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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-02-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. February 13, 1990 Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Christianson, Bill Jenkins, Pat Vagnoni, Jean Rydell, Bill Lord, Scott Johnson, Mac Thayer, Don Wineberg, James Fee. MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Montgomery STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Bill Bach, Janet Canton OTHERS PRESENT: Solvei Swenson, Jackie Onischuk, Joan Lonsbury, Jane Lunseth, Christine Gepp, Margie Basil, Larry Laukka, Torrey Lenertz, Fred Tomas, Susan Meillier, Greg Anderson, Jane Sarles Lunseth 1. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 16, 1990 MINUTES Mr. Christianson asked to have the minutes approved. Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 16, 1990 MEETING. Bill Jenkins SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. OVERVIEW AND UPDATE OF CENTENNIAL LAKES PROJECT Arijs Pakalns of BRW presented a slide show as well as the plans and an overall update of the Centennial Lakes project. Mr. Kojetin indicated that the bidding will take place in March. The awarding will take place sometime in April, and it is hoped that construction of phase one will start in May. The three lakes, north, central, and south, are key features for the Centennial Lakes project. These three lakes are an important holding site for storm water run-off for the southeast quadrant of Edina. The east side of this plan is for residential use. The west side construction is primarily designated commercial and office uses. There will be an eight screen movie theater next to the north lake. There will be 10 acres of lake and 14 acres of park land. The headquarter building of the park will have 6,000 square feet. Inside there will be a concession area, staff meeting rooms and a fireplace. The park will offer both summer and winter activities. In the winter there will be ice sculptures and ice skating. People will be able to skate from lake to lake under the bridge. There is also the possibility of utilizing a Zamboni to maintain the ice in the winter. Summer activities on the lakes will include paddle boats. Surrounding the lakes will be park benches, eating areas, an outdoor amphitheater, 27 holes of environmental golf, a playground site, and manicured sites for lawn games, such as, lawn bowling, croquet, and bocci ball. Mr. Christianson asked if there will be any wild life in the lake. It was noted there will likely be no wild life because there will not be any plant or weed growth in the lake to sustain or attract wild life or fish. Due to the water quality, there will be no swimming in the lakes. The plans show a tram that will be running from Edinborough to Southdale Hospital. The pathway on the west side of Centennial Lakes Park will be completed in phase one. There are different schemes right now for the park. One will have many roses with different sizes and colors. Large masses in the medians and evergreens on the boulevards. There will also be an English theme to the manicured style of the surrounding landscape, which will offer more of a natural and rugged look. The areas with hedges and flowers will vary aesthetically, in that, some will be very formal. There will also be a fountain with automated changes in its spray patterns. It was noted that 95 percent of the park will be handicapped accessible. The only areas that will not be accessible are the two walking bridges, however, the entire perimeter of the park is handicapped accessible. The pathway is designed to be a common pathway for bicycles, pedestrians, and the tram. Mr. Christianson asked when it is estimated the whole project will be done. Mr. Laukka indicated he thinks it will be about 5 to 10 years. The actual time frame is dependent upon the fluctuating and unpredictable office space market demand. When office space is built, the tax increment dollars become available to complete the park construction. Mr. Christianson asked if Centennial Lakes is being paid for with tax dollars from the City of Edina general or capital fund. It was indicated that there are no funds being diverted from this fund to finance the construction of Centennial Lakes Park. The main sources of funding to maintain the park are: 1. Interest from tax increment bond trust fund 2. Fees from office rental and commercial property owners 3. Association fees from those who own Centennial Lakes town house units 4. Park user fees Mr. Christianson stated he feels it is very important for people to be aware of this funding procedure. 2 3. ADAPTIVE RECREATION-- BETH TIMM Ms. Timm, Adaptive Recreation Supervisor, indicated to the Park Board that she is a contract employee. She spends 50% of her time with Edina and 50% of her time with Eden Prairie. Her offices are in Richfield. The City of Edina has a Service Contract Agreement with the City of Eden Prairie that states that the two cities will equally share the expenses of one full-time certified therapeutic recreation professional to provide leisure services to our disabled populations. The City of Edina is also part of a four -city joint powers agreement, which includes the cities of Edina, Eden Prairie, Richfield and Bloomington. The joint powers agreement states that the four cities will cooperatively plan and provide leisure programs for the cities' disabled populations. Ms. Timm stated that she works with the disabled in both the segregated and integrated areas. She deals with both youth and adult populations and promotes skill development in all ages. Ms. Timm feels that Edina is a community where everyone feels they are part of the community, even the disabled. Ten percent of the population is handicapped. Ms. Timm stated that the biggest problem in programming for the adults is the issue of transportation. Right now she is trying to meet these needs. There is a committee currently studying the issue and will be making recommendations in the near future. Right now they are keeping documentation of everyone that takes part in their programs. The goal is to achieve a balance of integrated and segregated program opportunities. Ms. Vagnoni asked Ms. Timm how she reaches people about this program? Ms. Timm replied that brochure and flyer publicity, and word of mouth are the two biggest means of marketing their programs. Ms. Timm meets with the Adaptive Recreation professionals in the schools so they are aware of her program. Also, Beth has been meeting with the athletic associations so they are aware of her services. During "Disability Awareness Week" she has articles in the newspaper. Ms. Timm then gave a slide presentation of the current program offerings. Ms. Timm expressed a concern in regards to the Jupiter and Beyond Report. She feels that all of the parks need to be handicapped accessible and not just a select few. The 1990 adaptive recreation contract for services budget for the City of Edina is $32,000.00. 4. LARRY WERNER Mr. Werner presented to the Park Board a proposal from John Primus and himself. (See attached). Their proposal is that the rules governing the use of the soccer fields be changed to allow Edina fields to be used by teams that contain some non -Edina players. The reason for this is to be able to provide the best competitive soccer in the community. Right now 3 other "Club Teams" are recruiting some of our kids so they can play competitive soccer with the same commitment level. By the state permitting Club Teams, Mr. Werner feels Edina soccer is no longer competitive at the highest level. Mr. Christianson indicated that the Park Board would need to listen to the Soccer Association and get some feedback from the staff. This is something that needs to be studied and discussed further. Bill Jenkins MOVED THAT WE REFER THIS TOPIC TO THE EDINA SOCCER ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR RECOMMENDATION AND THE STAFFS' RECOMMENDATION. Donald Wineberg SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. 5. OTHER It was voted that the March Park Board meeting will be at 5:00 before the Edina's Advisory Boards and Commissions. At the recent City Council meeting, it was proposed than an addendum to the Park Board membership ordinance be made. The ordinance would drop the Planning Commission member and install a resident from the City. The School Board member representative issue was discussed with no action taken. The Council did not make a decision on the Rally program. They referred the Rally program back to the staff for additional information. Mr. Kojetin received information from the City Clerk indicating tax forfeited land available in the City of Edina. Mr. Kojetin met with members of the Planning Department, Assessing Department, Engineering Department and administration. They discussed six pieces of property that was available for tax forfeited land to the City. The following four pieces of property were recommended to pick up for open space property. The following pieces of property are: 1. Acquire property for park purposes adjacent to Pamela Park 2. Acquire access off of Dewey Hill Road. 3. Acquire corner property off of Dewey Hill Road and Delaney Boulevard. 4. Acquire triangle on Northwood and Dundee Road. Two pieces of property are still under recommendation by the Council for further information. Scott Johnson handed out a letter he received from Bud Bjerken regarding the resurfacing of tennis courts. Mr. Bjerken is asking the Park Board for $19,250.00. 6. ADJOURNMENT Bill Jenkins MOVED TO ADJOURN at 9:50 p.m. Donald Wineberg SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. 4