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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 02-18 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 FEBRUARY 18, 1992 COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 7:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Shinnick, Russell, Mead, Peterson and new member Charles Rickart. Also present were City Councilmember Jerry Pedlar, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Superintendent of Public Works Dick Schwab, City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp and Recording Secretary Joyce Bocksell. Commissioner Sara Pollock was absent from this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 21.. 1992 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the minutes of January 21, 1992 parks and recreation commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE UPDATE City Manager Gerald Splinter reviewed the proposal for the south half of Central Park which is now the present soccer/football field, to use as fields for the American Little League. Questions followed covering: lights, existing and future, flood area, and the possible parking congestion. Commissioner Shinnick commented that the Gomalack field has been raised as much as it can be. Judy Thorbus, one of the residents in attendance, asked about signing the parking at 63rd Avenue North lot since it only holds 10 cars. Eugene Gilligan, a Little League representative in attendance stated that parking would be discouraged from those areas. Ms. Thorbus also showed a concern about the fencing of the area by the playground equipment. City Manager Gerald Splinter explained the need for the fencing and backdrops (ball expense, etc.). Commissioner Russell and Commissioner Shinnick talked of how few balls ever get knocked over the fence as far as a safety item for the children's playground area. City Manager Gerald Splinter stated that we have a lot of locations with this same situation, and so far have had no problem with injuries due to the fields being close to playgrounds. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE UPDATE. cont. Discussion followed on the parking situations. Little League representative Eugene Gilligan explained that scheduling would have to be set up for tournaments and games to help the parking situation. Commissioner Rickart asked who would maintain these fields. Mr. Splinter explained how it is done with the National Little League. Park maintenance takes care of the outside of the fence area of the fields, and the Little League would take care of the inside fenced area. Commissioner Mead questioned accessibility to the fields. Mr. Splinter explained that the City may have to put in another culvert. Another one of the residents again mentioned the danger of the playground area from pop ups and foul balls with the playground being so close to the outfield fences. Director of Recreation Mavis explained that the way the fields would be layed out would eliminate that problem. Mr. Gilligan went on to explain the field set up including nets & backstops, which worked as ball stops. It was stated that all the ball fields face the southwest which is best for the players. Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis mentioned that the speakers for the games would be facing away from the houses for the noise factor. One of the residents claimed that the speakers have always been too loud and would appreciate consideration on that. There was a question about the back stop in Garden City park, and the Director of Recreation Mavis stated that it was put in there for the use of the neighborhood kids. Another resident asked if there was any building proposals for that area. Director of Recreation Mavis commented that there would be no new buildings, and that the concession stand that is there will have to stay as is. There was further discussion on buildings and the length of time the fields have been there. Director of Recreation Mavis talked about the American Little League running the Girls' Little League softball program. The League needs more fields, because if the Little League would have to drop the girls' program, the City would have to take it over; which would be more expense for the City. The Director of Recreation explained the Little League's system/set up and team structure as to which kids play with either the American Little League or the National Little League. Commissioner Shinnick discussed the numbers of kids in the Little League programs, scheduling problems, practices, field availability, etc. The Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis explained the Little Leagues' use of City fields for practices, etc. -2- 0 Ms. Thorbus again mentioned the need of signing the parking lot and also mentioned the heavy use there is between the library, fields, etc. City Manager Gerald Splinter explained further parking lots, signing, etc. Director of Recreation Mavis talked about the problems there were years ago with the southern neighbors and that the Little League took over to help with the parking problems. Director of Public Works Sy Knapp explained that signage of lots is a last resort to problems; that it is better to let things happen and then work with the organization. If there is still a problem, then consider signing. Something can always be done; but wait first. City Manager Gerald Splinter mentioned that when the paths were put in they had waited to see what areas people used, then put the paths where they were needed. There was a question of the height of the fence to be put around the fields. City Manager Gerald Splinter informed them that it would be a 4 ft. fence. Chairman Sorenson stated that this all depends on the council approving the land proposal. City Manager Gerald Splinter said the next step would be to take measurements and to get the information out to the interested public. Councilmember Pedlar stated that he was the liaison person for the city council, and that he will take the message back to the council of the concerns the neighbors would have, and that he was sure their concerns could be worked out. One of the residents stated that their only concerns were the children's playground and the question of any additional parking. Councilmember Pedlar said that a safe distance would be a strong point for consideration. After some discussion on the safety factor, Chairperson Sorenson asked for any additional comments to which there was no reply, then he thanked the people for coming. Director of Recreation Mavis stated that we need a recommendation for the proposal. Commissioner Tom Shinnick made the motion and Commissioner Russell seconded the motion that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend to the city council that the City lease this land to the American Little League. The motion passed. Councilmember Pedlar asked when this item would be on the council agenda and City Manager Gerald Splinter informed him that it would be on the March 9 agenda. Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis said that he would take care of getting the notice on the March 9 meeting out to the concerned public. The neighborhood meeting disbursed at 8:45 p.m. A five minute break was taken. BRIXIUS PROPERTY City Manager Gerald Splinter explained what was happening with the Brixius property. -3- City Manager Gerald Splinter said that Mr. Brixius called the City to see if the City would be interested in buying the property. Director of Public Works, Sy Knapp, and City Manager Gerald Splinter recommended that the City purchase the property for $140 - $150,000. The property is 95 ft. wide by 150 ft. deep; includes a two story colonial, stucco, approximately 30-35 years old - a nice sized house. City Manager Gerald Splinter stated that if the homeowner comes to us, we don't have to get into a relocation situation. The City could pick up about nine acres with 100 ft. of lake shore for a reasonable price. Commissioner Charles Rickart stated he could not read the map since he is new to the commission, and asked for an explanation. City Manager Gerald Splinter explained the study done years ago on the lake when there was a master plan made. The City became aware of the Joslyn site and its potential for park use, trail connection along the lake, and a possible loop trail around Twin Lake. City Manager Gerald Splinter went on to explain the possible trail system, concept plan, and informed Commissioner Rickart he could get a copy of the plan for him to look at. There was a question asked about the size of the lake and Director of Public Works, Sy Knapp said it was a shallow lake with the maximum depth of 3 to 8 feet. Chairperson Sorenson asked if there were any comments and Director of Recreation Mavis said he thought it was a golden opportunity. Commissioner Shinnick made a motion to recommend to the city council to purchase the property, and Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed. City Manager Gerald Splinter went on to explain how funds would be available for such purposes. PLAYGROUND AND PARK CONDITIONS UPDATE Superintendent of Public Works, Dick Schwab discussed the memo he had made up on parks for 1993 which includes Twin Beach, Freeway, Northport and Evergreen parks. Stating that if the playground equipment at these locations is not replaced, it will have to come out. The wooden posts at Northport and Twin Beach should be replaced. Director of Recreation Mavis asked if we want to do something at Twin Beach since we are considering moving equipment up to the Joslyn site. Director of Recreation Mavis asked if it could be picked up and moved and the Superintendent of Public Works said yes, it is movable. City.Manager Splinter recommended we work with what we have. Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis mentioned the launch site at Lyons Park in Robbinsdale would be lost when construction is done on the intersection of Highways 81 and 100. This would mean we need another boat launching site on Twin Lakes to satisfy the DNR requirements for stocking the lakes with fish. Twin Beach could be a possible site; and thus change the playground situation there. -4- 0 City Councilman Pedlar asked if the Beach apartments are a member of the apartment owners association and City Manager Gerald Splinter stated yes, they are. City Councilman Pedlar asked if they have ever been asked for participation in the park. The answer was no. There was more discussion about the memo. Director of Recreation Mavis said to take this memo home and look it over, and to talk it over at the next meeting. Commissioner Russell asked if a joint venture would be possible for Northport Park and the school for the playground equipment. City Manager Splinter stated that would be a good possibility for joint use and used the Evergreen school as a good plan. Chairperson Sorenson asked for a tentative proposal. City Manager Splinter stated that we need to look at the parks put in 10 years ago, and address some each year. Superintendent of Public Works Schwab was asked if all the equipment was from an identical manufacturer. The answer was that most of it was. Commissioner mead asked for the location of Freeway Park and Director of Public Works Knapp described on a map the location, access and that the City has a 99 year lease on that property. City Manager Splinter suggested we get a map to the commission members on the City trails and parks. Commissioners Russell and Shinnick both stated they would like maps sent them. SHINGLE CREEK CLEAN UP Chairperson Sorenson asked if we should do the clean up again and it was unanimous to go ahead with it. Director of Recreation Mavis stated that Commission Pollock said she would work on the project. Director of Public Works, Knapp suggested a regular park clean up and that by the next meeting his department would have a recommendation and a uniform policy for an Adopt a Park, Trail and Street program using the highway department policy; try to put together a general policy to apply. The Rotary Club wants to adopt Central Park and do a clean up two times a year and plant some trees. Chairperson Sorenson suggested a recognition program such as a plaque for groups who volunteer for clean up. Chairperson Sorenson stated that we need to appoint a vice chairman; that he will not be here on March 17. Director of Recreation Mavis stated that we should stay with our regular week and Commissioner Peterson volunteered for the vice chairman position. Chairman Sorenson appointed Commissioner Peterson vice chairman. OTHER BUSINESS City Councilman Pedlar brought up the fact that the Hockey Association would be going to the city council to see if the council would give them $1,500, as that is the amount they are short in their budget for the year. -5- Councilmember Pedlar stated that he would support a $1,500 donation. The Director of Recreation Mavis said that if you go with this plan, you would be hearing from the community band, the swim club, and the football people. Councilman Pedlar said speaking for himself, that we have some wonderful programs in the community, and that it makes good sense to him to keep a good program afloat. Discussion followed on possibilities of other needs and requests from groups. Councilman Pedlar stated that we need good solid criteria to address these situations - they will surface again. Discussion followed on the waterslide, and the decision making processes done on it. Councilman Pedlar stated that we have to spend money to make money. Commissioner Peterson asked what the completion date would be. Director of Recreation Mavis gave the April 15 date for the latest opening date and discussion followed on the workmanship. Commissioner Art Mead mentioned the NW News article on the co-op of the Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park police using the SA building. Councilman Pedlar says we need more information on it. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Items to be included in the March 17, 1992, 7:30 p.m. Park and Recreation Commission agenda are the Shingle Creek Clean Up, Adopt A Park Program, Playground Equipment Update, Waterslide Update and Grand Opening, Co-op Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park Police Program - SA Bldg., Human Rights Commission Prioritizing System. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Sorenson asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Peterson made a motion and it was seconded by Commissioner Russell. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Park and commission adjourned at 9:50 p.m. -6- • • List of public in attendance at Park & Recreation Commission meeting of February 18, 1992 1. Eugene E. Gilligan 6900 Dallas Road Brooklyn Center MN 55430 2. Art Erickson 6244 Brooklyn Dr. Brooklyn Center MN 55430 3. Gordon L. Peterson 6240 Brooklyn Drive Brooklyn Center MN 55430 4. Judy Thorbus 6265 Brooklyn Dr. Brooklyn Center MN 55430 5. Dana Daniels 6236 Brooklyn Dr. Brooklyn Center MN 55430 6. Mark Nierengarten 6312 Brooklyn Dr. Brooklyn Center MN 55430 •