HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-08 Parks & Rec Comm MinutesDraft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 9/12/2023
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina Parks & Recreation Commission
Braemar Golf Course
August 8, 2023
7 p.m.
I. Call to Order
Chair Doscotch called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Doscotch, Ites, Luangrath, Pfuhl, Spanhake, Weaver, Welsh
and Ytterbo
Absent: Student Commissioners DeFor and Horsager
Staff Present: Assistant Director Parks & Natural Resources Tom Swenson, Assistant Director
Recreation & Facilities Tracy Petersen, Recreation Supervisor Rachael Walters, Park Planner Rachel
Finberg and Administrative Coordinator Janet Canton
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Spanhake to approve the meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Pfuhl.
Motion carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Pfuhl to approve the June 13, 2023 minutes. Motion seconded by Weaver.
Motion carried.
V. Community Comment
None
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Introduction of Recreation Supervisor
Assistant Director Petersen introduced Recreation Supervisor Rachael Walters. Recreation
Supervisor Walters gave information on her schooling and career background.
B. Introduction of Park Planner
Assistant Director Swenson introduced Park Planner Rachel Finberg. Park Planner Finberg gave a
brief background on her schooling and career as well as informed the Commission on what her
role consists of.
Park Planner Finberg updated the Commission on the Fred Richards Park project master plan
that was approved in July 2017, and funding was identified through the referendum. Confluence
was hired as the design team earlier in 2023. The City Council also just approved the banking
project for the 17-acre portion. The design and banking process is set at 12-18 months.
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 9/12/2023
Park Planner Finberg gave an update on the Braemar Park project that was approved in 2018.
This project has two consultants; SRF is working on the trail system and facility improvements
and RES is working on natural resources. There is an open house scheduled for Sept. 6, there will
also be a review and comment at the open house.
The Commission asked questions regarding the water treatment plant, redrilling wells, access
points, and parking at Braemar Park.
C. 2023 Commission Work Plan
Chair Doscotch informed the Commission that Commissioner Haas resigned, so a new lead is
needed for Initiative #2. Commissioner Spanhake has volunteered to take over as the lead in
Commissioner Haas’ place.
Initiative #1 – Support Fred Richards Park Implementation. None
Initiative #2 – Support Braemar Park Implementation. None
Initiative #3 – Support Braemar Arena Implementation. None
Initiative #4 – Alternative Funding Sources. Chair Doscotch updated the Commission that there
has been a list created of all the possible alternative funding sources and they are working on finalizing
the report that will be submitted to the City Council.
Initiative #5 – Comparable Community Parks/Recreational Opportunities. None
Initiative #6 – Parks & Recreation Presentations. Commissioner Weaver gave an update on the
draft and noted he will send it to Liaison Vetter and Assistant Director Petersen for them to look over
the financials.
D. 2024 Work Plan Development Discussion
Chair Doscotch updated that the first three initiatives will be carried forward to the 2024 Work Plan,
and no new initiative ideas have been sent to the Director at this time. The Commissioners discussed
there could be opportunities with GS 2-8; LF 1-4; Local Food LF 1-2 and TL 3-4. The Commission also
discussed external use analysis, CIP funds, and alternative funding sources. Chair Doscotch updated
that the initiatives need to be finalized by the next meeting, and he will present their initiatives to the
City Council in October.
VII. Chair and Member Comments
Commissioner Ites asked if in future planning could there be an addition of a regular women’s
restroom on the front nine of the golf course so the maintenance shack does not have to be used.
VIII. Staff Comments
A. Promotion of Human Services Task Force
Assistant Director Swenson gave a brief overview of the Human Services Task Force initiative
from the City Management Fellow.
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 9/12/2023
B. Upcoming Meetings and Events
Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. will be the recommendation of the 2024 Work Plan and
regular meeting.
Tuesday, Oct. 3 is the City Council Work Session where Chair Doscotch will be
presenting the 2024 Work Plan.
Oct. 10, Nov. 13, and Dec. 12 are the dates of the regular meetings through the end of
the year.
IX. Adjournment
Motion made by Weaver to adjourn the Aug. 8, 2023 meeting at 7:52 p.m. Motion seconded
by Spanhake. Meeting adjourned.