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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-04-10 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. April 10, 1990 Manager's Conference Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Christianson, Pat Vagnoni, James Fee, Bill Lord, Beth Hall, Andy Montgomery, Mac Thayer, Chip Sour, Bill Jenkins, Jean Rydell MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Johnson STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Janet Canton, Susan Weigle, Joyce Repya OTHERS PRESENT: Gary Reiter, Anita Johnson, Carol Brozic, Dave Lynch 1. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON Mr. Kojetin indicated that he is the official secretary and at this time the Board needs to nominate a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. James Fee MOVED TO NOMINATE BOB CHRISTIANSON AS CHAIRPERSON FOR THE PARK BOARD. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Bob Christianson MOVED TO NOMINATE BILL JENKINS AS VICE CHAIRPERSON. Bill Lord SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Christianson thanked the Park Board for re-electing him Park Board Chair. Mr. Christianson then opened the meeting. 2. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 13, 1990 MINUTES Andy Montgomery MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 13, 1990 MEETING. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. 3. BRAEMAR CITY OF LAKES FIGURE SKATING CLUB Mr. Reiter, President of the Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club, gave a talk to the Park Board about the program. He stated that this Association has existed for over 50 years. The Association is governed by the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) rules. Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club received a plaque from the U.S. Figure Skating Association for 50 years of being an association. Mr. Reiter showed the plaque to the Park Board and indicated the club is one of the oldest in the country. Mr. Reiter stated that this year there was an amendment to the by-laws. He indicated the Association is exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Mr. Reiter indicated that the Association works a great deal with Larry Thayer and have been very pleased with him. This year the Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club held three major competitions at Braemar Arena. Everything worked out very well and it has been a busy year. The Association has over 140 members, one of which is a National Jr. Champion. Mr. Lord asked how many of the 140 members are residents of Edina. Mr. Reiter replied that they really don't keep track of the numbers of residents vs. non-residents. Everyone one who applies and has a professional recommendation is admitted. They do not discriminate against residents and non-residents. Mr. Lord asked what is the maximum number that the association can accommodate. Mr. Reiter told the Park Board that the Association currently enrolls around 150, however, the maximum number really depends on how much ice time each individual member purchases. The newer members require less ice than the more advanced members. Mr. Reiter pointed out that the sport of figure skating is a little different from other sports. This is a sport where there is a membership fee of $85.00 and a user fee of $15.00. In addition, a member needs to purchase shared ice time with 20 members at $85.00 an hour plus a fee to pay for the professional skating instructor. Professional fees vary depending on the number of lessons. Generally a figure skating parent will average as much as $5,000.00 per year for a student in the club. The Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club is amongst the top 15 figure skating clubs in the country. Mr. Sour asked if there are any boys in the Association. Mr. Reiter indicated that there are very few. There is just no peer support for them to stay with the Association. The majority that are in the Association usually drop out after the 7th grade. This Association is hard to stay in for both boys and girls because there are eight test levels. Usually the kids drop out after the third and fourth test level because of the pressure of the sport. April 20th and 21st is the Silver Anniversary Braemar Ice Frolics. In the past, Thursday night has been designated as the dress rehearsal night and was performed for the senior citizens and disabled citizens and were admitted free. This year, the Thursday night dress rehearsal performance will be open to everyone. The senior citizens and disabled citizens will be offered a discounted rate ticket for all performances. 4. JUPITER AND BEYOND REPORT Mr. Lord's Finance Committee of the Jupiter Report met and discussed the financial commitments for the next five years with the Park and Recreation Staff. At this time they also discussed priority listing of the individual items. Mr. Lord indicated that the pink sheet (see attached) is the priority list that Mr. Kojetin and his staff put together on how they would like to utilize capital dollars through 1995. K It was stated that the Park Board also needs to make a list of capital improvements that exceed the minimum priority list that are currently within budgetary guidelines. This priority list will then be presented to the City Council. Mr. Kojetin explained in more detail the capital improvement priorities. Mr. Kojetin explained that we have already committed capital funds to pay back the City of Edina for construction of the following: * Art Center expansion ($50,000 over five years; $12,000 in 1991, $10,000 in 1992, 1993, 1994, and $8,000 in 1995) * Braemar Arena renovation ($100,000 over 10 years; $10,000 each year from 1990 to 1999) In 1987, $30,000.00 in capital dollars was set aside for construction of a maintenance building at Arneson Acres Park. $25,000 is budgeted for 1990 and 1991 to complete the project. The plan is to begin construction on the maintenance building in the Fall of 1990. It was stated that the neighborhood park most in need of playground equipment is York Park. Chowen and Pamela Park would be the next neighborhood parks scheduled for new playground equipment. Almost all of the playground equipment installed in 1964 has since been replaced. It was stated that playground equipment has an average life of approximately 15 years depending upon the material. The City contracts with a private company that annually inspects all City owned playground equipment and makes minor repairs where needed. This contractor also makes recommendations as to removal of unsafe playground equipment. Mr. Lord came up with three major thoughts for a priority list. The first project would be either to have the pool renovated for $300,000 and/or total pool replaced with aquatic features for one million dollars. Mr. Keprios indicated that this pool is an accident waiting to happen. It will cost approximately $300,000.00 just to fix it, and then it's the same pool. To repair the filtration/circulation system and install additional water features such as a slide and/or sprinkler would cost around one million dollars. Mr. Christianson asked if the pool is self-sufficient? Mr. Keprios indicated that in 1989 the pool did slightly better than break even before depreciation, however, the number of pool users is not as high as in the first 10-15 years after the pool opened. Mr. Keprios indicated that we need some type of water feature gimmick to increase the attendance. In the 1960's the pool had around 3,400 to 3,500 season tickets. Now the pool has around 1,000. Mr. Keprios indicated that when the City of Moorhead renovated their older pool by installing new water attractions, such as a slide and sprinkler, their annual attendance doubled. Mr. Keprios stated that he could put together a report with some facts and figures for the Park Board if the Board so desired. 3 The second major project is the new Senior Center. Mr. Lord gave his opinion that possibly it could be put at Centennial Lakes. It was guessed that it would cost around one million dollars to have a free standing building for a new senior center. Ms. Weigle gave some background information as to the status of the Senior Center. Ms. Weigle indicated that the Senior Center has been at this location since January of 1989. She indicated that this was a very hard move. It is not an easy location to get to, however, the installation of the elevator made a world of difference. A problem that Ms. Weigle sees is that the seniors are all spread out and there is not a sense of real identity. Another problem is that the Senior Center definitely needs air conditioning. In the summer time, the indoor temperature conditions are unbearable. The Senior Center is currently on the third floor of the Community Center. The Senior Center does have Congregate Dining. Right now they are averaging 30 participants a day compared to 90 participants in the past. The Senior Facility Committees' thoughts are that we should use the Senior Center where it is located now at the Community Center and try all options within the building. There would really need to be some changes as to the rooms that are being used and also to have parking closer to the building. The Seniors need something that will not resemble a school so much. Something needs to be done with the lockers and the hallways. Right now the Seniors eat their lunch for congregate dining out in the hallway. Also, the only room that doesn't need to be reserved for a special meeting is the same room where different activities are held so people are always being disturbed. Ms. Weigle indicated that there is a problem with the Maintenance Department at the Community Center. There seems to be a constant fight. It is not always a real clean atmosphere. Mr. Christianson indicated that this problem is not easily solved and that many of these problems are trying to be worked out right now. It was indicated that we should try all options before we commit to one million dollars. The Senior Center needs to explore existing opportunities now. It's very expensive to build. We have not exhausted efforts in making the facility a better facility. With the Senior Facility Committee, there are some new ideas. One is to have more signage as to where everything is located. Seniors need to be able to identify where everything is located. Mr. Kojetin pointed out different ways the third floor could be changed around for a better Senior Center. It was suggested to explore the possibility of moving the Senior Center to the first floor. Mr. Christianson indicated that this could be difficult since the users now are all children's activities and by state law need to be on the first floor. The third major project would be the complete renovation of the Lake Cornelia Park playground site. This cost would be approximately $250,000.00. The project would consist of a new permanent cushioned surface under new accessible playground equipment. The reason this needs to be done is because of the liability that is there now. This area has EA been Edina's designated handicap accessible area with accessible playground equipment that has been largely donated by the Edina Federated Womens Club. Mr. Keprios stated that Ed, Bob and he will first be meeting with an architect who will draw up some plans. These plans will then be presented to some private organizations for possible contributions. This really does need to be done before 1991. This is the City's most heavily used park. The wood structure definitely needs to go. It has lasted its life, you can only do so much maintenance on something such as this. Mr. Keprios indicated that the best playground equipment material available is aluminum because of its durability and longer life expectancy. Wood playground equipment rarely lasts longer than 10 years, whereas aluminum structures could last over 25 years. Many communities purchase wood equipment simply because you can get more equipment for the dollar. In the long run, aluminum equipment is more financially beneficial. Mr. Lord MOVED TO ADOPT EDINA PARK AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES INCLUSION IN THE JUPITER AND BEYOND REPORT. THE COST IS NOT IN LIEU OF BUT IN ADDITION TO THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET. Bill Jenkins SECOND THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Bill Lord MOVED TO ADOPT THE THREE ITEMS ON THE PRIORITY LIST. James Fee SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. 6. COMMUNITY CENTER TENNIS COURTS RESURFACING FUNDING REQUEST Mr. Christianson opened the tabled motion from the previous Park Board discussion. The staff discussed the topic of the Edina School District's request for funding part of the costs to resurface the tennis courts at the Edina Community Center. It is the staff's opinion that because the two government agencies share each others facilities year around that each agency should maintain their own facilities within their own budget. However, when capital improvements are required to alter another agency's facility, the requesting agency should be responsible for funding that project. Two examples of this are: 1. Renovation of the Community Center to accommodate the Edina Senior Citizen's Center paid by the City of Edina. 2. Renovation of the Braemar Arena to accommodate the Edina School District's graduation ceremonies paid by the Edina School District. Staff therefore recommends that the Park Board deny the School District's request for funding the resurfacing of the Community Center tennis courts. BILL LORD MOVED TO DENY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S REQUEST FOR $19,250.00 TO FUND THE RESURFACING OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER TENNIS COURTS. BILL JENKINS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 7. OTHER Soccer Board - Mr. Kojetin wanted to be sure that everyone had a chance to read the letter from the Soccer Board. They indicated that they only want Edina residents to participate in Edina Soccer. 5 Community Award - Mr. Kojetin indicated that there will be a program where an award will be given to businesses, residents, churches, etc. for well kept lawns. The Garden Council is in favor of this. The title of the award will be "Scenes from the Street". The award will be given to the winner at the annual meeting in August. Compost - Mr. Kojetin indicated that people are encouraged to do composting only in their own yards. They do not want people composting in the parks. Van Valkenburg Park Grand Opening Softball Game - Mr. Keprios indicated that on May 17th at Van Valkenburg Park at 7:00 p.m. there will be a grand opening softball game between the Park Department and all other City employees. Courtney Fields - There will be a dedication of Courtney Fields on Tuesday, May 1st at 5:30 p.m. The Baseball Board is making arrangements right now for the American League (11 & 12 year old boys) to play in this dedication game. Dave Lynch - Mr. Keprios introduced Dave Lynch to the Park Board. He is a new resident to Edina. Dave used to work for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a Grants Writer. Mr. Lynch indicated is looking forward to learning how we operate and how he can help as a concerned citizen. Sylvia Wippermann - Mr. Kojetin indicated that Ms. Wippermann passed away. Memorials are being taken for the Brian Wipperman Memorial Gun Range. Flowers were sent from the Park Board and Council. Insurance - Mr. Montgomery asked if the Associations can have one insurance policy straight across the board? Mr. Fee replied we have tried this in the past and it cannot be done. It has been studied. Mr. Keprios indicated one thing that can be done is to have coaches attend the National Youth Sports Program and through this they can purchase a policy. 8. ADJOURNMENT - Ms. Rydell MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:30 P.M. Andy Montgomery SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. 0