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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 05-15 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF iuL uj-ii OF BKUOKLYN CENThX IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION MAY 15, 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 7:33 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Hickman, Kiefer, Albright, and Streitz. Also present were Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel, Superintendent of Recreation Arnie Mavis, Program Directors Sue LaCrosse and Kathy Flesher and Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman. Chairman Johsnon took the opportunity to introduce two new Commissioners to the Commission and staff. They were Jacqueline Albright and Mike Streitz. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 3-20-79 Chairman Johnson requested that the approval of the minutes be postponed until the June Park and Recreation Commission meeting. STAFF REPORTS Chairman Johnson introduced the next agenda item by noting that the Commission at the March Park and Recreation Commission meeting had requested the staff to provide the Commission with a background on the various programs offered through the Park and Recreation Department and to introduce the Commission to various staff members. Director Hagel took the opportunity to introduce his staff to the Commission and i briefly review the programs being offered through the Recreation Department. Arnie Mavis, the Superintendent of Recreation, noted that he was in charge of all the recreation programs. He noted that he specifically worked with swimming, adult athletics and with the development of the recreation budget. He described a variety of programs and noted that a new softball program for girls 13 through 16 years of age was being added to the program. He also indicated that we have some soccer and he anticipates that a men's soccer league will be created. Following Arnie Mavis' - -comments;- a--brief-discussion ensued relative to how programs are chosen and imple-_. mented. It was noted that most programs are intiated through requests from the general public. Chairman Johnson inquired as to which programs brought in the most revenues. Arnie Mavis replied that women's exercise programs bring in the most money. He also indicated that currently 66% of the members of the Community Center are nonresidents of Brooklyn Center. Commissioner Kiefer inquired as to why-non- residents play softball in Brooklyn Center. Arnie Mavis answered that Brooklyn Center was one of the few communities that allowed nonresidents to play. He stated that allowing nonresidents to play facilitates groups such as churches, work groups and clubs as well as old high school friends to play softball together. He added that it has not restricted residents in Brooklyn Center from playing softball. Director Hagel then introduced Kathy Flesher. Kathy Flesher indicated that she is a program director and has been with the City for ten years. She indicated her chief responsibilities are to set up programs and special events. She also added that it is the philosophy of the department to emphasize quality in programs. She reviewed the many programs that she, as director, is responsible for including the direction of the Community Center, setting up gallery shows and working with senior citizens groups. 5-15-79 -1- Director Hagel then introduced Sue LaCrosse who is also a program director. Sue LaCrosse indicated that her job is similar to Kathy Flesher's only that she works with different programs. She indicated that she works with boys and girls gymnas- tics, a teen night, "almost anything goes", Early Bird and skiing. Following the comments from the staff, Commissioner Hickman inquired as to the origin of the Early Bird. Director Hagel indicated that approximately ten years ago, the Early Bird started as just a women's softball tournament. From the origi- nal women's softball tournament, it has grown to its present status. He noted that the Chamber of Commerce and other civic groups have become actively involved in the organization and development of the Early Bird. RECESS The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 8:32 p.m. and- reconvened at 8:47 p.m. - DISCUSSION OF-STAFF RECOMMENDED PARK FINANCE PLAN Chairman Johnson again requested that this item be layed over until the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting. He indicated that he wanted the new Commissioners to be given a chance to catch up with the recommendations being made by the staff and the actions that have been taken by the Commission in the past. Director Hagel briefly updated the Commission on new price figures for the staff's recommendation. He indicated that the rate of inflation was causing many problems with making price projections for the park plan. COMMISSION REVIEW OF CITY PARKS A brief discussion ensued relative to the Park Commissioners touring each of the- City's parks. Following that discussion, Chairman Johnson requested that Director Hagel set up a tour for the parks prior to the next Park and Recreation meeting. It was agreed that the tour would take place on June 12. Chairman Johnson requested that the Commissioners that have been with the Commission for some time give an orientation for each of the parks within their area. Director Hagel was requested to do the orientation for the parks being represented by the new Commissioners. Fol- lowing a brief discussion, it was agreed that the tour would leave the Community Center by 6:00 p.m. on the 12th of June. It was also requested that a notice be sent to the Commissioners prior to that tour. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Kiefer indicated that the slide had been broken at Kylawn Park. She also added that the Carden City group which was concerned with the development of Brooklane Park had had a successful fund raiser. She indicated that the Jaycees had volunteered to provide manpower to be available for projects at Brooklane Park. A brief discussion ensued relative to the Commissioners reaction to Kaleidoscope. It had been the experience of the Commissioners that most people inquired as to when the City would start building Central Park and the rest of the park system. They noted that they had seen the display now for several years and felt that it was time to start construction. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Hickman and seconded by Commissioner Albright to adjourn the Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m. Chairman 5-15-79 -2-