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9-26-1983OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 26, 1983 The regular. Meeting was called to order at 7:32 P.M. at the Brookview Community Center By Chairman Burmeister. Commission members present were: Johnson, Kahlow, McDonald, Murad, and Watson. Also present were Sue Cook, Program Supervisor; Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; Tom Klatt, Park Superintendent; and Andy Lindquist, Golf Director. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Johnson moved the Minutes of the August 22, 1983, Meeting be approved with the following corrections: Throughout the Minutes "Emily" should be "Emilie" and "Kimball". should be "Kimble". Watson seconded. Motion passed. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEM 1. Award to Diane Kimble Chairman Burmeister and Charles Corlett presented Miss Diane Kimble with an award for outstanding athletic achievement for winning a silver medal in the swimming competition of the National Cerebral Palsy Games held in Texas. Miss Kimble accepted the plaque and thanked the Commission and Community for its support. Mr. Kimble expressed his appreciation to the Commission members for their regognition of Diane's achieve- ment. Additionally, _ imbal thanked the Commission and - expressed the family's pride in Diane. OLD BUSINESS 1. Summer Recreation Program Report a. General Programs Sue Cook reviewed for the Commission the participation in the summer activities. Additionally, she informed the Commission of the operating procedures and general informa- tion of each activity. Cook informed the Commission that the recreation staff will be enhancing several of the traditional activities in the 1984 season. These activi- ties include Pee Wee/Midget Softball and the August Special Events for Youth. She further informed them of the changes in the aerobic exercise program offered to adults. These Minutes Page 2 September 26, 1983 changes were basically in name and minor adjustments in the exercises. Further discussion of the general activities included the tennis program operation, which the staff recommended that there be fewer classes offered in order to condense the scheduling. Additionally, it was discussed that some challenge style tournaments be offered with the instruction program. Corlett informed the Commission of the Department's - relationship with the various youth athletic organizations and generally the operation of the programs. He further discussed with the Commission the operation of the adult softball program. Burmeister asked Corlett to enlighten the Commission of the many outstanding achievements within the Golden Valley athletic programs. Corlett informed the Commission that five teams had advanced beyond the City's program and had achieved top ranking within the state and national softball programs. Burmeister pointed out that the awards being given by the City Council shows the teams that the City feels recreation is an important element within the City. Watson asked if.this would be the proper time to discuss some elements of the fall soccer program. She informed the Commission of some complaints she had heard recently from parents involved in the program. The staff responded to the complaints stating that they would deal immediately with the coaching problems and encourage more practices for the teams. A brief discussion of turf care followed. b. Pool Use Report Corlett reviewed for the Commission the written attendance report for 1981 through 1983 for the pool season, pointing out that each year it appears that the'pool is closed for approximately the same amount of time due to weather and each year it appears that one day is lost due to break downs within the pool system. He 'stated that the limited down time due to break downs is a tribute to the diligent efforts of the park maintenance crew that assures the pool mechanically operates well. He further,reviewed the 1983 summer report pointing out that attendance in 1983 was higher than in 1982 and that revenues would be up slightly; however, expenditures will be significantly higher due to the need for additional maintenance efforts. It was discussed that the datea included in the written report were in error and should read June 9 through August 21. 1 1 Minutes Page 3 September C. 26, 1983 Watson inquired as to why the season was so short. Corlett responded that the closing was at the same time as the Crystal and New Hope pools,' while St. Louis Park continued to operate their pool through Labor Day. YMCA Program The staff discussed with the Commission the summer play- ground program offered by the YMCA pointing out that the planning, publicity, and staff selection for the program were excellent and that the failure of the program was primarily due to the lack of participant registration for the program. Johnson inquired if the registration fee was a deterrent for people to register in the program. Cook responded that the fee was part of the reason and that most of the responses received from residents indicated that they did not like having an outside agency operating the program and that they would possibly be willing to pay reasonable fees if the City were to operate the program in the future. Corlett also stated that the fee structure was amended to allow for daily payment for registration and that this had no effect on participation. Further dis- cussion included the concept of having to register and a feeling of obligation to attend when a fee is paid versus how the City previously operated the program where children, could come whenever it was convenient for the family. Johnson inquired as to how the YMCA has responded to this year's operation and asked if the YMCA was interested in continuing to operate the playground program. Corlett stated that the YMCA would be willing to operate the pro- gram again and that a 1984 general proposal was included in its summary evaluation. Corlett informed the Commission that the YMCA will base its fees for 1984 on a similar program as that of 1983'and that they will expect the City to guaranty a minimum of $3,500 for the program operation. He further stated that the YMCA staff representative would be present later to review with the Commission the program. The Commission went on to other business and upon arrival of David Maghakian the Commission returned to the summer playground agenda item. Chairman Burmeister introduced David Maghakian to the Commission and asked David to present the YMCA report on summer playgrounds. Maghakian reviewed the written report for the Commission pointing out the low participation and difficulty in trying to operate planned activities with so few children. He informed the Commission of the many efforts made by the YMCA, Golden Valley, and playground Minutes Page 4 September 26, 1983 staffs to promote additional registration within the program and the changes in fee structure which were made in response to input received from residents. He further reviewed some of the operational problems, including a decision to use private vehicles for transporting partici- pants on field trips which resulted in overloading of a vehicle. He informed the Commission that the YMCA carried special liability insurance so that leaders could use their cars for transporting of participants. Maghakian reviewed the YMCA's recommendation to continue operating the program in which he stated the fee would be reduced as would be the number of days per week the program would be operated and that the use of public transportation vehicles would be guaranteed. Burmeister stated that the Commission would be reviewing all 1984 summer recreation programs in either February or March and that a recommendation for playground programs would be considered at that time. He thanked David for coming to the Commission Meeting. 2. Community Awards Program Burmeister informed the Commission of the Council's response to the Commission's motion regarding an awards program. He stated that the Council responded very favorably and felt that -such a program needed to have criteria developed and that it should be expanded to include other Commissions, departments, etc. Murad asked whether there should be one award or many various degrees of awards and stated that if too many such awards were developed they could become less meaningful. General discussion included that the Commission should deal only in the areas of Park and Recreation and that guidelines would need to be developed and followed. Watson raised the question of a need for criteria to give awards. Burmeister stated that the Council had asked us to develop such criteria and that the Commission needs the Council's approval in order to represent the City in giving awards. Burmeister stated the Chair would solicit members to serve on a subcommittee for development of awards criteria. Watson volunteered to work on this subcommittee. 3. Minnaqua Drive Walkway Update Chairman Burmeister asked the staff to update the Commission on the Minnaqua Drive Walkway. Corlett informed the Commission that the Engineering Department has presented the bridge structure to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for its approval. The project must be reviewed by the DNR as it deals Minutes Page 5 September 26, 1983 with the Bassetts Creek Watershed. It is felt that the DNR will approve the bridge and price quotes are being solicited. He further stated that the Engineering Department and the Park and Recreation Department have had discussions including the materials to be used for bridge footings., Corlett stated that the Engineering Department checked whether it -would be economically feasible to install culverts and a earthen creek crossing. He stated that the cost of installing culverts would be extremely high and could exceed $80,000. Burmeister called attention to a letter from Dr. Richard Streu expressing concern that the bridge be installed for pedestrian crossing of Bassetts Creek. NEW BUSINESS 1. Park,Light Policy Burmeister asked Tom Klatt to review for the Commission the lighting uses in the parks and the problems. Klatt reviewed for the Commission the general operating procedures of lighting for play areas, walkways and parking lots during each season of the year. He stated that the current ordinance maintains that parks close at 10 p.m. which is why the play area lighting is turned off at this time.- He asked the Commission for input in developing a city-wide park lighting policy which the staff could follow. General discussion pointed out that park lighting has many uses i.e. saftey, prevention of vandalism and also the encouragment of use. Corlett stated -that often different residents within a neighborhood complain when lights are on or off and that several of these complaints are in direct conflict with each other. The staff gave several examples where this type of conflict occurs. McDonald stated that the park ordinance should be the guideline used for park lighting. Chairman Burmeister asked the staff to recommend a park lighting policy for the Commission to review at the October meeting. 2. 1984-1988 Capital Improvements Plan Corlett reviewed for the Commission the agenda for the.1984 through 1988 Capital Improvements Plan. He further reviewed the current 1983 through 1987 Plan pointing out the status of each project. Corlett pointed out the relationship between the current Capital Improvements Plan and the Council's action regarding the rehabilitation of the Brookview Community Center. He stated that the Commission and staff would need to develop a two -fold Capital Improvements Plan to allow the Council the flexibility needed in funding the Brookview Community Center remodeling. Burmeister inquired what the 1983 extended balance forward would be from the current Plan. Corlett stated that due to incompletion of projects, savings realized through current Minutes Page 6 September 26, 1983 contracts and the use of the Tree Trust should leave an addi- tional $50,000 to $60,000 in the balance forward of the Park Capital Improvements Plan. In summary, Chairman Burmeister stated that it is the staff's responsibility to prepare the Park Capital Improvement Plan recommendation and that the Commission will review the staff's recommendations at the October Meeting for recommendation to the Council in November. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Sports Facilities Committee Corlett informed the Commission that the Council received the Commission's recommendation for purchase of the Lupient property along with the purchase of the Good Shepard property. He stated that the Council action was to have the staff further investi- gate the availabilities of the properties. 2. Brookview Improvements Committee Murad updated the Commission of the Brookview Improvements Committee's work and the recent Council action regarding the implementation of plans to correct the water problems and soil problems on the golf course. He displayed for the -Commission a brochure describing fabric used in soil stabilization and stated that the City Engineer has recommended the use of this type of material for the upgrading of the fairways at Brookview. Murad stated that at this time, all golf course improvements were dependent on funding available through the City's balance for- ward funds. The availability of these funds are dependent on the City's bonding companies recommendations regarding the effect using such funds may have on the City's ability to sell bonds in the future. , Further discussion indicated that the Brookview Golf Course and park area will again have a large population of geese. In summary, it was stated that this will probably be an annual problem for the area. Lindquist stated that the plastic swans are effective only if the swans are motorized or manually moved periodically so the goose population does not realize that the swans are only decoys. .Crc vvia-i a,u�Tvao-Ci[tezT����rt ,ua CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 1. Hennepin County_Park District Funding - Public Hearing Burmeister informed the Commission of his and Councilman Stockman's attendance at the Hennepin County Park District Minutes Page 7 September 26, 1983 Funding Public Hearing held in New Hope. Councilman Stockman reported to the City Council recommending the funding to stay the same as it is currently. Burmeister further informed the Commission that it was felt that the problem will continue until a higher level of government addresses the issue. 2. Council Actions - Community Center and Brookview Pool Chairman Burmeister gave a brief explanation of the recent Council actions regarding the Community Center and Brookview Pool improvements and stated that the information contained in the recent article in the Golden Valley Post was accurate. 3. City Manager's Resignation Chairman Burmeister informed the Commission that City Manager Jeff Sweet will be leaving the City's employment on -December 2. DEPARTMENT REPORT 1. Golf Operations Lindquist reviewed for the Commission the updated revenue and expenditures projections for Brookview Golf Course. Lindquist also reviewed for the Commission the report contained in the Brookview Improvements Committee Minutes pointing out the various costs for the improvements to the golf course and the projected effect on revenues during said improvements. 2. Park Maintenance Klatt explained to the Commission the Fall maintenance programs, including the extended mowing season due to weather conditions. He pointed out the difficulties the Department is experiencing at the Glenview Terrace location due to the poor mowing schedules of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. (Photos were circulated.) He further stated that the park staff is preparing areas for the winter season and that it is felt that the summer of 1983 has been a good season for the park crew. Accomplishments have been made in several of the planned projects. 3. Lions Park Tennis Courts Burmeister asked the staff to explain to the Commission the problems encountered in the resurfacing of the Lions Park tennis courts. Corlett reviewed generally the problem of blistering after the resurfacing had been completed. He further went on to give a detailed review of the actions which have been taken and stated that the staff received the reports from Twin City Minutes � Page 8 September 26, 1983 Testing which have not yet been reviewed. He stated that the staff will make a recommendation to the City Manager after the reports have been studied. Further discussion regarded warranties, possible legal implications, and some general methods for correcting the problem. 4. Expenditures/Revenues Corlett reviewed for the Commission the written Revenues vs. Expenditures Report. ADJOURNMENT The Meeting was adjourned at 10:06 P.M. Chairman Burmeister 1