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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-08-12 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 12, 1980 7:30 p.m. EDINA CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Joan Lonsbury, Vice -Chairperson; Mack Thayer, George Warner, Bill Lord, Les Wanninger, Marilyn Wooldridge STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rosie Hafner I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JUNE 10, 1980 MEETING Mr. Thayer MADE A MOTION to approve the Minutes as submitted. Bill Lord SECONDED. CARRIED. II. RESULTS OF 44th STREET PROPERTY NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING Mr. Kojetin gave a brief description of the park, its location and the work that has been done on it to date, i.e., removal of the cement slab that was the foundation for the house, removing diseased elm trees, etc. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that in the report he had sent to the Park Board members of the neighborhood meeting, the residents had indicated that they do not want much developement in the park. The installation of some playground equipment (perhaps a swing and slide), a few benches and maintenance of the grounds is all they desired. III. FOX MEADOW PARK PETITION Mr. Kojetin presented a brief discription on the location and history of this park property. He explained that in a neighborhood meeting in 1977, the neighbors wanted the park developed with a small softball diamond, open grass space, skating rink, playground equipment, etc. Now, however, they have changed their minds and do not want any of this done. According to the new petition they do not even want the grass cut or maintained. Mrs. Lonsbury pointed out that in the neighbors petition it states that the land "was originally purchased by the city with the intention that it remain in its natural state" and this statement is incorrect. It was her feeling that these people should be informed of this fact. George Warner MADE A MOTION that we send a letter to the petitioners informing them that for now we will honor their request and keep the park in its natural state, but in the future, should the residents of the area want a developed park in this location it will be developed. Mr. Wanninger SECONDED. CARRIED. Mr. Lord offered an alternative suggestion of selling the land. Mrs. Wooldridge inquired about the irrigation system at the golf course. Mr. Kojetin informed her that everything was installed except the master control. Someone will be coming from Texas soon to finalize the operation of the control station and pumps. Mrs. Lonsbury commented on the wonderful hospitality shown to the Park Board Members and their guests by the staff at Braemar during the inspection tour last month. IV. BREDESEN PARK Mr. Kojetin presented a brief up -date on the developments in this park. He explained that due to concerns of neighbors, some of the plans are going to have to be changed. They are concerned about such things as where the drinking fountains are placed, etc. -2 - The two biggest concerns at this point are (1) traffic problems and (2) parking lots. Since 99% of the people using the park will be joggers, it was felt that the best place for the parking lot would be in the northeast corner of the park. The residents however, were unhappy with this plan. Mrs. Lonsbury commented that the residents at the Council Meeting displayed a good attitude regarding the concept of this park. Mr. Kojetin informed the board that the traffic problem situation has been referred to the Traffic Safety Commission and the plans for the development of the park will be sent back to Dickson Engineering where they will re -think the layout regarding the drinking fountains, comfort station and parking situation. They will then make any recommended changes and send the new plan back to the Park Board. IV. 1981 OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Kojetin briefly went over the budget increases explaining that the total budget proposal. was increased 10% across the board. He explained that we are having problems in maintenance because we don't have enough people to perform all of the necessary work and we cannot hire any new people. Next year the problem will probably be worse because we will have 20 more acres of grass to mow. Our maintenance staff this year is working tea hours a day, six days a week just to keep up with the work load. Mr. Kojetin explained that next year he is looking into contracting out some of the work, such as the triangle areas which take a great deal of time to mow. Mr. Kojeitn pointed out that in the past we have taken care of aquatic weeds ourselves. This has involved much preliminary work such as; instruction on how it is done, licensing, obtaining a state permit, etc., and has taken maintenance time from the crew. This year we contracted to have the work done (about $6000) and it has worked out very successfully. Contracting out some of the work usually costs less, the work is done more efficiently and better than our maintenance staff can do;it especially some of the specialty jobs. Mr. Kojetin explained a new plan that Jerry Dalen is trying to put into effect next,ye_ar whereby we would give up the $80,000 Capital Improvement funds we have had in the past but receive $250,000 through taxes. This has not yet been approved by the Council. Mr. Kojetin explained that he would like to take $50,000 of this and put it back into the operational budget for such things as contractual services and repairing or replacing equipment. Mr. Wanninger mentioned that there should be some provision so that the $250,000 figure is adjusted for inflation. Mrs. Lonsbury stated that she wanted to see the list of back loans mentioned in the report. Mr. Warner inquired as to whether this money would be used to make up deficits at the facilities. Mr. Kojetin reported affirmatively. Mr. Kojetin presented a brief up -date on the energy saving improvements that have been done at the arena. He explained that the total cost for the energy improvements will be around $200,000,if all the improvements are made, but we will receive this back from the state. The latest work to be done was putting in insulation and partitions at a cost of $22,000. We will save $7,000 a year with this improvement alone. Mr. Kojetin informed the Board that we have already receivedsome money back from the state for our mini -energy audit,. Mr. Kojetin brought the Board up to date on the Nichols room at the Art Center. He has talked with Mr. Nichols and he definitely wants to build the room which will cost about $40,000. We will have to provide $15,000 for the handicapped rest room facilities. Mr. Nichols wants to hire his own contractor to do the work. -3 - He would like us to buy the room and he will pay us back on a five to ten year basis. There is still work to be done on the financial arrangements reqarding this room. Mr. Wanninger informed the Board that Bob Christianson has been selected as his alternate on the Park Board. Mr. Wanninger also notified the Board that a committee has been formed to determine a use for Wooddale School. One of the concepts they are studying is making a community center out of the school. He pointed out, however, that funding is going to be a real problem. Funding from the school district will be difficult to obtain. Mrs. Wooldridge inquired as to whether or not they had any target date set with respect to determining what use would be made of the building. Mr. Kojetin suggested that something should be done with the building before this Fall or it probably be subject to vandalism as was the Morningside School building. Mr. Wanninger also announced to the Board that the Upper Midwest Figure Skating Championships will be, held at Braemar this November. It was his feeling that perhaps the Park Board and Parks Department would like to put a letter of welcome in the program. It was the general consensus that this was a good idea. Mrs. Wooldridge MADE A MOTION that the Park Board and Park and Recreation Department write a letter of welcome to be included in the program for the Upper Midwest Figure Skating Championships. Mr. Thayer SECONDED. CARRIED. Mrs. Wooldridge MADE A MOTION to adjourn. Mr. Thayer SECONDED. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.