8-9-1999 (Joint with Planning Commission)CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
JOINT MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
August 9, 1999
Planning Commission members present: Chair Paula Pentel, Jay Hoffinan, Kevin McAleese,
Robert Shaffer, Lester Eck and Rich Groger. Also present were Mark Grimes and Beth
Knobloch.
Open Space and Recreation Commission members present: Jerry Sandler, Jim Johnson and Tom
Zins. Also present were Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Pentel at 7:01 PM. It was decided to address Item III B
first — Discussion on Park Section of the Comprehensive Plan.
Review of Comprehensive Plan
Mark Grimes gave a brief background on the process of revising the Comprehensive Plan. Rick
Jacobson explained that the Open Space and Recreation Commission and staff have reviewed
and revised the plan as shown on the draft copy distributed.
The first question was on the Priority Items (Addendum B) regarding a major park at Sweeney
Lake. Tom Zins explained that the Open Space and Recreation Commission was disappointed in
the amount of park land that was allocated in the new Hidden Lakes development, and this item
was listed to indicate that there is still interest on the part of the Commission to have more park
land adjacent to Sweeney Lake.
Rich Groger asked what "historically significant elements" were considered on page 6 under
"Policies". There were no specific items in mind when this was written, but rather an awareness
in the future for the City to consider.
Rich Groger also requested that the Sidewalk Committee be re -activated and work toward
getting sidewalks put in place where it has already been determined there is a need.
One Commissioner asked how the 14.5 acres of park land per 1,000 residents compare with other
cities. Rick Jacobson replied that it is a favorable percentage.
The following items were suggested as changes:
1. Paula Pentel suggested that on the map, red dots should be shown crossing Hwy. 55 at
Rhode Island, Douglas Drive and Ottawa indicating future trail development and
encouraging safe crossing over the highway.
2. Lester Eck pointed out that under "Park Systems Classification" on page 1, it shows two
classifications: active community/neighborhood parks, and passive open space/nature
areas. However, the passive open space/nature areas should then be shown as an underlined
heading on page 2 with a definition.
3. Lester Eck also suggested that under the heading of "Goals and Policies" starting on Page
6, that the wording in each policy was redundant and could be simplified.
4. Paula Pentel suggested that the last sentence in paragraph 3 on page 4 be deleted.
5. Kevin McAleese pointed out that on page 3 "mini -park" is listed, but it does not show
anywhere else in the plan. It was decided to move St. Croix Park under the "Neighborhood
Parks" heading and eliminate the Mini -Park heading.
6. Paula Pentel suggested adding "known as Western Avenue Marsh" into the 4th paragraph
on page 4.
7. It was suggested that the first objective shown on page 7 be moved to Addendum A, "List
of Priorities".
8. On page 9, it was agreed to remove the last three words (in development plans) of Item #2
under "Policies".
9. Paula Pentel suggested adding the following statement to the introduction:
Park land and open space provide ecological function for wildlife habitat and
native plant species which add to the quality of life in Golden Valley.
This concluded the discussion of the Comprehensive Plan.
Old Business
Rick Jacobson reviewed with the Commission that in the 1999 CIP are funds for asphalting an
in-line hockey rink. After reviewing engineering estimates for the proposed cost of construction,
which came in extremely expensive, and the fact that usage on in-line rinks in other communities
is down, it was the consensus not to move forward with this project.
Adjournment
At this point, the Open Space adjunct adjourned. The Planning Commission continued with their
meeting.
1