5-19-2003�o= �alley
Open Space & Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Brookview Community Center
Monday, May 19, 2003 — 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
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V.
Present: Liz Elder, Roger McConico, Chuck Cahill, Jim Vaughan, Jerry Sandler,
Jim Johnson and Tom Kuelbs, Jr.
City Staff: Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks & Recreation
Tom Klatt, Public Works Maintenance Manager
SEH: Veronica Anderson
Absent: Lance Ness and Tom Zins
Residents: Jim Ladner and Bob Provost
AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
The following additions were made:
1) Water Treatment Plant — Sheriff's Site
2) Next months meeting date
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — April 28, 2003
The minutes will be available for approval at the next meeting.
2003 TRAIL WORK
Tom Klatt brought the Commission up to date on the proposed trail work for 2003. Segments included
are the South Tyrol Park trail from Tyrol Trail to June Avenue, portions of the east -west link of the Laurel
Avenue trail, and the east -west portion of the trail that runs on the north side of Betty Crocker Drive.
Discussion then focused on the South Tyrol Park trail. Tom said the goal is to pave the current ag-lime
(gravel) trails, a decision which is consistent with previous motions by the Open Space and Recreation
Commission. Access to this area is necessary for Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES)
staff and for the City's maintenance staff. The plan is to pave the section of trail from June Avenue past
the Metropolitan Sewer metering station and then to Tyrol Trail. The path connects to the park's internal
trail leading to the playground equipment and access path off Kaltern Lane.
Staff recommends the work be done to provide a more durable trail requiring less maintenance and
having less erosion, providing a trail which is more usable in varying weather conditions, will better
accommodate those using wheeled mobility devices, and will provide better access for police vehicles to
access the area.
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2003 TRAIL WORK (cont.)
Jim Ladner, a resident of this area and President of the South Tyrol Hills Neighborhood Association,
expressed concern about the trails looking more like roads. Therefore, people will tend to drive back
there. Jerry Sandler asked if there is an ordinance that prevents people from doing so. Rick Jacobson
said the City has an ordinance against driving in City parks, and that neighbors should call the Police if
this happens. The entrance to the path would be blocked by bollards so cars could not enter without a
key to open the access
Mr. Ladner also said that most of the residents in this area, do not want the trails paved.
Jerry Sandler said the City should pave what they have to, to create an environment that is easier to
maintain, and creates a surface for more varied uses.
Tom Klatt added that the City has received positive feedback from areas that have been paved around
the city.
Jerry Sandler asked if the trail from June Avenue to the metering station had to be paved. Tom Klatt said
that the current ag-lime trail is steep and in bad shape with wash outs and erosion. Asphalt would be
longer lasting, more user friendly and cut back on maintenance.
Tom Kuelbs said that when the General Mills trail area was paved, it created more resident use, which in
turn, is good because there are more people using it, which he feels, makes it safer.
Jim Vaughan added that he lives in the South Tyrol area near June Avenue and feels strongly, as do
some of his neighbors, that paving the trail would be an asset encouraging more use, accessibility, a
safer condition, and less maintenance.
Jim Johnson said the City is just trying to improve what they are responsible for. He also said they are not
trying to create new nuisances, but rather make the trails as safe as possible.
Mr. Ladner said that all are welcome to the South Tyrol Park area. He feels that paving the trail is going
to bring people that abuse property and encourage partying.
Tom Klatt said that people can get back there now if they want to and that the City hasn't had any
problems or vandalism in this area. He reiterated that their goal is to make the area more user friendly,
cleaner and easier to maintain.
Bob Provost, another resident from this area and a member of the South Tyrol Hills Neighborhood
Association, suggested that the neighbors from this area meet with City staff to discuss the issue.
MOTION: Moved by Roger McConico and seconded by Jim Johnson, to continue with the
proposed policy of paving trails which this year includes portions of the east -west links of
the Laurel Avenue trail system, the east west portion of the trail that runs on the north
side of Betty Crocker, and the trail that begins on June Avenue and runs to the metering
station and Tyrol Trail. Motion carried unanimously.
VI. BROOKVIEW PARK IMPROVEMENTS - SEH
Tom Klatt explained the improvements to be made at Brookview Park. Improvements include:
reconstruction of Brookview Parkway adding curb and gutter, adding a sidewalk along Brookview
Parkway, regrade and raise the sidewalk on the east side of the large pond, rebuild all parking lots
adding curb and gutter and additional parking spaces, regrading the ponds, regrade and fill the ball field
for better drainage, addition of water service to the small shelter, several improvements/upgrades to the
large shelter, and a master plan location for a performance area.
Tom Kuelbs asked if there was a chance that a trail be added from the playground to the parking lot. Rick
Jacobson explained that the north parking lot has a trail to the playground.
BROOKVIEW PARK IMPROVEMENTS — SEH (cont.)
Veronica Anderson from SEH talked about the future addition of trees and plantings at Brookview. She
explained a few ideas that SEH had for the park which include: the addition of red maples to add color in
the fall, a buffer round the pond with native vegetation, adding flowers throughout the park, and adding
interpretive signage.
Tom Kuelbs asked if there was any plan of attracting wildlife with bird or wood duck houses. Veronica
said that the current plan did not include such an idea, but that the native vegetation may support some
nests.
Tom Klatt talked about the location for a performance area to be included in the master plan for future
funding consideration.
Veronica then talked about the entrance sign ideas for Brookview. The location of the signs would be on
the corners of Western and Winnetka, and Harold and Winnetka. Veronica explained that the signs could
be lighted, have raised lettering, and be.made of a combination of brick and cedar.
VII. SKATE PARK PARTNERSHIP
Rick Jacobson explained that the 3`d Lair Skate park has put together a partnership with the City. The
partnership will allow Golden Valley youth to use the outdoor skate park free of charge during the
season. Youth are required to show up the first time with their parents so they can sign a waiver and
provide proof of residency. Golden Valley youth can also use the indoor park by paying the general
admission fee. This partnership is currently in effect.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
1) Wirth Beach Study Update — No new update.
2) Envision Golden Valley — Jerry Sandler announced that the steering committee will be
meeting and is looking for volunteers for committees.
IX. OTHER BUSINESS
1) Water Treatment Plant — Rick Jacobson explained that three sites, in addition to the Sheriff's
Site, have come under consideration for a possible water treatment plant; City property just
south of the Honeywell ball fields, City owned land on Dahlberg Drive and a site in Crystal. It is
believed the site would take four to five acres.
Roger McConico asked if we were in a partnership with Crystal. Rick Jacobson explained that
we are in a partnership for water distribution with New Hope and Crystal, but the water comes
from the Minneapolis water system.
2) Next Meeting — Rick Jacobson reminded the Commission that the next meeting is the annual
park tour. Commission members are to meet at Brookview at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, June 23`d
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by Jim Johnson, seconded by Roger McConico to adjourn. Motion carried.
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