2-24-2003alley
Open Space & Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Brookview Community Center
February 24, 2003 — 7: 00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Liz Elder, Roger McConico, Tom Zins, Jim Vaughan, Jerry Sandler, Jim Johnson and
Tom Kuelbs, Jr.
City Staff: Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks & Recreation
Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant
Brian Erickson, Recreation Supervisor
Others Present: Jerry Morales and Tom Christianson, Robbinsdale Area Youth Baseball
IAbsent: Chuck Cahill and Lance Ness
II. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
Additions to Old Business by Rick Jacobson:
- Tobacco -Free Policy
Addition to Other Business by Rick Jacobson:
- Budget Update
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —January 27, 2003
MOTION: Moved by Roger McConico, seconded by Tom Zins, to approve the minutes.
Motion carried.
V. ROBBINSDALE AREA YOUTH BASEBALL — Jerry Morales and Tom Christianson
Jerry and Tom, who are Robbinsdale Area Youth Baseball Association Commissioners, explained that
the organization was formed in 2001 through the merger of West Metro Babe Ruth and
Armstrong/Cooper Youth Baseball Association. The program is open to boys and girls ages 10 to 18
living within the 281 school district.
They offer four different levels: Traveling Baseball ages 10-15, Junior Babe Ruth ages 13-15, Mickey
Mantle for 16 year olds and Senior Babe Ruth ages 17-18. Last year they had 300 youth enrolled.
Jerry and Tom explained that they have fields for use in Robbinsdale, Plymouth, Crystal and Golden
Valley. They then asked the question of the Commission about getting additional field space in Golden
Valley because they feel the fields are maintained so well.
ROBBINSDALE AREA YOUTH BASEBALL — Jerry Morales and Tom Christianson (cont.)
Jerry Sandler asked if they have gone to other park boards requesting additional field space and they
said they had. Rick explained to the Commission that Golden Valley provides two fields at Sandburg (one
lighted) and one at Wesley Park for Babe Ruth use. Based on the number of Golden Valley Youth in the
program, the commission felt that the number of fields provided was very fair.
Roger McConico wanted to know if they conducted try outs. Tom explained that they do evaluations for
participants through the age of 15.
VI. RECREATION REPORT — Brian Erickson
Brian Erickson, Recreation Supervisor, distributed summer program schedules for 2003 and gave a brief
overview. He then gave details on an organization called Skyhawks, which he is working with to
implement summer camps, such as Mini -Hawk Camp to be held in August for youth aged 4-7 to explore
various sports, and Lacrosse Camp. He also discussed a joint program with the 3rd Lair Skate Park, who
will be hosting a summer Skateboarding Camp. Other new programs this season include Kickball and
Ultimate Frisbee.
Liz Elder suggested offering full-day day camps as opposed to half-day day camps for those parents
that need to arrange daycare for their children. Brian said she had a good point and that he would look
into it in the future.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
1) Wirth Beach Study Update — Roger McConico distributed plans for the new shelter. He explained
that it will be constructed for summer use only, not year round due to cost. Rick Jacobson asked
when construction would begin. Roger said they are planning for next year. Tom Zins wanted to
know how the building would be closed up and secured in the winter. Roger explained that there
are metal roll down doors to secure the building.
2) Brookview Area Street Reconstruction Update — Rick Jacobson explained the new parking lot
plan, which will include wider 90 degree parking spaces, two-way traffic and additional parking
spaces.
3) Tobacco -Free Policy — Jerry Sandler distributed copies of a letter he produced, that he is going to
send to each Council Member and the Mayor, requesting the tobacco -free policy. Rick Jacobson
said that he would contact Brittany Meyer from Tobacco -Free Youth Recreation, to discuss signs for
the parks.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
1) Budget Update — Rick Jacobson gave details on the recent budget issues. Tom Kuelbs asked if
the 2003 budget would be affected. Rick explained that Tom Burt, City Manager, has asked each
department to come up with ways to cut 4% from their budgets. Rick then explained potential
adjustments for the Recreation Department.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by Jim Johnson, seconded by Roger McConico to adjourn. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.