3-8-1978REGULAR MEETING
GOLDEN VALLEY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 8, 1978
A regular meeting of the Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission was held
on March 8, 1978, at the Wesley Park Recreation Building.
Chairman Brown presided, and the following members were present: Eastes,
Haglund, Jaffe, Kahn, Petersen and Riley. Absent members: Hammer and King.
Also present were John Brenna, Director of Parks and Recreation, David Latvaaho,
Assistant Director, Kae Hagler, Program Supervisor, and Tom Feltl, Park
Superintendent.
MINUTES
The minutes of the February 2, 1978, meeting were approved as printed.
OLD BUSINESS
Northeast Fire Station — Chairman Brown reported on the feeling expressed at
the last City Council meeting that a joint recommendation by Park and Recreation
and Open Space Commissions on use of the area would be helpful. Mr. Brenna
has met with the Open Space Commission and is drawing up three tentative plans
for the Commission to review. Member Kahn moved and Petersen seconded, that
the Commission invite the Open Space Commission to the April meeting to work
in harmony with them on plans for the Northeast Fire Station property. The
motion carried unanimously.
BWGA By Law Change — BWGA member, Harriet Betzold, read the by laws change as
proposed by the BWGA Board as follows:
"Amended By Laws of the Brookview Womens Golf Association
4. Honorary memberships may be granted to non—residents upon formal
written sponsorship by two (2) active resident members and the
unanimous approval of the Board of Directors. An active resident
member may sponsor one (1) honorary member per year.
5. Should a Golden Valley Resident or Patron Card holder desire
membership while our membership is at capacity, a non—resident
(honorary member) shall be asked to leave the group. This member
will be decided upon by the Board of Directors on the basis of
active participation.
6. Honorary memberships, once accepted, are renewable upon payment
of current year dues but are subject to review and approval of
the Board of Directors.
7. Honorary members may participate in all BWGA activities and events
but will have no voting privilege and may not serve as President,
Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer. They will not be able
to obtain a patron or resident card.
Member Kahn moved and Haglund seconded that the Commission approve the change
as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Chairman Brown pointed
Park and Recreation Commission
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out that it is the Commission's desire that the members of a recreational
group should determine how to run their own group consistent with the tax—
payer's interest.
BMGA member, George Bills, presented the by—laws change concerning
honorary membership which his group is working on. It is similar to the
BWGA change and will be presented formally to the Commission next month.
The concensus of the Commission is that the change in substance is accept—
able.
NEW BUSINESS
Summer Programs and Building plans for Wesley, Lakeview Heights,
and Golden Oak Parks
Ms. Hagler reviewed last year's summer program and the plans for this year.
Park leaders will be incorporating the success elements of the programs
developed by the program specialists last year into this year's program.
Ms. Haegler also described the qualifications and recruiting programs for
the park leaders.
Mr. Latvaaho commented that sports programs at the parks this summer will
be basically unchanged from last year. In response to resident McClendon's
question, he indicated that staffing plans were flexible enough to provide
full day programs at parks where half day programs had been in effect should
participation be great enough.
Building plans — Lakeview Heights Park — Mr. Brenna reviewed the Lakeview
Heights Park building progress and the problems which had slowed down the
plans the past few years. Resident Brown suggested that more adult and
teen programs, rather than a tot lot facility would better serve the park
user's needs. Resident McClendon expressed the desire of some area
residents for tennis courts with or without lights at Lakeveiw Park. Mr.
Brenna described the budgeting process for such projects and offered
assistance in helping the residents to make their wishes known. Resident
Asher spoke of the traffic congestion and the need for new picnic and trash
facilities. In response to resident Green's question, Mr. Feltl stated
that the lights at the park are staying on so late because of the vandalism
problem at the park. Concern was also expressed by residents about
parking in and near Wesley Park, and maintenance of the undeveloped knoll in
Wesley Parl.
Wesley Park Tennis Court lighting — Mr. Brenna described the plans for
tennis court lights at Wesley Park and the rationale for locating them at
this particular park. There was much discussion with the residents present
concerning the problems of activity, profanity, and other objectionable
behavior on the courts. Member Haglund moved, seconded by Jaffe, that the
Commission proceed with the plan to install the lights at Wesley Park and
that the lights have an automatic shut—off time at 11:00 p.m. on an experi—
mental basis to be adjusted if problems develop. The motion passed.
Dover Hills Request for development of an active play area — Mr. John Ward,
Director of Social Services for Dover Hills presented a request by the
Socialites Club that the walkways areas and resting areas of Pennsylvania
Woods be better maintained. Mr. Feltl is aware of the problems and the
areas will be better maintained. Mr. Ward also presented a petition signed
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Park and Recreation Commission
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by many of the families in the project requesting on open play area for the
children on that side of the complex. Discussion followed concerning
location of such an area, possible disturbance to wildlife, and other open
space considerations, and responsibility for area maintenance. It was
agreed that the Commission should discuss the request further with the Open
Space Commission and with regard to alternative locations for such an area
before reaching any conclusions.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The following offers were elected unanimously for 1978-1979: Chairman,
David Kahn, Vice Chairman, Susan Eastes, Secretary, Mary King.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Brenna has a conflict with the first Thursday of the month as a meeting
time. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 4th, and Thursday, April
27th. A new regular meeting date will be established shortly.
The Ad Hoc Committee for Community/Senior Center has been established and
has begun meeting twice monthly.
The Ad Hoc Committee on Dutch Elm has been formed and will beging meeting
shortly.
The State Department of Transportation has approved funding of the Laurel
Avenue Pond trail.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
The change of name from Woodlawn Park to Gearty Park has been approved by
the City Council.
RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION
The Commission unanimously approved a resolution of commendation and
appreciation to Mr. Brown for his year of service as Chairman of the
Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Chairman Brown Vice Chairman ammer
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Residents attending and participating in March 8, 1978, meeting of
Park and Recreation Commission:
Richard B. Walling
1335
Wisconsin Avenue North
Dorothy Walling
"
Harold McClendon
1410
Hillsboro Avenue North
Louis Harvatin
1310
Castle Court
Robert Osiecki
1330
Wisconsin Avenue North
Mrs. Elwood Rosberg
1407
Wisconsin Avenue North
Thomas Dachel
8355
Duluth Street
Dan Hennessey
1336
Wisconsin Avenue North
George Bills
2520
Decatur Avenue North
James Green
1408
Hillsboro Avenue North
Hans Soll
1840
Wisconsin A enue North
v
Shirley Brown
1613
Independence Avenue North
Diane Asher
8200
Wesley Drive
Harriet Betzold
1455
Spring Valley Road