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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 11-17 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 NOVEMBER 17, 1998 GARDEN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Mead, Peterson, Russell and Shinnick were present. Commissioner Theis was absent. Also in attendance was Mayor Myrna Kragness, Director of Public Works Diane Spector and Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 20, 1998 There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the October 20, 1998 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 0 INTRODUCTION Chair Sorenson introduced himself and identified the purpose of the meeting. He indicated the Parks and Recreation Commission was hosting a series of community meetings regarding park improvements. He encouraged those present to comment on the long range park improvement plan and ask questions. He then introduced Mayor Myrna Kragness, Director of Public Works Diane Spector and Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe. PARKS IMPROVEMENT PLAN Public Works Director Diane Spector provided background information regarding the parks Capital Improvement Plan and discussed the improvements anticipated in the next few years. After completing her remarks, Spector asked for comments on the plan and/or questions from the audience. One of the meeting attendees indicated that she was affiliated with Northport Elementary School PTO and asked about the possibility of the City assisting in the renovation of basketball courts at the school. Public Works Director Spector responded that the City has cooperated with schools on a number of similar joint projects where the City owned park land that was directly adjacent to a school. She asked that the representative contact her to further discuss the possibility. Another meeting attendee commented on the condition of Wangsted Park, primarily the • maintenance of the park. She shared pictures of the park showing tall grass in the playground area and rust on the equipment. Spector responded that the City was aware of these issues and that improvements were planned for 1999, including replacement of the playground equipment. Spector also commented that the maintenance efforts at the parks were limited this year as the City was not able to hire their normal number of parks maintenance staff due to the employment economy. Another resident asked about the softball fields at East Palmer Lake Park. Spector responded that the north field had recently been raised and would be renovated (seeded, new backstop and fencing) in 1999. One resident spoke regarding the possibility of adding a disc golf course on city property. He indicated that he lived in the city and owned a business which promotes and distributes golf discs, golf apparel and marketing support for disc golf courses. Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe asked that the gentleman stay after the meeting so that they could discuss the issue further. Some additional discussion was held regarding Twin Lake Park and the Joslyn property. Public Works Director Spector responded to each of the questions and added that all of the issues discussed would be investigated and/or referred to the appropriate department. . INPUT REGARDING RECREATION, THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND CENTERBROOK Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe introduced himself and indicated that in addition to input related to the park improvements plan, the Commission was also interested in any feedback they might have related to current recreation programming, the Brooklyn Center Community Center and Centerbrook golf course. A couple of the residents remarked that they had been involved in the city's recreation programs and had been satisfied with the activities. Mayor Kragness asked for specific input on the Community Center. She indicated that the City was in the initial stages of putting together a plan to provide for needed ADA and health/safety improvements at City Hall and the Community Center. One resident commented that the pool and water slide were great but the exercise area was small and had only minimal equipment. Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe responded that the city had also identified the exercise area as an issue and were beginning to review alternate locations. He indicated that the police would be vacating the lower level of City Hall once their new police station was completed in 1999. He added that the vacated space or other locations in the Community Center were being investigated for an updated exercise area. He noted that by moving the i exercise area, the current exercise space could be used for family or personal locker room space. Another resident commented on the poor accessability of the Community Center. She indicated that it was very inconvenient to park in the lower level and have to climb the stairs to get a swim band, only to go back down the stairs to the locker rooms and the pool. She added that making the trip with children only made the process more difficu Glasoe responded that the accessability issues had also been identified and will be considered as part of any building revisions. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT lt. Mayor Kragness addressed the audience and asked if they had any questions or comments regarding the City. Mayor Kragness Brooklyn Boulevard, the theater complex proposed for Interstate 694 and Highway 252, the proposed development at 69th Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard and issues related to Brookdale. CLOSING Chair Sorenson again addressed the audience, thanking them for their participation. MEETING SUMMARY REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe indicated to the Commission that the City Council had requested a summary report of the public informational meetings regarding park improvements. He continued that this report would be most beneficial if the City Council were to receive it prior to their Truth in Taxation meeting in December. He indicated that staff could draft the report so that the Commission could consider it early in December. SET MEETING DATE The next meeting was set for December 1, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room A at City Hall. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Mead made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. •