ms. Garnaas has kept the lot in a wooded condition but if this
property were sold to a third party there is nothing to prevent that third
party from cutting down trees and building a fence to eliminate what is an
existing buffer between the wooded steps and the existing lot line. Mr.
Herring agreed with Mr. Montgomery in that he would like to know what
precedent there is for an exchange or any grant of park property to an
individual. Mr. Herring also pointed out that although the Park Board is
not being asked to talk about the merit of building this home, clearly the
building of the home and what the Park Board does will affect the
likelihood of whether this home is built and if that impacts the natural
beauty of the park that's an issue with respect to the grant of that piece
of property to them.
Mr. O'Connor indicated that he doesn't see the issue quite so broadly. He
really doesn't care if there has been precedence before or not. Mr.
O'Connor feels the question is very narrow, whether or not in the minds of
the Park Board this is a good exchange. From his perspective it seems to
him that Ms. Garnaas has kept this natural walkway for the community to use
and it seems like a fair exchange. The bigger issue about whether or not a
house should be built is not a decision for the Park Board to deal with.
Ms. Vagnoni had a question about the stairway. She noted that if the
property is extended and a home is built people might be a little more
hesitant about using that stairway into the park and maybe that would alter
the entry to the park. Mr. Christianson noted that Mrs. Remele told him
that the stairway is not used by a lot of kids because it hard to get their
bikes up and down.
Mr. Christianson noted that he appreciated everyones input from both the
opponents and proponents. Mr. Christianson then went on to say that Mr.
Herring has raised some good concerns and he also agrees with Mr. O'Connor
to a certain degree. Mr. Christianson stated that the Park Board could
vote on this issue now, but he would prefer to have some investigation made
as to whether or not similar circumstances have occurred in the past in
terms of exchanges of property, or if the City can sell this property since
it was donated to the City.
Mr. Christianson urged everyone to walk on the property and check
everything out. He also stated that he is inclined to hold the decision
until the next Park Board meeting when more information is received.
Andy Herring MOVED TO TABLE THIS MOTION UNTIL THE NEXT PARK BOARD MEETING.
Andy Montgomery SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION APPROVED TO TABLE UNTIL NEXT
MEETING.
IV. BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE
A. Braemar Clubhouse Feasibility Study
Mr. Kojetin brought the Park Board up to date in regards to the feasibility
study that was conducted for the Braemar Clubhouse. He indicated that the
feasibility study was approved a year ago and it shows the different phases
of improvements that could be done to the clubhouse in future years.
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Overall Mr. Kojetin felt the feasibility study has good merit in how to
improve the facility as well as increase the square footage in some areas
of the building.
Mr. Kojetin stated that the improvement to the new nine holes at Braemar
and the feasibility of increasing the size of the pro shop was part of the
bonds that were sold. There was $350,000 allocated for the expansion of
the pro shop and office facility at the clubhouse. Mr. Kojetin noted that
they opened the bids and awarded the expansion for the clubhouse at the
last City Council meeting. The expansion construction costs came in at
$323,000 and the architect fees were $33,000 so it was within budget. A
time table was not given for the expansion of the other areas of the
facility but the grill area will probably be the next consideration.
B. Braemar New Nine Holes and Normandale Golf Course
Mr. Kojetin indicated that they started grading on Monday at both golf
courses. Construction of both golf courses will be completed August of
1993. Both golf courses will be ready for play sometime in the summer of
1994. The irrigation bid for Braemar will be opened on October 28th.
V. CORNELIA SOFTBALL FIELD
Mr. Kojetin explained that since the softball fields were lost at Lake
Edina they have been building a field at Cornelia School Park where there
used to be a baseball field. A 300 ft. fence is being put up and they are
regrading. The money for this ball field is being taken from the
Normandale Golf budget and it will cost approximately $10,000.
VI. CREEK VALLEY SOCCER FIELDS
There are three soccer fields being put in at Creek Valley to replace the
soccer field that was lost at Braemar. The soccer fields will be side by
side and are 60 yards wide by 100 yds long. The softball field that was
there is being taken down. The money for these soccer fields is being
taken from the Braemar Golf budget and will cost approximately $15,000.
VI. OTHER '
A. Edina Baseball Association Alcohol Policy
Mr. Montgomery noted that he read the Edina Baseball Associations's Board
policy on alcohol and he has a problem with it. It seemed to him that if
he is a non -official, and reports an incident it has to go through the
ethics committee. However, if he is a coach, chaperone or umpire he can
immediately notify the participant of the behavior and suspend the
participant as well as notify the local law enforcement for any illegal
activity. The intent is everything should go through the ethics
committee. He doesn't think that a coach has the right to go up and tell
somebody that they are suspended and then you go through this other
process. He will call Lee Lippert from the Baseball Association on the
matter.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Mac Thayer MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 10:20 P.M. Bill Jenkins
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
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