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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 03-19 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 MARCH 19, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Shinnick, Peterson, Mead, Russell and Pollock. Also present were City Council Liaison Jerry Pedlar, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Recreation Department Intern Melissa McKeen, and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioner Skeels was excused from this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19. 1991 There was a motion by commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the February 19, 1991, park and recreation commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. STATUS REPORT - EVERGREEN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO REOUEST The Recording Secretary said the city manager had met with Evergreen Park Elementary School Principal Ken Berg, who said there is a $10,000 commitment for the park equipment from the Evergreen Park Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and a $20,000 commitment from the school district. The City has preliminarily approved $15,000 for this project. The school district will obtain quotations on equipment and determine how much money is left for other projects at the playground. The City will donate labor and equipment for hauling fill to be placed around the playground equipment and also overlay the basketball courts. The school district will handle the bidding process. The basic plan remains about the same, although the school district leans towards wood edging around the play area and spending more money on equipment. The intent is to start construction after school is out in the spring and complete the project by the time school starts in the fall of 1991. Brooklyn Center's superintendent of public works will be meeting with the school buildings and grounds representative from the school district regarding the basketball standards and the basketball courts. The Director of Recreation said the City will remove its playground equipment from the northwest corner of the park because it is starting to wear and there are problems with some of the equipment. New equipment will be installed all in one area. The Director of Recreation said he will meet with Principal Berg 3-19-91 -1- i tomorrow. Commissioner Mead asked if the track will be installed, and the Director of Recreation said there is still talk about installing a track but with a different surface than originally planned. Chairperson Sorenson asked if the plan is reasonable other than the concern regarding the wood edging. The Director of Recreation said overall it is a good plan. There was a brief discussion regarding a new type of artificial turf that is available but expensive. Commissioner Mead asked if the City and the school district working together is a new concept, and the Director of Recreation said he was not sure, although it is expected that more of this cooperation will occur in the future. Commissioner Russell pointed out it saves the City and the school district money when they work together. Chairperson Sorenson asked if there were any problems working together with the school district, and the Director of Recreation said he did not think so. He added locating one set of playground equipment near a school does make sense. Commissioner Peterson said it is great that everyone can start working together for the common good. Chairperson Sorenson noted with some of the other schools, such as Willow Lane, Orchard Lane, and Northport, the City and school district may be able to afford better equipment if their efforts are consolidated. Commissioner Peterson expressed surprise at how quickly the process is moving to get the equipment at Evergreen Park Elementary School. Councilmember Pedlar said the city council is awaiting action until details from the school are more available. SHINGLE CREEK AND PALMER LAKE CLEAN UP Commissioner Pollock highlighted her notes from a meeting with Kay Lasman who is assisting her in planning the clean-up day on May 4. She said a publicity flier and poster are needed to publicize the event, which is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until noon. She suggested that not too many scout troops become involved, because otherwise it may be more difficult to supervise the day's activities. The Director of Recreation noted the Brooklyn Swim Club has already volunteered to help with the clean-up efforts. Commissioner Pollock noted youth under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Councilmember Pedlar suggested the age be lowered, and the consensus of the commission was to require those 13 years old and younger to be accompanied by an adult. The Director of Recreation strongly recommended that no tennis shoes be allowed. Councilmember Pedlar said it might be possible to get the volunteer fire department to work in a control capacity. The Director of Recreation noted no City employees or trucks will be available. Councilmember Pedlar said it might be possible to get City employees who are fire fighters to be present for safety purposes. He said he will contact the fire department members to inquire about their interest. The Director of Recreation said the park and recreation department will provide refreshments. 3-19-91 -2- Commissioner Pollock asked where the 'refreshments would be distributed, and the Director of Recreation said there is a small park area near the City garage with picnic tables that would be a likely site. Chairperson Sorenson suggested that refreshments be served inside the garage if it rains. Commissioner Pollock said the City of Brooklyn Park invited its volunteers to march in the annual parade in Brooklyn Park. Councilmember Pedlar said he likes the idea which sends a positive message to the community. Commissioner Pollock said if the fire fighters are present, then arrangements will not have to be made for first aid. The Director of Recreation said the three program supervisors from the recreation department will be available to assist on May 4. Chairperson Sorenson asked what the commission is required to submit to the city council for the council to take official action, and Councilmember Pedlar said a resolution is necessary. The Director of Recreation pointed out the City will not provide financial assistance for the project. Chairperson Sorenson said a resolution can be passed to designate the day as Clean Up of Shingle Creek and Palmer Lake Day in Brooklyn Center. Commissioner Mead suggested the use of cable television to promote the activities, and other avenues of publicity will include Northwest News, Brooklyn Center Post and the City newsletter. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Russell to recommend to the city council that it support the community clean up of Shingle Creek and Palmer Lake and declare May 4, 1991, as Shingle Creek and Palmer Lake Clean-Up Day. The motion passed. Commissioner Pollock suggested sign-up forms should be used to know in advance how many people will be helping, and the Director of Recreation said the community center's phone number will be printed on the publicity flier for people to do so. EUGENE HAGEL ARBORETUM - DEDICATION The Director of Recreation said the dedication of the arboretum is scheduled for Friday, April 26, 1991, at 1:30 p.m. at the arboretum. The City of Brooklyn Park is making a new sign. He said the program will include singing by Orchard Lane Elementary School students, and it is possible the showmobile will be used for the event. The mayor and city council are expected to be present, and the Recording Secretary and Director of Recreation will work on putting together an invitation list which will include former park and recreation commissioners. The Recording Secretary will prepare a proclamation for approval, by the city council. COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS Councilmember Pedlar said he sees few users at the swimming pool 3-19-91 -3- CORRECTION PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION and feels there is an opportunity to provide an incentive to City employees by providing them some sort of membership to the community center. The more people using the pool, the less chlorine and heat that is used. He suggested City employees be allowed to use the facility either for free or at a reduced rate. He noted at one time Hennepin County had an employee incentive program which paid for health club memberships if an employee took few sick days. He noted senior adults are already using the facility at reduced rates. He said fire department members work as volunteers with minimum pay, and he would like to see them use the pool. Chairperson Sorenson asked if the City had any difficulty recruiting employees so that some sort of incentive would be needed. Councilmember Pedlar said he does not think an incentive such as this is needed for hiring. Commissioner Pollock noted it is good for morale and healthy for employees to be fit. Commissioner Peterson noted if the commission considers allowing fire fighters to use the facility, other volunteers should also be included, such as advisory commissioners. The Director of Recreation asked if the City should then go so far as to extend golf course memberships to its employees. Councilmember Pedlar said there are enough people using the golf course. The Director of Recreation said he has a problem with allowing City employees to use the pool at a reduced rate, because there are many City employees who are nonresidents of Brooklyn Center and do not pay local taxes. He feels these people should not benefit when the taxpayers of the city cannot benefit. Commissioner Peterson asked how many people would be impacted by this policy, and the Recording Secretary said there are 142 full-time employees, 200 to 300 part-time employees, 40 volunteer fire fighters, and approximately 50 other volunteers and advisory commissioners. Commissioner Russell said there might be better acceptance of this program if an incentive was given to employees, such as tying use of the pool to low use of sick leave. 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. HOCKEY AND SKATING RINK WARMING HOUSES This item was tabled to the next park and recreation commission meeting. RECESS The park and recreation commission recessed at 8:25 p.m. and reconvened at 8:34 p.m. WATER SLIDE PROPOSAL The Director of Recreation said attendance at the pool has been down in recent years. He reviewed some of the programs the recreation department is providing, but he said this is not enough 3-19-91 -4- to cover all of the City's expenses. He noted a wave pool is not feasible because of the type of swimming pool the City has. The Director of Recreation said an architect has said it is possible to fit a' water slide in the City's community center, and information regarding water slides was distributed to commissioners at the last meeting. He reviewed how well other cities with water slides have been doing, including Crystal, Winona, Chaska, and Shoreview. Chairperson Sorenson pointed out the number of examples given are for outdoor pools. The Director of Recreation said there is no doubt that unless a water slide is installed, the City will continue to not make money on the swimming pool. He noted water slides have been popular in warmer regions for years, and the key to getting people to use the pool will be a water slide. He added the water slide will not cut into lap swim and the current schedule of swimming lessons. Chairperson Sorenson asked what the cost would be for a water slide, and the Director of Recreation said the maximum estimate is $200,000, which could be paid back in four to five years. Commissioner mead asked what the mechanics of charging people will be, and the Director of Recreation said the City of Crystal charges $1.00 for seven rides. He said Chaska and Shoreview charge $1.00 extra for admission, and users wear bracelets which change colors every day. He noted there are some problems getting the slides to work just right at the beginning, and insurance is expected to increase a little but not prohibitively. Commissioner Russell said a water slide does not look like it would need a great deal of maintenance. Councilmember Pedlar pointed out the slide would have to be inspected on a daily basis. Chairperson Sorenson asked if additional costs besides that of the actual water slide have been estimated, including labor, and Councilmember Pedlar said he would like to see financial projections for the water slide. The Director of Recreation said if the city council conceptually approves the water slide, the next step would be to make those financial projections. Chairperson Sorenson noted he sees restaurants packed, but they still go out of business. Commissioner Russell suggested hiring additional lifeguards would create an on-going increased cost, whereas other costs are initial, one-time expenses. Commissioner Peterson asked how many days a year the pool in Crystal is open, and the Director of Recreation said 67 days. Commissioner Russell pointed out that Brooklyn Center's pool would be open many more days than this. Commissioner Peterson suggested if the demand is there, the City would have to open it up more often. Councilmember Pedlar said the Winona financial statement does not show expenses prior to installation of the water slide. He again requested more financial information. The Director of Recreation noted that approximately $5,000 may be needed to expand the snack bar. 3-19-91 -5- There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Russell to recommend to the city council that an in- house financial investigation be conducted to determine the possibility of installing a water slide at the community center. The motion passed. REPLACEMENT OF PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT The Director of Recreation said some of the park equipment is in need of replacement, some sooner than others. Commissioner Mead asked why the equipment needs to be replaced and wondered if it is due to weather or vandalism. The Director of Recreation noted some of the wood is rotting. He suggested the commission look at short- and long-term plans. Commissioner Pollock asked if the new equipment is that much different from the old equipment, and the Director of Recreation said it has changed somewhat. Commissioner Mead suggested the City put together an inventory of equipment if it has not done so already, because when planning, it is necessary to know where to start. The Director of Recreation noted that after the park bond issue was passed in 1980, a lot of equipment was installed at the same time. He suggested the commissioners look at the equipment that is out there and report back at the next meeting. Commissioner Pollock asked if there would be anywhere the City could eliminate equipment, and the Director of Recreation said this is something to keep in mind. The commissioners agreed to look at equipment in their neighborhoods as follows: Chairperson Sorenson - Willow Lane, West Palmer, and Freeway Parks; Commissioner Pollock - East Palmer, Firehouse, and Riverdale Parks; Commissioner Shinnick - Grandview, Bellview, and Lions Parks; Commissioner Russell - Northport, Happy Hollow, and Twin Lakes Parks; Commissioner Mead - Kylawn, Orchard Lane, and Brook Lane Parks; Commissioner Peterson -Wangsted, Garden City, and Central Parks. The commissioners will look at the condition of the equipment, take pictures if possible, and be prepared to discuss this at the next meeting. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Peterson asked what the status of the Joslyn site is, and the Director of Recreation said he had no new information about it. He noted there is a residential development in progress in the area, and the City is obtaining some of the land for the trail system. He added the Joslyn site is in the process of decontamination. The Director of Recreation noted the chairpersons of the Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, and Crystal park and recreation commissions, along with the respective park and recreation directors, will be meeting to discuss the Twin Lakes' area on March 21, 1991. He added in the future, it is hoped that all three park and recreation commissions can meet at a joint meeting. He said the reason for doing so is to be prepared so that if money becomes available, the cities will be able to move quickly on plans they 3-19-91 -6- have already made. Commissioner Peterson asked if any serious negotiations between the City and Joslyn on the purchase of the Joslyn site have occurred, and the Director of Recreation said they had not. Councilmember Pedlar said 25 residential homes will be built north of Murphy warehouse in the Twin Lakes' area. Commissioner Peterson said if the issues revolving around the Joslyn property are not resolved within two to three years, he wondered where the golf dome could be built. The Director of Recreation said that is not a priority at this time. He added the decontamination of the land is going along well. Councilmember Pedlar pointed out there is never a 100 percent guaranty that the land will be hazard-free. Chairperson Sorenson asked if the land lost out of the Palmer Lake area from the 69th Avenue improvement project will be replaced elsewhere, and the Director of Recreation said land will be added near Kylawn Preserve. Chairperson Sorenson asked if the land swap is equal in acreage, and the Director of Recreation said it is according to the Federal government. Commissioner Mead asked if any information is available on the regional park near the Mississippi River. The Director of Recreation said progress on the park development is moving slowly. SET NEXT MEETING AGENDA The items to be discussed at the April 16, 1991, park and recreation commission meeting will include status reports on the Evergreen Park Elementary School PTO request, Shingle Creek and Palmer Lake Clean Up, Eugene Hagel Arboretum dedication, water slide proposal, hockey and skating rink warming houses, and replacement of playground equipment. Councilmember Pedlar suggested that discussion on the community center memberships be deferred until more information is decided regarding the water slide. OTHER BUSINESS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Pedlar asked what the status of the ice arena proposal is, and the Director of Recreation said Noah Bridges would like to have the school district build an ice arena. A proposal has come to the city council to conduct a $7,600 feasibility study for the ice arena, and the city council has not approved a 50 percent contribution towards the study. The Director of Recreation added EDA Assistant Coordinator Tom Bublitz has prepared an in-house feasibility study of the ice arena. There was a request that the commission's official action on the ice arena be reviewed at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 9:21 p.m. 3-19-91 -7- Chairperson s • • -8- 3-19-91