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5-21-1984OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 21, 1984 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:32 P.M. at the Golden Valley City Hall, Gold Room, by Chairperson Johnson. Commission members present were: Burmeister, Jaffe, Kahlow, McDonald, Murad, Scanlon, and Watson. Nlso present were Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; and Andy Lindquist, Greens Superintendent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There being no changes to the April 23, 1984 minutes, the minutes were approved as written. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS A. Introduction: William Joynes - City Manaaer Chairperson Johnson introduced William Joynes, City Manager, to the Commission. Mr. Joynes gave a brief personal and professional background and informed the Commission that he was very anxious to work with the Commission. B. Introduction: William Barbeau - Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission Mr. Barbeau thanked the Commission for having him on the agenda and reviewed for the Commission a preliminary draft of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission's guide for the 1985-1990 development and operations procedures. He pointed out several issues which the Commission itself had identified to be addressed during this five-year plan. Included in the issues was the question of operations and maintenance funding, .distribution by the Metropolitan Council, and whether fees and charges should be collected differently than they are at the present time within the Metropolitan Regional Park System. Barbeau stated that one of the important issues to be addressed is the marketing of the Metropolitan Regional Park System, as presently many people are unaware of the entire system. He pointed out Issue No. 10 which deals with local government control of sites within the boundaries. He stated that he wanted Golden Valley to have a opportunity to review the preliminary drafts and have input into a final draft of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission's five-year plan. Barbeau closed by promising the Commission that he would inform them of hearing dates and locations and encouraged the Commission to participate in the processes. Several Commission members asked questions of Mr. Barbeau regarding funding, hearings, and current fees and charges. Chairperson Johnson thanked Mr. Barbeau for attending the Commission meeting and invited him to attend future meetings. Minutes Page 2 May 21, 1984 OLD BUSINESS A. Summer Program Corlett informed the Commission of the Department's satisfaction with the summer brochure and complimented Sue Cook for the outstanding job which she did in organizing and supervising its production. He pointed out that due to established time tables, the Department was unable to utilize the mail distribution technique which was discussed at the April meeting. However, it is the Department's plan to use such a service in the future. Corlett stated that the Brookview pool operations for the summer will be similar to those of previous years. He also stated that the pool building will be painted including the flooring, and several steps have been taken to embellish some of the areas where previous problems have occurred. He pointed out staff selection of individuals with extensive background in instruc- tion and first aid. Scanlon inquired as to what method would be used to check people at the pool entrance. Corlett stated that we would again use the every eighth person checking technique. Scanlon asked if further consideration had been given to tags or some additional identification for the participant. Corlett replied that as this was to be the final year of the Brookview pool operation it was felt that the funds could be better spent in general repairs. Scanlon also asked how much funds would be spent for the maintenance of the pool in 1984. Corlett replied that the maintenance budget was approximately $11,000 and that the painting contract, daily on site cleanup and some supplies would be paid for by the operations budget. Corlett reminded the Commission of the high operational costs of the Brookview pool compared to pools located in neighboring communities. Corlett stated that it was important to the Department staff that aquatics continue to be a part of the program offering; however, that the current pool with its conditions is undesirable. McDonald inquired about admission fees, costs of family passes and instructional fees. Corlett reviewed the fees for each item. Chairperson Johnson inquired whether it would be possible to develop agreements with the school districts in Golden Valley for use of their pools. Corlett stated that this may be one way to continue to have aquatics offered within the program. He further informed the Commission of the current operating structures of School Districts 270 and 281 regarding their pool facilities. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss at this meeting. 1 1 1 Minutes Page 3 May 21, 1984 SUE -COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Migratory Waterfowl Committee Burmeister reviewed for the Commission the recommendation presented to the Council for the Migratory Waterfowl Committee and stated that the Council had approved the recommendation as written. He informed the Commission that this meant the City would participate with the Minneapolis Park Board in rounding up the geese at Brookview, Sweeny Lake, Lake of the Isles and General Mills in 1984. He further stated that the recommended program was for four years and that the Council motion allowed Golden Valley participation for this time period. He stated that the Committee is currently attempting to establish the location of an informal meeting to disseminate the information regarding the program to the general public. This meeting would be a joint meeting between Golden Valley and Minneapolis. Kahlow asked when the round up would be conducted and what would happen to the birds after the round up was completed. Burmeister stated that it is necessary to have the round up between approx- imately June 15 and July 4, as this was the molting season for the birds. Re continued by stating that the birds would be initially shipped to the Carlos Avery Game Reserve area and from there they would be shipped to places in Oklahoma which were attempting to establish a goose population. Further discussion ,fir+rding the future egg removal program resulted in that the egg removal program would not start until the third year of the program for reasons of establishing the desired pairs within the conLmunity. Burmeister stated that the birds shipped to Oklahoma would be banded in a fashion that would make them identifiable from wherever they were rounded up from. This will allow the research portion of the program to gather information regarding th number of birds which return to the area in the following years. Corlett reminded Burmeister that the Council desires the completion of a flyway map which was addressed within the committee's report. B. Brookview Improvements Committee Murad informed the Commission of his attendance at the bid opening for the improvements project and that it was discovered that one company had made an error in their arithmetic when adding up the total. This error resulted in a $100,000 decrease in the Viet & Company, Inc. bid and with this reduction made them the low bidder. He stated that the Company has a good Minutes Page 4 May 21, 1984 reputation and everyone felt con completed in 1984. Murad enligh could not attend the ground brea of the event. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT 'ident that the project would be :ened the Commission members who king ceremony held May 21, 1984, A. Commission Member Responsibilities Chairperson Johnson stated that the Commission members were responsible for the total'communIty and that although personal issues may be important they sho ld not dominate the Commission meetings. She further stated that each Commission member should make every effort to visit the park open spaces and use the trails during the summer months Io gain a better understanding of the programs operated and how the parks are used. B. Urging of Sub -Committees to Meet Chairperson Johnson urged the tw Opening Committee and Brookview as the July deadline for reporti near. Johnson asked Jaffe to ch Subcommittee. Jaffe accepted. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS CONTINUED C. Tribute to Burton "Burt" Brown subcommittees, Brookview Grand olicy Review Committee, to meet g to the Commission was getting it the Grand Opening Chairperson Johnson asked Rhoda Jaffe to inform the Commission members who had not met Mr. Burton Brown of his work in the development of the City's park and recreation system. Jaffe stated that Burt Brown was a man who was a member of the Commission during the development times of the Golden Valley park and recreation system. His efforts gave the City's park and recreation system elements sLich as the Golf Course, trail network and existing park sites. She stated that he was a man of integrity and perseverance an that he was a man she truly admired. She also stated that a�though she frequently disagreed on many issues with Burt Brown, ie always had her respect. Jaffe moved that the Commission recommend to the City Council that a letter be se t to Mrs. Brown and her family commending Burton Br wn for his services and stating how highly regarded he was within the community. Burmeister seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 1 Minutes Page 5 May 21, 1984 OLD BUSINESS CONTINUED B. REM, Inc. - Parkinq and Trail Corlett informed the Commission of the City's staff efforts to resolve the issues regarding the installation of additional parking facilities at the Golden Valley Day Activity Center. He reviewed a diagram of the area pointing out the specific footages available and how each segment could be utilized. He further stated that the staff is working on an agreement which would prohibit future additional developrr,ent of the property. Several Commission members stated that it was hoped such an agreement could be reached, pointing out several past incidents where such development had taken place differently than what had been understood. Chairperson Johnson asked if this would be a written agreement. Corlett stated it would be a written document done by the Legal Department of the City. DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Parks Division Update There was no park update due to the absence of Tom Klatt. B. Recreation Division 1. Administration. Corlett informed the Commission that the Department would be beginning its work on the operating budgets and that the Commission would be kept aware of the Department budget development. The staff would like to hear the concerns of the Commission and will make every effort to address these concerns within the operating budget. Corlett informed the Commission that the Department staff will be interviewing candidates for the administrative secretary position which is now open and reviewed the process the staff would be using for selection. 2. Capital Improvements. Corlett updated the Commisson of the progress being made in the capital improvements program and stated that bids were being advertised for the tennis court resurfacing, the parking lot striping, and that the park's shop heaters have been bid and contracts awarded. Corlett informed the Commission that Tom Klatt is preparing for this year's portion of the Open Space Management Plan and that the Lion's Club tennis courts are near completion. Minutes Page 6 May 21, 1984 He went on to inform the Con of the newly discovered beaver family located in the Laurel Avenue ponds and that these beavers have already taken down two of the newly planted trees. Corlett stated that it is the Depar'Lment's intent to live trap the beaver under a contract and that the destiny of the animals was unknown. C. Golf Update Lindquist informed the Commission that there will be a precon- struction meeting regarding the course upgrading on Wednesday, May 23, and that at this meeting, general discussion of how the project will proceed will take place. He informed the Commission that Doug Deiter has been hired to act as a project manager on the City's behalf. He stated that the construction would commence on the June 29 date cited within the specifications. Lindquist informed the Commission that the irrigation project should be completed by mid-June and has progressed on schedule. Lindquist also informed the Commission that all 18 holes would be operating until construction commenced. Murad stated that the course looks nice. ADJOURNMENT 4ChAiTheing was adjourned at 9:14 P.M. rperson J nson ice Chairpe so affe 1