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5-23-1994OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION May 23, 1994 Members present: Marshall Rappaport, Tom Zins, Roger McConico, Rich Krahulec, Jim Johnson, Linda Loomis, Alex Azemove, Chuck Cahill. Also present were Rick Jacobson, Sue Cook and Sharyl Thompson. MINUTES - APRIL 25, 1994 A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Rich Krahulec to approve the minutes of April 25, 1§94. Motion carried. RECREATION REPORT - SUE COOK Sue Cook reviewed some of her winter programs. Warming houses were open from December 27, 1993 through February 17, 1994. Youth basketball, which is run in conjunction with Crystal Recreation Department, had an increase in participants. The 3rd -4th grade teams increase to six from three last year; the 5th -6th grade teams increased from three last year to four this year. The Tap & Ballet recital was held at Armstrong High School on April 30th. In addition, Sue gave information on some summer programs. These included Concerts in the Park and Adult Softball. The Adopt A Park program has been very successful. Presently there are only five park areas left to be adopted. The Commission expressed their appreciation to Sue for her fine work and her report. ATHLETIC FACILITIES SUB -COMMITTEE REPORT Members of the sub -committee reported that they had held two meetings. Some consideration for additional fields is being given at the Schaper property, south of Highway 55 and east of Highway 100. There are some problems with the site in that it has been used as a dumping area and needs extensive clean-up. Also, a great deal of fill would have to be brought in to compensate for the above -ground sewer line. Rick Jacobson mentioned that Hennepin Parks is moving ahead with finalizing trail easement purchasing along the railroad tracks north of the Schaper property. The question was asked if whether or not the County would share some expense in improving the Schaper property as well. With the construction of the county trail, the City could perhaps place some spur trails into the west end of the property connecting with the main trail. The Schaper property is more appropriate for adult use rather than youth because of its location. Therefore, it is being considered to build adult softball fields at that sight, which in turn would make Lions Park available for a full size soccer field and two youth baseball/softball fields. There was also discussion on constructing in a full-size, lighted soccer field at Medley Park. This would eliminate a current youth softball field. The hockey rink area could be asphalted to accommodate more parking, still be flooded in the winter for hockey, and also perhaps used as an in-line skating area during other times. el F' Rick Jacobson reported that the deed and plat of the Schaper property have been researched and it appears that ballfields could fit into the designation given when the property was donated to the City. The construction of trails into the wetlands area in conjunction with the Hennepin County trail along the railroad tracks would further promote the environmental usage. The sub -committee will meet on June 6th with a representative from each of the athletic associations to get their input. A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Tom Zins that the Schaper property possibility should continue td be pursued and the sub -committee bring a preliminary plan to the Commission. Motion carried. GIRLS SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL - DON OLSON Rick Jacobson introduced Don Olson, President of Golden Valley Girls Slowpitch Softball. Don reported that their program continues to grow, with 28 "house" teams and 3 traveling teams. He expressed the need for more fields and felt that Olson School field could possibly be improved so they could be used for games and not just practices. Don also expressed concern over the coaches having to line the fields before the games. Although City employees did this in the past, it was decided a few years ago that due to budget constraints, and the park maintenance crew being given more areas of responsibility with no increase in personnel, the lining of fields would have to become the responsibility of the associations. The City crews do mow and drag the fields. Roger McConico and Marshall Rappaport said that with their experience with Little League, they lined their own fields and didn't feel it was a problem. Marshall Rappaport asked if the participants were all Golden Valley residents. Don replied that players come from Hopkins, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Crystal, New Hope and Golden Valley. He felt that two- thirds of their players were Golden Valley residents. Fifty percent of the board are non-residents, and over fifty -percent of the coaches are non-residents. Don felt that requiring Golden Valley residency would hurt the program, as players and coaches come into the league because of the high quality of the organization. JUNE MEETING SCHEDULE Rick Jacobson reported that Hennepin Parks requested to meet with this Commission and the Planning Commission on the fourth Monday in June regarding the trail between Medicine Lake and Theo Wirth Park. This would mean that the annual park tour would be scheduled for the July meeting. OLD BUSINESS Deer Feeding, Ban Ordinance The first public hearing of the deer feeding ban is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24th at the City Council meeting. The second reading of the ordinance will be Tuesday, June 14th. Goose Pick -Un There will be a goose pick-up in June. Stockman Park Dedication A ceremony dedicating Stockman More specific information will follo Olson Elementary Rick Jacobson reported that Minn;, Elementary School and use it as a NEW BUSINESS l NRPA Congress Rick Jacobson informed the Co 'i their Congress in the Twin Citie interested in attending sessions. Pennsylvania Woods Roger McConico received a call re if the City would construct a B would not allow this. Wesley Soccer Field Lights Rick Jacobson reported that the Athletic Facility Sub -Committee has ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Jim Johnso etails are worked out with the family. with District 281 to lease the Olson the National Recreation and Parks Association will have r. More information will follow if Commissioners are { trail in Pennsylvania Woods. In addition, Roger was asked coo tr Rick Jacobson'i replied that the City's insurance company 1py soccer field lighting project has been put on hold until the mpleted their report. �i M secp� by Chuck Cahill to adjourn. 1 1