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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-07-08 Park Board MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PARK BOARD HELD TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1975 AT THE EDINA CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Rice, A. Fischer, V. Shaw, G. Warner, J. Sweetland, M. McDonald, J. Lonsbury, P. Turnbull and D. Pavek MEMBERS ABSENT: F. Winter STAFF PRESENT: K. Rosland, B. Kojetin, R. Jacobson and B. Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Peacock, Mrs. Gans and Mrs. Johnson I. Mrs. Shaw approved the minutes of June 10, 1975 as written and submitted. Mrs. Lonsbury seconded and the motion was approved. Ii. PLANNING REQUEST LD -75-4 (EARL C. SHARPE LOT 2, SHARPE BAKKE ADDITION) Mr. Rosland briefly reviewed Planning Request LD -75-4 located at 6600 Gleason Road and recommended to approve the proposed 5% cash in lieu of land dedication. Mrs. Shaw moved to approve Planning Request LD -75-4, $375.00, 5% cash in lieu of land dedication. Mr. Warner seconded and the motion was approved. III. BOND ISSUE Mr. Rosland stated that at the Council meeting held July 7, 1975, Council approved the referendum which will include three questions; park improvements, parkland acquisition and open space acquisition to be held on Thursday, September, 4, 1975. At this time, Council appointed a sell committee and also agreed to spend monies to print a brochure and distribute it to the residents of the community. At this time, Mr. Rosland introduced Mr. Mel Peacock, Edina Gymnastics Representative, as the question of the construction of a gymnastics building is so closely related to the bond referendum. Mr. Peacock proceeded to up -date the progress of the gymnastics building feasibility study. The Association is still waiting for additional financial information in order to complete the study and will forward it to the Board as soon as possible. He wished that the Park Board would stili keep this idea under consideration until such time that the feasibil- ity study is completed and a final decision can be made. Mr. Rice stated that the Board is very interested in this study and will wait until a final study can be presented to the Board members before a final commitment can be made regarding bond money. Discussion was held on whether the Board could send letters requesting support on the bond issue from the various athletic associations in the community. Mr. Peacock stated that if the association is incorporated they cannot involve themselves in any political activity• Mr. Sweetland will check further in regards to various board actions in past bond issues. Edina Park Board Minutes -2- July 8, 1975 Iii. BOND ISSUE (CONTINUED) In regards to the purchase of lands, Mr. Rosland stated that Mr. Dalen, Finance Director, had been attempting to obtain options on the proposed lands; however, -the Council reserves the right to make final decisions on all land purchases and will not pay exorbitant prices to do so. IV. RECREATION REPORT Mr. Kojetin stated that all summer activities had run smoothly without any major incidents and playoffs for all athletic associations will begin the end of July. Mr. Rosland announced that the Flea Market will be held on Sunday, July 13, 1975 at Braemar Arena from 10 am to 5 pm. He encouraged all members to come out and join in the festivities. Mr. Rosland informed members of a new program being implemented for the Viet Namese refugees arriving in the Edina area. The Park Department will be working together with the Police Department..and school district in providing programs for them. Recreational programs will include swimming lessons, tennis lessons and arts and crafts. The Police Department will offer bike safety lessons and the school will offer educational programs. Mr. Rice complimented the staff on developing a program such as this and that the Park Board is in full support of this project. Mr. Turnbull also wished to thank the Braemar grounds crew on the fine job they did on preparing the fields for a tournament game after a severe rain storm. Mr. Jacobson stated that the reservation system is going well; however, not many are using the system. Mr. Rosland stated that since the system was implemented late in the season that it should be continued for one more year on a trial basis. Mr. Turnbull expressed concern, due to a phone call that he received, that non- residents are monopolizing the Weber Park tennis courts. After considerable dis- cussion regarding tennis court policies, Mr. Sweetland requested the staff to discuss the problems and policies of other communities and report findings at the next meeting. V. SWIMMING POOL COMMITTEE REPORT Mrs. Lonsbury br-i6fly reviewed the Committee report and the minutes that had been previously submitted to the Board. She announced that flyers had been sent home with the youngsters in the first session swimming lessons to remind them to register for the second session swimming and to also purchase a season ticket to the %poo I . Mr. Rice thanked Mrs. Lonsbury for the report and asked that she keep the Board up-to-date on the Committee's progress. Mr. Rosland stated that he hard been requested to review the policy of limiting the season tickets to residents. As this is a Board decision, Mr. Rice requested the Swimming Pool Committee to review the present policy and the possibility of allowing non residents that work in the City to purchase season tickets at a non resident price. Mr. Turnbull expressed concern on setting a precedent - 'Edina Park Board Minutes -3- July 8, 1975 V. SWIMMING POOL COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED) for the other facilities limiting season tickets such.:as the arena and golf course. Mr. Rosland stated that it would be advantageous for the swimming pool and arena; however, could be a problem at the golf course. Mr. Rice stated that before a decision be made, they wait for the Committee's recommendation. All members concurred. Vi. UTLEY PARK Mr. Rosland reviewed the recent action by the Council in regards to Utley Park. After receiving the letters of approval from the three organizations requested by Council, the Council at the -Lr July 6, 1975 Council meeting, approved the construction of the Utley Park hockey rink and accepted the donation of $15,000 from the Thorpe family. At this time, Council also approved transferring $15,000 from Surplus for the City's share of the cost of the skating facility. Mr. Sweetland recalled that a letter had also been requested from the Wooddale PTA and noted that it had not been received. Mr. Rosland stated that this request had not been reflected in the Council minutes of June 2, 1975. Lengthy discussion was held on the problems involved in the construction of a hockey facility at the Park. Park Board felt that the letters of approval from the surrounding facilities were only preliminary approval in order for the project to be further discussed for final recommendation for the Park Board. Mr. Sweetland moved that the Park Board express their great concern on the Council's recent action approving the construction of a skating facility at Utley Park without the Park Board having approved the project. There are several aspects of this project that are of concern to this Board which still need additional study and consideration before the Board's approval. Therefore, the Park Board feels this project should be delayed until the Board can properly reach judgement. Mr. Warner seconded and the motion was unanimously passed. VII. Mr. Rosland announced that the Braemar Inspection Tour will be held Tuesday, July 22, 1975 at Braemar Golf Course. He encouraged all members to attend. VIII. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, Ken Rosland Edina Park Board