1-28-13GOLDEN VALLEY OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
January 28, 2013
Call to Order
Sandler called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Present: Roger Bergman, John Cornelius, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Anne Saffert, Jerry Sandler,
Dan Steinberg, Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; and Ben Disch,
Brookview Golf Course Manager.
Absent: Brad Kadue and Bob Mattison.
2. Aaenda Changes or Additions
None.
3. Approval of Minutes - October 22, 2012
MOTION: MOVED by Bergman and seconded by Saffert to approve the October 22 meeting
minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Brookview Golf Report - Ben Disch
Disch discussed and shared some history of the golf course.
Disch said the golf course is owned by the City and operates as an enterprise fund. He explained
that the course operates with no tax payer money for any maintenance, operation or capital
improvements. The course is funded 100% by user fees.
Disch then gave an update on the 2012 season. He said the course opened on March 14 with 72
degree weather. He said it was a very good year that ended in mid-November with 42,000 rounds
on the Regulation Course and over 17,000 rounds on the Par 3 Course. Both were up 7% from the
previous year. Disch said Brookview is one of the top 5-7 heaviest played public courses in
Minnesota.
Disch said they revamped the lessons and camps which increasing participation numbers in 2012.
Disch said they did over 100 corporate and group outings last year. He said corporate leagues are
also very popular. The most active groups are the Brookview Men's Club, which has approximately
200 members, and patron card holders. There are currently 700 patron card holders.
Sandler asked about the impact of the city-wide smoking ban. Disch said the first year was hard
but it's been easier as the years have gone by.
Disch touched on 2012 course improvements. He said after receiving feedback from course users,
two tee boxes on the course were re -leveled and improved. They also rebuilt four bunkers on the
course. Disch said the Grill was also updated with new carpet and chairs.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Open Space and Recreation Commission
January 28, 2013
Page 2
Disch said last year they hired 60 part-time seasonal employees ranging from 16-86 years old.
Disch said rates stayed the same for the 2013 season. He added that they have not raised rates in
5 years. They lowered the senior age to 60 from 62. Brookview continues reciprocity with Braemar
and Baker National Golf Courses in Edina. Disch also shared the possibility of Brookview Golf
Course and Community Center contracting with a third party food and beverage vendor for all
service of food and beverage. Disch said he and Jacobson met with food and beverage vendors
and there was good interest.
5. Park Section Comprehensive Plan Review
The Commission received copies of the current Comprehensive Plan. Discussion focused on
creating a list of recommendations for the City Council including updating the short and long
range plans for park projects. Sandler also suggested that the Commission revisit the plan
annually to continue to set goals and guidelines in an effort to stay proactive with the park
projects.
6. Bottineau Update
Sandler updated the Commission on the Council's vote to proceed to the next step. He also
encouraged the Commission to follow the meetings and stay informed.
7. Updates
Steinberg updated the Commission on the Loppet cross country ski event at Theo Wirth Park
this coming weekend.
Steinberg said the Phoenix Soccer Club board has had some turn over and suggested inviting
them to a future Open Space meeting.
8. Adjournment
MOTION: MOVED by Cornelius and seconded by Steinberg to adjourn at 8:45 PM. Motion
carried unanimously.