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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 04-20 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 APRIL 20, 2004 COMMUNITY ROOM #221 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Hauger, Peterson, Russell and Shinnick were present. Commissioner Theis was absent and excused. Also present was Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. • APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Sorenson asked that Commission Chair/City Council Meeting Report and Walkable Communities Workshop be added to the agenda. CARS Director Glasoe asked that Garden City School Playground Improvements and Youth Football be added to the agenda. By consensus, the items were added to the agenda under new Business. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 16, 2004 Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the March 16, 2004 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Council Member Peppe was unable to attend the meeting. BOAT TRAILER PARKING-TWIN LAKE Chair Sorenson reviewed an e-mail he had received from Council Member Lasman regarding the lack of boat trailer parking for Twin Lake. Mr. Sorenson noted that the City had one • designated boat access on both Middle and Upper Twin Lake. • CARS Director Glasoe indicated that, at the last meeting, the Commission had directed him to determine the number of boat launches on each of the lakes and to attempt to find out the availability of open parcels for potential parking areas. Mr. Glasoe noted the City of Crystal had no public boat launches on the west side of the lake, and Robbinsdale had only one boat launch, that was currently closed for reconstruction. Mr. Glasoe shared with the Commission aerial photos of two parcels just north of the Middle Twin boat launch that might be suitable for boat trailer parking. Mr. Glasoe noted the current values for the parcels were $20,000 and $25,000 respectively. Mr. Glasoe added that both lots are "un-buildable" as they are in the flood plane. CARS Director Glasoe continued that parking areas would be an allowable use, if it were developed as a special use project. Mr. Glasoe noted that the special use would need to be considered by the Planning Commission and would entail a public hearing. After some discussion, the Commission asked CARS Director Glasoe to get additional information on the actual feasibility and estimates on the costs to develop the parking areas. TOBACCO FREE PARKS INITIATIVE CARS Director Glasoe discussed an informational flyer that he had received from the Tobacco- Free Youth Recreation Program regarding their efforts to have communities adopt tobacco free policies for their parks. . Mr. Glasoe informed the Commission that the information was included for informational purposes only, but that he would solicit additional materials if the Commission were interested. After some discussion, the Commission consensus was that CARS Director Glasoe would solicit additional information and report back at the May 2004 meeting. GARDEN CITY SCHOOL-PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Glasoe reported that he had received a request from representatives of Garden City School that they be added to the May 2004 meeting agenda. Mr. Glasoe also shared copies of a letter he had received from the Garden City Parent Teacher Organization requesting financial assistance from the City for playground improvements. By consensus, the item was added to the May agenda. Commissioner Peterson left the meeting at 7:56 p.m. YOUTH FOOTBALL CARS Director Glasoe reported that CARS staff had been contacted regarding the apparent • establishment of an additional youth football team/league in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Glasoe indicated that, although the City has no formal affiliation with the youth football program, staff had assisted in the past with field schedules, game schedules and equipment storage. . Mr. Glasoe noted that current participation levels in youth football could not support two separate leagues. Mr. Glasoe indicated that, in an attempt to mediate a solution, the City would be hosting a meeting to discuss the issue. COMMISSION CHAIR/CITY COUNCIL MEETING Chair Sorenson reported that he, along with the other Commission chairs, had met with the City Council. Chair Sorenson indicated the Council had asked for Commission input on the annual Commission Appreciation event. After considerable discussion, the Commission developed the following ideas, in priority order. A signed letter from the Mayor and Council to each Commission member, thanking them for serving on their respective commission. This would be in addition to one of the following events ranked in order of preference. a) Hold a yearly joint council commission meeting with each commission on a normal commission meeting night. This avoids tying up an additional night for commission members. b) Hold a yearly Commission report and recognition event with Hors d'oeuvres similar to the events held 4 or 5 years ago. • c) Alternate the type of event over a two year period. One year hold a Commission report and recognition event with Hors d'oeuvres similar to the events held 4 or 5 years ago. The next year hold joint council commission meetings with each commission on a normal commission meeting night. d) Hold a larger recognition dinner less often, possibly every other year. CARS Director Glasoe indicated he would inform the City Manger of the Commission's preferences regarding the event. WALKABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP Chair Sorenson reported that he, Commissioners Hauger, Russell and CARS Director Glasoe had attended a recent workshop on Walkable Communities. Chair Sorenson asked if CARS Director Glasoe had a report on the workshop. Mr. Glasoe responded that, staff from the Community Development Department was putting together a written report on the workshop, including recommendations for making the community more accessible. By consensus, it was agreed that this item would be placed on the May agenda. 9 CITY ORDINANCE REGARDING PARKS AND RECREATION Chair Sorenson referred Commissioners to the list of items regarding the ordinance the Commission had identified for further consideration as compiled by CARS Director Glasoe. After some discussion, the Commission directed CARS Director Glasoe to gather additional information, or provide proposed languages changes for the following items: • Animals to be leashed. Definition of leashed? Issues related to "clean up" after pets. • Dog restraint- include leash or dependable voice control? • Limiting size of gatherings without permit? • Staff suggestions • Language related to the Mississippi River and Twin Lakes WILLOW LANE SCHOOL-PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS CARS Director Glasoe reported that he had met with staff from Willow Lane School in an attempt to find a fencing type and configuration that was acceptable for their proposed playground improvements. Additionally, Mr. Glasoe reported that he had provided Willow Lane staff with a copy of an old "Request for Quotes" document, and a list of playground equipment vendor contacts for their reference. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for May 18, 2004 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. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. 0