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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 09-21 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 7:33 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Mead, Shinnick, and Russell. Also present were City Councilmember Kristen Mann, City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Supervisor of Streets and Parks Bob Cahlander, and Personnel Coordinator Geralyn Barone. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Mead asked for clarification on the date of the adopted park cleanup mentioned on page five of the May 18, 1993, meeting minutes from the park and recreation commission. 40 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Mead to approve the minutes of the May 18, 1993, park and recreation commission minutes with the following amendment: on page five, Other Business, the sentence should read "Commissioner Pollock asked when the next adopt-a-park cleanup will be at the golf course, and the Director of Recreation noted the last cleanup was on May 8, 1993.11 The motion passed. Commissioner Pollock entered the meeting at 7:37 p.m. There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick and seconded by Commissioner Mead to approve the minutes of the May 5, 1993, park and recreation commission meeting. The motion passed. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CM FOR PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT. PARK SHELTERS. AND GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS Chairperson Sorenson noted residents were in attendance at this evening's meeting who are interested in the plans for the Twin Lakes .Beach park. The Director of Recreation noted there are no plans to expand the park; however, an addition of a fishing pier has been discussed (although this would require a few more parking spaces). He noted the area does not lend itself to a beach. A resident expressed interest in having the playground fixed. Another resident asked if a fishing pier is added, how can the City add parking if neighbors have objected to this in the past. The Director of Recreation noted by adding a fishing pier, part of the beach will be removed. A 09/21/93 -1- resident asked how many additional parking spaces would be added if a fishing pier is installed, an the Director of Recreation said probably three to five; A resident asked what would happen wi the playground area, and the Director of Recreation said the commission is working on determmmg when and which parks should be upgraded. He noted the storage house at the park will stay because it is used by the police department to store a boat and snow mobile for patrolling the area. A resident noted because this is a good beach, there will always be children playing there. It was noted there are many children who play in this area even though there is nothing for them to play on anymore. It was added the area has been neglected - there are sand buns in the sand, the ground is dug out under the swings, and the slide does not slide. The Director of Recreation noted with new safety standards some equipment has been removed and there is no money in the budget to replace equipment this year. Funding sources are being examined but there has been no decision made on the equipment replacement. A resident said the City should seriously consider replacing the equipment at the Twin Lakes Beach park because it can be a beautiful park, although now it is just weeds and sand burrs', along the shoreline. A resident from the Orchard Lane park area suggested these residents become involved in an adopt-a-park program for Twin Lakes Beach park. A resident responded last year they called the City about the adopt-a-park program. The resident noted volunteers were asked to patrol lakes and noted the skidoos have been crazy this year and are dangerous to people at the lake. The resident asked whatever to happened to policing the area. The Director of Recreation noted Hennepin County patrols on the lake. A resident asked how it is that Robbinsdale can patrol its side of the lake, and the Director of Recreation noted that lake is entirely in Robbinsdale, where the lake on the Brooklyn Center side is surrounded by three cities. Councilmember Mann noted the lake association has been policing the Twin Lakes area and would love to have help from the residents of the condominium. She said some laws are needed on the lakes and this issue is being addressed. A resident asked when the beach is cleaned, and Councilmember Mann said residents try to do it in the spring of the year. Councilmember Mann noted although the sand burrs are a problem, there is a concern regarding spraying herbicides so close the lake. The City Manager noted the sand burrs have been left to help deter overuse of the beach. He added there has been a proposal to put turf in the area. Chairperson Sorenson said some of the problem relates to some residents wanting a beach and others who are against having one. The Director of Recreation noted there has been a lot done to discourage use of the beach. A resident pointed out that although it is not a beach, it will always be used as one. He added the play equipment there once was in good order, but through vandalism and age there has been a problem. He noted there is a dangerous combination of people trying to swim while jet skis are being used in the lake and asked if the City can'put buoys in the water. The Director of Recreation said the cities of Crystal, Robbinsdale, and Brooklyn Center wanted to patrol the lake, but Hennepin County opposed this. The City Manager pointed out that Robbinsdale got some special legislation passed, and Brooklyn Center may want to work with Crystal to get similar legislation. He added all three cities surrounding the take seem interested in working together. 09/21/93 -2- Councilmember Mann said she would like to get consensus from those who live around the lake about its uses, and she felt it is important for them to participate in a meeting at the city of Crystal. A resident again expressed concern about the use of jet skis and snow mobiles, noting it would be okay if the users were more cautious. The resident noted people living in the condominium near the lake would be interested in the park cleanup if notified the week before. Councilmember Mann noted the City furnishes sticks and bags for cleanup. Chairperson Sorenson recognized a resident from the Orchard Lane park area who expressed concern about what is planned for this park. Chairperson Sorenson noted the commission has proposed replacement of the equipment in 1994. The Director of Recreation said based on the commission's recommendations, the proposal for park equipment replacement for 1994 includes Central, Lions, Orchard Lane, West Palmer, and Willow Lane parks. He added it would be possible to go into almost any park in the City and replace the equipment because of need. The Director of Recreation said the City is hoping to make improvements to Central Park this year. Chairperson Sorenson said Twin Lakes Beach park is recommended for having its playground equipment replaced in 1996. He wondered if anything could be done on a smaller basis prior to this time. The Supervisor of Streets and Parks pointed out a lot of equipment is being removed from parks throughout the City. The City Manager noted the rules changed when the consumer products safety regulations increased the City's financial liability if regulations are not met. He said much of the equipment has been removed as it has broken or rotted, and there has been only occasional vandalism. A resident asked if a pier is installed at the Twin Lakes Beach park, how it would be possible to keep small children off of it. The Director of Recreation noted docks in other cities include railings. The Director of Recreation noted new equipment has been installed at Northport and Freeway parks, along with woodchips at these locations that improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. A resident expressed satisfaction with a great job done with the new equipment at Freeway park. Another resident was hopeful the commission would consider making improvements to Twin Lakes Beach park because it is a wonderful amenity. There are safety hazards existing with the planks in place that are dangerous and the metal bar that was once part of the boat that has been left standing. The Director of Recreation said City staff will look at the equipment. A resident asked what the cost is of furnishing a park, and the Director of Recreation responded it is between $30,000 and $50,000 for the playground equipment. A resident asked how much it cost to make improvements at Freeway park, and the Director of Recreation said it cost $32,000. There was discussion regarding young children using parks without adult supervision. A resident noted there are signs in place requiring keeping dogs on leashes while in the park, and this does not happen. 0 09/21/93 -3- Chairperson Sorenson said the City needs to add as a priority replacing equipment if it has bee removed for safety reasons. He asked how it is decided which equipment is installed. Supervisor of Streets and Parks said the size of the outer area of the playground is given',in the bi specifications, and the bids come in with equipment to fit the size. The City Manager added the designs are recommended by the manufacturers who have done a lot of research regarding the use of playgrounds. The Personnel Coordinator said the City received a call from a resident near Brooklane', park who inquired about when the upgrade will be made to that park. She noted the City Council will have a work session on October 4, 1993, to review the capital improvements plan. The City Manager noted the City Council will consider making improvements at Central park this year rather than next, so one more park could be added to next year's schedule. There was discussion regarding which park to move to 1994. There was a motion by Commissioner Mead and seconded by Commissioner Russell to amend the commission's recommendations for playground replacement by requesting Central park improvements be made in 1993 and Grandview park improvements be made in 1994. The motion passed. RECESS There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick and seconded by Commissioner Russell to recess the meeting. The motion passed. The ark and recreation commission p meeting recessed at 8:36 p.m. and reconvened at 8•.45 p.m. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) FOR PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT. PARK SHELTERS. AND GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS (Continued] Chairperson Sorenson asked if there would be any changes to the proposals made regarding park shelters. He noted there were a few differences between the staffs recommendations and the commission's recommendations. The City Manager noted after reviewing the staff s and commission's priorities, there is not much difference. There was no further discussion, regarding this. PARK WATCH GROUPS Chairperson Sorenson said there are neighborhood watch groups and asked why it would not be possible to have park watch groups. Commissioner Mead noted the neighborhood watch groups cover only one street and are limited in scope. There was discussion regarding the neighborhood watch group program. The City Manager said if the commission prepares a list of concerns regarding the parks and what the commission hopes to accomplish, he can bring this to the police department for review. Chairperson Sorenson suggested it would be nice to identify people in the area of the parks who could participate in this program. There was a motion by Commissioner Mead and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick 'tto pursue 09/21/93 -4- the feasibility of establishing park watch groups. The motion passed. It was requested that staff draft guidelines for participation in a park watch group. MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROJECT/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE The Director of Recreation said this project is progressing and there is a meeting scheduled for September 30, 1993, to review the comprehensive draft plan regarding the Mississippi River project. Councilmember Mann said she has some information summarizing the comprehensive draft plan, which can be included in the next commission agenda packet. TWIN LAKES TRAIL TASK FORCE The Director of Recreation noted there could be a public information meeting on October 19, 1993, as part of the regular park and recreation commission meeting to discuss the Twin Lakes Trail Task Force report. There will be an effort to pursue grant money to fund this project. There was a motion by Commissioner Pollock and seconded by Commissioner Mead to have a public information at the October 19, 1993, park and recreation commission meeting with a presentation from Westwood Engineering regarding proposals for Twin Lakes Trail improvements. The motion passed. STARTING TIME OF MEETINGS Chairperson Sorenson noted the starting time for the commission meetings is 7:30 p.m., and this could be moved to either 7 or 6:30 p.m. There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to have the October 19, 1993, meeting start at 7 p.m. and thereafter, all regular meetings of the park and recreation commission will be started at 6:30 p.m. and kept to two hours in length. The motion passed. OTHER BUSINESS The Director of Recreation said commissioner Rickert has resigned from the commission and efforts will be underway to recruit a new commission member. The Director of Recreation noted the golf course did well in August, but September has not been a good month. He said the water slide is doing okay, although it could be doing better. He added the community center has done better with the water slide than it would have without it. Commissioner Mead noted the birthday parties at the community center are successful events. The Director of Recreation said the 1994 budget for the community center will be reflecting custodial services for the community center, which had never been charged to this budget in the past. Commissioner Russell asked if it would be possible to list the park and recreation department and building hours on the community center doors with the side panels. The Director of Recreation said he will look. into this. 09/21/93 -5- Commissioner Pollock asked about the Volksmarch and the Director of Recreation said this return again next year. There was some discussion regarding the reconstruction of 69th Avenue North, and the Supervisor of Streets and Parks noted improvements to 69th should be completed by this winter.' Commissioner Mead asked if the adopt-a-park group wishes to do a fall cleanup this year, and the Director of Recreation suggested waiting until spring. Chairpersons Sorenson asked if there is any recognition of the adoption groups, and the Director of Recreation said this was done last year at a City Council meeting. The Director of Recreation said the entertainment in the parks program for the summer was a success, and only one group had cancelled. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Mead to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m. Chairperson • 09/21/93 -6- 0