HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-11 Parks & Rec Comm MinutesDraft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 5/9/2023
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina Parks & Recreation Commission
Braemar Golf Course
April 11, 2023
7 p.m.
I. Call to Order
Chair Doscotch called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Doscotch, Ites, Luangrath, Pfuhl, Spanhake and Weaver
Commissioner Welsh arrived at 7:02 p.m.
Absent: Commissioners Ytterbo and Haas and Student Commissioners DeFor and Horsager
Staff Present: Staff Liaison Perry Vetter, Assistant Director Parks & Natural Resources Tom Swenson,
Recreation Supervisor Amanda Clarke, and Administrative Coordinator Janet Canton
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Weaver to approve the meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Spanhake.
Motion carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Weaver to approve the March 14, 2023 minutes. Motion seconded by Pfuhl.
Motion carried.
V. Community Comment
None
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Strachauer Park Concept Review
Staff Liaison Vetter gave a presentation on the preferred concept for Strachauer Park and is
looking for specific comments on the concept. He gave an update on the development of the
Values Viewfinder Tool to look at input on projects. The Values Viewfinder Tool was kicked off
at an open house and colors were used to distinguish different concepts and receive feedback on
the likes and dislikes for each concept. Staff Liaison Vetter showed the Commission visuals for
the preferred concepts.
The Commission asked questions regarding vehicle charging stations in the park, the location of
metal poles, concerns about an increase in gentrification, the placement of the playground, and
the intended use for the permanent hockey rink.
The Commission made the official comment that the timing is a small concern, but the plan does
a nice job of investing in something that serves a broader community.
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 5/9/2023
Chair Doscotch stated as a general concept it seems to maintain the amenities and has the right
community involvement. It seems to reflect the current kind of utilization and the value that it provides
to that location. He also commented that the phasing makes him a little bit uneasy and if there is a
way to compress the timing it might seem like a better solution for them.
Commissioner Pfuhl commented the plan does a nice job for taking the hockey rink and the dog park
situation that is currently there and investing in something that’s more permanent and serves both
communities. It also sounds like the process staff has gone through in making sure to address the
multiple components as they put this together seems to come through assuming it is what the
community is asking. She thinks also being mindful when you talk about the challenges that are there
currently and trying to address those as you put it through seems reasonable. She agrees that phasing
is probably going to be a challenge. She also noted that it’s important as you go through the rest of the
engagement process to make sure as you get into the specifics that the community continues to be
aware of the timeline and they should make sure they are sharing their thoughts on that as well.
Commission Ites commented he thinks phasing perhaps would help to show momentum and thinks it
would certainly keep the community involvement.
B. 2023 Work Plan
Commissioner Doscotch updated on the desire for momentum building for each initiative from
last month’s meeting.
Initiative #1 – Support Fred Richards Park Implementation. Commissioner Ites updated the
Commission on the variety of opportunities for input related to community use, age brackets for the
playgrounds, and the old clubhouse.
Initiative #2 – Support Braemar Park Implementation. Staff Liaison Vetter updated on the process
of seeking professional consulting services for Braemar Park.
Initiative #3 – Support Braemar Arena Implementation. Staff Liaison Vetter informed the
Commission he recently testified at the State Legislature regarding the 2022 language to include the
fourth sheet of ice that was not included due to the MN State Legislature process ending. If there is a
tax bill and the language is included the City of Edina would be required to have another referendum in
November to add the fourth sheet of ice. If there is not Legislative action, then they will move forward
with what was approved.
Initiative #4 – Alternative Funding Sources. Chair Doscotch updated on the discussion of revisions
to capital funding.
Initiative #5 – Comparable Community Parks/Recreational Opportunities. Commissioner Pfuhl
updated on the evolution of the three different operational areas and the budget gaps.
Initiative #6 – Parks & Recreation Presentations. Commissioner Weaver updated that the
programming piece should be done by the next meeting.
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 5/9/2023
VII. Chair and Member Comments
No comments
VIII. Staff Comments
A. Informational Items
Staff Liaison Vetter gave the following updates:
Weather went from winter to summer within days, staff is working diligently at
transitioning into the reactivation of the park system.
B. Upcoming Meetings and Events
Staff Liaison Vetter indicated the next meeting is on May 9, 2023. Staff Liaison Vetter also
reminded Commission that there is a joint work session with City Council on May 16,
2023, to discuss progress on the Work Plan. There will also be a Commission
Appreciation Open House at Braemar Golf Course on the evening of May 8.
Looking for volunteers on Arbor Day, April 28, to learn how to plant a tree and then
groups will plant the remaining 49 trees.
IX. Adjournment
Motion made by Pfuhl to adjourn the April 11, 2023 meeting at 8:29 p.m. Motion seconded by
Ites. Meeting adjourned.