HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 02-20 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
FEBRUARY 20, 2001
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Mead, Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Theis were
present. Also present were City Council Liaison Kay Lasman, City Manager Michael
McCauley, Police Chief Joel Downer, Public Works Director Diane Spector and
Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 16, 2001
• Council Liaison Lasman noted that the special election primary date to fill Council
Member Hillstrom's seat should have been April 17 not April 13.
Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the
January 16, 2001 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as amended. The
motion passed unanimously.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Council Member Lasman reported that the Public Works Department had used 1250 tons
of salt so far this winter and that it had less than 200 tons remaining. Public Works
Director Spector added that the City was looking for additional salt and increasing its
mixture of salt and sand to make it last longer.
Council Member Lasman stated that the Wickes distribution building on the former
Joslyn site won an award from the National Association of Industrial and Office
Properties for the best industrial "build to suit building" more than 200,000 square feet.
Liaison Lasman indicated that the City had been unable to negotiate a new lease for the
Northbrook liquor store and that March 24 would be the last day of business at that
location. Liaison Lasman added that staff would be offered positions at the "Cub" store.
Council Liaison Lasman reported that four candidates had filed for the special election to
fill Council Member Hillstrom's seat and that the primary was set for April 17 and
general election for May 1.
DISTRICT 286 FACILITIES
• City Manager McCauley reported that District 286 staff was in the process of evaluating
building needs. Mr. McCauley stated that one of the options being considered for Earle
Brown Elementary was the construction of a new building.
Mr. McCauley asked for Commission response to the idea of creating a unified site plan
by allowing 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 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.
The Commission discussed the issue at length and responded favorably to allowing the
School District to consider the option.
Mr. McCauley reported that the School District would determine the agenda and time
lines for considering improvement options.
• CIVIC CENTER BUILDINGS UPDATE
City Manager McCauley introduced the update by reviewing the background, objectives
and priorities for improvements to the City Hall and Community Center buildings. Mr.
McCauley indicated that there were a number of issues that were still unresolved and that
current cost estimates were running above allocated levels.
City Manager McCauley then reviewed the current plans for improvements to the Civic
Center buildings and answered Commissioners questions.
City Manager McCauley indicated that additional information would be brought to the
Commission as it becomes available.
SNOWMOBILES
Police Chief Downer discussed the history of snowmobile use in the City and current
ordinances restricting their use. Chief Downer indicated that enforcement has been, and
continues to be a difficult issue for the Police Department.
Chief Downer reviewed the past enforcement efforts including the history and the current
status of the Twin Lake Patrol. Chief Downer also reviewed the current enforcement
efforts and reported that the Sheriffs Water Patrol had been out nine times this season to
• assist.
Chief Downer then solicited Commission suggestions for improving the enforcement
efforts. Additional signage, snowfence, more information in City publications and
selected mailings to area residents were identifed as options.
The Commission requested that C.A.R.S. Director Glasoe send a letter to the
representatives of the Beach Condominiums outling the discussion of the snowmobile
issues and the plans for future enforcement.
GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE BUILDING
Public Works Director Spector reported that planning for a new maintenance garage at
Centerbrook continued.
Ms. Spector indicated that the proposed building was brought to the City Council at the
January 22 meeting and that the Council approved further development of the plan and a
funding plan.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for March 20 at 7:00
p.m. in Conference Room A at City Hall
MEETING ADJOURNED
Commissioner Peterson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, to adjourn
• the meeting at 9:10 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
0