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
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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.