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6-25-19841 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COKYISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR INIEETING OF JUNE 25, 1984 The regular meeting was called to order at 7:34 P.M. at the Golden Vali: City Hall, Valley Room, by Chairperson Johnson. Cor-Tiss4on members present were: Burmeister, McDonald, Scanlon; Watson, and Younchans. Also present were William Barbeau, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission Reprec-entative; Charles Corlett, Program and Policy Superintendent; Debbie Halvorson, Commission Secretary; Tom Klatt, Park Superintendent; and Andy Lindquist, Greens Superintendent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Burmeister moved that the minutes of the May 21, 1984, meeting be approved with the following correction: Page 3, second paragraph, ninth line "rearding" should be "regarding". McDonald seconded. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS A. Review: Metropolitan Recreation ani Open Space Development Guide Policy Plan Issues Paper Corlett summarized for the Commission some of the concerns that have been expressed to him by other agency staff individuals within the western suburban area including the Hennepin County Park Reserve District. These concerns deal in the areas of standardization of facilities throughout the metropolitan area, the control of fees and charges and the prioritization of fund distribution. These issues will not affect Golden Valley as significantly as other areas that have large regional park sites such as Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie. Burmeister pointed out that the document entitled Recreation Open Space Development Guide/Policy Plan Issues Paper appears to be more of a questionnaire than a policy or guide. The Commission discussed several points which it was felt needed additional study before the Commission could recommend a position to the Council. Younghans inquired of Barbeau the advantages of these issues for Golden Valley. Barbeau replied that the regional system complements Golden Valley's community system and further stated that these issues/guides would not negatively affect Golden Valley. Chairperson Johnson inquired about current fees at Hennepin County Parks to which Barbeau replied that there is either a $2 daily parking fee or a $13 annual pass. The Hennepin County Minutes Page 2 June 25, 1584 Park Reserve District could charge parking fees on facilities developed along the proposed trail corridor within Golden Valley. Corlett stated that it is the current intention to havE parking areas for the trail on existing public facilities and that other accesses to the trail would tie into either local streets or the Golden Valley trail network. Burmeister stated that a subcommittee of the Commission should be assigned to review these issues and bring back a recommenda- tion to the Commission. Commission members inquired about the current time table of the public meetings with regards to this issue. Barbeau replied that the meetings have not been established but he thought the meeting for the Golden Valley area would be in Maple Grove towards the later part of July. McDonald inquired how funds are allocated. Barbeau reviewed the current procedures of prioritization of projects throughout the metropolitan area and stated that due to funding reductions in recent years the prioritization was much more difficult. Corlett stated that Golden Valley has not applied for funds and has not qualified for several years under the existing guide- lines. This is due to the size of sites desired within the metropolitan system and that in past years the general community wealth has limited Golden Valley's ability to qualify. Burmeister moved that the Commission recommends to the Council that until the Open Space and Recreation Commission has developed a recommended position no City position be taken and that the Council advise the Metropolitan Recreation and Open Space Commission that the City of Golden Valley is developing its position in regards to the Recreation Open Space Development Guide/Policy Plan Issues Paper and will present its position upon completion. Scanlon seconded. Motion carried. Discussion of the motion included the Commission's concern for the limited time allowed for review by the Metropolitan Recreation and Open Space Commission. It was stated that this is typical in the operation of metropolitan concerns and the Commission wishes that this concern be communicated to the Metropolitan Recreation and Open Space Commission. Chairperson Johnson assigned Burmeister and McDonald to review with staff the issues as presented. It was recommended by staff that Dr. Raymond Petersen be asked to attend one of the sub- committee meetings in order to give some history of the City's dealings with the Metropolitan Recreation and Open Space Commission. Staff was asked to contact Dr. Petersen in regards to this matter. 1 A. Fall Park Tour The Fall park tour was established for Thursday, September 13. The tour will cover parks and open space locations in the southern portion of the community. B. Discussion of 1985 Budget Planning Corlett informed the Commission that the staff has begun its work on the 1985 operating budget for the City. He stated that the general attitude would be to maintain the current services and that no service -has been identified for elimination. Corlett stated that the recreation staff is looking to expand in the areas of preschool and wellness awareness. Chairperson Johnson inquired if publicity was given to the Vita Trail at Brookview Park. Corlett stated that one of the items that has been discussed at the staff level was the possibility of maintaining the Vita Trail throughout the winter; however, keeping such a trail open throughout winter calls for specialized equipment and man power assignments. He stated that without such equipment keeping the trail open could not be considered. He further stated that the department is working on a cable television presentation which would carry the ongoing types of services available to the public. McDonald asked what the current department budget was. Corlett replied that the current totals are: 365,712 Recreation 412,683 Park 457,363 Golf He further stated that capital improvements was a separate budget; however, it would be attempted to be included at the same time as the City's operating budget. Corlett stated that the staff will be proposing to move the Community Center operations budget into the City's 01 Fund. This is the general fund for City operations. Currently the Community Center's budget is included with the Brookview Enterprise Fund and has the potential of being a liability to the golf course operations similar to that of the pool in recent years. He asked if there were any other areas the Commission felt the staff should be examining. None were stated. Minutes Page 3 June 25, 1984 NEW BUSINESS 1 A. Fall Park Tour The Fall park tour was established for Thursday, September 13. The tour will cover parks and open space locations in the southern portion of the community. B. Discussion of 1985 Budget Planning Corlett informed the Commission that the staff has begun its work on the 1985 operating budget for the City. He stated that the general attitude would be to maintain the current services and that no service -has been identified for elimination. Corlett stated that the recreation staff is looking to expand in the areas of preschool and wellness awareness. Chairperson Johnson inquired if publicity was given to the Vita Trail at Brookview Park. Corlett stated that one of the items that has been discussed at the staff level was the possibility of maintaining the Vita Trail throughout the winter; however, keeping such a trail open throughout winter calls for specialized equipment and man power assignments. He stated that without such equipment keeping the trail open could not be considered. He further stated that the department is working on a cable television presentation which would carry the ongoing types of services available to the public. McDonald asked what the current department budget was. Corlett replied that the current totals are: 365,712 Recreation 412,683 Park 457,363 Golf He further stated that capital improvements was a separate budget; however, it would be attempted to be included at the same time as the City's operating budget. Corlett stated that the staff will be proposing to move the Community Center operations budget into the City's 01 Fund. This is the general fund for City operations. Currently the Community Center's budget is included with the Brookview Enterprise Fund and has the potential of being a liability to the golf course operations similar to that of the pool in recent years. He asked if there were any other areas the Commission felt the staff should be examining. None were stated. Minutes Page 4 June 25, 1984 SUB-CON.Y,ITTEE REPORTS A. Brookview Community Center Policy Review Watson reviewed for the Commission members the areas of change recommended by the subcommittee in the Policy for Use of Brookview Community Center. These changes include additions to priority of use, changes in classification of user groups and many language changes. She further reviewed the work with staff on developing a fee structure for the operation during the remainder of 1984. Corlett pointed out that the subcommittee's recommendation emphasizes use by residents over nonresident groups. He pointed out that the staff works within these guidelines to maximize the use of the facility. Chairperson Johnson inquired what the fees were for the previous year. Staff stated that the fee for resident rental was $275 and nonresident was $350. Burmeister inquired what the $14 per hour charge was for. Corlett stated that this was basically a labor charge. Corlett further stated that the Coramunity Center is to be operated to meet the community needs and that it was felt the 11 P.M. closing time would cover 90-95% of the existing user groups. He pointed out that the staff will be working with groups and their special needs as they come up. Corlett informed the Commission that the rental charges related to a 9 hour use period and that groups desiring to use the Community Center longer will be charged in accordance to the fee structure. Burmeister moved to recommend to the Council that the policy statement and fee structure for the Brookview Community Center be approved as written. Younghans seconded. Motion carried. The Commission discussed several possible names for the community and conference rooms within the Community Center and none were selected. Chairperson Johnson directed the Commission members to bring to the July meeting their recommendations for room names. B. Migratory Water Fowl Committee Burmeister informed the Commission that a public information meeting was held on June 6, 1984 at Meadowbrook School. He stated that all of the people who attended the meeting were residents of Minneapolis or Edi a or represented groups interested in the control of Canada Geese. At the meeting several of the Lake of the Isles residents raised issues regarding birds which they have adopted ani wished to be excluded from the round up. He stated that the City's round ups C. Com-nunity Center Grand Opening Committee Watson reviewed the recent committee meeting and stated that it was basically a brainstorming for ideas of events on the grand opening day. The Committee will report back to the Commission in July. D. Brookview Improvements Committee Younghans informed the Com-nission of the Thursday, June 21, meeting at which the Committee reviewed the construction on the golf course. He stated that there will be several additional ponds throughout the course to hold the volume of water necessary for storm drainage. He reviewed the procedures of construction with regards to allowing the fill to stand and the placement of petromat materials into low areas or extremely wet locations. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT A. Council Letter to Mrs. Brown Chairperson Johnson called attention to the letter enclosed in the agenda package to Phyllis Brown from the City Council. The Commission felt it was an excellent gesture on the Council's part to recognize Burt Brown for all his past efforts. B. Lions Park Tennis Courts Chairperson Johnson asked Corlett to report the problems experienced at the Lions Park Tennis Courts. Corlett responded that the staff had hoped this would be a very positive report; however, there is a minor problem of the paint not adhering in some areas of the court. The contractor will correct this problem promptly. Klatt stated that it was felt that the courts were opened before the paint had an opportunity to adhere and that the problem was very minor compared to all of the previous difficulties with these courts. Minutes Page 5 June 25, 1989 would be held at Brookview and General Mills on Tuesday, June 26, to be followed by Sweeney Lake and that Minneapolis would conduct its round up at Lake of the Isles on Thursday, June 28. This would conclude the program for 1989. He pointed out that the geese will be staged at the Carlos Avery Game Reserve in Anoka during which the goslings will be checked for diseases. This step is necessary due to a requirement of the Department of Agriculture when game is being transported across state lines. Younghans stated that Burmeister should be commended for all his hard work in this matter. C. Com-nunity Center Grand Opening Committee Watson reviewed the recent committee meeting and stated that it was basically a brainstorming for ideas of events on the grand opening day. The Committee will report back to the Commission in July. D. Brookview Improvements Committee Younghans informed the Com-nission of the Thursday, June 21, meeting at which the Committee reviewed the construction on the golf course. He stated that there will be several additional ponds throughout the course to hold the volume of water necessary for storm drainage. He reviewed the procedures of construction with regards to allowing the fill to stand and the placement of petromat materials into low areas or extremely wet locations. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT A. Council Letter to Mrs. Brown Chairperson Johnson called attention to the letter enclosed in the agenda package to Phyllis Brown from the City Council. The Commission felt it was an excellent gesture on the Council's part to recognize Burt Brown for all his past efforts. B. Lions Park Tennis Courts Chairperson Johnson asked Corlett to report the problems experienced at the Lions Park Tennis Courts. Corlett responded that the staff had hoped this would be a very positive report; however, there is a minor problem of the paint not adhering in some areas of the court. The contractor will correct this problem promptly. Klatt stated that it was felt that the courts were opened before the paint had an opportunity to adhere and that the problem was very minor compared to all of the previous difficulties with these courts. Minutes Page 6 June 25, 1984 C. Chairperson Johnson's Resignatio Chairperson Johnson informed the Com-,r.ission of her intention to resign from the Open Space and Recreation Commission following the July meeting. She stated that she will be attending law school and that with great regret it will be necessary to give up he r community work. Corlett pointed out to the Commission that it will be necessary to elect a new Vice Chairperson as Jaffe will move into the Chairperson position. This election should take place at the July Commission meeting. DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Golf Lindquist reviewed the construction concerning soil tests and soil materials which have been found on the golf course. He further reviewed the solutions to some of the problems which have been identified. He pointeJ out the impact of the recent rains which resulted in flooding on Holes 5 and 6 which have been more extreme than in the past. Younghans inquired if the construction would be completed by the August 1 date which was previously anticipated. Lindquist stated that there would be a progress meeting with the contrators on Tuesday, June 26, at which time the project completio date would be either affirmed or adjusted. Lindquist pointed ut that the golf revenues are ahead of last year and ahead of what we had anticipated in the current budget. B. Parks Klatt updated the Commission on the park operations and stated that the recent rains have set the parks division back; however, all operations are in full force at this time. Klatt reviewed for the Commission some of the projects which are currently going on, including the tennis court resurfacing, several projects which will be completed by the Tree Trust program, lighting and outside park improvements at the park garage. Klatt pointed out the advantages to the City as a result of having the Tree Trust Program doing projects within the Community and that due to the City's efforts, Golden Valley gets high priority in the allocation of Tree Trust groups. Chair- person Johnson asked what the funding source of the Tree Trust Program was. Klatt informed the Commission that Tree Trust was a federally funded program for youth between the ages of 14 and Minutes Page 7 June 25, 1984 y 21 and that the workers are paid federal minimum wage of $3.35 per hour. He stated that the City also receives 11 positions which are qualified as scatter site positions. People in these positions are supervised by the City staff and may include services such as clerical maintenance workers, golf operations work and golf maintenance. C. Recreation Corlett stated that the summer recreation programs are in progress and most of the problems at this time are those which are out of the staff control such as weather. The staff does follow through on any problems which occur that can be solved. Corlett informed the Coy=ission that the department's new administrative secretary, Sharyl Thompson, will be starting on July 9 and he gave a brief background of Ms. Thompson's experience. Corlett stated that the pool is in full operation and that several improvements have been made to the general cleanliness of the pool building. These improvements include painting of the walls and counter fronts, new stalls have been constructed for the toilet areas, and new mirrors and signs have been purchased. He stated that the sale of pool passes has already exceeded the sales of 1983 and that this was the first year in 7 years that pool pass sales have not declined. D. Capital Improvements Corlett further reviewed for the Commission the progress of the 1984 Capital Improvements projects, including parking lot striping and remodeling of the Community Center. ADJOURNMENT McDonald moved that the meeting be meeting as adjourned at 9:47 P.M. airperson Jo nson adjourned. Watson seconded. The Mice Chair e rrpf fe