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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-14 Park Board MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PARK BOARD HELD AT CITY HALL JULY 14, 2015 7 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Gieseke called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 11. ROLL CALL Answering roll call were Members Nelson, Jones, Jacobson, Greene, Gieseke, Cella, Strother, McCormick, and Good Student Members present: Chowdhury, Colwell. Absent: Member Segreto III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Member Good made a motion, seconded by Member Jacobson, approving the meeting agenda. Ayes: Members Nelson, Jones, Jacobson, Greene, Gieseke, Cella, Strother, McCormick, and Good. Motion approved. IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA Member Cella made a motion, seconded by Member Strother, approving the consent agenda as follows: W.A. Approval of Minutes — Regular Park Board Meeting of Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Ayes: Members Nelson, Jones, Jacobson, Greene, Gieseke, Cella, Strother, McCormick, and Good. Motion approved. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT Kim Montgomery, 5300 Evanswood, commented on the Strategic Plan. She feels Edina falls behind national norms as far as having indoor recreational space. She is concerned about equity as far as locations of parks. She requested the community center recommendation stay in the final report. She feels the council should consider the resident's requests. A copy of her statement will be included in Park Board correspondence. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VI.A. Proposed Pickleball Court Donation Ms. Kattreh indicated the Park Board has been asked to review and comment on a potential donation of Pickleball courts and related amenities at Rosland Park. Edina resident Bruce Mooty has approached the city to donate funds to the City of Edina to construct pickleball courts adjacent to the tennis courts at Rosland Park. The proposed donation is in honor of his late father John Mooty, who passed away earlier this year. This location is recommended by Parks & Recreation Administrative staff and Park Maintenance staff. Several sites were reviewed, including Lewis Park, Yorktown Park and Cornelia School Park. This site was chosen due to the size of parcel available, proximity to a tennis facility, distance from residential impact and on -street parking available. If approved, the donor is interested in funding the project for construction this fall. This project would include four to six pickleball courts, one or two shade structures and potentially court lighting. There would also be benches and trash receptacles. The site was explored for the potential of adding a restroom and picnic shelter facility similar to Wooddale Park, but the lack of proximity to sewer and water connections made this option not financially viable (over $100,000). Ms. Kattreh noted four to six courts could fit on this site and pointed out there is a large oak tree in this area, but the courts could be located so as to not impact this tree. Ms. Kattreh gave a brief Pickleball explanation. The proposed project timeline is as follows: July — Park Board provides review and comment July — Bolton and Menk are completing site evaluation and project designs August — Solicit quotes for construction and donor acceptance August/September — City Council approval August — Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Approval September/October — Construction Ms. Kattreh indicated a battery of four Pickleball courts side by side would cost approximately $70,000. A battery of four courts with two courts over two courts would cost approximately $75,000. A battery of just two courts would cost approximately $39,000. Included in this price are a 6" limestone base, 2" of asphalt, color surface system, striping, nets, posts, fencing and gates. Site preparation grading and watershed accommodations will be required at an additional cost. Mr. Mooty is also considering shade structures and court lighting. According to the Donation, Sponsorship and Advertising Policy that was approved by the City Council on Nov. 18, 2014, the donor would receive one of the following recognitions, depending upon the total project cost: $50,000 - $99,000 (Gold) $100,000 or more (Platinum) Chair Gieseke asked if there would be benches to which Ms. Kattreh replied yes. Ms. Kattreh commented that the nearest restrooms would be just past the playground and added the Art Center could also be an option. Chair Gieseke asked if the lights could also light the tennis courts. Ms. Kattreh stated they will get quotes on various lighting options. Member Cella asked if the Pickleball courts at Garden Park would remain to which Ms. Kattreh replied yes and added they are well used. She also noted Pickleball is very popular in Edina and they may even need more courts in the future. Member Cella asked if Pickleball courts were in the plan for the future without this donor. Ms. Kattreh replied from a cost perspective there could be some funds in operational budgets to restripe. Member Good stated it seems the courts are needed. Ms. Kattreh pointed out Pickleball has a multi- generational appeal and noted this could be programmed significantly in the Parks & Recreation Department. She added that ongoing maintenance of these new courts would come out of the parks maintenance department. Member McCormick asked if courts are scheduled. Ms. Kattreh responded it would be a combination of scheduled and open courts as well as the parking lot would be available along with on -street parking. Member Jones asked if Pickleball courts can be used for other sports. Ms. Kattreh stated they could be converted to tennis or basketball courts. The donation would cover 100% of the construction costs. Member Jones asked what the maintenance costs would be and Ms. Kattreh stated she did not know but could research estimates. Member Jones asked what the lifespan of the courts would be because her concern is when adding things to parks she would like to see the development of community 2 sports. She noted she has a concern on this location as it does not have restrooms or water and requested staff researches other areas. Chair Gieseke stated the St. Cloud courts look very nice and asked if we would have wind screens like St. Cloud has around the courts. Ms. Kattreh replied that is something that would be included in the quotations and discuss with the donor. Member McCormick noted the restrooms are a distance away and asked about porta-potties. Ms. Kattreh stated that will be discussed. Member Jones stated the board is very appreciative of this type of donation as they are financing the construction 100% and it fits well within the Strategic Plan. The senior citizens have been requesting amenities and these courts will fit well for them. Ms. Kattreh added she will make sure budgets will include maintenance. VI.B. Park Board Retreat — Tuesday, Aug. 11, 5:30 — 9:30 p.m. at Centennial Lakes Park Member McCormick informed the Park Board that Chair Gieseke and herself have been planning the Park Board retreat which will replace the regular Aug. I I Park Board meeting. This retreat will take place at the Hughes Pavilion at Centennial Lakes Park. It is scheduled to run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and dinner will be provided. She added to dress casually because they will be playing bocce at the croquet and lawn games area at Centennial Lakes Park. Member Strother asked if the pre -work needs to be completed prior to the retreat. Member McCormick stated the pre -work is for member preparation only and will not be collected. The Members offered to be on the following groups: Group I —Jacobson, Nelson, Strother Group 2 —Jones, Good, Chowdhury Group 3 — Greene, Cella, Colwell Chair Gieseke stated he would like a picture taken at the retreat. VI.C. Proposed Land Exchange — 6629 West Shore Drive, Edina Ms. Kattreh indicated the City Council has requested that the Park Board provide review and comment on a proposed land exchange between the City of Edina and Liz and Tony Burger, the property owners at 6629 West Shore Drive, Edina. The Planning Commission will also be reviewing this proposal at the July 22 Planning Commission meeting. Tony and Liz Burger were present at the meeting. Ms. Kattreh explained the situation to the Park Board. Ed Hayward, 6625 W. Shore Dr., indicated he is the neighbor to the north and stated they are not happy about the proposed public access running along the side of his property. It seems like a strange configuration for a land swap and he would rather see a variance. He added there is another access to the park that can be used. He pointed out he is not opposed to the concept of the land exchange. Member Good asked Mr. Hayward if there is a lot of activity in the park behind the houses and Mr. Hayward stated there generally is not much activity except for the Fourth of July fireworks. Member Jones asked if the access was not right on property line and moved onto the Burger property would that be better. Mr. Hayward stated that does not seem very feasible and noted mowing would be a concern and awkward. Ms. Kattreh stated the Burgers do have the option of applying for a variance with the Planning Commission. Member Good asked if there was an option of having the city sell a piece of land to the Burgers instead of a swap. Ms. Kattreh stated it has not been a popular option historically with the Park Board or with the City Council as they do not want to sell parkland. Chair Gieseke stated in this case the city may benefit from selling some of the park land as it would be a win for the city. Member Nelson asked if there is another area that could be considered in the swap. Ms. Kattreh stated this portion was brought to staff by the Burgers. She noted they could start over and look at all options again. Mr. Burger indicated the surveyor came up with the line drawing and noted they wanted to keep the park continuous. He commented it is not a highly used park except for the Fourth of July. Member Greene asked Mr. Burger if he would be interested in purchasing a piece of park land to which Mr. Burger replied he would. Member Greene suggested the discussion end right now and staff goes back to determine a fair selling price and have Mr. Burger come back with a revised plan. Member Jones asked how many times a request has been made to purchase park land and Ms. Kattreh stated it's happened approximately four times in four years. Member Jones asked if a precedent would be set and Ms. Kattreh stated she has heard from council and the city does not have a strong interest in selling park property. Other neighbors may want the same thing; a little more park land to add to their property. Member Strother suggested a variance may be more suitable to eliminate people walking very closely to the homes when entering the park. Ms. Burger stated that piece of land is called a breezeway. It's not supposed to be a stopping place for people entering the park. Mr. Burger stated since he has lived there approximately six to seven people have walked through that area. Member Jones asked if the property floods and Mr. Burger stated they have had some flooding in the garage; the park land does not flood. Member Jones asked if there is a path along the lake to which it was noted there is an open area off of 66th Street. Mr. Burger informed the Park Board they mow and irrigate the area and that the city stops mowing at the Hayward's property line. Member Jones asked if this would be an appropriate place for a nature path. Ms. Kattreh stated she is not aware that that option has ever been explored and added she does not want a misaligned lot line. Member McCormick asked if Mr. Burger if he was ok with the repositioning of the play structure. Mr. Burger stated the play structure is already on park property and he would have no problem moving it. Ms. Kattreh stated staffs recommendation was difficult due to precedence, gaining access for the city, and the way the property line is configured it is challenging. It is neither hurting the city nor providing a benefit. Ms. Kattreh pointed out she needs to report back to the Planning Commission and would like to get a consensus from the Park Board. Member Nelson indicated she would prefer going with the variance. Member Jones indicated she can appreciate the situation but does not want to set a precedent and is against selling park land. She does not agree with the proposed swap with creating a jagged lot line to the east and that connectivity to West Shore Drive would be her preference. She would like to refer to a guiding principle and if a variance is given a pathway should be created from Laguna Drive to 66th Street either by land swap or a variance. Member Jacobson indicated this is a grey area whether it is a park or not because if it is truly parkland the residents should have access. She does not care for the land swap and would prefer a sale but she does not feel it is up to the Park Board to decide that. She would favor selling the land to the Burgers and create access from Laguna Drive. She added the variance process would serve well. Member Greene indicated he is in favor of the variance. Chair Gieseke indicated he is in favor of the variance and is not in favor of a land swap as there are many issues with it; the neighbors would not appreciate it and it would set a precedent. He noted a minimal land sale would be an option and would make the access at Laguna better. Member Cella indicated this isn't really something the Park Board should approve. She is in favor of making all park land accessible to residents and stated this is more a Planning Commission matter to decide if a variance is to be granted. Member Strother indicated she has concerns with a variance and is concerned this park with a lake is not accessible to residents. She does not think a variance would benefit the city. She stated she does not know the history of swaps and/or sales in the past but if the money from the sale could be used to improve access she would be in favor of that. Member McCormick indicated this is a unique situation and does not make a lot of sense. She feels the Burgers should determine how much park land would be needed to make their plan a reality and have the city look at a possible sale. She would be in favor of a variance or make the swap without the jagged lines. Member Good indicated if the Burgers have an interest in pursuing a variance they should do so and it is not the expertise of the Park Board. He would not be in favor of the swap as it is proposed. He would be in favor of a sale. Student Member Colwell indicated Student Member Asef and himself would be in favor of selling the park land. He believes a trail could be put in without infringing on the homeowner's property and that a partial swap might be possible. Student Member Chowdhury indicated he does not see what the park land would be used for in the future and does not think a precedent would be set. Chair Gieseke stated he likes the idea of a much smaller land swap because it is less obtrusive with compensation for the city. VII. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENT Member Jones stated she would like to comment on what is going on with Grandview. She indicated the latest round of proposals have a fairly large community area bringing the senior center and art center facilities at Grandview. The city will work on the design of that building. She commented after creating the Strategic Plan she is concerned about how that space is going to be used so that it fits with the Strategic Plan which includes the senior center and the art center. She is concerned about what is edited out of the Strategic Plan. The City Council will be deciding something on this in August. Ms. Kattreh stated at the June 17, 2015 City Council meeting a presentation was made on the Strategic Plan; however, the council did not have sufficient time to review the plan in detail and is concerned about the length of the document. She stated the document will be reviewed by the council and they will notify her when they are ready to provide feedback. Member Good stated that is his understanding. The Park Board is a recommending group rather than an approving board on items such as Grandview. He also noted the executive summary for the Strategic Plan should be on the website rather than the 400 page document. Member Nelson stated an important thing to consider is the maintenance of the existing parks and structures. Vlll. STAFF COMMENTS Ms. Kattreh provided the following staff updates: • The Braemar Driving Range and Par Three groundbreaking was held today; the project should be completed by the end of September. • The backyard construction at Braemar Arena should be done this week. • The Edina Soccer Club has invited the Park Board to their event on Friday. • The Pamela Park building is up. Member Good asked about a new sign for Braemar Golf Course. Ms. Kattreh stated the sign has been ordered and requires six weeks for production. IX. ADJOURNMENT Chair Gieseke made a motion, seconded by Member Greene, to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: Members Nelson, Jones, Jacobson, Greene, Gieseke, Cella, Strother, McCormick, and Good. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.