HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 10-16 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
OCTOBER 16, 2001
CONFERENCE ROOM A, CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Forsch, Peterson, Russell and Shinnick were present.
Commissioner Theis was absent. Also present were Brooklyn Center resident Paul Fesco,
American Little League representative Fred Durgen, City Council member Tim Ricker, Public
Works Director Diane Spector and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director
Jim Glasoe
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 21, 2001
• Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the
August 21, 2001 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion
passed unanimously.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Council member Ricker reported that, as a result of the September 11 terrorist incidents,
Police and Public Works staff had increased their patrols of the City's water towers, wells, lift
stations and other public facilities. Council member Ricker indicated that the City's
Neighborhood Street Improvement Plan, originally planned for twenty years, had been
lengthened to twenty-five years.
Council member Ricker reported that the Council was considering a Street Light Utility that
would provide funding for the operation and replacement of streetlights. The cost for the
utility would be approximately $3.00 per quarter, per household.
Council Member Ricker informed the Commission that the City Council had adopted their
official goals for 2002. Mr. Ricker indicated that one of the goals included ongoing funding
for the Destination Parks Plan.
Council member Ricker shared with the Commission progress on the Brooklyn Boulevard and
. 69' Avenue project, Brookdale Mall improvements and the status of the Transit Hub
negotiations.
Commissioner Theis joined the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
REQUEST FROM BROOKLYN CENTER AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE
Fred Durgen from the Brooklyn Center American Little League provided an overview of his
organization, including how the ongoing programs are funded. Mr. Durgen indicated that their
group was looking to make a number of safety improvements to their facilities including,
replacing backstops, improving fencing and dug outs and constructing bullpens.
Mr. Durgen reported that their group had submitted a $5,000 grant application to the
Minnesota Twins for monies to be used towards these improvements, and that any money
received required a 100% local match. Mr. Durgen asked that the Commission consider
recommending to the City Council an allocation of up to $5,000 towards these improvements..
After considerable discussion, Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by
Commissioner Russell to recommend to the City Council that up to $5,000 be allocated in
2002 to assist the Brooklyn Center American Little League with facility improvements. The
motion passed unanimously.
Chair Sorenson recessed the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Chair Sorenson reconvened the meeting at 7:56 p.m.
2002- 2006 PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Public Works Director Spector presented the proposed 2002-2006 Parks Capital Improvements
Plan. The Commission reviewed the planned improvements for each of the program years.
In 2003, the Commission noted that the Central Park tennis courts were slated for
reconstruction. It was noted that the tennis courts are used very little. The Commission also
discussed the increased need for basketball courts.
After some discussion, Commissioner Peterson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Shinnick to eliminate the reconstruction of the tennis courts and replace them with basketball
courts. The motion passed unanimously.
In 2005, a paved running track was included at Evergreen Park. With Commission consensus,
the paved track was removed from the plan.
In 2006, Public Works Director Spector noted that the shelter at Garden City Park was
scheduled for replacement. Ms. Spector indicated that the building was in relatively good
condition and that consideration might be given to reconstructing another shelter building.
Commission consensus was to "swap" the Garden City shelter with the Orchard Lane park
shelter.
After additional discussion, Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
that the 2002-2006 parks Capital Improvements Plan be recommended to the City Council with
the changes noted.
CIVIC CENTER BUILDINGS UPDATE
• CARS Director Glasoe informed the Commission that construction continued on many parts of
the Civic Center remodeling project. Mr. Glasoe indicated that, although the project was only
two months old, the remodeling was on schedule.
Mr. Glasoe shared with the Commission the first mishap of the project had occurred last week,
as the contractor replacing the underground fuel tanks has broken the 8" water main into the
building. Mr. Glasoe reported the "break" had been repaired and the tank replacement
completed.
GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE BUILDING
Public Works Director Spector informed the Commission that the construction of the building
continued and that she still anticipated a fall 2001 completion.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for November 20, 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 8:40 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
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