HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-02-12 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 12, 1980
7:30 p.m.
Edina City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Virginia Shaw, Chairperson; Joan Lonsbury, George Warner,
Arthur Erdall, Marilyn Wooldridge, Frank Gyetvan
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rick Jacobson, John Valliere, Larry Thayer,
Pat Greer, Marion Ward, Rosie Hafner
OTHERS PRESENT: Margie Basil, Dorothy Anderson
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 8, 1980 MEETING
Joan Lonsbury MADE A MOTION that the Minutes be approved as submitted. Marilyn
Wooldridge SECONDED. CARRIED.
II. ART CENTER
Mr. Kojetin briefly went over the recent events regarding Mr. Howard Nichols donation
to the Edina Art Center. As of January he had contributed $2000 toward building
a room at the Center in his wife's memory, to be called the Nichols room. Mr.
Kojetin indicated that Mr. Nichols might possibly pay for the entire room upon
completion. The development plans that have been drawn up, place the room on the
South end of the building (above the garage). The room would measure approximately
14' X 32'. Pat Greer briefly went over the plans for using the new room stating
that it would be used for the adult painting classes. She pointed out that with
this new room they would be able to handle 15 students per class which would greatly
increase their income. At an average price of $39.00 per student they would be
bringing in $540 per session as opposed to $280. This would be an annual increase
of $1008.00 if all classes were to fill. Marion Ward also pointed out that aside
from being able to increase the size of the class, this room would make it more
convenient for the staff since they wouldn't constantly have to be shifting materials
from one room to the next, it could also be used as a meeting room.
Mrs. Lonsbury pointed out that in the three years that the Art Center has been in
operation it is doing better than anyone had anticipated. Marion Ward pointed out
that people are coming from as far away as Hutchinson and Le Seur to attend the
classes.
Mr. Kojetin presented some preliminary blueprints for the addition, which had been
drawn up by Mr. Gene Hickey an associate of Mr. Nichols. He.pointed out some of the
highlights of the blueprints, e.g., skylight type windows on the North end of the
room, the big storage area, an area for a counter, etc. Mr. Kojetin also pointed
out that the restroom facilities had to be modified to make them accessible to the
handicapped. He noted that if this room were added, the restroom facility could be
made for the handicapped for around $10,000, which could come from Community Development
Funds. Mr. Kojetin explained that the agreement for payment set up with Mr. Nichols
would be similar to the one set up with Dr. Wippermann in purchasing the gun range.
The entire room would cost approximately $30,000. Mr. Kojetin men0 oned that this
addition would mean more money in heating and maintenance of the building. We could,
however, raise the registration fees to cover this expense. Mr. Erdall MADE'A MOTION
that we proceed cautiously with the plans to develop this room provided we are
assured that the City of Edina will not be monetarily responsible for either the
development or building of the room. Mrs. Lonsbury SECONDED. CARRIED. Mrs.Shaw
mentioned that the Park Board should perhaps send a letter to Mr. Nichols to
thank him for this donation.
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III. GOLF COURSE
Mr. Valliere handed out information and gave a brief overview of the 1979 season.
He then went over the proposed increases for this year giving a brief explanation
of each:
1. club rental cost went up because of the cost of replacing clubs
2. junior lessons increased because we have to pay the instuctors more
3. the range fees were not increased last year and he,fel.t a 25¢ increase
was in line this year
4. the greens fees for non -patrons (both 18 hole and 9 hole) were increased
25�
Mr. Valliere explained that the 9 hole non -patron customer represented basically
the industrial league golfers and he does charge them a service charge above and
beyond the 9 hole golfing fee. By increasing their costs he is trying to hold
down the patron's greens fees cost.
Mr. Gyetvan inquired as to how many patron cards had been sold to date this year.
Mr. Valliere estimated approximately 1030 (956 were sold in 1978). Mr. Gyetvan
asked how many patron vs. non -patrons used the course. Mr. Valliere pointed out
that in the final report last year approximately 21,000 rounds were played by
patrons vs. 24,000 rounds played by non -patrons. Mr. Gyetvan also inquired as to
how long it had been since we had increased the cost of the Patron Card and mentioned
that in the many times that he had been golfing at Braemar, he had never been asked
to show his Patron Card. It was his suggestion that Mr. Valliere be a little more
cautious in checking people out when they pay their greens fees. Mr. Valliere
mentioned that it was about time to raise the Patron Card fees. Mrs. Lonsbury
inquired as to how much he was thinking.of raising the Patron Card fees. It was
Mr. Valliere's feeling that a $5.00 increase would be in order. Mr. Gyetvan felt
they should be raised higher (perhaps $15.00). Discussion on this was tabled
until later on this Spring.
Mr. Valliere outlined the new Junir Golf fee he would like to initiate this year
in order to help promote junior golf at Braemar. This would involve introducing a new
junior rate ticket to be used during weekdays and after 5 pm on weekends; a limited
number of rounds (perhaps 10) at a reduced price. The age break down would be from
13-18 years of age. Mrs. Lonsbury felt the age should be raised to 20 to cover
the college students. Mr. Valliere pointed out that.many of the young golfers
cannot afford to play Braemar and this program would hopefully allow them to do so.
Mr. Warner also suggested another plan consisting of perhaps 5 rounds for $15.00
to introduce them to the game. Mrs. Lonsbury thought this program was a super
idea. The entire Board had a very positive response to this program.
Golf Course Capital Improvements
Mr. Valliere explained that the golf cars at the course now cannot be repaired
because the manufacturer has gone out of business and parts are not available.
Because of this he would like to purchase six new golf cars to replace six that
will be retired this year. Mr. Valliere also wants to purchase a canopy to put
over the driving range during inclement or marginal weather. This would allow
lessons to be held during these times. Mrs. Lonsbury objected to the purchase
of the cars citing the energy shortage and misuse of them (it was her feeling that
strong healthy people should walk the course). Mr. Valliere pointed out that the
revenue on the car rental was up $6000 this year. Golf car rental and the driving
range are the two most profitable aspects of the golf course. Mr. Valliere further
pointed out that he has only 28 cars working and on occasion where demand has
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exceeded supply he has had to rent cars from other sources, which is very costly.
Mr. Gyetvan suggested raising the cost of golf car rental to discourage their
use. Mr. Valliere pointed:out that the $12.00 18 -hole -rental is the highest rate
charged by any of the courses around the area. He also mentioned that there is
a need for some golf cars because of people with medical conditions but did admit
that there is unnecessary use of -them especially by young people playing only
9 holes. Mr. Gyetvan suggested increasing the'9zhole rental fee to $6.50. Mrs.
Shaw further suggested that a sign be erected stating "the Edina Park Board
encourages' you to save energy and walk." Mr. Gyetvan MADE A MOTION to approve
the fee structure as presented with the addition of changing the 9 -hole golf
car rental fee to $6.50, and to adopt the new Junior Fee Program as proposed.
Marilyn Wooldridge SECONDED. CARRIED.
Mr. Gyetvan posed an objection to the canopy that Mr. Valliere requested because of
monetary and aesthetic reasons. Mr. Valliere again reiterated that it would be
practical for the lesson program. The lessons wouldn't have to be postponed due
to weather which causes an inconvenience to the participants, e.g.., ifslessons
are postponed too often they start to interfere with vacation plans. It was
suggested that perhaps it could be erected by the A -Frame and only half of it done.
Mr. Gyetvan stated that he would like to review the plans -before it was put,up to
determine how it was going to look. Mr. Warner questioned as to whether or not
the money for this was available. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that the money was
available under the $20,000 yearly Capital Improvement plan for the golf course.
George Warner MADE A MOTION that the Park Board approve the Capital Improvements
presented by Mr. Valliere. Arthur Erdall SECONDED. Joan Lonsbury OPPOSED.
IV. ARENA
Mr. Kojetin informed the Park Board that he h6d been contacted by the Edina Hockey
Mom's, an organization consisting of mothers of the younsters'in the'Hockey pro rarr
with a proposition. Every year the Edina Hockey Mom's have the youngsters in the
program sell peanuts. Over the past two years they have raised $5000 on the peanut
sales. They would like to donate this money to help install plexiglass around the
rink in the Pavilion. The fencing that is up now is in terrible disrepair and
poses a danger. The Edina Hockey Mom's proposal is: they will contribute $5000
and the Edina Hockey Association has agreed to contribute another $2500 to the
fund if the City will pay the remaining cost (around $10,000). Mrs. Shaw inquired
as to if the $10,000 required is available. Mr. Kojetin answered that it was not
at this time available but added that we are going to have to realize that money
is going to have to be spent to maintain existing facilities in Edina; and one
of these expenditures is replacing the chain link fencing in the Pavilion. He
explained that the Arena would probably always run on a deficit. He also pointed
out that there are many energy saving modifications that must be made in the Arena
in order to run it more efficiently. Mr. Gyetvan suggested that perhaps instead
of building new facilities we should concentrate our efforts on maintaining the
facilities we now have. Mrs. Lonsbury suggested repairing only the worst part
of the fencing with the money from the Hockey Mom's and letting the rest go until
we have the funds available. Mrs. Shaw asked Mr. Larry Thayer if this would
relieve some of the problem and please the Hockey Mom's. Mr. Thayer answered
affirmatively to the first part of the question but was uncertain as to how the
Hockey Mom's would react. Mr. Kojetin then informed the Park Board that they
should make a decision as to whether or not to use Capital Improvement funds
for improvements to a revenue producing facility, such as the Arena. Mr. Gyetvan
MADE A MOTION stating that the Park Board endorses replacing the fencing around the
rink in the Pavilion with plexiglass using the money from the Edina Hockey Mom's
and Edina Hockey Association and any other fund the City can come up with. Arthur
Erdall SECONDED. CARRIED.
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V. MALIBU PARK
Mr. Kojetin informed the Park Board that the property previously known as
Grandview Park is now to be called Malibu Park.
VI. HOUSING COMMITTEE REPORT
After a brief discussion of the report it was the consensus that some members of
the Park Board were taken aback by having a larger unit of government laying down
guidelines for the type of housing to be erected but they do recognize that the
need for this housing is very acute in this area.
VIII. PARK FEES
Mr. Jacobson passed around a chart of participation, fees, receipts and expenditures
for 1979, pointing out that the figures on expenditures were rough estimates. He
went into furter detail regarding the pool expenditures explaining that the bus service
was the main expenditure. It was the bus expenditure that was causing the defecit
in the swimming program. The way the figures broke down, the youngsters were
paying $7.50 for the bus and only $4.00 for the swimming lesson. Mr. Jacobson
explained there were two possible solutions to this problem; (1) we could charge
separately for the bus (this would involve some type of monitoring to make sure that
those using the bus had actually paid for it) or, (2) we could cut down on the bus
service. He pointed out that we now make 75 stops throughout Edina and this could
be cut down to a skeleton run of 25 stops. Mrs. Lonsbury suggested making some of the
stops at the schools so children could ride their bikes to the stop and leave them
there. Some other suggestions were to raise the price of the lessons (which would
mean everyone would be paying for the service whether they used it or not), or
eliminating the bus completely. Mr. Jacobson went over the proposed fee increases
for 1980 (see attached chart). They were: Creative Dramatics and Theatre, T -Ball,
Gun Range rental time, and Jr: Golf Instruction. Arthur Erdall MADE A MOTION to
accept the proposed 1980 fees as presented and -to substantially reduce the number
of stops made by the bus. Frank Gyetvan SECONDED. CARRIED.
AAMC PARK
Discussion tabled until next meeting.
Mrs. Shaw reminded everyone that next month will be election of officers and
encouraged all members to attend.
Mrs. Shaw also mentioned that she had talked with Les Wanninger earlier and -the
School Board has decided to close down Wooddale School in 1980 as scheduled.
Arthur Erdal1 MADE A MOTION to adjourn. Frank Gyetvan SECONDED. CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.