Loading...
9-20-1982OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 20, 1982 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. at Brookview Community Center by Chairman Burmeister. Commission members present were: Jaffe, Johnson, Kahlow, Micks, Scanlon, and Younghans. Also present were Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Tom Klatt, Assistant Park Maintenance Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; Jeff Sweet, City Manager; and several residents from the Yosemite Park area. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Johnson moved that the Minutes of the August 23, 1982, meeting be approved as written. Micks seconded. Motion passed. NEW BUSINESS 1. Request for Skating Rink at Yosemite Park Burmeister informed the Commission that he had received a letter and petition with an excess of 20 households requesting that the skating rink at Yosemite Park be reinstated. The rink had been closed in 1979. The neighbors in the Yosemite Park area are very interested in reopening the Yosemite Park skating rink. They feel that the children would use this skating rink often. Burmeister asked Corlett to give a brief summary of what had happened to this skating rink. Corlett stated that in 1979 it was decided to close the skating rink for 1980. The study at that time showed that five of the secondary rinks should be closed. Those rinks were Yosemite Park, North and South Tyrol Parks, Papoose and Glenview Terrace. There had been a man power cut at that time. Corlett further stated that in 1980 the Yosemite Summer Program was reinstated. Participation in the Summer Program has been good over the past three summers. At this time Burmeister gave the neighbors sitting in on the meeting a chance to speak further to the Commission. Nothing more being added, Burmeister then asked Klatt if he felt an ice rink could be added. Klatt stated that the rink could be added if it were considered a secondary rink. He further explained that it takes several floodings to get the ice to where it is smooth and then daily maintenance to keep the snow off. Klatt stated it takes approximately 30 hours to build a base for a general skating rink after which the general maintenance of a rink is brooming and fogging; these procedures take much less Minutes Page 2 September 20, 1982 time. He expressed concern of the ability to maintain the rink after heavy snow falls due to our current man power. Johnson asked if we could alternate the maintenance between Yosemite and another park. Younghans also thought this was a good idea. Corlett informed the Commission that there is a secondary schedule on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Corlett stated that we could build a rink at Yosemite, but that building this one will come secondary to the other rinks. Klatt stated that if a rink was put in it would be a good rink. One of the residents asked if they could get the rink started by banking the snow or using a garden hose to fill the rink up. Burmeister answered that this could not be done because of the City's liability. Klatt also informed the Commission that North and South Tyrol were reinstated two years ago. Papoose, Glenview, and Yosemite are the only parks without rinks. L Younghans be built moved to recommend that a rink at Yosemite Park and that it be maintained for skating. Johnson City Budget (Proposed) seconded. Micks amended the motion by stating that it be done with the priority to be set by the Maintenance Sweet reviewed for Department. This amendment was acceptable to Younghans and City Johnson. Motion unanimously passed. increases Kahlow expressed the concern that a report from the Maintenance Department on the use of the skating rink be made in the spring to decide whether to continue this on next year. Jaffe informed the residents in attendance that the Commission is only giving a favorable recommendation. This still has to go to the City Council, and they will discuss it. This recommendation will go before the City Council on October 5. One of the residents asked if a board could be put up for practice shooting for hockey. This will be looked into; the area will have to be isolated. 2. City Manager - Review of 1983 City Budget (Proposed) 1982 Golf Operation Review Budget. Jeff Sweet reviewed for the Commission the proposed City budget for 1983. The City's proposed budget increases by 5.1 percent over the 1982 budget. Sweet reminded the Commission of the two reductions in state aid Minutes Page 3 September 20, 1982 during 1982 and stated that the current information from the State indicates no increases in state aid for 1983. Due to the loss of state aids, property taxes will play a significant role in the City's operating revenues. The proposed budget includes a slight decrease in the mill levy for 1983. However, due to increases in the assessed evaluation of Golden Valley property, the taxpayer will see a 9.2 percent increase in property taxes due to the City. Sweet indicated that the staff levels will remain at its current status. Sweet further explained revenue sources and how the recreation program revenues are used to offset direct expenses of operating activities. Johnson asked how the arrangement with Bullseye had gone this year. Sweet replied that there have been problems with how merchandise is brought in, but that in the overall arrangement it has been good for Brookview. Sweet indicated that the Council has received a request that a separate committee be set up to overview the Golf Course. This will be brought forth at the City Council's October 5 meeting. In closing Sweet thanked the Commission for the opportunity to review the budget and golf operations with them. He further stated that Tom Klatt has done an outstanding job with the Park Maintenance Division, as has Charles Corlett in managing the Recreation Program. Burmeister thanked Jeff Sweet for his update. Golf Operations. Sweet reviewed for the Commission the golf operations for 1982. He compared and explained several different categories of rounds played in 1981 to 1982 and indicated that even though there has been a decline in the number of rounds played in some categories there is an increase in overall revenues due to the current greens fee rates. Johnson stated that the Brookview Golf Course can be a good source of revenue, and we should try to build it up. The Commission inquired about the recent complaints concerning the condition of the Course. Sweet replied that there were several contributing factors to these conditions and many are being worked on. Sweet informed the Commission that the Brookview Study Committee will have a report on the Course ready for the City Council meeting in November, and he would forward it to the Commission for its December meeting. Sweet also stated that the driving range and cart rental have done very well this year. Johnson asked how the arrangement with Bullseye had gone this year. Sweet replied that there have been problems with how merchandise is brought in, but that in the overall arrangement it has been good for Brookview. Sweet indicated that the Council has received a request that a separate committee be set up to overview the Golf Course. This will be brought forth at the City Council's October 5 meeting. In closing Sweet thanked the Commission for the opportunity to review the budget and golf operations with them. He further stated that Tom Klatt has done an outstanding job with the Park Maintenance Division, as has Charles Corlett in managing the Recreation Program. Burmeister thanked Jeff Sweet for his update. Minutes Page 4 September 20, 1982 OLD BUSINESS 1. Recommendations - Mary Hills Property After a review of the Commission's August 23 neighborhood meeting, the Commission members felt that there was no great demand for an active use area in the Mary Hills neighborhood. In addition, no truly safe area for such an active area is available on City owned property in the neighborhood. The Commission recognized the need to eliminate the use of the Mary Hills property by unwanted motorized vehicles. Johnson felt that the trails should be upgraded for the handicapped. Kahlow felt that the tax payers' money should not be spent on this; special funding should be sought for this. Johnson moved that we recommend to the Council that the Mary Hills property be maintained as an open space area comparable with the standards of our other open space areas and that the staff develop a plan to eliminate the offensive vehicular traffic in the area. Seconded by Micks. Motion carried 4 - 1 (Jaffee) Amendment made by Kahlow that the staff plan to come back to the Commission for review. Seconded by Johnson. Motion carried. 2. Hennepin County Park Reserve - District Policy Review Burmeister asked the Commission if it had any changes or additions to make to his drafted letter to the Hennepin County Park Reserve District on the District's Policy Statements. Johnson and Jaffe expressed that the letter was very well done. The Commission approved of the letter as written. Jaffe moved that we approve the changes and evaluations made by Burmeister. Kahlow seconded. Motion unanimously passed. 3. Itinerary of Park Tour The Park Tour will be held October 9, 1982, at 8:45 A.M. A Park Tour Itinerary was passed out to the Commission members. Minutes Page 5 September 20, 1982 4. Report on Golf - Younghans Younghans had to leave early. No report was given. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED 3. Building at Seeman Park Corlett informed the Commission that Seeman Park was converted into a high use area a few years ago when the Little League began to use this Park. A building in this park would be advantageous for our own use and that of the Little League. He reviewed for the Commission the meeting held with area residents prior to the ball diamonds improvements made in 1981. He informed the Commission that during the research of placing a building at Seeman Park, he has found that a variance will be necessary; and further stated that a waiver for nonconformance will be necessary as the existing ball field does not meet minimum set back requirements. The Commission was informed that the proposed building would cost approximately $44,000 that and the Little League has indicated a willingness to contribute financially to the building. The Commission inquired of the building costs of the portion designed for concessions. Corlett stated that the architects have given the staff a cost not to exceed $9,800 and that the Little League's indication of financial assistance would cover the cost of this area. He further stated that the Little League would cover all costs of interior furnishings for the concession area. Kahlow moved to accept the staff recommendation as outlined by Corlett requesting the City Council to approve variance and building project. Further, to assign staff to secure letter of intent regarding Golden Valley Little League's contributions towards project. Seconded by Scanlon. Aye Kahlow Nay Micks Scanlon Jaffe Johnson Motion carried. 4. Picnic Shelter at Brookview - Rotary Club Staff and Commission members discussed the origin of the Picnic building the and past leadership efforts of the Golden Valley Rotary Club in the Brookview Recreation Area including several trees planted in 1979. Members expressed Minutes Page 6 September 20, 1982 concern that the block wall construction is not aestheti- cally consistent with the existing two adjacent buildings and the community identity signage at the entry of Brookview. The costs of construction were discussed and weighed considering the history of existing picnic use of the Brookview area. It was an overwhelming concensus that the motion should express the appreciation of the Commission for the efforts made by the Rotary Club members to improve the park facilities. Micks asked if this building was necessary. Corlett answered that it was. The calendar for the picnic shelter is generally booked twice a day through the summer months. Johnson moved to recommend the Council accept the Department's recommendation for additional monies to proceed with the Rotary Club Picnic Shelter project. In addition, sufficient funds to use brick instead of block for the exterior of the building should be appropriated, and to extend our thanks to the Rotary Club for their participation in the creation of this shelter. Seconded by Scanlon. Micks abstained. Motion carried. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 1. Brookview Study Committee - Given by Murad No report given. DEPARTMENT REPORT 1. Review of Capital Improvement a. Update of Completion Klatt gave the Commission a report which included the existing Open Space Management Plan, a progress performance report on each element of the Plan and some updated recommendations for continuing the Open Space Management Plan. He asked that the Commission review this report for discussion during the upcoming park tour and at the October Commission Meeting. Burmeister asked that copies of this report be sent to the members who were not present tonight. Corlett informed the Commission that the Sandburg project as planned is complete. He further stated that the construction costs stayed within budget. 1 r-] i ,� Minutes Page 7 September 20, 1982 b. Re -write of 1982 Projects (Roofs and Energy Conservation) Corlett gave a summary of his September 15, 1982, memorandum to the City Manager regarding Reorganization of Capital Improvements Plan. Re -roofing. At this time it is felt that it would be more advantageous to combine the re -roofing of shelter buildings with the installation of insulation materials and to do as many as possible. He pointed out that Klatt has found a metal roofing material which has been successfully used in Brooklyn Center. We have to take this to the Board and Zoning Committee to get permission because of the ordinance against metal buildings. Energy Conservation. The Commission was informed of several procedures which will conserve energy use. These include additional insulation in the roof and more sophisticated thermo- stats with better placement of thermostats within the building. C. Pool Report Corlett submitted a written review of the 1978 through 1982 pool operations. He thanked Micks for the idea of checking passes more carefully at the front desk and stated it helped some. He indicated that the Department will develop a method of pass holder iden- tification for the 1983 season. Corlett pointed out that the written review is not complete, as we will expend approximately $1,400 in additional expenditures for the 1982 season. Scanlon inquired whether a concession stand would be better than the existing vending machines due to the many breakdowns of these machines. Further discussion of concession stands pointed out the high cost of personnel. d. MRPA Fall Conference The MRPA Fall Conference will be held November 15, 16 and 17 at the Sheritan Northwest, and Commission members who wish to attend should turn in their registration materials to the Department as soon as they are received. Minutes Page 8 September 20, 1982 e. Program Supervisor Joanne Kosciolek, Program Supervisor, has resigned. She wished to go on to Gymnastics on a full-time basis. The Program Supervisor position will be filled January 1, 1983. The staff is currently reviewing the job description to make any changes necessary. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Corlett also announced that the Senior Citizens Craft Sale will be held October 9 at the Golden Valley Shopping Center. There will be an additional stop at this location during the Park Tour. ADJOURNMENT Jaffe moved the meeting adjourned and Micks seconded. Motion was unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 P.M. Chairman Burmeister Vice Chairperson Micks 11