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022294 PK MINCITY OF SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Jennifer McCarty called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:00 P.M. Present: Chair McCarty; Commissioners Wilson, Dzurak, Fuller and Martin; Administrator Hurm; Council Liaison Benson; and Planning Commission Liaison Turgeon were present. Also present was Gordon Lindstrom. Absent: Commissioners Bensman and Waibel INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS Commissioner Waibel called earlier and indicated he was still out of town on business, and there was a possibility that he would be permanently transferred from Shorewood. 4. REVIEW AGENDA Item #6 - Project update - Identification of Freeman Park Trails was removed from the agenda because Mr. Krueger was unable to attend the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The following changes were made to the January 25, 1994 minutes: Item #9, Line 6 - Mr. Henderson's name should be spelled Kryl; and on Pages 3 and 4 - the February meeting is to be held on the 22nd rather than the 25th. With those changes, Wilson moved, Dzurak seconded, to approve the minutes of Tuesday, January 25, 1994. Motion carried unanimously. 6. PROJECT UPDATE - IDENTIFICATION OF FREEMAN PARK TRAILS This item was removed from the agenda. 7. 1994 - PROJECT UPDATE - SILVERWOOD PARK BUDGET The updated budget and timetable for Silverwood Park improvements were reviewed by the Commission. Both were found to be acceptable. The Commission then reviewed a petition from Silverwood Park area residents regarding potential platform tennis court addition. That petition is attached to these minutes for reference. The Commission asked that staff check with several areas that have platform tennis, including Deephaven City Hall. In addition, the Park Planner should be asked to develop a cost estimate, and suggested location in Silverwood Park. It was the general consensus of the Commission that the park plan be approved as presented. If further study indicates that such a court could fit into Silverwood Park, it could be budgeted and incorporated after 1994 improvements are completed. It was suggested that a platform tennis court could be installed near the watertower. Such a project could be a community project or a Tree Trust project. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994 Page 2 of 4 REPORT OF FREEMAN PARK NORTH BUILDING NEEDS COMMITTEE No report. 9. REVIEW EXPECTATIONS FOR SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS A letter from Tonka United Soccer was distributed and is made a part of these minutes for reference. The letter indicates their intention to donate an additional $3,000 bringing their total contribution toward playground equipment to $8,000. They also indicate an acceptance of a $2,500 commitment toward park maintenance and additional manpower for installation of playground equipment. They indicated concern however for commitment of dollars toward additional improvements or a concession stand at this time. Gordon Lindstrom indicated that the girl's softball program has not yet decided whether they will be asking to use Freeman field this year. In speaking for the Southshore Softball, he indicated that manpower could be provided for playground installation and that $2,500 could be committed for park maintenance as has been done on a voluntary basis for a number of years. He indicated concern for contributions of $2,500 for future park improvements or any other contribution unless the concession stand can be built to provide revenue. David Anderson, President of the South Tonka Little League, arrived about 8:00 p.m. He indicated that the Little League is placing a priority on construction of a batting cage along the right field fowl line of Freeman Field #3. The estimated cost for installation is $6,000. Although he had previously indicated the Little League could contribute $3,000 in 1994 and an additional $3,000 in 1995 for playground equipment (American Legion has donated $6,000 toward this equipment), he asked to change that commitment to $2,000 in 1994; $2,000 in 1995; and $2,000 in 1996. He stated that volunteer manpower to help install the playground equipment should not be a problem. He reiterated that because of their priority to construct the batting cage, it would be very difficult to come up with $2,500 for future park improvements as well as the $2,500 for park maintenance. J. Hurm indicated that the $2,500 for park maintenance is a top priority, and the concept has been communicated to sports organizations for several years, and in fact, budgeted for as a revenue source by the City for the year 1994. The Commission agreed that the $2,500 for park improvements is a top priority. Mr. Anderson indicated he would convey this to the Executive Board of the Little League and report back on what their commitments can be. He also said he hoped to submit a site plan for the batting cage to City Hall by the end of this week. Because it is a permanent structure, it may need a conditional use permit. It was the general consensus of the Commission that it is important that the sports organizations contribute at least $2,500 toward park maintenance in 1994. Because it is not likely that the north concession stand will be built this year, and because of other factors, funds toward future park improvements and toward a concession building from the sports organizations could be delayed to next year. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994 Page 3 of 4 10. REPORT ON SHOREWOOD PARK FOUNDATION - DRAFT BY -LAWS A number of technical corrections were made to the proposed by -laws. S. Dzurak is reviewing the document from a legal perspective. He will re -write Section 3.05 Qualifications, and will check the legal requirements of Removal of Trustees Without Cause in Section 3.11. He will also review in detail Section 4.09 Duties of the Treasurer. He stated that Section 9.10 Reasonable Return can be removed. S. Dzurak will prepare Articles of Incorporation and present suggested corrections of the by -laws within 10 days so that the Articles of Incorporation can be presented to the City Council at the March 14th meeting. There was general concurrence on the substance of the by -laws. 11. DISCUSSION OF A SHOREWOOD "PARK ROUND -UP PROGRAM J. Hurm reported that several communities, including the City of Roseville, have a round -up program. He was approached by White Bear Lake Township who might be interested in jointly developing software which would allow residents of the community to round -up their quarterly utility bill to the next highest dollar and to have the additional funds go toward park improvements. The Finance Director learned that the City of Roseville earns approximately $200 -$300 per quarter with a participation rate of approximately 5% There was a consensus of the Park Commission that it is unlikely that funds raised would be sufficient to justify expenditure for the software development. The program should not be pursued. 12. ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE FOR LIAISON TO CITY COUNCIL The following schedule for liaison to City Council was established: March & April Elizabeth Fuller May & June Roxanne Martin July & August Open September & October Jim Wilson November & December Open 13. OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL GRANT APPLICATION J. Hurm reported that he will prepare a general application due March 15th and submit it to the Department of Natural Resources. Upon receipt of that application, a DNR staff person will appear before the City to discuss State priorities and City park needs. S. Dzurak indicated that he has an acquaintance in the recreation division of the DNR. He will inquire to him regarding grant priorities. 14. REPORTS J. Hurm reported that the attorney for the Minnetonka School District has indicated that it would not be proper for the School District to donate its share of the proceeds from the sale of the tax forfeited lot on Academy Avenue. This item should be placed on another Park Commission agenda for discussion. The City now needs to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to attempt to sell the property. SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994 Page 4 of 4 E. Fuller stated that we should place on the next agenda for discussion scheduling of the Commission walking the Old Market Road and Silverwood Trails to talk with property owners. We should also discuss scheduling open houses at the various neighborhood parks. 15. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting of the Commission was set at March 22, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. 16. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There were no matters from the floor. 17. ADJOURNMENT S. Dzurak moved, E. Fuller seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED. James C. Hurm, City Administrator 02 %22.91 17:35 FAX 612 474 3719 RE %?LET ACtIon W i February 22, 1994 474 -4128 n Wonkaf#ed Soccer Mr. Jim Hurm, City Administrator City of Shorewood 5755 Country Club Road Shorewood MN 55331 Dear Jim, After the meeting of February 1st between the Tonka United Soccer Association (TUSA) Freeman Fields / Foundation Committee and you, Gordy Lindstrom, Nick Real and Jim Wilson, I reported the results of that meeting to our Board of Directors, providing them with copies of many of the documents that you provided to us. This letter is to update you with regard to the TUSA Board's responses and feelings, and let you know where we are with regard to the topics we discussed. First of all, every member of the TUSA Board is most grateful to the City of Shorewood for the excellent relationship we've had with the City over the years, and for the opportunity to provide our soccer programs to the youth of Shorewood and other surrounding Lake Minnetonka area communities on the fields at Freeman Park. As you know, we've used these fields for our youngest players: girls and boys from 5 - 8 just learning the game of soccer. This time of year, the memory of our children running around, playing soccer at Freeman Park on warm summer evenings is what keeps us going. For all of that, our warmest thanks to you and to everyone on the Parks Commission and the City Council. With regard to the specifics of your proposals to TUSA, let me summarize the general feelings of our Board, using your "Expectations ." sheet as a structure for that response. The Board is unanimously committed to fulfilling our obligations for the $3,000 balance on the playground equipment as soon as it is feasible for us to pay that No specific date has been set because of the fluid nature of our finances. It's my feeling you should be able to expect that some time in calendar year 1994. Beyond that, I don't think I could accurately speculate as to when you expect a check. The same thing is true of our commitment to assist in the equipment's installation. The only thing we ask is that we're given adequate notice (as much as possible) to round up the necessary volunteers. Please contact Lydia Velander, our Membership Director, at 470 -6108, and she'll put you in touch with our volunteer coordinator. With regard to the $2,500 toward park maintenance, we're also willing to pay this, assuming we continue to use the fields as we did last year. As we have mentioned to you during our meetings, our program is growing, and we are investigating other sites that may be appropriate for our use. As pleased as we are with Freeman Park, other considerations (such as a more central location, or scheduling instructional games on fields adjacent to traveling games to expose the younget,vcs �SoDC�rSaCtdlOnt�C. schedutin; and A Non - Profit Association for Young People's Soccer in the Minnetonka Area Post Office Box 205, Bxceisior MN 55331 (612, 470 -7003, ext. 11 Z002,-003 02122,' 94 17:33 FAX 612 474 3 719 REALAS ACtion W Q003 therefore our use of the fields. With regard to final 2 items, the Board at this time is undecided as to the appropriateness of dedicating our members fees to these charges. "Future park improvements" may not directly benefit TUSA's programs, and it was expressed a number of times in the meeting that it is difficult for the Board to justify a general item like that right now considering our current programs, budget. etc. We'd like to discuss this further, both among ourselves and with you. The Concessions building falls into the same g eneral category for us right now. Our fund raising plans are based on concentrated, community -wide "campaigns" rather than a location based business. The revenue and responsibility sharing could work, given the right relationships and formulae, but at this point the majority of Board members felt our plate is too full and the lead time is too short for TUSA to pursue a leading role in a concessions business at Freeman Park this year. As with the park improvements, we'd like to discuss this further, both among ourselves and with you, and possibly develop a plan that would work for everyone on a long term basis. I hope this has answered many of the questions you and Gordy Lindstrom have had for us, and me in particular. I look forward to investigating our opportunities together, and to working with you for our mutual benefit. If you have any questions with regard to the items I've addressed here, don't hesitate to call me at 720 -8139 (0) or 470 -0101 (H). Best �personal regards, X Henderson Director of Communications To: The Shorewood Park Commission From: Silverwood Park Area Residents Re: Potential Platform Tennis Court Addition 20 February, 1994 Dear Park Commission: We have read the February 16th letter to Silverwood Park area residents and were very disappointed to see that a platform tennis court was not included in the plans. Please reconsider this idea. This letter is written to express our support of a platform tennis court addition to the park on Covington Road near Old Market Road in Shorewood. The facility for platform takes up very little space. Therefore, it would fit in aesthetically as well functionally. Also, a platform tennis court would make Silverwood Park unique rather than duplicating facilities found elsewhere. We feel • that platform tennis is a sport enjoyed by many of the residents of this neighborhood. As you are aware, the Deephaven /Cottagewood area has had high utilization of their court for many, many years. We feel Shorewood residents would utilize a platform tennis court at least nine months of the year. It is a sport played through the coldest part of the year. Any sport that encourages outdoor activity from September through May in Minnesota would be a welcome addition to our community. We hardily endorse this project. Enthusiastically, Silverwood Park Area Residents --7 ILI L'L�� t.R - � !, �' ✓; � ' ;. �� i , To: The Shorewood Park Commission From: Silverwood Park Area Residents Re: Potential Platform Tennis Court Addition 20 February, 1994 Dear Park Commission: We have read the February 16th letter to Silverwood Park area residents and were very disappointed to see that a platform tennis court was not included in the plans. Please reconsider this idea. This letter is written to express our support of a platform tennis court addition to the park on Covington Road near Old Market Road in Shorewood. The facility for platform takes up very little space. Therefore, it would fit in aesthetically as well functionally. Also, a platform tennis court would make Silverwood Park unique rather than duplicating facilities found elsewhere. We feel • that platform tennis is a sport enjoyed by many of the residents of this neighborhood. As you are aware, the Deephaven /Cottagewood area has had high utilization of their court for many, many years. We feel Shorewood residents would utilize a platform tennis court at least nine months of the year. It is a sport played through the coldest part of the year. Any sport that encourages outdoor activity from September through May in Minnesota would be a welcome addition to our community. We hardily endorse this project. Enthusiastically, Silverwood Park Area Residents f JkJ - � TULc�� 6 3&t�) 6X � ' coVe�'V i r To: The Shorewood Park Commission From: Silverwood Park Area Residents Re: Potential Platform Tennis Court Addition 20 February, 1994 Dear Park Commission: We have read the February 16th letter to Silverwood Park area residents and were very disappointed to see that a platform tennis court was not included in the plans. Please reconsider this idea. This letter is written to express our support of a platform tennis court addition to the park on Covington Road near Old Market Road in Shorewood. The facility for platform takes up very little space. Therefore, it would fit in aesthetically as well functionally. Also. a platform tennis court would make Silverwood Park unique rather than duplicating facilities found elsewhere. We feel i that platform tennis is a sport enjoyed by many of the residents of this neighborhood. As you are aware, the Deephaven /Cottagewood area has had high utilization of their court for many, many years. We feel Shorewood residents would utilize a platform tennis court at least nine months of the year. It is a sport played through the coldest part of the year. Any sport that encourages outdoor activity from September through May in Minnesota would be a welcome addition to our community. We hardily endorse this project. Enthusiastically, Silverwood Park Area Residents y �� ct