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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 06-17 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 JUNE 17, 2008 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Lee, Peterson, Shinnick and Starling were present. Commissioner Russell was 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 - April 15, 2008 Chair Sorenson noted that in the minutes under Next Meeting Date it was stated that "May's tour would include..." and indicated this should state June's tour. Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve the April 15, 2008 minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission as amended. The motion was unanimously approved. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Yelich reported that he had recently attended the League of Minnesota Cities conference and noted that they had many good sessions related to code enforcement and property management. Councilmember Yelich identified St. Louis Park as an example of a city that was having some success in dealing with these issues. Councilmember Yelich shared a chart that identified over 600 foreclosures in Brooklyn Center, 300 of which were currently vacant. Councilmember Yelich also reported the following from recent City Council meetings: • Tall grass complaints had increased. • The Embassy Suites Hotel construction continued, with an anticipated opening in spring 2009. Councilmember Yelich noted that the hotel would have an internal link to the Earle Brown Heritage Center, and that the hotel developer was planning to lease the "D Barn" at EBHC for a spa operation. • The Government Services Administration is in the process of selecting a design contractor for the new FBI headquarters building. PARK WATCH ENHANCEMENT, DISCUSSION The Commission discussed the status of park watch groups and the need for such groups, as evidenced by increased vandalism and the need to identify maintenance needs. After some discussion, Commission consensus was that CARS Director Glasoe would research the status of any current park watch groups in Brooklyn center, and would also speak with neighboring communities to see if they had any "success stories" related to park watch activities. The Commission agreed that this item would be placed on a future agenda. JUNE 30, JOINT MEETING REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CARS Director Glasoe reported that a joint meeting of all Commissions had been set for June 30th to discuss the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update. Mr. Glasoe noted that the meeting had been scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, and that Commissioners would receive more details regarding the meeting from the Community Development Department. KYLAWN PARK SHELTER BUILDING CARS Director Glasoe noted that construction of the Kylawn Park shelter was complete, with the exception of some site work. Mr. Glasoe noted that the contractor should have little difficulty meeting its July 1, 2008 deadline. STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION CARS Director Glasoe reminded the Commission that one of the activities of the Communities Empowering Youth grant was a strategic planning process for the department. CARS Director Glasoe asked that Commissioners review their personal calendars to find a weekend in November to hold the training. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for September 16, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in Community Room #221 of the Brooklyn Center Community Center. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.