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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 01-15 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 JANUARY 15, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. 'DOLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Shinneck, Skeels, Pollock, Peterson, Mead, and Russell. Also present were Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. City Manager Gerald Splinter entered the meeting at 8:44 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 20, 1990 'Where was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the minutes of the November 20, 1990, park and recreation commission meeting as submitted. There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Russell to amend the November 20, 1990, park and recreation commission minutes on page 5, the last sentence of the first paragraph to read "it was suggested that employee memberships be added as a discussion item at the next commission meeting." The motion passed. Upon vote being taken on approving the minutes as amended, the motion carried. STATUS REPORT - EVERGREEN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO REOUEST This item was tabled to later in this evening's meeting. SHINGLE CREEK AND PALMER LAKE CLEANUP Commissioner Pollock said she met with Kay Lasman in November to discuss the cleanup efforts for Shingle Creek and Palmer Lake. A tentative cleanup date has been set for May 4, 1991, from 8 to 11 a.m. The purpose of the cleanup day is to make people more aware of Brooklyn Center resources and involve residents in a cleanup day. Commissioner Pollock said assistance will be requested from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, an agency which may be able to provide bags and some planning. She said what may be needed from the City is City trucks to accompany the workers in their cleanup efforts. She suggested a short stretch of Shingle Creek be included in the project. Commissioner Pollock said the dream is to find someone with a crane, such as a contractor who wants to get some publicity, to help remove tires and other trash from Palmer Lake. She said team leaders are needed, and it is hoped that incentives will be used 1 such as buttons and caps for volunteers, with a few humorous awards. She said publicity is `needed and such outlets for advertising the cleanup day will be the City's Neighborhood Watch Newsletter, the Brooklyn Center Post and Northwest News newspapers, as well as the Brooklyn Center City Newsletter. A letter would be sent to community organizations requesting involvement. She suggested civic organizations could donate refreshments. Commissioner Pollock noted other cities that have been involved in efforts like this have spent approximately $500. Commissioner Mead asked if any specific areas would be targeted, such as Palmer Lake. Commissioner Pollock responded that two small areas would be part of the first year's project, including Palmer Lake and a short stretch of Shingle Creek. Commissioner Russell suggested someone would have to scout out the worst areas in advance of the cleanup day. He said hot dogs, pop, and coffee could be provided inexpensively, and these are easy to hand out to participants. Commissioner Pollock noted walkie-talkies would be needed for team leaders. The Recording Secretary noted that City vehicles do have radios in them and would be a source of communications. The Director of Recreation said he does not know how City trucks would be able to access the areas targeted for the cleanup. He noted it may be possible to use the cushman. Commissioner Pollock suggested that the Director of Recreation scout the area that may be targeted. After some discussion, the Commission agreed the hours of the cleanup should be from 9 a.m. until noon. The Director of Recreation added noon would be an ideal time to serve lunch. Commissioner Pollock suggested that someone should take pictures of the event for the record. Chairperson Sorenson asked what the next step for the commission is. The Recording Secretary said the appropriate action would be for the park and recreation commission to make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the City's participation in a cleanup day. Chairperson Sorenson said more information would have to be conveyed to the City Council regarding the costs of the City's involvement in a project like this. The Recording Secretary suggested information should be obtained from the City of Brooklyn Park regarding its costs in Brooklyn Park's cleanup day. Commissioner Pollock noted the May 4 date is the same day as Brooklyn Park's scheduled cleanup day. She said she would like help from the City on publicity of the event. Commissioner Pollock also suggested more information be obtained regarding insurance and any liability the City would have for sponsoring such an activity. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Mead to recommend to the City Council the concept of a cleanup day on the morning of May 4, 1991, and requesting the availability and assistance of City crews and equipment. Commissioner Peterson asked exactly what is involved in the cleanup day. The Director of Recreation said the goal is to get the area as clean as possible, but this will depend on the equipment 2 available. Upon vote being taken on the foregoing motion, the motion passed. The Recording Secretary said the commission's recommendation will be presented to the City Council at its February 11, 1991, meeting. At the February 19th and March 19th Commission meetings, there will be an opportunity to work out the details of the cleanup day. Then the final proposal and cost estimates could be presented to the City Council at its March 25, 1991, meeting. The Director of Recreation noted a flyer advertising the cleanup day could be inserted in the City's newsletter. Chairperson Sorenson requested that Commissioner Pollock prepare a more formal proposal for the February 19, 1991, commission meeting. Commissioner Pollock said she may not be in attendance at the February meeting. The Recording Secretary asked what would occur if it rains on the day of the cleanup, and the Director of Recreation said the event take place rain or shine. Commissioner Pollock suggested the participants should wear appropriate gear depending on the weather. EUGENE HAGEL ARBORETUM-DEDICATION The Director of Recreation noted that former Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel was very happy when notified about the arboretum dedication. He suggested a definite date can be selected at the next Commission meeting. The Recording Secretary will determine when Arbor Day is and prepare a resolution for presentation to Hagel at the dedication. STATER SLIDE PROPOSAL The Director of Recreation said he is gathering information regarding the possible installation of a water slide at the Community Center swimming pool. He distributed some information regarding water slides and noted he has a trip planned to the City of Shoreview where a water slide is located in its Community Center. He added the City of Crystal installed a water slide at its outdoor swimming pool and is finally making money on it. Commissioner Russell asked what the cost of the water slide is, and the Director of Recreation said it would probably be a maximum of $200,000. Chairperson Sorenson asked what kind of fees customers would pay to use the facility, and the Director of Recreation said there are various options, including a per time fee or a pass to use all afternoon. Commissioner Pollock asked what would happen with lap swimming, and the Director of Recreation said the City would still have it. He noted they would look at opening the water slide when kids are not in school. Commissioner Peterson asked what kind of revenue is generated from having a water slide, and the Director of Recreation said Crystal cleared $25,000 last summer. He added if the commission recommends proceeding with a proposal, much more of the information could be gathered and presented to the Commission. Chairperson Sorenson asked how long it takes to pay for a water slide, and the Director of Recreation said it would probably take approximately five years to pay a 3 $200,000 bill. He added more information is needed to properly answer these types of questions. 0 Chairperson Sorenson asked what the other side benefits of having a water slide are, and the Director of Recreation said people will be brought into the Community Center to help the pool pay for itself. Chairperson Sorenson pointed out that it would be five years before any revenue could be raised. The Director of Recreation said it is possible that the water slide would be paid off faster than that. Commissioner Peterson asked what type of patronage would be expected during the summer months, and the Director of Recreation said not a lot. This is based on the age of the population, the fewer number of children living in the community, competition with health clubs, and cost. Commissioner Peterson asked what type of money a water slide will generate, and the Director of Recreation said this is what needs to be further investigated. Commissioner Peterson asked what the City's competition would be, and the Director of Recreation said the cities of Shoreview and Chaska are the only communities in the metro area with indoor water slides.. Commissioner Skeels asked if the rest of the pool is useless when the water slide is open, and the Director of Recreation said it would not be as the water slide only uses two lanes at most. The Director of Recreation noted that the City would have to look into insurance considerations. Chairperson Sorenson asked what the cost of conducting a feasibility study is, and what would be involved in it. The Director of Recreation said he did not know at this time. Commissioner Shinneck suggested concrete information be obtained from the cities of Shoreview, Chaska, Crystal, and any other cities that might have some information. Chairperson Sorenson asked how the City would handle the concession area with over 1,000 people a day using it. The Director of Recreation suggested there may be a need for some expansion, but initially the pool tables could be moved. Commissioner Shinneck asked if a lot of money is made on the pool tables, and the Director of Recreation said between $500 and $800 a month is cleared on the pool tables and video games. Commissioner Shinneck said the concession areas may have to be expanded. Chairperson Sorenson suggested that part of the study should be to determine if more traffic is generated, what should be done to handle this. There was motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Shinneck to recommend that staff study the feasibility of a water slide and the impact on operations, including considerations on space for concessions, the game room, the locker rooms, and so on. Commissioner Mead asked what the time line of the study will be, and the Director of Recreation said he will begin working on it immediately. Commissioner Peterson asked how long it takes to construct a water slide, and the Director of Recreation said he did not know. Commissioner Peterson asked if water is circulated around the swimming pool, and the Director of 4 Recreation said he is not sure of-,these details. Upon vote being taken on the foregoing motion, the-motion passed. RECESS There was a motion by Commissioner Russell and seconded by Commissioner Skeels to recess the meeting. The motion passed. The park and recreation commission recessed at 8:33 p.m. and reconvened at 8:44 p.m. STATUS REPORT - EVERGREEN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO REOUEST The City Manager reported he had met with representatives of the Evergreen Park Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and a physical education teacher from the school. Another meeting will be scheduled with the principal and other school officials. He noted the City Council requested City staff to work cooperatively with school officials in preparing a final proposal for the council to review. The City Manager reviewed the school's interests and the City's interests. He noted the City's engineering department is preparing cost estimates on various options. Commissioner Mead noted when softball games are scheduled at the Evergreen Park fields, the only practice area is the open area. The City Manager reviewed proposals for the playground, running track, and basketball court areas. Chairperson Sorenson asked how the process fits in with the time line of the school. The City Manager said the school officials will have to make some decisions and then a concept for review and recommendation will be presented to the City Council. OTHER BUSINESS The City Manager noted the golf course now has its title. There was discussion on the golf course relating to mortgage payments, depreciation, and changes on how to handle no shows during the golfing season. There was further discussion regarding the ducks and geese at the golf course. The Director of Recreation reviewed the number of trees brought for disposal to the City garage in January. He noted on the first Saturday, 946 trees were brought in, and on the second Saturday, 146 trees were brought for disposal. The Director of Recreation said the 1991 Entertainment in the Park schedule has already been arranged, and another super year is expected as long as there are not substantial funding cuts made by the State to the City. The Director of Recreation reported there should be a street worker funded through the State of Minnesota to work with at risk children. He said he is working with Police Captain Scott Kline and Jim Norwick from Brooklyn Center High School to develop a recreation program for at risk children. He asked Commissioner Shinneck if many of these at risk children participate in little league activities, and Commissioner Shinneck said not usually 5 because these kids often feel it. is not acceptable by their peer groups to participate in little league. Commissioner Russell asked what kind of participation there was for Holly Sunday at the Community Center. The Director of Recreation said between 600 and 700 people were in attendance at this event. He said the event was sensational and the City plans to do it again next year if at all possible. He added other holiday activities were also a success. The Director of Recreation noted the City is now charging two to five year olds a fee of fifty cents to use the swimming pool. TWIN LAKES - REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF SUMMARY OF ISSUES The Recording Secretary said City staff is requesting the Commission to review the summary list of issues regarding Twin Lakes and to add any items that may be missing from the list. She noted the police department will be working with the police departments from Robbinsdale and Crystal on enforcement issues. The Director of Recreation said the police departments will use an all terrain vehicle to provide patrolling coverage on the lakes in order to provide comprehensive evening coverage. Chairperson Sorenson noted the Kylawn Preserve is listed as an issue although it is not part of Twin Lakes. The Director of Recreation said the intent was to review issues regarding Twin Lakes including the trail system up to the Kylawn Preserve. Chairperson Sorenson referenced the last page of the summary of issues and asked for more information about the Thompson rezoning issue. The Director of Recreation said the property owner is interested in rezoning the property for townhouses. Chairperson Sorenson asked where Murphy Warehouse is located, and Commissioner Russell said it is located at 5001 France Avenue North. Chairperson Sorenson said this item will be tabled for further discussion to the March meeting. NEXT MEETING - AGENDA Items to be included in next month's agenda are Twin Lakes summary of issues, water slide, cleanup day, arboretum dedication, and memberships at the community center. OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) There was brief discussion regarding the supplemental information regarding the Decision Resources Limited survey. Commissioner Pollock said she objects to information on page 12 of the information where reference is made to providing "passive facilities" for older adults. She said efforts should be made to keep older adults active. • 6 d ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Russell to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 9:28 p.m. Chairperson • • 7