HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 03-18 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
JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 1997
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Peterson, Theis and Shinnick were present.
Commissioners Mead and Russell were excused. Also, in attendance were City
Councilmembers Kay Lasman and Robert Peppe, City Manager Michael McCauley, Director
of Public Services Diane Spector and Acting Recreation Director Jim Glasoe.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES -February 18, 1997
There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Mead to approve
• the January 21, 1997 minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The motion passed.
Mayor Kragness joined the meeting at 6:42.
Parks
City Manager McCauley introduced a set of questions for the City Council and
Commission to consider in preparation for the development of 5 and 20 year plans for
parks and recreation programming. He indicated that a specific long range plan needed
to be developed for capital expenses related to the parks. He asked the Commission and
Council to consider the concept of major and minor parks in the system.
Councilmember Hilstrom joined the meeting at 6:48
Public Services Director Spector showed a map of the existing parks and their facilities.
She then discussed the possibility of developing four or five "destination parks." These
parks might have lighted pleasure and hockey rinks with warming houses; larger
playgrounds; groomed ball fields; staffed summer programming; tennis and basketball
courts; biffs and other more capital and maintenance intensive activities. The remaining
neighborhood parks might have smaller playgrounds; basketball courts; picnic shelters
and perhaps a ball field for pickup games.
Councilmember Hilstrom wanted all parks to still be useable by the neighborhoods, with
appropriate facilities including trails and benches by playground equipment.
City Manager McCauley urged the Commission to develop an inventory of existing
0 facilities and prioritize needed replacements on the basis of creating destination parks.
After some discussion there was consensus that consideration should be given to
establishing major parks and refocusing capital expenditures and programming efforts.
An inventory will be developed and replacements prioritized.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Public Services Director Spector asked Commissioners and Councilmembers to indicate
what they felt the focus of the Community Center should be. She referred specifically to
items such as handicapped accessibility, the wading pool and the need for family locker
room space.
Councilmember Hilstrom asked if attendance figures were available for the wading pool.
Acting Recreation Director Glasoe indicated that there was no specific attendance figures
for the wading pool, but that by combining registration figures with general attendance,
an estimate could be established.
Commissioner Ebert felt the wading pool is an important amenity and should be relocated
or renovated.
Councilmember Carmody asked about the possibility of dedicated space for a senior
citizen center. Commissioner Sorenson indicated the Commission had discussed the
possibility but recommended all spaces should be non-dedicated and able to accommodate
multiple uses.
He stated that although a dedicated Senior Center was not recommended, if a space can
be designated during the daytime hours, it may be worthwhile.
After discussion, the consensus opinion appeared to be that the Community Center should
be positioned to provide opportunities for all age groups, with a focus on youth and
families.
COMMISSION/COUNCIL RELATIONSHIP
Public Services Director Spector asked Commissioners and Councilmembers if the current
working relationship was meeting each group's expectations.
Chair Sorenson indicated that he would like to see the Council Liaison to the Commission
reporting on the Commission's activities at the City Council meetings. Mayor Kragness
indicated this item was on the agenda for an upcoming Council work session.
Both groups indicated this type of "face to face" meeting was the most productive.
• Councilmember Lasman expressed a desire to have the City Council invited to join the
Parks and Recreation Commission on its annual tour of parks. Acting Recreation
Director Glasoe will put the tour item on an upcoming Commission agenda.
0 TWIN LAKE PARK
Councilmember Carmody asked for Commission's feelings regarding Twin Lake Park.
She expressed concern regarding the City's liability exposure because of swimming at the
park. She asked if the Commission might consider selling the property.
Public Services Director Spector indicated she was not certain how saleable the land was,
as a large portion was within the current flood plain. Also, because the issue of how the
City acquired the property is unclear, City Manager McCauley will investigate if the City
can legally sell the property.
Councilmember Lasman indicated that for some time she has considered Twin Lake Park
a "diamond in the rough" and would like to see it developed into a swimming beach.
Commissioners indicated a desire to keep all current park land. After additional
discussion, it was decided the Commission will discuss the issue once ownership issues are
clarified.
SET MEETING DATE
The next meeting was set for April 15, 1997, at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room A of City
Hall.
• MEETING ADJOURNED
Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to adjourn
the meeting at 9:10 p.m. The motion passed.
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