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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. -2 - 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. -3 - 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.