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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 01-20 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 JANUARY 20, 1987 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Manson, Propst, Krefting, Peterson, and Skeels. Also present were Councilmember Bill Hawes, City Manager Gerald G. Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 18, 1986 There was a motion by commissioner Manson and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the minutes of the November 18, 1986 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed. VANDALISM IN PARKS The City Manager reviewed information regarding the value of the City's park buildings and lights. In addition, he reviewed a memorandum from Chief of Police Jim Lindsay regarding the costs involved for hiring a 24 hour patrol for the parks. The City Manager said the City will be committing to ten hours per week of patrol officer time in the parks, in addition to regular patrolling. The Crime Prevention Police officer will spend eight hours per week analyzing what is needed in the parks and what is happening in the parks, making recommendations to the Police administrators on how the ten hours in the parks should be spent per week. The City Manager noted that once during an eight-hour shift of a code enforcement officer, the trailway will be patrolled via bicycle or motorcycle. The City Manager reviewed the memorandum from Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis on costs related to vandalism. He reviewed the major vandalism problems occurring in the City during 1986. He noted the general policy of the City is to fix property that has been vandalized as soon as possible and to eliminate some of the sources of vandalism. The City hopes to reduce the problems of vandalism with the added concentrated patrolling, a better reporting system, and continuation of working with the Crime Prevention Fund on a reward system. The City Manager noted that there seems to have been some effect with the Officer Friendly program at Earle Brown School, which may have had an effect in reducing vandalism in parks in the southeast corner of the City. The City Manager said a report 0 1-20-87 -1- will be submitted to the Park and Recreation Commission next fall reporting the type of vandalism calls over the summer. Commissioner Propst stated that other prevention should be done, particularly in Lions Park. He requested that locking chains across the entryway to the park be installed to keep people from entering after hours. The City Manager responded that barriers do work in some areas; however, the difficulty arises when staff are not able to open the barriers because they are busy with other emergency work. Commissioner Propst suggested that the maintenance workers be responsible for opening the parks. Commissioner Propst commented that responding to park calls seems to be a low priority for police officers. The City Manager said the Police Department usually responds as quickly as possible, but he will look into this. Councilmember Hawes asked about problems with the drinking fountains in the parks, and there was some discussion on vandalism of fountains. Commissioner Propst noted that Satellites are being destroyed across the country, and there was some discussion related to the problems, vandalism, and servicing of Satellites. Councilmember Hawes asked if screening of the Satellites has helped in prevention of them being overturned, and the City Manager responded affirmatively, adding that the Satellites can be secured to the ground. There was general discussion of various vandalism events in recent years. The City Manager said the least vandalism is where there is the most activity. Chairman Sorenson noted that there has not been much help from people living around the parks and reporting the vandalism. The City Manager stated that attempts are being made to involve the residents more. Chairman Sorenson suggested that the articles in the City Manager's Newsletter be repeated. The City Manager noted that people do not seem to understand that reporting vandalism is a proper use of 911. Commissioner Krefting suggested installation of video monitors in the parks, and the City Manager said the expense is high and the technology is not quite refined enough. Commissioner Krefting asked about installation of "Parks Monitored 24 Hours" signs, and the City Manager pointed out that signs sometimes create problems. He added that positive or subtle signs maybe more effective than "Thou shalt not" types of signs. Chairman Sorenson noted that video cameras can be vandalized, and also someone would have to monitor them. Commissioner Krefting suggested they be placed up high on the poles. The City Manager pointed out that equipment, when left outside, can sustain a great deal of damage. The City Manager said he would report back at the end of the summer on the status of vandalism in the parks. There was some discussion of the Minneapolis parks vandalism prevention program. 1-20-87 -2- Commissioner Propst asked if there would be outside soda machines at the Clubhouse of the new golf course, and the City Manager said there would not be. Commissioner Krefting asked what community service assigned to offenders consists of, and there was some discussion on this. Councilmember Hawes asked if the City is liable for such people, and the City Manager said he would check on this. TRAILWAY SYSTEM - REVIEW OF UNDEVELOPED PORTION. The Director of Public Works reviewed a map of Palmer Lake with the existing trailway and the possible alternatives that will complete the loop of the trailway around Palmer Lake. He stated that City staff will be reviewing the alternatives and preparing a report on completing the system this summer. Funds will be available from the federal and state governments if the project is done in 1987. Commissioner Propst asked what the original objections of the neighborhood were, and the City Manager said there was concern over the possible occurrence of serious crime. There was discussion of the route taken by bicyclists now, and the safety problems associated with the area. The Director of Public Works stated that the City of Brooklyn Park will connect the trail from the west to the east part of the Palmer Lake trail on the north side of the lake. Chairman Sorenson noted that there is a track record existing from those residents living on the west side of Palmer Lake who have not experienced problems with the trailway, and there was discussion on this. The City Manager said that the 69th Avenue crossing of the trailway will be reviewed. Councilmember Hawes asked what the schedule for rebuilding the bridge at 69th and the trailway crossing is, and the Director of Public Works said it is unscheduled. He added that structurally, the bridge is in good condition. The City Manager noted that if the trail traffic crossing at 69th becomes a hazard, the proposal for the bridge will be reviewed. Chairman Sorenson asked if there is a schedule to straighten out 69th Avenue North, and the City Manager reviewed the plans for upgrading 69th Avenue North. The Director of Public Works pointed out that the trail was built with the intention that the roadway would eventually be relocated. Chairman Sorenson suggested that a three-way stop at 69th and West Palmer Lake would help. The Director of Public Works said the City is beginning a study on reviewing the alternatives for 69th Avenue North, but things would not occur until at least 1990. The City Manager said as sections of 69th Avenue North are improved, an attempt will be made to add the bike and pedestrian paths alongside the roadway. He asked for any suggestions from the Park and Recreation Commission. There was discussion on the types of surfaces for the pathways. 10 1-20-87 -3- Chairman Sorenson noted that the right turn traffic from southbound Shingle Creek Parkway to westbound County Road 10 is tough on pedestrians, and requested a "No Right Turn on Red" sign. The City Manager said the City will try to develop the best way to get the pedestrian and bike traffic to the core system of the trailway from various parts of the City. He added there is an existing sidewalk plan in the City, and now the City would like to add a bikeway plan. The Director of Public Works said that he would like input from the Commission on the principle corridors of demand for the bicycle trailways, particularly on the west side of the City. The City Manager noted that the Park and Recreation Commission may be asked for input on setting priorities on which corridors should be established first. Commissioner Propst asked if there is an ordinance against riding bicycles on the sidewalks, and the City Manager said there probably is, but it is one of the least enforced ordinances in most cities. Commissioner Krefting asked about extending the trailway along T.H. 100 south towards Brooklyn Boulevard. The Director of Public Works said passing through the interchange area would be difficult. Commissioner Propst asked if the sidewalks on Brooklyn Boulevard could be widened to add bike paths, and Chairman Sorenson pointed out that there is not much front yard property left for the homes on Brooklyn Boulevard. Commissioner Krefting asked what Brooklyn Park and Robbinsdale have for bike trails, and the City Manager reviewed what they are doing. Commissioner Krefting suggested that the pedestrian crossing at 69th Avenue North be better marked. The City Manager noted that the pedestrian crossing system of flashing yellow lights at 69th and T.H. 252 did not have much affect, and would not be of much help here either. There is proper street lighting and signage in the area of the trailway crossing presently, and the next step would be to build a permanent underpass. Chairman Sorenson asked about the installation of "Stop" signs, and the City Manager said this does not work when the need is not sufficiently demonstrated. Chairman Sorenson said he feels the "Stop" signs would be justified and expressed concern that the traffic laws do not do much for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Director of Public Works pointed out that there would be violators if the "Stop" signs were installed. Commissioner Propst wondered if there would be more traffic if the pedestrians could cross more easily. Commissioner Krefting asked if rumple strips would work on 69th Avenue North, but this was not seen as a safe alternative. NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK The City Manager stated that the next meeting of the City's Advisory Committee on the Regional Park will meet on February 2, 1987 to review the comprehensive guide plan of the City to 1-20-87 -4- To determine if the area should become park land. Commissioner Peterson asked if the City owns this property, and the City Manager said some of it is owned by the City. The City Manager reviewed the plan for the Regional Park and said more information would be available at the next Commission meeting. GOLF COURSE UPDATE The City Manager said the buildings are going up well and the Little League property will be completed first. The Director of Recreation said the City is in the process of hiring a Manager, and of approximately 70 applicants, the City has selected five for interviews. Commissioner Propst asked if everything will be completed this year, and the Director of Public Works responded affirmatively, noting that the course will be open to the public in 1988. Councilmember Hawes asked if the storm sewer is completed, and the Director of Public Works responded affirmatively. There was general discussion related to the construction of the golf course. The City Manager pointed out that the City would like to hire the Golf Course Manager soon so that the Manager is working during the construction of the course. Councilmember Hawes asked where the equipment for the maintenance of the course will be stored, and the City Manager responded that a new three-stall garage will be used, in additioin to space at the City Garage. Councilmember Hawes asked if there will be any electric carts, and the Director of Recreation said there will be two. GENERAL DISCUSSION The Director of Recreation said he checked with the City of Minneapolis regarding fishing piers for Twin Lake North, and was unable to get prices from them since their piers were built so long ago. However, he added that the City of Minneapolis seems to be happy with the piers. In addition, the canoe rack spaces are rented. The Recording Secretary noted that the Department of Natural Resources prohibits the landing of sea planes on lakes in the area only during the migration seasons. More information should be available at the next meeting. The City Manager suggested the Park and Recreation Commission review the use of the ski jump on North Twin Lake used by the Minnesota Water Ski Association. There was some discussion over the use of boat launches on the lake and who has jurisdiction over it. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission is scheduled for February 17, 1987. Commissioner Propst requested changing the meeting to a different Tuesday evening during the month, and this will be discussed at the next meeting. 1-20-87 -5- s7 'O ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Propst to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Chairman • • 1-20-87 -6- • MEMORANDUM TO: Gerald G. Splinter, City Manager FROM: Jim Lindsay, Chief of Police DATE: November 18, 1986 SUBJECT: Cost of Proposed Park Enforcement Personnel Attached please find the proposed costs for designating an additional person for law enforcement in the parks. The first consideration was given to a full-time sworn Police Officer. The cost of that person was $67,796.30. Because this person would not be fitting into our scheduling, it required the purchase of a fully outfitted police vehicle. -The second consideration was given to a full-time Code Enforcement Officer. That cost came to $39,294.48. Because the current Code Enforcement officers' vehicle is used sixteen hours a day, it would require the purchase of a second vehicle. We selected a van-type vehicle that would give him the protection during the winter months yet allow him to transport barricades and so forth as they would be needed. The costs estimated above do not provide for any overtime for court, regular shift-end overtime, or special events overtime. If you should desire any further research, please let me know. is PROPOSAL FOR ONE PARK POLICE OFFICER (SWORN) One (1) officer for twelve (12) months Salary, top patrol (1985) $29,424.00 Plus 4.5% (1986) $30,748.00 Plus 9% long (1986) $33,515.00 Benefits (420 of salary) 14,076.30 Eauipment: • One complete uniform 1,200.00 One weapon 185.00 One set of badges 150.00 One bullet-proof vest 345.00 One vehicle 12,500.00 One light bar & siren 1,700.00 One resuscitator 525.00 One shotgun 175.00 One first-aid kit 125.00 Miscellaneous (blankets, cones, flares, etc) 300.00 One radio, two-way 3,000.00 TOTAL $67,796.30 0 F f PROPOSAL FOR ONE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR PARKS One (1) officer for twelve (12) months Salary (1986) $17,644.00 Benefits (42% of salary) 7,410.48 Eauiument: One complete uniform 440.00 One vehicle 10,500.00 One radio, two-way 3,000.00 Miscellaneous equipment 300.00 • TOTAL $39,294.48 0