07-28-2025 Meeting Minutes.pdf
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Sanders called the meeting to order at 6:28 pm
Commissioners present: Roger Bergman, Bill Delaney, Matthew Sanders, Brian Wright, Scott Seys,
Matthew Olson
Commissioners absent: Jonas Courneya, Dawn Speltz
Staff present: Greg Simmons, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director; Jasy Vorachit,
Administrative Assistant; Kevin Martinez Del Arca, Recreation Coordinator;
Kong Moua, Recreation Supervisor
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
3. Approval of July 28, 2025, Agenda
Chair Sanders added an update on the June parks tour.
MOTION by Commissioner Bergman, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve the agenda
with the addition, and the motion carried.
4. Approval of June 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Bergman, seconded by Vice-Chair Wright to approve June 23, 2025,
meeting minutes as presented, and the motion carried.
5. Business
a. New Parks and Recreation Staff Introduction
New staff member, Jasy Vorachit, shared a brief introduction followed by introductions and warm
welcomes from Commissioners.
b. Parks and Recreation Junior Leader Volunteer Presentation
Recreation Supervisor Moua introduced an overview of the Junior Leader Volunteers Program.
They were assigned different tasks each week, assisted with summer staff, and helped organize
games and activities for five weeks. Junior Leaders gave a presentation of their experience,
aspects they’ve enjoyed, and suggestions for improvements to parks. They suggested a volleyball
net, field goal post, and to keep soccer goals out a bit longer.
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
Brookview Valley Room
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
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c. Recognition of Parks and Recreation Junior Leader Volunteers
Eight Junior Leader Volunteers were presented with certificates upon completion of the program.
They were applauded for their hard work throughout the summer.
d. Future Commission Planning Coordination
Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Simmons shared a few updates that will take place in the
near future which will require input from the Commission. The updates include:
• There are still discussions taking place about the golf storage building plan.
• Currently in phase one of the comprehensive and strategic plans, which is setting
groundwork and initial steps into why Parks and Recreation is operating the way it is.
• Civic Campus Planning is taking place with considerations based on Public Works, Public
Safety, and community needs.
All these updates are still developing, and staff are looking for guidance to see how
Commissioners will want to be involved. Whether it is holding full meetings with Commissioners
or splitting up into groups to take on a project, who will then bring it back to the full Commission.
Vice-Chair Wright was in favor of breaking up the information. Commissioner Olson requested
more information about projects ahead of time on a regular basis. Simmons agreed that as step
one it would be beneficial to send out email guidance on topics coming up, so Commissioners are
aware and can prepare.
e. Weather Impacts to Parks and Recreation Operations
Simmons discussed how wet weather has affected daily operations and revenue for recreational
activities such as league nights, lawn bowling, golf, and athletic fields.
• 10 league nights were rescheduled/canceled
• Lawn bowling was closed for 15 days
• The golf course was closed for two days, with modified play for almost two weeks
• Athletic fields were closed to users for about 10 days
• Park buildings are being utilized for summer programs
Simmons mentioned with the weather impact, it creates a conversation of long-term storm water
management of the golf course. Vice-Chair Wright shared how league players should be notified of
possible changes to maintain the course and complimented the golf course Superintendent.
Simmons expressed his understanding of making sure players are in the loop.
Commissioner Seys asked about the condition of athletic fields due to the weather. Simmons
responded that they’ve held up better than anticipated. He said it is difficult to drag the fields, but
the turf field is holding up well.
Vice-Chair Wright asked if there are concerns about the number of resources needed or if it is just
due to rainfall. Simmons responded that there have not been issues, and the equipment has been
working.
f. Commissioner Announcements
• Chair Sanders shared that the community gardens are going well.
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
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• Vice-Chair Wright shared the parks are keeping busy and suggested adding more
volleyball nets due to popular demand.
• Chair Sanders mentioned that June was a good time to do the parks tour due to daylight.
Commissioner Olson appreciated visiting Winnetka Hills during the parks tour.
g. Staff Announcements
Simmons shared updates which include:
• RFP for pickleball courts at Brookview is out and under budget with room to replace
windscreens. Project should be done before the end of October.
• Solar panels at Brookview are a project led by Community Development and should take
place before the end of the year. Vice-Chair Wright asked about building usage during
installation. Simmons responded that the impact will be minimal to users. Commissioner
Seys asked if this will cover Brookview’s electricity needs. Simmons responded that the
solar panels would support Brookview and be installed below the limit.
• Brookview parking lot has been overlaid by the Golden Valley Streets Team and awaiting
parking lot striping.
• Natchez Park play structure is still in the works due to the wet weather impact.
• Breck held a public meeting and shared conversations about feedback from Natchez Park
residents who expressed keeping the park in place.
Recreation Coordinator Martinez Del Arca shared updates which include:
• There are 350 participants for the playground programs.
• The team is fully staffed with 18 returners from last year. Five new staff have been hired
this year, two included Junior Staff Volunteers.
• Water Days had about 350-400 attendees and went well.
• Penny Carnival took place in the small Brookview pavilion with about 400 attendees.
• Medley Gardens had a small gathering with donuts and coffee to get connected to other
gardeners. Next event will be late August-early September with a speaker.
h. Council Liaison Announcements
There were no Council Liaison announcements.
6. Review of Commission Calendar
a. There will be no meeting in August. Next meeting will be Monday, September 22 at 6:30 pm.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Sanders at 7:25 pm
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Matthew Sanders, Chair
_________________________________
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
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