04-24-17 Open Space & Recreation CommissionGOLDEN VALLEY OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2017
1. Call to Order
Cornelius called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
2. Roll Call
Present: Commissioners: Roger Bergman, Cindy Carow-Schiebe, John Cornelius, Bob Mattison, Gillian
Rosenquist, Kimberly Sanberg, and Dawn Speltz. Staff. Rick Birno, Director of Parks and Recreation; Ben
Disch, Golf Course Manager; and Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant.
Absent: Andy Bukowski and Kelly Kuebelbeck.
3. Agenda Changes or Additions
None.
4. Approval of Minutes - March 27, 2017
Sanberg made a spelling correction to her name in item nine.
MOTION: Moved by Bergman and seconded by Rosenquist to approve the March 27, 2017 meeting
minutes as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Brookview Golf Update - Ben Disch
Disch began by updating the Commission on the 2016 season. He said it was an excellent season and
record year for the course, which remains in the top 3-4 played courses in Minnesota. He said it was
also a record year for the driving range, which opened early and closed late.
Disch said the last two years have seen record sales in food and beverage. He said the addition of lawn
bowling and liquor service in 2014 has changed their business dramatically. He added that
merchandise had record sales last year we well.
Disch added that they are maxed out on all their leagues and that Brookview's Men's League is the
largest in the state.
This season, the driving range opened in March and lawn bowling opens next week. They will be
offering free lawn bowling for the community on Friday, May 5 from 6-9 pm.
Disch noted several improvements that have been completed, including: 60-70 additional parking
spots added at the driving range, driving range building improvements, construction of a new putting
green, re -sodding of the driving range tee, and renovation of 90% of the bunkers, to name a few.
Disch then discussed parking during construction, issues they are having, and ideas for improving the
situation.
6. Review 2016 Open Space and Recreation Commission Annual Report
Birno said the annual report is complete and ready to be presented to the City Council on May 9, 2017
by Chair Cornelius.
7. Medley and Wesley Tennis Courts/Park Planning
Birno provided an update on the plans to remove and not replace the Glenview tennis courts this fall.
Wildwood tennis courts will also be removed this fall and replaced with six Pickle Ball courts, which
will be scheduled to open in the summer of 2018.
Open Space&Recreation Commission Minutes
April 24,2017
Page 2
Discussion then moved to the Medley tennis courts (reconstructed in 1991)and the Wesley Park
tennis courts (constructed in 1970's). Both sets of courts have deteriorated to the point they cannot be
repaired.City Council has appropriated $300,000 to partner with the Park CIP budget of$60,000 to
replace failing tennis courts.Staff is recommending that the Wesley Park tennis courts be removed
and reconstructed to four/five courts with new fence and lighting.Construction would begin in the
fall of 2017 and be completed summer of 2018.Staff is also recommending that Medley Park tennis
courts be removed, not replaced,and consider the location for a future community garden.
Discussion also included future use of the ball field#2 area at Medley Park,which is no longer
appropriate for baseball/softball activities.Both staff and commission members agree this could
potentially be a location for an off-leash pet exercise area in the future and the location should be
explored for that amenity.
The Commission is very supportive of staff recommendations and looks forward to the plans for the
improvements.
Staff will work to pull together improvement information to share with neighborhoods and work with
consultants on an RFP packet for the Wildwood Pickle Ball courts and the Wesley Park tennis courts.
The May Open Space and Recreation Commission meeting will focus on defining what a community
garden in Golden Valley consists of and developing location recommendations to recommend to the
City Council.
8. Commission and Staff Updates
Brookview Construction and Driving Range Building Improvements- Birno said roof and mason
work will begin on May 1. He said concrete work is complete.In the indoor play area,a few
adjustments will need to be made to the sprinkler design.The driving range building windows and
siding are complete,and concrete work in the cold storage area will be done by weeks end.
2016/17 Deer Removal Update-Birno said due to the lack of snow, it was a bad year for removals.
He said they plan to implement the program again next year.
Run The Valley at Meadowbrook on April 29,2017- Birno said the event has been moved to
Meadowbrook this year due to construction at Brookview.
Schaper Park Challenge Course and All Inclusive Play Structure- Birno said the project is moving
forward as a partnership with Three Rivers Park District,and grants received from Paul's Pals and
Minnesota Wisconsin Playgrounds.Anticipated completion is September 2017.
Lakeview Park Update-Birno said due to moisture in the park,the project has been on hold. He said
additional fill will be added.The final work will be done as soon as it's dry enough for the footings to
be installed.
9. Adjournment
MOTION: Moved by Bergman and seconded by Rosenquist to adjourn at 8:30 pm.Motion carried
unanimously.
ATTEST �/; hn Cornelius,Chair
Sheila Van Sloun,Administrative Assistant