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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 01-21 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 JANUARY 21, 1992 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission to order at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Russell, Shinnick, Peterson and Mead. Also present was Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis, two representatives from the Palmer Lake PTA, Ms. Mary Purdham, President and Ms. Nesemay, and recording secretary, Joyce Bocksell. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 19. 1991 There were a few changes in the minutes suggested by Chairperson Sorenson as follows: 1st Page - American Little League-3rd paragraph - instead of aivina field to the league, it should say use field. 2nd Page - American Little League-5th paragraph - asked for a motion instead of made a motion. 5th Page - suggestion to take out the statement, and see if anyone screams. 7th Page - Twin Lake Update-Commissioner Sorenson thinks there is something missing in the notes as to the comment saying "not much accomplished". There was a motion made by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes with the corrections and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Russell. PALMER LAKE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT There was a discussion about the Palmer Lake School playground equipment which includes a two phase plan for improvements on the school playground. The first phase included a 30 x 30 sandbox, volleyball pit and net and a track. The second phase would be to replace the playground structure. Now the equipment is of cedar wood with a tire swing which has been taken down. They want to replace the equipment with a larger and more accessible unit for handicapped. is -1- The school will be having fund raisers to help raise funds. The last equipment was put in by the PTA and now they would hike outside help with the new equipment. Discussion followed on the three vendors from which they have received approximate costs, and on the separate costs for the track, the need of it, the upkeep, etc. Commissioner Mead asked if the school was in Brooklyn Park or Brooklyn Center. The answer was Brooklyn Park. There was a comment made that the school district may cover 40% of the funds, and that it is a very tough time to ask for funds. A statement was also made that the costs would increase by 10% a year. The Director of Recreation stated that the Commission has to come up with a plan for funding groups and really needs to study this issue more. Ms. Purdham said that the Palmer Lake PTA has met with Brooklyn Park and is hoping that everyone will give a little towards the new equipment. The school play yard is heavily used by both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park children. Businesses have been contacted; but there has been no response. Commissioner Shinnick talked of the problems businesses are having too with expenses, etc. Commissioner Mead talked about needing an inventory on the status of the parks that are falling apart or are in disrepair. Ms. Purnham from Palmer Lake PTA commented that there are a lot of schools in the same age group and are beginning to have similar problems as they are having. Discussion followed including Evergreen School and how their playground was funded. More discussion followed on the need of a track at the elementary school level. Discussion followed on the school districts methods of financing the different areas involved with schools. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis talked about the staff meeting he had been at that day, and of the 10% cut he was informed he was to make in his department. He also suggested this matter be tabled until we get input from the Council. Chairperson Sorenson stated that we need a process to look at requests from groups. Commissioner Shinnick said it might be a good idea to postpone this for now and look at a process for groups with financial requests. The request for the Palmer Lake School equipment would come to around $30,000, roughly. Chairperson request from Commissioner Commissioner School PTA. Sorenson asked for a motion that we postpone the Palmer Lake PTA until a policy can be developed. Peterson made the motion and it was seconded by Shinnick to postpone the request from Palmer Lake Commissioner Peterson amended the motion to log in the Palmer Lake School request as number two in the lists of requests for consideration. Commissioner Mead asked for something in writing on the proposals for the playground equipment for Palmer Lake School. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis suggested the PTA send the approximate figures to have for the record. Commissioner Shinnick stated that money is so tight. Discussion continued on the school district rulings, lawsuit, etc. Chairperson Sorenson suggested we invite Ron Christianson from District 279 to a meeting for discussion on school policies, etc. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis will report at the next meeting. ADOPT A PARK PROGRAM The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis commented that there are various ways of getting this program underway. We need groups who want to do something for the parks, and that we should possibly have a meeting in Constitution Hall in April to get people's interest in this issue. Chairperson Sorenson wondered if these groups have any policies to go by and if the programs are maintained. The Director of Recreation stated that most groups do good jobs and are well organized; of course, it depends on the group - some do, some don't. If there is an interest meeting in April, you would have to explain what you want done at that time. Chairperson Sorenson wondered if these groups are worth it - do they do it once a year, twice a year? Commissioner Russell stated that twice a year would really help, spring and fall. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said that the response on the Shingle Creek clean up last year was good and we should wait for other communities to see how it goes for them, and that we should keep our Shingle Creek clean up the same as last year. Commissioner Russell mentioned the scouts doing the work. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis cited that we have had Eagle Scouts in the past working on badges and some were good, some bad. Chairperson Sorenson wondered if this would be a park maintenance area. 0 -3- The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis suggested sending out a letter to local churches to see what their interest may be in this type of program. Chairperson Sorenson mentioned the possibility of a reward system for groups; possibly a plaque for incentive and recognition for having done the job. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said he would take care of sending a letter out to the local churches. Commissioner Mead suggested putting scouts, and PTO groups as well as churches on the mail list. GOLF COURSE REPORT The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said the golf course took in Nov. 191 $4,000 and in Nov 192 $400 because of the bad weather. There will be about $87,000 paid on the interest and principle of the loan for the golf course. The building is being used for some meetings in off season - 55 Alive and a Men's card group are two examples. Kurt is readying for the season now. Fees are going up .50 on all rounds. Leasing or buying power carts was discussed. Commissioner Mead stated that you do need a power cart to work there. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said there would be a Saturday morning Mixed Golf League since Saturday mornings are a "dead" time and all the big courses have Saturday morning leagues. The Monday and Wednesday leagues are full and people are now signing up for lessons. Chairperson Sorenson asked about Sunday mornings. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said there is no problem filling the course on Sundays, in fact there will be 5 somes on weekends but not week days. Commissioner Mead said it would create some confusion with 5 somes and 4 somes on the same days. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said he would try everything to make it as good as he can for the people. Discussion followed on three sites at the golf course that need some work on them - between the 5 & 6 hole, the bridge by the 1st hole and the practice green by the 1st hole. Chairperson Sorenson commented that there needs to be a plan to make these areas look better. Commissioner Mead suggested getting a more professional rope for the areas that are roped off. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis mentioned a type of surface that maybe could be used where the grass won't grow due to traffic, water, etc. Commissioner Mead said that they do get a lot of compliments on the shape and looks of the course. 2Chairperson Sorenson asked for a motion for a 10 min. recess. Commissioner Russell made a motion which was seconded by Commissioner for the recess. -4- 0 HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Chairperson Sorenson suggested that the Hockey Association should be number one on the list before the Palmer Lake PTA request for consideration of financial assistance. Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis mentioned that we have to come up with a policy for these requests. Chairperson Sorenson suggested to check the criteria, or method used by the Human Rights Commission and that we need to develop a policy, but there is no money around. Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis talked about the reserve in the city having gone down. Chairperson Sorenson mentioned Phil Carruthers, wondering what he is doing. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said you can talk to these guys, but when they get to St. Paul it all changes. Discussion followed explaining the hockey situation for Commissioner Peterson. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis brought up the costs involved with running programs like 55 Alive and the Mini 500 program and the idea to charge enough to recover our costs. Discussion followed by some of the commissioners regarding discounts for seniors. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said he will bring a report on this item to the next meeting. TWIN LAKE TASK FORCE The Director of Recreation commented that we need someone to replace Commissioner Skeels on the Twin Lake Task Force since he has decided not to continue as a commissioner. Commissioner Mead volunteered to fill the position. Commissioner Russell made a motion which was seconded by Commissioner Peterson to accept Commissioner Mead for the position on the Task Force. Discussion followed about D.O.T. needing information as to what the Twin Lake plan includes. PLAYGROUND CONDITION UPDATE The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis passed out the Superintendent of Public Works, Dick Schwab's Park/Maintenance work schedule/log informational sheets. Chairperson Sorenson said we should figure out man days per year, minus vacation and sick leave - about 2,000 hours in a man year. Discussion followed on the report by all members on needs, etc. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis said that if Dick needs another man, we can recommend it to the council in case it can be done. Chairperson Sorenson commented that the report doesn't say he needs another man. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis stated that things that need doing are getting done, and that Dick cares very much about the city and wants things done right. Chairperson Sorenson said that Dick should put together a list of jobs that will or will not happen because of his shortage of man power. Need his judgement to let us know his needs in order to understand the situation. -5- The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis commented that the only complaints he had last year was ball players about the wet grass; that it didn't get cut - enough - too much rain. Commissioner Peterson wanted this list to consider the playground equipment. Chairperson Sorenson commented that we need a matrix on prioritizing needs according to safety, etc. The Director or Recreation stated that we have to figure out soon what parks needs are for the budget - the dollars for which park. Chairperson Sorenson said we need to know from the maintenance department which parks need work. Chairperson Sorenson would like to see Superintendent of Public Works, Dick Schwab and Ron Christianson from School District 279 at the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis will ask the Superintendent of Public Works, Dick Schwab to have a list ready for the meeting on the playgrounds according to 1) safety 2) age 3) use, and also will ask him to attend the next meeting.. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Sorenson stated that we will need a new vice chairman since Mr. Skeels has left the Park & Recreation Commission, and he knows two people who are interested in being on the commission, John Simpson and Rich Tice. He then asked if anyone there would like to volunteer for the vice chairman. Commissioner Shinnick suggested Commissioner Russell. Chairperson Sorenson decided to table this to the next month's agenda. Commissioner Peterson asked what was happening with the Joslyn property. The Director of Recreation, Arnie Mavis responded that not much has happened lately, but the City is still interested in the property. WATER SLIDE UPDATE Director of Recreation, Mavis informed the committee that construction on the water slide will begin February 3. Discussion followed on all the changes that will be made during the closing of the community center. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Items to be included in the February 18, 1991 Park and Recreation Commission agenda include an update regarding playground and park conditions, appoint a vice chairman for the commission, commission plan of action, and the Shingle Creek clean up. 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 Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:35 p.m. -6- 0 • Chairperson _7- •