HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 04-18 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
APRIL 18, 2006
COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Lee, Peterson, Shinnick, Russell and Theis were present.
Also present was City Council Member Mary O'Connor and Community Activities, Recreation
and Services Director Jim Glasoe.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Peterson indicated that he had a couple of items he would like to introduce for
discussion. Chair Sorenson directed that they be added to the agenda under "Other". By
• consensus, the agenda was approved as amended.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 21, 2006
Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve the March
21, 2006 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed
unanimously.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Councilmember O'Connor reported that the City had submitted applications to the Shingle Creek
and West Mississippi Watershed Commissions for funding of two improvement projects.
Councilmember O'Connor indicated the first project would be related to Twin Lake water
quality. The second involves Shingle Creek bank stabilization from Bass Lake Road, north to
694.
Councilmember O'Connor noted the Law Enforcement Awards were scheduled for Wednesday
April 19, at 7:00 p.m. in Constitution Hall. Councihnember O'Connor reported the City Council
had approved a resolution, authorizing the transfer of funds from the Storm Sewer Utility Fund
to provide for the reduction of chloride use for snow and ice control operations.
Councilmember O'Connor reminded Commissioners of the April 22 "kick-off' of the Great
Shingle Creek Cleanup and the Adopt-A-Park, Trail, Street Program. Councilmember O'Connor
added that the kick off event was scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Community Center.
• Councihmmber O'Connor noted that Centerbrook Golf Course had opened for the year on April
4'". Councilmember O'Connor reported that City Council discussion regarding limiting the
number of parked vehicles had been tabled, as efforts will be focused on enforcement of current •
ordinances.
ADOPT-A-PARK KICK-OFF
Chair Sorenson noted that the kick-off of the Adopt-A-Park program was this coming Saturday
and asked if Commissioners might be available to assist in cleaning up Marlin and Lakeside
Parks. Chair Sorenson noted that he would be able to clean Lakeside on his own, but was
looking for volunteers to assist at Marlin. Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert and Shinnick
agreed to clean Marlin Park.
CARS Director Glasoe asked for volunteers to assist with the refreshments for the kick-off event
at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the Community Center. Commissioners Lee and Russell agreed to
assist. Councilmember O'Connor indicated she would be volunteering for the clean up, and
could also assist if needed.
WEB SITE ENHANCEMENTS
CARS Director Glasoe reviewed the portions of the City's web site related to parks and
recreation including; parks, trails, Community Center, Centerbrook and the recreation brochure.
The Commission had suggestions for improvements, but the consensus regarding the web pages
was very positive. Chair Sorenson had suggestions for linking pages and the table of contents.
CARS Director Glasoe indicated he would work with IT staff to implement some of the •
proposed improvements.
CENTERBROOK GOLF COURSE STUDY
CARS Director Glasoe reported that staff was still in the process of developing a capital plan for
the golf course. Mr. Glasoe continued that he intended to have the plan ready for the May
meeting for Commission consideration and a recommendation.
EXCLUSIVE USE FEES
CARS Director Glasoe provided the Commission with a recommended fee structure for
Brooklyn Center and information regarding the fees charged by surrounding cities.
After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Peterson, seconded by
Commissioner Russell recommending the City Council consider implementing exclusive use
rental fees for the city's picnic shelters. Commissioners asked that it be noted that these fees
would only be charged if someone wanted an exclusive use reservation (permit) for the space.
Picnic shelters that were not "reserved" would still be available to the general public on a first
come first served basis, at no charge. The motion passed unanimously
OTHER •
Commissioner Peterson indicated that he had a couple of items to introduce for discussion and
• possible action. Commissioner Peterson noted that the early arrival of warm weather had
brought an increase of trash in the parks and a need for portable resirooms. CARS Director
Glasoe noted that the contract for portable restrooms typically began on April 15 and that staff
had become aware of the increased trash and had been picking up trash more regularly.
Commissioner Peterson also noted a few examples of visible "short cuts" between trail sections
that might benefit from future paving. CARS Director Glasoe noted that the Public Works
Department annually evaluates trails and sidewalks for safety hazards etc, and that this item
might be a good one to add to their list. Mr. Glasoe added that he would speak to the Public
Works Director regarding this issue.
Commissioner Peterson reported on a couple of areas that were in need of restoration and asked
about the status of the trail striping around Palmer Lake. CARS director Glasoe responded that
he would make the Public Works staff aware of the areas that needed restoration and indicated
that it was his understanding that the striping was planned for this spring.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE
By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for
May 16, 2006, 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 Lee, to adjourn the meeting
at 8:24 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
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