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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 09-17 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 17, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Russell, Shinnick, Skeels, and Mead. Also present were Mayor Todd Paulson, City Council Member Jerry Pedlar, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioners Peterson and Pollock were excused from this evening's meeting. VISIT FROM MAYOR PAULSON Mayor Paulson said he is attending all of the city council advisory commission meetings in September. He attended a dedication at Evergreen Park Elementary School and said it is good to see the cooperation between the City and the school district. Mayor Paulson said on behalf of the city council, he wants to express appreciation for the commission's good work. He added if there are things the commission would like to pursue, he suggests they do so. He added he wants to empower the City's citizen commissions, and if there are some concerns, issues and ideas, commissioners should feel free to pass these along. One idea that Mayor Paulson said he has seen on the horizon for this commission involves the creation of an athletic commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 21, 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the May 21, 1991, park and recreation commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. WATER SLIDE PROPOSAL The Recording Secretary reviewed the financial environment within which the City is working and discussed the status of City revenues generated from property taxes, Minnesota state aid and other sources. The Director of Recreation said when he met with the Brooklyn Swim Club (BSC), he thought there would be a problem with holding a swim meet in June, due to the loss of revenue of approximately $3,000 for the weekend the water slide would be shut down for the swim meet. With regard to eliminating the 4 to 6 9-17-91 -1- p.m. practice on Tuesdays and Thursday, the Director of Recreation said he is looking at how much the swim club generates compared to other possible activities. Chairperson Sorenson said although this is not a public hearing, he invited anyone to approach the commission. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Mr. Jim Riess, President of the Board of Directors of the BSC. He handed the commissioners a letter dated September 15, 1991. He said the BSC was told it would lose the practice time and the June meet with the installation of the water slide at the community center. He noted the June meet is a major money-making project for the BSC and one of its major activities. Mr. Riess said the annual June meet has brought state-wide recognition to the BSC, and athletes from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas compete and also stay in Brooklyn Center hotels and shop at Brooklyn Center stores while they are here. He noted the BSC practices at the community.center are from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and during the summer months, from 6 to 9 a.m. Mr. Riess said each swimmer must pay the daily admission fee or the membership fee to the community center, in addition to the club membership fees, which go towards paying the coaches. He noted Coach Jesse Thomas and Assistant Coach Deanne Twidwell, who are scholarship swimmers, are present this evening. Chairperson Sorenson asked how many people participate in the June meet, and Mr. Riess said approximately 400 swimmers compete. Commissioner Mead asked how many members are in the BSC, and Mr. Riess responded there are, on average, 120 members. Commissioner Mead wondered how many of these are Brooklyn Center residents, and Mr. Riess was not sure. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Mr. Jesse Thomas, who said this is his second year as the head coach for the BSC. He noted the community center is the only indoor 50-meter pool in the state, and without this pool, it would be difficult to continue the BSC program. He said he was raised in Detroit, started swimming at eight years of age, and never had access to a 50-meter pool until he got to college. He added there are a number of kids who come from all over because of the pool facility. Mr. Thomas explained the levels of swimmers in the club and said without the pool, it would be the death of the BSC program, which would be quite bad for the kids. Mr. Thomas said it is an especially good program for girls who are unable to play in other sports that are available to boys. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Deanne Twidwell, who said she is the assistant coach for the BSC. For the last 15 years, she has been involved in competitive swimming-12 years of which were involved in competition and the last three years in coaching. She explained her involvement in swimming and the impact swimming has on kids. 9-17-91 -2- 0 Chairperson Sorenson recognized Mr. Ernie Erickson, 6800 Drew Avenue North, who said he has been a resident of Brooklyn Center for the past 20 years and is a parent of a BSC member. He noted 20 to 25 percent of the BSC's members are Brooklyn Center residents. He said there are several problems recruiting Brooklyn Center residents to participate in the BSC program, including the low number of children living in Brooklyn Center; there is a lack of a varsity swim program at Brooklyn Center High School; and the BSC has been refused access to some schools by the administration, including Evergreen Park and Earle Brown Elementary Schools, to recruit members. (He noted these schools do not give them table space for recruitment purposes.) Mr. Erickson said in 1968, Brooklyn Center residents passed a bond issue to build a community center, of which 65 percent voted in favor of this. In 1980, the community approved a park improvement bond, and in 1986, Brooklyn Center was named an All-America City. This is an ambitious, innovative city, and its motto remains "The Something More City." He said the City newsletter has been delivered to Brooklyn Center residents for ten years by the BSC at a cost of approximately 11 cents per each issue delivered. He said the BSC does not oppose the water slide but does want to keep the four hours of practice each week and the meet in June. Commissioner Russell asked if there is a reason why Evergreen Park and Earle Brown Elementary Schools do not allow the BSC to come in to recruit participants. One resident attending the meeting said Evergreen Park does not allow any groups to recruit, and Earle Brown School is allowing recruitment for the first time this evening. Commissioner mead asked about the scheduled practices, and Mr. Erickson noted the club's early morning practices are scheduled during the summer and when school is not in session. Commissioner Mead asked if the 6 to 9 a.m. slot is not used in the winter months, and Mr. Thomas noted on Saturday mornings, practices are set for 7 to 9 a.m. during the school year. Commissioner Skeels asked if the June meet has been held in Brooklyn Center for the past 15 years, and Mr. Erickson responded affirmatively. Commissioner Mead asked how many lanes are used during practice, and Mr. Thomas said all six can be used, although they do not always use them. Mr. Thomas said his concern is that the BSC would not be able to use the pool at all. The Director of Recreation said he seems to be becoming the bad guy and feels he has done a lot for the BSC over the years. He agrees with what is being said, but he is also being told to find money or cut people. He noted he has nothing against the BSC, but being the recreation department's staff knows it will be one of the first departments to be cut to resolve the City's financial crisis. He said in order to turn the community center around, the recreation department is adding a water slide. He said the cities 00 9-17-91 -3- of Shoreview and Chaska are generating a great deal of income with their water slides. 0 Chairperson Sorenson asked the Director of Recreation if he knows how much room will be needed when this water slide is in operation. The Director of Recreation said when the BSC practices, the water slide cannot be in operation. There will be no lap swimming when the water slide is open. Chairperson Sorenson suggested the biggest hurdle to overcome at this point is resolving the issue regarding the swim meet in June. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Mr. Clayton "Tony" Ditty, who said the city is basing its financial expectations for the water slide on the water slides at Shoreview and Chaska, which are different sizes than what will be in Brooklyn Center. The Director of Recreation noted Brooklyn Center's will be about the same size as the other two, and comparisons have not been made to outdoor water slides. Mr. Ditty said the concession stand is open during the swim meet, so the City could still make money when the meet is being held. Chairperson Sorenson noted the rental fee for the BSC during the meet is approximately $200 to $300, and he asked if there is some other fee the swim club could charge to increase its revenue. Mr. Erickson said the bylaws of the Minnesota Swimming Association do not permit charging an admission fee, so this is not a viable revenue-generating option. He added the Director of Recreation is not the bad guy, and said when the BSC had problems two years ago, the Director of Recreation did a great deal of work to help the club survive. He said the membership appreciates this. Mr. Erickson said the BSC is willing to negotiate some kind of rent increase; although, because the BSC is governed by a board of directors, he cannot act by himself in recommending this. Commissioner Skeels asked if it is possible to raise money from civic organizations and businesses in the community, and Mr. Erickson said this is a project in which the BSC is currently involved. Mr. Erickson said the BSC also appreciates the long- time support of the Brooklyn Center Lions Club. The BSC will continue to explore revenue-generating options. Mr. Erickson said the BSC will solicit advertising from area hotels who buy ads in the BSC's programs, plus the Target area shopping complex. Chairperson Sorenson asked at what point in time a decision needs to be made about the availability of the community center for the June meet. Mr. Erickson said in July of this year, the BSC made a tentative bid for the June 1992 meet, which, if accepted, will be put on the 1992 schedule. An official commitment would be needed by December 1, 1991. Chairperson Sorenson recognized Mr. Scott LaVold, who said he is an 11-year veteran of the BSC with daughters who have participated 9-17-91 -4- in the club. He has served as treasurer for two terms of three years each, and he noted one thing missing from the discussion is the importance of the June meet as the major fund raiser for the year. The money is important to the BSC because it translates into dues that are paid so people can afford to participate in the club. Commissioner Mead asked what the dues are, and Mr. LaVold said the dues are approximately $200 for the summer season and $200 for the winter season, plus the community center membership. He added there is a scholarship program, but even with this, some people cannot afford to swim. He added the BSC wants to hire the best coaches it can. A question was raised on what expenses the BSC has, and Mr. LaVold said it is mainly for coaches and rent for North View Junior High School. Councilmember Pedlar asked what the date of the June meet is, and Mr. Erickson said for 1992, the dates are May 30 and 31. In 1993, it will be the first weekend in June. The Director of Recreation noted it is almost always the weekend after Memorial Day. Mr. LaVold noted it is too cool to swim outside at this time of year and that is why the meet is so critical. Mayor Paulson suggested the BSC may want to hold a fund raiser that would involve some elected officials to help in raising money. Mr. Ditty noted he is a National Certified Swimming Official, and his time, which is donated, would otherwise be an expense for the BSC. The Director of Recreation pointed out to the commissioners that other interest groups, such as hockey clubs and Little League, will be coming to the commission making similar requests. Chairperson Sorenson said the issues that need to be resolved related to the BSC include the weekly practice schedule and the June meet. He noted with regard to the June meet, it appears December 1 is the deadline for making a decision, so he recommends the BSC and the City explore alternative methods to close the gap between the lost revenue and the City's rental fees charged to the BSC. Mr. Ditty asked what amount of revenue the City receives from the BSC memberships, and the Director of Recreation said it is approximately $8,000 to $10,000. The Director of Recreation noted the City of Brooklyn Center pays the coaches' salaries through the City's payroll system, although the city is reimbursed by the BSC for this expense. He said to continue with practices will not be a problem. He said there are people who are looking for other services, such as additional exercise classes and earlier swim lessons, but the City could make the pool available to the BSC at the same times as always. Councilmember Pedlar noted the city council has put a burden on staff to cut costs, and he explained the establishment of a City financial task force, a citizen-advisory committee, that is 9-17-91 -5- A looking at reducing city costs. He noted with the installation of the water slide, there is some opportunity for the City to increase revenues. He said, however, the city council would like to see something worked out between the City and the BSC. There was a motion by Commissioner Mead and seconded by Commissioner Skeels to recommend continuation of the BSC practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 to 9 a.m. The motion passed. Commissioner Skeels suggested that sometime between now and December, the City and BSC work out an agreement for a reasonable fee schedule for the June meet. Commissioner Mead said both sides need to compromise, and it would behoove BSC to pursue other revenue sources. Chairperson Sorenson said there are three options relating to the June meet available, including waiving the City's rental fee, compromising to increase the fee to somewhere between $300 and $3,000, or charging $3,000. The Director of Recreation noted that at the next commission meeting, a hockey club will be asking for $10,000 from the City. Mr. Ditty asked what would happen if the weekend revenue generated by the water slide comes out to only $1,000. The Director of Recreation noted when the Dudley Tournament is run, the City receives 25 percent of income from vendors after all expenses. Mr. Erickson noted the swim meet is only a Saturday-Sunday event, rather than a Friday-Saturday-Sunday event. Commissioner Russell asked what the net profit of the BSC is after the June meet, and Mr. Erickson said it has ranged from $3,000 to $9,000, although the higher end of income was a unique situation when the club sold t-shirts for an event held at the University of Minnesota. Mr. LaVold said the income is very unpredictable, but the BSC attempts to raise at least $3,000 each year. One resident asked if participants are required to pay access to City skating rinks and softball fields. The Director of Recreation said the community center is supposed to be run as a business to break even, and the parks are not. He gave an example of charging groups to use Constitution hall, which was never done in the past. There was a motion by commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to have the BSC pursue a negotiated agreement on a fee schedule with the City and bring this back for approval at the next park and recreation commission meeting. The motion passed. Mr. Erickson said he appreciates the commission's time and looks forward to meeting with staff and the commission. 9-17-91 -6- • The Director of Recreation proceeded to update the commissioners on the water slide project. He noted he and the architect met with Minnesota Department of Health officials, who gave the final approval of the plans. The next step is to bring these plans before the city council to approve the bids and specifications. He expects construction to begin after Thanksgiving and to open the community center with the water slide by December 26. RECESS There was a motion by Commissioner Mead and seconded by Commissioner 5hinnick to recess the meeting. The motion passed. The park and recreation commission recessed at 8:58 p.m. and reconvened at 9:12 p.m. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Chairperson Sorenson moved the following items to the October agenda: replacement of playground equipment, maintenance staffing levels, discussion on River Ridge Park, Adopt-A-Park Program, and commission plan of action. EVERGREEN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND PROJECT The Director of Recreation said the project is complete, and the equipment is in operation. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for this evening. TWIN LAKE COMMITTEE UPDATE Chairperson Sorenson said two people are needed for each city for this committee, and he is already a member of it. There was a motion by Shinnick and seconded by Russell to appoint Commissioner Skeels as the second representative to the Twin Lake Trail Committee. The motion passed. The Director of Recreation said the next committee meeting should be in October. Chairperson Sorenson said the goal is to have two commissioners, the director of recreation and the city manager from each city, with a total of 12 members, on the committee. Commissioner Mead said if a member in waiting is needed, he would volunteer to be an alternate. Chairperson Sorenson acknowledged this would be appropriate. HOCKEY AND SKATING RINK WARMING HOUSES The Director of Recreation said these items are still in the budget, but Garden City Park will not have a rink in 1992. If it is necessary to cut further, West Palmer Lake and Orchard Lane rinks would be next in line. Commissioner Mead asked if the rinks are just closed and people find out after the fact, and the Director of Recreation said an announcement is placed in the City's brochure. 9-17-91 -7- TRAIL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS The Director of Recreation said the improvements behind the Hennepin County Service Center have been approved by the city council, and now the City is waiting for the weather to improve to do the work. He noted this portion of the trail has not been open much during the summer because of the water. Chairperson Sorenson asked about the trail in Minneapolis that borders Brooklyn Center, and the Director of Recreation was unsure of the status of this. ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM The Director of Recreation said the Director of Public Works is interested in developing such a program, which would include adopt-a-trail. City staff feels this would help in keeping the parks clean. Chairperson Sorenson suggested this item be moved to the November agenda for further discussion. The Director of Recreation noted in Champlin, civic groups clean up the parks once in the spring, once in the summer and once in the fall. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Russell asked if it is feasible to build a shelter at Lions Park that the Lions Club would be willing to donate. The Director of Recreation suggested the Lions Club make a formal request to the park and recreation commission, who, in turn, can make a recommendation to the city council. This item will be added to the November park and recreation commission agenda. The Director of Recreation said the golf course is doing well in spite of the rain. Chairperson Sorenson raised some concerns relayed to him from the women's golf league, and the Director of Recreation said the complainants should call the golf course manager to discuss their concerns. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Mead and seconded by commissioner Russell to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 9:33 p.m. Chairperson 9-17-91 -8- •