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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-12 Parks & Rec Comm MinutesDraft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: 01/09/2024 Minutes City of Edina, Minnesota Edina Parks & Recreation Commission Braemar Golf Course December 12, 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, Luangrath, Pfuhl, Spanhake, Welsh and Student Commissioner DiLorenzo Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Ites, Weaver and Student Commissioner Holtey Staff Present: Staff Liaison Perry Vetter, General Manager Centennial Lakes Park Tiffany Bushland and Administrative Coordinator Janet Canton III. Approval of Meeting Agenda Motion made by Luangrath to approve the meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Spanhake. Motion carried. IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes Motion made by Pfuhl to approve the Nov. 13, 2023 minutes. Motion seconded by Welsh. Motion carried. V. Community Comment None VI. Reports/Recommendations A. Centennial Lakes Park Update Staff Liaison Vetter introduced General Manager Bushland who gave a general overview of Centennial Lakes Park. General Manager Bushland described the park’s amenities and summer activities, noting that last year, paddle boat rental produced a total of $92,000 in revenue. General Manager Bushland described the horticulture within the park, rental of the pavilion, and free concerts, movies, and classes offered during the summer. She described the farmer’s market and associated events. General Manager Bushland commented on the free fishing program at the lake, that functions as a storm-water-pond, which the DNR stocks with fish. She then described the special events hosted at the park including the Fall into the Arts Festival and the Winter Ice Festival in January. General Manager Bushland described the art installments in the park and activities offered during winter months once the lake freezes. Draft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: 01/09/2024 General Manager Bushland commented on the park assessment completed last year that was designed to give an overview of how long structures will last, the overall costs associated with replacements and repairs. She reviewed the number of visitors to the park during the past year and described the busiest days. General Manager Bushland advised that the park does not turn a profit. Several of the surrounding properties pay an annual park maintenance fee. Edina Liquor profits also offset the expenses of the park by approximately $450,000. She noted that the agreements with the surrounding properties expire within the next five years. There was discussion regarding the process on renewal of the agreements. It was noted there are discussions in process as to what the future holds regarding park funding. The Commission discussed the Canadian wildfires and rainy weekends that had impacted park attendance during the summer of 2023. The Commission also discussed the level of staffing including full-time and seasonal employees. The Commission indicated the park assessment contained no surprises as this park is 33-years old, so investments need to be made. General Manager Bushland indicated the report will be utilized to prioritize repairs. The Commission discussed and asked questions about the use of advertising to promote rentals to increase revenue. B. 2023 Work Plan Initiative 1.6.5: Comparable Community Parks/Recreational Opportunities Commissioner Pfuhl provided an overview of past discussion on the three components of the report and indicated no additional feedback was offered, so it is ready to go. Motion made by Pfuhl to approve the finalization of the report and recommendation with initiative 1.6.5. Motion seconded by Spanhake. Motion carried. C. 2023 Work Plan Initiative 1.6.4: Alternative Funding Sources Study and Report Staff Liaison Vetter stated this item is for information purposes. He reviewed past consideration, of the work plan, noting the packet contained the final version along with the coversheet for the City Council. Chair Doscotch indicated the document was ready to send to the City Council. D. 2023 Commission Work Plan Initiative #1 – Support Fred Richards Park Implementation. Staff Liaison Vetter stated that Park Planner Rachel Finberg will be coming to the January meeting to give an update. She will be reaching out regarding some of the subcommittee work. Initiative #2 – Support Braemar Park Implementation. Staff Liaison Vetter stated that a lot of progress has been made over the last two months for Courtney Fields. The new lighting has been purchased and is being installed. Netting is the next step of improvements in that area. Staff Liaison Draft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: 01/09/2024 Vetter indicated that on Dec. 19 the City Council will consider the initial phases of buckthorn removal at a cost of about $380,000. Initiative #3 – Support Braemar Arena Implementation. Staff Liaison Vetter indicated there are ongoing negotiations for professional services for the ice arena expansion/ renovation package. Initiative #4 – Alternative Funding Sources. Has been approved. Initiative #5 – Comparable Community Parks/Recreational Opportunities. Has been approved. Initiative #6 – Parks & Recreation Presentations. Staff Liaison Vetter indicated there is not an update from the initiative group, but the Point of France apartment building has asked again if there is interest in a January presentation to their owner group. VII. Chair and Member Comments  Commissioner Luangrath asked questions about the park revenue stream from event attendance and potential impacts of inclement weather. Staff Liaison Vetter stated that risk situation is accepted in trying to compete along with everyone else for people’s discretionary spending. He noted whether it is a free or fee-based event, a significant portion of the costs associated with the event have been prepaid so if the event is rained out, money will be lost. Additional conversation ensued regarding weather uncertainty. VIII. Staff Comments A. Upcoming Meetings and Events  Staff Laison Vetter described the significant operational policy decisions made for the 2024 golf season. It was noted these changes were not made to create more revenue; the goal is to give Edina residents better access to the course. The Commission discussed and asked questions about plans to promote this change, decision to eliminate Saturday leagues, and potential impact on restaurant revenue. The Player’s Card, which may be capped, will be available to residents sometime after Jan. 1. It was noted this was an operational policy, so the changes were driven by staff. Also, for the first time, the City had to give refunds for the Player’s Card.  Staff Liaison Vetter stated the upcoming meetings are already scheduled. Commissioner Ytterbo has submitted his resignation due to work and family commitments, which lowers membership to seven, and appointments don’t occur until March. IX. Adjournment Motion made by Spanhake to adjourn the Dec. 12, 2023 meeting at 7:54 p.m. Motion seconded by Pfuhl. Meeting adjourned.