Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 05-20 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 MAY 20, 1997 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Russell, Peterson, and Ebert were present. Commissioners Mead, Shinnick and Theis were excused. Also, in attendance was Acting Recreation Director Jim Glasoe and residents John Solomon and Roger Peterson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -April 15, 1997 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the April 15, 1997 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Acting Director Glasoe reported for Councilmember Peppe that the City is continuing acquisition of property as a part of the 53rd Avenue Linkage project. He added that public information meetings continue to be held regarding the fire/police/city hall building issue. A town meeting is scheduled for May 28, at 7:00 p.m. in Constitution Hall. BASKETBALL AT FIREHOUSE PARK John Solomon a Brooklyn Center resident spoke to the Commission about the need for some organized basketball for youth at Firehouse Park. He indicated an increase in neighborhood vandalism and the associated need for alternate activities. He indicated that he was planning on organizing an informal league for the youth, but wanted the Commission to know about and support his efforts. He added that he works as a Child Protection Worker for Hennepin County, and providing alternate activities for the youth may indirectly reduce his area caseload. Acting Director Glasoe thanked Mr. Solomon for his commitment to the community and indicated that Joe Erickson, from the recreation division, would be contacting him to see what support the City could provide. All Commissioner's thanked Mr. Solomon for his efforts. IMPROVED SKATING FACILITIES AT RIVERDALE PARK • Acting Director Glasoe reintroduced a request for improvements to the skating facilities at Riverdale Park. At the March meeting, it was decided to examine the liability issues associated with providing warming house keys to trained volunteers. Acting Director Glasoe indicated he had contacted the City's risk representatives for an opinion on using volunteers. He added that the representatives had no problems with using volunteers, provided they were appropriately trained. Glasoe also indicated that he had talked with the City Manager about the issue and that he was supportive of examining such a practice as long as only duly recognized groups were involved. There was a motion made by Commissioner Peterson, Seconded by Commissioner Russell to continue examining the use of volunteer warming house attendants at Riverdale Park, provided the Riverwood Neighborhood Association would act as the representative group. PARKS CLASSIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT MATRIX Acting Director Glasoe indicated that he, Public Services Director Diane Spector, Public Works Superintendent Dave Peterson and Streets and Parks Supervisor John Harlow would be touring each of the parks to compile a list of capital improvement needs. He added, the list would be available for discussion at the June meeting. SET MEETING DATE The next meeting was set for June 17, 1997, at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room A of City Hall. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The motion passed. • 0