12-5-1963218
Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF
VILLAGE OF GOLDEN VALLEY
December 5th 7:00 P.M.
The Park and Recreation Commission of the Village of Golden Valley met
at its regular monthly meeting at the Village Hall, Thursday, December
5, 1963, at 7:00 P.M. Board members present: Dr. Ray Petersen, Chairman,
Graydon Ewald, Max Green, John Byrnes, Laura Scheffler, and John Sullivan.
Board member absent: Ray Stockman. Also present were John Brenna,
Director, Cindy Olson, Secretary, Bruce Paterson, Assistant Village
Engineer, and Mrs. Jane Borchart from the League of Women Voters.
BASSETT'S CREEK
The area in question lies between C.S.A.H. 66 and St. Croix Avenue North.
It was suggested by the Bassett's Creek Citizen's Committee to the Golden
Valley Village Council on November 19th, 1963 that a 100 foot easement
along Bassett's Creek, running East and West be deeded to the Village and
maintained by the Park and Recreation Department. Dr. Ray Petersen,
Chairman of the Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission, received the
suggestion from the Village Council, asking for the Com'mission's recom-
mendation. Dr. Petersen posed the suggestion to the Commission to deter-
mine whether or not the said property is suitable for Park purposes. Mr.
John Brenna, Park and Recreation Director, presented a short history of
the property in question by reading the November 9th and November 19th
minutes of the Bassett's Creek Citizen's Committee. Mr. Bruce Paterson,
Golden Valley Village Assistant Engineer, stated that the public attend-
ing the Bassett's Creek Citizen's Committee meeting felt that the Park
and Recreation Department would be more responsible in the maintenance
of a area than a private owner. It was explained that although the
easement exists, it is only for drainage and flowage and not for public
access unless acquired by the Village. Mrs. Laura Scheffler, Commission
member, felt that this property would be suitable for a creek -side path.
It.was also mentioned, that if the area were wider, so that some use other
than than a possible maintenance problem posed itself, the area would
have definite possibilities. After much discussion, Mr. Max Green, Com-
mission member moved that whereas the land as described is unduly narrow
and largely inaccessible to the majority of Golden Valley residents;
whereas this would impare substantial maintenance problems to the Village
Park System; we recommend to the Council that the strip of land in ques-
tion bordering Bassett's Creek between C.S.A.H. 66 and St. Croix Avenue
North, not be:considered for acquisition for park purposes. Mr. John W.
Byrnes, Commission member, seconded the motion, the motion carried. Mrs.
Laura Scheffler voted no.
SCHEID PARK
Mr. Brenna informed the Board members that the layout and grading plan
would be completed within a week. Also, a temporary ice rink will be
included this winter. Mr. Brenna suggested that we send cards to resid-
ents inviting them to a meeting sometime after the first of the year to
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Meeting - December 5th, 1963
explain the development process of the park. Mr. Brenna also mentioned
that he had met with County officials regarding North-South access to the
Park. The County officials were made very much aware of the problem,
and they also seemed sympathetic toward the problem. It was suggested
that a survey of some type regarding pedestrian flowage be made before
further steps be taken. Chairman Petersen mentioned to Mr. Brenna that
we continue negotiations with the County, and if need be, contact the
Safety Council for any additional help.
LONGERBONE PROPERTY
Mr. Brenna explained the difficulties acquiring Lots 1 and 2, Block 1,
Glenwood View Addition belonging to Nelson A. and Anne M. Longerbone.
Negotiations started in August of 1963 to purchase said lots. Due
to the change in Village Attorneys, a title search, a divorce action
and preparation of a new deed, the negotiation was elongated to the
point where Nelson A. Longerbone decided he would not sign the new
deed, unless he was paid for a claim he submitted November 19, 1963,
for a wood pile that was disturbed on said lots because of our earthmov-
ing equipment. The consensus of the Board members was to present the
claim of $131.20 to be paid providing that Mr. Longerbone signs the new
deed. John Byrnes moved that we recommend the Village honor the claim
of Mr. Longerbone with the provision that the deed of the property in-
volved be signed by Mr. Longerbone before said claim be paid. The motion
was seconded by Max Green. The motion carried.
KEN BERGSTROM
Mr. Brenna brought forth a letter from Mr. Kenneth L. Bergstrom pertain-
ing to Lots 1 and 2, Block 3, Bergstrom Valley Heights Addition. In the
letter Mr. Bergstrom set forth a price of $2,922.00 for the lots. John
Sullivan felt that the two lots would fill out the Park. Mr. Sullivan
moved that we recommend the Village to take action to acquire the Bergstrom
Lots at a figure not to exceed $2,992.00. Laura Scheffler seconded.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MANOR DRTVE
Mr. Brenna brought forth a problem that was discussed at the Village
Council Meeting, Tuesday, December 3, regarding misconduct in and
around the. Park property owned by the City of Minneapolis, which is
located at Manor Drive and Zenith Avenue North. The problem seems
to be that of lottering the area with beer cans, bottles, etc., plus
vandalism to playground equipment, and the parking of cars. The
Village Council asked us to look into the matter. After much discus-
sion, John Sullivan suggested that a letter be sent to the Minneapolis
Park Board informing them of our problem, and also mentioning the
possible use of the Park for the residents in the area to a greater
degree than present use.
EXPIRATION - BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Petersen brought forth that the terms for Mrs. Laura Scheffler and
Mr. Max Green will expire .come the 31st of December. Dr. Petersen
asked Mrs. Scheffler and Mr. Green if they would be willing to serve
another term. Mrs. Scheffler expressed her desire for reappointment.
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Meeting - December 5th, 1963
Mr. Green said that he would not serve, and he would like to give other
citizens a chance to serve on the Board. After much discussion, Dr.
Petersen asked for recommendations from the Board members regarding the
future vacant post. Graydon Ewald mentioned that it had been our policy
to secure interested persons within differing geographical areas in the
community. Three names were brought forth, representing that area in
which Max Green resides. The three persons nominated were: Mr. Elroy
Roelke, Mr. Burton Brown, and Mrs. Nancy Hefty. Mr. Brenna mentioned
that appointments should be made as soon after the first of the year
as possible. Chairman Petersen then asked all Board members present
if an early January meeting would be in favor. All members agreed.
A special meeting will be held January 2nd, 1961, at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Petersen also mentioned that if any Board member had other
persons in mind, we would act on them at the special meeting.
WINTER PROGRAM
At this time Mr. Brenna stated that the Basketball, Hockey, and Skiing
Programs will begin on Saturday, December 7th.
Mrs. Jane Borchart, representing the League of Women.Voters, offered
their assistance whenever needed in the field of Park and Recreation
in Golden Valley.
There being no further discussion, John Byrnes moved the meeting adjourn.
Max Green seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
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ice -Chairman
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