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10-25-1982OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 25, 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, Micks, Murad, Scanlon, and Younghans. Also present were Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent, and Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the September 20 Meeting were approved with the following changes: Page 3, Paragraph 2 after the word "staff" add the following: with the vacant maintenance and operation super- intendent position being permanently eliminated and on Page 2, at the end of Paragraph 4 add the following: Micks questioned whether it was appropriate to take action before first having a listening session on any major park changes as defined by our previous policy. OLD BUSINESS 1. Open Space Management Tabled to November Meeting. 2. Report on Golf - Younghans Younghans informed the Commission that a Committee has been formed to advise the City Manager and Assistant Golf Superintendent. This Committee is made up of representa- tives of golf course users. It will report to the City Manager. The Committee is designed to meet weekly beginning in February of 1983 and run through the golf season. Younghans read a letter written by the Mayor which all Committee members received. He reviewed for the Commission, specifically, the Committee structure and the areas of concern which the Committee would deal with. He further reviewed for the Commission the potential of a separate commission of the Council to deal with Brookview golf operations. Discussion of the various Committees/Commissions followed. Younghans expressed the importance of proper staffing, i.e. Greenskeeper Superintendent, to the Commission. Jaffe asked what the role of Todd Christensen was and whether he assumed the responsibilities of Vern Hansen. Corlett stated that Todd Christensen was responsible for all golf operations and maintenance. Minutes Page 2 October 25, 1982 3. Building at Seeman Park Burmeister asked Corlett to update the Commission in regards to Seeman Park. Corlett informed the Commission of the recent events concerning a building at Seeman Park and the continued use of Seeman Park by the Little League. He gave a brief history of its use. Corlett further informed the Commission of a petition received by the Council on October 19 which cited several items of concern by neighboring residents. These items included the following: - That there is not adequate parking. - That the proposed building was to close to neighboring residences. - That the storm sewer had not been completed as previously promised. - That the proposed location of the building did not service the entire park. He informed the Commission that the Council had asked the staff to submit a report regarding the items included in the petition. Burmeister stated that the petition con- tained signatures from 21 households from the Seeman Park neighborhood. Corlett informed the Commission that he and the City Manager are reviewing the existing Seeman Park layout and alternatives for having the Little League program housed at other park locations. He presented a concept which would move the Little League Major Program to Medley Hills Park and allow all other diamond sport programs to operate within the City's park facilities. Johnson questioned whether the Medley Hills area would react negatively to having the Little League program at Medley Hills Park. Further discussion included the many sites previously reviewed for Little League, Babe Ruth, and adult softball. The Commission also discussed the financial commitments necessary for Seeman Park and other locations. The Commission felt that informal meetings would be necessary for any change in the use of the parks. After much dis- cussion, the following motion was made: Johnson moved to recommend to the City Council that a decision on building a multi-purpose building at Seeman Park be delayed until a study Minutes Page 3 October 25, 1982 can be made of other possible sites to house the Little League -Major Division Program. Seconded by Micks Motion passed unanimously 8-0. NEW BUSINESS 1. Time Manaqement Johnson requested that the Commission be more efficient when discussing agenda items. She felt that the originator of agenda items should evaluate the time necessary to ade- quately explain the topic and the amount of time each item should take for discussion. It was felt that this would expedite the Commission's efforts and result in smoother running meetings. The Commission suggested that a deadline be set so agenda package materials could be prepared prior to the agenda being mailed to the members. Corlett sug- gested that the Tuesday prior to the Commission's meeting would allow the staff adequate time to prepare agenda pack- ages for delivery. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 1. Brookview Study Committee - Murad Murad informed the Commission that the Brookview Study Committee will be submitting their final report by December 1, 1982. This report will contain the Committee's review of the needs for Brookview. He stated that the foremost problem is the cost of correcting the existing problems. Further items included possible renovation of the existing building proposed by Len Lewicki, Committee member. He cited that the current landscaping of the facility could not be replaced if the area was completely torn down and a new building built. He further stated that the course layout and location was very good. However, the current need for improvements is important to future operations. The Commission asked if the Committee would recommend financing plans such as bond issues. Murad stated that the report will identify possible funding sources. 2. Hennepin County Park Reserve District Policy Review Burmeister informed the Commission of his attendance at the hearing held by the Hennepin County Park Reserve District Board in Maple Grove and that the Hennepin County Park Reserve District Board graciously accepted our concerns. He further stated that the Hennepin County Park Reserve District Board felt that their policy regarding encroach- ment should remain as written. Minutes Page 4 October 25, 1982 DEPARTMENT REPORT 1. Picnic Shelter at Brookview Corlett informed the Commission that construction of the picnic shelter at Brookview Park will commence shortly. Burmeister asked Corlett to review the Council action regading the shelter. Corlett informed the Commission that the Council authorized the shelter to be constructed as planned and that adjustments in the capital improvements program be made to facilitate funding. 2. Review of Capital Improvements a. Update of Completion Corlett informed the Commission that the Department has begun the installation of the post barrier along Bonnie Lane to secure the park properties from vehicles entering from the south end. He further stated that posts and signage will be installed along the north property line of Mary Hills to reduce the undesirable access from the north. He stated that the sand volleyball court at Brookview will be completed shortly - as soon as the turf can be driven over by the sand trucks. b. Bids on Shelter Roofs Corlett informed the Commission that bids for shelter reroofs will be opened on Tuesday, October 26. 3. MRPA Fall Conference Corlett announced the MRPA Fall Conference will be held November 17 and 18. 4. 1982 Program Review Corlett presented to the Commission a review of all the activities operated in the recreational program. The review depicts the revenues, expenditures, and net for each program. Further discussion explained how the staff will utilize this review to monitor each program. The Commission thanked the staff for compiling this review and stated that it was very informative. ADJOURNMENT Johnson moved the meeting adjourned. Motion was unanimously pas he meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M. - Chairman Burmeister Vice Chairperson Micks 1