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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982 02-16 PRMMINUTES 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 FEBRUARY 16, 1982 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Sorenson at 7:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Kiefer, Albright, Bradford and Denissen. Also present were Councilmember Bill Hawes, Director of Parks and Recreation Gene Hagel, and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. Chairman Sorenson noted that Commissioner Streitz would be absent from this evenings meeting and was excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - December 15, 1981 There was a motion by Commissioner Kiefer and seconded by Commissioner Bradford to approve the minutes of the December 15, 1981 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. Voting in favor: Chairman Sorenson, Commissioners Kiefer, Bradford, and Denissen. Voting against: none. The motion passed. Commissioner Albright abstained from the vote as she was not present at the December 15, 1981 meeting. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed for Commission members-.a memorandum discussinq the Park Development Schedule. He explained that the report shows the status of park improvements, including those that have been completed and a proposed time schedule for the remaining projects. He pointed out that playground apparatus has been installed in 9 parks and that it remains to be installed in 8 parks this year. He also pointed out that the concrete curb around the apparatus areas has been completed and that basketball and volleyball courts are also in. He emphasized that the installation of the play apparatus at neighborhood parks is the highest priority for this years construction season and also explained that the tennis courts in Lions Park are to be built this year. In addition to the projects proposed for construction in the neighobrhood parks the Director of Parks and Recreation also reviewed the improvements scheduled to be installed in the Arboretum, Central Park, Palmer Lake Nature Area and on the Shingle Creek Trailway. REPORT ON TWIN LAKE WATER SURFACE USE, Administrative Assistant Bublitz explained that Chairman Sorenson had requested information regarding the recreational use of Twin Lake for this evenings meeting. He explained that, essentially the situation on Twin Lake had not changed sub- stantially over the past-several years. He pointedout that the Lake is within _the jurisdiction of Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale and Crystal and that the author- ity to regulate the surface use of the lake is vested with the Department of Natural Resources and that the enforcement of watercraft activities on the lake • is conducted by the Hennepin County Sheriffs department. 2-16-82 -1- With regard to the enforcement of water safety regulations he reviewed the Sheriffs Department activities over the past several years pointing out that in 1980 there were special funds allocated to the Sheriff's Water Patrol to increase enforcement on metropolitan area lakes that in 1981 these funds were not available and subsequently the enforcement was not as heavy as that in 1980. He added that the Sheriffs Department is planning a similar enforcement approach as that used In 1981 for the 1982 season, that being patrolling the lake on evenings and weekends. With regard topotential changes in the regulation of boating activities on the lake Administrative Assistant Bublitz pointed out that these activities are regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and as indicated in a memor- andum from Mr. Bob Wicklund, Director of Parks, Recreation' and Forestry in Robbi.nsdale it would not be likely that the DNR would consider any major changes in watercraft regulations at this time such as limiting the speed of motor boats on the lake or limiting horsepower of motors on the lake, He added that- existing legislation permits the three cities to petition !the DNR directly for changes in regulations and that the DRN could approve the ''requests of the various cities without special legislation. He noted that if the 'DNR does not approve the request by the cities then it would also be likely that the DRN would oppose any attempts to pass special legislation to allow the citifies to implement regula- tions without county or state approval. After discussion by Commission members Commissioner Albright suggested that perhaps the Conservation Commission could be contacted to solicit their concerns about the activities on the lake. Administrative Assistant Bublitz stated that he would review this with Brad Hoffman, the -staff liaison-to the 'Conservation Commission and would report back to the Park ',and Recreation Commission. REPORT ON TWIN BEACH PARK.. Administrative Assistant Bubltz stated that Chairman Sorenson had requested information regarding the status of Twin Beach Park. He proceeded to review the hisotry of the park noting that in August of 1978 a petition was presented to the City from the residents of the Beach Apartments complaining about the activity at Twin Lake Beach. He noted that the response to these neighborhood concerns was to restrict parking in the area around Twin Lake Beach. He explained that the no-parking policy was the result of requests and complaints by the surrounding neighborhood. He added that over the past few years since 1978 the Police Department has enforced parking violations very strictly in the area of Twin Beach.' As a result of this policy the parking violations and arrests in the park have decreased to a point where they are considered manageable by the Police Department at this time. He explained that the overall aim of the reduced parking policy and strict police enforcement has been to ate-establish Twin Beach Park as a neighborhood park and to de-emphasize the use of the unsupervised beach area. in summary he pointed out'that the problem has improved but that the problems created by the unsupervised beach area still exist Commissioner Bradford commented that in his observations the neighborhood in and around Twin Beach Park is reasonably happy with the parking situation and gener- ally feels it is a livable situation. He added that neighborhood people are now more willing to use the park more than they havein the past.. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that he feels optimistic about the situation and believes that this area of the City is somewhat isolated and indeed does need a neighborhood park and also that the records indicate that!~the situation'is improving with regard to the re-establishment of Twin Beach Park as a neighborhood park. Commissioner Bradford commented that people in the neighborhood are now more willing to walk in the neighborhood in the evenings when:, in past years there was some concern and fear because of the activity at the beach. 2-16-82 -2- Chairman Sorenson requested Commissioner Bradford to conduct an informal survey of residents in the neighborhood surrounding Twin Beach regarding how satisfied they are with the current conditions and to report back to the Commission. UPDATE ON PARK MAINTENANCE MANUAL The Director of Parks and Recreation in reviewing the Parks Maintenance Manual stated that the purpose of the manual was to develop and maintain consistent maintenance in City Parks. He explained that park maintenance is changing and that a maintenance person needs a variety of skills including electrical, plumbing and carpentry. He proceeded to review the City Maintenance program in parks and discussed the maintenance of various types of facilities including shelter buildings, athletic fields, skating rinks, picnic grounds and other park facilities. He explained that the maintenance manual addresses the proper maintenance to be implemented for each type of facility and each type of park. The Director of Parks and Recreation proceeded to review the different maintenance activities which are carried on daily, monthly, and seasonally by park mainte- nance staff. He reviewed the procedures used on the inspection forms and pointed out that the procedure dictated by the inspection form allows him to be immediately aware of maintenance that is not completed. - - Chairman.Sorenson inquired about the deterioration of the Willow Lane tennis court surface. The Director of Parks and Recreation explained that these courts were installed in the 1960's and that the installation was done rather poorly by the contractor and when combined with the.heavy use of the courts it led to deterioration earlier than was planned. In response to comments by the Commission the Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the maintenance manual is being accepted very weil.by the maintenance staff and that they are using it on a routine basis as it was intended. Commissioner Kiefer inquired whether any of the maintenance staff people had any input on improving the plan or making suggestions for improvements in park maintenance. The Director of Parks and Recreation explained that from time to time the maintenance staff makes suggestions for improving the plans, procedures and park maintenance and that he welcomes these suggestions for improvements. Chairman Sorenson then inquired whether there was any regularly scheduled meeting with the maintenance staff to discuss the Park Maintenance Manual or other maintenance procedures. The Parks and Recreation Director explained that there were no regular meetings but that he does meet regularly with the supervisors. Chairman Sorenson then... inquired whether anything was done to solicit feedback on the manual from the maintenance staff. The Parks and Recreation Director stated that the maintenance staff generally is becoming more aware and more attuned to the maintenance. schedule as time goes by. He explained that the staff is more aware of what needs to be done on a regular basis and is willing to comment on items that need repair even before the inspection report has to be made. He added that the super- visors and park superintendnet also solicit suggestions from the maintenance staff regarding park maintenance. Chairman.Sorenson inquired whether there 'were any other additional comments from the Commission and commented that the Parks Maintenance Manual seems to be working very well. RECESS The Brooklyn Center Parks reconvened at 9:10 p.m. and Recreation Commission recessed at 9:05 p.m. and 2-16-82 -3- REVIEW OF HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY SURVEY Administrative Assistant Bublitz pointed out that the Human Rights Commission in conjunction with a consultant from the Nantional Handicap Housing Institute have been working on a handicap accessibility survey to meet the requirements of 0 Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. He pointed out the Act requires that handicapped individuals are entitled to the same access-to programs and facilities as are able bodied individuals in all instances where federal dollars are received by an agency. He explained that the survey was done by Julee Quarve-Peterson of the National Handicap Housing Institute and was a complete survey cxE all City owned and rented buildings and facilities including the Civic Center, City Hall, the Fire stations, Liquor stares, municipal garage, City Parks and. Recreation facilities and also the polling sites. He explained that each facility was surveyed to determine existing conditions such as door widths and stairway access and that recommendations were then written to modify each facility to bring it into compliance with the State and Federal building codes. He emphasized it is not expected that all buildings will be immediately brought into compliance rather that over the years during remodeling or upgrading specific recommendations would be 'implemented. He pointed out that the Human Rights Commission is in the process of reviewing the survey and will be making their recommendations to the City Council shortly. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Denissen stated that she had concerns over what the purpose of the Park and Recreation Commission is. She stated that the Commission appears to be involved in some events on a second hand basis noting that the items recom- mended by the Commission to be included in the City Budget were deleted in the City Manager's recommendations. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the City manager has to look at the entire City budget with regard to park and recreation programming and that all City departments were affected by the budget cut backs. Administrative Assistant Bublitz reviewed the various recom- mendations regarding budget reductions made by the City Manager and stated that the recommended reductions are the staff's reaction to the State Aid cutbacks. He pointed out that the recommendations are being made to the City Council and that it is their ultimate decision as to what specific cuts should be made. Chairman Sorenson inquired whether the City staff was involved in developing the recommendations for the budget reductions. Administrative Assistant Bublitz -explained that the department heads were directly involved in all recommended budget reductions in their respective departments. Commissioner Albright stated that she is concerned that the Band, Harmonettes, and Children's Chorus found out about the cuts in the newpaper and were not informed in a timely fashion. Commissioner Denissen questioned the subsidies given-to the handicapped recre-t at on program and.commented that the Park and Recreation Program Supervisor never indicated specifics with regard to this subsidy. She stated that she feels this subsidy may benefit fewer people than the Band, Harmonettes or the Children's Chorus. ghairman Sorenson stated that the problem with re-instating programs like the City Band is that once the organization disbands it is difficult to reorganize. He also added that other programs are subsidized by the City. The Director of Parks and Recreation noted that most of the recreation groups in the City pay the direct cost but do not pay the indirect costs associated with their activities. Commissioner Deni.ssen made an inquiry regarding participation in other recreation programs specifically the level of participation in Senior 'Citizen programs and Teen programs. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that he would not 2-16-82 -4- like to see the Band Harmonettes and Children's chorus programs deteriorate and feels that they are worthwhile programs. Commissioner Denissen again expressed a concern and question regarding the purpose of the Park and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Bradford noted that the Commission's role is that of recommending to the City Council and staff and that the Council and staff decide whether to accept the recommendations.- He pointed out that the staff and City Council are not bound to accept the recommendations of the Commission. Commissioner Kiefer commented that she has no real knowledge of the City departmental operations with regard to specific budget items. Commissioner Albright stated that it is appro- priate for the Commission to become involved with the budget process specifically regarding Park and Recreation programs. Administrative Assistant Bublitz commented that he believes it is appropriate for the Commission to comment on certain items relating to Park and Recreation activities such as desired levels of maintenance in the parks and feedback on successful and unsuccessful programs in the recreation department but that the budget process itself is a separate issue. Commissioner Kiefer stated that she agrees that the Commission should be involved in priori- tizing and making recommendations in certain areas but that she does not helieve the Commission should become involved in specific budgets. Chairman Sorenson suggested that the Commission examine the possibility of budget involvement for 1383 at the next Commission meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Bradford and seconded by Commissioner Kiefer to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Chairman . 10 2-16-82 -5-