HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-12 Parks & Rec Comm MinutesDraft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 12/14/2021
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina Parks & Recreation Commission
Braemar Golf Course
October 12, 2021
7:00 p.m.
I. Call to Order
Chair Ites called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Doscotch, Haas, Ites, McAwley, Miller, Nelson and Student
Commissioner Jha
Commissioner Willette arrived at 7:09 p.m.
Absent: Commissioners Good, Strother and Student Commissioner Presthus.
Staff present: Staff Liaison Perry Vetter, Assistant Director Parks & Natural Resources Tom Swenson,
Assistant Director Recreation & Facilities Tracy Petersen, Edinborough Park and Edina Aquatic
Center General Manager Patty McGrath, Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf and
Administrative Coordinator Janet Canton
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by McAwley to approve the meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Nelson.
Motion carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Nelson to approve the Sept. 14, 2021minutes. Motion seconded by
Doscotch. Motion carried.
V. Community Comment
None
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Edina Aquatic Center Update
General Manager McGrath gave an update on the 2021 Aquatic Center season. She noted
revenue in concession sales exceeded prior years. Weather, with the exception of the air quality
due to wildfires, was favorable for most of the summer which added to the consistency to the
numbers. There were a lot of first-time visitors. She reviewed the incidents that happened at
the center.
Commissioners asked questions of General Manager McGrath regarding rescue incidents and
attendance.
B. Eden/Willson TIF District: Grange Hall and Cahill School in Tupa Park
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Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 12/14/2021
Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager, gave an introduction of the proposed
Eden/Willson TIF District and noted that Grange Hall and Cahill School in Tupa Park are included
within the proposed boundaries.
Neuendorf explained that City staff is reaching out to the County and School District, Planning
Commission as well as the general public regarding the proposed TIF District. Staff has also met
with the Heritage Preservation Commission and the Edina Historical Society to solicit their input
regarding the potential for impact to the historic buildings. Neuendorf noted that there have
been multiple studies over the years to relocate these historic structures to a more appropriate
site. He noted that a lack of funding was one of the key reasons why no action has been taken
regarding these studies. If the TIF District is approved, Neuendorf indicated that funding may be
available to relocate these historic buildings and redevelop the Tupa Park site for private
development, if that is determined to be the preferred direction.
The commissioners asked questions of Neuendorf and gave input on the potential relocation of
the historic buildings and potential redevelopment of the park. Commissioners indicated mixed
opinions about the best location for the historic buildings and inquired whether any funds from
selling the land could be earmarked for improvements to other parks. Commissioners indicated a
concern with giving up park space because one of the parks goals is to keep park space. Another
concern is with the ongoing deferred maintenance of the existing buildings and existing park as
well as the lack of crosswalks and pedestrian crossings near the park. Commissioners did not
think it would be a very desirable location for a public park if it would be decided to relocate the
historic buildings. There was discussion about a possible round-about near the park and
commissioners were in favor of a round-about if needed.
Neuendorf thanked the Commission for the input and questions presented to him.
C. 2021 Work Plan Updates
Updates were given on the following initiatives.
Initiative #1 – Review and comment on proposed plan to identify barriers for participation and reach
communities of color through different modes and feedback. Staff Liaison Vetter indicated initial
questions and feedback were received.
Initiative #2 – Create presentation to share information about Parks & Recreation facilities, services, and
systems with up to six community groups. No new information.
Initiative #3 – Report and provide recommendations on alternative funding sources for park related
improvements including parks, facilities, and enterprise upgrades. No new updates past the bonding
proposal for Braemar Ice Arena.
Initiative #4 Study and report on options to categorize underutilized park amenities/areas and identify
park amenity needs. Commissioner Doscotch updated the commission on rank categorization
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Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 12/14/2021
factors on Tactic 2.2.1 that might impact or help determine underutilized amenities versus needs.
An updated spreadsheet was sent out to the work group.
Initiative #5 – Study and report evaluating options for determining benchmarks (park amenities, operations,
service areas) the commission started studying in 2020. No updates.
VII. Chair and Member Comments
A. 2022 Submitted Work Plan
Commissioner Ites gave an update on 2022 Work Plan from the work session with the City
Council.
VIII. Staff Comments
Staff Liaison Vetter updated the commission on the following items:
Braemar Arena Sports Dome update
Buckthorn Dump
Upcoming festivals and events
IX. Adjournment
Motion made by Nelson to adjourn the Oct. 12, 2021 meeting at 8:22 p.m. Motion seconded
by Willette. Motion carried.