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3-25-1985The regular meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. at the Brookview Community Center by Chair Kahlow. Commission members present were: Burmeister, Jaffe, Johnson, and McDonald. Also present were Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; Bud and Betty Anderson of 7811 Western Avenue, Jim and Lois Metchnek of 15 Rhode Island Avenue South, and Chuck Pappas of the Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jaffe moved that the Minutes of the February 25, 1985 meeting be approved as written. Burmeister seconded. Motion passed. AGENDA CHANGES New Business, A. Request for Tree Removal - Ewald Donation was moved to the first item of business. NEW BUSINESS A. Request for Tree Removal - Ewald Donation Chair Kahlow asked that the guests present introduce themselves to the Commission to which the following introductions were given: Bud and Betty Anderson of 7811 Western Avenue and Jim and Lois Metchnek of 15 Rhode Island Avenue South OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 25 1985 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. at the Brookview Community Center by Chair Kahlow. Commission members present were: Burmeister, Jaffe, Johnson, and McDonald. Also present were Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; Bud and Betty Anderson of 7811 Western Avenue, Jim and Lois Metchnek of 15 Rhode Island Avenue South, and Chuck Pappas of the Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jaffe moved that the Minutes of the February 25, 1985 meeting be approved as written. Burmeister seconded. Motion passed. AGENDA CHANGES New Business, A. Request for Tree Removal - Ewald Donation was moved to the first item of business. NEW BUSINESS A. Request for Tree Removal - Ewald Donation Chair Kahlow asked that the guests present introduce themselves to the Commission to which the following introductions were given: Bud and Betty Anderson of 7811 Western Avenue and Jim and Lois Metchnek of 15 Rhode Island Avenue South Mr. Metchnek described for the Commission their residence and the general problems they are having with Boxelder bugs. He described their attempts to deal with the problems and the general result that there is little, if any, resolution except for the removal of trees in which the Boxelder bug can breed. He pointed out that there were several Boxelder trees along Western Avenue across from his residence. He called particular attention to the irritation of the bugs being within the house and the general difficulties experienced with regard to cooking. entertaining, and how the bugs are inhibiting their life. Mr. Metchnek has contacted private exterminators and he relayed the exterminators hesitance to get involved, as the exterminator felt that they could not resolve the problem. The Metchneks further informed the Commission of their discussions with City staff members regarding the problem. In closing, Mr. Metchnek presented to the Commission a can containing approximately 20 to 30 dead Boxelder bugs which they had cleaned up throughout the house in one day's time. Minutes Page 2 March 25, 1985 Chair Kahlow asked the staff fo (comments regarding this matter. Corlett informed the Commissionlpf the recent contacts with the Metchneks regarding the matter; that the city forester had visited their residence and the ark superintendent and he had gone over and examined the Ewald property. He stated that the best count is that there are 18 rees which appear to be Boxelders along Western Avenue f om approximately Rhode Island to Winnetka. At t4is time, the' taff cannot identify which trees would be potential hosts or the Boxelder bugs. Corlett reviewed for the Commission an f4formational sheet received from the University of Minnesota regarding the general character- istics of the Boxelloer bug and :lie suggested methods of controlling them. Corlett alsolinformed the Commission that the Ewald donation sits; is included'in the City identified exempt area and that the policy restricted the staff's ability to initiate any action regarding cutting trees within exempt areas. Mr. Metchnolk inquired ifithis was a state-wide or metro -wide policy. Corlett informed him that it was a local action taken several years prior regarding cutting trees in publicly owned natural areas. Corlett reviewed some of the general characteristics of the OKea including the low elevation, resulting in a very moist area.`�He described briefly the plans of the department and the City pgarding trail development and water storage on these parcels.jHe further stated that the Commission could only recommend1to the Council any action regarding tree removal within t �,s area. Chair Kahlow inquired when the ees would blossom. Corlett stated that he was not sure but hought it occurred during the month of May. Burmeister inquird as to the sizes of the trees in the area. Corlett responded);hat they were approximately 3 to 14 inches in din eter. He a Oo stated that he is not sure how many of the small shoots may be Boxelder specie. Motion by McDonald:i The Commission recommends the Council that the Boxelder trees along Weste Avenue be removed. ;� Jaffe seconded to facilitate further discussion. Jaffe inquired about the depth f the trees into the property. Corlett responded that they all were contained within 5o to 75 feet from the curb of Western A onue. Mr. Anderson stated that they have had a problem with th ;Boxelder bugs in the past and that every year it gets worse. Additional discussion and questions included 'estimated costs of removal for these trees; whether this project could'ibe h dled without jeopardizing other projects within the.City it thelj ommission recommended their Minutes Page 3 March 25, 1985 removal and what other vegetation was on the site. The staff responded that this was not included in the current budgetary program and that no estimate of costs for removal was available. Corlett gave a description of the site as being approximately 500 feet deep north from Western Avenue in which the Boxelder trees were the only tall vegetation. Other vegetation included some unidentified shoots deeper into the site, high grasses and bull rushes. Burmeister offered the following amendment to the motion: with the expenditure of funds to come from a contingency fund. The amendment was acceptable to McDonald and Jaffe. Chair Kahlow asked if there was any further discussion and called the question. Motion passed. Chair Kahlow explained to the Metchneks and Andersons that the recommendation would be considered at the next Council meeting on April 2, between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M. She invited them to attend the Council meeting. Chair Kahlow offered the quests stay through the remainder of the Commission's meeting if they so desired and thanked them for taking time to attend the meeting. The Metchneks and Andersons thanked the Commission for its positive recommendation. OLD BUSINESS A. Migratory Waterfowl Program - Dr. Cooper Tabled to next meeting. B. Hennepin County Park Reserve District Ordinance Corlett asked the Commission if there were any items contained within the Hennepin County Park Reserve District Ordinance of which needs to be discussed. He stated that the staff review found that the Ordinance was basically an update of the existing Ordinance to reflect changes in recreational uses and provide clarity in certain areas were necessary. No issues were raised. C. Rental Fee for Brookview Community Center Corlett called the Commission's attention to the memorandum from Bill Joynes, City Manager, contained within the agenda package regarding the Council's recommendation that the rental fee for Brookview be $325 for residents and that additional revenues Minutes Page 4 March 25, 1985 generated through this increase replacement. 'He e3qplained to t involved in equipment replaceme furnishings and that 'in 1985 th such items. He reviewed for th current reservations and ppndin 40 reservations per year would equipment replacement and that was purchased in 180 and was s tear. He asked tho't the Commis Council's fee structure. Chair Kahlow explained that if Council a motion would be neces of concurrence would be suffici Corlett stated that'I he felt tha would be appropriate action for Kahlow asked if their Commission was unanimous. Corlett stated City Manager of thio action. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED B. Minnesota BeautifuljMonth Chair Kahlow pointed out to the from Mayor Anderson regarding tl Perpich declaring May as Minnesi the Commission members for,inpu- included in such a program'. Burmeister inquired�'if there wei projects which could be include responded that whenithe Capital there are many proj,cts which co beautification proj cts. Burme: community groups su h as the Opt which could be invoved in such that several community groups di volunteer man hoursifor projects areas. An example being the rel cleanup the Golf Course this yes Jaffe asked who was responsible of highways and the on/off ramps significant change in the qualil the past year. Corlett stated I of the state highway department experienced during 1984. oe designated for furnishing Commission the current costs for chairs, tables, and City will expend monies for Commission the number of reservations, pointing out that nerate approximately $1,000 for ch of the existing equipment rting to show general wear and on provide concurrence with the .he Commission disagreed with the ;ary. She asked if a statement !pt for the Council's action. a consensus of concurrence the Commission to make. Chair !oncurred and general consensus .bat the staff would inform the ommission the letter received Proclamation by Governor Rudy a Beautiful Month. She asked for projects which could be 0 any capital improvements in such a program. Corlett Improvements Plan is adopted Id be considered as ter inquired if there were mists, Rotary, Lions, etc. program. Corlett responded get involved in providing included in cleanup of nature ruitment of youth groups to help r. for the general maintenance , stating that there was a y of care in these areas during hat it was the responsibility and that cutbacks had been 1 Minutes Page 5 March 25, 1985 Burmeister informed the Commission about the community of South Bend, Indiana, that got involved in a City-wide beautification program which included the individualized painting of fire hydrants. General discussion of project items and ideas which could be included followed. Chair Kahlow asked if a complete copy of the Minnesota State Planning Agencies Program Description could be sent to the Commission members for their consideration prior to the April Commission meeting. Corlett stated that this would be taken care of. COMMITTEE REPORT A. Pool/Recreation Facility Citizen Committee Selection Chair Kahlow and Johnson reviewed for the Commission the receiving of applications from the community, pointing out that many of the applications were from the Southwest Quadrant of the City and that at present not enough applications have come in from other areas. They stated that they would be interviewing all the candidates in order to select Committee representation. General discussion followed as to how the Committee would be assembled and where vacancies may exist. It was stated that the Council desired to have the recommended candidate's for the advisory Committee at the April 16 Council meeting for its approval. B. Brookview Improvements Committee Burmeister highlighted for the Commission the Brookview Improvements Committee meeting held on February 26, pointing out certain improvement projects such as repair of the fence on Boone Avenue and the importance of this fence in restricting vehicle encroachment on the Golf Course. He reviewed Mr. Joynes' discussion with the Committee regarding the changes in structure of the department operations and the role that the Improvements Committee would take with regard to operations of the Brookview Golf Course. CHAIR REPORT None given. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Capital Improvements Update Corlett informed the Commission of the steps accomplished by the staff regarding the City's Capital Improvements Plan, explaining the new definition of Capital Plan. He stated that included in the Plan will be all capital items exceeding $10,000, whether Minutes Page 6 March 25, 1985 they be from the gejneral operat' improvements funds or other funs definition has causiOd a slight'i recommended Ca-pitallAmprovementi has reviewed the items which wi; general understanding. The next" items in relationship to fund a, B. Spring Brochure Lug budget, existing capital I sources. This change in Clow down in the staff's s Plan. At this point the staff 11 be included in the plan for step will be to prioritize these railability. Corlett explained to the Cpmmis ion the early bird registration program included iw the Spring rochure. He stated that the program was to enco rage early egistration which allows the staff to make more televant dec cions with regard to activity operations. The eaply bird fee is slightly less than the regular registratio which!encolirages the potential registrant to submit his r gistration in advance. C. Pool Agreements Corlett informed thCommission that the staff has been in contact with the neighboring communities and will be advising in the Summer Broch re the''loca ions, hours and general registration information and fees for pools and beaches in the surrounding communities. It wa inquired if the Theodore Wirth Beach had been included in thesdiscussions. Corlett stated that Theodore WirthiBeach is a alk -up beach with no fees involved. However,ilife guard ours at Theodore Wirth Beach will be included inthe Summer rochure information. ADJOURNMENT Chair Kahlow announced to the Commi cion that the next meeting will be April 22 and asked for a motion `adjournment. McDonald so moved and Johnson secoed--., The me ting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M. Kahyow ce Chair Johnson 1 1 1