HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-01-08 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Tuesday, January 8, 1980
EDINA CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Virginia Shaw, Chairperson; Mary McDonald, Marilyn Wooldridge,
Joan Lonsbury, Frank Gyetvan, Mack Thayer
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rick Jacobson, John Keprios, Ceil Smith, Rosie Hafner
OTHERS PRESENT: Gordon Hughes, Don Loftus, John Dickson
I. VISIT TO MOUNT NORMANDALE FLOOD PLAIN AREA DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Dickson, Engineer and Board Manager for the Nine Mile Watershed District, conducted
a tour of the Mount Normandale flood plain area which is going to be developed in a
manner similar to Bredesen Park in Edina. Mr. Dickson handed out the Engineers Report
for Bredesen Park. In a brief tour we were shown the area which will be covered by
the lake, the location of the walking bridge, and Mr. Dickson briefly outlined the
development plans for the park.
On our return to City Hall, there was a continuing discussion regarding the development
of Bredesen Park. Mr. Dickson began his presentation with a short history of the Nine
Mile Watershed District and an explanation of how it is organized and operated.
In this discussion he outlined the communities covered, their annual budget ($75,000),
and the process involved in developing a park with the Watershed District (including
meeting with the Board of Managers). He pointed out that the city decides what is to
go into the park and informs the Watershed District of their decision. Work on the
park can be stopped at any time by the city and the city pays only for the work that
has been completed.
Mr. Dickson stated that work on Bredesen Park will probably begin next winter at the
earliest. The work will take approximately 18 months in construction (two winters,
one summer and one spring).
Mr. Hughes pointed out that before the Nine Mile Watershed Board of Managers meeting
in February, it might be a good idea to inform the neighbors of what is going to be
done in Bredesen Park. He also stated that before the plans are presented to the Board
of Managers, all changes and deletions should be finalized to avoid any extra costs.
Mr. Kojetin pointed out that we will be eliminating the exit on to Olinger Boulevard,
this will prevent people from using this as a drive through. Mrs. Shaw inquired as to
whether or not it would be less expensive to put the comfort station on Gleason Road.
Mr. Kojetin pointed out that it would be less expensive but not very practical since
most of the activity in the park would take place on the opposite side of the park.
Mr. Dickson mentioned that construction on the park should start in 1980 to avoid
any inflationary increases.
Mrs. Shaw inquired as to any problems that existed with regard to the water in the park,
e.g., water level and purity of water. Mr. Dickson stated that there were no real
problems at present. One problem that might arise, however, is phospherous in the water.
This is a problem that is difficult to solve, since the treatment used is as difficult
to remove from the water as the phospherous. Mr. Dickson pointed out that most of
the drainage and debris would be caught by the smaller ponds around the perimeter of
the park and would not contaminate the lake.
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II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 11, MEETING
The minutes were approved with the following clarifications under Bredesen Park
Development, "any park development outside of and including the walking path would
be funded on at 50/50 type split between the city and the Nine Mile Watershed District."
Joan Lonsbury MOVED to approve the minutes with the above clarifications. Mack
Thayer SECONDED. CARRIED.
III. SKATING RINK REPORT
Mr. Jacobson mentioned that due to the mild weather conditions we experienced early this
winter the skating rinks had just opened up around December 26. The ice on the rinks,
however, is not in the best of condition. Mr. Jacobson also pointed out that due to
the cold weather we are now having, many of the hockey games have had to be cancelled
and many of the rinks closed. Mrs Shaw inquired as to what the guide lines were on
closing the rinks. Mr. Jacobson pointed out that if the temperature reaches -loo below
zero or the windchill is -250 the rinks are closed and games cancelled. Mr. Jacobson
stated that there are, as of this date, 13 rinks open. There are six other rinks
which we are just starting to plow; these are the six that we had agreed to maintain
on a low priority basis. Mr. Jacobson mentioned that there are three attendants at
each rink (last year we had two per rink) and their pay ranges from $2.90 to
$3.15 per hour.
IV. RECREATION REPORT
Mr. Jacobson informed the Board that there were approximately 300 youngsters signed
up for the down -hill ski instruction that was offered this year. This was an increase
over last year. Two sessions were conducted during the Christmas vacation. Hyland
Hills has the equipment to make snow so these classes could be held despite the
warm weather, even though the conditions were just fair. Mr. Jacobson pointed out
that most of the lessons are geared to the beginner or intermediate skier, therefore,
the adult lessons are not as popular as the student lessons. Mr. Jacobson mentioned
that the two cross-country ski trails at Braemar have been groomed and the cross-
country ski lessons have almost filled up, 36 people have signed up so far (this is
a great increase over last year).
Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that the Park Department didn't have enough
girls sign up for girls hockey this year and we had to cancel the village program.
Twelve girls signed up for the program, this is enough for one team. A hockey
enthusiast outside of Edina (Sue Ring) however, had contacted Mr. Keprios wanting
to start a girls hockey league with players from Edina and five other communities.
Mr. Keprios is helping to coacb and referee these games and seemed very enthusiastic
about the program. Mr. Kojetin expressed some concern over the degree of competitiveness
in this program.
Mrs. Shaw informed the Board that Al Fischer had sent her a letter stating that due to
business obligations, he was forced to resign from the Park Board. A Resolution of•
Appreciation for Mr. Fischer was circulated and signed by the Park Board members.
Mr. Kojetin also passed around a Resolution of Appreciation for the Edina Optimists
Club's contribution of the trap range at Briam Wippermann Memorial Gun Range. Mr.
Kojetin also suggested the possibility of placing a dedication plaque at the trap
range.
Mary McDonald MADE A MOTION to adjourn. Marilyn Wooldridge SECONDED. CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.