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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 08-21 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 AUGUST 21, 2001 CONFERENCE ROOM A, CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Peterson and Shinnick were present. Commissioners Russell and Theis were absent and excused. Also present were Brooklyn Center School District Staff, Dr. Antoinette Johns, Jill Schwint, Steve Anderson, School Board Chair Greg Thielson and Citizens Referendum Committee members. City Staff in attendance were City Manager Michael McCauley, Public Works Director Diane Spector and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe • APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 13, 2001 Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve June 13, 2001 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT There was no Council Liaison report REQUEST FROM BROOKLYN CENTER SCHOOL DISTRICT City Manager McCauley introduced the School District's request to develop a unified site plan for the Earle Brown Elementary/Grandview park site. This unified site plan would allow the District to consider building a new building in an area of Grandview Park and then "swapping" school land for park property once the construction is completed. City Manager McCauley indicated that a main criterion for consideration of the concept was that the overall improvements would be beneficial for the District and, at the least, neutral for the City. Mr. McCauley stated that the ultimate goal would be to develop a plan that provides for synergies between school and park uses and is considered a "win/win" for both the District and the City. Mr. McCauley noted that the voters in the upcoming referendum vote would be the best "barometer" of the citizen's reaction to the proposed land exchange and street vacation. Brooklyn Center School Board Chair Greg Thielson provided the Commission with a Public Works Director Diane Spector provided an overview of a potential layout for the unified site plan. This plan included all of the elements currently on the school and city properties, with the exception of the sliding hill. background on the District's decision to seek a referendum. District Superintendent Antoinette Johns provided a background on past cooperate endeavors between the school district and the City. District Facilities Supervisor Steve Anderson provided an overview of the current layout and uses of the Earle Brown Elementary building and the history of remodeling and additions to the building. After some discussion, there was Commission consensus that the sliding hill was an important element, and that efforts should be made to include it in the plan. After considerable discussion regarding the school district's request, Chair Sorenson referred Commissioners to the draft resolution supporting the land exchange that had been included in the Commission packets. After additional discussion, Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to recommend to the city council that the Parks and Recreation Commission supports proceeding with the land exchange. The motion passed unanimously. i With Commission consensus, Chair Sorenson recessed the meeting at 8:03 p.m. Chair Sorenson reconvened the meeting at 8:12 p.m. CIVIC CENTER BUILDINGS UPDATE City Manager McCauley informed the Commission that the City Council had approved the contract for Civic Center remodeling at their last meeting. Mr. McCauley noted that the successful bid was from RJM Construction of Plymouth, MN. Mr. McCauley indicated the bid amount was $2,958,000 for the building remodeling and $325,000 for the parking lots. Mr. McCauley showed the latest plans for the remodeling and noted that construction was scheduled to begin in late August. 2002 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Spector shared the schedule of improvements for 2002. These improvements included the proposed improvements for Twin Lake Park. NORTHPORT PARK-SOCCER FIELD Public Works Director Spector shared with the Commission the growing need for soccer fields . in Brooklyn Center. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that over 115 Brooklyn Center Youth were currently registered in the Brooklyn Area soccer programs. Mr. Glasoe discussed a request from the soccer organization for additional fields in Brooklyn Center to be used for games. • Public Works Director Spector reported that staff had looked at a number of potential areas for additional soccer fields and that a Northport Park site was preferred. Ms. Spector indicated that one of the practice softball fields could be removed and replaced with a soccer field. Three separate parking areas would support this field. After some discussion, Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Peterson that the Commission recommends the change from a softball field to a soccer field at Northport Park. GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE BUILDING Public Works Director Spector informed the Commission that the construction of the building was somewhat behind schedule. However, Ms. Spector indicated the revised construction schedule still anticipated a fall 2001 completion. 11 SET NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for September 18, 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 8:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 0