HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-11-08 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
November 8, 1983
7:30 p.m.
Edina City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Joan Lonsbury, George Warner, Bob Christianson, Art
Erdall, Mack Thayer, Bill Lord, Don Wineberg, Marilyn
Wooldridge, Doug King, Virginia Shaw
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rick Jacobson, Madelyn Krinke
OTHERS PRESENT: Denise Rydholm, Leslie Turner, Glenn Smith, Donna
Skagerberg
I. WOODDALE SCHOOL TOUR
The Park Board members toured the Wooddale School. The following are some
of the observations made by the group.
- Donna Skagerberg commented that the acoustics in the auditorium are
very good and that there could be many uses for it by Performing Arts.
-Possibility of knocking out some walls to make rooms larger to use
for athletic activities
Bathrooms might have to be remodeled if adult activities were to be
scheduled in the building because the structure was designed primarily
for small children
Donna Skagerberg presented some of the needs which the Historical Society
has regarding expansion and storage. Because of the small display room, there
are limitations on what items can be displayed and must be rotated about every
three months. There is a great need for a permanent storage closet to preserve
clothing.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 11, 1983 MEETING
George Warner moved to accept the Corrected Minutes of the October 11, 1983
meeting. Mack Thayer seconded the motion. Motion passed.
III. WOODDALE SCHOOL DISCUSSION
Glenn Smith was introduced to the Park Board and presented some additional
ideas, supplementing his written report to the council, dated October 7, 1983.
Mr. Smith's suggestion is to have an investigation done by a committee of interes-
ted persons to determine the actual condition of the Wooddale School facility and
to make a factual recommendation of whether the building i salvageable. According
to Mr. Smith, this study might require between $5,000 and 10,000 to complete.
Once a determination is made as to whether the building is worth saving or not, it
would be Mr. Smith's suggestion to abide by the committee's decision - if they
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November 8, 1983 -2-
Would recommend to demolish it, then that should be done. If they determine
it to be worth saving, then Mr. Smith would recommend that the next step woulld
be expend $500,000 to rennovate the building and then get a deed or long term
lease from parties interested in using the space, i.e., the historical society,
Park Department and any others wanting to lease and pay for the space. Mr. Smith
would anticipate the ongoing costs to be about $60,000 per year in custodial and
light maintenance and $40,000 annually for major repairs. As stated in his written
proposal, Mr. Smith does not recommend any of the costs to be charged back to the
taxpayer - they should be covered by the occupants through rentals, etc.
Bob Kojetin inquired of Bob Christianson what the committee's role actually is
in the decision making process of what to do with the Wooddale School and park.
Bob Christianson stated that he does not think it is the school board's point of
view that they should address themselves to the building per se. Mr. Christianson
indicated that he is of the understanding that the only string which would be
attached to the site in the future would be if they would need the land. The
committee is working on transferring the school and land over to the city. The
school board does not want to be involved in anything after that transfer is
completed. The city would have to make the decision of what to do with it
once transferred. Mr. Christianson also stated that as of this time, the city
has not indicated a willingness to accept the property.
Doug King stated he felt the real issue is how much of the building realistically
the Park Board can utilize in the future.
Marilyn Wooldridge indicated she would like to see the building stand, but
questioned whose responsibility it should be to finance it. She feels a need
to know what it will cost to save the building.
Art Erdall asked why it is so important what the Park Board thinks. He feels it
is a city council decision.
Virginia Shaw indicated that she would hate to see the building go because once
it is gone it is not replaceable.
Don Wineberg indicated he didn't think it is the Park Board's role to decide
anything, however, he feels every building can't be saved because of sentimental
value.
Mack Thayer asked if it is going to be sold to the city or given to them. He
would like to see some figures and projections as to the various directions it
could go.
Bill Lord summarized the two basic considerations to be economic and sentimental.
He feels it is worth taking six more months to do a study, and would recommend
putting it in the hands of a committee to investigage - does not feel it should
be the Park Board's decision.
Bob Christianson stated that he did not feel it would be appropriate for him to
give a personal remark about the property because of his position with the committee.
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Nov. 8, 1983 -3-
George Warner stated that if the Park Board can use the property with some
benefit, give it a try, but would hate to see a lot of money put out with
no cost benefit. It has to be determined how much we are willing to pay for
sentiment. There would have to be a reason in order to keep it.
Rick Jacobson referred to the staff meeting report. Rick sees the main
consideration to be how it is going to be funded if it is not a revenue pro-
ducer. The main concern of the staff is that if the facility is added to the
park system, it will add a strain on the park budget.
Bob Kojetin also stated the concern that if the park department becomes res-
ponsible for the property that it would be necessary to take funds away from
the budget now in existence for maintaining the 34 parks we already have. We
have a difficult time as it is trying to properly maintain what we have. Mr.
Kojetin feels that if the council decides to take over the property then they
would have to also decide how it would be financed and not expect the park
department to use funds from its present budget to support this new facility.
Glenn Smith added that under his proposal the city would not be bearing the
costs - that the funding would come from those who would lease the property,
on through some special type of bonding to fund the project.
Joan Lonsbury summarized the general feelings of the Park Board, based on
the above discussion, as follows:
1. Recognize the sentimental attachment
2. Investigation should be done to look into all aspects of use.
3. Any costs incurred should not be taken from the park budget.
4. The Park Board recognizes the recommendations of the park staff.
Virginia Shaw MADE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND TO THE COUNCIL THAT THE FOLLOWING
CONCERNS REGARDING THE ACQUISITION OF WOODDALE SCHOOL BE CONSIDERED:
1. RECOGNIZE THE SENTIMENTAL ATTACHEMENT.
2. INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE DONE TO LOOK INTO ALL ASPECTS OF USE.
3. ANY COSTS INCURRED SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FROM THE PARK BUDGET.
4. THE PARK BOARD RECOGNIZES THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PARK STAFF.
Bill Lord SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. Bob Christianson ABSTAINED
from voting.
IV. OTHER
Bob Kojetin reported that he is attending meetings in conjunction with
the Hennepin County Park Reserve District, the Metropolitan Park & Open Space
Council and 14 other suburban communities in Hennepin County.
Don Wineberg made a motion THAT THE PARK BOARD MAKE A RESOLUTION AS PARK
BOARD COMMENDING THE BANDY TEAM FOR REPRESENTING THE USA AT THE DEX WORLD TOURNA-
MENT IN WHICH THEY RECENTLY PARTICIPATED, AND RECOGNIZE THEIR COACH, LARRY THAYER.
Doug King SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Art Erdall moved to adjourn the meeting.
Carried.
Adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Mack Thayer seconded the Motion. Motion