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3-24-1997OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION March 24,1997 Members present: Liz Elder, Linda Loomis, Jim Vaughan, Jim Johnson, Chuck Cahill, Jim Si - cora, Tom Zins and Roger McConico. Also present were Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson. Representatives from Park Valley School included Leona Cornish, Athletic Director, Jorge Cas- tillejo, John Krenn, Paul Svensson, and Sharon Ruble. Resident Connie Sandler was also present. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Linda Loomis added under Old Business a report on the status of Bassett Creek. MINUTES - FEBRUARY 17,1997 A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Roger McConico to approve the minutes of February 17, 1997. Motion carried. FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION Representatives from Park Valley School were in attendance in response to the decision made by the Open Space and Recreation Commission last month to go back to random registration for fall soccer. All five representatives spoke. in favor of allowing Park Valley to register full teams into the program. They felt more children participated in the program because they were allowed to be on teams with friends from school. They were also concerned that the decision was made last month by the Commission without representatives of those involved in fall soccer giving input. Connie Sandler, a resident and parent of fall soccer participants spoke in favor of random regis- tration. She felt it was more fair and more beneficial for kids to play with others from their neighborhoods. She was concerned about the perception that organized groups receive benefits that others do not. Several of the Commissioners responded that they should have had representatives from both sides of the issue give input before a decision was made last month. Chuck Cahill pointed out that only the registration process has changed, and all individuals, whether from school groups or the community at large, are welcome in all our programs. The philosophy of the program is community based rather than intramural or school based. He pointed out that if groups encouraged their kids to register individually, chances were good they would have friends on their team. Liz Elder and Tom Zins felt something needed to be done to clear the air between the opposing groups. Liz would like to know how other communities handle their soccer registration. Jim Johnson spoke in favor of full teams registering. A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Liz Elder to rescind the decision of last month which excluded registration by com- plete teams. Discussion followed. Tom Zins felt there should be a sub -committee of the Open Space and Rec- reation Commission formed to study the issue and receive feedback from the community. He suggested there be a public meeting after this coming season, but we should leave the policy as it is for this year. The vote on the motion was: Yes - 2; No - 6. Motion defeated. Some Commissioners felt the issue should be brought up again after this coming season, early enough so input can be received from the participants on their preferences for the registration process. SCHAPER RECREATION FACILITY UPDATE Rick Jacobson reported that the City Council passed three resolutions regarding the Schaper Rec- reation Facility, including an update to the North Wirth Redevelopment Plan, approval to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for bids, and to sign a trail agreement with Hennepin Parks for the Schaper site. HIDDEN LAKES DEVELOPMENT UPDATE The Planning Commission approved the PUD on the Hidden Lakes Development, with several additions, including incorporating open space and public access to Sweeney and Twin Lakes. On April 15`", the City Council will hold a public hearing on rezoning and amending the Compre- hensive Plan. Then, on May 6" City Council will begin discussions on the PUD. If a decision cannot be reached that night, the meeting will be continued on May 151". The Minneapolis Park Board met last week regarding completing a trail through Theo Wirth Park from the Hidden Lakes development to the future Hennepin County trail. The issue was tabled. STATE ARTS SCHOOL JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT Attorneys for the State Arts School have sent a letter regarding the joint powers agreement for a soccer field on their property which addresses several issues in the proposed agreement that they would like changed. Staff will meet with representatives from the school to discuss these issues. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Nominations were opened for Commission Chair. A motion was made by Roger McConico and seconded by Tom Zins to nominate Linda Loomis as Chair. No other nominations were made. Linda was voted in unanimously. A motion was made by Chuck Cahill and seconded by Tom Zins to nominate Jim Sicora as Vice Chair. He was voted in unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Bassett Creek Status Linda Loomis reported that Bassett Creek has been upgraded to a Level Three from a Level Four. Roger McConico reported on the progress of the Area B Task Force. They have met three times and are gathering ideas of what should be placed in this area. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Chuck Cahill and seconded by Jim Johnson to adjourn.