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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 09-20 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 SEPTEMBER 20, 2005 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Lee, Russell, Shinnick and Theis. Commissioner Peterson was absent and excused. 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. • APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 21, 2005 Chair Sorenson noted that Commissioner Peterson was listed as both'present and excused in the minutes. CARS Director Glasoe noted that Commissioner Peterson should have been listed as excused. Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the June 21, 2005 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as amended. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Lasman reported that the Opportunity Site Task Force continued to meet and noted that one additional "Open House" would be held with the date/time to be determined. Councilmember Lasman noted that the Northbrook site had been added to the Opportunity Site study area. Councilmember Lasman added that clean up of the Northbrook site was nearing completion and that demolition was scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Commissioner Peterson arrived at 7:07 p.m. Councilmember Lasman reported that the Police Sub-station at Brookdale had been discontinued at the end of its trial period. PARKS CIP- 2006-2010 CARS Director Glasoe shared with the Commission the proposed park improvements to be included in the 2006-2010 Capital Improvements Plan. Mr. Glasoe noted the proposed improvements were identical to the plan approved last year, as last year's plan was a six year plan. Mr. Glasoe continued that the budgeted figures for the individual projects would be increased to accommodate for inflation. CARS Director Glasoe added that two of the projects contained in the plan for 2005 may be deferred and included in 2006. Mr. Glasoe noted that the City had not accepted the improvements to Grandview Park, as there were miscellaneous "punch list" items yet to be completed by the contractor. Mr. Glasoe continued that the planned purchase of skateboard equipment had been delayed until final acceptance of the project. CARS Director Glasoe also noted improvements to the lighting of the Central Park softball fields may also be deferred. Mr. Glasoe indicated that the project called for the "retro fit" of existing equipment, and cited the complexity of putting together the specifications for the project as reasons for the potential delay. CARS Director Glasoe referenced a letter from the National Little League requesting the City allocate money for the replacement of the dugouts. Mr. Glasoe noted the dugouts have a history of "sinking" and are regular spot for loitering. Mr. Glasoe estimated the cost of replacement at $7,000 per dug out. Mr. Glasoe noted that any additions to the Capital Improvements Plan would • displace some already planned improvements. Commissioner Shinnick verified the condition of the dugouts and the loitering issue and indicated that removal of the concrete dugouts and replacement with fencing might be an alternative to the costly replacement. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he would work with the Public Works Department to see if the dugouts could be taken down yet this year and a plan formulated for fencing replacement early next spring. After some additional discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick, seconded by Commissioner Russell to recommend to the City Council the proposed 2006-2010 Parks Capital Improvements Plan. The motion passed unanimously. RESIDENT LETTER- Non-Resident Fees CARS Director shared a letter from a Brooklyn Center resident advocating the implementation of non-resident fees for classes and activities. Mr. Glasoe noted the primary rationale for the non- resident fees would be to decrease, or hold steady the fees for residents. Mr. Glasoe noted that, while this rational was logical, it was only effective in situations where demand for programs and activities exceeded the supply. Mr. Glasoe continued that, with the possible exception of youth gymnastics, youth dance and a selected number of "prime time" swim lessons; most programs in Brooklyn Center relied on the non-resident registrations to make the programs financially viable. Mr. Glasoe noted that in growing communities such as Maple Grove, non-resident fees are used • effectively to help make sure residents are able to access programs. After some discussion, the Commission asked that CARS Director Glasoe to survey some of the neighboring communities to determine their use of non-resident fees. Mr. Glasoe responded that he would survey some communities and report back at a future meeting. "TOBACCO FREE ZONE" SIGN LOCATIONS CARS Director Glasoe reported that he had made cursory contact with some of the service organizations seeking donations for the Tobacco Free signs, but was told that timing was not good as most groups were experiencing a drop in pull-tab revenues as a result of the recent smoking ban. CARS Director Glasoe noted that he would make future attempts to solicit funds as the longer term effect of the smoking ban was known. COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS- Defmitions CARS Director Glasoe distributed a listing of revised membership definitions for the Community Center memberships. Mr. Glasoe noted that the revised definitions were intended to reflect the changes in today's households. CARS Director Glasoe added that the proposed changes included • both revised definitions and the addition of a "Punch Card" option. Chair Sorenson asked when the intended changes would take effect. CARS Director Glasoe responded that the changes would be effective January 1, 2006. Commissioners noted the definition for a senior dual membership, and suggested if be modified to include one senior and one other person in the household. Councilmember Lasman asked about how foster children would be handled under the new definitions. CARS Director Glasoe noted that foster children had always been included in a family membership with appropriate documentation. After some discussion, Chair Sorenson asked if a motion was necessary to make the changes. CARS Director Glasoe responded that this was an administrative function and, one that was not typically subject Commission motion. Councilmember Lasman noted that, as the City Council had referred this item to the Commission for review, she would prefer some type of motion that she could bring back to the Council. After additional discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to inform the City Council that the Parks and Recreation Commission had studied the membership definitions of the Community Center and is comfortable with the direction being taken by staff. • Councilmember Lasman thanked staff for their work on this issue and added that she felt the revised definitions were a positive change. Commissioner Theis left the meeting at 7:46 p.m. • CITY ORDINANCE REGARDING PARKS AND RECREATION CARS Director Glasoe reported that the proposed ordinance revisions had not been brought to the City Council as there were two additional items that he wanted Commission input. CARS Director noted that the recommendation included changing all,references to the Director of Recreation to the Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services. CARS Director Glasoe noted that he had discussed the changes with City Clerk Sharon Knutson, and she had recommended the language be changed to the City Manager or the City Manager's designee to make it consistent with other ordinances. CARS Director Glasoe also informed the Commission that during the waning moments of the last legislative session, language had been added that made it possible for youth as young as 12 to legally use motorized foot scooters on city streets and trails. CARS Director Glasoe noted that, unlike the legislative language relative to Segway use, individual cities did have the option of the further restricting the use on trails. CARS Director Glasoe recommended that the ordinance revisions be amended to include language prohibiting the use of motorized foot scooters on the city's trails. After some discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Ebert and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to recommend the previously approved ordinance revisions, with the exception of changing all references to the Director of Recreation to the City Manager or the City Manger's designee, and prohibiting the use of motorized scooters on city trails. The motion passed unanimously. FALL ADOPT-A-PARK CLEAN UP Chair Sorenson asked if Commission members might be available to assist with the clean up of Marlin and Lakeside Parks on Saturday, October 8th at 9:00 a.m. All available Commissioners were asked to meet at Marlin Park at 9:00 a.m. on the 8th. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for October 18, 2005 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 8:18 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 0