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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-04-26 Park Board MinutesSPECIAL EDINA PARK BOARD MEETING 7:30 p.m. April 26, 1988 Edina City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Christianson, Bill Lord, Jim Fee, Bill Jenkins, Andrew Montgomery, Don Wineberg MEMBERS ABSENT: Itti Furlong, James Moe, Jean Rydell, Mac Thayer STAFF PRESENT: Ken Rosland, Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Bill Bach, John Valliere, Larry Thayer OTHERS PRESENT: Stephen Smith, President, Edina Hockey Association; Pam Moody, President, Braemar City of Lakes Figure Skating Club; Roger Harold, Braemar Golfer; Anne Maguire, Edina Gymnastics Association; William Lund, President, Edina Gymnastics Association; Art Katzman, Edina Gymnastics Association; Tass vonSchmidt-Paul, Braemar Men's Club; Frank Garrison, Braemar Men's Club; Erling Grealey, Braemar Men's Club; Cora Jane Blanchard, Braemar Women's Club; Jim Blanchard, Braemar Men's Club; Ed Howat, Edina Hockey Association; Dick Maguire, Edina Gymnastics Association. Bob Christianson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Bob Christianson welcomed new member Bill Jenkins to the Edina Park Board and thanked him for his willingness to serve the community. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 8. 1988 Don Wineberg MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 8, 1988, MEETING. Jim Fee seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED. II. BRAEMAR PARK REORGANIZATION AND UPGRADING PROPOSAL Ken Rosland gave a presentation the Braemar Park reorganization and upgrading proposal. Mr. Rosland explained that there are four major aspects to the Braemar Park proposal: 1. Repair and upgrade the Braemar Pavilion to ensure a reliable energy-efficient sheet of ice to be operational by October 1, 1988. 2. Purchase the Edina Golf Dome, to be managed by John Valliere, in order to produce a positive cash flow for the proposed Braemar Park fund. 3. Braemar Golf Course expansion and improvements to include: - add a 9 -hole, 3,000 yard course to the existing 18 -hole Championship course -construct a new building to replace the existing A -frame building -increase the size of the parking lot -construct a new golf car shelter -purchase 20 new golf cars -replace roof on old section of the club -house 4. Construct a new gymnastics facility adjacent to the Braemar Pavilion. Mr. Rosland explained the need for each project in detail: Braemar Golf Course There currently is more demand for golf at Braemar than can be met. Roughly 250 golfers per day are turned away because of the high demand. It is projected that within ten years the demand for golf will be considerably greater. To respond to this demand as well as produce an additional positive cash flow, an additional 9 hole course is proposed at a projected capital expenditure of $900,000. Although 60% of the proposed course would be in a designated flood plain, engineers and 9 -mile Watershed District officials have approved the proposal. This 3,000 yard course would not affect the existing 18 -hole championship course. With the addition of the 9 -hole course, there will be a need for: -a larger parking lot (535 spaces) $275,000 -20 new golf cars 50,000 -more golf car storage 50,000 To keep up with the increasing demand for golf, there will also be a need for: -new building (replace A -frame) $150,000 -club-house energy upgrade 25,000 The total golf course expansion and improvements is projected to cost $1,450,000. Golf Dome The Edina Golf Dome has been managed for the past two years by John Valliere. Figures have shown the potential for an excellent positive cash flow. 1987 figures show an actual operating income (after depreciation) of $111,000. The Edina Golf Dome could be a large asset to the proposed Braemar Park fund and would provide a means of financing Braemar Park fund losses without having to use general tax dollars. The purchase price is $575,000. Braemar Pavilion The present mechanical refrigeration system including the floor, refrigeration equipment and cooling tower are all in need of replacement. It is no longer financially feasible to repair the damaged equipment. The proposal is to construct a sand floor, energy-efficient, year -around sheet of artificial ice to be operational by October 1, 1988. This proposal includes the addition of much needed bleachers, locker rooms toilet facilities, and a commons area. The total renovation of the Braemar Pavilion is projected to be $1,500,000. The proposal includes the extension of Braemar Boulevard as a state -aid road around the Braemar Arena parking lot. The most timely need in the entire Braemar Park proposal is the need for a reliable sheet of artificial ice to replace the currently inoperable Braemar Pavilion. Gymnastics Building Currently the Edina Gymnastics Association is leasing warehouse space in Edina for $55,000 a year and are not able to meet the growing demand in Edina for the sport of gymnastics. The E.G.A. is also anticipating an increase in demand in the near future. For future planning purposes, it is suggested that the Edina Park Board work with the E.G.A. to address the possibility of constructing a gymnastics facility at Braemar to meet these demands and secure a long-term facility for the program. The gymnastics building is not part of the proposed #3,525,000 plan for Braemar Park. Financial Package Mr. Rosland explained that the total package is estimated at $3,525,000. The project would be financed by 20 year revenue bonds at a projected seven and one-half percent interest or better. The proposal includes the use of joint management at Braemar Park and the establishment of a Braemar Park fund to include: -Braemar Arena/Pavilion -Braemar Golf Course -Brian Wippermann Memorial Gun Range -Edina Golf Dome -Braemar Baseball Complex -Braemar Park (General Park Area) Summary Mr. Rosland summarized the utmost importance to move on the replacement of the Braemar Pavilion equipment. The City Council has the authority to sell revenue bonds to fund this entire project. If necessary, the refrigeration equipment could be replaced independent of the other proposed improvements, however, it would be financially beneficial to approve the entire project. Question/Comments from the Park Board Jim Fee asked why the purchase of the Edina Golf dome is important. Mr. Rosland replied that under the current projections the Edina Golf Dome would potentially produce a $120,000 positive cash flow. Bill Lord asked about the accuracy of the Golf Dome figures. Mr. Rosland explained that the past two years were managed by John Valliere and that the stated figures are actual. Bob Christianson asked why the owner of the Golf Dome wants to sell it. Mr. Rosland explained that the current owner no longer has an interest in managing the facility. Bill Lord asked about the $575,000 asking price. Mr. Rosland explained that he personally negotiated this price and that he is very comfortable with the agreement. Bob Christianson asked about the 15 year lease agreement. It was explained that the Edina Golf Dome Associates were obligated to a 15 year lease which could be dissolved upon purchase by the City. Don Wineberg asked about the life expectancy of the Dome. Ken replied that it is expected to last between 15 and 20 years. Now that the Dome is not taken down annually, the structure may have a longer life expectancy. Bob Christianson asked how the purchase of the Normandale Golf Course compares to the Braemar proposal. Mr. Rosland explained that the Braemar proposal is far superior financially. It was mentioned that the demand for indoor ice in Edina exceeds what two rinks can provide. Questions/Comments from Guest Dale Lund, President of Edina Gymnastics Association: -E.G.A. would like to explore the possibility of getting out of existing 5 year lease. -The E.G.A. has over 900 children in their program and presently cannot accommodate demand, plus, demand is expected to grow. -E.G.A. is in need of a long term facility. -E.G.A. is willing to explore the possibility of paying off the capital debt on a new facility. Ed Howat, Past President Edina Hockey Association -A committee was established in 1985 to explore the possibility of constructing a new ice facility. -The E.H.A. needs a second sheet of reliable indoor ice that is functional by October 1, 1988. -He supports the entire project and understands the additional needs for financing. -Would like to see an enlarged gymnastics facility to enhance the hockey program (weight rooms, exercise rooms, etc.) -The focus of this entire project should be to secure a second sheet of reliable energy-efficient indoor ice by October 1, 1988 Stephen Smith, President Edina Hockey Association -There is a great deal of high anxiety amongst hockey parents for fear of not knowing if there will be a second sheet of ice by October 1, 1988. -The Edina Hockey Association concurs with Ed Howat's statements. -The E.H.A. enrolls over 700 children annually and administer four tournaments per year. Roger Harold, Braemar Golfer -Without the Pavilion problems, there still exists a tremendous demand for golf in Edina. -He is concerned that future improvements and concerns for the golf course will not be met because the golf course revenues will be tied into other facilities' debts. Jim Fee MOVED TO APPROVE THE ENTIRE BRAEMAR PARK PROPOSAL WHICH INCLUDES THE PAVILION REMODELING, THE GOLF DOME PURCHASE, THE BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENTS AS PRESENTED BY KEN ROSLAND. THIS MOTION IS NOT TO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW GYMNASTICS FACILITY AT THIS TIME, HOWEVER, THE PARK BOARD RECOMMENDS FURTHER STUDY IN SUPPORT OF A FUTURE GYMNASTICS FACILITY. Don Wineberg seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. III. OTHER Bob Christianson commented on an invitation received from Hennipen County Parks to tour their parks June 1. A letter in regard to this will be sent out to all Park Board Members. IV. ADJOURNMENT Bill Lord MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 9:20 p.m. Jim Fee seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED. ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL: Jim Fee MOVED TO APPROVE THE ENTIRE BRAEMAR PARK PROPOSAL WHICH INCLUDES THE PAVILION REMODELING, THE GOLF DOME PURCHASE, THE BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENTS AS PRESENTED BY KEN ROSLAND. THIS MOTION IS NOT TO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW GYMNASTICS FACILITY AT THIS TIME, HOWEVER, THE PARK BOARD RECOMMENDS FURTHER STUDY IN SUPPORT OF A FUTURE GYMNASTICS FACILITY. Don Wineberg seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.