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8-27-1984OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 27, 1984 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM at the Golden Valley City Hall, Valley Room, by Chairperson Jaffe. Commission members present were: Burmeister, Johnson, Murad, Watson, and Younghans. Also present were Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; Tom Klatt, Park Superintendent; and Laura Loomis, Pool Manager. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Younghans moved that the minutes of the July 30, 1984, meeting be approved as written. Watson Seconded. Motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF JIM JOHNSON - NEW COMMISSION APPOINTEE Chairperson Jaffe and other Commission members extended a warm welcome to Jim Johnson, new Commission member. CORRESPONDENCE A. Dede Scanlon - Letter of Resignation Chairperson Jaffe called to the attention of the Commission the letter of resignation from Dede Scanlon to the Council, which was included in the Commission agenda packet. Murad stated that the Commission should send a letter of thank -you for service to Dede and wish her well. OLD BUSINESS Chairperson Jaffe asked if there was any old business. There was none. NEW BUSINESS A. Pool Information Session The Commission generally discussed the Brookview pool issue and reviewed past discussions regarding Toltz, Ring, Duvall and Anderson (TKDA) recom- mendations, the Commission's previous recommendation to the Council and generally the reasons no action had been taken prior to the 1984 season. Commission members expressed their concerns and interests regarding the upcoming September 13th meeting. The following items were further dis- cussed: The Commission asked how the advertising of the meeting will be handled. Corlett responded that it will be stated on the cover of the fall recrea- tion brochure, media announcements via newspaper and cable TV, school flyers would be distributed to the elementary schools, and the department staff is working on signage similar to the community billboard signs used for athletic registration. Minutes Page 2 August 27, 1984 Chairperson Jaffe asked the staff how much response has already been generated via the general information put forth in the newspaper. Corlett responded that one letter has been received and asked Laura Loomis, Pool Manager, to respond regarding the inquiries of the pool patrons. Loomis informed the Commission that there have been several inquiries and the pool staff has told the public how they can have input into this issue. She stated that they have encouraged people to respond in writing and to attend the September 13 meeting. She further stated that the general concern of the current patrons is to have a pool similar to the existing Brookview pool. Murad inquired regarding the format of the meeting and who will be conducting the meeting. Corlett stated that the first step would be to have Burmeister and Bill Joynes, City Manager, develop the basic quesions which the Council desires to be answered. Questions could be presented in both a written and verbal fashion. Corlett further stated that the staff would be available at the meeting to answer technical questions relating to the pool issue. Burmeister stated that he felt it would be important for the residents to know the cost per participant compared to the cost per participant in other city sponsored programs conducted by the department. He added that cost per participant should also be compared to other public pools in the area. General discussion took place at this time regarding whether the Commission had developed any position regarding the operation of a pool in the communit;- The discussion resulted in that the Commission had taken a position regarding the renovation of the Brookview pool when the TKDA report was reviewed in 1983. Its position had been to recommend Scheme IIIB. *[Murad stated that the Commission should utilize the input received at the September 13 meeting, review their past recommendation and develop a recommendation to the Council regarding the issue of public pools in Golden Valley.) Discussion continued on the possibilities of renovation or construction of a new pool. Younghans inquired if there was land within the existing system and if there was land available to be purchased for a pool. It was discussed that land within the system could be mads available if changes were made in existing uses and that there were only limited parcels available for purchase throughout the City. Murad inquired whether there were established methods to determine whether a community should have a municipal pool. 'Corlett stated that he know of none; however, the true determining factor isthe want of the community and the ability to finance capital and operation 1 costs. L, Minutes Page 3 August 27, 1984 Corlett and Commission members pointed out that the reason no action regarding the renovation of the pool had been taken was a result of not having the ability to finance such a project. There is also the question of the advise - ability of renovating the existing facility. Watson asked if the purpose of the meeting was to give information to the public or to receive the general feelings of those who will be in attendance. Chairperson Jaffe responded that the purpose of the meeting would be twofold; to both provide information to the public and receive their comments, which will be passed on to the City Council. Burmeister raised the point that only determining the want for a pool would not complete the issue as several people within the community desire an out- door pool, while others desire an indoor pool. He further stated that these questions would have to be answered before discussion of financing any program could take place. Staff and Commission discussed generally the existing pool with regards to renovation and location, siting many of the items stated within the TKDA report. Chairperson Jaffe reminded Commission members that while it is important to have foresight and make recommendations regarding the future of facilities within the community, it is also necessary for the Commission to help the Council and it will be necessary to follow the Council's direction/charge in many issues. Chairperson Jaffe asked the Commission how they would like to approach the September 13 meeting with regards to what information would be important for them to have, and whether or not the Commission wanted to have a position developed for the meeting.Watson felt that it was important that we hear the wants of the community and that we should provide the citizens with the information so they can tell us their true feelings. Burmeister stated that the Commission should enter the September 13 meeting with an open mind, as it is important to hear the input from the community. General dis- cussion regarding the September 13 meeting pointed out that the attendants of this meeting will most likely be those who want to have a pool and that very few individuals who oppose the pool will attend. Loomis informed the Commission that the general feedback from the current users includes a want to have something similar to the existing pool and that they like the current location. She further stated that there was a desire to have more adult oriented programming of the pool. Corlett stated that the existing pool does not allow for several of the current desired programs such as lap swim for adults or the ability to isolate the various types of uses within the pool, and stated that the design of a pool could accomplish a change in the ability to provide desired programs if it were determined a new pool was to be built. He showed some examples of pool design which meet the needs for tiny tot areas, lap swim, diving, and general swim. Minutes Page 4 August 27, 1984 The Commission asked if the technique of the informational meeting was the best method to get a true community -wide opinion and asked if a professionally operated opinion poll should be used regarding this issue. The Commission expressed that it would be necessary to present data regarding participation a the pool and the ocst of operation, and asked if the staff would be organizing such data. Corlett responded that the staff is currently trying to organize the data collected in 1984 and has record of participation and costs of previous; years. The Commission and staff reviewed the organization of the meeting. The Commission asked if the meeting could be taped. Corlett said a recorder was available. Chairperson Jaffe encouraged all Commission members to be present at the September 13 meeting and that members remain open minded regarding this issue. COMMITTEE UPDATES A. Brookview Improvements Committee Murad updated the Commission of the progress in the construction project to renovate the Brookview Golf Course. He reported that the construction is very close to being on schedule at this time and reviewed for the Commission details of the project time table. Murad highlighted the renova- tion of the Number 9 green and pointed out that Andy Lindquist, Greens Superintendent, has been very cooperative with cha -es that the Improvements Committee felt necessary on this green. Murad st that the Committee is enthusiastic about the improvements that are ' ..;ade. B. Grand Opening Committee Chairperson Jaffe updated the Commission of the grand opening of the Community Center, siting the need to change the date and the effects this will have on the general program for the grind opening day events. The new grand opening date will be October 21. C. Metro Open Space Issues No report given. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT No report given. DEPARTMENT REPORT Staff present gave summary reports of the' summer season, siting the accom- plishments of the department. The staff is looking forward to the Community Center opening and are involved in organizing the activities and groups which will use the Community Center. 1 ri 1 Minutes Page 5 August 27, 1984 Corlett made the Commission aware of the upcoming Minnesota Recreation and Park Association State Conference. ADJOURNMENT Younghans moved that the meeting be adjourned. Murad seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 PM. Chair rson Jaf a Vice Chairperson McDonald