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2-28-0511ey OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Brookview Community Center Monday, February 28, 2005 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Sandler called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 11. ROLL CALL Present: Chuck Cahill, Jim Heine, Roger McConico, Jerry Sandler, Jim Vaughan, Tom Zins, Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant; Kris Tovson, Brookview Golf Course Manager; and Jeanne Andre, Assistant City Manager. Absent: Liz Elder, Jim Johnson, and Tom Kuelbs. Ill. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Additions to the agenda by Jacobson: 1) Commission Re -appointments 2) The passing of George Murad IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —January 25, 2005 MOTION: Moved by McConico and seconded by Zins to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. V. ENVISION RESPONSE — Jeanne Andre Andre explained that the Envision process resulted in a challenge from the Council to the Commission to relate their mission to the Vision Guide. She explained that the City Council is interested in getting feedback from the Commissions in response to Envision. This Commission would address the vision for the City's recreation programs and open space. One idea would be for the Commission to do an inventory of existing recreation programs to make people aware of what kind of opportunities the Park and Recreation Department is currently offering, and then get ideas from the Commission about new opportunities that would benefit the community in terms of recreation and open space. Andre then discussed the goals of the City Council for 2005/06, explaining that one of the goals is to develop a master plan for Golden Valley's parks and open space areas. Cahill asked if the City has considered a 3-1-1 program. Andre said the City is looking at having a program on our website to take citizen questions and track responses. Sandler suggested at each month's meeting, the Commission brainstorm both short and long term ideas for Envision. Andre said the Council is giving the Commission's six months to submit ideas and thoughts. VI. BROOKVIEW GOLF UPDATE — Kris Tovson Tovson stated the course had a nice fall in 2004, which helped the financial picture in light of poor weather earlier in the season. The course closed November 19th. Tovson said improvements to General Mills Boulevard, which had minimal impact on the 3rd hole, did not get finished last fall and will be completed this spring with the replacement of trees, a new keystone wall and chain link fence. Tovson feels the work should not interfere with play. She also discussed improvements to the 14`h hole. She explained that due to the large amount of mitigation and restriction they were under with the wetlands, they would have had to do a lot of dredging on other holes, which would have major impact on the course. She explained that the dredging of the pond in the southeast corner of Hwy. 55 and 169, upstream from the golf course, may be helpful for additional water storage. She then said the 10' hole will continue playing as a Par 4, with the option to play it as a Par 3 if necessary. Tovson then discussed new things happening at the course this year. She said they are in the process of getting a new cash register point-of-sale system which will provide better reports and more information on revenue. Tovson said they plan to create a golfer loyalty program to keep customers coming back. She also explained they will be offering lessons for beginners where the participant will have their final class on the Par 3 course with the instructor to provide a real golf course experience. Tovson then distributed and discussed the new Brookview Golf Course brochure and explained they will be distributed to potential tournaments and local businesses in an effort to generate new business in 2005. Sandler asked if the golf course did mailings. Tovson said they mail coupons and promotions to their patrons and e-mail to those who have it. She also said they advertise in the City newsletter and will look into sending promotions with the City utility bills. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Golden Valley Smoking Ordinance Tovson was asked if she felt the new smoking ordinance would have an impact on the golf course. She explained that they have heard from several individuals with very strong feelings against the new ordinance. She said the Brookview Men's Club wrote a letter to the Council and that residents have called to discuss the issue. She also said if a league or individuals leave Brookview due to the new ordinance, more than likely they will not be back. The question was asked about enforcement. Jacobson said when people violate the ordinance; staff would make the initial contact with the possibility that the Police Department could eventually be called. Sandler feels we are potentially damaging the economic success of one of our recreation facilities by passing such an ordinance. He stated that even though he is very supportive of no smoking, he feels this is one time there is not a real problem since it is outdoors in a large area with people spaced apart. The Commission concurred with Sandler's comments. They commend the Council for taking action on the issue of second hand smoke, but feel the smoking policy for the golf course should be reconsidered. MOTION: Moved by McConico and seconded by Heine. Due to economic competitive disadvantages with other golf facilities and difficulty of enforcement, we ask the Council to reconsider the smoking ordinance on the outdoor portions of public golf courses in Golden Valley where people are not in close proximity to one another. Motion carried unanimously. B. Regional Trail Update Jacobson said City staff recently met with Don Devoe from Three Rivers Park District and that Three Rivers is currently doing more design work with the trail. The plan is to get a section of the trail under construction this year. C. Brookview Performance Area Jacobson explained that funds for the project have been budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2006, with a stipulation that a majority of the funds be raised from outside sources. Jacobson explained that the Golden Valley Rotary Club and the Golden Valley Federated Women's Club have offered to help raise money for the project. D. Commission Re -appointments Due to business commitments, Liz Elder has resigned from the Commission. The Council is in the process of interviewing to fill the Commission vacancy and notifying those Commissioners whose terms are expiring. E. Passing of George Murad Jacobson announced that George passed away at the age of 80. Jacobson said George had been an Open Space and Recreation Commission member, was involved in numerous City committees and was a strong golf course advocate. VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Heine, seconded by McConico to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 3