3-18-13GOLDEN VALLEY OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
March 18, 2013
1. Call to Order
Sandler called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Present: Roger Bergman, John Cornelius, Bob Mattison, Jerry Sandler, Dan Steinberg,
Jim Fitzsimmons, Golden Valley Phoenix Soccer Club; Joanie Clausen, City Council
Member; Shep Harris, City Mayor; Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation;
and Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant.
Absent: Brad Kadue, Kelly Kuebelbeck and Anne Saffert.
2. Agenda Changes or Additions
None.
3. Approval of Minutes — January 28, 2013
MOTION: MOVED by Steinberg and seconded by Bergman to approve the January 28
meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Greetings from Mayor Harris
Harris began by thanking the Commission for their service and time.
With the new city survey coming out this year, Harris asked the Commission to think big and
creatively for suggestions and ideas to recommend to the Council to take the community to a new
level with programs and services. In an effort to think creatively, he asked the Commission to try
not to be so concerned with funding while coming up with recommendations, leaving the funding
questions to the Council.
He also recommended a resident that expressed interest in participating in a community group
sub -committee to do community outreach and provide recommendations to the Open Space and
Recreation Commission. Sandler said he'd like to discuss the opportunity with the Commission
and requested their contact information. Clausen said she appreciates that the Commission is
open to the idea. Sandler said it helps to get new and fresh input and ideas.
5. Golden Valley Phoenix Soccer Update — Jim Fitzsimmons
Fitzsimmons introduced himself and stated he's been with the club for 5 years, 3 of which he's
been President.
Fitzsimmons said the demand from parents for a more competitive travel program has
increased. In an effort to do so, the club has begun phasing out parent coaches and bringing in
paid coaches for the kids in the competitive soccer program. There are currently 600+ families
involved in the competitive program, which includes 27 teams ranging from 1.19-1.117. There are
15 girls teams and 12 boys teams.
Fitzsimmons said the recreational program has about 280 kids, with 30 teams ranging from
ages 5-10. He said this program still has parent coaches.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Open Space and Recreation Commission
March 18, 2013
Page 2
Fitzsimmons said their goal is to keep costs down. Compared to surrounding communities,
Phoenix Soccer fees are less. He said they also offer financial assistance.
Fitzsimmons said the different age groups require different size fields and it can be a lot for one
community to accommodate. He said they really enjoy the field space in Golden Valley but they
are in need of more practice space. He's been working with surrounding communities to
accommodate that need. Fitzsimmons said the club is getting participants from Golden Valley,
Crystal, Robbinsdale, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and Minneapolis.
Steinberg asked about the evening summer Park and Recreation programs and Phoenix Soccer
being on some of the same evenings. He wanted to know if there was going to be some
collaboration between the two for better scheduling. Jacobson said it's difficult to avoid overlap
with all the other association's schedules with the fields they have at their disposal. Fitzsimmons
added they are doing the best they can with scheduling around all other community activities.
The nights that were chosen were based on the consensus of what worked best for most of the
families that participate in the soccer club.
It was asked at what age the competitive league begins. Fitzsimmons said competitive starts
with U9 and goes up to U17.
Mattison asked if Phoenix feels the need for another full size field. Fitzsimmons said yes, they
are using a field in Robbinsdale. Mattison suggested Sandburg fields as a possibility.
Fitzsimmons expressed interest in a Golden Valley athletic dome. He said a number of
surrounding communities have domes that are busy.
Fitzsimmons encouraged the Commission to visit their website at www.gvphoenixsoccer.org.
6. City Survey Park Questions Review
Jacobson said Cheryl Weiler is looking for input from the Commission for topics for the city
survey. Copies of the Park and Recreation portion of the 2006 city survey were distributed and
discussed. After discussion, Jacobson asked the Commission to submit their input and ideas to
Van Sloun.
7. OSRC Work Plan
Sandler said Mayor Harris has challenged the Commissions to be more pro -active with work
plan goals. Sandler said he would like to discuss new thoughts and ideas for programs
throughout the year. Discussion then focused on topics and suggestions. Sandler encouraged
the Commission to continue to share their ideas.
8. Updates
Jacobson reminded the Commission that Run the Valley is on Saturday, April 13 beginning and
ending at Brookview Community Center.
Jacobson informed the Commission that Brookview Golf received one proposal for a food and
beverage contract. He said the proposal did not meet the needs of the golf course and
community center and that they did not accept the proposal.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Open Space and Recreation Commission
March 18, 2013
Page 3
9. Adjournment
MOTION: MOVED by Mattison and seconded by Bergman to adjourn at 8:40 PM. Motion
carried unanimously.
Jerry Sandler, Chair
ATTEST:
Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant