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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 09-20 CONCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 20, 1979 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Vice-Chairman Henry Dorff at 7:34 p.m. ROLL CALL Vice-Chairman Henry Dorff, Commissioners Bill Price, Fred Albright, and Bernie Wesloh. Also present were,Councilmember Celia Scott and Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman. Absent and excused were Chairman Mary Ellen Vetter and Commissioners Dan Lutenegger and Barb Jensen. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 5-31-79 Commissioner Dorff indicated that he was at the May 31 meeting and would like the minutes to reflect his presence. Motion by Commissioner Albright and seconded by Commissioner Price to approve the minutes of the May 31, 1979 Conservation Commission meeting as amended. The motion passed unanimously. JOINT MEETING WITH THE BROOKLYN CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman reported that the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was requesting a joint meeting with the Conservation Commission at the October 9, 1979 Housing Commission meeting. He stated that the Housing Commission wanted to discuss a housing seminar to be jointly sponsored by the two groups and a discussion of other topics of mutual interest between the two groups. Following a brief discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Price and seconded by Commissioner Wesloh to meet with the Housing Commission at the October 9 meeting at 7:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. CLEANUP PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER Commissioner Albright reported that he had not been able to spend much time with the project but he would like to see it as a City sponsored project as opposed to a Commission project. He noted that other cities.have had similar projects, specifically Blaine, Fridley, and Columbia Heights. Commissioner Price indicated that Dick Hedlund from Dick's Sanitary Service had previously discussed such a program with the Commission where he proposed a centralized drop point. Commissioner Price emphasized that it would be necessary that the program is well advertised and that we do have a centralized pickup point. Commissioner Albright indicated his concern with the centralized approach versus the curbside approach. He indicated that he would like to see the two approaches costed out. He indicated that he wasn't sure that people would take advantage of a centralized drop point as opposed to the curbside pickup. He also stated he is not sure where the money would come from. Councilmember Scott indicated that the matter would have,to be considered by the City Council and that the Council might fund such an activity through its contingency fund. Commissioner Price indicated that the job could be offered to several companies dividing up the City and with each company being respon- sible for collecting refuse in certain segments of the City. Councilmember Scott indicated that some cities that have such activities use City vehicles with volunteer workers such as the Boy Scouts and so forth. She indicated that she felt that might be a good approach. Commissioner Dorff inquired if City drivers would have to be used. Councilmember Scott indicated that they 9-20-79 -1- would not because the activity would most probably be held on a Saturday that drivers would be paid overtime. Commissioner Albright indicated that he would contact the cities of Blaine, Columbia Heights and Fridley to see how they organize the activity. A discussion then ensued relative to seeking volunteers for a cleanup project through the President's Council in Brooklyn Center. Com- missioner Dorff recommended that the Commission contact the President's Council. Councilmember Scott suggested that the Commission send a letter to the City Manager requesting an appropriation of funds for the activity under the new proposed budget. It was agreed that Commissioner Dorff would send the letter. JOINT MEETING WITH CONSERVATION AND ENERGY COMMISSIONS Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman explained that Chairman Vetter had been discussing the possibility of a joint meeting with a number of other conser- vation commissions throughout the metropolitan area. It was her recommendation. that Brooklyn Center act as the host and plan the activities for the commissions. She further suggested that the meeting be held in late November or early Dec- ember. Commissioner Dorff suggested that the Commission discuss items that they would like to see discussed at the seminar. A brief discussion followed on that topic. It was agreed that the subject would be continued at the October meeting. Commissioner Price volunteered to assist Chairman Vetter in setting up the joint meeting. APPEARANCE OF SENATOR SKIP HUMPHREY AT THE OCTOBER MEETING Administrative Assistant Hoffman noted that Chairman Vetter was recommending that we ask Senator Humphrey to meet with the joint commissions from the metropolitan area as opposed to solely the Brooklyn Center group at the October meeting. He also noted that he had been in touch with Senator Humphrey's secretary and that the Senator would be available for the October meeting. OTHER BUSINESS - REFORESTATION COMMITTEE Administrative Assistant Hoffman informed the Commission that they have been designated by the Council as the reforestation committee. He further explained that State law required each municipality to designate a group of citizens or an existing group to act as that committee. He noted that the responsibilities of the group were not outlined in the law and that he would receive further. information about their role as an advisory group for the next meeting. RESOLUTION Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman read a resolution to the group requesting the Metropolitan Area Transit Commission to provide bus service from along Brooklyn Boulevard up to 77th Avenue North. A discussion followed with Council- member Scott noting that buses are currently traveling Brooklyn Boulevard but are empty. She felt that the buses could be carrying passengers at that point. Following that discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that they would require more information prior to committing themselves to the resolution. Councilmember Scott noted that the Council would want more numbers of those who desired such services prior to making any recommendation. Commissioner Dorff indicated that he felt the resolution sounded good but that he would be unable to support it without any additional information. Motion by Commissioner Wesloh and seconded by Commissioner Price to consider the resolution when pre- sented with a petition of individuals requesting such services. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMEN'T' Motion by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Albright to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Chairman 9-20-79 -2-