HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 11-20 PRMMINUTES 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
NOVEMBER 20, 2001
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 Ebert, Russell, Shinnick and Theis were present.
Commissioners Forsch and Peterson were absent and excused. Also present were City Council
Member Tim Ricker, Public Works Director Diane Spector and Community Activities,
Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 16, 2001
Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the
October 16, 2001 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion
passed unanimously.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Council Member Ricker reported that the $5,000 request from the American Little League had
been approved pending execution of a service agreement. Council Member Ricker indicated
that the City Council was scheduled to consider the 2002 budget at their December 12 meeting.
In response to a Commission question, Council Member Ricker indicated the City ~':Ouncil
planned to levy the maximum amount allowed for 2002. However, Council Membef Ricker
noted that even with levying the maximum, the amount of State Aid received will be 17% less
than in 2001.
ICE RINK STAFFING
CARS Director Glasoe introduced the item and provided the Commission with a history of ice
rink staffing and a summary of rink use during the past five years.
Mr. Glasoe noted that the cost of staffing six rinks each winter had exceeded the budgeted
allocations for the last three years. Mr. Glasoe pointed out that, while the cost of staffing the
rinks continued to increase, the number of residents using the rinks was decreasing.
Mr. Glasoe asked for Commission direction on the number of rinks to staff in 2001-2002.
After some discussion, Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
. Ebert to open five warming houses for the 2001-2002 skating season. The warming houses to
be opened include Evergreen, Grandview, Willow Lane, Kylawn and Central Parks. The
motion passed unanimously.
CENTRAL PARK/INTERSTATE 694 WIDENING
Public Works Director Spector presented background material and a proposed resolution
regarding the proposed disposition of a small piece of Central Park property. Ms. Spector
indicated the property is needed by MnDOT for a storm drainage pond associated v,;ith the,
upcoming Interstate 694 widening. Ms. Spector noted that the property in question is not
currently used for any park purpose.
Commission members asked Ms. Spector about the possibility of a trail segment on the north
side of the parcel that would link Xerxes Avenue and Central. Ms. Spector responded that the
site would be "very tight" and that the connection to the Xerxes Avenue bridge would be
difficult because of the grade differences. As a result, Ms. Spector did not feel a trail segment
would be possible.
In addition to the logistical problems, Ms. Spector reminded the Commission that, in order for
the City to dispose of the property, it would need to find it "of no significant value."
Ms. Spector continued that requiring any type of easement might be in conflict with thii.
• statement.
After much discussion, Chair Sorenson made a motion that the draft resolution regarding the
disposition of the parcel be amended to include, that staff investigate the possibility of
reserving a trail easement as part of the disposition. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Theis and passed with Commissioners Ebert, Sorenson and Theis voting in
favor of the motion, and Commissioners Russell and Shinnick opposed.
CIVIC CENTER BUILDINGS UPDATE
CARS Director Glasoe informed the Commission that work on the remodeling continued.
Mr. Glasoe continued that the Administration Department was in the process of moving to
their new offices on the lower level and that the Public Works staff would move to the vacated
Administration space to allow the remodeling to continue.
Mr. Glasoe indicated that the remodeling work continued to remain on schedule.
GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE BUILDING
Public Works Director Spector informed the Commission that the construction of the building
continued and that only installation of the cupolas and final hook-ups for gas and electric
remained. Ms. Spector indicated that landscaping would not take place until spring 2002.
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SET NEXT MEETING DATE
• By consensus, the Commission chose to not meet in December 2001. The next meeting of the
Parks and Recreation Commission was set for January 15, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. in Conference
Room A of City Hall.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Theis, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
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