3-28-05alley
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Brookview Community Center
Monday, March 28, 2005
7:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
Sandler called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Kelly Kuebelbeck, Tom Kuelbs, Roger McConico, Jerry Sandler, Jim Vaughan, Tom Zins, Rick
Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant; Barbara
Bailey, Senior Citizen Coordinator; Jim Acker, Golden Valley Girls Slo-pitch Softball Senior
League Vice President; Paula Pentel, Council Member.
Absent: Chuck Cahill, James Heine and Jim Johnson.
III. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
No changes or additions made.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — February 28, 2005
MOTION: Moved by Vaughan and seconded by McConico to approve the minutes. Motion carried
unanimously.
V. GOLDEN VALLEY GIRLS SLO-PITCH SOFTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE — Jim Acker
Acker said the league is in its 32nd year. He explained the league has two divisions; Junior league for 3rd -6th
graders and Senior league for 7th -12th graders. He also said in 2004 the league had 442 participants and that
they are the 2nd largest league in Minnesota. Registration for the 2005 season is still in process. Fee is $55 for
the first child and $45 for each additional child.
Try -outs (player evaluations) are held in April with the goal being skill assessment for proper placement of the
participants. Acker said the league runs mid-May through mid-July, with two games a week and two
tournaments, one mid-season and one at the end of the season.
Acker said the league wanted to thank Brian Erickson, Recreation Supervisor, for all he has done for them, as
well as Park Maintenance for great field conditions. He also said they are very happy with all the support they
get from the Park and Recreation Department.
Acker said umpires and equipment are their biggest expense.
Sandler asked if they are in need of more fields. Acker said they were not at this time.
McConico asked if the league does background checks on the coaches. Acker said it's required that everyone
have a background check. The Golden Valley Police Department provides them for the league at no charge.
McConico also wanted to know who picks the teams. Acker explained that the coaches pick teams considering
the skills of fielding, throwing, timed running and hitting. He added they have the girls play on their parent's
teams and participants that are sisters play on the same team, if they wish.
Kuelbs asked how the league is funded. Acker said that sponsors, concessions and league fees are their main
sources of income.
Sandler added that it's gratifying to see all the fields in Golden Valley being played during the summer.
VI. RECREATION REPORT — Barbara Bailey
Bailey distributed the Golden Valley Senior Program 2004 Annual Report and gave highlights from her 2004
programs.
Discussion was held concerning cooperative programming and events.
Sandler asked if there have been any problems for the seniors with the new parking lot construction at
Brookview. Bailey said there have not been any problems reported.
Bailey said a representative from the new Sunrise Assisted Living Facility in Golden Valley came and spoke
to the Senior Advisory Group about possibly doing some cooperative programming.
Barbara was thanked by the Commission for doing an outstanding job with the senior program.
VII. OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION BY-LAWS
Jacobson reviewed the by-laws and answered questions from the Commission. Sandler stated he feels there
should be some clarification within the by-laws on the process of taking citizen input. Pentel said that would
be more of a policy/procedure, which does not get incorporated into the by-laws.
MOTION: Moved by McConico and seconded by Kuelbs to accept the by-laws as they stand. Motion
carried unanimously.
Vill. OLD BUSINESS
A. Envision
Sandler said it would be good to start brainstorming thoughts and ideas to pass to the Council at each
Commission meeting. Pentel said that when the Commission is looking at park needs, they should get
input from coaches and others also. Sandler added the individual Youth Athletic Associations come in
once a year and give input.
Thoughts/ideas that were presented:
1) Summer hockey program and a blacktop area for in-line skating;
2) Archery range in Golden Valley or improve the one at Wirth Park;
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3) Community gardens and a dog park;
4) Revisit deer control policy;
5) Replacement schedule for play equipment at parks;
6) Teen programming;
7) Youth Summit;
8) Pedestrian connections;
9) More educational signage at parks;
10) Honeywell property developed; and
11) Band shell at Brookview Park.
B. Regional Trail Update
Jacobson said City staff will be meeting with Three Rivers Park District to discuss the trail plan.
C. Brookview Performance Area
Jacobson said City staff and an Architect from the Golden Valley Rotary Club will be meeting for
preliminary planning discussion. Representatives from Rotary and the Federated Women's Club will meet
with the Council at a work session Tuesday, April 121h.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by McConico, seconded by Zins to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
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