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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 10-21 CONCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CE111TER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 21, 1976 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Vetter at 7:39 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Vetter, Commissioners Winkelman, Livingston, Jensen and Price. Also present were Councilman Maurice Britts and Administrative Assistants Ron Warren and Leon Beasley. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Jensen and seconded by 9-23--76 Commissioner Price to approve the minutes of the September 23, 1976 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Jaycee Presentation The first item on the agenda was introduced by Chairman Vetter. She recognized Mr. Brad Anderson of the Brooklyn Center Jaycees whc is- also the le Jaycees' Director in the project area of environment. Mr. Anderson stated that the Jaycees would like to participate in the development of the parks. He reported to the Commission that the Jaycees had originally planned to start work on an environmental project early this fall; however, a problem occurred which hindered their ability to act. He stated that his committee will begin a program on Dutch Elm disease in appr-oximately two weeks. He further stated that,the committee has been appropriated $585 to be used for the implementation of the program. Mr. Anderson also informed the Commissioners of a landscape planning seminar scheduled to be held in March. He further suggested that the seminar may be held in conjunction with Kaleidoscope. Commissioner Dorff arrived at 7:45 p.m. Another project cited by Mr. Anderson is a poster contest that is scheduled for January. The contest is for school-age children and is designed for the purpose of facilitating the values of environmental protection to the children. -1- 10-21-76 Commissioner Price expressed that he thought the ideas were good and would appreciate the Jaycees keeping the Commission informed on the progress of their projects. He further stated that the Com- mission would be willing to give support to their efforts. Mr. Anderson fielded several questions from the Commissioners on the topic of the Jaycees' Dutch Elm disease program, to which he stated that the results of a chemical study is due in soon. He stated that the results of the study are important because if the injection method is not successful in stopping the disease, it may help spread it. Pursuant to this topic, Commissioner Winkelman expressed that she felt an efficient planning program may be the best alternative available in fighting the disease. Mr. Anderson stated the need for a City-wide planting plan where a variety of trees would be planted. In helping pursue this plan it would be necessary to provide information to the landowner on the care of trees. He further stated that he had obtained some prices from a nursery of the cost of trees and said the Jaycees might be able to participate in a program that would help defray the high cost of the purchasing of trees. Further discussion ensued relative to the Dutch Elm disease, the thinning out of the City's nursery, and environmental concerns in general. The Commissioners and Councilman Britts expressed their appreciation to Mr. Anderson and the Brooklyn Center Jaycees for their active participation in the community and further expressed a desire to work with the Jaycees in the near future. The next item on the agenda concerned the status Recycling Center of the Recycling Center. Several of the Commissioners asked if the Center was closed yet. Councilman Britts stated that the Recycling Center has moved and now offers expanded hours of operation. It was the opinion of Commissioner Price that the closing of the Center was short-sighted. It was further expressed that the City had let people down. He then reported that he had to help clean up litter on a Saturday at the Center and could not locate one paid City employee to assist him in the task. Council- man Britts expressed a similar concern of not being able to find a City employee for assistance. 0 -2- 10-21-76 Commissioner Jensen stated it was her opinion that there had existed a lack of security t at the Center. She also stated that the Scouts, other volunteers and the City Staff were of tremendous service to the Center. Administrative Assistant Ron Warren reported on why the trouble occurred at the Recycling Center this past summer. He reported that Metro Recycl- ing refused to furnish barrels at times,, however, he reported due to an agreement with the Scouts, , which involved the Police Department, this problem was alleviated. Commissioner Winkelman stated that she would like to see the Commission confer with Dick's Sanitary Service on the services to be rendered so as to avoid the problems that occurred with Metro Recycling. Commissioner Price stated that he had observed some juveniles being destructive at the Center. Mr. Warren reported that attempts have been made to notify offending residents of the proper use of the Center. • Further discussion ensued relative to the publicizing of information regarding the use of the Recycling Center. Status Report on Chairman Vetter next introduced Ms. Ann Mencel, Environmental Chairman of the Environmental Preserve Task Force. Preserve Ms. Mencel reported on the various types of pro- jects= pursued by youths involved in the CCA Summer Youth Program at the Preserve. With visual aids she described the projects individually to the, Commissioners. Ms. Mencel presented to the Commission a list of donors to the project and expressed a desire to see those who contributed to the projects becommended. Commissioner Price concurred with Ms. Mencel's recommendation. He further stated that Ms. Mencel should be recognized individually for her outstand- ing participation in helping. make the program -a success. -3- 10-21-76 Ms. Mencel then reported on the October 9 fire at Preserve Fire the Preserve. She stated that at least five acres and Duck Pond were burned in the middle of the Preserve doing some Excavation damage to the projects. She also stated that since the fire had burned a large path in the center of the Preserve, the Brooklyn Center and Crystal Public Works Departments have begun excavating for the planned duck pond. Motion by Commissioner Price and seconded by Approval of Commissioner Jensen to endorse the excavation Duck Pond for the duck pond. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission recessed at 9:06 p.m. and resumed at 9:45 p.m. Chairman Vetter reported on the Fall Workshop Fall Workshop sessions that were held on the 5th and 12th of Report October. She reported that 34 teachers from the Osseo School District attended the October 5 session. Commissioner Winkelman stated that there was excellent representation from the participating schools. She further reported that Ken Lundgren, of the Osseo School District, did an excellent • job in coordinating the workshop. Further discussion ensued relative to the activities scheduled at the workshop. Commissioner Price stated that the Commissioners Kaleidoscope should start planning for Kaleidoscope. He further stated that as of now there is no. date set for next year's Kaleidoscope. Commissioner Winkelman stated that the Commis- sion should investigate the possibility of utilizing energy conservation as a theme for Kaleidoscope. Commissioner Jensen stated that she would like to see the Commission take a tour of the Northview 4 Junior High solar heating system. There ensued a brief discussion relative to the proposed tour of Northview Junior High. 0 -4- 10-21-76 Commissioner Dorff stated that the Commission is in need of a replacement for former Commissioner Dick Forstrom. Chairman Vetter suggested that the . Commissioners be on the lookout for replacement 'f for Mr. Forstrom. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Jensen and seconded by: Commissioner Dorff to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission adjourned at 10:32 p.m. Chairman I* -5- 10-21-76