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7-26-19821 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 26, 1982 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:38 at Brookview Community Center by Chairman Burmeister. Commission members present were: Jaffe, Kahlow, Micks, Murad, and Scanlon. Also present were Barbara Bailey, Golden Valley Senior Citizen Coordinator; Bob Close, Landscape Architect; Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; and Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Kahlow moved that the Minutes of the June 24, 1982, meeting be approved as written. Murad seconded. Motion passed. NEW BUSINESS 1. Annual Report - Senior Citizens Barb Bailey reviewed for the Commission the Annual Report and activities of the Golden Valley Senior Citizens Program. The Program consists of two components: a. Direct services dealing with social, educational and recreational needs. b. Special services done in cooperation with other organizations (such as Health Services and the Youth Aiding Seniors Program). More than 1,100 people are involved in the Senior Citizens Program. Major topics discussed include: Exercise Program In cooperation with the St. Louis Park Medical Center Research Foundation, nine Golden Valley seniors participated in their Exercise Program for Older Adults at Brookview. This is a new kit which will be mass produced. It is geared for the senior citizen; pulse rates are taken throughout the program. This was very well received by the seniors. Coordinators Group of Golden Valley This group was formed this past February in an effort to share information and become more familiar with each other's programs and facilities. The group consists of: Minutes Page 2 July 26, 1982 Dover Hill Midrise Calvary Center Apartments Calvary Church Covenant Manor Golden Valley Senior Citizens Coordinator The Commission was impressed with the year's events for senior citizens and thanked Barb Bailey for the good work she has done in this Program. 2. Subcommittees Reports a. Solicitation Committee Burmeister reported that there has been no change since the last meeting. b. Select Committee Murad informed the Commission that the Select Committee had met with General Mills. We will not know until next spring whether or not General Mills will use Brookview as part of their flood plan in exchange for money to help renovate the course. This will be discussed further during the summer months; along with different ways of financing. C. Team Sports Facilities Committee At this time another meeting has not been set. OLD BUSINESS 1. Detail Plan - Laurel Greenbelt (Bob Close) Bob Close reviewed for the Commission his ideas for land- scaping the Laurel Greenbelt area. The concept for the entire open space system is to use plants that can be tied together and are identifiable with the city's open space system. The components of this concept are: (a) Thread, (b) Accents, and (c) Modifiers. The attached handout on plant types was used a great deal in determining what plants are best suited for specific areas of the project. (For example, some plants won't do well near street lights.) The Commission also viewed a diagram of the Laurel Greenbelt area. This depicted where the pond will be, where different types of plants will be located and a walkway on the north side of Laurel Avenue. Plants to be placed between Laurel Avenue and the walkway. Minutes Page 3 July 26, 1982 The south side can not be screened because of the sanitary sewer and railroad that runs along that side. Close stressed the idea of using plants that are natural to the area. Some suggested trees to be used are: - Dogwood for around the ponds. - Red Maple and Pin Oak for screening. - Tamarac and Black Hills Spruce for their fall and winter colors. - Black Walnut to provide nuts for the animals. Scanlon expressed concern over Oak Wilt. Close informed the Commission that Oak Wilt occurs only when there are several of these trees growing closely together. This will be kept in mind when it comes time for planting. Micks asked about the possibility of some flowering plants. It was pointed out that these types of plants require more maintenance than other plants. Micks also asked how the neighbors in the area felt about the project. Close answered that the general response was good. The neighbors felt there would still be a lot of vegetation left. Jaffe informed the Commission that Liberty Carton has money in escrow for plants and landscaping. Corlett added that Liberty Carton has done some minor planting. He also stated that Liberty Carton has been technically released from the landscaping obligation. An 84 -inch diameter pipe will be buried in the area. The exact locations for planting can not be decided until we know where the pipe will be placed. Burmeister inquired as to when this project is scheduled to begin. Close answered that if the Council approves the Project, it would be some time in March, April or May of 1983. At that time, the first phase of dredging the pond can begin. Planting will probably begin the spring of 1984. Some planting could possibly be started sooner. The majority of the project is on hold until the engineering work is done. Burmeister inquired about funding of this project. Corlett informed the Commission that the engineers have estimated the cost of the sewer portion of the project to be approxi- mately 36 Million. Micks asked whether a new sewer system is necessary. Burmeister answered that we have been Minutes Page 4 July 26, 1982 advised that our system is inefficient and should be replaced. Corlett also informed the Commission that funding for this project for 1982 is 422,000. This is to be used for planning and some planting if it can be accomplished while the sewer project is in progress. In 1983 $20,000 is funded for consulting fees and some planting. Corlett further stated that after Close completes a detailed inventory of what plants we will need, a much better cost estimate can be given. In summary, Close indicated that more work is necessary to finalize this plan if the Council approves the entire program. Burmeister expressed the Commission's appreciation to Bob Close for his presentation. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 1. Council Action - Seeman Burmeister informed the Commission that the Athletic Facilities Subcommittee submitted their recommendation for upgrading Seeman Park to the Council. The recommendation was received and tabled until a cost estimate of a building could be established. The Council had initially set August 4 for the public hearing; however, decided to delay any hearing until cost estimates could be submitted. Corlett indicated that the Little League has offered to contribute towards a building which they may use in their program. The Little League has a fund which they intend to use for facility upgrading to service their program. 2. Plan for Mary Hills Neighborhood Meeting The August 23 Open Space and Recreation Commission Meeting will be held at the Schied Park shelter building at 7:00 p.m. with the Mary Hills neighborhood meeting being scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the agenda. Burmeister informed the Commission that this first meeting should be one in which the Commission listens to what the neighbors thoughts are and answers any questions they may have. The Commission should then prepare a plan consoli- dating those thoughts with those of the Commission. The Commission should then meet again with the neighborhood to present this plan and get its feed back. 1 Minutes Page 5 July 26, 1982 Burmeister will give the introduction at this first meeting, and Jaffe will give a brief history of what has taken place so far at this park and what has been orga- nized. She will let the neighbors know what is taking place now in this area and what the immediate plans are. Burmeister informed the Commission that Tom Klatt would be present to inform the Commission and residents of what is necessary to maintain a natural area and an active use area and what maintenance is currently being done. Further discussion indicated problems with motorized vehicles and dumping in the area. Corlett informed the Commission that the department will be attempting to seal off the access points on Bonnie Lane. Kahlow asked what Robbinsdale is doing about this matter. The Commission was informed that Robbinsdale is currently attempting to reduce access through the use of chains across access points located in Robbinsdale. Burmeister asked that all Commission members be prepared for this meeting by visiting the site before the next meeting. 3. Park Tour Scheduling A park tour will be scheduled for a Saturday. Burmeister will inform the Commission of the date at the next meeting. DEPARTMENT REPORT 1. Budget Corlett informed the Commission that the department is cur- rently in its budgeting phase. The budget needs further adjustments prior to being submitted to the City Manager. He indicated that the pool and playground programs have been included. Corlett stated that there has been significant percentage increases in the cost of gasoline, heating, electricity and trash disposal and that the city expects only a 4% increase in available revenues. He indicated that the budget proposal has no staff cuts and that increases in activities fees will be included. The Commission's budget for 1983 will be proposed at approximately $1,400, which includes the secretary, postage, operating supplies, and other traditional expenditures. Burmeister inquired about golf operations. Corlett indicated there was no update this month. Murad injected that there has been a $42,000 adjustment in the Brookview Minutes Page 6 July 26, 1982 budget. Scanlon asked about Brookview being included in the Bullseye's advertisements. Jaffe stated that the Wayzata Boulevard address normally is included in their ads. 2. Capital Improvements - Update Corlett gave the Commission a progress report on the projects included in the 1982 Capital Improvements Budget. 3. Sandburg Diamond Fencing (Volunteer) Corlett reported that we are experiencing breakage in the Sandburg diamond fence. We need a volunteer from the Commission to serve on a committee to discuss possible alternatives for this problem. The Committee will consist of a representative from Little League and Babe Ruth along with Tom Klatt and Charles Corlett. It was suggested that Fuller be asked to serve. If Fuller is unable to serve, Micks volunteered. 4. MRPA Fall Conference Corlett informed the Commission that the MRPA Fall Conference will be held November 17 and 18 at the Sheraton Northwest. 5. Fall Program Recreation Brochure - Activities are basically the same as in past years. Youth events are planned for MEA and Thanksgiving. 6. Pool Closing Micks and Scanlon asked about the pool closing date for the season. Corlett explained that in past years we experience a considerable drop in attendance around August 15. There- fore, the projected closing date this year has been set for August 15. ADJOURNMENT Jaffe moved the meeting be adjourned unanimousl passed. The meeting was Chairman Burmeister and Micks seconded. Motion was adjourned at 10:05. Vice Chairperson Micks