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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 09 16 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION SEPTEBER 16, 2008 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Lee, Russell and Starling were present. Commissioners Peterson and Shinnick Russell were absent and excused. Also present were City Council Liaison Mark Yelich and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 17, 2008 Commissioner Russell noted that in the minutes under Approval of Minutes it was stated that he made the motion to approve the minutes, but was not present at the meeting. CARS Director Glasoe indicated the minutes should have read Commissioner Shinnick made the motion. Commissioner Leek made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve the June 17, 2008 minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission as amended. The motion was approved unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Yelich provided the Commission with information on the new E-Citizen software system and described how the system will be used. Councilmember Yelich reported that Brooklyn Center had the highest crime rate in Hennepin County, and that it is a high priority item for the City Council. Chair Sorenson asked ifthat included the City of Minneapolis? Councilmember Yelich responded that it did, when the rates are compared on a per thousand resident percentage basis. Councilmember Yelich noted that Walmart had withdrawn its PUD application for the Brookdale location and it appears they will no longer be pursuing this site for a new store. Councilmember Yelich reported that he had attended a number of National Night Out gatherings, noting that some neighborhood concerns were raised reading Evergreen Park and the Central Park tennis courts. CARS Director Glasoe noted that there was an item on the meeting agenda relating to the concerns regarding Evergreen Park. 2009-2023- CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM- PLANNED PARK IMPROVEMENTS CARS Director Glasoe handed out a copy of the draft 2009-2023 Park & Trail Capital Improvements Plan and reviewed the proposed improvements for 2009. Mr. Glasoe noted that the only items changed from the previous year's version, was moving the reconstruction of the Shingle Creek and Central West trail sections from 2008 to 2009. Mr. Glasoe noted that this was due to a delay in getting the permit approval from the DNR. CARS Director Glasoe added that he would be bringing the item back to the Commission in October for a recommendation. EVERGREEN PARK-NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS CARS Director Glasoe reported that the City Manager had asked if the Commission would consider hosting a meeting to hear resident concerns related to Evergreen Park. Mr. Glasoe noted that, as indicated by Councilmember Yelich, residents had brought up some concerns regarding use of the basketball courts, trash, parking and other issues at this summer's National Night Out meeting and at a recent neighborhood meeting. After some discussion, Councilmember Yelich noted that there might be some residents may be frustrated with an additional meeting, as they had brought up these issues on two separate occasions, with a number of City Council members present. After additional discussion, the Commission asked that Councilmember Yelich speak with the City Council and verify their desire for the Commission to meet with the residents. ADOPT-A-PARK FALL CLEAN-UP DATE Chair Sorenson asked if Commissioners might be available to assist in cleaning up Marlin Park on Saturday, October 18th, at 9:00 a.m. Commissioners Ebert and Russell indicated they would be available to assist. Chair Sorenson asked that CARS Director Glasoe make sure Commissioner Peterson is made aware of the clean-up date, as he and his children have helped in the past. Chair Sorenson asked if supplies could be made available for the group. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he would make sure supplies are available at the Community Center for pick-up. MONSTER TREE SURVEY Commissioner Lee indicated that she had asked that this item be put on the agenda. Commissioner Lee noted that some neighboring communities had undertaken a survey of the large old growth trees in their parks. Commissioner Lee added that her husband would be willing to undertake the survey if the Commissions desired. Ms. Lee noted the only cost would be for the purchase of a clinometer, a tool commonly used in forestry to measure the height of trees. Commissioner Lee indicated she thought the cost of the clinometers would be under $100.00. CARS Director Glasoe indicated he would speak with the City Forester to see if the city already had a clinometer that could be used. After some discussion, Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Starling recommending the survey. The motion passed unanimously. KYLAWN PARK- SHELTER BUILDING UPDATE CARS Director Glasoe reported that the Kylawn Park shelter building had been completed, with the exception of some minor site work. Mr. Glasoe noted that it was a very nice looking building and should meet the needs of the community for many years to come. SHINGLE CREEK TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION CARS Director Glasoe noted that this item had been addressed during the CIP discussion. Mr. Glasoe reiterated the reconstruction of the Shingle Creek and Central West trail sections had been moved from 2008 to 2009 as a result of a delay in getting the necessary permit approvals from the DNR. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for October 21, 2008. CARS Director Glasoe will inform the Commission of the meeting time and location. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lee, to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.