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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986 11-18 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 NOVEMBER 18, 1986 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Peterson, Krefting, and Propst. Also present were Councilmember Bill Hawes, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioners Manson and Skeels were absent from this evening's meeting. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER Chairman Sorenson introduced Don Krefting to the Commission, and each member present at the meeting introduced themselves to Commissioner Krefting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 217 1986 There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Chairman Sorenson to approve the minutes of the October 21, 1986 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1986 There was a motion by Commissioner Propst and seconded by Chairman Sorenson to approve the minutes of the September 16, 1986 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed. YEAR 2000 ASSIGNMENTS The Recording Secretary reviewed the assignment of the Park and Recreation Commission related to completion of the park development plan. The Commission reviewed and discussed the land involved in this assignment. Commissioner Peterson said at the north end of Twin Lake, the only recommendation he has is to add a parking lot and a public boat launch access. Commissioner Propst asked about adding a beach area at this location, and the Director of Recreation said there is not enough parking space for that purpose. Commissioner Propst suggested installation of a canoe storage rack and/or sailboat storage area, and the Commission agreed that the feasibility of this option should be investigated further. There was some concern expressed over the airplane that is parked on the lake which could disrupt canoes or sailboats. The Commission discussed the possibility of extending the deadline for reporting to the City Council so that the Commission may once again look at the land in question. 0 11-18-86 -1- NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK, Councilmember Hawes° stated that an ad hoc committee has been created to further review the situation related to the North Mississippi Regional Park. The committee will consist of current and past Park and Recreation Commissioners, current and past Planning Commissioners, Director of Planning and Inspection Ron Warren, and Councilmember Bill Hawes. Councilmember Hawes reviewed the history of the request involving the North Mississippi Regional Park, and said the current status puts the park in limbo at this time. The Commission discussed the entire proposed Regional Park System. TRAILWAY SYSTEM - REVIEW OF UNDEVELOPED PORTION, The Director of Recreation said the City is looking for a recommendation from the Commission to pave the portion on the east side of Palmer Lake. Chairman Sorenson reviewed the location of the current trailway, where Brooklyn Park's anticipated work will be done, as well as the undeveloped portion of the trailway on the east side of Palmer Lake. Commissioner Peterson stated that it is now dangerous with part of the trail going onto the roadway on 69th Avenue North towards Oliver Avenue North. Chairman Sorenson requested that an attempt be made to improve the safety of the trailway crossing at County Road 10 towards Brookdale, particularly the traffic light control. Chairman Sorenson also requested that a temporary measure be placed at 69th Avenue North where the trailway crosses to improve the safety for the bike path crossing. He suggested a flashing yellow light orle improved signage in the area. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Propst to recommend to the City Council that the east side of the Palmer Lake pathway to connect to Brooklyn Park's trail be black topped. Commissioner Peterson asked if there would be a public hearing on this, and Councilmember Hawes said he is not sure. Commissioner Krefting asked if the paths are shoveled in the winter months, and the Director of Recreation said they are not. Upon vote being taken on the foregoing motion, the motion passed. The Recording Secretary will place this item on the December 8, 1986 City Council agenda. SKATING RINK AT FREEWAY PARK The Recording Secretary reported that the City Council did approve the ice rink at Freeway Park, and the Director of Recreation added that there will be lighting provided on a timer. GOLF COURSE UPDATE The Director of Recreation said the golf course project is coming along nicely with a few minor problems on the Little League field 11-18-86 -2- • J due to the rain in the fall. Otherwise, the golf course is proceeding according to plan. Commissioner Propst stated that nothing has been done about the dirt on the roadway, and Councilmember Hawes said his impression was that it was a condition of approval for the contractor to take care of this problem. Commissioner Propst reiterated his concern that there is more dirt coming onto the street. Commissioner Propst noted that it looks like a good move that the fence in the outfield was taken out, and the Director of Recreation said the fence will be put back up in the summer. Commissioner Propst said the whole area around 54th Avenue North, Russell Avenue North, and other streets in the area need to be cleaned up because it will be a mess with the spring thaw. The Recording Secretary said she would check on this again. Commissioner Propst pointed out that this is not a gross problem, but it is noticeable. He also noted periodic problems with motorcycles driving on the trailways. The Commission discussed the ordinance which does not allow snowmobiles in the City. The Director of Recreation said the footings are in for the clubhouse and the City is in the process of hiring a golf course manager. Hopefully, this person will be hired by March 1, 1987. Councilmember Hawes asked if this would be a full-time, year-round position, and the Director of Recreation responded affirmatively. He added that a turf management background or similar experience will be required. The Director of Recreation noted that the City already has some of the equipment needed for the golf course and reviewed some items that will be purchased. Councilmember Hawes asked how the drain tile near the highway is, and the Director of Recreation stated that this should be installed. Commissioner Krefting asked if there would be a fence installed along Highway 100, and the Director of Recreation said there would not be. He added that there should not be any problems unless someone deliberately hits a golf ball towards the highway. Commissioner Propst expressed his concern over this hazard, particularly with vehicles travelling at speeds of 50 to 60 m.p.h. REPORT ON COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS The Director of Recreation reviewed the Community Center memberships as of November 4, 1986, and stated that the Center would be in deep trouble if it were not for nonresidents using the facility. Commissioner Propst asked if it would be possible to swim laps when swimming lessons are in session at the pool. The Director of Recreation noted this could be feasible now, but it would be a problem at other times of the year when there are bigger crowds for lessons. He added that when there are large groups of kids using the pool, the lap lane is removed. The Director of Recreation pointed out that the adult recreation classes have the same ratio of residents to nonresidents as the Community Center pool does, and this is an advantage to Brooklyn Center residents because more variety of classes can be offered to the residents. 11-18-86 -3- e Commissioner Propst asked why the Community Center pool is not opened earlier in the morning, and the Director of Recreation sai the City has tried doing this. However, with the costs of bringing in a secretary, two lifeguards, and paying for the lights, approximately twenty people would have to use the pool each morning to break even. He added that three sessions in the morning have been tried in the past, and were unsuccessful. Commissioner Krefting said with the new businesses in town, more swimmers may be attracted in the morning. Commissioner Peterson asked how many memberships the Community Center could handle, and the Director of Recreation said the current membership could double. He added that January through March are the best months for attendance at the pool. Commissioner Propst said it would be beneficial to be able to swim every day. The Director of Recreation said he will be publicizing the pool to businesses in January. Commissioner Propst said it would be good for heart patients to use the pool, and he recently had a heart attack, so he feels it would be good to have the pool open in the morning hours. The Director of Recreation reviewed the current hours that the Community Center pool is open, and noted that attendance goes in streaks. Commissioner Krefting asked how often the membership is reviewed, and the Director of Recreation said it is done as time permits. Commissioner Krefting suggested that promotions for use of the pool be coincided with the opening of the new Ryan building. The Director of Recreation said he will try something, although he has not always gotten the greatest response. Councilmember Hawes asked if there is any way to get a running track, and the Director of Recreation said a gym or fieldhouse would be needed for the expanding demand of the recreational sports programs sponsored by the City. Commissioner Propst asked if there is any location recommended for a gym, and the Director of Recreation said this has not been researched yet. Councilmember Hawes requested that long-range plans'be discussed at a future Commission meeting, such as the need for additional gymnasium space. VANDALISM IN PARKS The Director of Recreation said he met with the City Manager and the Police chief to discuss the vandalism problem, and a report will be made to the Commission at its January meeting with a plan and information on vandalism. He added that he has already talked with some other park and recreation departments on their vandalism problems. Councilmember Hawes asked if the lights were installed at Evergreen Park, and the Director of Recreation responded affirmatively. BIKE PATHS ON ROADWAYS This item was deferred to the next Commission meeting. 11-18-86 -4- 0 PRIORITY LIST The Director of Recreation suggested that a fishing pier be installed near the beach area at North Twin Lake, with a few additional parking spots installed. Councilmember Hawes asked if the beach could be moved closer to the highway, and the Director of Recreation said there would still be some parking problems. He added that the State Highway Department owns this property. Chairman Sorenson noted that only two thirds of the beach area is in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Hawes asked if the lake is deep enough for a fishing pier, and the Director of Recreation thought it should be. He added that there could still be a neighborhood park there if a fishing pier is installed. Commissioner Krefting asked if the lake could be dredged under Highway 100 to allow boat launching on the east side and use on the west side, and Councilmember Hawes said this is an idea. The Commission discussed the geese problem in Central Park and the City Council's recent action related to it. The Commission deferred discussion of the priority list items to the next meeting. OTHER BUSINESS The Director of Recreation said the Lions Club will sponsor a night of Entertainment in the Parks next summer, and the Rotary Club will also be asked to sponsor an evening. He added that the Lions Club is donating $1,500 to the Brooklyn Community Band. The Commission discussed funding for the band. Agenda items for the next Commission meeting will include Year 2000 assignments, bike paths on roadways, vandalism in parks, golf course update, North Mississippi Regional Park, and the priority list. There was a motion by Commissioner 'Peterson and seconded by Commission Propst to cancel the December meeting. The motion carried. The next Commission meeting is scheduled for January 20, 1987. 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 9:20 p.m. Chairman 0 11-18-86 -5-