4-25-16
GOLDEN VALLEY OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
April 25, 2016
Present:
Commissioners: Roger Bergman, Andy Bukowski, John Cornelius, Kelly Kuebelbeck, and Bob
Mattison. Director of Parks and Recreation, Rick Birno; and Administrative Assistant, Sheila
Van Sloun. Glenn Waguespack, HGA Architects and Engineers. Pat Dale, Golden Valley Little
League.
Absent:
Gillian Rosenquist and Dawn Speltz.
1.Call to Order
Rosenquist called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
2. Approval of Minutes – January 25, 2016
Bergman made the correction of Anne Saffert as present.
MOTION:
Moved by Bergman and seconded by Bukowski to approve the January 25, 2016
minutes as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Golden Valley Little League Update – Pat Dale
Dale gave the Commission a brief update on Golden Valley Little League. He said there are 205 youth
registered this year, which is down from about 235 in 2015. He said the program takes kids as young
as 5 years old, starting in the Rookie League. He said that all participants now have to live or attend
school in Golden Valley to participate in the league.
He said Isaacson fields have been great, but added that field two continues to flood between home
plate and the pitching mound. Birno said staff would look into it. They currently use Isaacson, Seeman,
Scheid, Stockman, and other smaller ball fields for practices.
Mattison asked about the possibility of lights at Isaacson. Dale said the addition of lights would
provide an opportunity to pull practices from other parks, freeing them up for other uses; as well as
more schedule options later in the day. Birno added that the city will be applying for a grant for the
lights at Isaacson. Dale said the association families are ready to help with fundraising.
4. Community Center Plan Review/Neighborhood Meeting Update
Waguespack said he and city staff met with a few surrounding neighbors on their concerns with the
proposed project. He said they discussed concerns and screening options along property lines.
Waguespack also gave an updates on the project. He discussed parking, traffic, bike path, updated
design concepts, and building materials. He added that there are currently 279 parking spots, which
will increase to 363 after construction is complete.
Birno added that during construction, there will be limited access to the current community center,
therefore, party rentals will not be taking place during that time.
5. OSRC Annual Report Review
Mattison gave brief details on the annual report. He said it will be presented to the Council/Manager
meeting on May 10.
6. Wesley Park Signage
Birno showed examples of the new park signage. He plans to change out 4-5 signs per year until all are
complete. He asked the commission their opinion on signage for Wesley Park. The commission agreed
that the signs should be separate and read, “North Wesley Park” and “South Wesley Park.”
Minutes of the Open Space and Recreation Commission
April 25, 2016
Page 2
7. Metro Blue Line Extension Update
Birno said all recommendations discussed by the park commission were implemented. He said the JPA
committee is working with the LRT to get budget estimates together.
8. Dog Issues in Parks Discussion
Mattison said the issue was brought up from residents in the Lions Park area. He said there are
complaints of people walking their dogs and not picking up after them. He asked the commission if
signage and/or disposal stations are necessary. After discussion, the commission agreed to monitor
the issue and revisit the options at a later date.
9. Summer Project Updates
Birno shared summer project updates.
-Sandburg Fields are 90% complete. All electrical is in. Turf just needs to grow. He plans to have a
ribbon cutting ceremony sometime in September.
-Brookview Gazebo construction will begin any day. Grand Opening is planned for July 11.
-Bleachers at Parks will be replaced each year at various parks until all have been replaced.
-Tennis courts will be resurfaced at Wesley, Medley, and Scheid, or Brookview and Lions depending
on conditions.
-The trail near Laurel Avenue running north and south will be redone.
-Golden Oaks Park will be getting new basketball hoop and a new play structure.
-Wildwood Park will be getting a new sun shelter and an adjustable basketball hoop.
-Brookview Park will be getting a new adjustable hoop.
-Lakeview Park shelter building will be getting a new roof and new play structure.
-Yosemite Park will be getting a swing set, basketball court with adjustable hoop, and the internal
park trail will be redone.
10. Staff Updates
Discover SLP
a. – Birno said the proposed marketing agreement goes before the City Council for
review on May 10.
Deer Removal
b. – Birno said during the 2016 removal, only seven deer were harvested. He plans
to request the same number of permits next year. The commission suggested turkey removal.
Birno plans to explore the option.
Recreation Supervisor Position
c. – Birno said the department reorganized the three Recreation
Supervisor positions and advertised for a Recreation Supervisor for youth programs. They
received 120 applications and have narrowed it down to two finalists. Final interviews are May 2
with an anticipated start date in late May.
Run The Valley
d. – Birno said Brian Erickson has taken over the event, since Jeanne Fackler’s
retirement. The event will have over 500 runners.
Board and Commission Dinner
e. – Birno said the event is on June 22 at 6:30 pm. Official
invitations will be sent out in the near future.
11. Adjournment
MOTION:
Moved by Mattison and seconded by Bergman to adjourn at 9:25 pm. Motion carried
unanimously.
ATTEST: Bob Mattison, Chair
Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant