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8-26-19851 1 CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 26, 1985 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:34 PM at the Brookview Community Center by Chair Kahlow. Commission members present were Burmeister, Jaffe, Johnson, Kahlow, McDonald, Murad, Watson. Also present were Rick Jacobson, Sue Cook, and Sharyl Thompson, Secretary. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS A motion was made by McDonald and seconded by Murad to approve the minutes of July 22, 1985. One correction was made with the spelling of "scenario". Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS A. Honeywell Project Jacobson reviewed the status of a community service project Honeywell is doing for the City in conjunction with their centennial. At a recent meeting, Honeywell decided to work toward the donation of a wheelchair accessible vita course, picnic tables and park benches in Mary Hills Park. The asphalt path is being bid presently and will be installed this fall. The equipment will be installed in the spring of 1986. Part of the intent of Honeywell is to use volunteer labor to assist in completing this project. The course will run from Bonnie Lane to Dresden Lane. Watson inquired regarding any potential parking problems, but Jacobson stated that no such problems are expected. Jaffe asked about the cost of the project and Jacobson informed the Commission that the asphalt would be from $25,000 to $30,000, and the equipment would cost another $10,000. Some money is available through the Community Development Block Grant Fund. NEW BUSINESS A. Recreation Report - Sue Cook Sue Cook, Program Supervisor, reported on the recent summer program. She passed out packets of information explaining the success of the 1985 pro- gram and showing with graphs the increase in participation. Cook mentioned that much of the success was due to a tremendous staff. Phone calls have been received in the Park and Recreation office complimenting the depart- ment on the program. The one major change that was made from last year was moving T -Ball and Pee Wee Softball to the afternoon in order to avoid a conflict with summer school. Floor hockey, soccer and BMX bike racing were new programs. The afternoon playgrounds were offered free, except for special projects for which there was a charge. Jaffe asked for an explanation of BMX bike racing. Cook explained that they were "dirt" bikes and each child rode against the time clock, up hills and through the woods. Painters hats were given as prizes. Minutes Page 2 August 26, 1985 Next year, the K -league program will also be moved to the afternoon, as the schools have now added summer school for kindergarten students. Over- all, there was 107% increase in the number of participants from last year. The biggest jump was evident in the special events due to the bus transpor- tation that was provided from the park locations. Summer playgrounds experienced a 96.5% increase over last year, greatly due to the excellent staff. Jaffe asked what the participation level was for 12-15 year old kids. Cook explained that there was some, but not much. There were more older kids participating in the August program (soccer, floor hockey - at no cost; and three field trips). For the three weeks of August programs, 558 kids participated. Jaffe suggested that this age group be targeted in the future to encourage their participation. Jacobson reinforced the positive response He complimented Sue Cook and Rick Birno o program. Jaffe requested that minutes st Commission are very proud of the success Cook and her staff have done. that has come in from the residents. their great job with the summer to that the members of the f the program and of the work Sue Jaffe inquired as to whether any complaints had come in regarding the pool closing. It was replied that more calls had come in from people who did not know the pool was closed, with only a small number of actual complaints that there was no pool. Two large posters were passed out showing photographs of the summer programs, including special events. Jacobson stated that the department will be keep- ing a scrapbook of photos from various programs to have available to show residents when they come in for registration. Jacobson mentioned that the Fall Brochure is at the printer and should be in the homes within the next two weeks. Cook reported that fall soccer had started. Last year there were not enough participants registered to have teams for the 7 -8th grades, but this year we have three teams in that age group. The teams are co-ed, they practice two times per week and have one game each week. B. Budget Update Jacobson reported that the staff is in the budget process. First requests have been submitted and are now being reviewed. There will be a meeting with the City Council on September 3rd, at which time dates will be set for work- shop and a public hearing. The budget is to be finalized by October 1st. The major change in the proposed budget for the Park and Recreation Department is a request for a 3/4 time permanent staff position to aid in the recreation programs. This would replace having to hire outside contractual help in running certain programs, as has been done in the past. 1 Minutes Page 3 August 26, 1985 The budget process has not yet dealt heavily with the capital improvements. A proposal of upgrading of the parks, playgrounds and tennis courts has been submitted. Jaffe inquired if this included replacing equipment on the playgrounds. Jacobson stated that a portion will be for upgrading and adding equipment. C. Other New Business 1. Mary Hills Park Area Watson asked about the area north of Mary Hills Park that belongs to Robbinsdale. She wanted to know what Robbinsdale is planning to do, and when. Jacobson reported that the plan is for a passive area of trails. Kahlow requested that Jacobson obtain a map from Robbinsdale to bring to the next meeting to show the Commission the exact layout of their project. 2. Commission Secretary Sharyl Thompson was introduced as the new Commission Secretary. Over the past few months, Kahlow and Jacobson have had to spend considerable time rewriting the minutes, and it was thought that having Sharyl do the minutes would expedite the process. 3. Box Elder Bugs Kahlow reported that the City Manager and City Council were to meet with her and the Metchneks a week ago regarding the box elder bug problem. The Metchneks did not come to the meeting, so Kahlow reported that the issue is dead and the tree removal policy will remain as is. 4. Valley Square Corporate Center Kahlow advised that the Commission members take special note of the care the contractors have taken to preserve the trees in the new Valley Square Corporate Center. 5. Good Shepherd Property Jaffe reported that the new congregation which bought property just south of Good Shepherd has taken out all of the trees just east of Jersey. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Brookview Improvements Committee Murad reported that the next meeting of the Improvements Committee will be August 29th. He reported that the response on the condition of the golf course has been very positive, and the course has been extremely busy. Murad requested that a plan be available at the next committee meeting re- garding aerating the greens. Jacobson reported that this will be done on September 10th and 12th. He also commended the committee on their hard work. Over $30,000 per week has been generated through the golf course since July 1st. 39 Minutes Page 4 August 26, 1985 Jaffe inquired about the status of the Pro Shop. Jacobson reported that it is basically stocked, but this is not unusual as far as some other public pro shops are concerned. B. Centennial Committee Sue Cook reported on the sales being done by the Centennial Committee: visers, mugs and shirts. A commemorative pin will be given out free to anyone bringing a coupon into the office from the fall brochure. C. Pool/Recreational Facility Committee Burmeister reviewed the past meeting of the committee. Architects were present and provided much information. They stayed throughout the meeting to answer questions. The League of Women Voters is conducting a phone survey regarding the pool, next week. The one question the committee had, was the mandated site of Hwy. 55 and Winnetka; whether it would be large enough and if the soil conditions were good. Murad inquired if the cost of an outdoor pool would be one half of the $3,000,000 mentioned in the committee minutes for an indoor pool. Burmeister affirmed this, stating that these figures were rough estimates. Murad requested that the committee be reminded that an indoor pool would also include higher operational costs after being built. Kahlow stated that the City Council desired some additions to a pool; i.e., gym, nautilus equipment, etc. Kahlow inquired about the attendance of the committee members. Burmeister replied that the attendance had been very good, and the industrial representatives have given valuable input. Jaffe asked if the meetings were open to the public. Burmeister said they were, but no one outside of the committee has shown up at a meeting yet. OTHER BUSINESS Kahlow opened the meeting for questions or comments from the Commission. Burmeister expressed his appreciation for the complimentary letter from the Babe Ruth organization which was received by the Park and Recreation Department, thanking them for their fine help and support over the past summer. Jacobson stated that he hoped to reinstitute a fall youth football program again sometime in the future. In the past, Younghans had requested that representatives from the different athletic organizations come to the Commission meetings. This will be done just prior to their respective season . ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Johnson and seconded by Watson to adjourn. Motion carried. 40ee!0PV42'iC' - I 7 e Chir Johnson