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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 11-15 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 NOVEMBER 15, 2005 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, Russell and Theis were present. Also present was City Council Member Kay Lasman and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was approved as presented. 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 18, 2005 Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the October 18, 2005 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Lasman reported that the City Council had a passed a resolution at last night's meeting, thanking the Cities of Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley and St. Louis Park for their assistance with the storm cleanup. Councilmember Lasman noted that the assistance was provided as part of a mutual aid agreement. Commissioners asked if the City had to pay for the assistance. Councilmember Lasman indicated the assistance was provided without cost to the city. Councilmember Lasman concluded her comments regarding the September 21 storm by praising the efforts of city staff and the citizens of Brooklyn Center for the great job in cleaning up. Councilmember Lasman reported that there had been a fire at the Northbrook Shopping Center during the demolition. Councilmember Lasman noted that, although the fire was termed "suspicious" by Fire Chief Ron Boman, they had found no evidence of use of chemical • accelerants. Councilmember Lasman reminded the Commission of the scheduled "Open House" of the Opportunity Site Task Force scheduled for January 25`h in Constitution Hall, and indicated everyone was welcome to attend. Councilmember Lasman reported on the mini "riot" at Brookdale Mall. Councilmember Lasman indicated that on Saturday, November 12, a teen group, B5 was performing at Brookdale when, unexpectedly, a number of young women in attendance rushed the stage. Brooklyn Center Police responded along with assistance from 17 separate jurisdictions. Council member Lasman noted that no force was used to remove the youth from the mall. Council member Lasman reported that Brookdale Management had alerted the Police Department, the day prior to the event that the concert was taking place, but gave no specifics as to the anticipated crowd size, etc. Councilmember Lasman noted Brookdale management was working with the Police Department to analyze the incident. NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK- Access From 53rd Avenue CARS Director Glasoe noted this item had been discussed by the Commission on several occasions. Mr. Glasoe continued that the most recent contact with the Minneapolis Parks' staff, the Engineering Division had indicated the barricades and asphalt curbing had been added, just south of 53rd Avenue, to stop "cut through" traffic, specifically during rush hour. . Mr. Glasoe noted that the photographs from Chair Sorenson indicate the barricades are being circumvented. Commissioner Shinnick indicated that he had volunteered at a function at the park and could see why they would want to prevent traffic from moving fast in the area, as there were many kids in the park and parking lot. Commissioner Theis provided contact names for Minneapolis Park Board employees who might be able to address the situation. After additional discussion, Commission consensus was that CARS Director Glasoe would contact the Director of Planning for the Minneapolis Park Board regarding the issue, and report back at an upcoming meeting. COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS- Update CARS Director Glasoe reported that the City Council had formally received the report regarding the revised Community Center memberships at their meeting last night. Mr. Glasoe indicated that some clarification regarding the definition for Senior Dual Memberships was in order. Mr. Glasoe continued that, at the September meeting, he had indicated that staff would revisit the senior dual 'rates, to see if there was a possibility to revise them to include a spouse that was not yet 62. Mr. Glasoe noted that the adding of the word "spouse" would open up the same issues that prompted the revision in the first place. 0 Additionally, Mr. Glasoe indicated that, if we were to open it up to another adult, then why not a • child? Mr. Glasoe continued that this discussion lead to questions regarding the need for a senior household or senior household plus membership. Mr. Glasoe noted that, after due consideration, staff felt most comfortable leaving the definition as originally presented. Councilmember Lasman indicated that she was the one who had brought up the issue as a way to be more consumer friendly, but that after Mr. Glasoe's explanation, could understand the potential for difficulties in making the change. Councilmember Lasman noted the City Council was supportive of the revised membership definitions and praised the work of staff regarding the revised definitions. EXCLUSIVE USE FEES CARS Director Glasoe indicated that staff was still in the process of compiling information for this item, and that it would be brought back to a future meeting. Mr. Glasoe noted that staff was finding it difficult to put a finite dollar value to the various services provided. Commissioner Theis indicated that he was supportive of fees, but only for exclusive use. Chair Sorenson indicated that he was not supportive of such fees for Brooklyn Center residents. CARS Director Glasoe noted that, at the recommendation of the Commission, he was intending to provide the Commission with a couple of options for them to consider. By consensus, this item was referred to the January 2006 agenda. • SEPTEMBER 21 STORM CARS Director Glasoe reported that the Public Works crews had completed the second and final round of neighborhood tree debris removal. Mr. Glasoe noted that the tree drop off site at the Jerry's New Market site had been closed and was in the process of being cleaned. Mr. Glasoe indicated the City's desire was to clean the area as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming a dump site for various materials. Councilmember Lasman noted that the city had provided 24 hour security at the site during the initial clean-up period. Mr. Glasoe indicated that the focus of the Public Works crews' efforts was now related to boulevard tree stump removal. Mr. Glasoe noted that stumps that had portions of the root ball exposed would be pulled, while the others would be ground. Commissioner Theis asked if the crews were also removing the broken branches in the trees left standing. Mr. Glasoe indicated that he thought they probably were, but that if he had specific issues, he would forward them to the Public Works staff. Commissioner Theis indicated that there were some boulevard tree limbs broken and hanging at 3001 69`h and 3000 Thurber Avenues. Mr. Glasoe responded that he would bring this information to the attention of the Public Works Department. 0 • Mr. Glasoe added that, weather permitting, after the boulevard tree issues were handled, the crews would move on to the parks and trails. Mr. Glasoe concluded, noting that estimates indicated upwards of 7,000 trees had been lost in the storm. ADOPT-A-GARDEN GUIDELINES- Update CARS Director Glasoe reported that the City Council had formally received the report regarding the Adopt-A-Garden guidelines at their meeting last night. Mr. Glasoe noted that there was some discussion regarding the negative tone of the guidelines and indicated staff would present them in the most positive manner possible. Councilmember Lasman asked what would happen if the garden areas were not adopted. Mr. Glasoe responded that he did not believe this was a significant possibility given the communities past support and the fact that new areas were adopted in 2005. OTHER Commissioner Peterson asked if Park Signage was still planned for a future agenda. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that the item was tentatively scheduled for January or February 2006. CARS Director Glasoe noted that the Commission terms of Chair Sorenson and Commissioner Theis would be expiring at the end of 2005. Mr. Glasoe asked that each respond to him before • year's end indicating whether they intended to renew their terms. Both Chair Sorenson and Commissioner Theis indicated a desire to continue on the Commission. Councilmember Lasman indicated that the City Council had asked that the Commission Liaisons ask the respective commission chairs about their desire to continue the yearly Council/Commission Chair meeting. Chair Sorenson indicated that he felt the annual meeting was important, and should be continued. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for January 17, 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. 0