11-25-80 Special Meetingf / �
Special Meeting
Informational Public Hearing
Proposed Community Center
November 25, 1980, 7:00 P.M.
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a special meeting of the City Council of the
City of Golden Valley, Hennepin County, Minnesota was held at the Brookview building
in said City on November 25, 1980 at 7:00 P.M.
The following members were present: Anderson, Johnson, Mitchell, Stockman and Thorsen.
Also present were City Manager, Jeff Sweet and Secretary, Terri Schroetke.
Mayor Thorsen called the meeting to order, stating the reason for the meeting was to
hear what the public had to say regarding the proposed community center and to summarize
information from the neighborhood meetings held previously. Mayor Thorsen introduced
Rhoda Jaffe, Chair of the Open Space & Recreation Commission. Mrs. Jaffe presented
background on the issue of the community center and then introduced Chuck Burmeister
of the Open Space & Recreation Commission.
Mr. Burmeister outlined the following needs: (1) Replacement of lost facilities;
(2) Meet the increased demand for more programs and better facility; (3) Draw the
community closer together; (4) Meet expanding needs of citizens; (5) Replace de-
teriorating parts of existing facility. Mr. Burmiester expanded on the five points
he outlined and stated that having the community center centrally located would draw
the community together.
Dr. Ray Petersen, Open Space & Recreation Commission: Discussed what changes would
have to be made to the existing building and also discussed the design and location
of a new facility.
Diane Asproth, Open Space & Recreation Commission: Discussed proposed recreational
programs including competitive athletics, physical fitness, physical development,
human services, educational classes, and programs of general interest. Programs will
be developed for all ages, infants to senior citizens.
Gene Eininger, Human Rights Commission: Discussed proposed human services, informing
the facility would not be just for recreational activities, but would also address the
community's needs for human services. It is proposed tohaveone person responsible
for referrals and short-term counseling.
John Brenna, Director of Park & Recreation: Spoke to financing of the facility -
possible corporate donations and grants that might be available to the city.
Irene Novak, 2144 Windsor Way - Better and larger facility is needed for the senior
citizens; wants to see facility become a reality.
Ann Schult, Employee of Courage Center - Works with disabled adults and sees the
community center as an important part in making disabled adults more involved in
the community.
Dennis Gonyea, 1341 Wisconsin Avenue North - Better swimming facilities are needed;
the community needs it and can afford it.
Virgil Milan, question as to whether facilities will be free of charge to residents
or if there will be a fee; questioned what athletic fields will be available, if there
are plans for any additional fields.
Special Meeting of the City Council Re Community Center - November 25, 1980
Roy D. Johnson, 1049 Orkla Drive - Thanked the commission for their work and stated
he was glad to see that something was being done about a community center for Golden
Valley.
Dennis Gonyea - Agreed with the City that the acquisition of the Middle School was
not a good idea for the city - would leave too much unused land.
Terry Steen - Questioned financing; how much can be counted on from corporations,
grants, donations, etc., and how much the tax payers are expected to contribute.
Dennis Carlson, 150 Hanley Road - Question on timetable
Mayor Thorsen closed the public hearing.
The Council discussed their views on the need for a community center in Golden Valley
commenting on the improvement of the quality of life, benefit to corporations in the
community by benefiting present employees and attracting new ones, and that it would
add to the "health" of the community.
MOVED by Stockman, seconded by Johnson and carried to approve in concept, the con-
struction of a community center at the northwest corner of Brookview and to remodel
the present Brookview building.
MOVED by Johnson, seconded by Mitchell and carried to direct the Open Space & Recreation
Commission to consider all testimony given at public meetings and public hearings,
including testimony given at tonight's meeting, to evaluate that input and give a
complete outline of rationale for citizen's requests and comments.
MOVED by Anderson, seconded by Mitchell and carried to authorize the Council sub-
committee to prepare a list of potential volunteers for a funds solicitation committee
and also, to develop a potential charge for that committee.
Adjournment
MOVED by Mitchell, seconded by Stockman and carried to adjourn at 8:55 P.M.
ROSEMARY THORSE � MAYOR
ATTEST:
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SEC ETARY