HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-02-09 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 9, 1982
7:30 p.m.
Edina City Hall
Members Present: George Warner, Bill Lord, Virginia Shaw, Bob Christianson,
Don Wineberg, Marilyn Wooldridge
Staff Present: Bob Kojetin, Rick Jacobson, John Vall1ere, Caren Beckley,
Madelyn Krinke
Others Present: Harold Wahlquist, Peter Ramme, James A. Meger
Fred Richards, City Council Member
Mr. Warner, Vice Chairmaq opened the meeting in the absence of Joan Lonsbury
Mr. Warner announced that due to the lack of a quorum during the first 10 minutes
of the meeting, no official action could be taken and the first agenda item would
begin with discussion.
WALKING PATH - WALNUT RIDGE PARK
Harold Wahlquist and Peter Ramme were introduced and asked to share their concerns
about the proposed walking path at Walnut Ridge. Both are property owners in the
close vicinity of the proposed path. After a brief review of the philosophy for
constructing walking paths, specific information about the Walnut Ridge path and
history of the proposed plan by Bob Kojetin, Harold Wahlquist read a statement
outlining the primary objections and concerns of some of the neighbors of the
Walnut Ridge Walking Path. The objections were as follows:
1) Because the walking path ends at the intersection of Vernon Avenue and
Gleason Road, it is felt by some that there would be an extreme risk for the
safety of pedestrians crossing either Vernon or Gleason because that is a
blind intersection.
2) Concern was expressed that wild life might be disturbed along the path
by the people and dogs that would be using the path. Objection was made
to changing the natural terrain of the area by the dredging of the slough.
3) Another concern regarding the dredging of the slough is that it may cause
either flooding of the existing ponds or stagnation of them because there
might be interference of the natural water flow in that area.
4) The cost of $10,000 of the city taxpayer's money for the path is objection-
able to some of the neighbors. Peter Ramme also questioned what it would cost
to complete the project. He felt the expense was not justified for a path.
They suggested they would rather see the money used to improve the warming
house facility at Walnut Ridge Park.
5) Several neighbors felt that notice should have been given prior to the
council taking any action on approving the walking path project. Reference
was made to the late notice given for the walking tour conducted January 9th.
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James A. Meger also appeared and expressed that he was in favor of a path
but he was concerned about disturbing of the wildlife along the path.
Several members of the Park Board responded to some of the concerns expressed
by Mr. Wahlquist, Peter Ramme and other neighbors. Mr. Kojetin mentioned that
the DNR and Watershed District, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, had
already been consulted about the proposed plan and that preliminary approval
was obtained from them previously. The Board acted on the assumption that the
matter of wildlife had been considered by the agencies in granting preliminary
permission and also that the Engineers had already studied the matter of water
flow and changing of the terrain. It was pointed out that the matter of crossing
Vernon and Gleason Road had been under discussion a number of times, nothing has
been finalized yet, but there are several possibilities for making the crossing
safe for pedestrians.
After all discussion, the concensus of the Park Board was that they would not
change their recommendation to the Council. The Board directed Bob Kojetin to
obtain the environmental study and permit from the DNR if one had been done, and
to make it and any other information regarding preservation of wildlife studies
available to Mr. Wahlquist and other neighbors concerned about the issue.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 12, 1982 MEETING
Virginia Shaw MOVED for approval of the minutes as submitted. Don Wineberg
SECONDED the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
:MII'Mure IM
Fred Richards was given the floor to explain his position in regard to snowmobiles
being used at Braemar Park. He mentioned the risk of allowing snowmobiles to be
operated in an area where children are sliding and also the risk of ruining the
greens or grass on the soccer field. John Valloo a verified that there has been
an incident of snowmobiles ruining the sod and having to be replaced. Mr. Valli:erre
also mentioned that dirt bikes have been a nuisance at the golf course in the
past years. Bob Christianson MADE A MOTION to recommend to the City Council that
an ordinance be written to prohibit the use of terrain vehicles in all city parks.
Bill Lord SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Joan Lonsbury was nominated as chairperson by Bill Lord. Don Wineberg seconded
the nomination. The vote was unanimous for re-election of Joan Lonsbury. for
chairperson. George Warner was nominated for Vice Chairperson by Virginia Shaw
and the nomination was seconded by Bill Lord. George Warner was unanimously
elected as Vice Chairperson.
GOLF COURSE REPORT
John Vallore reviewed the highlights of 1981 at the golf course and also shared
some financial statistics. John mentioned that the irrigation system was completed
and operated during the 1981 season, but well #1 by the golf maintenance building
had caved in and had to be repumped. Weather was particularly good for the golf
season and did not cause a strain on the irrigation system. The 12th tee was
reconstructed in the late fall of 1981 and should be ready for play by the opening
of the season.
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Some long range plans were projected and discussed. Improving of the par 3
golf course was one item covered. A discussion was held on the remodeling and
expansion of the golf course clubhouse and also construction of a new main-
tenance building for the golf course. The present building was originally
built for cold storage and was constructed at a cost of $3,500. The golf
course committee had discussed the improvements of these two buildings in
their committee also. It was suggested that an architect be retained to do
an architect's rendering of the clubhouse and also the maintenance building
to see what would be the best direction to go. We should also get an estimate
of approximate cost so that we would know how much money would need to be set
aside in the near future for the development of these buildings. Don Wineberg
M 0 V E D that we recommend to the City Council that an architect be contracted
to look at the upgrading of the two golf course facilities and give the city
some alternative plans for expansion and remodeling of the clubhouse and the
maintenance building and what approximate cost would be for such work. Bob
Christianson SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED.
Fees for the upcoming season were discussed. John suggested adding a surcharge
to the greens fee for special groups because of the extra work and time involved
to accomodate them. It was noted that most courses in the Metro area do not even
permit outside groups to use their courses and Braemar is actually doing a special
favor to allow outside groups to use the facilities. It was the recommendation of
the Board to raise the greens fees to $10 for any special outside group.
John explained the correspondence sent out to the Park Board members on league
play policies.
RECREATION REPORT
Rick Jacobson reported that no new programs have been started since the last Board
meeting. All winter activities are in progress. The new recreational brochure is
in the works and should be out about April 1. Rick reported that the Mpls. Park
Board plans to charge a $5 rental fee for 12 hour practice times for a softball
field this coming year.
Bill Lord moved to adjourn the meeting. Don Wineberg SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned 10:00 p.m.
ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL
Bob Christianson MADE A MOTION to recommend to the City Council that an ordinance
be written to prohibit the use of terrain vehicles in all city parks. Bill Lord
SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED.
Don Wineberg MADE A MOTION that the City Council contract an architect to look at
the upgrading of the two golf course facilities and give the city some alterna-
tive plans for expansion and remodeling of the clubhouse and the maintenance
building and what approximate cost would be for such work. Bob Christianson
SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED.