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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 05-21 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 MAY 21, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 8:11 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Russell, Shinnick, and Pollock. Also present were City Councilmember Jerry Pedlar, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Supervisor of Streets and Parks Dick Schwab, and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioners Mead, Skeels and Peterson were not in attendance at this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 16, 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the April 16, 1991, park and recreation commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. REPLACEMENT OF PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT The commission reviewed the park and recreation commission inventory of playground equipment dated April 19, 1991, as well as a playground equipment inspection report prepared by the parks' maintenance staff. The Supervisor of Streets and Parks said much of the equipment is not in bad shape, mostly needing S-hooks and chains or painting. He reviewed equipment repairs already completed this spring. Chairperson Sorenson questioned the condition of the equipment at Brooklane Park, and the Supervisor of Streets and Parks said all of the equipment at this park belongs to the school district. He added the playground structure at Twin Lake Beach should be removed. Commissioner Pollock asked if there will be new equipment installed at Evergreen Park, and the Director of Recreation responded affirmatively. The Supervisor of Streets and Parks said last year city staff was unable get to all of the painting jobs but should be able to get to most of it this year. He noted when some of the equipment breaks, it takes three weeks to three months to obtain new equipment from the manufacturer. He added most of the equipment needs to be repaired and not replaced (other than 5-21-91 -1- the S-hooks and chains). Commissioner Russell commented that whenever there are a lot of children playing at Northport Park, they are usually on the school equipment, and no one is on the city's equipment. Chairperson Sorenson asked for an opinion on the adequacy of maintenance staffing levels, and the Supervisor of Streets and Parks said he feels his staff is short-handed by as many as four people. There was some discussion on limitations on special levies imposed by the state that have impacted local government spending. Chairperson Sorenson noted there are alternatives to resolving the funding shortages, such as raising taxes or closing parks. Commissioner Pollock asked if part-time personnel are employed by the city, and the Supervisor of Streets and Parks said during the summer months, several employees are part-time and seasonal. Councilmember Pedlar said he would like to see a prioritization of needs and requested a list of items that are not getting done and how the loss of personnel affects what is not being done. He added the city has a financial task force that will be looking at issues regarding city services. Councilmember Pedlar added safety will be a factor in determining what should get done. Chairperson Sorenson said with a few exceptions, maintenance so far has been very good, although he is concerned about future maintenance. Chairperson Sorenson said he is looking for a recommended schedule and asked if staff has looked at plans for next year. The Supervisor of Streets and Parks said the city is working on its 1992 budget, but already staff has been told to keep requests at a minimum. Chairperson Sorenson suggested the commission would need to set priorities, keeping safety in mind and making recommendations on what equipment needs to be replaced or removed. Commissioners Pollock and Shinnick commented on how nice the parks in Brooklyn Center look. Chairperson Sorenson noted his concern involves most of the equipment that was installed within a two- year period. The commission should plan for the long term because it will be necessary to respond to all of the aging equipment eventually. He noted the consensus of the commission is the parks look good, but there is a concern that they may not stay this way. STATUS REPORT - EVERGREEN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO REQUEST, The Director of Recreation noted the city council approved a $15,000 expenditure for park improvements at Evergreen Park. He added the city is waiting to hear from Evergreen Park Elementary School and Anoka School District officials, who will be opening bids in the near future; and work should be done over the summer. Chairperson Sorenson noted the track will not be put in this year; and the Director of Recreation confirmed this, noting this has been put on hold. • 5-21-91 -2- RECAP OF SHINGLE CREEK AND PALMER LAKE CLEAN UP, Commissioner Pollock showed the commissioners some pictures of the clean-up day. She noted there were 35 people who participated on four teams. The park and recreation department provided refreshments. All but one group was done by noon. She noted one truck, approximately six yards, was completely filled, and 120 bags were used. Several tires, a 50-gallon barrel, and a vending machine were collected. Some fire department members were present for safety and also pitched in to help. Commissioner Pollock noted advance publicity was in the Northwest News, and a flyer was inserted in the park and recreation brochure. Six people from the Brooklyn Center Rotary participated, and three city council members were present. Commissioner Pollock said she feels this event went well for the first-time effort. She added there are things that can be done differently in the future, such as having people sign up in advance of the event. She noted some maps did not include the area by LEAP. Councilmember Pedlar suggested the "Adopt.A Park" program should be added to a future agenda for discussion. Commissioner Shinnick said a local cub scout pack would like to plant a tree in Lions Park, and he asked if this was all right. The Director of Recreation said he sees no reason why it could not be done. Chairperson Sorenson said there needs to be more drop-off sites for bags or there needs to be pick up of them on the same day. Commissioner Pollock suggested one of the volunteers could pick up the bags. Chairperson Sorenson said a small budget should be provided to cover items like this. The Director of Recreation noted it would help to have some staff present. Commissioner Pollock said it was decided not to have participants march in the Earle Brown Days parade, although this could be done at a future time if more people are involved. Chairperson Sorenson said for a first time project, it went well. He thanked Commissioner Pollock for doing a good job. He added it would be nice to have a place in the future for the group to get together and sit down after the work is done. Commissioner Pollock noted appreciation cards will be sent to the participants. RECAP OF EUGENE HAGEL ARBORETUM DEDICATION, The Director of Recreation noted the dedication event had a fairly good turn out. Chairperson Sorenson noted former Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel seemed to be very happy about it. WATER SLIDE PROPOSAL - STATUS REPORT The Director of Recreation said he expects to present a financial report to the city council at its June 10, 1991, meeting. Councilmember Pedlar noted conceptually, the city council is supportive of the idea. 0 5-21-91 -3- HOCKEY AND SKATING RINK WARMING HOUSES The Director of Recreation said he is waiting to have budget information prepared, but it is possible the rink at Garden City may be closed. He added if more rinks need to be closed, he may be recommending the closure of West Palmer Lake and Orchard Lane Parks' rinks. There was discussion of the use of skating rinks and also of participation in the Little League program. DISCUSSION ON RIVER RIDGE PARK Chairperson Sorenson noted a boat launcher is no longer needed. The Director of Recreation said the city is still working with Hennepin Parks, although there does not seem to be any movement on this. Chairperson Sorenson asked if Hennepin Parks has any long- range funding plans. The Director of Recreation said he knows they have requested money from the state, although he does not know the status of this. He noted the city maintains the park and added the park is a problem for the police department. Chairperson Sorenson asked what is at the park other than green space? The Director of Recreation said some people come to fish, and a few put their boats in the river. Chairperson Sorenson suggested this item be postponed for further discussion at the September meeting and requested a status report from Hennepin County and information from the city's maintenance staff. The Director of Recreation noted the pump station will stay at the park. There was discussion regarding the houses located in this area. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Sorenson discussed the meeting held with representatives from the cities of Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Center regarding Twin Lake and noted another meeting is expected in May. He noted there was good response from the cities of Crystal and Robbinsdale regarding this issue. Chairperson Sorenson said it is necessary to nominate a representative from Brooklyn Center to serve on the joint Twin Lake committee. There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick and seconded by Commissioner Russell to nominate Chairperson Sorenson to serve as Brooklyn Center's representative on the joint Twin Lake committee. The motion passed. The Director of Recreation distributed the 1991 summer "Entertainment in the Park" schedule. Commissioner Shinnick said the Lions Club will be donating about $2,000, and the Director of Recreation said this will be used for fireworks during Earle Brown Days' activities. Commissioner Shinnick said a number of people have been approaching him regarding the possibility of adding another ball field for practicing at Bellvue Park. The Director of Recreation 5-21-91 -4- recommended the request be put in writing as soon as possible so it could be included in the 1992 budget proposal. NEXT MEETING AGENDA Items to be included on the September 17, 1991, park and recreation commission agenda include the hockey rink update, River Ridge Park, Adopt A Park Program, water slide update, the trail behind the library, playground equipment schedule, updates to the commission's plan of action, Twin Lake and maintenance staffing levels. Commissioner Pollock noted she probably will not be in attendance at the September meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 9:20 p.m. 9 Chairperson 0 5-21-91 -5-