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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 04-08 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 SPECIAL SESSION APRIL 8, 1981 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation commission met in special session and was called to order by Chairman Johnson at 7:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Albright, Bradford and Sorenson. Also present were members of the Conservation Commission, Chairman Fred Albright and Commissioners Barb Jensen and Bill Price. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel, and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. REVIEW OF PROPOSED MASTER PLAN FOR PALMER LAKE PARK The Park and Recreation Director introduced Mr. Paul Fjare of Brauer and Associates to Commission members and explained that the Brauer firm had prepared a master plan for the southern portion of Palmer Lake Park. Mr. Fjare reviewed the Palmer Lake plans for the Commission members and pointed out that the major areas of the park are the marsh area, water area, and a meadow area. He explained the concept drawings and the master plans and stated that the recommendations included an upgrading of County State Aid Highway 130 to a park boulevard concept using plantings and lighting for the effect. He explained that a selective thinning and planting of the area is recommended to induce a wildlife habitat. Councilmember Kuefler arrived at 7:50 P.M. Mr. Pjare explained that the northwest part of Palmer Lake basin is a meadow area which would be retained along with the tamarac area. He explained the parking lot to the south area provides the best access to the site. Mr. Fjare explained that Palmer Lake is a lake in transition and that through management the lake can be rehabilitated through dredging and ammonium nitrate blasting. The goals of the plan include maintaining and enhancing the wildlife habitat, maintaining and enhancing the water sufacc, base, creating a new water surface area and creating a nesting area for wildlife. In discussing the pathways he noted that the walkways include a pedestrian path, a bike path, both of which would be bituminous surface, and a wood chip path. The City Manager pointed out that there are no plans for buildings or picnic tables on this site and that satellites will be used in the summertime for restroom facilities. 4-8-81 -1- Commissioner Jensen had three questions for Mr. Fjare including the impact of the trails, implications of a water control structure and the adequacy of soil conditions for the meadow. In response to Commissioner Jensen's questions Mr. Fjare stated that the trail should not violate the wildlife habitat and that generally animals are adaptable to people if their habitat is not violated. The City Manager explained that, regarding the water control structure, the Director of Public Works has projected that control structures are only needed if water storage becomes necessary. He added it will be necessary to watch the dredging very closely with respect'to controlling water levels. Mr. Fjare noted that the ANR would have to be involved before any dredging could be accomplished. In response to a question by Commissioner Albright the City Manager reviewed the project time schedule and explained the problems involved with the 'elimination of the federal funds for park development by the current admini- stration. He noted that the project can be phased and prioritized in light of the federal funding cutbacks and that these are judgements that the City Council will be faced with. He added, by July the City should have a good idea as to where it stands with regard to federal funding for park development. The Commissioners present at the meeting generally concurred that the plan was an improvement over previous plans presented for the area. REQUEST FOR TENNIS COURT AT LIONS PARK The Park and Recreation Director reviewed the current situation regarding the request for tennis court at Lions Park and noted that the census data which would provide an age breakdown to assess the size of the tennis playing population in the area was not yet available and would probably not be available until late in the summer. He also noted that the records of the Park and Recreation programming staff show a decline in tennis usage over the last few years. He also commented on the cutback in funding for park development through federal grant programs and explained that this couldopresent problems in terms of future park improvements. Councilmember Kuefler stated that at the meetings held with neighborhood groups prior to the bond issue it was a request by the neighborhood that they would like a tennis court in the area. At that time he explained the City was under the assumption that there was money available for tennis court development. He suggested that the Park and Recreation Commission make a determination regarding justifcation for a court in Lions Park and if it is determined that it is justified the funding then becomes a secondary issue. He added that the use pattern for tennis courts in the area is a legitimate criteria for placement of courts in the area. In light of the absence of a number of Commission members Chairman Johnson requested that the item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting so that the full commission can review it. Councilmember Kuefler requested Commission members to comment on their feelings regarding possible tradeoffs for development in light of federal funding cutbacks for park development. Commissioner Sorenson stated he would like to see the City adhere to the priority stated in the bond issue as closely as possible. Chairman Johnson commented he agreed that the 0 4-8-81 -2- development priority should be adhered to as closely as possible. Commissioner Sorenson requested a breakdown of the current funding situation for park development. Chairman Johnson requested that a breakdown be provided at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Albright and seconded by Commissioner Sorenson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:44 p.m. Chairman • 0 4-8-81 -3- I I c