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.