2-27-12GOLDEN VALLEY OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
February 27, 2012
1. Call to Order
Sandler called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM.
2. Roll Call
Present: Roger Bergman, John Cornelius, Brad Kadue, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Emily Piper,
Jerry Sandler, Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Joanie Clausen,
Council Member.
Absent: Bob Mattison, Anne Saffert and Dan Steinberg.
3. Approval of Minutes — January 30, 2012
MOTION: MOVED by Bergman and seconded by Cornelius to approve the January 30
meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Golden Valley Girls Softball League Update — Tommy Thompson
Thompson, President of the Golden Valley Girls Softball League, introduced himself and shared
that he's had kids in the league since 2003 and has served on the board since 2006.
Thompson said there were 560 girls in program last year with 43 teams; 26 in the senior division
and 17 in the junior division. He said the program continues to thrive, so much so they had to add
a new junior team bringing the total to 17 teams.
In addition to the house league, they also have seven traveling teams which play more competitive
tournaments in various cities. All seven teams went on to the state tournament.
At the end of the year, they have all-star games for both divisions. Just this past year, they also
invited senior alumni. They had great participation.
Last year they had to cancel 1/3 of their senior division games due to rain or heat.
Thompson mentioned the Golden Valley Fire Department is offering a Severe Weather Awareness
seminar, which the association has paid for their coaches and umpires to attend. They also plan to
have coaches take an online concussion seminar.
Thompson said the association's website has been updated and is more user-friendly and
informative. He invited the commission to visit at: www-wo.orq
Thompson also mentioned that Bob Mattison has written a book about the history of the Golden
Valley Girls Softball league, The Game Is For The Girls.
5. Scheid Park Property
Jacobson said the City has signed a purchase agreement with the executor of the family that
lived in the home. A closing date has not been yet been decided.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Open Space and Recreation Commission
February 27, 2012
Page 2
6. Updates
Park Turf Management Proposal
The commission discussed the proposed plan, as presented by Al Lundstrom at the joint
meeting with the Environmental Commission, and agreed upon the following motion:
MOTION: MOVED by Piper and seconded by Cornelius to accept the concept of promoting
natural growth in our city parks while encouraging consultation and communication
with the neighbors and the youth athletic associations. Motion carried unanimously.
2014 International Little League Congress
Sandler said Minneapolis was chosen to host the 2014 International Little League Congress.
This will be a special convention celebrating Little League's 75th Anniversary. Sandler also
added that he was nominated the local chair for the convention.
7. Adjournment
MOVED by Piper and seconded by Kadue to adjourn at 8:55 PM. Motion carried unanimously.