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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-10-09 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD October 9, 1984 7:30 p.m. Edina City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Marilyn Wooldridge, Jean Rydell, Andy Montgomery, Jim Fee, Mack Thayer, Don Wineberg, Bob Christianson, George Warner, Joan Lonsbury MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Lord, Virginia Shaw STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rick Jacobson, Ken Rosland, John Valliere, Carole Kulak, Madelyn Krinke OTHERS PRESENT: Roger Harrold, Tass von Schmidt -Pauli, Bob Hultgren, Stephen Sinykin, Kathy Hanson, Lynn Hanson, Frank Garrison, Gary Sampson, John Lundahl DEDICATION OF STRACHAUER PARK At 5:30 P.M., a dedication of Strachauer Park was held at 62nd and Beard Place. Members of the City Council, the Park Board, the mayor, members of Herman Strachauer's family and several other individuals were in attendance for the dedication. Cliff French, the first Park Director for Edina who worked many years with Herm, was also in attendance and made a few comments regarding Herm's participation in the early park history. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 1984 MEETING Bob Christianson moved for approval of minutes of September 11, 1984 meeting. Seconded by Mack Thayer. Motion carried. II. DISCUSSION OF SALE OF LAND Bob Kojetin reported that they have been doing some investigation of selling of property on West Shore Drive and 66th St., which is across the street from Cornelia Park. The land has possibly three buildable lots. The homeowner adjacent to the lot approached the city about buying it. Bob Kojetin and Gordy Hughes, City Planner, thought it would be a good idea to check on this lot and others in the city which appear to be nonusable land for the city. Proceeds could be put in escrow and the interest could be used for operating funds for the park department. The property on West Shore Drive is valued • at about $60,000, raw value of about $30,000. It would cost about $30,000 to put in sewer and water. Don Wineberg supported the idea of checking out land which can't be used and pursuing the sale of some of these small parcels. Bob Christianson stated that he would be against selling the Parbury Estate if that land was ever considered for sale. Bob Christianson MOVED TO INVESTIGATE AND PURSUE THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY AT WEST 66TH STREET AND WEST SHORE DRIVE. Mack Thayer SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. III. SPEED SKATING RINK Bob Kojetin is still working on putting together the proposal for the speed skating rink. Bob Kojetin handed out several excerpts from the proposal which he will be submitting to the Metro Council. Mr. Kojetin explained that the proposal recommends three phases of construction; the first phase would be to build the basic speed skating facility, phase two would put a cover over the rink and phase three would enclose the sides with walls. The proposal will be brought before the City Council Monday, October 9 for their approval. Mr. Rosland, City Manager, stated his concern that the proposal not be submitted until after the City Council meeting, and that approval would have to be given by the Council before Edina could actually be considered for a site for the facility being proposed. IV. RECREATION REPORT Rick Jacobson indicated that Adult Social Dance Instruction was beginning tonight and that Dean Constantine is the instructor. Registrations are being taken for Karate and Racquetball for 8 year olds - adults. Rick reported that E.G.A.A. (girl's) basketball will have five traveling basketball teams this year in 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grades. The girls flag football program had a good registration this year. Edina Basketball Association held registration and about 300 registered, which is down about 40 from last year, however they will probably pick up quite a few in late registrants. Hockey registration is October 10 and 13. V. OTHER Joan Lonsbury stated that the Nine Mile Watershed District sponsored a walk around Bredesen Park and she and a number of the Edina Garden Council members, League of Women Voters and other individuals participated in the walk and were able to see first hand what has been done in the park. It was noted that July, 1985 is the target date for completion. Bob Kojetin noted that one of the ski trails will be groomed for cross country skiing. VI. REPORT ON TENNIS COURT INSPECTION Andy Montgomery and Marilyn Wooldridge reported that they had done an inspection of most of the tennis courts and found 2 to be in excellent condition - Braemar and Yorktown, and 3 to be in very bad condition - Highlands, Creek Valley and Pamela. Rick Jacobson would like to repair five courts per year, that way every three years the courts would be brought up to par. Creek Valley was redone in 1981, so there apparently is a problem with the soil base settling, causing cracks in the surface of the courts. VII. EDINBOROUGH PARK UPDATE Bob Kojetin stated that it has been suggested that the park should be built and then turned over to the city in a turn key type operation. It has been suggested that there should be an indoor lap pool in the new park. Ken Rosland indicated that the Planning Commission will be meeting on Oct. 31 regarding the project and on November 19 it will be brought to the council for approval of the total concept. Mr. Rosland stated that the park has to be totally self sustaining, and that $335,000 of the developer's $800,000 fund should be put into escrow fund and then have $100,000 be used for maintenance. Residents of the building will put in so much each month to raise about $80,000 - $90,000. An operating budget of $200,000 is expected for the park. There will be parking spaces for about 450 vehicles and another 300 spaces outside the park for public parking. Mr. Rosland mentioned that November 19 will be the second reading of a rezoning ordinance and that it is hoped that the council will approve the developers agreement. VIII. GOLF COURSE REPORT Don Wineberg introduced a group of individuals known as "Friends of Braemar" Committee. The committee has worked for two months to prepare a comprehensive report. Tass vonSchmidt-Pauli and Roger Harrold presented an overview of the report and findings of the committee.(Copy attached). Regarding the Par 3 - the committee feels that an Executive Par 3 course is necessary since Braemar Golf Course has been operating at full capacity and has had to turn away propsective players. The Pat 3 presently has about 25,000 rounds and it is projected that this number could easily increase to 40,000 by 1986 if the course is upgraded. Two plans were shown by Roger Harrold for proposed expansion and upgrading of the Clubhouse. Plan A had been prepared by Milo Architects. Rationales for expansion - the building is not presently insulated, the building is not up to code for handicap access and handicap restrooms, the building is overcrowded. Plan B which was shown was submitted as a possible alternative to Plan A, but is not recommended because it does not include enough storage area for golf carts. Included in the presentation were projected estimates showing that in 12 - 13 years the revenue raised by the two improvements could pay off the indebtedness incurred. The recommendation of the committee would be to build the Par 3 executive course in the first year, put some of the revenue into CD's and draw interest until 1988 when construction would be completed. It was stated that there has been an annual growth rate of 9.2% over the last 12 years. The net income has been enough to retire the bond in 15 years. No significant increase in 18 hole course or cart fees. The committee would recommend that. the executive course fees start at $6. Joan Lonsbury polled the Park Board Members for their response and the following comments were made: George Warner - Questioned whether the Edinborough Park would duplicate the Par 3 in anyway and asked if its would be priced out. John Valliere indicated that fees would be set up as they are now, giving the juniors a price break. Mack Thayer - thinks it's time to take action on it. Jim Fee - thinks it is conservative. Braemer is recognized around the country, just received publicity in Golf magazine. Jean Rydell - well done. Marilyn Wooldridge - we have an exceptional course now, this would just make it better. Bob Christianson - would like to see the report given to the city council at the appropriate time. Bob Kojetin - Appreciated the efforts of the committee - the only change he would recommend would be to start construction on the clubhouse in fall of 1986 so the clubhouse could be used during the summer and not have tvthe loss of revenue. Rick Jacobson - it is a convincing report. Ken Rosland - Great report - thinks it is a positive time to start. John Valliere - appreciates all the people who have worked on report. Bob Halgren - spoke in favor of an executive Par 3 on behalf of a senior group with whom he plays golf. They have been playing on other courses because Braemar does not have the executive Par 3. Joan Lonsbury - Park Board has already sent a recommendation to the council. Bob Christianson MOVED THAT THE PRESENTATION MADE BY THE GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE BE SENT TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE PARK BOARD RECOMMENDATION THAT PLAN A BE IMPLEMENTED, WITH THE ADDITION THAT THE CLUB HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS BE DELAYED UNTIL THE FALL OF 1986. Don Wineberg SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Ken Rosland suggested that the presentation be made the first Monday in November or the first Monday in December. Bob Kojetin prefers the first week in November. Don Wineberg and Mack Thayer will work with the Committee to present it to the council. Bob Christianson MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. Don Wineberg SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. L-7