Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 01-17 PRM. MINUTES 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 JANUARY 17,2006 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, Peterson, Shinnick and Russell were present. Commissioner Theis was absent and excused. Also present was City Council Member Mary O'Connor and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was approved as presented. • APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 15, 2005 Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve the November 15, 2005 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember O'Connor reported that two deer hunts would be held this month, one in the Kylawn Preserve area and one at the Palmer Lake basin. Councilmember O'Connor noted that both hunts have been advertised, would be coordinated with the Police Department, and that neighboring schools had been notified. Councilmember O'Connor reminded Commissioners of the January 25, 2006 Opportunity Site Open House, which will be held in Constitution Hall from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Councilmember O'Connor invited all Commissioners to attend. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Sorenson opened nominations for Commission Chair. Commissioner Shinnick nominated Commissioner Sorenson. Commissioner Russell seconded the nomination. Commissioner • Shinnick moved the nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Russell and unanimously passed. Chair Sorenson named Tom Shinnick as Vice-Chair. CENTERBROOK GOLF COURSE STUDY CARS Director Glasoe introduced the item, indicating that it was his intent to provide the Commission with information tonight, and then ask for a recommendation next month. Chair Sorenson asked what the reason was for the report. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that the 2005 financial results at Centerbrook were not as good as anticipated, and that continued financial difficulties could jeopardize the future "financial health" of the golf course fund. CARS Director Glasoe presented the golf course study to the Commission. The study included background information regarding the development of the course, a financial history since the course opening, weather history, current market conditions, future options for the course and staff recommendations for a formula based schedule for loan repayment. After the presentation, CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he would be looking for two recommendations at the February meeting. The first being a value judgment from the Commission as to how valuable the golf course is as a recreation amenity for the community and the second, any recommendation(s) the Commission might have regarding the finances. Chair Sorenson asked about the current budget at Centerbrook. CARS Director Glasoe responded that 2005 revenues would be approximately $250,000 and expenditures would be very close to the same amount. Chair Sorenson felt some additional information in the report regarding the annual budget might be in order. CARS Director Glasoe responded that the report • was in draft form, and that he would look at adding some budget information. Chair Sorenson indicated that he was sorry Commissioner Theis was not in attendance at tonight's meeting, as he believed Commissioner Theis was on the City Council during the time the golf course was approved and could provide some perspective regarding the Council's intentions at the time. Chair Sorenson encouraged CARS Director Glasoe contact former City Council members and City Staff to determine the rationale originally used to create the golf course. Chair Sorenson, again asked about the reasons behind the report. CARS Director Glasoe indicated the report and discussion was a preemptive move, done now to prevent future difficulties with the golf course fund. CARS Director Glasoe continued that he felt the current debt structure of the golf course prevented future financial success, as the annual principal payments were too high. CARS Director Glasoe repeated his study recommendation for a formula based schedule for loan repayment. Commissioner Peterson indicated that he felt the golf course was an important amenity for the community and thanked CARS Director Glasoe for bringing the issue to the Commission before there were problems. Other Commissioners expressed support for the golf course. CARS Director Glasoe reiterated his intention of providing information tonight and asking for recommendations at next month's meeting. • NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK- Access From 53rd Avenue • CARS Director Glasoe reported that he had spoken with Judd Reitkirk, of the Minneapolis Park Board, who verified that the parking lot at North Mississippi Regional Park was terminated to prevent cut through traffic. Mr. Glasoe added that he was then referred to Project Manager Andy Lesch, who verified that on-street parking north of the barricade is permissible. Mr. Glasoe added that Mr. Lesch indicated the original plans for the park included the construction of a 13 space parking lot at the northern end. However, Mr. Glasoe reported that it was now the intent of the Minneapolis Park Board to "re-think" the plan, and find additional parking closer to the amenities. Chair Sorenson thanked Mr. Glasoe for the report and indicated that he could now consider the item closed. EXCLUSIVE USE FEES CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he had intended to bring additional information to the meeting regarding fees, but that he felt the discussion regarding the golf course would be protracted. Mr. Glasoe added that staff was still gathering the 2006 rates from neighboring cities. By consensus, this item was referred to the February 2006 agenda. • OTHER Commissioner Peterson noted that, in a recent conversation with a former resident, the idea of adding signs to areas of the parks and city that were of historical significance were discussed. Commissioner Peterson added that he believed some areas of the Palmer Lake area may contain Indian burial mounds. Commissioner Peterson noted that many areas of the City may have historical significance. After some discussion the Commission consensus was that this item be considered for addition to a future agenda. Commissioner Shinnick reported that long-time Park and Recreation Commission member Don Peterson had passed away this past week and noted his many years of service to the Commission. CARS Director Glasoe reported that Mr. Peterson had served on the Commission for twenty years. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for February 21, 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 Russell, to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.