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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 01-15 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 JANUARY 15, 1980 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 7:37 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Albright, Kiefer, Sorenson and Bradford. Also present were Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. Chairman Johnson noted that Councilmember Kuefler had informed him that he would be late for this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 12-18-79 There was a motion by Commissioner Kiefer and seconded by Commissioner Albright to approve the minutes of the December 18, 1979 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. REPORT ON SKATING RINKS Chairman Johnson introduced the next agenda item which was a report on the City's skating rinks by the Park and Recreation Director. The Park and Recreation Director stated that there were no problems with the closing of a number of warming houses at City parks. He noted that he had received only one call re- garding the closing of the warming house at Firehouse Park. He stated that, in general, this was a poor skating season in terms of attendance at the rinks. Chairman Johnson requested that the Park and Recreation Director keep the Com- mission informed regarding the status of the skating rinks. The Park and Recrea- tion Director stated-that records of attendance are being kept at all skating rinks where there are open warming houses. KYLAWN PARK PARKING PLANS Chairman Johnson introduced the next agenda item and deferred to the. Park and Recreation Director for information on the parking plans for Kylawn Park. The Park and Recreation Director stated that his presentation of the parking layout plans for Kylawn Park was a response to a request by Commissioner Kiefer. He explained that the City staff will be reassessing the design of all the parking lots in City parks with the prevention of crime and general mayhem as a primary consideration in the redesign. He stated that the elimination of secluded areas and hangouts would be a primary concern in the redesign of the parking lots. Henoted that, in most cases, parking lots are usually screened from view as anaesthetic measure but that screening in certain areas, such as City parks, invites loitering and mayhem. Chairman Johnson recognized Mr. Ron Christensen who resides in the area of 61st and June near Kylawn Park. Mr. Christensen stated he was concerned with the parking lot off 61st and also the cars racing on 61st. He explained that the cars racing on the street were a safety problem for the neighborhood and that many of the neighbors are afraid to use the park because of the teenagers hanging out in the parking lot. Councilmember Kuefler arrived at 7:45 p.m. 1-15-80 -1- Mr. Christensen stated that he feels the enforcement problem in City parks is one'of design and not a problem that can be totally solved by the police depart- ment.. He stated that the trees surrounding the parking lot on 61st Avenue make the area too secluded and therefore a spot which invites loitering and mayhem. The Park and Recreation Director explained that the redesign of all parking lots in City parks will be assessed with input from the police department to address the enforcement problem in City parks. Mr. Christensen noted that his intent was not to drive people out of parks but to make people respect the parks and the surrounding neighborhood. Council.member Kuefler stated that police enforcement at Kylawn is essential to stopping the existing problem with mayhem in the parks. He noted that a change in design of the parks is in the future and that the City should concentrate on enforcement for the present. He stressed the importance of neighbors being in contact with each other and creating a dialogue with their neighbors regarding the enforcement problems in the neighborhood parks. Chairman Johnson suggested the possibility of moving the parking lot to the opposite end of the park. Mr. Christensen suggested that removing the trees surrounding the existing parking lot would make it more open and prevent loiter- ing and delinquency. He noted that groups using the park legitimately, such as ball teams and church groups, do not use the parking lot but rather park on the streets. A discussion by Commission members of Kylawn Park and its relationship to the proposed park bond issue ensued. Mr. Christensen inquired-why the arboretum was not included in the bond issue. Chairman Johnson responsed by stating that the neighborhood parks were considered the top priority in the park bond issue and that the arboretum was a very costly project and as a result would be difficult to work into the bond issue. Councilmember Kuefler suggested that the arboretum area is a unique situation. He, noted that, unlike the Palmer Lake area, the arboretum is not an isolated natural area but is a part of the neighborhood. He indicated the initial thought on the natural areas was to leave thier development until later but that the arboretum could possibly be considered a special case. Chairman Johnson noted that the arboretum was prioritized last on the list of development activities. REPORT ON PARK BOND STEERING COMMITTEE Chairman Johnson introduced the next agenda item which was a report on the Park Bond Steering Committee and noted that Commissioner Kiefer as Commission liaison to the Committee would present the'report. Commissioner Kiefer stated that the Steering Committee is still organizing and has'held a meeting with Chairman Johnson, Councilmember Kuefler, Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel, and City Manager Gerald Splinter. She explained that the City Manager discussed the bond issue including a history of the City parks. She noted that he pointed out three major points with regard to the park development which included: 1) The neighborhood park must be a good neighbor including well maintained facilities such.as paved parking lots. 2) Handicapped accessibility for City parks. 3) Active and passive park activities and equipment including the improvement and upgrading of playground and recreational equipment. Commissioner Kiefer stated that the City Manager reviewed the proposed develop- ment for Central Park and noted that the City Manager explained that federal funds are available for the development of new parks but not for upgrading older parks. She explained that he indicated Central Park will ;reduce the stress put on other parks due to organized sports. She also noted that the City Manager explained the Shingle Creek trailway system will connect with the Minneapolis trails and Brooklyn Park trail system. 1-15-84 -2- Commissioner Kiefer stated that the City Manager indicated that park improvements will tend to stabilize neighborhoods and prevent blight within them including a possible increase in land values linked to a well developed park system.. Commissioner Kiefer noted that the next meeting of the Park Bond Steering Committee would be held Wednesday, January 30, 1980 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. She also added that the estimated cost per household for the park development would be approximately $8 to $10 per year to pay off the bonds. Commissioner Albright inquired whether the informational brochures on the bond issue would be mailed with the Park and Recreation newsletter. The Park and Recreation Director indicated that the informational brochure would probably be a separate mailing from the Park and Recreation newsletter. Commissioner Kiefer commented on the problem of putting a bond issue on the ballot with a general election and indicated that in this instance there would be some confusion. Councilmember Kuefler noted that the 1980 tax bill for residents will be less than the 1979 tax bill and indicated this is a positive factor for the bond issue. Commissioner Sorenson questioned what maintenance costs would be related to the improvements. The Park and Recreation Director explained that maintenance for the proposed park development will involve additional personnel and equipment. He added that City crews will be taken off many of the construction projects and placed back on maintenance work. A general discussion ensued among Commission members regarding the maintenance of the proposed park development. There was a concern expressed'by Commission members that proper maintenance of the new park development may be a problem. Commissioner Kiefer suggested that the Commission might look at the current maintenance schedule for parks. The Park and Recreation Director explained that City parks are inspected on a daily basis as routine and that men are assigned to maintenance tasks based on these inspections. Councilmember Kuefler suggested that a standard might be developed with regard to park maintenance and that a definite schedule might be established to meet the expectations of City residents regarding park maintenance. Commissioner Kiefer questioned whether there was such a maintenance schedule in existence. The Park and Rec- reation Director explained that park maintenance is based on a daily inspection of City parks and that there was not a written, specified list of maintenance tasks to be accomplished. Councilmember Kuefler noted that he feels it is within the realm of the Park and Recreation Commission to set a maintenance policy for City parks. Commissioner Kiefer indicated that she had received comments from residents relating to their concerns that the development of Central Park will take priority over the improvements proposed for neighborhood parks. Councilmember Kuefler suggested that a development schedule on a year-by-year basis might be developed for neighborhood parks to assure their timely completion. The Park and Recreation Director stated that he has prepared a maintenance manual entitled "The Maintenance Man's Check List and Standards for Maintaining Parks". Councilmember Kuefler proposed the possibility of developing a maintenance schedule through the Park and Recreation Commission with the assistance of City staff.. He indicated that the City Council has been approving funds for maintenance and it is the Council's assumption that the appropriate maintenance is being performed. He suggested that the Park and Recreation Director present the maintenance manual at the n Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The Park and Recreation Director sta that he would review the maintenance manual with the City Manager and present it to the Park and Recreation Commission at the next meeting. 1-15-80 -3- ext ted Mr. Ron Christensen stated that the schedule of development for the neighborhood parks is an important question in the bond issue. Commissioner Kiefer left the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Couneilmember Kuefler stated he felt it was a fair question for residents to question when their particular neighborhood park would be developed. Commissioner Sorenson questioned what items in the proposed park development plans would involve contract work and which items would involve City crews. Chairman Johnson noted that the development of the City parks includes primarily contract work with some in-house work. Commissioner Albright suggested that a review of the development schedule for the parks be discussed at the next Commission meeting. Chairman Johnson inquired whether there was any other business to be considered at this evening's meeting. There being none, Chairman Johnson asked for a motion to adjourn. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Sorenson and seconded by Commissioner Bradford to adjourn the Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unani- mously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Chairman • 1-15-80 -4-