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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 06-03 PRM9 • 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 JUNE 3, 2003 TWIN LAKE PARK MEETING REGARDING TWIN LAKE PARK - SHORELINE PLANTING GRANT Chair Sorenson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Chair Sorenson introduced members of the Commission, the City Council members and also staff members that were present. Chair Sorenson then asked that each of the residents sign the attendance sheet. There were forty one residents in attendance. At the request of Chair Sorenson, Cars Director Glasoe provided a history of the grant application, an overview of the planned improvements including the areas to be planted, types of plants that would be used and the resulting maintenance requirements from the improvements. • Council member Niesen provided some additional information regarding the proposed project, lake quality information and additional history of the project. Ms. Niesen indicated that she felt that this was an important project for the neighborhood and for the lake. In addition, CARS Director Glasoe and Public Works Director Blomstrom answered.citizens' questions regarding the proposal. During the session, opinions in favor of, and against the proposed project wer; voicecL - Whil&- many saw the proposed improvements as an aesthetic benefit to the park, with the potential to improve the lake's water quality, others argued that the reduction of the beach area would become a future maintenance issue and could cause additional congestion and the potential for safety concerns as a result of boats and personal watercraft docking in a smaller area. After considerable discussion, Chair Sorenson conducted an informal hand count. A majority of the people in attendance were in favor of the project. In addition to the informal, hand count at the meeting, CARS Director Glasoe reported that survey cards had been sent to neighborhood residents asking for their opinion. Of the two hundred thirty nine cards that were mailed, sixty-two survey cards were received. Forty-eight of the residents indicated they were in favor of the improvements; eleven were in favor of maintaining the>bea .las. it currently is, and another three did not express an opinion. 0 0 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners D. Peterson, R. Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Theis were present. Commissioner Ebert was excused. Also present were, City Council member Diane Niesen, Public Works Director Todd Blomstrom, and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 20, 2003 CARS Director Glasoe noted that the minutes showed Commissioner Ebert as absent, and should have read excused. Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve May 20, 2003 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as amended. The motion passed unanimously. • TWIN LAKE PARK- SHINGLE CREEK WATERSHED SHORLINE GRANT After some discussion, Commissioner Theis made a motion that the Park and Recreation Commission recommends the City Council accept the shoreline grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources through the Shingle Creek Watershed. In making the recommendation, the Commission also recognized the current budget constraints, and wanted to make certain the City Council was aware of the requirements of the agreement, as they would impose additional cost obligations on the City. The basic tenants of the agreement include: The Landowner (City) is responsible for maintaining the project for a period of ten (10) years to ensure the conservation objectives are met. The landowner (City) is responsible for site preparation and recruitment of volunteers for planting. The total estimated hours for 2003 are 445. In years 2 - 14,,the, estimated hours are 80-120 per year. Minimum maintenance will include weekly watering during the first two years and regular removal of invasive and exotic species that encroach on the project. The landowner (City) will forgo the use of fertilizer in the buffer area and chemical control of aquatic plants, except for the control of algae. The landowner (City) agrees to make the site available as a demonstration site to the general public. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Shinnick. Commissioners D. Peterson, R. Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Theis voted in favor of the motion. Chair Sorenson abstained from the vote. PARK SIGNAGE/TRAIL/FIELD MAINTNENACE CARS Director Glasoe reported that he had researched some of the Commission's questions and issues raised at the last meeting. Mr. Glasoe indicated that parks maintenance staff had looked at the play equipment paint issues at Freeway and Happy Hollow. Mr. Glasoe informed the Commission that he had received the following information from Streets and Parks Supervisor John Harlow. The powder coating that is flaking from the connectors ("mega locks") between the upright posts and the horizontal members, the manufacturer Game Time warrants the finish for one year. The equipment at Freeway was installed in 1993, and at Happy Hollow in 1998. The finish is flaking on the connectors that face the most severe weather conditions, mostly south and west. The connectors are only about three or four inches long and of minor visual impact in the scale of the entire structure. Also, the separation of the powder coat is on account of the aluminum composition of the connectors as opposed to the steel upright and • horizontal components. There are no structural implications, only minor aesthetics. If this is a major concern, we can either replace the connectors, which would involve dismantling the structure or can apply some touch up paint. I would not give this high priority at this time, considering the other pressing maintenance issues and limited staff. Commissioners agreed that there is no need to pursue the issues at this time. Mr. Glasoe reported that Mr. Harlow's information further indicated the entire trail system had been inspected and that crews are beginning repairs as noted on the inventory. Also, the trail contract for raising the Shingle Creek Trail north of Freeway Blvd was approved at the last City Council meeting. Mr. Harlow's information noted that, if there is money remaining from the budget & grant, staff will begin another contract to start reconstruction of the Palmer Lake Trail, beginning at Brooklyn Park going south as far as funds permit. Mr. Harlow's e-mail noted that the new park "Welcome/Info" signage adopted last year will be installed in all parks and trails this summer. The signs are done and the new recycled*..-. plastic posts are to be shipped next week - they were purchased with Hennepin Recycling Group funds. Mr. Harlow's message reported that the dip at West Palmer has been filled numerous times, it is the same condition as Central, organic soil that keeps settling. If repairs are to be made, we need dry weather so the fence can be removed and fill hauled in and leveled. Following we will need to top-dress with black dirt and seed. This area will then be out of service until the seed matures, probably the fall of 2004. Do to the need for a fence contractor and black dirt, this may need to be a CIP concern. Mr. Harlow noted that staff had not considered trail markings because our trails are either split ped/bike or are wide enough to accommodate both types of traffic. Another consideration is the time, expense and additional maintenance required, a concern, especially with the budget and labor constraints we are facing. TWIN LAKES - PERSONAL WATERCRAFT Chair Sorenson directed that this item be held over until the September 2003 meeting. Chair Sorenson asked that CARS Director Glasoe provide Commissioners Ebert, R. Peterson, Theis and resident Brunner material related to past Commission consideration of the issue. CITY ORDINANCE REGARDING PARKS AND RECREATION Chair Sorenson directed that this item be held over until the September 2003 meeting. SET MEETING DATE A motion was made by Commissioner Peterson to not schedule Commission meetings in July and August unless the need should arise. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Russell and passed unanimously. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for September 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Community Room #221 of the Community Center MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Peterson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 0