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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 09-16 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 SEPTEMBER 16, 1998 EVERGREEN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Russell, Mead, Ebert and Shinnick were present. Commissioner Peterson was absent and excused. Commissioner Theis was absent. Also in attendance were City Council Liaison Kathleen Carmody, Director of Public Works Diane Spector and Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 16, 1998 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve the June 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 in lieu of their regular September, October and November meetings, the Parks and Recreation Commission was hosting a series of community meetings regarding park improvements. He continued that tonight's meeting was the first of these meetings and that he encouraged those present to comment on the long range park improvement plan and ask questions. PARKS IMPROVEMENT PLAN He then introduced Public Works Director Diane Spector who provided background information regarding the Capital Improvement Plan and discussed the improvements anticipated in the next few years. After completing her comments, Spector asked for comments on the plan and/or questions from the audience. A number of attendees had comments and/or questions regarding East Palmer Park. One resident commented on the condition of the park and the actions of some of the youth using the park, primarily the basketball courts. He added that cars often exited the park at high rates of speed. Spector responded that the City was aware of a number of the issues and was taking steps to address them. She indicated that new playground equipment was going to be installed in the park yet this fall and plans called for the shelter building to be replaced by a picnic pavilion in the year 2000. In addition, she added that crews from Hennepin County's Sentence to Serve were scheduled to come out to the park in the next two weeks to trim trees, remove brush and improve sight lines to the basketball courts. She further indicated that some of the items such as speeding and inappropriate behavior were referred to the Police Department and, they were intending to increase patrols in the area. Another resident asked about the Palmer Lake trail and indicated some segments are often under water. A group of residents asked about the high water level in the Palmer Lake basin. They indicated the water level appears to be higher than it was prior to the reconstruction of the 69th Avenue bridge. They also felt that beaver dams in Palmer Lake were adding to the problem. Spector responded that the engineering firm in charge of the bridge replacement project had taken creek bed elevations before and after the project, and they had remained at the same level. She indicated an independent engineering study had determined that the high water level in the area was the result of sedimentation of the entire Palmer Lake basin. She continued that the City does have plans to address the problem, but indicated the improvement would need to be completed in phases as the cost of the improvements would likely exceed $1,000,000. Many additional comments were offered regarding the above noted issues regarding East Palmer Park and the water level of Palmer Lake. Public Works Director Spector responded to each of the questions and referred others to the appropriate departments. • 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 input related to recreation programming, the Brooklyn Center Community Center and Centerbrook Golf Course. One resident responded that she had been unhappy with the swim lesson program they had enrolled their grandchildren in during 1996. Glasoe responded that a new aquatics supervisor was hired in April of 1998 and that improvements had been initiated and would continue. Another resident added that they had their children enrolled in the swim lesson program over the last few months and that they had been very satisfied. No additional comments and questions were received regarding recreation, the Community Center or Centerbrook. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT City Council Liaison addressed the audience and asked if they had any questions or comments regarding developments or issues in the city. Councilmember Carmody then answered questions about the theater complex proposed for Interstate 694 and Highway 252, the proposed development at 69th Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard and issues related to Brookdale. 0 . CLOSING Chair Sorenson again addressed the audience, thanking them for their participation and reminded them that the Commission would be holding similar meetings in October and November and that they were welcome to attend. SET MEETING DATE The next meeting was set for October 20, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. at Garden City Elementary School. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Mead made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 p.m. The motion passed. • is