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10-23-1995CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION October 23, 1995 Members present: Rich Krahulec, Jim Johnson, Tom Zins, Jim Sicora, Linda Loomis and Chuck Cahill. Also present were Rick Birno, Tom Klatt (Park & Street Superintendent), Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson. MINUTES A motion was made by Jim Sicora and seconded by Tom Zins to accept the minutes of July 24, 1995. Motion carried. RECREATION REPORT - RICK BIRNO Rick Birno provided written reports on the summer program and fall soccer. He reported that the staff this past summer was excellent, but due to college graduations, he felt there could be quite a turnover for 1996. The following changes are being considered for 1996: Eliminate: Sports, Games & More, Create A Puppet, and Leadership Camp In Question: Park Press, Outdoor Explorers, Sand Volleyball, Evening Playgrounds Reduce # Park Offerings or Hours: Kids Korner, Little Critters Potential New Programs: In -Line Hockey, Evening T -Ball, Kickball -Baseball, Pitch By Coach Age Group Changes: T -Ball, Instructional Baseball, Park Baseball There was some discussion on the proposed age group changes. Many parents enroll their chil- dren in programs when they are too young. This makes a problem with too wide of an age span in these programs. It is being suggested that T -Ball be advertised for 5-6 year olds, 7-8 year olds play Pitch By Coach (anew program), 9-10 year olds in Instructional Baseball, and 11-12 year olds play Park Baseball. Linda Loomis and Chuck Cahill expressed favor for these changes. It was decided that staff should make a more detailed proposal and discuss it at the next Commis- sion meeting. This fall, soccer was split between females and males for the first time, starting at the third grade level. Rick Birno reported that this change was very successful, showing an increase in the num- ber of female participants. The total fall soccer participation increased from 394 in 1994 to 454 in 1995. FEES AND CHARGES The Commission was given copies of proposed fees and charges for 1996. They first discussed the golf course fees. Jim Johnson inquired why golf course fees would be increased. Rick Jacob- son responded that costs continue to go up and it is a goal to build the reserve fund back up for capital improvements. Theseimprovements for 1996 include expanding the driving range building for more cart storage, improve the restrooms in that building, replace a ball washer, and replace the washer and dryer used fotowels. In 1995, $75,000 was transferred from the golf course to the general fund of the City. ��is­amount will increase to $80,000 in 1996. Jim Sicora raised the question bf the fee structure. He felt they should look for ways to promote the sale of patron cards and nqt have as many fee categories. This issue will be discussed in No- vember when Kris Tovson will attend the Open Space & Recreation Commission meeting. A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Rich Krahulec to approve the proposed fees and charges for the recreation �rograms. Motion carried. PARK MAINTENANCE UP�ATE - TOM KLATT Tom Klatt reviewed the projects over the past summer. They included: Brookview Park play- ground equipment and landscaping, tennis court resurfacing at Lions, Scheid and Gearty, asphalt overlay at North Tyrol, Yosete, South Tyrol and Brookview Community Center. The Tree Trust youth repaired the bridgat Briarwood and the fencing at St. Croix. Irrigation and land- scaping for the newly remodeled public safety building was completed. Next year the Winnetka Avenue plantings will become the responsibility of the City, as well as the maintenance of the grounds at the Civic Center. Tom complimented Ron Hann ner, Assistant Park Superintendent, and Lyle Johnson, Assistant Street Superintendent for the eagcellent jobs they and their staff people do. PENNSYLVANIA WOODS IRAIL Rick Jacobson reviewed the situation at Pennsylvania Woods. Some neighbors of the area are concerned with the safety of wlkers because bike paths cross over the walking path. In addition, trees have been cut by the bicyclists to make their trails. It was the consensus of the Commission that a safety problem does exist at Pennsylvania Woods, and something should be done to alleviate bikes crossing the trail. A motion was made by Chuck) Cahill and seconded by Tom Zins that because the Commission recognizes the safety problemt Pennsylvania Woods, it is recommended that staff compose a proposal to solve the problem including signage, barriers and police enforcement. Motion carried. SCHAPER UPDATE Rick Jacobson reported that the environmental assessment worksheet has been completed and it will be presented to the City Council on Tuesday, November 14th. Residents then have thirty days to question the findings. ter thirty days, the presentation is finalized. The report says that softball fields would be a good use of the site. There would be minimal impact from traffic, lights or noise. The present condition) of the site is very poor according to the report. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The following projects are included in the CIP for 1996: playground equipment at Lakeview and Lions Parks, Schaper development, tennis court resurfacing, in-line skating area (location yet to be determined), tree replacement, and updating park buildings to meet ADA requirements. NEW BUSINESS Chuck Cahill inquired about the possibility of portable toilets being placed at all the regional parks. Rick Jacobson responded that more money has been budgeted in 1996 for this. It is pos- sible that all the park buildings will be re -keyed as well because there are so many outstanding keys. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Rich Krahulec to adjourn. 1