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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-03-11 Park Board Minutes`MINUTES OF'THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PARK BOARD HELD TUESDAY, .MARCH I1, 1975 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Rice, P. Turnbull, D. Pavek, V. Shaw, G. Warner, J. Lonsbury and M. McDonald MEMBERS ABSENT: F. Winter, A. Fischer and J. Sweetland STAFF PRESENT: K.`Rosland, B. Kojetin, R. Jacobson, J. Valliere and B. Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Mrs. O'Brien and Mrs. Gans I. Mrs. Shaw moved to approve the minutes of February II, 1975 as written and submitted. Mr. Warner seconded and the motion was approved. I1. FEES AND CHARGES - GOLF COURSE Mr. Rice recalled that Mr. Vailiero had been present at the last regular scheduled meeting to review the 1975 golf course budget. However, he was requested to obtain additional information before any recommendations could be made by the Board. Discussion was held on the need for additional golf cars for the 1975 season. Mr. Valliere stated that the majority of times there was not a request for additional cars; however, during peak periods there is an additional demand for golf cars. The cars presently owned by the City, during these peak periods, are being over used and overloaded., Mr. Rosland did not agree that it was justified spending this money for peak periods only. Mrs. Lonsbury reminded the Board of the possible energy crisis that could occur and that additional money should not be tied into these cars. Mr. Valliere believed that the time to purchase these golf cars would be now because of the future increase in prices expected. Also this purchase would enable the present cars to have more of a recharge period which would add longevity to the cars. Mr. Pavek moved to recommend the purchase of two additional golf cars. However, the motion died for a lack of a second. After additional discussion on the problems of additional cars, Mr. Turnbull then moved to delete the purchase of the additional two golf cars until possibly next year. Mrs. Shaw seconded and motion was approved. (Mr. Pavek voted nay.) Mr. Valliere proceeded to review the proposed fees and charges for 1975. The only increase proposed is concerning green fees which is in accord with other courses in the surrounding area. Mr. Turnbull moved to approve the recommended fee schedule set forth in the 1975 golf course budget. Mr. Warner seconded and the motion was approved. Mr. Rosland brought to the Board's attention the ball dispenser that had been approved and recommended by the Golf Course Committee; however, would not be installed this year because of various changes in personnel. Discussion was held on the financial status of the Golf Course. Mr. Valliere stated they were paying $35,000 a year on the bonds. Edina Park Board Minutes March II,` 1975 Page 2 111. FEES AND CHARGES - RECREATION PROGRAM Mr. Rosland reviewed the proposed 1975 fees and charges for the various recreation programs. No changes for programming have been proposed with the exception of the swim and playground programs. The staff is recommending the swim instruction price be increased to $8.00 and also eliminating one swim period. This will enable the program to continue with the quality that is desired and still provide the busing that is necessary for the program. The staff is also recommending a slight change in the format of the playground program. After a brief discussion on the various programs, Mrs. Lonsbury moved to approve the recommended recreation fees and charges. Mr. Turnbull seconded and the motion was approved. IV. OPEN SPACE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Because open space and the capital improvements program is so closely related, it was decided to discuss these two items simultaneously. All members concurred. Mr. Rosland reviewed the memo that had been previously sent to Park Board members summarizing the Open Space Report from his point of view. After con - siderabie discussion was held on the content of the memo, Mr. Rice stated that he had had a meeting with the Mayor in regards to the capital improvements pro- gram and open space. A joint meeting between Park Board and Council will be scheduled in order to discuss these two items. He then requested that the Park Board call a special meeting so that a presentation could be developed for Council in regards to the capital improvements program. Mr. Rosland suggested that the staff prepare a draft and a slide presentation for this special meeting for member's reviewal and finalized at a later Park Board meeting. Discussion was held on the proposal and Board members concurred with a special meeting and also Mr. Rosiand's suggestion. Mrs. Lonsbury wished to point out that there must be direction from City Council as to the proceedings in park development. She also wished to note the acceptance of Mr. Rosland's summary pointing out that Council should understand that if the open space report does fail, it would not end the City's responsibility toward certain neighborhood parks and the development of same. No action taken. V. UTLEY PARK Mr. Rosland reviewed the memo that had been previously sent to members describing the possibility of a skating facility constructed at Utley Park. Mr. Rosland stated that Mr. Randy Cote, an area resident and member of the Thorpe family who originally owned this piece of property, presented petitions from neighbors all requesting a skating facility at Utley Park. Edina Park Board Minutes March Ii, 1975 Page 3 V. UTLEY PARK (CONTINUED) Mr. Rosland explained that the basic problem with a skating facility at Utley Park is one of space; however, it could be constructed in that area. He also described the various improvements that would have to be accompitshed for the project and would total approximately $25,000 to $30,000. The Thorpe family has proposed to finance one-half of the improvement costs if the Park could be renamed. Mr. Rosland suggested that possibly a plaque could be designed and placed in the warming house facility dedicating the skating facility to the family. Considerable discussion was held on if there was a need for a rink in that area as it is relatively close to the Arden Park facility, the parking availa- bility and traffic problem of youngsters crossing 50th Street and Wooddale. Mr. Rosland stated that this is not an ideal site; however, it is the only solution for providing a skating facility for the Wooddale neighborhood. However, without a firm financial committment from the Thorpe family, no action from the Park Board is needed at this time. Mr. Rosland suggested that if there were no strong objections to this proposal, that it be incorporated within the entire capital improvements program. After considerable discussion on the various problems within the area, members concurred that it be incorporated within the total capital improvements program and continue working for solutions to the problems. Mr. Rice stated that he would contact the Thorpe family and discuss the project further. VI. RENAMING OF SPIT LAKE Mr. Rosland stated that this had been referred to the Park Board by City Council upon a request from Alice J. Fitzgerald, one of the granddaughters of John Kyte, to rename some Edina area in behalf of John Kyte. Mr. Pavek moved that if it were within legal rights of the City of Edina, the Park Board agree with the City Council and that Spit Lake be renamed to Kyte Lake. Mr. Turnbull seconded and the motion was approved. VII. PARK BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Mr. Rosland stated that there was a need to appoint a Park Board representative to the Environmental Quality Control Commission and a need for other various committee appointments. Mr. Rice; however, suggested that if there were no objections from the members, that they continue this item until such time that the two new members were present. All members concurred. Mr. Turnbull expressed concern in regards to the support of the liaison member from the School Board and wished to encourage these members to attend all Park Board meetings. Edina Park Board Minutes 'March ii, 1975 Page 4 Vill. TAX FORFEITED LANDS Mr. Rosland reviewed the locations of the various tax forfeited lands for the members of the Park Board. They are for purposes of right of ways and ponding and none are useful from a -park and-recreat.ion point of view. No action taken. IX. RENAMING THE HISTORICAL PARK Mr. Rosland recalled that on June 21, 1971 City Council officially named the Historical Park the Frank Tupa Historical Park. The Edina Historical Society renamed it the Edina Historical Park in Memorium to Frank Tupa and signed accordingly. This was; however, done without official action from Park Board or Council. Mr. Rosland stated that he notified the Historical Society that in order to rename the park they must submit a recommendation to Park Board and Park Board in turn make a recommendation to City Council. He then presented a recommendation from the Edina Historical Society to the Park Board requesting to rename the park Frank Tupa Park - Edina Historical Center. After a brief discussion, Mr. Pavek moved that the Park Board recommend to Council to rename the Frank Tupa Park to Frank Tupa Park - Edina Historical Center. Mr. Turnbull seconded and the motion was approved. X. BICENTENNIAL REPORT Mrs. Lonsbury reported the progress of the Bicentennial Commission. Several events are being organized the first of which will be the Bicentennial kick off concert by the John Philip Sousa Band to be held in April. She encouraged members to attend these Bicentennial functions. Xl. Mr. Turnbull moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Pavek seconded and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Ken Rosland, Secretary Edina Park Board GI7