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4-25-1983OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 25, 1983 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. at the Brookview Community Center by Chairman Burmeister. Commission members present were: Jaffe, Johnson, Kahlow, Murad, Watson, and Younghans. Also present were Todd Christensen, Golf Manager; Bob Close, Landscape Architect; Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; Tom Klatt, Park Maintenance Superintendent; and Andy Lindquist, Greens Superintendent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Johnson moved the Minutes of the March 21, 1983, Meeting be approved with the following correction: Page 4, Chairman's Report, 3. Softball, second line: capitalize the words "amateur softball association". Younghans seconded. Motion passed. DEPARTMENT REPORT 3. Golf Update (Christensen) Christensen introduced to the Commission Andy Lindquist, the new Greens Superintendent. He gave a brief review of the hiring process which was conducted to select the Greens Superintendent. Lindquist gave the Commission a brief background of himself and his plans for the golf course this year. Lindquist stated that the golf maintenance crews would be working on getting the course in playable condition, repairing vandalism, and many clean up projects. He further indicated that much work was necessary in the areas where drainage is poor. Further discussion with golf personnel provided the Commission with general information about hiring, course opening, and how weather plays such a significant role in the spring course operation. Christensen informed the Commission that the grill and pro shop operations would open later than usual due to low profitability of these operations. Younghans shared with the Commission his optimism that the 1983 operations would be improved from previous years. The Commission further discussed the geese population on the course. Lindquist reviewed previous work done by the DNR and some hazards resulting when swans are used for control of geese. 1 Minutes Page 2 April 25, 1983 OLD BUSINESS 1. Presentation by Bob Close a. Planting Program - Mary Hills Park Burmeister introduced Bc presented a plan for pla Close reviewed the drawi Bonnie Lane entrance and the Robbinsdale boarder. zones within the open sp further pointed out the would be used for street not be considered within use of planting to provi the open space area. Hi area with a knoll betwee 3 Close to the Commission who sting for the Mary Hills property. ig of Mary Hills beginning at the proceeding through the property to He pointed out the three major ace portion of the property. He area adjacent to Bonnie Lane which maintenance snow storage and would the planting program beyond the 3e a barrier between this area and review showed the prairie -like z that area and the middle section of the park and the heavy planting necessary at the Robbinsdale boarder to further inhibit motorized vehicular use of the area. Discussion of transplanting within the site, new plantings, grading and earth berms followed. Watson informed the Commission of the heavy motorcycle use and the general feeling of the neighbors that this type of use should not continue. Close reviewed methods of using plantings for securing the area from motorized vehicular use and pointed out that it would be necessary to use established stock to accomplish this. He also informed the Commission that cable could be used to prevent entry into the area from the north end as it has been done along Bonnie Lane and Dreslin Lane. Further discussion included the safety of using cable and the general ability to enter the property from other access points, i.e. railroad tracks and off of 26th Avenue. It was generally understood that not all motorized vehicular use could be prevented. The Commission inquired the staff's opinion of the plan and the current cost estimates for implementation of the plan. The staff replied that they concurred with the plan point- ing out the difficulty of establishing plant type barriers and estimated that the initial cost for this project would be about $18,000 which would be funded through the Capital Improvements Plan ($12,000) and from the existing Open Space Management Plan ($6,000). The staff further indi- cated that future planting within the area would be necessary to complete the overall development of the Mary Hills property. Burmeister asked if there was any further discussion of the Mary Hills plan. The Commission expressed their feeling that the plan was very good. 1 1 L� Minutes Page 3 April 25, 1983 b. Planting Program - Laurel Avenue Greenbelt Bob Close introduced the previously discussed Laurel Avenue Greenbelt planting plan and stated that the implementation of the plan would be limited in 1983 due to future construction of sewers and the Laurel Avenue roadway. He pointed out on the drawings the location and the species which would be planted during 1983. He informed the Commission of the plant specie limitations and the need to modify soils due to high ph in the existing soils. Close pointed out that one option which has not been looked into is approaching the Rozman family to plant City purchased plantings on their property. Burmeister asked Corlett if he would follow up on this concept. Murad asked when this planting would take place. Corlett pointed out that it is included in the 1983 Capital Improvements Plan and could be completed during this year. C. 1983 Plantings Close and Corlett reviewed the quantities of plantings included in the 1983 capital plan. d. Call Public Information Meeting in May, 1983 Corlett informed the Commission that Jeff Sweet, City Manager, has asked for the Commission to hold an informa- tional meeting in May for the residents of the Laurel Avenue planting area. He further indicated that the staff would mail notice of the May meeting to all residents in accordance with City policy. Watson asked if such a meeting would be conducted on the Mary Hills property plan. Corlett indicated it could and reviewed for Watson the previous meetings held regarding Mary Hills. Watson indicated a meeting would not be necessary; however, information mailings to the residents would be in order. Burmeister asked the staff to prepare a informational letter for the residents of the Mary Hills Area. Burmeister asked if there were any further questions and thanked Bob Close for his presentation. Chairman Burmeister informed the Commission that it would be necessary to have a motion regarding the Mary Hills plan for the Council. He further indicated that a motion regarding the Laurel Avenue planting plan should come after the public information meeting. Minutes Page 4 April 25, 1983 Watson moved to, "Recommend to the Council the plan presented by Bob Close and to have the staff and Bob Close prepare the detailed plantings for the Mary Hills property." Kahlow seconded. Motion passed. 2. Open Space Management Review a. Subcommittee Report Kahlow introduced to the Commission the Open Space Subcommittee's report regarding the existing Open Space Management Plan. She pointed out that the Committee's review of the plan resulted in finding several items which appear frivolous, of high maintenance need, and a need for continuous review of open space within the community. She pointed out that it is important that these areas be low maintenance to include annual clean-up and development which would not be costly, with consistent community identifiable signage and an ongoing program of maintenance and development. She pointed out that the Briarwood site needs additional evaluation due to previously state- owned property be included in the site. Murad asked about the location of Site H. Ewald Donation. Burmeister informed the Commission that the current plan called for a ponding area and bog walk within the Ewald donation site. The engineering department has indicated that a pond is not necessary in that area; however, it is necessary to keep the same water storage capacity that currently exists. Klatt informed the Commission that it is important that the projects identified in the Committee's report for sites A. through K. be incorporated into the existing plan. The Committee felt that the incorporation of these projects would result in a considerable initial savings to the City and the establishment of an ongoing program would continue to save the City by relieving high cost concentrated programs such as the current plan. Klatt pointed out that the program has saved monies due to use of federally funded youth employment programs and street department crews during their down time. Minutes Page 5 April 25, 1983 Watson asked if consideration to the water conditions of Rice Lake had been included in the original plan for this review and pointed out to the Commission that the eutrofication of Rice Lake is severe. She was informed that it had not been considered and currently there is question as to the ability to take steps towards cleaning up the water in Rice Lake. This question is in the area of what agency has authority over water quality. Further discussion of possible methods for cleaning of Rice Lake included dredging, the previously discussed path of Bassetts Creek and aerification. Burmeister asked if there was any further discussion regarding the Committee's report and asked for the Commission's recommendation in the form of a motion. Murad moved to, "Recommend to the Council the Open Space Management Plan be modified according to the Committee's recommendations and to direct the staff to estimate the costs and effect on the total Open Space Management Costs." Younghans seconded. Motion passed. 3. Community Center Remodeling Update Burmeister asked Corlett to give a status report of the Community Center remodeling. Corlett informed the Commission that due to high cost estimates to renovate the entire Brookview building in a proper fashion the plan has slowed down. The Council received the architects reports and estimates at their April 11 Council -Manager Work Session and felt further funding sources would be necessary to achieve the remodeling. He pointed out that the City's current financial capabilities could not handle such a large expenditure and that the City Manager and staff are discussing alternative methods to fund the Community Center and other projects which include golf course improvements, swimming pool improvements, and land acquisition for athletic fields. Murad asked for clarification of the projects which were being discussed by the City staff and how the projects would come together. Corlett reiterated that the projects included are all high priority items within the community and due to costs need special funding. 1 Minutes Page 6 April 25, 1983 NEW BUSINESS 1. 1984 Operating Budget Park and Recreation a. Letter from Mayor Thorsen Burmeister received a letter from Mayor Thorsen stating that the Council is beginning to think about the 1984 Operating Budget. They would like to receive from the Commission any suggestions on programs that should be started or eliminated for their June Meeting. Burmeister asked the Commission to prepare any recommendations on budgetary programs at the May Meeting for recommendation to the Council. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 1. Council Actions - April, 1983 Chairman Burmeister reviewed for the Commission the Council's action of the April Meeting. These actions include the receiving of the Capital Improvement Plan, the YMCA Contract and the Guidelines for Park Usage and Facility Changes. He further stated that he informed the Council of the Commission's appreciation of the Honeywell contribution and the staff's work regarding the question of softball affiliation. 2. Commission Recognition Dinner Burmeister reminded the Commission members of the Council's Commission Recognition Dinner Wednesday, April 27. He asked how many Commission members would be present and if spouses would be attending. The program consists of the Council asking each Commission Chairperson to introduce the members present and the Commission's duties. DEPARTMENT ITEMS CONTINUED 1. Park Tour, May 19, 1983 (Klatt) Klatt informed the Commission that the Park Tour will be May 19. It will basically cover the facilities of the Northeast quadrant of the City to point out several upcoming projects and some recently completed projects by the department. Watson asked if there would be additional tours for members such as herself who have not had the opportunity to see all of the community's facilities. A brief review of previous attempts to have an all day tour covering the entire system pointed out that attendance for such a tour is difficult; and if desired, additional tours can be planned by the staff. Minutes Page 7 April 25, 1983 2. Revenue/Expenditure Report (Corlett) Corlett reviewed the written report of the Revenues/Expenditures for the Commission. He pointed out that due to only three months having expired often expenditures have exceeded revenues and as the year progresses the programs show a more accurate reflection of recreation activity costs and revenues. 4. Contribution from Honeywell Minneregs Group Burmeister asked Corlett to inform the Commission of the recently received contribution from the Honeywell Recreational Service. Corlett informed the Commission that the City received a $1,000 contribution from the Honeywell Minneregs. Corlett pointed out that all contributions to the City must be given with a "no strings attached" attitude. The City Council accepted the gift and specified its use be for player benches at the Sandburg High School softball diamonds. 5. Miscellaneous Notes Corlett called attention to the Senior Citizens Golden Gala May 10, 1983 and the Senior Citizen May newsletter. Klatt made the Commission aware of the upcoming Arbor Day activities sponsored by the Hennepin County Extension Service and the City of Golden Valley. As a final note, Corlett informed the Commission of Commission member Scanlon's recent arrival of a baby boy. ADJOURNMENT Burmeister asked if there were any other items of business to discuss. There being none, the Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Chairman Burmeister 74 AZ6-6 irman ahans 1