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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 10-20 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 OCTOBER 20, 1998 GARDEN CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Mead, Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Theis were present. Also in attendance was City Council Liaison Kathleen Carmody, Director of Public Works Diane Spector and Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe APPROVAL OF MINUTES - September 16, 1998 There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Mead to approve the September 16, 1998 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. • INTRODUCTION Chair Sorenson introduced himself and identified the purpose of the meeting. He indicated that 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 Councilmember Kathleen Carmody, 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. A number of meeting attendees had comments and/or questions regarding maintenance issues in the parks. One resident commented on the condition of Marlin Park, primarily the location of one of the newly installed trees and an area where the grass has not reestablished itself. Spector responded that the City was aware of these issues and that she understood the tree had been moved. She indicated maintenance staff would take a look at the area in question and address the tree issue. • Another resident asked about the "dry pond" at Orchard Lane Park. She reported that the pond has had standing water in it all Summer. Spector responded that some additional work had been • completed on the pond over the summer and that it should work more effectively. However, she cautioned that the pond was designed to hold storm water from a large area and as a result may never be completely dry. Some additional comments were offered regarding trail signage, areas for cross country skiing, lighting at Freeway Park, dog feces on trails and drainage issues at Marlin Park. 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. One resident remarked that she would like to see a Jacuzzi tub at the Community Center. Glasoe responded that the City is currently 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. He indicated that he would document her request so that it might be considered during the planning process. One resident asked about the possibility of additional teen programs. Glasoe responded that the Community Activities, Recreation and Services Department had identified the need for additional teen programming and had made it one of their departmental priorities. He added that the city was currently working with Brooklyn Peacemaker Center on their Community of Promise youth initiatives program. No additional comments and questions were received regarding recreation, the Community Center or Centerbrook. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT City Council Liaison Kathleen Carmody addressed the audience and asked if they had any questions or comments regarding developments or issues in the City. Councilmember Carmody discussed the theater complex proposed for Interstate 694 and Highway 252, the proposed development at 69th Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard, future Brooklyn Boulevard street improvements and issues related to Brookdale. CLOSING Chair Sorenson again addressed the audience, thanking them for their participation and reminding them that the Commission would be holding a similar meeting in November. • FALL ADOPT-A-PARK CLEAN UP DATE Commissioner Mead indicated that the Parks and Recreation Commission needed to conduct a Fall clean up at Marlin and Lakeside Parks in order to fulfill their commitment • to the Adopt-a-Park program. Interested Commissioners were asked to meet at Marlin Park at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24. NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK UPDATE Commissioner Mead reported that he continues to attend the meetings of the North Mississippi Regional Park Task Force. He added that the task force was at somewhat of an impasse. He indicated that neighborhood groups supported an interpretive center in the park, but that staff was not supportive because of the ongoing operational costs associated with the facility. Mead added that he would continue to keep the Commission advised of the group's progress. SET MEETING DATE The next meeting was set for November 17, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. at Northport Elementary School. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Mead made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. The motion passed. 0 0