HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-11-14 Park Board MinutesPARK BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, November 14, 1978
MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jack Rice, Chairman; Al Fischer, Joan Lonsbury, Mary McDonald,
Virginia Shaw, Lester Wanninger, Jr., George Warner,
Mack Thayer, Marilyn Wooldridge
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rick Jacobson, John Keprios, John Valliere,
Manager, Braemar Golf Course; Cecelia Smith, Volunteer
Services Coordinator
OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Anderson, Margie Basil, Wayne Courtney, Council
Representative
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Omission of Mary McDonald as present from meeting of October 10, 1978. With this
correction the Minutes of the October 10, Park Board were APPROVED by Joan Lonsbury,
SECONDED by Virginia Shaw.
II. BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE PATRON CARD FEES
Since many Patron Cards for the course are bought as Christmas presents it was
decided to set the fee for them early this year. Mr. Kojetin recommended that the
fee stay the same as last year ($30.00). This would mean that all Patron Card
holders pay $5.00 for a round of golf (18 holes). The regular rate for non -patrons
this year was $6.50. All patrons are city of Edina residents, Mr. Valliere pointed
out. Mr. Rice inquired as to how long it had been since the fee had been raised.
Mr. Valliere stated that it had been 10 years. By not raising the fee we were
showing appreciation to the patrons. Mr. Fischer noted that the greens fees were down
this year over last and wanted to know why. Mr. Valliere stated that this was due
to the bad weather we had in the Spring of the year. Because of the nice weather
we had in the Fall, however, he felt that we would come out about even if not
slightly ahead of last year. Mr. Rice inquired as to how many Patron Cards we
sell and how many were sold to women. Mr. Valliere stated that there are approximately
1000 sold totally with around 350 of these sold to women. He also stated that
aside from the reduced greens fees the main purpose of the Patron Card was to be
able to make reservations on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Mr. Fischer asked if
all of the patrons were able to make reservations on these mornings. When Mr.
Valliere replied in the negative, Mr. Fischer asked if raising the cost of the
Patron Card would eliminate this problem (people would have to spend more money
to make the reservations). Mr. Valliere again replied "no". Mr. Warner asked
what benefit we receive from the sale of these cards. Mr. Valliere stated that
the patrons play more golf than non -patrons. Mr. Warner MADE A MOTION that the
Patron Card fees for 1979 remain the same. Mr. Fischer SECONDED. CARRIED.
III. SUGGESTED PRELIMINARY FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE
A few items were brought out for immediate concern. Increase Golf Car fleet
to 40 cars. Mr. Valliere pointed out that they do not have enough cars now (the
present number of cars is 28) and they have to bring other cars in from the outside
to provide all of the patrons with the cars they need. Articles 3, 6 and 8 (see
attached) didn't need to be taken care of immediately, but because the clubhouse
is now open 12 months of the year as apposed to the 9 months it was designed for,
the building is under code due to the heat escaping in the winter months through
the windows. The addition of a room onto the clubhouse would provide a place for
large meetings and wedding receptions as well as the ladies league luncheons, etc.,
that could be more of a community area and could be rented out year round. Mr.
Valliere stated that such an area was originally planned for the golf course.
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Mr. Fischer pointed out that if such a room were to be added it would mean
expanding the menu in the Clubhouse, perhaps improving the grill area and the
selling of liquor, etc. It was decided, however, that this did not have to be
settled on at this particular time. The additional lighting system for the
clubhouse would also be used in the winter and needn't be decided at this time.
The purchasing of a new ranger car, triplex mower, captains chairs for the
Clubhouse, and purchasing of furniture for the ladies room were items that were
going to be taken care of in 1979 along with the purchasing of golf cars. In a
brief explanation of some of the other items Mr. Valliere stated: expanding
the Par 3 would enable him to pull some of the leagues with less ability off
the big course, as well as improving business on the Par 3; setting up an area
in the driving range where it would be canopied would enable people to continue
to hit balls and continue to give lessons during inclement weather; putting
a drinking fountain in the driving range would be a convenience to patrons,
all there is there now is a pop machine; the A Frame tractor will have to be
replaced sometime within the next 5 years; the purchasing of a ball dispensing
machine would help to eliminate the pilferring problems that exist at the A Frame;
the maintenance building should be rebuilt since there is not enough room for
the machinery that must be put in there; they are going to start rebuilding the tees,
about two new tees per year. All other items do not need immediate attention.
Mrs. Lonsbury asked about the progress on the U.S.G.A. Public Links Tournament.
Mr. Kojetin stated that Tom Erickson had looked at the contract and added an
Addendum to it which the Mayor had signed. Now it must be sent back to the
U.S.G.A. for their signature. The Addendum, Mr. Kojetin pointed out, dealt
mostly with the liability clause of the contract. Mr. Warner asked about the
irrigation system. Mr. Kojetin explained to him, that work on the well had been
slow but it was scheduled to go to Council on the 18th of December, construction
would start in January and barring any unforseen problems, work would be completed
on the well in May. The irrigation system itself is still in design.
Mr. Rice pointed out that there were some personnel changes at Braemar. Mr.
Kojetin pointed out that Harry Cooper had left Braemar Golf Course and Roger Hobson
had resigned from the Arena. Mr. Rice suggested that Mr. Kojetin put together
a letter of thanks to Mr. Hobson for the excellent job he has done for the city
and bring it to the Park Board for them to sign and send to him.
Mr. Rice noted the presence of Cecelia Smith and inquired about her present status
and about the vehicle for the Seniors which had been discussed at the last meeting.
She stated that they had looked into two dealerships, Ford and Chrysler, and had
received a figure around $8000. or $9000. Mr. Kojetin stated that they would
be getting together to work out a route and schedule for the van. He also pointed
out that he had gone to one of the congregate dining sessions at the Senior Center
and found it quite interesting. The problem of getting information to the Seniors
was again demonstrated to him at that time. He pointed out that one couple with whom
he spoke knew nothing about the program until they had talked with their neighbor.
He again, mentioned some type of newsletter to inform people of the activities
sponsored by the Parks Department. Mr. Wanninger suggested combining forces with the
schools in composing such a newsletter.
IV. ART CENTER SUGGESTED PRELIMINARY FIVE YEAR. PLAN
Mr. Kojetin stated, that there weren't too many items in this plan. 1) Additional
parking space needed. When they have a special event they will have 40 or 50 people
and there is not adequate parking. 2) Dark room needed for photography classes.
3) Equipment neededfor jewelry classes. 4) Xerox or mimeograph machine needed.
5) Some type of food to sell. 6) Gas Kiln for pottery classes. Mr. Kojetin
pointed out that a gas kiln produces a finer glaze. 7) Lights for the parking
lot, especially during the summer when the trees shadow the lot. Mr. Kojetin
November 14, 1978 Page 3
stated that there are now 240 students enrolled and 213 season tickets sold so far.
He pointed out that we may have to look at expansion in the near future.
V. RECREATION REPORT
Mr. Jacobson stated that Adult Volleyball was at an all time high with 30 teams
registered. Adult Basketball we also had 6 or 7 more teams that we could accommodate.
Youth Basketball was up by 50 over last year with 425-430 registered. Girl's
basketball program is very successful. Girl's hockey had only 55-60 sign up
(only 12 in each age group). Cross-country and down -hill skiing were just starting
up. Karate classes would be starting up soon. The paddle tennis court is in
operation and the lights are to be installed soon. The lights, when they are installed,
would be put on a time switch so people could just turn them on by a switch and turn
them off when they are done. Mr. Rice inquired as to what Mr. Jacobson attributed
the increase in youth basketball. Mr. Jacobson said he felt as thought most kids
wanted to play more than just hockey.
Mr. Jacobson stated that they use the school facilities for the basketball games
and practices and they might run into trouble if many more schools close, since
church gyms were usually too small to use. Mr. Wanninger suggested that Cahill
School should be available for these.
Mr. Rice asked the question who is running the sports programs. He pointed out an
instance where politics was used as apposed to skill in choosing a boy for a team
in hockey that had been brought to his attention. He stated that this is not
right and must be stopped. All of the board members agreed with him and felt
something should be done about this situation. It was pointed out that John
Keprios was their spokesman for the hockey association and he would speak to the person
responsible, conveying the board's feelings that this type of situation would not
be tolerated in this or any sport. It was pointed out that the coaches for most of
the sports have sons on their team and volunteer their services, therefore, there is
little the board can do but give them a verbal reprimand for their actions. Mr.
Kojetin pointed out that many of the kids in the programs are of equal ability
and when the choice gets down to the last player and there are 3 people of equal
ability the decision is sometimes arbitrary and difficult. Mr. Courtney pointed
out that he had been on the Baseball Board of Directors for 10 years and most of
the coaches were very consciencious when -it came to picking teams. Mr.. Keprios
stated that the coaches are very closely monitored by the board of directors
of each particular sport and that this particular incident was an error in judgement
by the coach that usually does not happen. As the spokesman for the Parks Department
he would convey their setiments to this coach and the board and get back to them.
In closing, Mr. Kojetin brought up a few points:
1) Mr. Rice inquired about the Morningside School. _Mr. Kojetin pointed
out that the Morningside School was in the process of being purchased
through the use of community development funds, but there had not been any
definite decision made at this time as to what was going to happen to the
school; whether it would be used or demolished.
2) Mr. Kojetin reported on the meeting held with the Lewis Park neighborhood
group which he and Virginia Shaw attended. The neighbors felt that
drawing of the park seemed to satisfy their needs and the only thing
that they they suggested was that they would like to have a jogging path
around the park and maybe the parking lot area next to the tennis courts
November 14, 1978 Page 4
could possibly be moved.
3) Telecare service. In this service we are working with the Police
Department and the senior citizens building which has been incorporated
with the existing Fairview Southdale Hospital telecare service.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Rosie Hafner