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7-22-1985OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION The regular meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM at the Brookview Community Center by Chair Kahlow. Commission members present were Burmeister, Johnson, Kahlow, McDonald, Murad, Watson, Younghans. Also present were Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Sue Hanna, Commission Secretary. AGENDA CHANGES Jacobson added an update on a project in conjunction with Honeywell under New Business. Also, the approval of minutes was moved before Old Business. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Murad moved that the minutes of May 21, 1985 be approved as written. Johnson seconded. Motion passed. OLD BUSINESS A. Boxelder bugs - Statement Proposal Jacobson reviewed background material which was provided for the meeting. Kahlow asked if there were any questions or comments on the material. Kahlow read a statement proposal that she and Murad put together for the approval by the Comm- ission. She then asked for open discussion from the Commissioners. McDonald questioned Kahlow as to why this came back to the Commission. Kahlow explained the City Council denied to cut the trees the Metthnek's requested be- cause they are valuable in a natural setting and that the problem itself might not be caused by this group of trees. The City Council requested further study into the problem by the Commission. Because the trees are on City property, the Metchneks cannot pay to spray or remove the trees without the City's permission. Kahlow mentioned no other municipality would consider cutting trees because of boxelder bugs. She explained these trees are not diseased and that the City has a policy covering diseased trees but not nuisance trees. She continued to say that she felt nuisance trees could be covered in this statement. Burmeister amended the statement proposal to include "and are in the way of approved City projects," in addition to diseased or hazardous. Watson felt to remove some boxelder trees would not be right and that it would be impossible to remove all the boxelder trees because of their abundant members. Murad explained he had problems with boxelder bugs and by spraying and trimming the trees helped keep the nuisance of these harmless bugs in control. He also ex- perienced racoons, skunks and pheasants which are nuisances and added these are problems connected with living near a natural area. Kahlow agreed these are nui- sances and talked how they have wrestled through these problems with many sinereos and pointed out somewhere you have to draw the line. Complaints have also been received about cottonwood trees, inchworms etc. Kahlow introduced Jim and Lois Metchnek who talked about the severity of their problem emphasizing how they have up to twenty bugs a day in their house at times. Jacobson briefed the Commission on how the Council at its meeting, June 18, denied the Metchnek's request to cut down trees, but left open the possibility that if there was a policy change they could bring back their request. The Council suggest- r Minutes Page 2 July 224 1985 ed the issue go back to the Park Commission to draft a statement. This statement would then be discussed at the August 13th Council Manager Workshops with final approval given at the August 20th Council meeting. Jacobson answered a question about the fact that spraying and trimming or cutting down the boxelder trees may not eliminate the nuisance bugs in their house since bugs can fly several blocks. We are faced with the issue of where to draw the line, Kahlow suggested. Jacobson then reviewed several points made in a letter from Mayor Anderson dated June 18th: 1. Characteristics of boxelder bugs - Expressed they do fly several blocks and are seeking an area of warmth. 2. What is the magnitude of the impact on the property requesting the removal - The Metchneks expressed their feelings and the impact sounded significant. 3. How do we determine what magnitude of problem indicates consideration of removal - Where to draw the line. Very hard question to answer. 4. How can they be sure that the removal of those particular trees will abate the nuisance - If trees are cut down, there is no guarantee the nuisance will be gone. 5. If they are cut down, who will pay, and who would pay for replacement trees? 6. If we cut down public trees, would we require private trees to be cut? Per- haps we would have to. The Commission was reminded that some people call boxelder trees a nuisance and others call them an asset to a natural area. These were things being considered when the sub -committee prepared their statement. Kahlow called on Margerie Deck, who lives at 7801 Western Ave. for comments. Mrs. Deck said she can appreciate the Commissions position and felt spraying did keep the bugs somewhat under control. She also stated, she would like a path down West- ern Ave. because of the amount of children and bikeriders who use this street. She was advised that it is on the City Council's plan for future sidewalks. Jim Metchnek then said that the proposed policy is just a repeat of what they have been told before and that he felt the statement suggests trees are more important than the residents. Kahlow felt there were two issues. Whether the existing shade tree policy should be revised or expanded to include nuisance trees. The problem the Metchneks are having with boxelder bugs and their request to cut down trees on City land. There being no further discussion, a motion was made by Johnson to have this statement sent to City Council: The City is sympathetic to the problem of residents with box elder bugs, but doesn't feel the City is responsible for the condition; or that the situation warrants any action on the part of the City to bring about a solution. It is not the policy of the City to remove any trees unless they are diseased, hazardous, or are in the way of approved City projects, and these trees do not fit into any of these catergories. Any decision by the City Council or Commission is subject to appeal and the citizens may feel to do so. led, 'Minutes �3 Page 3 July 22, 1985 McDonald seconded and was passed unanimously. Kahlow wanted the Metchneks to know that the Council, Commission, and staff had spent a great deal of time and energy on the boxelder bug issue and concluded by stating she hoped the issue could be put to rest after the August 20th Council meeting. B. Park Tour Review Kahlow commented that the golf course was in beautiful shape and the tour was great. Everyone who attended agreed. Jacobson said the golf course has had very busy days since opening July 1st, and that he has received many compliments on the course. He then emphasized that Andy, Kris and their crews are the ones who de- serve most of the credit for their hard work and dedication. All agreed the City of Golden Valley did an excellent job. Watson complimented on the new park signs. NEW BUSINESS A. Senior Citizen's Report - Barbara Bailey ` Kahlow welcomed Barbara Bailey. Barbara picked out the highlights of the Senior Citizens Annual Report. She stated the number of members are increasing all the time. Over 1,600 people are involved. Barbara planned 54 excursions during the year. There were also a variety of programs and activities and a large selection of classes which involved many citizens. The Volunteer Program has also grown which provides many more programs, thanks to dedicated people. This year they added a Dollie Project, (making clothes for dolls), and a Blood Pressure Screening which will continue in the fall. The Cable TV Committee re- ceived an award and a $1,000 grant for continued upgrading of senior shows. Jacobson congratulated Barb for her work and Kahlow recognized the productive- ness, excellent, participation, and thanked Barb for another year of great work. B. Honeywell project Jacobson explained that Honeywell contacted him to discuss the possibilty of a donation to the City. Honeywell was interested in doing a public service pro- ject for the City and was willing to donate money and volunteer time. Jacobson mentioned several projects including a handicap playground, possibly at Brookview; a handicapped accessible exercise equipment (a vita -course) in conjuncion with the aspalting of the Mary Hills trail. He asked Commissioners for other sug- gestions. Jacobson announced that the City now has a Community Orchestra. He felt it was a real asset to the community. Burmeister asked Jacobson to consider suggesting to Honeywell to fund a bandshell; other Commissioners agreed the idea was worth investigation. Jacobson also informed the Commission that the local Cable TV Company was putting together a show on the many programs of the Park and Recreation Department. All agreed this was great publicity to have. M Minutes Page 4 July 22, 1985 COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Pool/Recreation Facility Committee Burmeister explained that he and Jacobson made a list of critera for an inside pool and an outside pool, and will put together some figures for the next pool committee meeting. Younghans asked whether the pool committee is to decide if there is to be a pool and where. Kahlow pointed out that the City Council made those two major decisions. One, that it will exist. Two, it will exist on the corner of 55 and Winneka. B. Brookview Improvements Committee No comments or questions brought up. OTHER BUSINESS Kahlow read a correspondence that there is a new representative for the Golden Valley area to the Metropolitian Park and Open Space Commission. She is Joan Lonsbury who is a resident of Edina and their Park Commission Chairperson. Younghans felt that inviting the various sports presidents during their season is a good idea so that the Commission can be informed of what is going on with their programs. Jacobson felt that it is good for them to be recognized and will invite representatives from soccer, hockey, ect. to attend meetings in the future. ADJOURNMENT Chair Kahlow announced to the Commission that the next meeting will be August 26, 1985, and asked for a motion of adjournment. Murad so moved and Watson seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM. Vice air Johnson i 1