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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-09-09 Park Board Minutes• MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PARK BOARD HELD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1975 AT THE EDINA CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Rice, A. Fischer, D. Pavek, V. Shaw, G. Warner, 0. Byhre J. Lonsbury, J. Sweetland, and M. McDonald MEMBERS ABSENT: P. Turnbull STAFF PRESENT: K. Rosland, B. Kojetin, B. Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Mrs. Wahl, Mr. Faust, Mr. Peacock, Mrs. O'Brien and Mrs. Gans I. Mr. Rice, Chairman, introduced and welcomed Mr. Otto Byhre, School Board Representative, to the Park Board. 11. Mrs. Shaw moved to approve the minutes of August 12, 1975 with the following correction regarding Utley Park: "Mr. Sweetland expressed extreme concern in regards to the traffic problem, the detraction (distraction) of a beautiful park by the hockey boards and the operation and maintenance COSTS of Tnis expenditure." Mr. Sweetland seconded and the motion was approved. III. BOND ISSUE - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Rice wished to thank all those who helped and supported the bond referendum. He stated that now the Board will have to set new priorities on where monies approved by Council for capital improvements should be spent. Discussion was held in regards to the 44th Street property. Mr. Rosland stated that a decision should be made soon as the building is very susceptible to further vandalism and should be removed if an art center is not to be built. Mr. Rice suggested that the Finance Committee of the Park Board could attend the budget hearings and present their request for funds at that time. All members concurred. IV. GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Fischer reported on the recent meeting held with the Golf Course Committee and reviewed the recommendations and improvements completed over the 1975 season. Mr. Fischer also stated that a letter had been received by Mr. Rosland In regards to a complaint on the many leagues scheduled at Braemar Golf Course. The present league policy makes it virtually impossible to play during the week. EDINA PARK BOARD MINUTES -2- SEPTEMBER 9, 1975 IV. GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED) Mr. Rosland further explained that the Golf Course Committee had reviewed the present league policy and recommended that league play be eliminated on Wednesday afternoons on a trial basis for one year. Discussion was held on the possible revenue loss if the leagues on Wednesday afternoon would be eliminated. Mr. Rosland stated that it would depend on the total usage of the regular greens fee patrons and if the policy is implemented, it would be only on a one year trial basis. Mr. Sweetland moved to approve the recommendation of the Golf Course Committee that eliminates all league play on Wednesday afternoons on a trial basis of one year. Mrs. Shaw seconded and the motion was approved. Mr. Fischer stated that the committee will be meeting again to discuss additional improvements. Discussion was held on the improvements needed at the driving range. Mr. Rosland stated that these improvements must be accomplished because of a safety factor and the present condition of the turf. Mr. Rosland recommended a design involving a three tier driving range. This will enlarge a greater amount of hitting area. The work on this project, regrading and resodding will be completed by the golf course maintenance crews as an operational expense. Members concurred. Mr. Rice thanked Mr. Fischer for the report. V. RECREATION REPORT Mr. Kojetin stated that all registrations for fall activities had been completed without any major incidents. This year is the first year that the Department and the Edina Junior Football Association has conducted the 8th grade football program. In past years the school conducted the program. Discussion was held on the scheduling of recreation activities on Wednesday which would conflict with church activities. Mr. Kojetin stated that they were aware of this conflict and the department has attempted to eliminate Wednesday evening games. Mr. Pavek requested the outcome of the registration in regards to the hockey skating instructional program. Mr. Kojetin stated that class regis- tration was down; however, he felt it was due to the fact that there were more classes available this year. Mr. Pavek stated that there might be a possibility that the plexiglass for the arena be purchased by the Hockey Association and he will keep the Board up to date on the committee's progress. Mr. Kojetin stated that at present, there are approximately 750 partici- pants in the football league, 425 in the Edina Gymnastics Association, 160 in the PTA Gymnastics program and 175 in the girls basketball. Mr. Sweetland requested the staff to give an up date of the number of participants involved in the current season and also the number involved last year. Mr. Rosland stated that the staff will try to do this every -other month. EDINA PARK BOARD MINUTES -3- SEPTEMBER 9, 1975 V. RECREATION REPORT (CONTINUED Mr. Rice requested the current status on the teen center. Mr. Rosland stated that at present, due to the remodeling at East High School, the teen center is not open. Discussion was held if the teen center were to re -open, should there be a center at both east and west. VI. Mr. Rice wished to reiterate on the necessity to have cooperation of the School Board and the Park Board. Mr. Byhre brought the Board up-to-date on the recent actions,.of the School Board and encouraged members to attend the special topic meetings held the fourth Monday of the month. These meetings enable the community respond and question the School Board on the various functions at the schools. Vil. Mr. Rice emphasized the need for the members to visit community facilities and suggested that the Board tour these various facilities at a later date. V111. UTLEY PARK Mr. Rosland reported that approval had been given by the watershed district and that he had met with the Traffic Safety Committee for their recommendation. They recommended that Council re-examine their position of a skating facility at Utley Park in regards to the safety and traffic hazards. Mr. Rice stated that he would be meeting soon with the Wooddale PTA to bring this to their attention for their recommendation. Mr. Rosland stated that the name change was still considered a necessity by the family and that this must be decided by the Council. After lengthy discussion, Mr. Sweetland moved to reiterate to Council the Park Board's great concern regarding the skating facility at Utley Park and its proposed usage beeause of the safety factor, aethestics, and the Limited amount of space for the rink tends to detract from the present usage of the park. Mr. Pavek seconded and upon roll call the following voted: Ayes: D. Pavek, J. Sweetland, M. McDonald Nays: G. Warner, J. Rice, J. Lonsbury Abstentions: A. Fischer, V. Shaw Motion not carried. After a brief discussion, Mr. Pavek moved that the Council reconsider and re-examine their decision in regards to the proposed skating facility at Utley Park. He further moved that Council consider the safety factor and to examine closely the recommendation by the Traffic Safety Committee in their minutes dated September 9, 1975. Mrs. Shaw seconded and the motion was approved. (Mr. Sweetland voted nay.) EDINA PARK BOARD MINUTES -4- SEPTEMBER 9, 1975 IX. Mrs. Lonsbury requested the status of the present dog ordinance be reviewed and brought back to the Park Board. She also requested an updating on the amount of money that has been dedicated by the developers. Mr. Rosland stated that he would look into both matters and bring the Board up-to-date at the next meeting. X. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm. Respectfully submitted Ken Rosiand Edina Park Board IQ