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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 03-15 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION 0 FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION MARCH 15, 1988 CENTERBROOK GOLF COURSE CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Peterson, Propst, and Skeels. Also present were Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioners Manson, Krefting, and Burnes were excused from this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 26, 1988 There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the minutes of the January 26, 1988, park and recreation commission meeting. The motion passed. REOUEST FOR SKATING RINK AT HAPPY HOLLOW PARK, The director of recreation reviewed the costs involved for keeping a skating rink open with and without an attendant. A resident asked if Happy Hollow Park is the only park in Brooklyn 40 Center without a skating rink. The director of recreation said there used to be 15 skating rinks and now there are only eight, noting cost was a consideration in closing some of them. In response to a question about when skating rinks are flooded, the director of recreation said depending on the weather, the City attempts to open the rinks by December 15 and keep them open until President's Day. He pointed out the fact that outdoor skating attendance in general is at a lower level than in previous years. A resident pointed out that she has grandchildren who would like to use a skating rink in the neighborhood, and there are many new families in the area. Another resident said having a skating rink would be appealing. After discussion about the possibility of opening the skating rink, the residents agreed they would be happy to try the rink during the first year without a warming house. There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Propst to recommend to the city council that Happy Hollow Park have a skating rink without a warming house and attendant for next winter on an experimental basis. The motion passed. BICYCLE PATH PLAN The director of public works said eight to ten months ago there was talk about preparing a bicycle path plan for the entire city. 3-15-88 -1- He said an administrative committee composed of the city manager, police chief, and director of public works looked at what paths 40 are existing and what the needs are. He said normally, one can assume bikes can use the regular street system, but where there are higher levels of traffic, the City should look at improving the roadway or designating pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists. He proceeded to review the existing trailway system and reviewed other elements of the trailway system that the City has a definite commitment to at this time based on planned projects. The director of public works suggested there would be two types of systems, including a separate off-street system parallel to the roadway and an on-street trail system using existing streets but designating bicycle lanes with painted lines. The director of public works then proceeded to review other suggested routes throughout the city. Commissioner Skeels asked what the anticipated date of completion of the entire proposal is, and the director of public works said the entire project could possibly be completed within ten years. The director of public works discussed specific areas of concern to the commission, including the area around Twin Lake, north of 57th Avenue North, and the area north of 69th and Brooklyn Boulevard. He distributed maps to the commissioners which show the proposed bicycle paths and sidewalks. RECESS The park and recreation commission recessed at 8:45 p.m. and reconvened at 8:54 p.m. PLOWING OF CITY TRAILWAYS The director of recreation reviewed the estimated costs of maintaining the paths in the parks and on the trailway system. The commission discussed the costs and which areas should be plowed. The director of public works pointed out that if a substantial number of trails are plowed, the City would have to look at purchasing another machine to handle the demand. Chairman Sorenson recognized Art Mead, 3825 56th Avenue North, who said he lives near Northport Park and because of the snow, easy access to Brookdale is lost during the winter months because the path in the park is not plowed. Commissioner Propst pointed out the same thing happens in his neighborhood for people trying to access Brookdale. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Skeels to recommend to the city council that portions of the trailway system being used for transportation be plowed first and recreational trails be plowed as a last priority. There was a motion by Commissioner Propst and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to amend the motion to specify the 3-15-88 -2- 0 locations to be plowed as Northport Park, Lions Park near the pedestrian crossing to the bridge over T.H. 100, and Grandview Park near the pedestrian crossing to the bridge over T.H. 100. The motion passed. Upon vote being taken on the amended motion, the motion passed. BICYCLE PATH PLAN (CONTINUED) The director of public works requested the park and recreation commission to review the proposed bike path plan; he would like to return to the commission at its may meeting to discuss this further. The commission agreed with this. RESOLUTION/BYLAWS The recording secretary reported the city council's action on February 8, 1988. REVIEW OF GENERAL ORDINANCES RELATED DIRECTLY TO PARKS, The commission reviewed the language recommended for Section 13- 102 regarding the use of the trailways after curfew. Commissioner Propst said he opposes the language allowing the walking, jogging, operating a wheelchair, or bicycling on the City paths. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Skeels to accept Section 13-102 as amended. The motion passed, with Commissioner Propst opposed. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by commissioner Propst to accept Section 13-103 as amended. The motion passed. There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by commissioner Propst to accept Sections 13-107, 13-108, 13-109, and 13-110 as amended. The motion passed. Chairman Sorenson referred to Section 13-113 and said he does not know if the amendment needs changing; however, the commission may wish to address what to do with hot coals. The director of recreation noted most people will let the coals burn out before leaving their picnic site and others have dumped their coals elsewhere away from the park. Mayor Nyquist entered the meeting at this time. Commissioner Skeels said if problems arise from the ordinance as the commission is recommending, it can be changed at a future date if needed. There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by commissioner Propst to amend Sections 13-113, 13-115, and 13-117 as amended. The motion passed. The recording secretary will 0 3-15-88 -3- prepare the ordinance amendment to be presented to the city council and will notify the commission members when the ordinance will appear on the city council agenda. FACILITY NEEDS The commission reviewed the. memorandum from the director of recreation dated March 15, 1988, regarding gym use. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Skeels to recommend to the city council that a feasibility study be initiated to determine the need for a fieldhouse and senior center. After brief discussion on what types of things would be located in the facility, the motion passed. Commissioner Peterson suggested the study be started as soon as possible because the need is there. COMMISSION PLAN OF ACTION Chairman Sorenson suggested the commission devote its next meeting to this topic. Commissioner Skeels said he has been on the commission for several years and would like to know more about the way the park and recreation department functions. The director of recreation said he could have those employees directing programs attend the commission meetings and discuss what they do and what type of budget they have. ADJOURNMENT There was a commissioner The Brooklyn 9:47 p.m. motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Propst to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. Center park and recreation commission adjourned at Chairman 3-15-88 -4- 0