7-27-1978GOLDEN VALLY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission met on July 27, 1978, for a
regular meeting with the following members present: Brown, Eastes, Jaffe,
King, Petersen, and Riley. John Brenna, Director of Parks and Recreation
was also present, as was David Latvaaho, Assistant Director. Vice Chair—
person Eastes presided.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of June 26, 1978 were approved as printed.
LAUREL AVENUE PONDS
Approximately 25 area residents attended the Commission meeting to express
their views about the wild grasses growing in the ponds near their homes. Mr.
Brenna first gave a brief history of the ponds development and the decision
to plant the grasses. Several residents spoke about their dislike for the
tall grasses, residents mainly living on the north side of the ponds. Resident
Gary Edelston served as lead spokesman for the group, all of whom expressed
their displeasure with the weeds and the animals and the insects they draw.
They want a well maintained north side of the pond area. After the public
hearing was closed, Commission members discussed maintenance problems in
keeping up the whole park system as well as trying to keep up this area, the
possibility of re—planting with shorter grasses, the decision to plant wild
grasses in the first place, how the present plan hasn't really been allowed
to develop, etc. The decision was made to have a joint meeting with the
Environmental and Open Space Commissions in August to hear the complaints
again and reach a joint decision on what to suggest to the Council in terms
of meeting the desires and needs of the nearby residents.
RECREATION SUB COMMITTEE REPORT
The Recreation Study was reviewed again and suggestions were made as to changes
needing to be made. Acceptance of the report will be considered at the next
meeting. In connection with the Sub Committee, Brown asked Commission
members to work on a recreation policy worksheet that he had prepared for con—
sideration. At the next meeting, members will discuss the elements of the
worksheet and discuss recreation policy and the implementation of it.
OPEN SPACE COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
The Commission discussed a letter from Mayor Hoover regarding the Open Space
Commission's recommendation that they be given responsibility for management
of ten properties (areas) in Golden Valley. After some discussion about
the situation, it was decided to see how the vacancy filling goes for the
Commission (Park and Recreation). Thoughts were shared whether it is in
the community's best interests to have access to undeveloped areas or leave
them as strictly open space.
MARY HILLS PARK DEVELOPMENT
Brenna reviewed the different plans that have been discussed for development
of the area with the introduction of a possibility of a park at the end of
Dresden Lane on Robbinsdale property. Robbinsdale has responded favorably
to the idea, and it will be presented along with the others at the next
Commission meeting (area residents will be invited to attend and give their
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input. The meeting will be on August 28th possibly at St. Margaret Marys
Church).
SPECIAL ELECTION
Assuming the pending resignation of Chairman Kahn because of job conflicts,
it was decided to elect a vice chairman who would assume the chairman's
position. Burt Brown was nominated and elected unanimously.
1979 BUDGET
The 1979 budget request will be $1,817,.which includes the costs of possibly
taking a recreation needs assessment survey.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
1. resignation of member Eastes accepted
2. letter from New Hope to Park and Recreation Commission regarding increased
use of Terra Linda Park by Dover Hills residents. We will discuss need for
possible modification of the Dover Hills PUD agreement for the development of
some recreation facilities for those residents since Terra Linda's activity
is reduced. We will respond to New Hope in September.
3. Minnegasco Park may be purchased and developed, which will mean loss of
a park to Little League. Golden Valley has no legal responsibility but a
moral committment; possibilities for other park for little league were
disscussed.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
1. Manager's response to request for a recording secretary for the
Commission: volunteer position only
2. park program done on 8/4/78
3. Laurel Avenue Ponds trail scheduled to start soon.
4. Par 2 golf course done in August.
NEW BUSINESS
Commission members commended Sue Eastes for her work on the Commission.
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Adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
Chairman Vice Chairman Eastes
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