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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986 01-21 PRMf`. • • MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION JANUARY 21, 1986 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Skeels, Peterson, Bloomstrand, Manson and Propst. Also present were Director of Recreation Arnie Mavis and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 19, 1985 There was a motion by Commissioner Skeels and seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the minutes of the November 19, 1985 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATE ON GOLF COURSE PROPOSAL FOR LIONS PARK WEST AREA Recording Secretary Barone reviewed the current status of the golf course project, noting that the final soil analysis results showed that the depth of the peat is worse than expected. Because of the conditions, increased costs for engineering, construction and administration are expected. The bid opening is now scheduled for February 5, 1986, with construction to commence in the spring of 1986 and completion of the project to occur in the fall of 1987. The golf course then would be open for play in the spring of 1988. Commissioner Bloomstrand asked if the peat will be removed from the golf course site, and the Director of Recreation explained the process to be implemented. Commissioner Propst stated that the delivery of dirt to the golf course has created a terrible mess near the corner of 54th and Russell Avenues North. He added that signs posted prohibiting motor traffic to access the park area are being ignored, and a barrier should be installed. The Director of Recreation pointed out that the trucks are about finished with hauling the dirt at this time. Commissioner Skeels aksed how the increased cost will affect the financing, and the Director of Recreation noted that the City still will be able to fund the project. Councilmember Bill Hawes arrived at 7:42 p.m. Commissioner Propst inquired as to why the City was not aware that the project would be so expensive, and the Director of Recreation noted that the original soil samples did not show the peat to be as deep as it really is. Commissioner Propst asked when the first soil samples were taken, and the Director of Recreation responded that this was done a couple of years ago. Commissioner Bloomstrand asked what the trouble is with the peat, and the Director of Recreation stated that it is very unstable. COMMITTEE REPORT - ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARKS Commissioner Skeels said that the Entertainment in the Parks committee had met this evening prior to the Park and Recreation Commission meeting. He noted that the showmobile has been ordered, and said Sue LaCrosse of the Park and Recreation Department has already done some planning in order to schedule activities for this 1-21-86 -1- summer. Commissioner Skeels added that on Sunday, June 29, 1986 several activities in Central Park are planned as part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration for the City. He said that at the next committee meeting it is hoped that members from the Chamber of Commerce and the Brookdale Library will be in attendance to provide input. Commissioner Bloomstrand said that activities will be scheduled on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 P.M. in Central Park through June, July and the first two weeks in August. He noted that there is a $14,100 budget, of which $800 has already been earmarked for a performance by Dudley Riggs. Chairman Sorenson asked if these activities have a fixed ending time in-the evening, and the Director of Recreation said this will vary by group, although each performance will last approximately 1 112 hours. He added that a poll was taken at winter registration, and the favored starting time is 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Hawes asked where the showmobile will be stored, and the Director of Recreation said that it will be kept in an outside stall at the City Garage. Chairman Sorenson asked if the intent at this time is to limit the use of the showmobile to summer programs, and the Director of Recreation responded affirmatively. Commissioner Skeels pointed out that it is hoped that by getting the Chamber of Commerce involved that some future sponsorship of activities by the businesses will occur. REPORT ON STATUS OF PARK BOND PROJECTS Recording Secretary Barone reviewed the status of the projects, noting that most of the original projects are complete at this time. She stated that some neighborhood parks will have screens installed around the garbage hoppers and satellites, and that a short part of the Shingle Creek Trailway project will be completed this summer in cooperation with the City of Brooklyn Park. She pointed out that although there may be some additional funds available, any use of Federal funds requires making contact at both the State and Federal government levels. Commissioner Bloomstrand asked if the money must be spent on these projects, and Recording Secretary Barone responded affirmatively. After some discussion, the Commission directed Recording Secretary Barone to determine the discrepancies in estimates versus actual amount spent and also to determine the source of discrepancies regarding Federal government donations. This analysis will be prepared by the March Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Commissioner Propst asked who is in charge of planning the golf course project and inquired as to who he could contact regarding the addition of a practice area. Councilmember Hawes said that the best person to contact is City Manager Jerry Splinter. Commissioner Propst asked if any additional costs for the golf course must be approved by the City Council,_ and Councilmember Hawes responded affirmatively. Commissioner Propst expressed concern over the extension of the parking lot onto 524th Avenue North. Commissioner Peterson pointed out that there is not enough land to add a practice area to the golf course, and Commissioner Propst stated that he wants to be able to practice chipping onto a green. Councilmember Hawes noted that the City Manager has worked closely with the project and he is the best person to contact. The Director of Recreation said that at this point plans have been approved and bid specifications are in the hands of the contractors. Commissioner Propst asked if the additional funding of this project has already been approved by the City Council, and Councilmember Hawes responded affirmatively. CRIME PREVENTION - PARKS The Director of Recreation stated that he will be meeting with the Police Chief and the Director of Public Works in order to discuss alternatives available to the City 1-21-86 -2- r~ for Crime Prevention in the Parks. Recording Secretary Barone added that an article regarding Crime Prevention in the Parks can be published in the City's newsletter if desired. Commissioner Propst said all prevention should not be left up to the citizens, and there must be times when the Police might be able to drive around the parks. He added that not all people know they can remain anonymous while reporting any suspicious activity, and noted that citizens are concerned with any repercussions if they become involved. Chairman Sorenson pointed out that use of the Crime Prevention Tip Line occurs after the damage is done. Commissioner Propst explained some of the problems related to the Lions Park area and requested that a barrier such as the installation of stumps be added to the perimeter of the park. Chairman Sorenson noted that use of a chain barrier would clearly mark the perimeter, but Commissioner Propst said that if a chain barrier is installed it would be down in one week. Councilmember Hawes noted that chains are often used because maintenance or emergency vehicles need to access the area. The Director of Recreation pointed out that some barriers may cause people to get hurt, so some caution must be used in choosing the type of barrier. Councilmember Hawes noted that the Police have been successful in catching some of the instigators. Chairman Sorenson said some people do wish to report anonymously, and better efforts must be made to let these people know how they can do so. Commissioner Propst stated that he has reported activities as they occur, and citizens need to know that the Police will respond quickly. The Director of Recreation said something can be published in the City Manager's Newsletter, and Chairman Sorenson asked that something be made specific for residents who live around the parks. YEAR 2000 STUDY The Commission discussed the status of the Kylawn preserve and the Twin Lake North area. Chairman Sorenson suggested that the Commission tour the Twin Lake North and Kylawn preserve areas during the May or June meeting of the Commission this year. Recording Secretary Barone stated that the Mississippi River Corridor Commission has recently formed and the major issue affecting Brooklyn Center is the area surrounding River Ridge Park. The options would be to develop one, both, or neither sides of Lyndale Avenue North for the park area. Councilmember Hawes pointed out that a lot of privately owned property exists on Brooklyn Center's side of the river and there would be many unhappy people who would have to move if the park is developed. The Director of Recreation stated that he will be attending the next Commission meeting and will report back to this group. Chairman Sorenson noted that the water levels in some areas may make it impractical to develop the parkland all along the river. He asked what the official status of River Ridge Park is, and Councilmember Hawes said that it is owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation but leased by the City. GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilmember Hawes asked what happened to the skating program scheduled for Central Park, and the Director of Recreation said due to the high expense, it would be impractical to have such a program. The Director of Recreation invited all the Commissioners to the February 15, 1986 birthday party dinner for the 75th Anniversary Celebration. Commissioner Manson asked if the City has received any feedback on how the skating rinks are doing. The Director of Recreation noted that Lions Park is doing exceptionally well and the Riverdale Park rink is doing alright, but not sensational. He added that the warm weather has been somewhat disastrous for the 1-21-86 -3- AVII use of the skating rinks, but the City is tabulating the usage of the rinks. Chairman Sorenson asked when the skating rinks normally close, and the Director of Recreation responded that the rinks will close this year on February 17. He added that three to four rinks are left open with minimum maintenance for hockey players for some time after February 17th. Chairman Sorenson asked if it is true that Brooklyn Park is thinking of adding a swimming pool at the ice arena location, and the Director of Recreation said this will not be done in the near future. Commissioner Propst asked if it would be possible to have an adult pool room in the City, and the Director of Recreation responded that there is no place to have one at this time. The Commission discussed the need for additional gymnasium space in the City. They also discussed the possible uses of the Earle Brown Farm. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Bloomstrand and seconded by Commissioner Propst to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Chairman • • 1-21-86 -4-