8-23-2004tbwnlley
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Brookview Community Center
Monday, August 23, 2004
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Sandler called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
11. ROLL CALL
Present: Open Space and Recreation Commission: Liz Elder, Roger McConico, Tom Zins, Chuck
Cahill, Jim Vaughan, Jerry Sandler, Jim Johnson and James Heine.
City Staff Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Kris Tovson, Golf Course
Manager; Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Sheila Van Sloun, Parks and Recreation
Administrative Assistant.
Absent: Open Space and Recreation Commission: Tom Kuelbs
1111111. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
Addition made to Old Business:
- South Tyrol Park Update
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — June 28, 2004
MOTION: Moved by Zins and seconded by Heine to approve the minutes. Motion carried
unanimously.
V. FORESTRY REPORT — All Lundstrom
Lundstrom explained that in 1977 the City hit its peak for Dutch Elm disease. He said that two years ago,
numbers were in the 200's, last year they marked 400 trees and this year numbers are in the 600's, not
including diseased elms on General Mills property. Lundstrom explained that General Mills has been
removing diseased elms and forwarding the numbers to the City.
Lundstrom explained that after a tree is marked, the City then sends out notices and gives residents 20
days to remove the tree. If trees are not removed within 20 days, the City will have the tree removed
and assess the cost of removal to the property owner. Lundstrom explained that for liability reasons, the
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City doesn't get involved in tree removal on private property. He also said that residents are finding
contractors to remove the trees usually within the 20 day limit.
VI. LAKEVIEW PARK POND STUDY — All Lundstrom
Lundstrom explained that the cities Storm Water Management Plan identifies storm water ponds for
flood control and water quality. The plan, which was completed in 1999, identified several locations for
potential storm water ponds; Lakeview Park was included as a possible location. A feasibility report was
recently done to determine if a pond in Lakeview Park would be technically feasible; and if feasible, to
determine a preliminary layout and cost estimate of the pond.
Lundstrom explained that the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission's (BCWMC) CIP identified
the area of Boone Ave/Hwy 55 as a potential pond project area. Because the City is currently working in
that area well ahead of the scheduled year in the BCWMC CIP, which doesn't identify the project until
2007, the watershed could not fund the pond project. Therefore, there are funds in the 2007 Bassett
Creek Water Shed CIP that are not getting utilized because we had to start the flood plain project at
Boone Ave/Hwy 55.
Lundstrom said that he has been directed to write a letter to the BCWMC for the Council to approve,
asking to keep those funds available to potentially use for the Lakeview project in 2007, should it be
approved.
Lundstrom explained that the goals of the Lakeview Park project are to improve water quality in
Medicine Lake, reduce/eliminate flooding to homes around Lakeview and to create an amenity (pond)
for the park. He said that this is also an opportunity in 2007 to look at renovating the entire park. The .
Commission then discussed possible renovations.
Sandler asked Jacobson if there have been any inquiries about renovations to the area. Jacobson said
that there hasn't been any recent requests.
Zins said that the residents in the area should be informed well in advance. Other Commission members
agreed.
Cahill said that it would be great if improvements in the park would result in a more usable ball/soccer
field.
Zins said that adding a pond to the park would mostly benefit the Water Shed District and the City of
Plymouth and those living on Medicine Lake. He feels that improving the park is a way of justifying the
addition of a pond, which takes up park space and felt that funding for the park master plan study, and
improvements, should be paid for by the BCWMC since it's the pond dictating re -organization of the
park. Several Commissioners agreed.
VI1. BROOKVIEW GOLF UPDATE — Kris Tovson
Tovson explained that golfing is down nationwide and that they are trying to generate more rounds of
golf through various promotions. Tovson believes that weather has been a big factor in the amount of
play, but also the parking lot repaving last year and the Winnetka Avenue closure contributed as well.
Tovson explained that golf courses in Minnesota are down 4-7% in revenue this year. She explained that
Brookview is in the 4% range. She also said that Brookview is in the top 6-9 busiest golf courses in the
state.
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Tovson said that Golf Maintenance is taking excellent care of the course.
Tovson said that the Brookview Junior Boys Golf team through the Minnesota Golf Association finished
first in their district, second in the region and fifth in state.
Tovson discussed events and classes, such as: Learn While You Play, Bring Your family to the Golf
Course Week, Women's State Senior Tournament and the Golden Valley Foundation Tournament. She
also said that there are several company outings in August and September and that the Grill has been
busy catering events.
Zins asked when the best years were. Tovson explained that the best years were in the late 80's to early
90's when they exceed $2 million in revenue and were up to 54,000 rounds. She explained that the best
year ever was in 1987-88 when we had and extremely dry season and rounds were up to 58,000.
Jacobson said the pool/golf exchange program with St. Louis Park has benefited us as well as St. Louis
Park.
VI11. OLD BUSINESS
South Tyrol Trail
Sandler said the Council did approve the paving of the trail with a vote of 4-1, and that it has already
been paved and turned out very well.
Applebee's in Golden Valley
Jacobson talked about the new Applebee's in Golden Valley. He said that Youth Athletic Associations
were contacted to donate items for display in the new restaurant.
Brookview Park Performance Area
Jacobson explained that the Golden Valley Federated Women's Club is hosting a fashion show and
silent auction at Golden Valley Country Club on Saturday, October 23rd from which the proceeds will be
used to go towards the proposed performance area at Brookview, which is identified for 2006 in the
CIP.
IX. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by Johnson, seconded by McConico to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
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