8-24-1987OPEN SPACE & RBCREATICN 03 MISS ICN
August 24, 1987
7:00 PM
Members present: Al Anderegg, Jim Johnson, Rick Groger, Chuck Burmeister,
Micki Bix, Pat Borchert, George Murad. Also present were Rick Jacobson,
Sharyl Thompson, and Jonathan Stiegler, City Forester.
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM.
Rick Jacobson gave the Con -mission copies of a letter from Judy Horvick
regarding her concerns with park signs and baIIfieId, tennis court, and
golf course usage. The Commission also received copies of the preliminary
staff response to her letter.
There were no agenda additions or changes.
A motion was made by Micki Bix and seconded by Al Anderegg to accept the
minutes of July 27, 1987. Motion carried.
HERITAGE TREE PROGRAM PROPOSAL - Jonathan Stiegler
Jonathan informed the Corrmission that Golden Valley has been selected as
one of 70 cities in the nation to participate the Bicentennial Tree Grove
Program, which was presented to the Com ission at the April meeting. This
allows Golden Valley to have an historical tree grove planted to cornnemor-
ate the 100th birthday of the Constitution of the United States. The grove
will be comprised of tree seedlings from the American Forestry Association
which are direct descendants of trees planted by our forefathers or from
trees that were witnesses to famous or historic events associated with
America's founding. The grove will also include trees important to Minne-
sota's heritage like red and white pine. Progeny seedlings from trees
related to Golden Valley history are also being sought for planting in the
grove. General Mi l ls, Tim's Tree Service and Twin Cities Tree Trust are
all helping to sponsor this project.
Jonathan then presented to the Commission the Heritage Tree Program to help
increase public awareness of the importance of trees in the Golden Valley.
The citizens of Golden Valley can find, honor and preserve the outstanding
trees of their community. These trees will include those of champion size
(largest specimen of each species of tree found in the City), and trees of
historical or cultural significance. Jonathan hopes to get into the elem-
entary schools to encourage students to look for these types of trees and
nominate them for Heritage status. The first Heritage Trees will be hon-
ored on Arbor Day which is April 22, 1988.
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Chuck Burmeister recommended that some
black walnut trees be included in
the
grove since red and white pines are
significant to the northern 2/3 of
the
state, and black walnuts are native
to the southern portion of Minneso-
ta.
Jonathan agreed, and said he would
pursue it further.
The
Commission commended Jonathan for spearheading this program and bring-
ing
it to Golden Valley.
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Chuck Burmeister mentioned to Jonathan to check the "Theodore Wirth Oak", a
tree in Theo Wirth Park, as one to include in the Heritage Tree Program
Micki Bix made a motion to endorse this program and encourage the City to
highly publicize it. Chuck Burmeister seconded the motion. Motion car-
ried.
JUDY HHV ICS LEI'IIIZ DISC USS IC K
Rick Jacobson explained the background of Judy Horvick's letter. Last
month on the park tour, the Corrmission made note of parking availability at
the various parks. City Counci 1 had asked for a staff response to Judy
Horvick's letter, a draft of which was shown to the Commissioners.
George Murad reported that the Improvement Committee had discussed the
policies of children on the golf course. They felt the policies were fair
and in the best interest of the child's safety. George felt that this
safety factor should be stressed, not the ability or inability of child to
play golf. Further discussion will take place when policies are viewed.
Chuck Burmeister reminded the Commission that this letter is the feeling of
one person and not necessarily the majority of the citizens. He continued
that we should be responsive but not get bogged down with detailed explana-
tions. It the the job of the Commission to see the overall picture; they
should be aware of and keep these situations in mind, but not make revi-
sions to policies because of one person unless truly warranted.
As mentioned in Rick Jacobson's response memo, work has been done at Pa-
poose Park to try to alleviate a problem with the drain in the outfield.
It was the consensus of the Commission to install signs at all parks
warning drivers they were approaching a park area. The cost of this would
be about $3,000.00.
It was also the consensus of the Conmission to support the response of Rick
Jacobson to Judy Horvick's letter. The tone of the memo was good and the
issues were addressed without defensiveness.
I a 7 AN 0 �+ •+�+� r.
The Cormiissioners were given a copy of the recommendation given to the City
by the Sidewalk Committee. Pat Borchert inquired about getting sidewalks
on both sides of Glenwood, especially by Meadowbrook School. The recommn-
dation was received by the Commission.
V&SLEY PARK FENCE
In June, a temporary fence was put up at Wesley Park for the junior and
senior boys softball program. There was opposition expressed by some area
residents. Rick Jacobson informed the Commission the fence was in compli-
ance with an agreement reached between the Commission and neighbors several
years ago, and in the future would be put up and taken down as per the
agreement.
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XTIF5 we• J, J, IN W IN • �I'�.
George Murad reported that the
of reconmended improvements,
withstood the 12" rainfall
resodded and reseeded.
Improvement Committee was formulating a list
given in order of priority. The golf course
quite well and areas damaged are now being
CORNER OF HI(EWM 55 AND WIANE'M
Pat Borchert asked whose jurisdiction it was to recommend what should be
done with the area on the corner of Winnetka and Hwy. 55, where the pro-
posed pool would have been bui It. It was stated that this is park land,
although it is currently being used for other City operations. Suggestions
from the Commission members would certainly be appropriate. There was some
discussion on improving the appearance of that corner.
NEXI' bEETING
Rick Jacobson reported that at the next meeting, September 28th, a repre-
sentative from the Hennepin Parks would be in attendance to show the trail
that is proposed to go through Golden Valley connecting Medicine Lake and
Theo Wirth Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Chair Groger
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Vice Chair ahulec