minutes-osrc-regular-apr-27-20
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mattison.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Roger Bergman, John Cornelius, Bill Delaney, Max Hyberger, Kelly
Kuebelbeck, Bob Mattison, Matthew Sanders, Dawn Speltz, and Della
Daml.
Commissioners absent: None.
Staff present: Rick Birno, Director of Parks and Recreation, John Stutzman, Recreation
Supervisor; Recreation Coordinator; Kimberly Sanberg, City Council; and
Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant.
3. Agenda Changes or Additions
None.
4. Approval of January 27, 2020 Minutes
MOTION moved by Speltz and seconded by Kuebelbeck to approve the January 27, 2020 meeting
minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Swearing In and Introduce New Commission Member Linden Weiswerda
Birno introduced Weiswerda to the Commission. Weiswerda said he’s been a Golden Valley resident
for a year and a half. He has two children and works for the Minneapolis Park Board. Commissioners
then introduced themselves and welcomed Weiswerda.
6. COVID-19 Parks & Recreation Services Update
Birno shared the current policy in place for COVID-19, which includes the closure of all rental and
recreation facilities, along with the cancellation of all recreation programs until further notice. He
said refunds have and will continue to be issued as the policy changes.
Birno said Brookview Golf Course opened Saturday, April 25 after Governor Tim Walz recently issued
an executive order that expands outdoor recreation opportunities. The course is open with limited
operations and temporary restrictions to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The Regulation Course,
Par 3 Course, Driving Range, Practice Greens, and Brookview restrooms are open. The Golf Shop,
April 27, 2020 – 6:30 pm
Virtual WebEx
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2020 – 6:30 pm
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Lawn Bowling Green, and Three One Six Bar + Grill will remain closed until further notice. Tee times
may be booked online or by phone with credit card. No cash will be accepted.
Birno shared the addition of a Park Patrol, which will consists of staff patrolling parks and open
spaces to remind patrons of safe social distancing practices.
Birno said tennis court nets and basketball hoops are up.
Mattison asked about the status of Youth Athletic Association sports. Birno said they are hoping to
get the seasons in, but may need to be shortened based on policy changes in the future.
7. New HomeRECed Program – Next Steps
Stutzman shared details on HomeRECed, a free daily program offered through Golden Valley Parks
and Recreation in the comfort of your own home. The online program offers simple and fun activities
for everyone, including: scavenger hunts, basic yoga poses, and arts and crafts. He said the program
was spurred by the COVID-19 closures and offered to help individuals stay active and engaged
mentally and physically. He said in the last 35 days, over 3,200 people engaged in the program.
Weiswerda shared that he participated with his children and looks forward to more.
Birno encouraged the Commissioners to share any creative ideas they have for the program.
Stutzman announced that some of his youth activity contractors are now offering their classes
virtually, instead of cancelling all together.
Stutzman announced that organizers are working with sponsors to develop a virtual event that can
be viewed online for this year’s Bike Rodeo and Vehicle Fair. He encouraged the Commissioners to
check out the details on the city website.
Mattison thanked John and all the Park and Recreation staff for all their efforts during this difficult
time.
Mattison asked about the status of this year’s Step To It Challenge. Stutzman said the program will
still take place as normal. He said it helps that it’s already a virtual event.
8. 2020 Resolution to Approve Recognized Golden Valley Youth Athletic Associations
Birno shared the list of Youth Athletic Associations with the Commissioners. He said these
organizations offer programs the Park and Recreation Department is not able to offer. He also said
these organization do a great job in the community and get a considerable amount of youth
participation in their programs.
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2020 – 6:30 pm
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Birno shared that he was recently contacted by Hopkins Girls Basketball to be considered as a
recognized Golden Valley Youth Athletic Association and begin having their contact information
shared in the Golden Valley seasonal activities catalogs.
MOTION moved by Bergman and seconded by Sanders to approve the current list of Recognized
Golden Valley Youth Athletic Associations, and add Hopkins Girls Basketball to that list, which
includes: Golden Valley Little League Baseball, Golden Valley Girls Slowpitch Softball, Armstrong
Cooper Youth Lacrosse, Armstrong Cooper Youth Hockey, Cooper/Armstrong Girls Fastpitch Softball,
Armstrong Cooper Youth Baseball Association, and Park Valley United FC Soccer Club. Motion carried
unanimously.
Birno said he would invite a representative from Hopkins Girls Basketball to a future meeting for
introductions.
9. DeCola Ponds E & F – Isaacson Park Industrial Area and Wildwood Park – SEA School
Birno shared information on the underground DeCola Ponds Flood Mitigation Plan near Medicine
Lake Road and Winnetka Avenue. He said the next phase includes exploring for flood storage in the
SEA School-Wildwood Park Area.
Kuebelbeck expressed concern on any impact the project would have on the SEA School or Wildwood
Park and would like to see those areas be preserved if possible.
Speltz suggested having the project take place and blend with ballfield improvements in the area.
10. Commission and Staff Update
• Staff and Commission Updates
- Speltz shared that the Rice Lake dock detached and flooded away from shore. She said a
resident retrieved it and brought it back. She inquired on when it would be fixed. Birno
said he would touch base with Public Works and report back to the OSRC.
- Speltz shared that the trail drainage in Sochacki Park near Bonnie Lane is much better this
spring.
- Mattison asked about winter trail use at Brookview this past winter. Birno said the trail
was extremely active this year with a ton more use than previous years. He said they
added solar trail lights and pub curling on the lawn bowling greens, which have been very
busy. They plan to offer it again next year.
• OSRC 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
Mattison said he recently presented the 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan to City
Council sharing four to five key items for each year. He said the presentation was well
received by the Council. One key item mentioned was park dedication fees. After brief
discussion, Weiswerda suggested having park dedication fees linked to number of residents
or jobs added by new construction, rather than by platting.