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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 04-16 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 APRIL 16, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 7:31 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Shinnick, Peterson, Mead, Russell, Pollock, and Skeels. Also present were Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Councilmember Pedlar was not in attendance at this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 19, 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick and seconded by Commissioner Pollock to approve the minutes of the March 19, 1991, park and recreation commission meeting as submitted. Chairperson Sorenson referenced a motion regarding community center memberships on page 4 of the minutes that would table discussion of the community center membership to the next meeting. He said discussion was postponed, not tabled. There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to amend the March 19, 1991, minutes on page 4, second full paragraph, to read, "There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Russell to postpone discussion of the Community Center memberships to the next meeting. The motion passed." The motion to amend the minutes passed. The motion to approve the minutes as amended passed. STATUS REPORT - EVERGREEN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO REOUEST The Director of Recreation said nothing has changed since the last meeting, and he hopes to meet with the Evergreen Park Elementary School principal next week. This item will be discussed further at the May commission meeting. SHINGLE CREEK AND PALMER LAKE CLEAN UP Commissioner Pollock said she met with Councilmember Pedlar who told her he would be able to get approximately three fire fighters to assist in providing first aid services on the clean-up day. The Director of Recreation said promotional flyers will be distributed with the next city newsletter. Commissioner Pollock said another article should appear in the Northwest News newspaper. She suggested when people call for information, they should be told to wear heavy shoes. The Director of Recreation 4/16/91 1 said this is covered in the flyer. Commissioner Pollock said the concept of the clean-up day was well received at the city council meeting. She said volunteers will meet at the city garage and car pool from there to different locations. Commissioner Mead asked if trash will be separated from cans, and Commissioner Pollock said recyclables should be separated. The Director of Recreation inquired about what will happen with the tires collected, and Commissioner Pollock said she will check into this. Commissioner Mead noted he had read about a clean up in April where people could take disposable items to the transfer site in Osseo, and he wondered if the City might be able to tag on to this. There was a brief discussion whether or not this was possible. The Director of Recreation said no one has called to inquire about the clean-up day, but he expects to receive some calls when the city newsletter is distributed into homes beginning April 20. He added the swim club is planning to provide assistance in the clean-up efforts. Chairperson Sorenson suggested when people arrive, they receive proper instructions on what to do. The Director of Recreation asked the commissioners if they will be participating in the efforts. Chairperson Sorenson and Commissioners Mead, Skeels and Pollock said they intend to participate if their schedules permit. Commissioner Pollock requested the commissioners arrive at 8:45 a.m. for the clean-up day. The Director of Recreation said his three program supervisors will be present to assist in the clean up. Commissioner Mead asked how many crews will participate, and Commissioner Pollock suggested at least three and possibly four will be formed. EUGENE HAGEL ARBORETUM - DEDICATION, The Director of Recreation said invitations are in the mail for the arboretum dedication, and the city council is expected to approve a proclamation declaring April 26, 1991, as Eugene Hagel Day in Brooklyn Center. The commissioners noted several people who should receive invitations to the dedication. WATER SLIDE PROPOSAL The Director of Recreation said he will be making a presentation to the city council on April 22, 1991, to determine how the city council feels about installing a water slide at the community center. He noted he obtained information from the City of Crystal regarding its water slide, and this information will be passed on to the city council. The Director of Recreation said he will try to get slides for his presentation, and the commissioners are welcome to attend the next city council meeting to see it. HOCKEY AND SKATING RINK WARMING HOUSES The Director of Recreation said his staff is compiling statistical information about usage of the rinks. Once the budget situation is better known, it will be easier to make decisions on which 4/16/91 2 rinks remain open next season. He added the City does not want to eliminate everything if it does not have to but will close what is necessary. REPLACEMENT OF PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT The commissioners proceeded to review their investigations of the condition of park equipment in Brooklyn Center parks. Chairperson Sorenson noted in general, the parks appear to be in -good condition, although many of them need maintenance. The Director of Recreation suggested the commission establish a priority list for budget planning time. The commission discussed the status of River Ridge Park, and the Director of Recreation noted it has become a dumping ground. Chairperson Sorenson suggested closing the roadway leading to the park. He requested the possibility of closing River Ridge Park be added to the next commission agenda as a discussion item. Chairperson Sorenson asked the commission where it should go from here regarding the parks, and the Director of Recreation said he will review the information provided by the commissioners with the parks maintenance staff to see what is planned. Chairperson Sorenson requested further discussion of replacement of playground equipment be placed on the next commission agenda for discussion. Chairperson Sorenson noted with the 1981 park bond projects, a commitment was made to support maintenance of the parks. With the reduction in maintenance personnel from nine to six, this does not seem to be in line with. what people voted for with the bond issue. There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick and seconded by Commissioner Russell to ask the city manager to explain how the city is complying with the park bond referendum regarding the maintenance of park equipment. The motion passed. Chairperson Sorenson asked that a copy of the referendum be sent in the next park and recreation commission agenda packet. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Mead asked why the April 18, 1989, park and recreation commission minutes were included in the agenda packet. Chairperson Sorenson said this was provided to commissioners for review to recollect the recommendation of the park and recreation commission regarding the ice arena proposal. A question had arisen at the last commission meeting as to what specific recommendation the commission had made to the city council. The recommendation by the commission was to approve a study costing not more than $2,500, and the city council is being requested to participate in a study that will cost approximately $7,600. Commissioner Mead asked if EDA Assistant Coordinator Tom Bublitz has been preparing a feasibility study on the ice arena. The Director of Recreation said the Assistant EDA Coordinator has been a 4/16/91 3 researching the issue, although the city council has not pushed for the study. Commissioner Pollock asked if signs prohibiting littering are posted in City parks which indicate the fine for littering. She suggested the penalty amount be posted. There was discussion on whether or not these signs actually would deter people from littering, and the consensus of the commission is they would-not. The Director of Recreation noted the Centerbrook Golf Course is open for the season. Commissioner Peterson asked about the meeting on April 25, 1991, which is scheduled with the park and recreation commissions from the cities of Brooklyn Center, Crystal and Robbinsdale. The Director of Recreation noted he and Chairperson Sorenson met with the park and recreation director and park and recreation chairperson from the City of Crystal. Apparently, the Crystal park and recreation commission had heard about the proposed trail system around Twin Lakes and wanted to meet with representatives from Brooklyn Center to discuss the proposal. The meeting set for April 25 is to discuss the trail system around Twin Lakes. It is expected that the three cities can work together to prepare a plan; and if some federal or state money becomes available, a project like the trail system may already be planned. The Director of Recreation said a presentation will be made by the city's consultant, Tim Erkila, and Director of Public Works Sy Knapp will make a presentation about Brooklyn Center's proposed trail system. He added the city managers from the three cities will be present at the meeting, and it is hoped there will be good discussion between members of the communities. The Director of Recreation said Mickey's Spring Fling is scheduled for April 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the community center, and participants should bring floatation devices. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Pollock to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Chairperson a 4/16/91 4