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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 12-18 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 DECEMBER 18, 1979 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 7:44 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Albright, Kiefer, Hickman, Streitz, 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 and that there was a possibility he would not be in attendance at this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 11-20-79 There was a motion by Commissioner Streitz and seconded by Commissioner Albright to approve the minutes of the November 20, 1979 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. PARK BOND STEERING COMMITTEE Chairman Johnson noted the presence of several guests at this evening's meeting and explained to the Commissioners that these gentlemen had volunteexd to serve on the steering committee for the park bond issue. Chairman Johnson ntroduced the Commissioners to the guests in the audience and requested that the steering committee members introduce themselves. The steering committee members included Dave Skeels, chairman of the committee, Tom Howard, Carl Kolberg and Bob Marquardt. SUMMARY AND REVIEW OF PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN For the purpose of informing the members of the steering committee, Chairman Johnson reviewed the park development plan as developed by the Park and Recreation Commission. He outlined the various steps involved in developing the park devel- opment plan including the formation of park service area committees, the develop- ment, documentation and adoption of a park policy guideline, the development of various park classifications, the determination of park development priorities, determination of an ultimate park facility plan for all neighborhood parks, the development of an ultimate park facility plan for Central Park and other general community park-land areas, the development of cost estimates, and the identifi- cation of financing alternatives and considerations. Chairman Johnson noted that a private consultant had assisted the Park and Recreation Commission with the development of a park policy plan which was used as the basis for developing the bond issue. Chairman Johnson introduced Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel to discuss park facility planning and park classification. The Park and Recreation Director reviewed the guidelines and principles for park facility planning, including planning for young adults, planning for the elderly, planning for the handicapped, and planning for youth. He noted that recreation and conservation are important considerations in park planning and also noted that ornamentation and cultural activities were also essential parts of park facility planning. 12-18-79 -1- The Park and Recreation Director reviewed the definition and classification of parks including neighborhood parks, playgrounds, play fields, community parks, linear parks, nature interpretive parks and special use parks. He also indicated on a City map, the location of the various types of aforementioned parks in the City of Brooklyn Center. 9 Chairman Johnson explained that one of the prime components in the park policy plan was the neighborhood park. He stated the Park and Recreation Commission consulted with the Park Service Area committees for input on developing neighbor- hood parks which basically involved determining what the residents in the various neighborhoods wanted to see in their particular neighborhood park. He explained the next step in the process was to establish cost figures for park development items. He noted that after the cost had been established the next step was to examine the financing alternatives which consisted of fundslfrom the general fund of the City, Revenue Sharing, grants, memorials and bonding. Chairman Johnson introduced Commissioner Kiefer and noted that she had been designated as the special liaison from the Park and Recreation Commission to the steering committee. Commissioner Kiefer stated that fourteen persons were con- tacted by various Commission members to serve on the steering committee. She explained Mr. Dave Skeels volunteered as the chairman of the steering committee, and emphasized the importance of citizen input on the promotion of the bond issue. Mr. Skeels inquired as to the specific costs and improvements which were being proposed in the bonding proposal. In response to Mr. Skeel's question the Park and Recreation Director referred Commission members and committee members to a document entitled "Park Development Bonding Proposal" dated'November, 1979 which outlined the various improvements and costs included in theproposed bond issue. Commissioner Kiefer noted that the contracts for the park improvements would be let as an entire package and not on an individual park basis. She explained this would be done in an effort to save money by conducting the work on an economy of scale. Commissioner Albright noted that the City Council must establish the exact dollar figure for the bond issue and that this would be essential for the steering com- mittee's promotion. Commissioner Sorenson questioned when the bond issue would be on the ballot. The Park and Recreation Director explained that it is tentatively being proposed for early April or mid April of 1980. Commissioner Kiefer asked the steering committee members to" discuss the bond issue promotion amongst themselves and attempt to determine, what their approach would be to the overall promotion. She explained the Park and Recreation Com- mission and City staff will be available for information and support. Mr. Skeels noted that January 10, 1980 had been set as a target date for the steering committee meeting and that other committee membersi would be contacted by them. RECESS The Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 8:45 p.m. and reconvened at 9:10 P.M. SLIDE PRESENTATION ON CITY PARK SYSTEM BY PARK AND RECREATION DIRECTOR Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel proceeded to make a slide presentation covering the history of park development in Brooklyn Center, existing parks 12-1$-79 -2- and recreation programs in the City, and also covering the policy plan developed by the Park and Recreation Commission which outlined future park development in the City. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Hickman and seconded by Commissioner Streitz to adjourn the Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unan- imously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m. Chairman is • 12-18-79 -3-