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