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minutes-osrc-regular-jan-25-2021 January 25, 2021 –6:30 pm Webex REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Cornelius. 2. Roll Call Commissioners present: Roger Bergman, John Cornelius, Della Daml, Bill Delaney, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Bob Mattison, Matthew Sanders, Dawn Speltz, Linden Weiswerda, and Brian Wright Commissioners absent: None Staff present: Rick Birno, Parks andRecreation Director; Ben Disch, Golf Course Manager; Kimberly Sanberg, City Council; and Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant Others present: Ann Rexine and Dan Freeman, Three Rivers Park District 3. Agenda Changes or Additions None. 4. Approval of November 23, 2020 Minutes MOTION moved by Mattison and seconded by Bergman to approve the November 23, 2020 meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Three Rivers Park District – French Park Master Plan Update and Input Ann Rexine and Dan Freemen from Three Rivers Park District shared information on the French Park Master Plan, which is an update to the Three Rivers Park’s Master Plan. The goal is to have revisions to the master plan, Met Council review, and Board adoption complete by fall of 2021. The objective of the project is to build strong and connected relationships for community-supported programming and education opportunities, analyze existing park infrastructure, and make recommendations for renovation, modifications, and/or rehabilitation. In addition, define natural resource strategies that promote diverse and healthy suburban ecosystems. Commissioners asked questions and shared ideas and suggestions for the project. Cornelius shared interest in partnering with Three Rivers on future projects, similar to the Schaper Park Challenge Course project. Rexine shared her appreciation for the feedback, as well as multiple online and in- person community engagement opportunities. More information can be found on the Three Rivers Parks District website. City of Golden ValleyOpen Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes 2 January 25,2021 – 6:30 pm 6. 2020 Brookview Golf Season Review Disch gave an update on the 2020 Brookview Golf Course season. He said despite the late season start and COVID safety precautions, golf operation was profitable in 2020. He said the Regulation 18- hole course had its best season since 2003 with 46,000 rounds, which is up from 2019 at 38,000 rounds. The Par 3 course accommodated 26,000 rounds, which is 14-15,000 more than a few years ago. Disch said the driving range had its best year ever. He also said golf operations successfully operated safely during the pandemic with no major issues. Birno added the Three One Six also had a great year. It really helped to have great weather throughout the season and the large patio area available. Sanders asked about potential increased volume from new housing developments in the area and changing demographics. Disch said both could have increased numbers on the course. He said golf is one of those activities people were able to enjoy during the spring, summer, and fall COVID months. Staff also noted an increase of beginners participating in lessons and a wider age range of golfers on the course. Wright inquired about extra wear and tear on the course and carts. Disch said it was minimal but they did go through more seed and sand than previous years. In addition, mats were used on the driving range every tenth day to allow for less wear. He said they did have more walkers than ever before. Cornelius said the course looked great and he’s happy it was a great season. He then inquired about the new artificial turf on the lawn bowling greens. Disch said there’s not a huge difference and lawn bowlers seem to enjoy the quicker and livelier bowl action. He also noted they have had zero negative feedback. Disch said he anticipates the 2021 season to be just as busy as 2020 with all the phone calls and emails they have been receiving. He said they have a lot of safety guidelines already in place, which will make for a seamless transition into the 2021 season. Weiswerda asked if there will be any special promotionsin 2021. Disch said they sent out a mass email to over 25,000 patrons advertising club memberships. They hope to see an increase. Birno said they are continually using information from the databaseto watch for trends and marketing opportunities to increase course usage. 7. 2021 Brookview Golf Operations and Procedures Birno shared the document and gave a brief overview of the updated Brookview Golf Course and Lawn Bowling Operations, Procedures, and Course Regulations. He said he plans to share the updated document each yearfor the OSRC to review. Disch added that the updated document will make golf operationsand procedures clear, especially when they are questioned or challengedby customers. City of Golden ValleyOpen Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes 3 January 25,2021 – 6:30 pm MOTION moved by Bergman and seconded by Mattison to approve the Brookview Golf Course and Lawn Bowling Operations, Procedures, and Course Regulations.Motion carried unanimously. 8. COVID 19 - Parks andRecreation Services Update Birno gave a brief update on Parks and Recreation and Brookview services. Updates included: -Skating rinks are open but warming houses remain closed. He said they have been heavily used this season. Cornelius added that Wesley Park rink is in great shape. He thanked Al Lundstrom and his crew for their great work. Birno added that the rinks will remain open as long as possible, especially with COVID restrictions still in place. -Disc Golf has been very busy. -Three One Six is openMonday-Saturday following the new order guidelines. -Curling leagues are full and have helped increase traffic at the Three One Six. -There are a handful of recreation programs scheduled, mostly outdoor and cooperative with surrounding cities. - Parks and Recreation staff are working in two month segments for planning and marketing purposes. They will discuss summer offerings in March. - Run the Valley has been moved to a fall date on September 11 with the hope of offering an in- person event. -Grooming of the Brookview winter recreation trails on the golf course has been going well with heavy usage. 9. Commission and Staff Updates Commissioner Updates -Speltz inquired on the status of the Sentencing to Serve (STS) project in the Rice Lake Park area. Birno said he would get an update and follow-up. Reschedule March OSRC Meeting for Tuesday, March 23 Birno said due to staff and Commissioner availability, the March OSRC meeting will be held on March 23 instead of March 22. 2021 Artist Showcase – Robbin Gallery Birno said due to the Brookview closure, the 2021 Artist Showcase has shifted to the Robbin Gallery in Robbinsdale and will be mostly virtual. More information can be found on the city website. He hopes to host the event back at Brookview in 2022. Proposed Updated Leash Ordinance Birno shared the updated ordinance, which included the Commission’s recommendations. The ordinance will go to City Council in February with updates, then be open for public input at the City Council meeting. After brief discussion regarding leash restrictions and off leash areas, Birno suggested adding off leash area and dog park discussions to the 2021 OSRC Work Plan. Scoreboards for Schaper Park Birno said the scoreboards have been designed and ordered. They will be installed on both fields and ready for the first game of the season. City of Golden ValleyOpen Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes4 January 25,2021 – 6:30 pm Master Plan for Irrigation Project at Brookview Golf Course Birno said city staff has hired the consultant to design the masterplan for the golf course irrigation system. He said the company has done many local golf courses and has excellent references. Henotedthatthe goal is to develop an RFP, whichwillbe availablelate summer to accept proposals and bids. The project will begin in 2022.Cornelius asked about disruption to the golf course. Birno said the course will stay open during the irrigation replacement with work scheduled only Mondays thru Thursdays and impact 2-to-3 golf holes at a time. Cornelius suggested inviting the consultant to a future meeting for an update. Birno agreed and will add the presentation to a future agenda. Mattison asked about financing the project. Birno said the city would like to finance the project internally with the golf operation repaying the loan over a 20-year period. He said when financing details are finalized, he will share with the Commission. Next Month is Joint Council/Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Birno said there will be no regular OSRC meeting in February due to the Joint Council/Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, February23, which will be held virtually. 10. Adjournment MOTION moved by Mattison and seconded byBergman to adjourn at 8:20 pm. Motion carried unanimously. _____________________________________ John Cornelius, Chair _________________________________ Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Assistant