Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 11-20 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 NOVEMBER 20, 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 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Kiefer, Albright, Streitz, Sorenson and Bradford. Also present were Councilmember Tony Kuefler, Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. Chairman Johnson took the opportunity to introduce Mr. Harry Bradford, the new Commission member who is representing Park Service Area V. He also noted that Commissioner Hickman has submitted a letter of resignation effective on January 1, 198Q as her term expires at the end of this year. Chairman Johnson noted that Commissioner Hickman would not be present for this evening's meeting. 7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 10-16-79 There was a motion by Commissioner Albright and seconded by Commissioner Kiefer to approve the minutes of the October 16, 1979 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. REPORT ON VANDALISM IN CITY PARKS BY BROOKLYN CENTER POLICE CHIEF JAMES LINDSAY Chief of Police James Lindsay along with Sergeant Joel Downer of the Brooklyn Center Police Department appeared before the Commission to present a report on vandalism in City parks.- Chief Lindsay noted that, in 1979 incidents of vandalism in City parks were less than in past years. He noted the problems in City parks were generally more spread out than in past years where problem areas were con- centrated in only a few parks. The Chief explained that curfew and drinking violations were the biggest problems in City parks and that approximately 80 to 85 arrests were projected for 1980 for violations in City parks. He explained that Bellvue Park was the biggest problem area in 1979 and that in past years the major problem areas have been Twin Lake, Grandview and River Ridge Park. He noted in 1979, enforcement in the parks was applied early and that this was a key to maintaining a consistent level of enforcement in City parks. The Chief noted that the motivation for vandalism is unclear and that minor vandalism is always occurring in City parks and will most likely be an ongoing problem. He noted, however, that vandalism overall is down this year in City parks. Addition- ally, Chief Lindsay explained that the street type crimes -muggings, assaults, etc. are generally not occurring in City parks. Commissioner Albright inquired why Bellvue Park was the biggest problem area. Chief Lindsay responded by explaining that Bellvue was-the first park in the City with an established curfew. He noted the Police Department had increased its surveillance in Bellvue to deal with high school age persons involved in drinking and using drugs. The Chief noted that one problem arises.because persons cannot be charged unless they are actually witnessed drinking alcoholic beverages, however, the alcohol may be confiscated even though no one is charges with con- suming it. Sergeant Joel Downer explained that Bellvue Park is difficult to enforce because it is a two block long park and when the people see a squad approaching, they are able to leave before the squad can arrive on the scene. 11-20-79 -1- Sergeant Downer noted the neighborhood in this area has been very cooperative with the Police Department with regard to park enforcement. Chief Lindsay emphasized the fact that the Police Department needs neighborhood cooperation in the enforce- ment of ordinances in City parks. Commissioner Albright inquired whether the parking lot redesign at Twin Lake Beach would assist the department with enforcement. Sergeant Downer replied by stating that Twin Lake Beach is not as difficult an enforcement problem as Bellvue since it has only one access point while Bellvue Park has two. Commissioner Kiefer questioned whether the majority of arrests made at Bellvue Park were Brooklyn Center residents. Sergeant Downer explained that, while some of the persons arrested were from Minneapolis the majority are Brooklyn Center residents. Sergeant Downer noted that the situations at Bellvue Park and Twin Lake Beach are not like River Ridge where in the past the majority of the persons arrested were from Anoka County: Chief Lindsay again emphasized the fact that cooperation with the neighborhoods in the park areas is essential to effective enforcement. Commissioner Kiefer questioned Chief Lindsay regarding what strategy the department was presently using to promote the public's cooperation. Chief Lindsay explained that the department encourages the public to go through either the dispatcher or the sergeant on duty when they have a complaint regarding park enforcement. Council- member Kuefler noted that people are sometimes fearful of reporting crime and that the neighborhood meetings held with the Police Department have helped this situation. Chief Lindsay stated that the Police Department would be happy to meet.with groups in various City'neighborhoods and emphasized the fact that neighborhood solidarity is important in maintaining effective crime control. The Chief explained that, from the Police Department standpoint, vandalism is less a problem than drinking and drugs in City parks. Commissioner Albright inquired what age group generally gives the Police Depart- ment the greatest problem in City parks. Sergeant Downer stated it is generally the driving age group up to 21 to 22 years of age. He also added that alcohol appears to be a year-round problem in parks and not just a summertime problem.. Chief Lindsay noted that banning alcohol in the parks is an essential tool to enforcing situations in City parks. Commissioner Albright questioned whether there is an increase in the use of drugs'in City parks. Chief Lindsay replied by stating that it is generally not on the increase but that alcohol and drugs appear to be tied together. Sergeant Downer explained that 1975 through 1976 appeared to be,the peak years for drug abuse and that these were the years when the "big" dealers were selling the largest quantities of drugs. Commissioner Kiefer questioned whether surrounding communities were also banning alcohol in parks. Chief Lindsay stated that Brooklyn Park is still open, and he emphasized the importance that all cities ban alcohol in the parks if it is to be effective in any single city. The Chief emphasized to the Commission that the Police Department will be happy to cooperate with the Commission on any problem that it feels could be helped by the involvement of,the Police Department. Commissioner Albright stated that she wished more groups in the City were aware that the Police Department is as cooperative as it is with City residents. Commissioner Streitz questioned Chief Lindsay on the problems the Police Depart- ment faces in Lions Park. Sergeant Downer noted that the department does have some problems in Lions Park and that they have issued citations for drinking and for the operation of four-wheel drive vehicles in the park. 11-20-79 -2- Chairman Johnson took the opportunity to thank Chief Lindsay and Sergeant Downer on behalf of the Park and Recreation Commission for their contribution to this evening's meeting. Commissioner Kiefer questioned whether the City's park plan can aid law enforce- ment in such areas as lighting. Chief Lindsay responded by noting that a good deal of the lighting in City parks ends up vandalized. He stated that the greatest need for the Police Department is to have adequate access into the parks with squad cars. Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel explained that vandalism in parks is an ongoing problem and that two of the major items which are important in heading off vandalism are the design of parks and the maintenance of parks. He explained in general it is important to design for durability and visibility and that poorly maintained parks and buildings tend to invite increased vandalism. He noted that generally, nationwide figures show that 10% of a city's maintenance budget in parks is for vandalism and that some of this is actually for such things as littering or destruction due to carelessness as opposed to direct vandalism. He explained that the Park Department keeps records of the costs of explicit acts of vandalism and that in 1978 the cost of repairs for vandalism in City parks totalled $1,200 and in 1979 totalled $900. RECESS The Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 8:37 p.m. and reconvened at 8:55 p.m. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSION MEMBER TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD TO REPLACE MIKE SCHROEDER Chairman Johnson introduced the next agenda item by noting that there was a vacancy on the Community Development Advisory Board for a Commissioner from the Park and Recreation Commission to replace Mike Schroeder who has become inactive in the Community Development Advisory Board. Chairman Johnson asked the Commission members if there was anyone who wished to volunteer for the Community Development Advisory Board. Commissioner Sorenson stated that he would be willing to serve on the Community Development Advisory Board. Chairman Johnson then noted that the Park and Recreation Commission has recommended to the City Council that Com- missioner Sorenson be appointed to-the Community Development Advisory Board to replace Mike Schroeder. PARK BOND ISSUE Chairman Johnson introduced the next agenda item by noting that Councilmember Kuefler had prepared some information for the Commission this evening regarding the park bond issue. Councilmember Kuefler explained that he had obtained various promotional and informative brochures on past referendums and bond issues in the City. He explained that the City may inform residents regarding a bond issue but that it may not promote the bond issue itself. He explained that it is up to civic groups and residents to actually promote a bond issue. Councilmember Kuefler requested that Commission members suggest names of individuals and-interested persons who could serve on a steering committee to promote the bond issue. He explained that the steering committee could be made up of citizen representatives, a Park and Recreation Commission member, and also a representa- 'tive from the City Council. Commissioner Albright questioned Councilmember Kuefler regarding how many people would be necessary for the steering committee. Council- member Kuefler noted that if each Commission member could suggest the name of one resident this would be sufficient. He also noted a timetable for the bond issue which would be late March or early April. He noted he would like to see the nucleus of the steering committee formed by December of this year. He also requested Commission members to give somehought to a potential chairperson of 11-20-79 -3- this steering committee. Chairman Johnson stated that he likes the concept of the steering committee and feels that there is more strength in going to a number of civic groups and recommended Commissioner Kiefer as chairperson for the steering committee. Commissioner Kiefer stated that she feels the chairperson should be from outside the Park and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Kuefler stated that he agrees with Commissioner Kiefer and that perhaps a strong organizer within the community would give the best start to the steering committee. Commissioner Albright noted that she felt Commissioner Kiefer has the knowledge necessary to relate the issues of park development to civic groups and residents of Brooklyn Center. Commissioner Kiefer noted that she feels a strong promoter and organizer • is needed to head up the steering committee. Councilmember Kuefler stated that he agrees that a promoter is needed for the steering committee and that perhaps the Commission should designate a prime liaison to the steering committee. He stated that he would like to receive names of interested people at this point and that he has requested the City Council to generate names to him by their December 3, 1979 Council meeting. Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel explained that the slide show he is pre- paring on the City's park system is almost complete. Counclmember Kuefler sug- gested that in addition to pictorial slides some type of graph or explanatory slides be included along with the pictures of the City's park system. He sug- gested a walk through of the Park and Recreation Commission's development plan be scheduled for the next Park and Recreation commission meeting. Chairman Johnson stated that-he recommends Commissioner Kiefer as the Commission's liaison to the steering committee and also suggested the name of Lee Brogger as a potential- chairman of the steering committee. Commissioner Kiefer recommended inviting potential steering committee members to the next Park and Recreation Commission - meeting for a walk through of the development plan. In summary, Chairman Johnson emphasized to Commission members to submit names of any potential steering committee members to Councilmember Kuefler by December 4, 1979 and that they be invited to-the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Streitz and seconded by Commissioner Albright to adjourn the Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unan- imously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Chairman • 11-2©-79 -4-