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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 03-17 PRM. 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 MARCH 17, 1981 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Johnson at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Kiefer, Albright, Streitz, Bradford and Denissen. Also present were Councilmember Tony Kuefler, Park and Recre- ation Director Gene Hagel, Superintendent of Recreation Arnie Mavis, and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 2-17-81 There was a motion by Commissioner Streitz and seconded by Commissioner Denissen to approve the minutes of the February 17, 1981 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. REVIEW OF RECREATION PROGRAMS Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel introduced Mr. John Larson and Carl Carlson representing the City Band. He explained that the review of the recreation programs being conducted by the Park and Recreation Commission included the City Band and that he had invited Mr. Larson and Mr. Carlson this evening to review the activities of the City Band. Mr. Larson stated that one of the major concerns of the City Band is to increase its membership and that they are planning to contact high school seniors this year for membership. Commissioner Sorenson arrived at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Larson also stated that additional promotions of the band are planned this year including playing concerts in a single location on an ongoing basis to attempt to increase attendance at concerts. Mr. Carlson reviewed the Bands concert schedule and noted that it included nursing homes, the Brooklyn Center High School and City Parks among other locations. He added that the concerts in the parks have been the poorest attended and he explained that the band has also performed outside the City in such areas as Coon Rapids, Fridley and Monticello. Mr. Carlson explained that the band usually performs with 45 members but that the total membership is approximately 60 and that it has had more than 60 members in the past. 0 3-17-81 -1- Chairman Johnson inquired what the bands funds were used for. Mr. Carlson explained that the funds were used to pay for the director's time and also for larger instruments such as the sousaphone along with other items such as repairs on the drums. Chairman Johnson then inquired where the $400 in revenue was obtained. The Superintendent of Recreation explained that the $400 was to be obtained from fees charged to band members and would begin in 1981. Commissioner Albright inquired what kind of transportation the band used to get the members to the concerts. The Park and Recreation; Director explained that the members generally drive themselves except that the larger instruments which cannot be easily fit into a car are hauled by the City's maintenance crews. Mr. Carlson stated that he believes he may lose as many as 10 members with the addition of the fee charged to members. He added that many concerts are played on weekends and involve transportation costs and he believes the band is somewhat different than other groups who are charged fees. Commissioner Albright inquired how many of the Brooklyn Center Band members are Brooklyn Center residents. The Park.and Recreation Director stated that 15 or approximately 33% of the membership is composed of Brooklyn Center residents. Chairman-Johnson inquired if there was any information available as to what other cities do with regard to their City Band. The Park and Recreation Director explained that Fridley charges no fees, Roseville charges some dues to cover the costs of music, and that Robbinsdale also does not charge any fee. Mr. Larson stated that the reaction of some of the band members is negative toward the $10 fee which has been imposed. Commissioner Denissen suggested that the Harmonettes make use of the Band • members for their accompaniment and pay them rather than other musicians noting that in this way the money could be generated into the band. The Superintendent of Recreation noted that the rehearsal nights for the groups might conflict since they are both scheduled on Monday nights. Councilmember Kuefler inquired whether there were any thoughts as to using Central Park as an area to perform in. Mr. Larson stated that the band has considered this and that they thought that concerts on a regular location may attract more attendance. Commissioner Albright stated that she believes some decision should be made as to whether or not the City Band is indeed a representative of the City and sponsored by the City as is the Robbinsdale band which appears to have a rather substantial budget. Chairman Johnson thanked Mr. Carlson and Mr. Larson for attending this evenings meeting and giving the Commission an opportunity to learn more about the activities of the City Band. The Superintendent of Recreation reviewed the recreation program philosophy noting that, with the exception of playgrounds, skating rinks, Band, Chorus, and Harmonettes, recreation programs are set up so that they pay for themselves through a fee basis. 3-17.-81 -2- In review of the activities scheduled for the social hall the Superintendent of Recreation noted that it is booked from now through May. Commissioner Albright inquired whether the social hall was limited to local groups only. The Park and Recreation Director explained that local civic organizations may use the hall without the cost noting however that commercial groups are not eligible for this consideration. The Superintendent of Recreation noted that 60% of the members at the Community Center are non--residents and that they are a significant revenue producing group. Councilmember Kuefler inquired how the attendance has been at the Community Center. The Superintendent of Recreation explained that attendance is down compared to the first few years of operation but it has stabilized and is remaining consistent. He noted that such features as the new weight machine Is used by a great number of persons on a daily basis and that fitness and exercise programs in general are very popular right now. He explained the staff is developing plans to promote the use of the Community Center. RECESS The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 8:35 p.m. and reconvened at 8:45 p.m. PARK MAINTENANCE MANUAL The Park-and Recreation Director referred Commission members to the Park Maintenance Manual explaining the various reports used and the schedule including the daily and bi-weekly reports. He reviewed the use of the checklist sheet and explained that the maintenance crews apparently have accepted this procedure and it appears to be working very well. He noted the weekly reports will be used as warmer weather increases the activitiy in parks. KALEIDOSCOPE The Park and Recreation Director passed out a sign up sheet for Commission members to sign up for a time that they can be in attendance at Kaleidoscope and explained that the Park and Recreation staff has taken care of setting up the booth and that staff members will be present at all times during Kaleidoscope. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Kiefer and seconded by Commissioner Strietz to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Chairman 0