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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 11-16 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 NOVEMBER 16, 2004 COMMUNITY ROOM #221 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Hauger, Peterson, Russell, Theis and Shinnick were present. Also present were Councilmember Kathleen Carmody and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. • APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was approved. Chair Sorenson asked if there was any additional information on park signs. CARS Director Glasoe responded that he had some additional information. The item was added under old business. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 16, 2004 Councilmember Carmody indicated that the minutes under the Council Liaison item were incorrect. Ms. Carmody noted that her comments relative to the development on 69 h and Brooklyn Boulevard should read "the developer of the property was in default on the mortgage" not the property taxes. Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the October 16, 2004 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as amended. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Carmody reported that the City Council had approved acquisition of the Hmong American Shopping Center (Northbrook) and the adjacent typewriter shop for redevelopment. • Councilmember Carmody indicated that there was no new news related to Brookdale Mall, and that the development at 69`h Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard was fully leased. Commissioners asked about the status of the transit hub. Councilmember Carmody responded that a December 2004 completion was still anticipated. Commissioners asked about any potential development plans for the Pep Boys area. Councilmember Carmody responded that she was not aware of any current development plans for that site, but that "visioning meetings" for the Opportunity Site area would be scheduled starting in February 2005. Ms. Carmody also noted that Commission Chairs would be part of a task force to study future development of the area. Councilmember Carmody added that the City Council had met to consider the 2005-2009 Capital Improvements Plan, including the park improvements, and had approved the plan. PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS- Community Center CARS Director Glasoe distributed a memorandum related to the Capital Improvements Plan and the Community Center. Mr. Glasoe indicated that he was "planting a seed" for future consideration by the Commission. Mr. Glasoe noted that, more than 30 years ago, the Brooklyn Center Community Center was constructed as an amenity for the community. Similar to parks, playgrounds and shelter buildings, it was intended to enhance the lives of Brooklyn Center residents. Although it is a revenue generating facility, it was never intended to "make" money. Mr. Glasoe continued that, throughout its 34-year history, the Community Center has done • exactly what was originally intended; it has been a focal point for the community and a hub of activity for persons of all ages. From dance classes to swimming lessons, senior leisure time to preschool, community meetings to private gatherings, the Community Center has provided a home to a multitude of activities. So many activities in fact, that each year more than 100,000 people visit the Community Center. Mr. Glasoe reminded the Commission that the Community Center was part of multi-million dollar remodeling project in 2002 and 2003. Numerous improvements were made, including accessibility improvements, new locker facilities, an expanded exercise room and the addition of a ground floor reception area and community space. These improvements, once again, positioned the Community Center to remain as a community focal point for many years to come. Mr. Glasoe cautioned that it should be noted that this remodeling was undertaken fully 30 years after its original construction. Long after improvements were wanted, and certainly after some were needed. This significant time span was partially the result of the lack of a long-range plan for ongoing improvements. Recognizing that fact, Mr. Glasoe noted that 30 years was far too long a time span in between building and remodeling, and that he would like to adopt a philosophy, similar to the park improvements, whereby improvements are made over time. Mr. Glasoe continued that this could postpone the need for a future bond referendum or major improvement project. . Mr. Glasoe indicated that each year the Commission considers improvements to the City parks as part of the Capital Improvements Plan. In the past, these improvements have included abiding park shelter buildings, playgrounds, trails, lighting etc. Each of these improvements was . intended to serve the same purpose as the Community Center, to enhance and enrich the lives of Brooklyn Center residents. In closing, Mr. Glasoe requested the Commission consider adding the Community Center to the list of facilities to be improved through the Capital Improvements Plan. Mr. Glasoe noted that, with Commission consent, discreet improvements could be planned and made to the Community Center over time. Mr. Glasoe added, this practice would ensure the Community Center would remain an important part of Brooklyn Center "life" for generations to come. Chair Sorenson indicated his recollection of the rationale for remodeling was that the remodeling project would extend the life of the Community Center 10-12 years until a decision could be made on the future of the facility. CARS director Glasoe responded that the pool was the portion of the facility that would be reaching the end of its useful life. And, as the bonds for the new Police and Fire buildings would sunset in approximately 7-8 years, there would be an opportunity to make some capital investment without raising taxes. Mr. Glasoe continued that the original idea was to begin a community dialog prior to the bonds being retired to determine what the citizens want in a Community Center. Chair Sorenson asked about the types of improvements that might be funded through the CIP. Chair Sorenson rioted that paint, carpet and those types of issues should be part of general maintenance expenses. CARS Director Glasoe responded that there are thresholds and definitions of what types of improvements could be included in the Capital Improvements Plan. Mr. Glasoe continued that he thought the threshold was $10,000 and that the improvement/equipment had to have a useful life in excess of 7-10 years. Mr. Glasoe indicated he would get the exact thresholds and definitions for the Commission. Commissioner Theis expressed some concern over adding another significant facility to the facilities to be improved through the CIP, noting the limited funds available. Commissioner Theis also felt it would be necessary to further define the rationale to include the Community Center and not the other City owned buildings. CARS Director Glasoe responded that his rationale for including the Community Center was that its function is similar to all other park facilities, as it is intended to be an amenity for the citizens. Commissioner Peterson commended CARS Director Glasoe for bringing the issue to the attention of the Commission and asked about the need for Commission action. Mr. Glasoe noted that his intent for this time was just to introduce the item for future consideration by the Commission. Mr. Glasoe added that, if there was additional information the Commission would like, he would be more than happy to provide it. Chair Sorenson asked that Mr. Glasoe provide the definition of what items can be included in the Capital Improvements Plan. After some additional discussion, Chair Sorenson asked that this item be held over until the to January meeting. • PETITION-ORCHARD LANE PARK CARS Director Glasoe informed the Commission that he had contacted the Orchard Lane Park Watch Group to determine what type of upgrades they were requesting via the petition. Mr. Glasoe indicated the group was looking for the building to be made more "usable'. Mr. Glasoe continued that the suggestions included working bathrooms, heat, a fresh coat of paint and a change in the floor covering. Mr. Glasoe noted that, as a result of recent budget reductions, the shelter building was no longer used for the summer parks playground program, or for a winter warming house. As such, Mr. Glasoe added that the heat had been turned off, the restrooms winterized and the shelter was used to store some materials. Mr. Glasoe did add that a portable restroom was available at the park Mr. Glasoe continued that, as there are no planned activities at the shelter, spending the monies to heat the building and reactivate the plumbing we not warranted. Mr. Glasoe did indicate that he could speak with the Public Works Department about the possibility of painting the inside of the facility and removing the rubber mats from the floor. Mr. Glasoe noted that these improvements could be made from the general fund allocations. After some additional discussion it was the consensus of the Commission that Mr. Glasoe speak with Public Works staff to determine if the above improvements could be made from the current general fund allocations. Mr. Glasoe added that, if additional funds are necessary, he would report back to the Commission for a recommendation. • WILLOW LANE SCHOOL LAND SWAP CARS Director Glasoe reported that the Commission recommendation regarding the "land swap", including the recommendation regarding the fencing and the soccer field, had been sent to the Planning Commission and the City Council. Mr. Glasoe noted the item for recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and that the City Council had approved the preliminary plat at their last meeting. BOAT TRAILER PARKING- TWIN LAKE CARS Director Glasoe reported that the new Lions Park in Robbinsdale included 5 or 6 boat trailer parking spaces. Mr. Glasoe indicated the amount of boat trailer parking was dependant on the single car parking. Chair Sorenson noted that it had been some time since the commission had addressed this issue and asked if the boat trailer parking had been an issue over the summer? CARS Director Glasoe responded that he was not aware on any issues related to boat trailer parking. After some discussion it was the consensus of the Commission that this item be tabled indefinitely. 0 CITY ORDINANCE REGARDING PARKS AND RECREATION Cars Director Glasoe noted that he had included copies of the current Parks and Recreation Ordinance, and suggestions for possible revisions in the meeting packet. Mr. Glasoe added that the suggestions were made only for items identified by the Commission for addition discussion. Mr. Glasoe continued that, in speaking with the City Clerk, the timeline for ordinance revisions was approximately 5 - 6 months. Chair Sorenson asked if the Commission was in favor of reviewing the items in the order they appear on the document. It was the consensus of the Commission that they proceed on that basis. Definitions: CARS Director Glasoe noted that there had been discussion about adding language relative to water in the definition. Commissioner Theis indicated he was in favor of adding language relative to water, but wondered if there was also a need relative to park shelters or another amenities. After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that consideration be given to having the definition read parks and amenities therein, open space, trails and waterways. Dogs: CARS Director Glasoe noted that the prior Commission discussion had centered around the definition of "effectively restrained." Chair Sorenson asked if Commissioners wanted to consider adding a specific length to the leash. Commissioner Theis suggested six feet. Commissioner Ebert noted that, in tight confines, like a trail, six feet may be too long. Chair Sorenson noted that he liked the definition of restrained as contained in the second paragraph. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that that sentence had been taken from the Maple Grove web site. He indicated it was on a page of "clarifying" statements regarding ordinances. Mr. Glasoe noted that that was also an option for the Commission. Instead of amending the ordinance, clarifying statements could be made in the City Watch, Newspapers etc. After some additional discussion, CARS Director Glasoe offered to research leash lengths in other city's ordinances. Noting the late time, Chair Sorenson asked that additional conversation regarding this item be held over to the January meeting. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for January 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 Russell, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.