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7-30-1990OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION July 30, 1990 Members present: Julie Bergh, Michele Bix, Pat Borchert, Rick Groger, Jim Johnson, Chuck Burmeister. Also present were Jeff Schoenbauer of Brauer & Associates, Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson. There were no agenda changes or additions. MINUTES A motion was made by Chuck Burmeister and seconded by Michele Bix to approve the min- utes of June 25, 1990. Motion carried. WESTERN AVENUE MARSH PLAN REVIEW Notification was sent to residents surrounding the Western Avenue marsh area that a modifi- cation of the original plan for a path into the area would be presented. Several residents were in attendance. Rick Jacobson gave a brief introduction and background on the matter. Jeff Schoenbauer then presented an alternate plan which eliminated the loop trail and replaced it with a rest area in the southwest corner and a dead end path into the marsh area with an overlook. Generally the residents in attendance were opposed to the plan. It was suggested that an overlook be placed on the perimeter of the area looking in rather than a path actually into the marsh. Rick Jacobson told the residents they would be informed of any further meetings. The meeting then moved to the conference room at 7:40 PM with a number of residents still in attendance. The Commission discussed the Western Avenue marsh area further. It was pointed out that the DNR had seen the area and the loop plan, and they felt there would be no negative impact on wildlife. Chuck Burmeister expressed his approval of the first plan with the loop trail, but felt the alter- nate plan was a good compromise. Pat Borchert suggested that the alternate plan be broken down in order to get a consensus of the Commission on the individual amenities.- She stated that she liked the resting area in the southwest corner. A motion was made by Pat Borchert to recommend to the City Council that a resting area be constructed in the southwest corner of the Western Avenue marsh area which would include benches and plantings to screen Western and Winnetka Avenues. Michele Bix seconded the motion. Motion carried. Next, the overlook area was considered. There were a few suggestions given which included: a. the overlook at the end of a path into the marsh area b. the overlook on a corner site looking into the area C. the overlook approximately where Rhode Island Avenue dead -ends at Western Avenue One of the residents present, Mr. Leppick, expressed his concern with a path going into the marsh at the location shown in the alternate plan as he felt it was too close to his home. Rick Groger stated that he understood Mr. Leppick's concern. He further stated that he lives near a trail, enjoys it, and has had no problem with it. His first preference for this plan would be the loop trail, but felt the alternate plan should be considered. A motion was made by Chuck Burmeister and seconded by Rick Groger to recommend to the City Council that the trail and overlook be constructed as shown on the alternate plan. Discus- sion followed. Jim Johnson was concerned that it be made obvious that the path was a dead end and not a complete loop. Rick Jacobson explained again to the residents in attendance that if the Commission passed this motion, it was a recommendation to the City Council which they would consider at a future date. A vote was taken on the motion and it passed. Rick Jacobson reported to the Commission that George Murad had called in to the office and could not attend this meeting, but he was in favor of leaving the Western Avenue marsh area just as it is, with no interior trail or overlook. CITIZENS FOR AN OUTDOOR POOL Residents Linda Farnham and Linda Clements were in attendance representing a group of residents who are working toward getting an outdoor swimming pool in Golden Valley. Vnda Farnham explained that the City Council had said that if they were able to get 2,350 (half the number who voted in the last referendum for a pool facility) signatures on a petition, they would consider an outdoor pool referendum. As of the time of this meeting, about 1,800 signatures had been received. The Citizens for an Outdoor Pool would like the support of the Commission and would seek a recommendation from the Commission to the Council for an outdoor pool. NORTH/SOUTH TYROL TRAIL CONNECTION Mayor Mary Anderson presented information on the matter of a bridge crossing over Hwy. 394 between North and South Tyrol. She gave the background, explaining that MnDot had to re- move the bridge that was there because of the highway construction and explained the hearings the Council had held on this project thus far. Mary Anderson felt the Commission should be aware of the situation since it could effect the trail system in the city. Several residents from both North and South Tyrol expressed their concerns. A motion was made by Pat Borchert and seconded by Rick Groger to build the pedestrian bride as proposed. It was decided that the Commission members should visit the site before casting a vote, and they would call in their vote to Rick Jacobson by August 6th. After the vote was taken, the motion passed with four ayes and three nays. GOLF COURSE UPDATE Rick Jacobson reported that construction on the golf course has generally been completed with the exception of seeding the 14th fairway and some other miscellaneous items. He further reported that things are coming together very well. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Chuck Burmeister to adjourn at 10:00 PM. 1 [J