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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 02-12 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 FEBRUARY 12, 2002 CONFERENCE ROOM A, CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners, D. Peterson, R. Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Theis were present. Commissioner Ebert was absent and excused. Also present were Police Officer Gary Coleman, Public Works Director Diane Spector and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe . APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 20, 2001 Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the November 20 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. Commissioner Peterson moved the nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Russell and unanimously passed. Chair Sorenson named Don Peterson as Vice-Chair. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Public Works Director Spector reported that the EDA had approved a development agreement for the 69`" Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard area, and that the development included a Culvers restaurant. • Public Works Director Spector indicated that the Smart Growth Project was conducting a market study and that the City Council has requested consideration of a "Community Square" component. Ms. Spector also noted that significant reductions in State Aid might be forthcoming as a result • of the recent state budget shortfall. Ms Spector noted the Governor's proposal contained significant reductions for Brooklyn Center. PARK WATCH PROGRAM CARS Director Glasoe introduced Officer Gary Coleman of the Brooklyn Center Police Department. Officer Coleman introduced a new police initiative regarding the development of a Park Watch Program. Officer Coleman indicated the City currently had 160+ Neighborhood Watch groups with almost 4,000 members. Officer Coleman shared that he had introduced the program to these current volunteers and also shared a recent newspaper article regarding the program. Officer Coleman noted that many of the groups showed an interest in the program, particularly after the events of September 11. Officer Coleman indicated that one important element of the program that lacked current funding was signage. Officer Coleman indicated that "personalized" park watch signs, along with new park rules signs, for all parks would cost between $10,000 and $12,000 After some discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to report the City Council the Commission's support of the Park Watch initiative, and to recommend to the Council that staff be directed to identify the necessary funds to purchase signs for a select number of parks including, Northport, Kylawn, Twin Lake, Bellevue, Riverwood and Lion's Park. The motion passed unanimously. HIGHWAY 100 TRAILS Public Works Director Spector reported that a joint trails application between the Cities of Crystal, Robbinsdale and Brooklyn Center had been submitted to the Three Rivers Park District. Ms. Spector informed the commission that a component of this application was a link between Twin Lake Park and Robbinsdale. Ms. Spector noted that the Three Rivers Park District had responded favorably to the application, as they are attempting to establish a presence in the first ring suburbs via trails. Ms. Spector noted that, if Three Rivers does approve the trails, the project would require the execution of a cooperative agreement regarding use and maintenance of the trails as well as cost sharing language. Ms. Spector anticipated the project would be awarded some time late in April, subject to funding. • GRANDVIEW PARK/DISTRICT #2(LPROPERTY EXCHANGE CARS Director Glasoe informed the Commission that this item was somewhat "on hold" until recently when the school district selected an architect. Commissioner Shinnick informed the Commission that Leonard Parker had been retained by the school district to provide architectural services for the new school and remodeling at the High School. Public Works Director Spector indicated that she and the City Manger would be meeting with the school district soon to develop "to do" list, a timeline and to begin discussions on who pays for what. Ms Spector noted that one item that had been identified during the referendum meetings was the desire from many residents to keep the Grandview sliding hill. Commission consensus was that every attempt should be made to retain the sliding hill or to replace it at a different location. LITTLE LEAGUE FUNDING REQUEST CARS Director Glasoe informed the Commission that the City Council had approved the funding request of the Brooklyn Center American Little League and that a cooperative agreement had been developed and executed. CIVIC CENTER BUILDINGS UPDATE CARS Director Glasoe informed the Commission that work on the remodeling continued. Mr. Glasoe continued that the Public Works Department would be moving into their new space • later this week. Mr. Glasoe indicated work was also progressing at the Community Center, and that the remodeling work remained on schedule. GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE BUILDING Public Works Director Spector informed the Commission that the construction of the building was nearly complete except for some interior finishes. Ms. Spector indicated that landscaping would not take place until spring 2002. 694 STORMWATER PONDING Chair Sorenson asked about the status of MnDOT's plan for storm water ponding related to the Interstate 694 widening. Public Works Director Spector indicated that MnDOT was moving forward with their plans to use existing right-of-way areas for the ponding. COMMISSION RECOGNITION EVENT Chair Sorenson shared with the Commission that a Commission recognition event is being planned for April 15, at 6:30 p.m. with the location to be determined. 0 SET NEXT MEETING DATE • By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for March 19, at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room A of City Hall. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Peterson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 0 0