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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 04-19 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 19, 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, Peterson, Russell and Shinnick were present. Commissioner Theis was absent and excused. Commissioner Hauger was absent. Also present was City Council members Kay Lasman and Kathleen Carmody, residents Rita Ascher, Margaret Sandberg and Hugo Linder and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe . APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Sorenson asked to have an item added under New Business, an update on the Opportunity Site Task Force. By consensus, the agenda was approved with the addition. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 15, 2005 Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell to approve the March 15, 2005 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Lasman reported that the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park recently received money from the Metropolitan Council for a Joint Community/Police Partnership. Ms. Lasman noted the intent of the partnership was to address diversity issues in the two cities. Councilmember Lasman noted that a police cadet would be hired in each city to support the efforts. • . Councilmember Lasman reported the Lions Club had donated $5,000 for the Earle Brown Days Parade, $2,000 for Entertainment in the Parks and $300 for the Earle Brown Days Youth Golf Tournament. Councilmember Lasman reported that the first public meeting regarding the Opportunity Site development had been held. Ms. Lasman noted that many of the questions were related to how the project would be funded and timing of the improvements: Chair Sorenson added that, although he had asked that a separate agenda item be added, as the Commission was discussing the item, he would add some additional information regarding the recent task force meetings. Chair Sorenson noted that the project consultant had brought back revised options for the task force to consider. Chair Sorenson indicated that some additional items the committee discussed was the location of business on the south side of the development and along Highway 100, the traffic patterns of the site and the phasing of the improvements. Chair Sorenson added that there were two additional public meetings scheduled for May 11 and June 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Councilmember Lasman indicated a new Starbucks had been proposed for the old KFC site. Commissioners asked about the status of the proposed hotel adjacent to the Earle Brown Heritage Center. Councilmember Lasman responded that the City Council was expecting a development agreement soon. • ADOPT-A-GARDEN- Rules and Regulations CARS Director Glasoe reported that on March 23~d, he had received a phone call from a resident regarding the permissibility of displays in the park. Mr. Glasoe indicated that further into the conversation the caller objected to a "display" at Palmer Lake Park on the basis of religion. Mr. Glasoe described the "display" as two large bunnies, a few large eggs and a sign reading "floppy Easter." Resident Rita Ascher passed around pictures of the display. Mr. Glasoe indicated that he discussed the issue with City Manager McCauley and, as there were no guidelines related to what was allowable, it was decided that the display would be removed to allow time for written guidelines to be developed. Mr. Glasoe continued that the intent was to have the Park and Recreation Commission review the guidelines and make a recommendation to the City Council. Resident Margaret Sandburg spoke in favor of the display and the efforts of Ms. Ascher. CARS Director Glasoe reported that he had received six phone calls in support the display. Rita Ascher read a statement regarding the display. Ms. Ascher indicated that she had not intended to offend anyone, and that she had received a great deal of positive feedback regarding the displays at Palmer Park. Ms. Ascher passed around additional pictures of past displays. • Mr. Glasoe thanked Ms. Ascher for her past efforts, and indicated that the draft rules were not intended to diminish her efforts, but to establish guidelines going forward. Mr. Glasoe added the premise of the draft rules was based upon the replacement of duties the City was no longer able • to complete, as a result of reductions in staff and expenditure allocations. Mr. Glasoe continued that the city had historically planted flowers and nothing more. Mr. Glasoe continued that, as a result of budget cuts, volunteers had been recruited to help with the garden areas. Mr. Glasoe noted that, with this assistance, came the individual ideas for expression. Mr. Glasoe added that this was a critical question in the development of the guidelines, are the guidelines intended to replace the previous efforts of the city, or to provide opportunities for individual expression? There was discussion by the Commission, Ms. Ascher and Ms. Sandburg regarding why one phone call would cause the removal of the display, as there were many people who were supportive of the display. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that a key issue was the use of public space for such displays The Commission discussed the option of allowing some "decorative" items. CARS Director Glasoe noted the management, maintenance and liability issues associated with these types of items. Councilmember Carmody indicated that, while the issue may seem simple, it may be difficult to define what is acceptable. The Commission discussed the possibility of allowing some items related to the national holidays. After additional discussion, Chair Sorenson indicated he did not feel comfortable making a decision at tonight's meeting. By consensus the item was continued until the May . meeting. PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICE USE (SEGWAYS)- TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS CARS Director Glasoe indicated that this item had been referred to the Commission by the City Council. Mr. Glasoe noted that a resident (Hugo Linder) had approached the City Council regarding the legality of using a Segway on city streets, sidewalks and trails. Mr. Linder provided a brief introduction to Segways, how they work and their many uses. The Commission reviewed the current state statutes related to their use. Mr. Glasoe noted the current statutes in Minnesota allow the "electric personal assistive mobility device" on public sidewalks, trails and residential streets, subject to certain restrictions. In addition, Mr. Glasoe added that the statute prohibits local authority from imposing any stricter limitations on its use. Although there was some concern by Commissioners as to how such a permissive piece of legislation could have been passed, they acknowledged the legality of using the units on trails and sidewalks. As a result, Mr. Linder was informed that he may use a Segway on Brooklyn Center trails and sidewalks as long as the use conforms to the current state statute. After additional discussion, the Commission, by consensus, recommended that all city departments be made aware of the legality of Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices and their approved uses. 0 ADOPT-A-PARK SPRING CLEAN-UP DATE CARS Director Glasoe noted that the kick off event for the clean-up was moved from April 16 to the 23rd. Chair Sorenson noted that a breakfast was being held at the Palmer Lake VFW, for all volunteers, but indicated he was not sure of the time. Councilmember Lasman responded that it was her understanding that the breakfast began at 8:30. After some discussion, it was decided that all available Commission members would meet at the Palmer Lake VFW at 8:30 on the 23rd, and would then proceed to Marlin and Lakeside Parks for cleanup following. DOG RUN- CITIZEN LETTER CARS Director Glasoe reported that Mayor Kragness had passed along a letter requesting the City consider building a "dog park." Mr. Glasoe indicated that he had not noticed, until today, that the letter had come from a resident of Minneapolis. Mr. Glasoe informed the Commission that, with their approval, he would send a letter indicating the dog parks that were available in Minneapolis. The Commission consensus was that a letter should be sent. Chair Sorenson asked that the Commission also receive information on the Minneapolis dog parks. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he would provide the information at a future meeting. • "TOBACCO FREE ZONE" SIGN LOCATIONS CARS Director Glasoe handed out a "draft" sign that was created using a sign from the City of Roseville as model. Mr. Glasoe noted the cost of producing the signs would be approximately $20-25.00 each. After some discussion regarding the sign, a majority of the Commissioners still felt the "tone" of the signs was too strong. After additional discussion, CARS Director Glasoe offered to refine the sign concept incorporating the Commission's input. By consensus, this item was referred to the May 2005 meeting. COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS- DEFINITIONS CARS Director Glasoe indicated that the research into revised membership definitions for the Community Center is progressing. Mr. Glasoe handed out a sample listing of some of the membership categories that have been identified researching what other facilities are doing. After some discussion regarding the current definitions and options identified in the sampling, Mr. Glasoe noted that he would continue working with staff and the City's legal counsel to produce a revised membership definition and provide it to the Commission at a future meeting. 0 CITY ORDINANCE REGARDING PARKS AND RECREATION CARS Director Glasoe reported that the proposed ordinance revisions had been reviewed in an attempt to identify any legal issues. Mr. Glasoe noted that, as the revisions do not relate to other ordinances, and are not issues controlled by other entities, there are no foreseeable issues After some discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to recommend the ordinance changes to the City Council. The motion passed unanimously. OTHER Councilmember Lasman reported that all Commission members were invited to the annual Crime Prevention Awards ceremony that would be held April 20, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in Constitution Hall. PARK INFORMATION CARS Director Glasoe distributed a revised sidewalk/trail map that staff had developed and placed on the City's web site. Mr. Glasoe noted that additional photographs had been added as well. SET NEXT MEETING DATE • By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for May 17, 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 Russell, to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 0