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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 01-20 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 JANUARY 20, 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, Russell, Shinnick and Theis were present. Commissioner R. Peterson was absent and excused. Also present were, Recreation Program Supervisor Kathy Flesher and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. • APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 18, 2003 Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the November 18, 2003 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Sorenson opened nominations for Commission Chair. Commissioner Shinnick nominated Commissioner Sorenson. Commissioner Russell seconded the nomination. Chair Sorenson asked for additional nominations, there was none. Commissioner Shinnick moved the nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Russell and unanimously passed. Chair Sorenson named Commissioner Shinnick as Vice-Chair. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT CARS Director Glasoe informed the Commission that Council member Peppe had been appointed as liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission for 2004. • Council member Peppe was unable to attend the meeting. • RECREATION PROGRAM REVIEW CARS Director Glasoe introduced Recreation Program Supervisor Kathy Flesher. Ms. Flesher updated the Commission on all of the programs, special events and activities she supervises. In addition Ms. Flesher spent considerable time discussing the effects of recent budget reductions on programs, and her program plans for 2004 and beyond. Programs discussed included; exercise classes, pottery, senior programs, summer parks program, Puppet Playhouse, youth summer sports, Holiday Bazaar, Kids Shopping Korner and preschool. Chair Sorenson recessed the meeting at 8:03 Chair Sorenson reconvened the meeting at 8:09 WILLOW LANE SCHOOL-PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Glasoe reported to the Commission that he had met with representatives from the Osseo Schools to discuss their desire to make modifications/improvements to the Willow Lane Park/School playground. Mr. Glasoe reminded the Commission that the City and the Osseo School District had jointly constructed the current playground in 1995. Mr. Glasoe handed out copies of the current cooperative agreement and discussed its contents. • Mr. Glasoe continued that the reason the district was considering changes, was that the school had been re-purposed as an early childhood center. As such, the District noted that the ages of children served was 5 years and under and included children with disabilities. As a result, the District felt that some of the existing equipment was not appropriate for younger children, or children with disabilities. Additionally, and for the same reasons, Mr. Glasoe noted the District had asked about fencing the equipment. Mr. Glasoe noted that additional work was being done by the District to determine if the current equipment could be modified, the cost effectiveness of modification versus new equipment and their current funding capabilities. Commissioner Ebert asked if the District had asked for the City's help with funding, since it was originally a jointly built playground. Mr. Glasoe responded that he had informed the group about the City's current financial position, and that park improvements are planned as part of the long range Capital Improvements Plan. Mr. Glasoe indicated that he felt the group knew that financial participation by the City was unlikely. Mr. Glasoe indicated he would bring the item back to the Commission if requested by the District. Commissioner Theis left the meeting at 8:16 p.m. 0 CITY ORDINANCE REGARDING PARKS AND RECREATION Chair Sorenson reminded the Commission that it had established a goal of March 2004 to have the ordinance review completed, and any suggested changes identified. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he had included a list of items the Commission had identified for further consideration in the meeting materials. This item was referred to the February 2004 agenda. FUNDING REALLOCATION FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING - CARS Director Glasoe indicated that the Commission resolution regarding the reallocation of funds for after-school programming had been approved the City Council. Mr. Glasoe added that the $58,000+ would be spent over the next two years to supplement after-school programs. PICNIC SHELTER FEES CARS Director Glasoe indicated that additional ways of raising revenues were being sought as a result of the current budget conditions. Mr. Glasoe continued that one of the proposed fees was for reservations of the picnic shelters. Mr. Glasoe indicated that staff had proposed fees of $30 for the larger shelters, and $15.00 for the smaller shelters. Mr. Glasoe reported that a number of neighboring communities have already instituted such fees. Commissioner Shinnick asked if all residents and/or groups would have to pay the fees. Mr. Glasoe responded that it had not yet been determined who would have to pay, and who would not. Chair Sorenson indicated he felt uncomfortable with the fee for Brooklyn Center residents, as they had already helped to pay for the picnic shelters with their taxes. CARS Director Glasoe indicated he would do some additional research and bring a revised recommendation to a future meeting. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for February 10, 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 at 8:33 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.