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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986 09-16 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 SEPTEMBER 16, 1986 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:37 P.M. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Propst and Skeels. Also present were Councilmember Bill Hawes, Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Program Supervisor Sue LaCrosse, and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioner Manson was expected to be in attendance later in the evening. Commissioner Peterson is out of town, and Commissioner Bloomstrand has moved out of Brooklyn Center. Other guests in attendance included Ms. Anita Hanson, President of the Brooklyn Community Band, Ms. Jane Wilson representing the Harmonettes, and Barbara Dole, Director of the Children's Chorus. ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARKS COMMITTEE REPORT The Director of Recreation reviewed the 1986 Entertainment in the Parks summary sheet including costs, attendance, and specific comments. He noted that $1,987 of grant money will be received in 1987 from the Metropolitan Arts Council to sponsor such groups as the Minneapolis Pops, a chamber orchestra and a mime and dance group. He added that some of the local civic clubs will be asked to sponsor an evening in Central Park as part of the entertainment for next summer. Earlier starting and later ending dates will be considered for 1987. Members of the Commission reacted favorably to the past summer's programming. Chairman Sorenson asked when the 1987 Entertainment in the Parks will begin, and the Director of Recreation responded that most likely it will be the last Tuesday in May. Commissioner Skeels asked if the same dollar amount is allotted for 1987, and the Director of Recreation responded affirmatively. Commissioner Propst asked why there was such poor attendance at the Dudley Riggs performance, and the Recording Secretary indicated there were inclement weather conditions. UPDATE ON GOLF COURSE FOR LIONS PARK WEST AREA The Recording Secretary reported that the clubhouse building and concession stand have been bid and the builder will be getting in as soon as possible to begin the projects. The intention of the builder is to have all buildings enclosed before the snow flies, and he wants to meet a completion deadline of spring of 1987. The Recording Secretary noted that settlement has been going to is 9-16-86 -1- plan, with one exception, that is not settling as well as the rest. The Director of Recreation stated that the builder wants to complete the Little League concession stand by May 1, 1987 and the clubhouse by June 1, 1987. He added that a manager for the golf course will be recruited in the near future. Commissioner Propst stated that he does not think the contractor is doing a good job of cleaning up the streets around the golf course, and he requested that this area be cleaned. He asked if any consideration can be given yet to moving the entryway to the parking lot, as he feels there is a possible remedy to the current situation. The Director of Recreation said he did not have an answer to this, and commissioner Propst should contact the Director of Public Works or the City Manager for further information. Chairman Sorenson pointed out that the entrance to the parking lot will be similar to that at the Brookdale Library. Commissioner Propst said he sees this parking area as a real problem, because he feels the parking lot will become a drag strip and there will be many accidents on the street. The Recording Secretary will follow up on the problem with dirt on the streets. Commissioner Propst asked what is going on with all the hay in the area and asked whether or not it will be sodded, and the Director of Recreation noted that grass seed has been dropped. Commissioner Skeels asked if the peat has been a problem with all the rain, and the Director of Recreation noted that the rain has not helped, but has not caused any real delays. REPORT ON PARK BOND PROJECTS The Recording Secretary presented an update and review of Project 56 regarding Central Park, noting that some of the funding was transferred to other projects. She added that the City Manager should have a report by the October meeting on the status of the Park Bond Projects. REPORT ON NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARK The Recording Secretary said the City Council has approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to further review the situation related to the Regional Park. Councilmember Hawes pointed out that the original park plans were to include the east side of Lyndale Avenue North south of I-694. He proceeded to describe the history of the situation, adding that at this point it is up to the Metropolitan Council to make a decision on what to do. The Commission discussed the purpose of the ad hoc committee, and Chairman Sorenson expressed concern that the new committee would only rubber stamp the City Council's action. The Recording Secretary requested names of past Park and Recreation commissioners who may be willing to serve on the committee, and Chairman Sorenson suggested Jacqui Albright; Jerry Johnson, or Dawn Kiefer. Commissioner Propst volunteered to 9-16-86 -2- 0 represent the current commission, and the Recording Secretary expressed concern over the lack of commissioner Propst's involvement on this issue. Chairman Sorenson stated that if Commissioner Propst cannot serve on the committee, then he would be willing to serve as a representative of the current Park and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Hawes commented on the Metropolitan Council's ad hoc committee and the way it handled the situation. Chairman Sorenson asked if the boat launch will be taken from the west side of the river when I-694 is widened, and the Director of Recreation responded affirmatively. He added that the boat launch will most likely be moved=to the other side of the river, but it all depends on the final outcome of the Regional Park. RECESS The Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 8:09 p.m. and reconvened at 8:11 p.m. PRESENTATION BY BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BAND, HARMONETTES, AND BROOKLYN COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S CHORUS Chairman Sorenson recognized Ms. Anita Hanson, representing the Brooklyn Community Band. Ms. Hanson stated that the band has been in existence for 23 years and Brooklyn Center was the original sponsor of the band. In 1985, Brooklyn Park joined as a co-sponsor. Currently, one-half of the membership resides in either Brooklyn Park or Brooklyn Center. Ms. Hanson stated that the band is a viable community service which plays concerts for local events, and feels it is important they continue to provide this service. The band performs 12 to 14 concerts over an 11 month season. She suggested that the band is becoming less desirable of an organization to join, and even though the membership does not grow, the costs do. Ms. Hanson stated that the plan of the band is to pay yearly membership fees, with the remainder of the fees to be split,by the co-sponsors. She added that the band members already pay; in many ways. Ms. Hanson said the band does want to continue, and does understand the budget dilemma. She asked for the support of the commission and requested the City to increase its budget share of the expenses. Chairman Sorenson asked what type of yearly fee is paid by the membership, and Ms. Hanson responded that each member pays $15 per year. She noted that the band did conduct a survey to determine how much the members are willing to pay per year, and 100% of the membership is willing to pay between $10 and $15 annually. Only 58% would be willing to pay $20 per year and only 7% would pay $50. Ms. Hanson rioted that the band requests a payment of $50 per concert, although they often waive this fee for groups who are unable to pay that amount. She added that only 2% of the membership is willing to work on fund raisers. 0 9-16-86 -3-- Chairman Sorenson requested additional information on the current budget, and Ms. Hanson reviewed the budgeted amounts from 1985 through 1987. Chairman Sorenson asked what the current membership is at, and Ms. Hanson responded that approximately 50 members belong to the band. Chairman Sorenson inquired if the membership is picking up one-third of the budget at this time, and Ms. Hanson responded affirmatively. Chairman Sorenson asked if the band has gone to Brooklyn Park requesting additional funding, and Ms. Hanson stated this had not yet been done. She added that a letter was sent to the Brooklyn Center Director of Recreation in March of 1986, at which time the band was looking at its 1987 budget. Commissioner Propst asked if the budget applied only to the band, and Ms. Jane Wilson, representing the Harmonettes, responded affirmatively. Ms. Wilson noted that the Harmonettes and the Children's Chorus started about the same time as the band and noted these organizations are the only musical organizations sponsored by the City of Brooklyn Center. Ms. Wilson noted that the Harmonettes is smaller in membership than the band, with only 30 to 35 members. Membership is approximately one-third Brooklyn Center residents, one-third Brooklyn Park residents, and one- third from other communities. Ms. Wilson reviewed the funding contributed by Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, and pointed out that prior to 1983, sponsorship of the Harmonettes was solely by Brooklyn Center. Ms. Wilson noted that the Harmonettes are able to raise their share of the budget with two bake sales per year and $12.50 annual fees for its membership. She noted that when a poll was taken, members felt they were willing to contribute $15 to $20 per year for membership if necessary. Ms. Wilson pointed out that the Harmonettes do have a source of income, although their one-third of the budget is becoming more difficult to raise. Commissioner Propst asked how much is raised with the bake sales, and Ms. Wilson responded that between $400 and $500 is raised each year. Chairman Sorenson recognized Ms. Barbara Dole, Director of the Children's Chorus who stated that each member pays $11 annually, and Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park pay the balance of the budget. She added that she is in attendance this evening to provide moral support to the representatives of the Harmonettes and band. Commissioner Propst asked if the Children's Chorus was making a funding request this evening, and Ms. Dole stated there will be no requests from the Children's Chorus. The Director of Recreation noted that adult activities sponsored by the Park and Recreation Department are to pay for themselves. He added that some of the children's programs do not pay for themselves. Commissioner Propst asked where the membership from the Children's Chorus live, and Ms. Dole stated that 18 are 9-16-86 -4- 0 Brooklyn Center residents, 24 live in Brooklyn Park, and 3 are is from surrounding communities. Commissioner Propst asked how many concerts are performed by the Harmonettes, and Ms. Wilson responded that there are six performances outside of the annual show at Park Center High School. Approximately four shows are performed at nursing homes. Ms. Hanson noted that five to six of the band's concerts are performed at nursing homes. The, Director of Recreation pointed out that when the band plays, the City's maintenance costs are over $100 to transport instruments. Ms. Hanson said the band had talked about transporting its own instruments, and some thought could be given to organizing this= She added that the percussion and larger instruments are difficult to carry without help. Chairman Sorenson asked if a payment for concerts can be guaranteed during Entertainment in the Parks next summer, and the Director of Recreation noted that the group is already being subsidized. Commissioner Propst stated that it would be reasonable to set membership fees tied in with the cost of living adjustments so that the fees would increase annually. Commissioner Skeels pointed out that because of lack of a quorum, no official action can be taken this evening. He noted that these groups benefit both the performers and those listening to the performance. He asked what type of contribution the groups are looking for from the City, and Chairman Sorenson said approximately a 25% increase in the current contribution is requested. The Director of Recreation noted that if Brooklyn Park would not have joined in funding these programs, most likely the programs would not be in existence yet. Commissioner Skeels suggested that the band membership could help defray some of the costs as the Harmonettes have.. Ms. Wilson noted that the Harmonettes have had bake sales. for years and the band is a different group which would have-more difficulty raising money. She said it would be possible toget other civic groups to help sponsor these organizations. Chairman Sorenson asked if local businesses will be solicited for sponsorship of Entertainment in the Parks programming, and the Director of Recreation noted that this is not the City's philosophy, although some civic groups will be asked to make contributions. Councilmember Hawes suggested that the band or the Harmonettes play at the opening of the Ramada Hotel, and Ms. Hanson and Ms. Wilson stated they were unaware as to when this would be. Chairman Sorenson suggested a split in the funding with each city sponsor contributing 40% of the budget and the membership contributing 20%. Commissioner Propst requested a breakdown of the budget request, and Ms. Hanson reviewed the band's budgeted items. Ms. Wilson reviewed the 1987 budget for the Harmonettes. 0 9-16-86 -5- M Commissioner Skeels asked what the City Council's viewpoint is on this, and Councilmember-Hawes said the Council had not reviewed this portion of the budget yet. Chairman Sorenson said that the City must decide on the entertainment value of these groups. Councilmember Hawes pointed out that the City is losing approximately $200,000 in federal revenue sharing money, and because of the increased costs to the City there will most likely be a 1.33 mill levy increase in taxes. This only includes the City's share and does not include actions of other taxing jurisdictions. Commissioner Propst asked why the philosophy exists that the director is paid, and Ms. Wilson= explained that a great deal of work is involved for the director. Commissioner Propst asked how the membership feels about this,:: and Ms. Wilson stated that it has never been questioned. Commissioner Skeels asked if umpires are paid for officiating softball games, and the Director of Recreation responded affirmatively. He added that the directors of all three groups have been paid since the inception of the organizations. Ms. Hanson referred the Commission to a Minnesota State Statue regarding a mill levy for bands. Commissioner Skeels stated that he would like to see if there is some way for the band and the Harmonettes to obtain additional funding. Ms. Wilson proposed that the sponsoring cities each contribute 40% of the budget, and the membership would raise the remaining 20%. Commissioner Propst stated that he supports this, • and Commissioner Skeels said this seems like a reasonable approach to him. Chairman Sorenson agreed. Ms. Hanson, Ms. Wilson, and Ms. Dole thanked the Commission for their attentiveness on this issue, and left the meeting at this time. VANDALISM IN PARKS Chairman Sorenson presented some photographs of West Palmer Lake, Freeway Park, and Willow Lane Park that were taken in August of this year. He stated that the vandalism and maintenance problems appearing in the photographs had not yet been dealt with and noted that these are things that should be taken care of by regular maintenance. Chairman Sorenson asked what the status is of the City's maintenance plan. Commissioner Skeels noted that there were many people concerned, about the level of maintenance at the time of the Park Bond.- Chairman Sorenson said, in general, the parks do look good,-. but there are maintenance and vandalism problems. Commissioner Propst said he feels the same way about the street by the golf course. The Director of Recreation took the photographs from Chairman Sorenson and stated that he would have the problems corrected. Chairman Sorenson asked what happened with the maintenance manual that was compiled a few years ago, and the Director of Recreation 9-16-86 -6- 0 noted that there is not enough manpower on hand to deal with all of the problems at once. Chairman Sorenson asked what is being done about vandalism besides the letter that was delivered with the Manager's Newsletter. Commissioner Skeels pointed out that residents living near the parks should be more vigilant of what is going on in their neighborhoods. The Director of Recreation said letters have been sent to those living around Kylawn Park, although the reports received by the City are usually after the fact, rather than while the vandalism is occurring. Councilmember Hawes said there have been some problems at Freeway Park. Commissioner Propst stated that he feels the police should spend more time checking out the parking lots at the parks. Commissioner Skeels suggested that neighborhood park watch groups be organized, and members could carry two-way radios. The Director of Recreation noted that other cities are experiencing similar problems. Chairman Sorenson said the problems need to be solved. The Director of Recreation noted that Central Park has had little vandalism because of the high activity in the park. ITEMS DEFERRED TO OCTOBER 21, 1986 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Due to lack of a quorum, several items of business were left unfinished and were deferred to the next meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission. These items include the approval of the May 20, 1986 minutes, Year 2000 assignments, report on Park Bond Projects, trailway system - review of undeveloped portion, bike paths on roadways, and vandalism in the parks. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Propst and seconded by Commissioner Skeels to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation commission meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Chairman 41 9-16-86 -74-