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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 05-20 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 MAY 20, 2003 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners, D. Peterson, R. Peterson, Russell and Theis were present. Commissioner Shinnick was absent and excused. Commissioner Ebert was absent. Also present were City Council Liaison Diane Niesen, Resident Roni Brunner and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe • APPROVAL OF MINUTES - April 15, 2003 Chair Sorenson noted that, under the item Garden City School/ParkImprovements, he had requested that the signage for the school and park parking lots clearly identify the separate parking areas. Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the April 15, 2003 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as amended. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Niesen reported that the City Council had met with the Financial Commission last evening regarding the pending budget cuts. Councilmember Niesen indicated the City was still looking at cuts of around $1,000,000 in 2003 and $2,000,000 in 2004. Councilmember Niesen stated the joint session primarily focused on priority setting. Councilmember Niesen also reported that the Rainbow Store would be closing in June, and that a new tenant was being sought. Councilmember Niesen indicated that an agreement had been reached with the MTC regarding a Transit Hub. Councilmember Niesen reported it would be located on County Road Ten at Northway Drive. Chair Sorenson asked if the transit hub would have restroom facilities. Councilmember Niesen responded that the facility would be built with restrooms and a small business space to be leased, but that the restrooms would not be open • unless a vendor could be found that would also be responsible for maintenance of them. Councilmember Niesen did indicate that bus drivers would let patrons use the restrooms in emergency situations. • Commissioners asked about development at the northwest corner of Brooklyn Boulevard and 69th Avenue. Councilmember Niesen indicated she was not aware of any current development plans. Commissioners also asked about the old Jerry's New Market site. Councilmember Niesen reported the building had been taken down and that, as the parcel remained under private ownership, the City was not aware of any development plans. TWIN LAKE PARK SHINGLE CREEK WATERSHED SHORELINE GRANT Chair Sorenson introduced the item. City Council Liaison Niesen indicated that the item had been brought to the City Council for action, but that Council had noted the Park and Recreation Commission had not studied the issue and referred it to the Commission for additional study and recommendation. Councilmember Niesen indicated that she thought the project was important for the neighborhood and the lake. Chair Sorenson noted that this was a "neighborhood Park" and that all planned improvements had all been completed with the exception of reestablishing the turf. Resident Roni Brunner responded that the park was not a neighborhood park and was used, by people from a wide area. Ms. Brunner added cars continually park on the street adjacent to the park, and in front of the residences. Chair Sorenson noted that the area was posted as "no parking". Ms. Brunner responded that the "no parking" was being violated and the homeowners had to contact the . police. Chair Sorenson indicated that it was then an enforcement issue, and could not be addressed by the Commission. Ms. Brunner indicated the proposed improvements were important because they were designed to improve water quality. Ms. Brunner indicated that the Twin Lakes were hypertrophic and could benefit from the improvements. Chair Sorenson asked how the improvements would improve lake quality. Ms Brunner responded that the plantings would filter water before it ran into the lake. With permission from the Chair, CARS Director Glasoe provided the Commission with an overview of the proposed project, including the areas that would be planted and the expected benefits. Mr. Glasoe noted that after completion of the project, it was to be used as a demonstration site for area lakeshore owners. Mr. Glasoe continued his review of the project by detailing the manpower obligations the grant would place on the City. Mr. Glasoe also discussed the long range Capital Improvements Plan for park improvements and provided the Commission with a history of the planned improvements at Twin Lake Park. Mr. Glasoe noted that beach improvements were contemplated in the 2001-20006 Capital Improvements Plan, but were not included in the 2002-2007 Plan after a meeting with the Twin Lake neighborhood in June 2001. Mr. Glasoe continued that the Commission had recommended that several of the planned 2003 improvements could be deferred if budget cuts necessitated. • Mr. Glasoe indicated that, in light of the obligations placed on the City and, as the Commission had not talked to the neighborhood about the improvements, that it was his recommendation to decline the grant at this time. Mr. Glasoe reported that declining the grant now would not preclude the City from applying for a similar grant in future years. After considerable discussion, Commissioner Theis made a motion that the Commission host a meeting with the Twin Lake Park neighborhood residents and interested citizens to explain the proposed improvements and gauge support for the proposal. The motion was seconded by Commissioner D. Peterson. After additional discussion, Commissioner R. Peterson called for the question. Chair Sorenson asked Commissioners if there was a motion to limit debate. Commissioner R. Peterson moved, seconded by Commissioner Theis to limit debate. The motion passed. The motion was brought to a vote. Commissioners D. Peterson, R. Peterson, Russell and Theis voted in favor of the motion. Chair Sorenson voted against. The motion carried. Commissioner Theis, City Council Liaison Niesen and Resident Roni Brunner left the meeting at 8:03 p.m. 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 meeting. PARK SIGNAGE/TRAIL/FIELD MAINTNENACE Chair Sorenson asked about the status of placement of park signage. Chair Sorenson reiterated that many of the parks did not have signs on the backstops relating to "no alcohol allowed" etc. Mr. Glasoe indicated he would discuss the issue with Public Works staff. Commissioner R. Peterson asked about the status of the $60,000 grant to rebuild trail sections. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he did not know the status, but would check with the Director of Public Works. Commissioner R. Peterson indicated that he had noted some maintenance issues on the Palmer Lake trail as it crossed from Brooklyn Center to Brooklyn Park and also asked about trail markings. Chair Sorenson asked about filling the depression in the warning track of the north softball field at West Palmer Park. CARS Director Glasoe indicated he would follow up on these items with Public Works staff and report back at the next meeting. ADOPT-A-PARK CLEANUP Chair Sorenson asked if any Commissioners would be available during a weekday morning within the next two weeks to conduct the clean up. After some discussion, May 29 at 8:30 a.m. was selected. Chair Sorenson, Commissioner D. Peterson and R. Peterson volunteered to meet at Marlin Park. Other Commissioners were asked to check their schedules and assist if they were available. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for June 3, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at Twin Lake Park. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner D. Peterson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. • 0