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10-26-19721 REGULAR MEETING 41 gOLDEN VALLEY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION ktobar 26, 1972 A regular meeting of the Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, October 26, 1972, at 7:30 p.m. at the Brook - view Municipal Center, 8200 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, Minn.. Chairman Brown presided, and the following members were present: Burmeister, Durda, Herje, Kelby, Peterson, and Thrall. Absent: Gergen and Hammer. Also present: John Brenna, Park and Recreation Director; David Latvaaho, Assistant Park and Recreation Director; and John Murphy, Finance Director. MINUTES It was Moved by Kelby and seconded by Durda to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 21, 1972, as mailed. Carried. ASSISTANT PARK AND RECREATION SIRECTOR - DAVID LATVAAHO Mr.Latvaaho was 'introduced to all Commission members present, and they welcomed him to Golden Valley. DISCUSSION - SUMMER PROGRAM At this time, Mrs. Mable Pearson, our summer playground supervisor, briefed the Park and Recreation Commission on the highlights of the 1972 summer playground program. Mrs. Pearson stated that 15 playgrounds were in operation this past summer. Some of the main programs offered were: Tiny Tots Program, Girls T -Ball, Adult Crafts, Gymnastics, Puppetry, Traveling Trouba- dor:; Girls' Softball, Boys' Softball, Village wide checkers, chess, Horseshoe and Tetherball tournaments. Mrs. Pearson stated that 3000 youngsters per week participated in this'summer's programs. Special Village -wide events such as the annual Penny Carnival and a playground olympics were great successes due to bus transportation that wes provided by the department. Mrs. Pearson stated that a varied program and an enthusiastic and responsive staff made this a fun summer for Golden Valley youngsters in spite of the many rainy days. At this time, Mr. Robert Lockwood, our Summer Athletic Supervisor reported that 18 T -ball teams made up of 450 boys ages 6, 7, and competed this past summer at 9 park areas. Mr. Lockwood stated that a new program was started for boys ages 13, 14, and 15. Six teams were in the evening established at 3 park locations with 90 boys competing. Mr. Lockwood also stated that 375 boys, ages 9 through 12, took part in our Midget program. 42 Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 26, 1972 Pa?e -2- Commission members present thanked Mrs. Pearson and Mr. Lockwood for their fine presentations and for the varied program this past summer. SELECTION - ARCHITECT - NEW RECREATION BUILDING & SHOP EXPANSION At this time, Mr. Brenna stated that six local architectural firms had contacted the department and asked to be considered. Mr. Brenna stated that he will send a letter of invitation to each firm and set up half hour interviews on the 16th of November, starting at 7:00 p.m. Each architectural firm will be asked to inspect each building site prior to the interview, plus provide us with a scheme which will ensure that we stay within our alloted funds. PRESENTATION MULTI -TRAIL SYSTEM HENNEPIN COUNTY PARK RESERVE DISTRICT At this time, Mr. Robert Gove from the Hennepin County Park Reserve District, brought forth a description of the Multi -trail System. Mr. Gove stated that a comprehensive system of trails could offer Hennepin County citizens a diversity of trail activities for all seasons, thereby providing opportunities for bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding in the spring, summer, and fall, and ski touring and snowmobiling in the winter. The system for the most part would be located along stream valleys, however, certain segments may include abaondoned railroads, vacated roads and utility easements. Mr. Gove stated that in essence, the concept would be a linear system of parks and open space that could accomodate those trail uses that are linear in character requiring great distrances, particularly bicycling and snowmobiling. The concept of multiple use is not intended to include any other form of motorized recreation vehicle. Mr. Gove stated that it is intended that horseback riding and snowmobil- ing would occur only in those areas of the county where it would be practical to achieve. Generally, these areas are beyond the second and third tier of suburbs. Connecting corridors for access to the main trai system would be primarily the responsibility of the affected municipal- ities and user groups. As to funding, Mr. Gove stated that the Park District is in no position to contribute any funds toward implementation of the system, but were optimistic that federal and state funds could be obtained. Mr. Gove stated that the League of Municipalities will be helding a meeting to discuss the multi -trail system at the Golden Valley Village Hall on November 2nd. Mr. Gove asked if we would be present at the above meeting. Chairman Brown stated that Golden Valley has a trails committee, and that they would be notified of the meeting. Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 26, 1972 Page 3 f)' PRESENTATION SIGURD OLSON SCHOOL PROJECT At this time, Mr. Donald Rautio, Instructional Assistant at Sigurd Olson School, briefed the Park and Recreation Commission on the schools Out- door Environmental Classroom as it pertains to Wildwood Park. Mr. Rautio requested approval of a plan under which the school's trail system would link with a trail with teaching stations on that portion of Wildwood Park which is to be left in its natural state. Mr. Rautio stated that he is looking toward the private sector for monies to develop the site. At this time, it was moved by Herje, seconded by Thrall, that the Park and Recreation Commission support the concept of the Outdoor ^rviror- mental Classroom area in Wildwood Park. Carried. At this time, the Park and Recreation Commission brought forth a number of concerns that they asked Mr. Rautio to indicate to District 281 before a specific agreement could be reached. It was MOVED by Herje and seconded by Peterson that: 1. Golden Valley residents have ecaual priority with District 281 residents. 2. Public liability lie with District 2.81 on both the Outdoor Environmental Classroom area and on the creative play area. 3. District 281 have the responsibility for�.inaintenance and pres- ervation of the Outdoor Environmental Classroom. 4. A description of the exact area within Wildwood Park, which is to be used for the Outdoor En*ironmental Classroom and play area to be provided. 5. District 281 provide parking space for school buses that use the Outdoor Environmental Classroom area. 6. District 281 provide an account for any private funds accumulated. 7. District 281 Have the responsibility for scheduling. 8. The agreement should provide for procedures of termination and changes. Carried. At this time, Mr. Rautio stated that he would apprise the District 281 School Board of our concerns. PARK AND TRAIL BOND SALE - JOHN MURIPHY At this time, Mr. John Murphy, the Village Finance Director, stated that the Park and Trail bonds were sold on October 16th at an interest rate of 4.85512. Mr Murphy stated that each park will be given an 44 Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting, October 26, 1972. Page 4. account number, and that amount which was stated for the completion of each park will be placed in said account. Mr. Murphy stated that the contingency fund will also be placed in an account and will be drawn upon only through Village Council approval. Members reminded Mr. Murphy of their concern that Village residents receive all that we promised them in the bond issue campaign, and that expenditures be closely maintained with this in mind. Members present asked if a monthly statsment stating the disposition of all accounts could be sent forth, Mr. Murphy stated that he would. Mr. Brenna stated that the department would also keep close track of expenditure committments in each park. REPORT - BIRD SANCTUARY COMMITTEE At this time, Dr. Peterson stated that his committee had met and visited the site in question. Dr. Peterson stated that the committee has decided to call in the Presidents of the four Garden Clubs on Monday November 6th, at 7:30 p.m. and discuss with them their request in more !-detail. Dr. Peterson also stated that after the presidents' meeting, the committee will hold a meeting with the residents who surround the area. After which, a recommendation will be brought forth. At this time, Mr. Brenna stated that he had inspected the site with Mr. Dennis Thompson, the environmental landscape architect from the Environmental Science Center. Mr. Brenna stated that in Mr. Thompson's opinion, the site would be ideal for a bird sanctuary if the north, east, and south sides of the area were fenced, and if a trail is to be constructed, it should be constructed on the west side of the creek. Mr. Thompson stated that the fence would keep the wild life in the area, and those who would be walking the trail could look across at the wildlife and not disturb their habitat. DISCUSSION - STAR OF BETHLEHEM PROPERTY At this time, Mr. Brenna referred to the memo that was sent to the Commission from Mr. Omans regarding the Star of Bethlehem property that was discussed by the Village Council on the 16th o cto eer and referred to us. As per the memo, Mr. Brenna brought forth a series of maps that depict the area in question relative to the number of children that the property could serve for playground purposes. Mr. Brenna obtained his statistics from School uistrict 281 and drew upon a 1/4 mile radius of the site for his figures. Mr. Brenna dtated that the number of children in school who surround the site are as follows: Elementary Grades 1 - 6 224 Jr. High Grades 7 - 9 76 Sr. High Grades 10 - 12 71 Of the above number, 123 grade school, 33 junior high, and 39 senior high students live west of Winnetka Avenue within the 1/4 mile radius. Winnetka Avwnue does present somewhat of a problem mainly because of the high traffic volume;; 1 I L� Golden Valley Park and Fecreation 45) Commission Regular Meeting October 26, 1972 page 5 The exact number of students who might use the location from the Dover Hill P°U°D° is only a guess at this point, but the figure of 109 children of school age was obtained from our planning department. Also, at this time, Mr. Brenna presented figures relative to the cost of said property. Mr. Brenna stated that he had contacted Mr. James Ingemunson from our assessing department and received a figure of 575,000.00 for the raw land and special assessments of X13, 991,36. Mr. Brenna stated that he was contacted by Mr. Robert M. Shank, a realtor for the Star of Bethlehem, and he quoted a figure of 5130,000 which he received from the appraisal firm of Newcombe and Lawrence. After much discussion relative to the above, it was MOVED by Burmeister, and seconded by Herje that we recommend that the Village Council consider the acquisition of the Star of Bethlehem property for open space purposes. Carried. MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK CONFERENCE° At this time, Mr. Brenna stated that the State Recreation and Park Conference will be held at the Pick Nicollet Hotel in Minneapolis on November 8, 9, and 10th. Mr. Brenna stated that the Board and Commission section will meet on Wednesday, November 8th. The only fee is a $5.00 charge for dinner. Commission members interested in attending were asked to call the Park and Recreation office on Monday, October 30th so that reservations can be made. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was MOVED by Peterson, seconded by Kelby, that the meeting be adjourned at 12:10 a.rp. Carried. /Z�Y/moi%