6-28-1999OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
June 28, 1999
Members present: Tom Zins, Jim Sicora, Roger McConico, Linda Loomis, Chuck Cahill, Liz
Elder. Also present were Rick Jacobson, Sharyl Thompson, and a number of Golden Valley resi-
dents.
AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
Added under "Old Business" is "Honeywell Ballfield".
MINUTES
A motion was made by Chuck Cahill and seconded by Roger McConico to approve the minutes
of May 24, 1999. Motion carried.
THOTLAND ACCESS TO SWEENEY & CITY LOT — SOUTH END OF SWEENEY
LAKE
Rick Jacobson gave background information on the city -owned lot on the south end of Sweeney
Lake. Floyd Anderson, whose property is adjacent to this lot, had requested some time ago to
buy the property from the city. However, upon recommendation from the Open Space and Rec-
reation Commission, the City Council is moving forward to re -zoning this lot from residential to
open space, putting it under the jurisdiction of the Park & Recreation Department. The matter
was put on the agenda for this meeting in order that the Open Space and Recreation Commission
formulate a plan as to how the lot would be developed once the re -zoning is finalized.
Rick Jacobson has received calls from residents asking where the deeded access to Sweeney
Lake is located. That access is where Alfred and Angelo intersect. The upkeep of this deeded ac-
cess is the responsibility of the homeowners who have such deeded access.
Linda Loomis reported that she attended a City Council/Manager's meeting on June 8th. At that
meeting, City Council directed staff to proceed with the re -zoning process. At the same time, the
City council requested that the Open Space and Recreation Commission formulate a recommen-
dation as to what to do with the property at the end of Adeline Lane — leave it as it is, improve
the trail, etc.
Tom Zins suggested that another meeting be scheduled with a more focused discussion on this
issue with neighbors informed of the meeting.
Resident Floyd Anderson inquired as to whether or not other areas around the lake had been ex-
plored for public access, or could the city open up the existing public access rather than develop
one on the south end next to his property.
Resident Cora Meinhardt used the Thotland access a great deal many years ago, but stated that
she cannot get down there now. She would like a better access point and favors the lot on the
south side.
One resident asked how the City gained title to the lot. It apparently was through condemnation
in 1969 or 70 for storm water purposes, as well as access to the lake for maintenance purposes.
Floyd Anderson is very concerned about the Hennepin County trail coming near this area. He
feels large numbers of people would then use the lot adjacent to his property. Another resident
replied that hikers and bikers use trails for the purpose of only hiking and biking, not for access
to the lake. The concern should be for people who drive into the area, not for those who use the
trails.
A comment for signage to include parking by permit only, or signage to direct parking to the
north end where there is public access to the lake was suggested by a resident.
It was agreed that the meeting in July would be for public input and discussion of development
of this lot. Residents who attended this meeting will be sent a notice, as well as any residents liv-
ing within 500 feet of the lot. The meeting will be July 26`" at Brookview Community Center.
UPDATE ON NORTH HENNEPIN REGIONAL TRAIL
Presently, Hennepin Parks is negotiating with the apartment owner just west of Schaper Park re-
garding trail access there. Discussions are still ongoing regarding the section of trail that is to go
past the Calvary Cooperative.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Upon review of the draft of the Park Section of the Comprehensive Plan, Chuck Cahill suggested
that Breck School also be mentioned regarding cooperative efforts with outside organizations.
Honeywell Little League area will also be added to the total park acreage for the City.
A motion was made by Tom Zins and seconded by Roger McConico to approve the draft of the
Comprehensive Plan with the changes mentioned above. It was also requested that the plan be
brought back to the Open Space and Recreation Commission for review after the Planning
Commission has commented on it if any changes were requested it. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Honeywell
The City purchased the eleven acres owned by Honeywell where the Little League ballfield is
located.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Roger McConico and seconded by Chuck Cahill to adjourn. Motion car-
ried.
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