HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-08 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD MEETING
May 8, 1984
Edina City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Joan Lonsbury, Chairperson, Jean Rydell, Bob
Christianson, Mack Thayer, George Warner, Andy
Montgomery, Marilyn Wooldridge, Bill Lord
MEMBERS ABSENT: James Fee, Bill Lord, Leonard Ring, Don Wineberg
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, John Keprios, Rick Jacobson, John
Valliere, Madelyn Krinke
OTHERS PRESENT: Bill Barbeau, Metropolitan Space Council Represen-
tative and Donna Hipps
I. Bob Christianson MOVED FOR APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 10,
1984 MEETING. Marilyn Wooldridge requested correction of the minutes
to include her as present at the meeting. Mack Thayer SECONDED THE
MOTION FOR APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED.
Bob Christianson MOVED FOR APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL PARK
BOARD MEETING ON MAY 3. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED. Bob Christianson commented that for purposes of clarification
of the minutes, he had expressed basic approval of the Edinborough project.
Bob Kojetin stated that the council had approved the concept of
Edinborough Park at the May 7 council meeting. Joan Lonsbury reported
that the proposed park at Edinborough will be in the neighborhood
of four to five million dollars, which will be from tax increment money.
II. Bob Kojetin introduced Bill Barbeau, the Metropolitan Open Space Commission
representative of this area. Mr. Barbeau indicated that he was pleased to
be able to come and would like to be at the Park Board meetings 2-3 times
per year as a representative. He is interested in beginning cooperative
programs. A policy paper on regional parks was given to the Park Board
by Mr. Barbeau, with the hope that the Park Board would have an opportunity
to read it and offer any comments or suggestions before the next revision of
the paper is done.
Regarding the Speed Skating facility, Mr. Barbeau reported that the Metro
Open Space Committee is interviewing prospective firms to consult in
determining criteria for site locations in the metropolitan area for a
speed skating facility. Mr. Barbeau felt that if Edina did receive the
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site location, it would be unlikely that Edina would be the implement-
ing agency.
Bob Kojetin stated that he is in the process of arranging a meeting
between the Edina Park Board and the Hennepin County Park Reserve
District, which would be the implementing agency for a speed skating
facility if it would be located in Edina. Bob Kojetin is hoping that
some form of a cooperative agreement could be drawn up between the two
agencies for operating of a speed skating facility in Edina.
Bob Kojetin displayed a concept drawing of a speed skating rink enclosed
in a multi-purpose facility. Bob indicated that at the present time
there is no other speed skating rink in the world with a roof over it.
Calgary is building a covered rink for the 1988 Olympics. If the speed
skating rink becomes a reality in the southwest corner of the metro area,
there would be a tremendous winter sports area within a half mile of
each other including downhill skiing, ski jump, cross country skiing,
speed skating, hockey.
According to the present schedule of the Metro Open Space Committee a
consultant will draw up the criteria for a proper site location, after
which we will proceed with preparing the site location proposal for
Edina. Under the present schedule, September is the projected month
for submitting the proposal.
Bob Christianson questioned the all-weather track - why it should be
included since Edina Public Schools have decided to proceed with construc-
tion of a new track at the high school. He feels it would be a duplication
with two tracks in one area. Rick Jacobson responded that the track being
proposed with the speed skating rink would be a covered, year-round one
and would be for the entire community to use. Bill Barbeau commented that
the multi-purpose aspect of the speed skating facility may be a drawing
card for the officials who make the decision on choice of site location
and facility. Bob Christianson again expressed concern about the expense
of constructing two of the same facilities within the city- Bob Kojetin
explained that artificial turf would extend beyond the 400 meter speed
skating ice surface and would provide a running and jogging track 12 months
of the year in an indoor facility. Under the original speed skating study
that was done two years ago the concept of an indoor multi-purpose year-
round facility was never discussed. The only study recommended a 400 meter
artificial speed skating rink outdoors.
III. Edinborough Park - The proposed park, because of the type that is being
proposed, would require a full-time recreation program director as well as
maintenance personnel to maintain and operate this type of recreational
facility 365 days of the year.
The concept of the park was approved by the council in its May 7th meeting,
but there is a long way to go yet. This project will be completely funded
by tax increment funding only from that area. In the concept of the park
and the operation, it is proposed that all operating and maintenance of
the facility will be built into the total package of the facility so
that there will be no taxing from the general fund.
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The concept of this park on programming would be for the whole
community, which is very important so the park is not recognized
only as a facility for the townhouses and the senior citizens that
surround this park.
IV. Recreation Report
John Valliere indicated that he is hoping to have a total golf
patron or resident tournament for Edina residents.
Bob Kojetin stated that each year the Professional Golf Association
puts on a Jr. golf tournament in about ten communities. The PGA
has requested that our golf course be designated as one of the
sites for a Jr. Golf tournament this year. There would be a maximum
of 130 golfers on a Friday or Monday for this tournament.
Bob Kojetin also raised the question of whether we should be considering
hosting the Men's Public Link here for 1988-89. John Valliere stated
that a Men's National Public Link representative has asked that a
request be made to the Park Board and City Council for approval of
hosting such a tournament. John indicated that this would bring a lot
of recognition to the course and to the Edina community. John further
commented on the PGA Jr. program requesting that permission be given
to host the tournament and waive the green fees. The amount of revenue
which would be lost would be about $600. The tournament would be
scheduled for June 8th (Friday a.m.). About sixty of our Edina youth
would be involved and they have been hosted at other area courses.
Regarding the suggested patron tournament, John Valliere would like to
conduct such a tournament because there are many patrons who do not get
involved in competition. August 12 is a suggested date for the tournament
which would be for all Braemar Golf Course patrons, which at the present
time is about 1400. In the future, an all -resident tournament might be
planned. The only restriction would be that only golfers with a handicap
be allowed to enter. Bob Christianson suggested it should be open to
any resident of Edina who has a handicap. Possibly a tent could be set
up if the group becomes too large to be handled at the Club house. The
fee would be about $25 per person which would pay for dinner and golf.
Marilyn Wooldridge MOVED TO TENTATIVELY APPROVE THE STAFF TO SCHEDULE A
TOURNAMENT. Bob Christianson SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Bob Christianson MOVED FOR APPROVAL OF BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE HOSTING THE
FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH PGA JR. GOLF TOURNAMENT, EXEMPTING THE GREEN FEES.
Mack Thayer SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Regarding the possible hosting of the National Men's Pub Links tourna-
ment in the future, Andy Montgomery raised the question of how our patrons
might react to having the golf course tied up a few days, and how the
golf course would come out dollar -wise. Bob Christianson asked if other
courses cooperate to give privileges of playing. John Valliere stated
that there has been that type of cooperation in the past. He also stated
that the USGA pays some expenses, but primarily the site is donated.
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Publicity was the greatest consideration. Patrons volunteered and
seemed to enjoy the Women's Public Link Tournament that was hosted
here previously.
John Valliere reported that patron card sales were at 1200 as of the
last week. Revenue at that point was $21,000 ahead of 1983.
Regarding the Golf Course Maintenance Building - Bill Lord questioned
what progress had been made for the new building. At the present
time, Bob Kojetin indicated, pretty good estimates of the costs of
this facility have been established and at the present time it is being
considered in the overall budgeting process by the executive committee
to be proposed to the council this summer during budget time.
Rick Jacobson reported that youth athletics have held their registrations.
Most organizations noted a decrease in numbers. Soccer registrations
totaled 1,000, down by 200, baseball registered 750, down by 100.
Youth Softball is down about 60, but they are beginning a girls fast
pitch softball program. Adult softball program started on Tuesday with
132 teams in that program - up four teams.
Swimming pool renovation is well under way, and hopefully will be com-
pleted by the July 9th opening of the pool. We have hired summer staff.
Between 200-250 staff members are added for summer jobs.
June 14th is the date set to honor the American Legion Championship team
at the American Legion game against Wayzata at Braemar Baseball Complex.
There will be an award ceremony including ribbon cutting and recognition
of the team.
VI. Other
Joan Lonsbury invited all the Park Board Members to be present on June 11
at 6:00 p.m. at Lake Cornelia Park, at which time the memorial fountain
will be dedicated.
Andy Montgomery commented that he would like to see some type of softball
team organized for college boys home for the summer. Rick Jacobson
indicated that college players are eligible for the existing leagues and
may be added to rosters upto the middle of June.
A question Vas raised regarding the depreciation figures which appeared
in the most recent financial recaps. Mack Thayer explained that the
city has never taken depreciation on the revenue facilities and that
from now on it will be included in accordance with state guidelines.
George Warner MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION PASSED.
Meeting adjourned 9:15 p.m.
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ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL:
MOVED: TO TENTATIVELY APPROVE THE STAFF TO SCHEDULE A BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE
PATRON TOURNAMENT.
MOVED: FOR APPROVAL OF BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE TO HOST THE PGA JR. GOLF TOURNAMENT
AT BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE, EXEMPTING THE GREEN FEES.