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July 18, 2005

A regular meeting of the Hopkins Park Board was held on July 18, 2005.

  1. Call To Order
    Chairperson Richard Niemann called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm.
  2. Roll Call
    Present were Park Board members: Richard Niemann, Robert Edmonds, Ron Helgeson and Kari Kyllo. Absent was Park Board member Ron Helgeson. Also present was Hopkins staff liaison Steve Stadler and Joshua Montgomery, Nominated Park Board Member scheduled for City Council appointment on July 19.
      Chairperson Niemann asked for introductions as this was Kari Kyllo’s first Board meeting and Steve Stadler’s first meeting as staff liaison.
  3. Approval of Minutes for May 16, 2005
    R. Edmonds moved and R. Helgeson seconded a motion to approve the minutes for the May 16, 2005 meeting. On the vote the minutes were approved 4-0.
  4. Business
    1. Pavilion Prime Rate Ice Rental Increase
      The Park Board agreed to consider this agenda item, item D. as the first item of business as Don Olson, Pavilion Manager was present to review this item with the Board. Don Olson explained the biennial Hopkins Pavilion prime ice rate increases and the comparison with other arena ice rates. D. Niemann asked why not annual rate increases. D. Olson explained that the facility has historically increased rates every other year and the major users, Hopkins Youth Hockey Association and Hopkins High School are accustomed to the biennial increase. R Edmonds moved and K. Kyllo seconded a motion to recommend the rate increase to City Council. The motion was approved on a 4-0 vote.
        Staff Liaison Stadler explained the need for an annual meeting to elect new officers and consider any proposed amendments to by-laws.  This meeting should be held in July of each year but with the Board member and Staff liaison turn-over that this year’s annual meeting be held in September.  The by-laws allow a maximum of two one-year terms for the office of chair and vice-chair.  D. Niemann has held the office of chair for two consecutive one-year terms and a new chair should be elected.  If the Board desires to retain D. Niemann as chair the by-laws would need to be amended to allow for a maximum of three one-year terms.  Stadler asked that the Board consider voting to add consideration of the September annual meeting to the night’s agenda.  The Board agreed and R. Edmonds moved and K. Kyllo seconded a motion to add this item to the July 19, 2005 meeting agenda.  The motion carried on a 4-0 vote.
        R. Helgeson moved and K. Kyllo seconded a motion to hold the 2005 annual meeting at the September 19 Park Board meeting.  The motion carried on a 4-0 vote.
    2. Proposed 8/30/05 Joint Meeting with City Council
      The Park Board members discussed potential areas of interest to discuss with City Council.  These areas include:  City Council goals/objectives, Park Board input and involvement in recreational programs of the city, and possible establishing a City Council – Park Board liaison position once again.
    3. Shady Oak Beach Parking Lot for Snow Emergency Vehicle Impounds
      Staff liaison S. Stadler explained the desire for an impound lot within the city limits and the possibility of using a portion of the Shady Oak Beach lot for this purpose. After a brief discussion, R. Helgeson moved and K. Kyllo seconded a motion supporting this winter use for the Shady Oak Beach parking lot. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote.
    4. Park Crime Activity Update
      Staff liaison S. Stadler briefly discussed an improved situation regarding crime activity, particularly as it pertains to Burnes, Cottageville and Valley parks. After some discussion the Board agreed to set up a separate Board meeting to tour the Hopkins Park and trail system. It was agreed to meet at Burnes Park on September 12th at 6:30 pm.
    5. Park Area Assignment Report
      Burnes Park:  Need for a shade tree near the new playscape equipment and possible need for an asphalt overlay of the basketball court area.
        Downtown Park:  Need to remove weeds growing in the shrub beds
        R. Niemann suggested that staff investigate possible volunteer opportunities in maintaining various planted areas throughout the city, including park areas.
    6. Parks Update
      Staff liaison S. Stadler reported that the new Burnes Park playground equipment construction is nearly completed and looks great.
    7. Hopkins/Minnetonka Joint Recreation Board
      The last meeting was held on 7/13/05.  R. Niemann overviewed the new healthy lifestyles/outdoor recreation initiative entitled:  “Step up to Health”.  There are several national organizational partners to this program designed to increase awareness of the benefits of healthy lifestyles and to emphasize the role of parks and recreation in promoting them.  R. Niemann will attempt to arrange a Park Board presentation on the program at the September 19 meeting.
    8. Capital Improvement Plan (2006-2010)
      Staff liaison S. Stadler reviewed upcoming Park projects, emphasizing the proposed 2006 projects:  Valley Park Improvements, trail signage/amenities, and the Pavilion community message sign.  Stadler mentioned that the proposed Excelsior Boulevard beautification corridor projects (miniature golf course and memorial garden park) have been moved back to 2007.  There was discussion about the challenges of creating viable, adequately supported community gardens.  The failed garden in Wayzata was brought up as evidence for the need to have a solid outside support organization before proceeding with a city initiative to construct a garden.  More staff time is needed to investigate the economic feasibility and potential locations of a miniature golf course.
        R. Niemann requested that staff investigate the possibility of establishing shuffleboard courts, both outdoor and indoor at the Senior Activity Center.  This initiative would entail pavement or floor marking and a park attendant or Activity Center employee able to handout equipment to users.
    9. Other
      R. Niemann mentioned correspondence from Pat Isaaks, Minnehaha Oaks Association inquiring as to the status of the city passing a resolution perpetually protecting the oak forest from future encroachment or development.  Stadler stated he’d check with Jim Genellie, Asst. City Manager and email R. Niemann with an update.
  5. Next Scheduled Meeting
    August 30, 2005, 6:30 pm
    Joint Meeting with City Council
    September 12, 2005, 6:30 pm
    Parks/Trail System Tour - meet at Burnes Park
    September 19, 2005, 6:30 pm
    Park Board Annual Meeting - City Council Chambers
  6. Adjournment
    K. Kyllo moved and R. Edmonds seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.