7-30-1979REGULAR MEETING
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 30, 1979
A regular meeting of the Golden Valley Open Space and Recreation Commission was
held on Monday, July 30, 1979, at the Brookview Community Center. Members
present were: Dianne Asproth, Lowell Benson, Burt Brown, Charles Burmeister,
Rhoda Jaffe, Emilie Johnson, and Richard Lyons. Also present were John L.
Brenna, Director of Parks and Recreation, and residents of the Colonial Meadows
secion adjacent to the Laurel Avenue Ponds area and corridor.
WOMENS GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Commission approved amendments to the golf association by laws as follows:
1. All residents of Golden Valley must be 19 years of age or older to have
membership.
2. Honorary memberships to non members will be granted to those only 19
years of age or older.
3. Only qualified caddies will be allowed on the course. (The Commission
would like to point out that no certification instruction should be
expected as a result of this amendment.)
4. Residents of Golden Valley under the age of 19 years may qualify for
Associate Membership in order to be sponsored to participate in MGA or
NGA events.
LAUREL AVENUE PONDS AND CORRIDOR
Residents of Colonial Meadows presented their opinions concerning the project.
Negative comments such as the lack of maintenance, creating problems such as
corridors, thistle invasion of adjacent property, as well as making it
impossible for children to cross the corridor, and poor visibility for drivers
turning at the Laurel—Jersey corner were expressed by neighborhood spokesman,
Gary Edelston. Additional comments were made by the following residents:
June Windy — rain was not an excuse for poor cutting maintenance
John Liss — the City already has lost 2 years of exposing other Golden Valley
residents to this area
Nehls — a path is necessary for access to bus transportation from
Louisiana and Laurel; also the grass must be cut for Canadian
geese and other birds as a feeding area
Howard Katz — the plan finally looks good
Sandy Lederfine — trees planted were not a 2-3" diameter as instructed
necessary for Liberty Carton to plant
Richard Kleagon — don't make the same mistake again, take care of the weeds
right now
Harry Himmelstein — the residents realize the project cannot be completed
immediately
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In summation, the residents generally agreed that the TEC plan was good, but the
problems of weeds still exist and they want action taken immediately. The
Commission's response to these comments was generally positive and in agreement.
The residents were cautioned, however, on specifics too difficult to promist at
this point. When asked by Rhoda Jaffe if residents were concerned about their
privacy, the residents responded that that they would rather see them be cut off.
John Brenna explained the current procedures concerning fertilizing and cutting
in other parks. Gary Edelston pointed out that maintenance was most important.
Following discussion, it was moved by Rhoda Jaffe and seconded by Emilie Johnson
as follows: We recommend to follow the plan proposed by The Environmental
Collaborative with these additional understandings:
1. To add 2 additional trail spurs from Louisiana and Laurel Avenues
2. That the corridor be planted to consider residents' needs; to consider the
need and separateness from the residential yards by the persons using the
paths; that after the grass is established, it will be allowed to assume
a greater height (6-1811) than the adjacent lawns; a minimum amount of
fertilizer be used; that seeding be done at the most favorable time this
fall; in fact that this plan be completed as soon as possible.
This proposal will be presented to the City Council by Burt Brown. The Councial is
scheduled to meet on August 2nd.
SUB COMMITTEE REPORT — BROOKVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER
Burt Brown reported that his Committee determined the following: The building
would be best used for golf course needs with part of the facilities accomodating
other recreational purposes. The Committee will be touring other golf clubs
to evaluate. A joint meeting will be held with the Open Space and Recreation
Commission to elaborate. The meeting will be combined with the Open Space and
Recreation Commission's regular meeting on August 27th at 7:30 p.m.
ORIENTATION
The scheduled orientation meeting has been changed from August 7th to August
14th at 7:30 p.m. at Brookview Community Center.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chairman — Burton Brown
Vice Chairman — Rhoda Jaffe
Secretary — Robert Szyman
The major duties of each office was described as follows: The chairman conducts
meetings, makes presentations to the Council, informs the Commission members of
materials to be studied before meetings, and plans the agenda for meetings.
The Vice Chairman substitutes for the Chairman in his absence, and the Secretary
takes the minutes of each meeting.
During the discussion of election of officers, the Open Space and Recreation
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Commission decided that it would like to have the City consider a
qualified secretary. Each Commission member has a responsibility to
contribute his or her opinion and expertise, and if totally involved with
an extra duty such as taking notes, it is impossible to particiate
effectively.
LETTER TO MR. MEYER
Burt Brown did write and send a letter to Mr. Fred Meyer inviting him to
express his views at a later meeting.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
John Brenna discussed the memorandum which has been given to the City
Manager concerning the major activities that the Park and Recreation Depart—
ment has planned to be accomplished during the next six months.
Encouraged Commission members to review all materials including open space
in Golden Valley, Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan, and Capital Improvement
Plan.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
Chairman Brown
J
Vice Chairman Jaffe