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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 03-18 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 MARCH 18, 1976 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Vetter at 7.47 p.m, Roll Call Chairman Vetter, Commissioners Dorff, Jensen, Forstrom and Livingston. Also present was Administrative Assistant Ron Warren, Commissioner Winkelman was excused from this evening's meeting Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Jensen and seconded by Commis- 2-19-76 sionerForstromto approve the minutes of the February 19, 1976 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. League of Women Chairman Vetter reported that Phyllis Plummer, President • Voter's Presentation of the League of Women Voters of Brooklyn Center, had requested time on the agenda to present the results of the League of Women Voters study of land use relating to the Palmer Lake Basin, Mrs. Plummer proceeded to review the League's comprehensive study of land use stating that her organization has formulated criteria applicable to guiding and directing the planning and management of land and to define areas of governmental responsibility in land use. She stated the Palmer Lake resolution adopted by the Brooklyn Center Chamber of Commerce on June 24, 1975 meets the League criteria on land use. She proceeded to present a copy of the resolution to the Commission and also a copy of the League's policy statement relative to land use goals and the areas of governmental responsibility. She reported that the Brooklyn Center City Council would be presented a copy of the Palmer Lake resolution and the League's policy statement at its March 22, 1976 meeting and requested the Conservation Commission to add its support to the resolution. A brief discussion ensued relative to the Palmer Lake resolution. Commissioner Jensen stated that the resolu- tion contemplates maintaining the Palmer Lake Basin in its natural state. Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to review the resolution and policy statement and consider endorsement at its next Commission meeting. The secretary introduced the next item of business that of a report on the CCA Summer Youth Project in t "'r,)oklyn Center ® Crystal Environmental Preserve. ho stated that a proposal for Center for Community Action (CCA) Gathered Site Employment under the state and federal youth program had been submitted, but that a monetary problem had arisen. He- ampl-,ined that apparently CCA is requesting a commitment for funding of a proposed floating bridge to be constructed in the wet swampy area in the south portion of the Preserves He stated that it has been estimated that the cost for materials to construct the 3150 foot long, 8 foot wide bridge is $40200, He further stated that there are no funds available at the present time to p,J,rcrase the needed material. He explained that th~,re are various alternatives available to obtain the nc-;-;fed materials, such as soliciting voluntary con- tri.oul .ons of money and/or material, and tha if this ca :got be done, then the various City Councils could be approached in the form of a budget request to appropriate the funds for the material for use in One summer of 1977, He concluded by noting that Mrs. Ann Mendel was present to explain in more detail the proposed work plan for the Environmental Preserve Chairman Vetter recognized Mrs. Mencel who proceeded to review the entire plan for the Preserve, noting that it called for the development of a trail system through the entire Preserve. She stated that there were a number of projects such as clearing and developing a new trail system, developing rest areas, clearing brush and the terracing of the area on the north side of the present shelter building. She explained that the flr-,ating bridge, made of styrofoam wrapped in chicken wire with wood- planks overlaid, was just one of the proposed proje7tso She further explained that the cost of this bridge could be reduced by one-third, from $4,200 to approximately $2,800, by reducing the width of the bridge from S feet to 4 feet e She stated that it was her intention to attempt to solicit donations from various businesses or civic groups for material for the bridge, and if tai,,'',.,, failed, to seek the needed monies trough a budget request as suggested by the secretary, Size con- cluded by asking the Conservation Commission for° its support in obtaining the materials for IdLlh~ A brief discussion ensued with members of t- Commission suggesting possible sources for obtaining materials, such as the Jaycees, the Lions, the Chamber of Cor m.9rce and the League of Women Voters. Commi=ssioner Jen ser° expressed the opinion that both City Councils would. be more likely to help out financially, if soma donations and materials can be obtained through comet-amity groups. CCA Summer Youth Project Report • 3®1$®76 -2- Chairman Vetter thanked Mrs. Mencel for her report and stated her feeling that the materials needed would be obtained. . Distribution of Environmental Chairman Vetter proceeded to distribute materials to be Preserve Workshop Materials used for the Commission sponsored Environmental Preserve Workshop. She briefly reviewed the concept of the proposed Workshop and noted that hopefully it can be conducted in May. It was noted that Chairman Vetter and Commissioners Dorff® Winkelman and Livingston are members of the Committee preparing plans for the Workshop. Report on Bicycle Trail System Commissioner Livingston reported that he has contacted Councilman Britts arrived at 9.10 p.m. A brief discussion ensued relative to the bicycle trail system, with Chairman Vetter pointing out that the goal of such a system should be to get bicycle riders to particular points of interest in the City as safely as possible, Pride ir: 'Your City Week Chairman V,-,tter reported that the Conservation Commis- sion each spring has been involved in a clean up and planting program for public and civic areas with the Brooklyn Center Carden Club and various youth groups known as °"Pride in Your City Week" . She stated that it is anticipated that the Bicentennial Commission will also become involved in this program this year and that there have been suggestions such as a lawn decorating program and various clean up activities around Twin Lake. She further stated that she will be discussing "Pride in Your City Week" projects with Mr. Tom Stire, Bicentennial Commission Chairman, and -3- 3-18-76 will report back to the Commission on the proposed p1:nse .1issioner F"orstrom left,the meeting at 9025 p.m The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission recessed at 9,25 P.M. and resumed at 10°10 p.m, Chairman Vetter reported 'tha't there hava been scheduling problems concerning a spring hike through the Environmental Preserve o She stated that the Commission has recently become involved in a number of projects such as "Pride in Your City Week" and the FnvironmeentaI Preserve Workshop, and suggested that it might be more feasible to hold the annual hike next fall. Commissioner Dorff concurred, stating that tie Commission should concentrate its efforts on making the various proposed projects successful rather than sparoading itself too thin Following a brief discussion, it was the. consensus, of the Commission to defer the annual hike until next fall, Commissioner Livingston suggested that the Commission sponsor a home of the month or yard of the month award to be given to persons applying for the award with the best kept yard or garden. Motion by Commissioner Dorff and seconded by Commis- sioner Livingston to adjourn the meetir,.go The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Ginter Conser7atlon Commission adjourned at 16°45 p.m. Chairman Recess Spring Tike Home of the Month Award Oil Depositories Adjournment • I* 3®1S®76 -4-