HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-02-14 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
-30 p.m.
:bruary 14, 1989
,diva City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Christianson, Bill Lord, Andrew Montgomery, Bill Jenkins, Jim Fee,
Jean Rydell, Mac Thayer, Don Wineberg
MEMBERS ABSENT: Itti Furlong, Scott Johnson
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Susan Weigle, Larry Thayer, John Valliere,
Stacey Kness
OTHERS PRESENT: Joanne Demco, Roseann Anderson, Margit Ferguson, Elsie Hoffharber,
Tass von Schmidt -Pauli
Bob Christianson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 10, 1989, MEETING MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 10, 1989, MEETING. Mac
Thayer seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
II. SENIOR CENTER BUS TRANSPORTATION
Susan Weigle, Senior Center Coordinator, stated the new Senior Center location is
acceptable, but many people cannot get there. Ms. Weigle proposed to the Park Board
to recommend increasing the transportation program to get the seniors to the Center
for congregate dining. Ms. Weigle then introduced Joanne Demco of Volunteers of
America, the organization running the congregate dining program. Mrs. Demco stated
congregate dining enables seniors to get out of the house. Volunteers of America has
been offering this service in Edina for 11 years. Last year they served 22,000 meals
to people of which approximately 30 percent are below the poverty level in Edina. The
suggested donation is $1.25 for each congregate meal. The majority of congregate
diners is quite old and frail. The average age throughout the Anoka -Hennepin area is
74 years; the average age in Edina is 77 years. Congregate dining is an opportunity
for people to come together to have lunch which is more like a dinner. For many
people it is the main meal of the day; most come for socialization. Volunteers of
America's funding comes from Metropolitan Council. Mrs. Demco is encouraged with the
new Senior Center location, but the key to a successful congregate dining program is
transportation. She strongly urged the Park Board to consider the request.
Mr. Jenkins asked if there were transportation problems at the previous site. Mrs.
Demco answered we were in a high rise area with many seniors close by, so there was
not the same problem. We were serving 90 people per day.
Mr. Christianson asked how many people are being served now. Mrs. Demco said
congregate dining has only been offered for a week at the new site, so averages have
not been figured. Approximately 30 people have attended each day.
Mr. Wineberg asked how many programs does Volunteers of America serve. Mrs. Demco
said congregate dining is being offered at 42 locations.
Mr. Christianson asked if the numbers of people are down because of the new
location. Elsie Hoffharber, the congregate dining coordinator at the Senior Center,
indicated she had looked through old records to see how many people had come from the
large complexes on York Avenue. Transportation was easy at that time. Many people
would love to come from the York Avenue area but cannot get to the new Center. Of
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the present participants, many people drive or live in the immediate neighborhood.
Those who need the congregate dining service the most are the ones now who cannot
come.
Mr. Kojetin indicated the City will be subsidizing 20 cents per meal instead of the
originally proposed 50 cents per meal. Mr. Kojetin has contacted the School District
to discuss the cost per day of renting a bus to transport people in the York Avenue
area (7200 York, 7400 York, 3400 Parklawn, 7500 York, and 7151 York) to and from the
Center. Approximately 54 people have expressed a need for rides to the center and
back each day. The School District would charge $35 per day for a school bus which
can accommodate 50 people. The per day rate comes to $9100 per year since meals are
served 260 days per year. Mr. Kojetin indicated several different options for this
need. We could consider charging 50 cents daily which would lower the yearly cost to
$2800. If this is favorable, we could be looking at an increase in our operating
budget. The present bus holds ten people and makes three runs to average 27 people
per day being transported to and from the Center. This bus picks up people in
isolated areas of the City that are not close to the York Avenue area.
Ms. Weigle said there are 60 new members since we have opened. 80 percent of the new
members have been in the 55424 and 55436 zip code areas of the city.
Mr. Christianson asked if there is a charge for the present bus. Ms. Weigle said no,
and we use volunteer drivers.
Mrs. Rydell asked how many people using congregate dining live below the poverty
level. Mrs. Demco said if people were coming from the York Avenue side of town, a
charge for the bus could be a problem for them.
Mr. Wineberg said there could be a problem with one bus charging and the other bus
being free.
Mr. Christianson asked if there are any other sources of funds available such as
grants. Mrs. Demco said she does not have money in her budget, but the West Metro
Transportation project does have some funds for other communities.
Mr. Christianson asked if it is possible to contact them for funding. Mrs. Demco
said it would take about a year to go through the request process.
Ms. Weigle indicated Paratransit charges $10 per year and $1 each way for handicapped
riders.
Mr. Christianson said if we received funding from West Metro, we could not charge
anything but there could be a suggested donation. Mrs. Demco said sometimes West
Metro gives qualifying cities a van, and the city has to come up with a driver. They
have limited dollars.
Mr. Christianson asked Mrs.'Demco if a charge was levied for bus transportation and
if it caused the participants to make a smaller donation to the congregate dining
program, would it adversely affect your program. Mrs. Demco said her grant would
absorb it because they feel the program is beneficial.
Mr. Jenkins asked what is the largest number of people you could serve. Mrs. Demco
said 100.
Mr. Kojetin asked Elsie if there had been any comment on the Center being located on
the third floor. Elsie said she has not heard any negative comments on the
location. People are just glad there is a center available. Mr. Kojetin added the
handicap accessible elevator could be completed by May 15.
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Mr. Jenkins asked if there is a pocket of seniors in the City we could be missing.
Mr. Kojetin said the Summit Hill complex may be interested.
Roseann Anderson, active Senior Center member, indicated many people in the 7151 York
building are unhappy with the re -location. There are 55 people from the 7151
building who attended congregate dining regularly. They would be happy to do it
again since congregate dining brightens their day.
Ms. Weigle shared some examples of individuals who benefit greatly from congregate
dining who depend on outside transportation to get to the Senior Center.
Mr. Christianson said there are several questions to be answered: do we proceed with
transportation; on what basis; and how long.
Mr. Lord asked if there are any funds in the Park and Recreation budget that could be
utilized. Mr. Kojetin said there could be $3,000 available to go towards a
transportation program.
Mr. Christianson suggested subsidizing a program on a trial basis and continued
trying to get funds then revisit the issue.
Mr. Montgomery asked if Ms. Weigle had solicited churches for any contributions. Ms.
Weigle said we do count on churches for people from the VEAP program.
Mr. Jenkins said $3000 is a full year at 50 cents per person per ride. Is it an
option to run the bus for four months without charging the riders while we consider
other revenue sources.
Ms. Weigle said she would like to see what happens if we establish a trial
transportation program. Mrs. Demco said four moths would give us the opportunity to
prove we have a need when considering other options.
Don Wineberg moved THAT THE PARK BOARD WORK WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ON A FOUR-MONTH
TRIAL BASIS TO RENT A BUS FOR SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION. Bill Lord seconded the
motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Christianson added the four months must be used as an opportunity to explore
other options, monitor how the service is being used, and report back to the Park
Board after three months so we can see where the program is. Possibly in meantime
the city staff can investigate some other sources of revenue outside of our annual
budget.
Mr. Keprios said if the future brings free transportation for the able bodies, how
will the handicapped population respond. Mr. Christianson said but they use special
equipment and they are taken to wherever they want to go. That really is a different
situation not to be compared with our situation.
III. NAMING OF THE MASTER PLAN
Mr. Kojetin distributed a sheet with several suggested plan names. Mr. Wineberg
asked that "Jupiter" be added as a suggestion. Mr. Kojetin asked the Park Board
members to think about these names and be prepared to discuss them at the next
meeting.
IV. GOLF COURSE UPDATE
Mr. Kojetin indicated a final layout has not yet been accomplished. Mr. Valliere
said we are trying to come up with a plan that will please all three agencies (Corps
of Engineers, Watershed District, and the Department of Natural Resources). The
layout problems stem from the hill on the east side of the ridge.
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It was asked how the layout delay will affect the estimated opening date. Mr.
Valliere indicated we are slightly off the target date of the summer of 1990.
Construction may begin this summer on the high and dry areas and continue with the
low areas in the winter of 1989. He said we are about two months behind.
Mr. Christianson asked how does the delay impact the revenue projections. Mr.
Kojetin indicated if we open in the spring of 1991 or late fall of 1990, we would be
able to meet the debt service since there is not a big payment until 1992.
Mr. Wineberg asked if the changes in the 9 -hole course will affect the 18 -hole course
at all. Mr. Valliere said there are only two holes that may be slightly changed.
Mr. Kojetin distributed a Financial Bonding sheet and said the Council is receiving
this handout at the next Council meeting on recommending bids for bonds. We would
not take money out of the 18 -hole course to finance other areas of Braemar.
Referring to the handout, Mr. Montgomery asked why the 9 -hole course shows a larger
net income before debt service than the 18 -hole course. Mr. Kojetin explained
because we are putting more money in capital improvement at the 18 -hole course such
as building new tees and improving greens and fairways. That money has been taken
out of the net. For example, in 1989, $95,000 will be used for equipment
replacement, green and tee improvements, and old clubhouse equipment upgrade.
Mr. Christianson asked how many years we will be paying the $597,000 debt service.
Mr. Kojetin said for 20 years. The total bond consists of the original clubhouse
construction, Arena remodeling, the golf dome purchase, and $2.1 million for the new
9 -hole course and parking lot.
Mr. Christianson asked the total amount of the bond issue. Mr. Kojetin said the
total bond debt service would be $12 million.
Mr. Christianson asked if there are any figures on the golf dome. Mr. Kojetin said
the year-to-date income is $133,000 which is up $20,000 over last year. We do not
have the final figures audited from 1988 yet, but we are doing very well. Mr.
Valliere indicated we are on a good track right now.
Mr. Jenkins referred to the handout and asked where the income at the arena comes
from. Mr. Kojetin said this is the net before depreciation.
V. ARENA UPDATE
Mr. Kojetin indicated State Code says buildings must be sprinkled according to their
size. The Arena West (original arena) falls into the size category that must be
sprinkled. The Fire Department also recommends that we loop and connect the two
water lines at the arena. The proposal is to continue the loop line to 78th Street
along 169 (old County Road 18). The reason for this recommendation is if the
Courtney Fields are being automatically irrigated over night and there is a fire at
the arena, there may not be enough pressure to activate the sprinkler system.
Connecting the two lines would eliminate this possibility.
Mr. Christianson asked about the cost of sprinkling and looping the water lines.
Larry Thayer indicated it could cost $29,000 to sprinkle the West Arena. The loop
would be charged per foot from hydrant to hydrant. Mr. Kojetin said it could be
$50,000 just for the loop.
Mr. Christianson asked if that would come out of our budget. Mr. Kojetin said we
propose that some City Water funds could assist with the cost.
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Request for use of Braemar West Arena
Mr. Thayer distributed a memo regarding Edina High School's request to use Braemar
Arena for 1989 commencement. He indicated the only modifications needed are removing
the glass and two 8 -foot sections of boards. He feels it is a goodwill factor on our
part. It is not a money-maker for us, but we can accommodate their request. In the
past, their alternative sites have been very small and not very nice. They will own
and store the floor covering.
Mr. Kojetin said the total capacity of the Arena would allow for about seven guests
per graduate which the School District feels is adequate. Mr. Thayer said they will
have to have very tight ticket control so they do not exceed the maximum of 3600
people.
Mr. Christianson confirmed that the School District will pay for all out-of-pocket
expenses i.e. employee preparation time, any modifications that will have to be made,
and they will provide the floor covering. Mr. Thayer said that is correct.
Mr. Jenkins asked what the arena is being used for at that time of year. Mr. Thayer
said our two facility ice season is normally down to one sheet of ice at that time of
year, so it is convenient to be shutting down one of the two.
Mr. Christianson indicated it is a goodwill factor and there is nothing out of our
budget.
Jim Fee MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO HONOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S REQUEST TO
CONDUCT THE 1989 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES IN BRAEMAR ARENA. Don Wineberg seconded the
motion. MOTION CARRIED.
I. VAN VALKENBURG PARK UPDATE
Mr. Kojetin introduced John Keprios to give an update and review the plans of the
proposed Van Valkenburg control building and fencing for the softball fields. Mr.
Keprios reviewed the plans of the control building. He indicated the lack of funds
to complete the entire project with lights this year. Instead of installing lights,
fencing, and the building, we are going to accept bids on the building and the
fencing. The balance of 1989's capital dollars is $195,206. Mr. Keprios indicated
some architectural drawings of the building. It will have a 15' x 34' meeting
room/concession area on the ground floor with restrooms and a storage and mechanical
room. The upper floor will have scoring and control rooms for all three fields. The
entire building will be heated and air conditioned.
Mr. Jenkins asked what the meeting room will be used for. Mr. Keprios said it will
be used for managers meetings, association meetings, tournaments, trophy
distribution, concession area, etc.
Mr. Valliere asked if there are funds available to make the meeting area larger. Mr.
Keprios said the proposed size of the room is adequate. It will also be used as an
eating and gathering place when not being used for meetings.
Mr. Keprios indicated the anticipated cost of the building is $160,000 and the
fencing is $30-40,000. It could cost an additional $110,000 to light all three
fields. It could cost $316,000 to totally complete the project; we are short
$120,000.
Mr. Christianson asked if the park will be operational without lights. Mr. Keprios
said yes, it will be operational.
Mr. Kojetin mentioned we can install lighting one field at a time. We can build the
lights into the budget. Without lights, two games can be played on each field; with
lights, four games can be played on each field.
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Mr. Jenkins asked if there is any way the entire project can be completed at one time
such as adding it to the bond. Mr. Keprios said Van Valkenburg Park is not a revenue
facility and would not be eligible for this type of bond.
Mr. Montgomery asked when the fields will be playable. Mr. Keprios said the 1990
season is the target date. With construction of the building and fencing, it would
be difficult to safely conduct the entire 1989 season.
VII. CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE
Mr. Keprios attended the February 6, 1989, City Council meeting and updated the Park
Board on key issues. He indicated the Council does not want a rigid policy on
renting and leasing park facilities. They are looking for some guidelines. (see
attached) The final answer to the Dekhockey proposal was negative. It was suggested
at the Council meeting that more promotion of Lewis Park be done, specifically the
blacktop area inside the hockey boards.
Mr. Christianson stated we were asked to give the Council our recommendation on
Dekhockey. He is disappointed about the outcome.
Mr. Kojetin said the Park Board acted according to the Council's request and did
their job.
Mr. Christianson said it is unfortunate that Mr. Keprios was the sole representative
of the Park Board's recommendations at the Council meeting. He stated some Park
Board members should have been there. Mr. Keprios said it was okay; it was a good
experience.
VIII.OTHER
Mr. Christianson indicated the Mayor's Award Reception on April 25 from 5 to 7 pm.
He suggested the board members think about who they would like to nominate and wait
for suggestions from the athletic associations and discuss this as an agenda item in
March. Mr. Fee asked if Wally Irwin has received any awards in the past. Mr.
Christianson said Mr. Irwin received the Community Endowment Award in 1987.
Mr. Kojetin indicated at the February 6, 1989, Council meeting, the Council
recommended looking into purchasing the property in the White Oaks neighborhood. The
property's assessed value is $26,600. The Council recommended that the neighborhood
association come up with 50 percent of the assessed value. Mr. Conner Schmid
indicated to Mr. Kojetin that the neighbors have collected $8,000. They would have
to come up with $13,000 if the City could purchase the property at $26,600.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Bill Jenkins MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 9:30 PM. Jim Fee seconded the motion. MOTION
CARRIED.
ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL:
Don Wineberg moved THAT THE PARK BOARD WORK WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ON A FOUR-MONTH
TRIAL BASIS TO RENT A BUS FOR SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION. Bill Lord seconded the
motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Jim Fee MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO HONOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S REQUEST TO
CONDUCT THE 1989 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES IN BRAEMAR ARENA. Don Wineberg seconded the
motion. MOTION CARRIED.
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