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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 05-15 PRMiy MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN-THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN 0 AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION MAY 15, 1990 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Skeels, Shinnick, and Pollock. Also present were City Council Liaison Jerry Pedlar, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone, Aquatics Supervisor Steve Froehlich, and Recreation Program Supervisors Sue LaCrosse, Joel Ericksen, and Kathy Flesher. Commissioners Russell, Mead, and Peterson were excused from this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 17, 1990 There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the April 17, 1990, park and recreation commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. REOUEST FOR PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT AT MARLIN PARK, The director of recreation said he received a phone call from a resident who asked what needed to be done in order to get playground equipment at Marlin Park. He said he explained the process regarding the submittal of a petition and said he has received no further response from the resident. The director of recreation distributed some photographs he had taken of the park. There was no action taken by the commission at this time. SUMMER RECREATION ACTIVITIES The director of recreation said the recreation department's program supervisors were present at this evening's meeting to review summer activities sponsored by the department. He said the golf course manager will attend the October commission meeting to review the golf course's activities. The director of recreation introduced Program Supervisor Kathy Flesher, who proceeded to review programs and activities for which she is responsible. These include the senior adult program, program for handicapped persons, fitness program (including aerobics and aquatic exercises), facility arrangements, and birthday party reservations. Chairman Sorenson asked what method is used to determine which programs to offer residents. Flesher said some people call in asking for new classes, some walk in and ask to teach a class, and additional 0 5-15-90 -1- ideas are generated from a brochure exchange with recreation departments from other states. A program is offered more than once based on attendance records. Chairman Sorenson asked what the percentage of new versus carryover programs is each year. The director of recreation said this varies from year to year, and there is no set percentage to add new programs each year. Flesher said the department keeps good attendance records and annually tracks each program. She added program evaluations are sent to participants to get feedback and new ideas. The director of recreation noted that the summer program is often determined by what is offered in summer school. There was discussion of the summer playground program at this time. Chairman Sorenson asked what kind of scheduling is done for rooms, and Flesher said Constitution Hall, the arts and crafts room, and the game room are available with reservations. She noted after hours, the whole building can be scheduled for such things as overnighters for high school graduations. For birthday parties, Flesher said the birthday child is admitted free and the rest of the participants pay admission. There is no charge for the room and participants bring in their own food. A fee is charged to use Constitution Hall based on whether the group reserving the room is local or nonlocal as well as a business, civic, or youth group. The director of recreation introduced Program Supervisor- Sue LaCrosse. LaCrosse said the programs she is responsible for include specialty classes for children; children's citywide special events such as penny carnival, pool parties, a Twins game, and day camp; entertainment in the park; and City liaison to the Earle Brown Days committee. The director of recreation said most Earle Brown Days activities will be in the vicinity of the Earle Brown Heritage Center this year. Commissioner Shinnick praised the entertainment in the park program, and Chairman Sorenson said the program has a nice, well-balanced schedule. The director of recreation introduced Program Supervisor Joel Ericksen, who said he runs the adult softball program, the sand volleyball league, tennis lessons, the junior and senior high school girls basketball league (which draws from the entire metro area), and assists in the Dudley softball tournament qualifier games. He noted after softball is over, the fall softball schedule starts, as well as volleyball. The director of recreation noted facility availability is the only thing stopping expansion of the volleyball leagues. The director of recreation noted nonresidents are allowed to participate in athletic activities, but they are charged a nonresident fee. Commissioner Skeels asked if we provide officials for all leagues, and Ericksen said he assigns the volleyball officials. The director of recreation assigns the men's and women's basketball officials. He noted there have not been problems 5-15-90 -2- 0 finding officials. Commissioner Shinnick asked if there are more kids in programs these days, and LaCrosse said programs are being filled. The director of recreation said the department will have to take a closer look at "at risk" kids who do not have money to participate in programs. He said the recreation department may be looking at some changes in the next few years. Councilmember Pedlar said there is no doubt the community is changing again. There was brief discussion about the T-ball program, house hockey program, track program, and fishing. The director of recreation introduced Aquatics Supervisor Steve Froehlich who is responsible for programming and supervising the Brooklyn Center community center pool. He also schedules the Northview Junior High School pool on evenings and weekends. Froehlich reviewed the schedule for swimming lessons and described specialty programs including water safety programs and the lifeguard programs. He said he is seeing a change in who is taking the classes. After a lull over the last few years, there is much more activity this year with quite a few four and five year olds, many of whom are from Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Fridley, Blaine, and Anoka. Froehlich said this may reflect on the future of the City's program. He feels the recreation department sponsors a good safety program with small class sizes. Commissioner Shinnick said he commended the City recreation staff and said they have a heavy burden to bear. OTHER BUSINESS The commission reviewed a letter received from Kay Lasman regarding cleaning up of Shingle Creek and the Palmer Lake Nature Area. Chairman Sorenson suggested Ms. Lasman be invited to the October commission meeting, so the recording secretary will send a letter inviting her to the meeting. Chairman Sorenson noted at the last commission meeting, mention was made about the Harmonettes and the Brooklyn Community Band. He asked what the status of these groups is with regard to the budget process. The director of recreation said he is putting a funding request in the 1991 budget, but there may be funding concerns for future years. Commissioner Shinnick requested "No Parking" signs for the area where 54th Avenue North would come in to Bellvue Park at Bryant Avenue North. He said vehicles are often parked in this area which should be designated for no parking. The recording secretary said she will refer this to the administrative traffic committee. Commissioner Shinnick said at the far end of Bellvue Park, there are kids who sit along the fence where it is dark. The director of recreation said the neighbors have to call the police when there are problems. 0 5-15-90 -3- LaCrosse asked if there is room for more parking at Palmer Lake Nature Area, and the director of recreation said this is part of the plan for 69th Avenue North reconstruction. Chairman Sorenson said it would help to install directional signs informing people that additional parking is available at West or East Palmer Lake parks. The recording secretary said this information will be conveyed to the administrative traffic committee. The commission agreed that on June 5, 1990, at 6 p.m. those interested commissioners can meet for a parks tour. They should meet in the lobby at the community center. Chairman Sorenson noted the September commission meeting will be held in Constitution Ball. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Pollock and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Chairman • 5-15-90 -4-