minutes-osrc-regular-oct-26-20
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Cornelius.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Roger Bergman, John Cornelius, Della Daml, Bill Delaney, Kelly
Kuebelbeck, Bob Mattison, Matthew Sanders, Dawn Speltz, Linden
Weiswerda, and Brian Wright
Commissioners absent: None
Staff present: Brian Erickson, Recreation Supervisor; Al Lundstrom, Park Maintenance
Supervisor; Kimberly Sanberg, City Council; Kirsten Santelices, Human
Resources Director; Gregg Simmons, Recreation and Facilities
Supervisor; and John Stutzman, Recreation Supervisor
3. Agenda Changes or Additions
None.
4. Approval of September 29, 2020 Minutes
MOTION moved by Bergman and seconded by Weiswerda to approve the September 29, 2020
meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Introduction To Just Deeds Project
Santelices shared information on the Just Deeds Project, which has been launched by the Golden
Valley Human Right Commission (HRC) to help property owners renounce discriminatory covenants
on their property titles. She shared a short video on discriminatory covenants then shared instances
in Golden Valley and surrounding communities, including her personal experience with
discriminatory covenants.
Santelices said the City Council did vote in October to disallow any discriminatory covenants on all
City owned properties.
MOTION moved by Mattison and seconded by Weiswerda to support the City Council’s action in
disallowing discriminatory covenants on all city owned properties. Motion carried unanimously.
October 26, 2020 – 6:30 pm
WebEx
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2020 – 6:30 pm
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6. Decola Ponds E & F – SEA School Wildwood Park Study Update Summary
Lundstrom shared a summary of events to date. He said based on feedback and site conditions,
concept plans have been created and can be viewed on the city website. He said there will be
additional opportunities for community input in the near future.
Lundstrom said benefits of the project include reduction in flood levels, improved water quality,
increase ecological diversity, enhance wildlife habitat, and creating educational opportunities for the
SEA school.
He said the city is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine which concept plan is best
and the costs involved. He said the study will be complete in the next few months with proposed
construction to begin in the spring of 2022.
Weiswerda asked if there were any future capital improvement projects that could be done in
conjunction with this project. Lundstrom said the city engineering department does a fantastic job on
coordinating city projects to take place simultaneously, however in this situation, there are none.
Kuebelbeck shared neighborhood concern on the narrowing of roads as a result of this project.
Lundstrom said there will be additional opportunity to share comments and concerns this winter.
Lundstrom said Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor, has offered to attend a future
meeting to discuss the project.
7. French Regional Park Master Plan Update Study
Stutzman shared information on the French Regional Park master plan survey. Cornelius encouraged
all the Commissioners to visit the website for information and to take the on-line survey.
8. Animal Control Ordinance Update Discussion and Recommendation
Sanberg shared information on proposed changes to the Animal Control Ordinance. She said the
proposed changes would make Golden Valley more consistent with surrounding communities and
address resident concerns.
Mattison shared concern on the restrictive nature of the proposed changes. Weiswerda said that
with the added restrictions, an off-leash option should be revisited.
After discussion, the Commission asked that Rick Birno share the following recommendations with
city staff:
Leashes required in public areas such as roads, sidewalks, trails, and walkways/paths
through parks and open spaces.
Off-leash dogs are permitted in designated parks and open spaces, provided they are
under voice control and there are no other activities occurring in the area.
Not in favor of six foot lease restriction.
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2020 – 6:30 pm
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9. COVID 19 - Parks and Recreation Services Update
Stutzman shared that Golden Valley Parks and Recreation Department was awarded the National
Recreation and Parks Association Innovation and Health Award for their HomeRECed Program . He
said the award ceremony will take place at the National Recreation and Parks Association meeting
virtually on Wednesday, October 28.
Erickson said staff is considering opening up to six skating rink warming houses this winter from
December through mid-February, however this will be dependent on future COVID-19 direction. He
noted winter rinks will be open this season and a number of outdoor benches will be set up outside
at the rinks. Staff will be working with Park Maintenance on light timers, outdoor bathrooms , and
any other needs for an outdoor only operation.
Cornelius and Speltz suggested keeping the rink lights on until 9 or 10 pm each night, even if warming
houses are not open, especially with limited recreation options during the pandemic. Erickson said he
will take that into consideration.
Stutzman shared a postcard that was recently mailed to all residents advertising Parks and
Recreation opportunities for November and December. He said staff worked hard to offer a variety of
cooperative, outdoor in-person, and virtual options. He added that all the programs can be found
and registered for, on the city website.
Simmons said he is currently working with Hopkins School staff on potential options for re-opening
the gyms at Davis Community Center. Future gym use will be dependent COVID-19 direction. He also
said the 36-Hole Disc Golf course is currently being installed at Brookview for the season, which will
open as soon as the golf course closes.
10. Commission and Staff Updates
Commissioner Updates - Sanders said he would like to revisit the dog park discussion after the
first of the year. Kuebelbeck shared concerns on narrowing streets and pedestrian safety. She
also shared her desire for a painted, safe, crossing on Winnetka Avenue at Duluth Street.
LED Light Replacement at Wesley Park - Lundstrom said north and south Wesley are getting
an entire new LED lighting system, including the tennis courts, trails, hockey/skating rinks,
and parking lots. The entire project should be complete within the next few weeks.
Sochacki Park Bike Repair Station Addition - Lundstrom shared photos of the new bike repair
station at Sochacki Park. He said Three Rivers Park District installed the station.
Eagle Scout Project – New Storage Shed at Lions Park (Southwest Corner) - Lundstrom
shared photos and details on the new storage shed installed at Lions Park, which was
constructed by an Eagle Scout from St. Louis Park.
Eagle Scout Project – New Gaga Ball Pit at North Wesley Park - Lundstrom shared photos
and details on the new gaga ball pit at North Wesley Park, which was constructed by an Eagle
Scout from Golden Valley. Sanders suggested adding a write-up about the new gaga pit and a
gaga ball description, to a future city publication.
City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2020 – 6:30 pm
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Fall 2020 Pub Curling Leagues - Simmons said pub curling is ready to go for the fall leagues.
He said leagues run Monday through Thursday in the evenings. He added that the winter
leagues are almost full as well, and will incorporate the same format. He also said drop -in play
is available outside of league play.
New Tent on Brookview Patio for Winter Operations - Simmons said a tent has been
installed on the patio at Brookview to expand restaurant capacity. The tent will remain up
through the winter.
Next OSRC meeting is November 23, 2020 held virtually - Cornelius reminded the
Commission of the next OSRC meeting on November 23 at 6:30 pm.
11. Adjournment
MOTION moved by Mattison and seconded by Wright to adjourn at 9 pm. Motion carried
unanimously.
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John Cornelius, Chair
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Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant