9-30-1996OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
September 30, 1996
Members present: Tom Zins, Roger McConico, Jim Johnson, Jim Vaughan, Liz Elder, Rich
Krahulec, Chuck Cahill and Linda Loomis. Also present were Fred Salsbury, Director of Public
Works; Joan Russell, City Council member; Floyd Anderson, resident; Rick Birno, Recreation
Supervisor, Sharyl Thompson and Rick Jacobson.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Roger McConico and seconded by Liz Elder to accept the minutes of
July 22, 1996. Motion carried.
SWEENEY LAKE ACCESS - FLOYD ANDERSON
The City of Golden Valley owns a lot on the south side of Sweeney Lake, adjacent to Floyd
Anderson's home. Mr. Anderson is interested in purchasing this lot in order to curtail public
access to the lake. He stated that the number of people bringing boats to that area was increasing.
His intention, should he be allowed to purchase the property, would be to sell it to a private party
in order for a home to be built. Mr. Anderson has asked the City Council to for permission to
purchase this property, and would like the Open Space and Recreation Commission to sanction
his request.
After Mr. Anderson's presentation there was some discussion on the matter. There is a lot on the
north end of the lake for sale, and Chuck Cahill wondered if perhaps a trade could be made
where the City would obtain the north lot, and the property owner of that lot be given the one on
the south end of the lake.
Tom Zins pointed out that if too many people are using that city lot to access the lake, access
could be restricted without selling the property.
ST. CROIX PARK/COVENANT MANOR PONDING - FRED SALSBURY
Covenant Manor is planning to expand their senior citizens independent living facility on St.
Croix Avenue adjacent to St. Croix Park. They have approached the City asking whether the
ponding could occur on the park property. Although the City normally would not consider such a
request, Fred Salsbury, Director of Public Works, felt this may be an opportunity that would be
an advantage for the City. Covenant Manor would be responsible for all costs associated with the
work and also pick-up drainage from the adjacent property and run it through the pond for
treatment. This could be an amenity for the park. Mr. Salsbury asked for input from the Open
Space & Recreation Commission.
There was some discussion on the matter. This would improve the water quality as well as
improve the appearance of the area.
A motion was made by Chuck Cahill and seconded by Rich Krahulec to approve the ponding
concept as presented by Mr. Salsbury. Motion carried.
RECREATION REPORT - RICK BIRNO
Rick Birno, Recreation Supervisor, reported on participation numbers for the summer programs.
He stated there had been some problems with the Park Baseball program due to the difference in
skill levels of the participants and some bad attitudes that made it difficult for the staff to control.
Both Chuck Cahill and Linda Loomis felt the program should continue.
Rick also reported on the youth fall soccer program. Linda Loomis stated that she has received
numerous complaints from parents regarding Park Valley and Sunny Hollow Schools being
allowed to form their own teams. She also received reports that Park Valley had started
practicing in early August and brought in professional instructors from England.
The Open Space and Recreation Commission wants the minutes to reflect their pleasure with the
recreational programming by the staff. The willingness to try new things and bring in more
participants is to be commended.
1996 CANADA GOOSE SURVEY
Rick Jacobson shared the report received from Dr. Cooper at the University of Minnesota on the
geese roundup. Rick also reported that the dog will be used again this fall to keep the geese off
the golf course. This has been successful thus far.
NEW BUSINESS
Rick Jacobson mentioned the individual in Minneapolis who is renting property from the
Minneapolis Park Board in Theo Wirth Park for the purpose of running adult sand volleyball
leagues. Four courts are being constructed at this time. The individual wants permission to sell
beer which will take action by the Golden Valley City Council since the property is located in
Golden Valley. Neighbors in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood in Minneapolis have sent in petitions
opposing the volleyball in the park at Wirth Beach.
Capital improvement projects are not being formulated. There will be more information on this
in the future.
The City has agreed on a price for purchasing the Jerry's Super Valu site.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Rich Krahulec and seconded by Roger McConico to adjourn.
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