2-28-1983OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 28, 1983
The regular meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M. at the Courage
Center in Golden Valley by Chairman Burmeister. Commission members
present were: Jaffe, Johnson, Kahlow, Micks, and Scanlon. Also
present were Sue Cook, Program Supervisor; Charles Corlett, Program
and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary;
Tom Klatt, Park Maintenance Superintendent; and Bob Syzman, Courage
Center Staff.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Johnson moved the Minutes of the January 24, 1983, Meeting be
approved with the following correction:
Page 1, 1983 Brookview Budget, second paragraph. "Kahor"
should be "Kahlow".
Micks seconded. Motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Summer Recreation
Corlett reported to the Commission the plans being worked on
with the Northwest YMCA to contract services which will replace
the traditional summer playground activities operation. These
plans include the following program:
At all regional sites, activities would be operated from 1 P.M.
to 6:30 P.M. on a Monday through Friday basis beginning June 13
and running through July 22. The YMCA would supply appropriate
leadership. A fee would be charged. Activities would be
planned on a weekly theme basis with field trips or special
events operated around the weekly theme.
Secondary park sites which include Yosemite, Natchez, Glenview
Terrace and Seeman Park. These would operate similarly to the
regional sites except activities would only be planned from
1 P.M. to 4 P.M. and field trips would be optional.
The program is an extension of the current YMCA Adventure Club
program. Corlett reviewed the program fee and stated that the
YMCA's budget proposal would call for a deficit of approximately
$2,000 which will be negotiated for a portion or all to be paid
by the City.
The Commission inquired if any other communities have done,
similar programs to this proposal. Corlett stated that we would
be the first in the area to the best of his knowledge.
Minutes
Page 2
February 28, 1983
Other concerns included the need for activities during the month
of August; the potential liabilities for day care; and over-
lapping with evening activities, such as sports activities.
Corlett expressed the difficulties of operating playground
activities during August due to vacations and changing interests
of participants. In the area of liabilities, it was felt that
no additional liabilities would be incurred as the program is a
schedule of general recreational activities traditionally
operated in the parks. In response to the concern of over-
lapping times, Corlett indicated that this should not be a
problem due to the general ability to have groups in a variety
of areas in the park.
The Commission felt that this would be a cost effective method
of meeting the summer recreational needs for playground type
activities. Burmeister inquired if the final program would be
presented to the Commission for recommendation to the Council.
Corlett replied that it would be brought forth at the March
Meeting for recommendation to the Council. Jaffe inquired how
activities would be handled during inclement weather. Corlett
stated that this is one area that has not been discussed and
will be prior to the final program proposal. Micks urged that
there be a lot of early publicity to help make the program as
successful as possible. Kahlow inquired if an estimate had been
made of how many people would drop out of the program due to the
fee being charged. Corlett stated this has not been examined;
however, it was felt that some would drop out due to the fee,
and others would join due to the reputation of the YMCA
Adventure Club program.
2. Capital Improvements 1983-1987 Staff Recommendations
Burmeister asked the staff to review the Capital Improvements
Plan (CIP) recommendation for the Commission. The staff intro-
duced the department's written CIP recommendation for 1983
through 1987. Projects included in 1983 were detailed for the
Commission by Corlett. Klatt reviewed the equipment replacement
items and the building fund item of the park maintenance shop
improvements. There was further review of the remaining years'
projects.
The Commission thanked the staff for their efforts and made the
following motion:
Jaffe moved that we recommend to the Council this
Capital Improvements Plan. Scanlon seconded.
Motion passed.
Minutes
Page 3
February 28, 1983
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
1. Council Action February 1, 1983
Golf Policies and Fees/Pool Fees
Burmeister reported to the Commission that the Council had
approved the golf policies and fees, as well as the pool
fees.
DEPARTMENT REPORT
1. Community Center Drawings
Corlett updated the Commission on the progress towards the
remodeling of Brookview Community Center. He reviewed the
spaces and the improvements for each space, pointing out the
emphasis on making the building accessible for the handicapped
and the energy improvements in the plan. Johnson responded that
the plans look "lovely."
Corlett informed the Commission of the process being used to
select an architectural firm for the Community Center project.
He sited that we are looking at full service firms which deal
heavily in remodeling and renovation of buildings.
Jaffe inquired about the building's structural safety. Corlett
replied that we have had the City's inspection department review
the support structure and it has been determined to be safe at
this time. Further discussion of past statements regarding this
matter followed.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Meeting with Courage Center Advisory Group
Burmeister introduced Bob Syzman to the Commission prior to
adjourning the regular Open Space and Recreation Commission
Meeting. Bob Syzman presented to the Commission an overview of
the Courage Center program which included a film entitled On
Their Way: The Courage Story and discussion of the agency's
philosophies and objectives. Bob Syzman invited all members who
could stay to tour the Courage Center facilities following the
adjournment of the Commission Meeting. The Commission toured
the Courage Center and was enlightened by the vast scope of the
Courage Center Agency. The Commission thanked Bob Syzman and
Courage Center for hosting this Meeting and for sharing with
them information about the Courage Center program.
ADJOURNMENT
MTm—de-�tin was adjour ed) at 9:35 P.M.
Chairman Burmeister �I—ViceAairperson Micks