HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 06-15 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 15, 2021
WEB -EX MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Sorenson called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
ROLL CALL
Chair Sorenson and Commissioners Ebert and Bonovsky were present. Commissioner Lungelow
and Branch were unable to attend. Also present were Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen,
Supervisor of Streets Pete Moen, Recreation Program Supervisors Janelle Crossfield and Jacob
Andersen. Councilmember Graves called in for her report.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no additions and the agenda was approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May, 2021
There was a motion by Commissioner Ebert, seconded by all by roll call by the Park &
Recreation Commission chair Sorenson. The motion passed.
COMMISSION MEMORIALS or SERVICE RECOGNITION
It was recommended to make plaques for benches on trails and parks with names of people
and their years of services.
PLAYGROUND SCHEDULE
Supervisor of Streets Pete Moen reported that playground updates will start the 3rd week in
July. It will be two weeks per park. The first park will be Northport. Then it will be Bellvue and
Orchard Lane. Lastly it will be Firehouse this year. Equipment will be stored at Public works
until they need it.
DOG PARK UPDATE
There has not been a demand by the residents for a dog park that anyone knew of in the
meeting. At one point it was going to be at Freeway Park, however that cannot work out
anymore so there is not property set aside for it. This item should be moved to the September
agenda.
FREEWAY PARK UPDATE
Supervisor of Streets Pete Moen reported there is very little known at this point. We have
removed the backstops and the aglime. There is money to repave the trail in 2023. The
basketball court will also be removed.
ADOPT -A -PARK STATUS
Chair Sorenson asked for an update on this program. Supervisor of Streets Pete Moen reported
that they do have some people that have adopted parks so far, however they are always
looking for people to help with parks and gardens around the city. Chair Sorenson suggested to
contact the Lions for help. It was also requested to get the list of people who are volunteering
at these parks.
CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES FEES
Chair Sorenson asked about children's fees and about the possibility of subsidizing with adult
fees. Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen reported the Recreation department plans to
reduce resident and children's fees by creating non-resident fees and subsidizing it that way. It
was also talked about to set up a fund for financial assistance to keep track of who is using it.
As a note, camp fees for 2021 were already cut by 50% from previous years. The Recreation
Department is also hiring a new Director in the next month. The discussion will continue with
the new Director.
FIREHOUSE BASKETBALL COURT STATUS
Chair Sorenson asked the question on why the basketball hoop was taken down. The answer
had to do with issues of violence that took place in the area when the hoop was up. The City
Council had it removed. Chair Sorenson wants to look into bringing the hoop back as these
issues were 8 years ago. Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen said it could be looked into
from the city's end.
EVERGREEN NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
The Evergreen neighborhood meeting was cancelled for June. Chair Sorenson feels that it is
very important that these to continue. Councilmember Graves wants to see these continue and
will bring these concerns forward.
DUDLEY SOFTBALL CLASSIC
Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen shared that the Dudley Classic will be happening June
18-20 at Evergreen, Centennial and Welcome Park. Teams will be traveling from all over the
country to play in the tournament. The tournament is down a few teams from past years due
to many factors as increased travel prices and Covid-19.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Staff met with the Georgetown townhomes and will have more listening sessions. The
developer working on Brooklyn Blvd is holding listening sessions as well. The Community
Center is now open Gam to 9pm Monday through Friday, Sam to 8pm on Saturday and 1pm to
8pm Sunday. There are two vaccine clinics within the city but they are set to close by July.
Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards is working on a grant on Justice Reform.
BIKE SKILL COURSE
Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen shared that our insurance covers it and we will be
moving forward with it and equipment has been ordered.
SOCCER GOAL AT WILLOW LANE
Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen will check with Osseo Schools to see about getting
soccer goals added back to the park.
FUTURE MEETING
September 21 meeting will be in person at the Brooklyn Center Community Center.
MEETING ADJOURNED
A motion was made by to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.