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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 11-19 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 NOVEMBER 19, 1991 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, Pollock, Peterson, Skeels, Mead. Also present were City Councilmember Jerry Pedlar, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Supervisor of Streets and Parks Dick Schwab, American Little League Directors Les Thurs and Bob Vevle, and temporary Recording Secretary Joyce Bocksell APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 15. 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, and seconded by Commissioner Pollock to approve the minutes of the October 15, 1991 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE REOUEST Commissioner Sorenson referred to a letter regarding the property north of Garden City Park for use as an additional Little League field. The area is on the south end of Central Park and north of the little league field. At present the soccer/football field which is not used, occupies this space. Mr. Thurs showed a game schedule sample. Mr. Thurs explained that the league plays on Monday through Friday evenings and on Saturdays, daylight to dark. Make up games are played on Sunday if needed for rainouts, etc. Double headers are also played. In the 1991 season Mr. Thurs said they had 42 rain outs to make up. The number of teams has almost doubled in 10 years according to Mr. Thurs. The Director of Recreation says to give the field to the league because it sits vacant and is not being used. Director of Recreation revealed that City Manager, Jerry Splinter, Sy Knapp and himself see no problem with giving the field to the little league. The church field the league is now using could go depending on the financing of the church; which is now for sale. Mr. Thurs added he would not add additional teams; he would be able to shorten Saturday play with the additional field. • -1- Mr. Thurs had made up and showed a new schedule which would start the season 10 days later. Basically, it would be the same program but would ease the rain out situation. Commissioner Sorenson brought up the parking problem. Discussion followed on the noise factor and parking. Noise wouldn't be a problem because the speakers would face away from the houses. Garden City Park games would be 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The lights are on a photo cell, so when the lights come on, Mr. Thurs said the game would be done. The concession would stay in same building it is in now. If the church sells, there was discussion about putting in 2 fields..using the old Gomalack field as a parking lot. The new field would be called Gomalack for Mr. Gomalack. Director of Recreation stated that the old Gomalack field is in the flood plain and is becoming a problem because it is flooding more often. Commissioner Sorenson asked Councilmember Pedlar if there was a problem with the park losing its identity. Councilmember Pedlar state no problem with that... it is just part of Central Park. Chairperson Sorenson asked if the Little League would pay for this expansion. Mr. Thurs said they are not asking for financial assistance except maybe grading, etc...not dollar amounts. Mr. Thurs stated that the league bought the land they now use. Commissioner Pedlar mentioned the possible benefit of deeding the land versus liability insurance costs; advantage for little league to own the land. Commissioner Shinnick mentioned that the City of Brooklyn Center is named on insurance forms with National League papers. Director of Recreation stated that the city should put their name on the insurance papers for liability because of practicing on city land. Chairperson Sorenson Sorenson made a recommendtion that the American Little League bring to the council the question about leasing or deeding this land for their use. Chairperson Sorenson made a motion that the question for this land use be brought to the council, and Commissioner Pollock seconded the motion. Mr. Thurs mentioned setting up a meeting with concerned neighbors nearest the ball park. Discussion followed with the explanation on the differences between the American Little League and the National Little League. WATER SLIDE UPDATE The water slide bids came in too high because the architect had more ideas for a better slide using concrete, not steel stated the Director of Recreation. The bids were %50-60,000 more... and only got 2 bids back. There was a recommendation by City Manager Jerry Splinter, Sy Knapp and the Director of Recreation to rebid three different types of slides. The water slide will be the same in all three. Galvanized is the chosen slide, and with the new paint it should hold up remarked the Director of Recreation. -2- Councilmember Jerry Pedlar showed regard to the maintenance on galvanized metal stating that it would have a 5 year rate of return which would put it on the border. Councilmember Pedlar showed a financial concern stating the rebidding the slide to be a good idea, but is questioning the maintenance end of it. Director of Recreation stated that bids would be opened on Dec. 12, then go to the council with the bid on Dec. 16, and hopefully start Feb. 3; he hoped to get it up and going by mid March. Chairperson Bud Sorenson questioned if the water slide doesn't work ...have other alternatives been thoroughly looked into. Example; offices, skating rink? Councilmember Pedlar stated that the pool is a "state of the art" pool and has a use problem and need to look at marketing strategies - that has not been done. Pool now losing $90, 100,000 a year. The goal from the city council and staff is the need to save it. We have something others don't have commented Councilmember Pedlar. Chairperson Sorenson stated that it has to have an acceptable level of cost. Councilmember Pedlar mentioned that in his opinion it should be a "break even" deal. Chairperson Bud Sorenson asked the Director of Recreation the actual "use" figure of the pool per day. Director of Recreation said about 150 people per day use the pool. The Director of Recreation has figures from the past showing an average day could bring in between $350-$600 on good days. Discussion was continued on the numbers of adults in the pool. The Director of Recreation went on to explain that the adult members come in for and want the exercise equipment, not swimming. "You have to have a gimmick". Adults don't do it, the special events we have in the pool do it, but they call for more staff and we can't do that all the time. The Director of Recreation related that he had talked with a Minneapolis Park Board member about swim activities in other pools she had attended trying to find out what brings in the people. Commissioner Pollock suggested that the concession stand could bring in more income with more swimmers coming in to use the water slide. The Director of Recreation then stated figures regarding the percentages of non-resident users and the percents regarding swim lessons: 65% non-residents, 35% residents. a Chairperson Sorenson commented on the need to bring in $300/day to break even and was wondering about estimates on the water slide revenue per day... locker fee revenue, pinballs and videos as revenue. The Director of Recreation mentioned that this was all taken into consideration when planning the water slide, and there would definitely be an increase in revenue in all areas. -3- Replacement of Plavaround Eauinment Chairperson Sorenson set three things as criteria for the playgorund equipment: 1) Safety 2) Maintenance 3) Usage. The Superintendent of Parks informed the group that all the bad equipment had been fixed except for some chains which will be fixed soon. The Park and Recreation Commission should look at replacing wooden play equipment. The old equipment should be replaced because painting it doesn't take care of the problems. There could be two staff on just repairing equipment all summer. Commissioner Pollock asked if the wooden equipment is better or if the new kind of equipment is better. The superintendent of parks informed the group that the new equipment is fiberglass over steel and which is much better. The park and recreation director suggested needing to know what needs to be done in time for budget planning. Chairperson Sorenson mentioned the safety factor of the equipment. The Director of Recreation received a call about the new playground equipment at the Palmer Lake school. He said this item should be discussed at a future meeting. He also asked the Superintendent of Parks to look at the cost and the safety factor of equipment in the parks. The Superintendent of Parks commented that most equipment is now in pretty good shape. Chairperson Sorenson asked which parks need what in equipment and it was stated that Marlin park needs total replacement. The Superintendent of Parks also mentioned Kylawn, Orchard Lane, Lions and Northport parks as needing evaluation and possible new equipment. He has received calls from daycare centers in the Orchard Lane park area stating that there is not enough equipment for their kids. It was also stated that Palmer and Central parks get heavy usage from ball player families during the summer months. The Director of Recreation commented that safety is the most important factor. Chairperson Sorenson mentioned that the parks should be categorized for repair according to usage. The Director of Recreation commented on the new equipment at Brooklane park; steel equipment to use for an example in purchasing new equipment since wooden does not last long. There is a 15 year projected life on wooden equipment and they are reaching their limit stated the superintendent of parks. The Evergreen school equipment also should be looked at for an example stated the Superintendent of Parks. The Director of Recreation commented that he thinks that Evergreen Park current playground should be made into a tiny tot park. Councilman Pedlar mentioned the question brought up at the council meeting regarding man power. Concern was shown by Councilman Pedlar about maintaining the parks due to the lack of man power with the budget cuts. Safety was brought up again as the first priority and stated that the parks will not be as desirable as they were. There are 17 parks and only six full time employees. -4- Maintenance Staffing Levels The superintendent of parks commented that his staff doing the many things they do for the civic center takes up a lot of their time and manpower and that mowing is never caught up. He went on to state the various things they do like taking care of the ball fields, repairing playground equipment, etc. The superintendent of parks went on to say that the playground equipment takes the first priority, then fields, grass trimming, etc. With the state cuts one of the ways to cut costs was that they didn't replace employees as they left. The 1991 Budget was to add one man to the staff, but there wasn't money to do so. Temporary summer help doesn't really count since they do the small equipment jobs like trimming, grass cutting, etc. The superintendent of parks stated that there are 11 street crew members and 6 maintenance. There was some talk that the park department may take over grounds maintenance of the civic center according to the superintendent of parks. The director of recreation asked, how do you get the job done with the crew you have? The Superintendent of Parks replied, we do the best we can. Chairperson Sorenson that he didn't know how many it would take to run the department. He told the superintendent of parks that he would have to tell him by making a list of jobs and needed personnel. The superintendent of parks discussed the work cycles of jobs; mowing, building maintenance, park buildings, etc. The director of recreation stated that the ball tournaments do not impact his schedule since they are on weekends and are on overtime. Chairperson Sorenson stated that the superintendent of parks should cut back on services and see if anyone screams. Commissioner Peterson state that he thought the parks were beautiful and that the crew was doing a good job. Commissioner Mead questioned the park building maintenance needed in the summer. The superintendent of parks informed him of the park activities held in the summer using the buildings every day; the cleaning and maintenance required by them. The director of recreation mentioned that the park buildings will have to be replaced soon because they are literally falling apart and deteriorating. ADOPT A PARK PROGRAM Commissioner Pollock asked if this program would help the Superintendent of Parks and his crew. The Director of Recreation explained the details of this type of program the City of Champlin has. The Superintendent of Parks said , yes it would help him and his crew. Commissioner Shinnick referred to things he has seen at Lions Park that this program could help like keeping the parks cleaner and thereby assisting the park crews. Commissioner Russell also mentioned the abusing of the park dumpsters by people littering all kinds of things, appliances, garbage, etc. • -5- The question about where to go with the Adopt A Park Program was made and the Director of Recreation stated that Champlin hasn't 40 sent all the info to him yet. Suggestions were to use scout groups, little league groups, church groups with each group signing up to take a particular park as their project. The Director of Parks said he would get the information out to groups to advertise it. Councilman Pedlar mentioned the Shingle Creek clean up program. to have lots of hot dogs, etc. at the garage for the workers. Commissioner Russell said that the Brooklyn Center Lions will volunteer their concession stand at the 1992 Shingle Creek clean up. Councilman Pedlar mentioned that the little league could work at the clean up. The conclusion was that the board sympathizes with this situation, but there are no funds in the budget to help this program. GOLF COURSE REPORT The Director of Recreation mentioned that there were 15 trees moved to the golf course. Most of these trees were placed between the 6th and 7th freeways. The golf course is ahead and will be making a payment to the capital funds again. This year there were 37,200 rounds this year and 39,500 last year. Councilman Pedlar asked what Kurt did during the day in the winter, does he have projects or get less hours, etc.? Councilman Pedlar said that Kurt is a definite asset to the golf course and we wouldn't want to lose him. The Director of Recreation stated that we start lessons in January and that 1990 there were approximately 600 that hit golf balls into the net. We need to keep it open so as to not pay unemployment. This was the worst weather of the 4 years. Set a record of 349 rounds. HOCKEY UPDATE Chairperson Sorenson said the hockey issue has been on the city council agenda for the last 3 meetings. Councilman Jerry Pedlar stated that the hockey boosters came to the city council and asked for a $10,350 one time donation to maintain the program. Concern of a precedent being made was mentioned by Councilmember Cohen and the item was sent to the park and recreation commission for reviewal. What criteria would be for other programs - cannot legally donate -could buy uniforms. Commissioner Shinnick mentioned that the state is questioning donations or contributions to city programs, etc. Councilman Pedlar mentioned that programs would have to be prioritized, hockey, football - Minnesota American Hockey Association (MAHA). There is no viable feeder system for the Brooklyn Center Hockey program. MAHA is a good program, but a feeder for high schools. -6- 0 Director of Recreation suggested we come up with a policy for Director of Recreation suggested we come up with a policy for criteria for programs and donations. The issue here is what does the city council want to contribute to such programs. TWIN LAKE - UPDATE - Meetina of Nov. 4 Commissioner Sorenson informed the Park & Recreation Commissionthat there was not much happening - the meeting notice didn't get out. There is an organizational meeting set up for Dec. 5 7p.m. at the community center. Commissioner Pollock asked if the other cities involved are for this project. Commissioner Sorenson said yes, enthusiastic about it. Director of Recreation commented about all the staff changes in Robbinsdale and that may delay things for a while. OTHER BUSINESS The Director of Recreation talked about the skating rink usage and gave some figures on them. They are as follows: 1969-70 1968-69 1990 94,720 111,655 11,247 He stated that we will not have any ice at Garden City because of lack of attendance. Riverdale, West Palmer, Brooklane, Happy Hollow, and Freeway there will be ice, but no attendant. Open rinks with attendants and hockey are: Willow Lane, Evergreen, Grandview, Kylawn and Northport. Orchard Lane will be open, but no hockey rink. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Items to be included in the January 21, 1992 park and recreation commission agenda include the Hockey Association, the Adopt-A-Park Program and a new listing and update on playground and park conditions. A motion was made by Don Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Russell to move the next meeting to January 21 at 7:30 P.m. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Russell mad a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Commissioner Shinnick. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 9:40 p.m. W 0 -7-