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10-20-1997OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION October 20, 1997 Members present: Rich Krahulec, Tom Zins, Linda Loomis, Jim Sicora, Roger McConico. Also present were Joan Russell — City Council member, Kris Tovson — Brookview Golf Course Operations Manager, Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson. There were no changes or additions to the agenda. MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 A motion was made by Rich Krahulec and seconded by Tom Zins to approve the minutes of September 22, 1997. Motion carried. RECREATION REPORT — KRIS TOVSON Kris reported that this past summer at the golf course was plagued by heavy rainfall resulting in flood- ing. Although the course was completely closed for only four days, affects of flooding were felt for 75 days of a 206 day season. As a result, revenue and rounds played were down from last year. However, the sale of patron cards exceeded last year. This past year St. Louis Park residents were offered patron cards at the resident rate as part of a reci- procity program where Golden Valley residents were offered memberships at the St. Louis Park pool at resident rates. One hundred ninety-four patron cards were sold to St. Louis Park residents, 134 of which were new. The junior golf program was very successful. Two hundred participants signed up for the junior golf league, and there were thirty on a waiting list. Rick Jacobson reported that City staff is meeting with the Bassett Creek Watershed District personnel to see if the golf course is holding more water than it should following heavy rainstorms, and if the water is being held longer than it should be. Rick also congratulated Kris on a great job in creating alternatives for golfers during the flood condi- tions. FEES & CHARGES The proposed golf course fees for 1998 were presented and discussed. Jim Sicora felt there should be a bigger percentage differential between the patron and non -patron card holder rates on the 18 hold regu- lation course. A motion was made by Rich Krahulec and seconded by Roger McConico to accept the 1998 rates as proposed. Motion carried. The recreation fees were presented. A motion was made by Roger McConico and seconded by Rich Krahulec to approve the rates as proposed for 1998. Motion carried. 5 / HIDDEN LAKES UPDATE Rick Jacobson reported that the developer of the Hidden Lakes area was going before City Council this week for general plan approval. Included in that general plan is an area just near the entrance to the de- velopment where there would be public access to Sweeney for carry -on boats, six parking spaces and landscaping. Adjacent to that would be a boat ramp for use by the lakeside homeowners of the new de- velopment. The developer would retain ownership of this parcel of land, but the City would have control over it in case signage is necessary. The developer is also proposing an eight foot trail parallel to the main street going through the development and into Theo Wirth Park. Tom Zins expressed great disappointment that given the size of the development, the parcel of land set aside for public access did not appear to be proportional. Also, he expressed concern that this land would not be owned by the City. He felt more could have been done on the part of the developer to meet the resolutions passed by the Open Space and Recreation Commission to gain reasonable access to the lake and have a small public park area. Concern was expressed by other Commission members that the boat ramp for association homeowners be placed directly adjacent to the carry -on boat access to the lake. They felt it appeared elitist and gave the wrong impression to the public at large. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE The Capital Improvements Plan for 1998 — 2002 was presented and discussed. Hearing no objection, the plan was received and filed. OTHER BUSINESS Linda Loomis inquired about the process of getting a stop sign or stoplight at the intersection of Western Avenue and Winnetka. She felt it was dangerous for pedestrians to cross. Rick Jacobson said it would have to go through Hennepin County since Winnetka is a county road. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Roger McConico and seconded by Rich Krahulec to adjourn. Motion carried. 1