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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 12-19 PRM~ r MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROO LIW CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGUTAR SESSION DECEMBER 19, 1978 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Commissioner Bogle at 7:38 p.m. POLL CALL Commissioners Bogle, Hickman, Schroeder, Kiefer and Vela sco. Also present were Councflraember Tony Kuefler, Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagle, Landscape Architect Judy Johnson and Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman. Commissioner Bogle noted that Chairman Johnson and Commissioner Skomra had previously indicated they would not be able to attend this evening's meeting and were excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 10-24-78 and 11-8-78 Motion by Commissioner Hickman and seconded by Commissioner Velasco to approve the minutes of the October 24, 1978 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Hickman and seconded by Commissioner Velasco to approve the miunutes of the November 8, 1973 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. STAFF REPORT Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman indicated that since the Park and Recreation Commission had made its presentation to the City Council, the staff has not been able to complete the development of a financing plan. He indicated that he hoped to give 'them more information and a perspective of a timetable for a financing recom- mendation to the Council from staff at the January meeting. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Commissioner Schroeder reported to the Commission relative to the Community Development Committee's recommendations. He reviewed the step by step process used by the Committee to arrive at their recommendations and the various projects that were considered. He reported that it has been recommended that the City, on a one time basis, use Community Development money to match the I-AWCON grant currently being sought by the City for Central Park, He also indicated that certain handicapped projects were recommended over the three year plan of community develop- ment as they related to the parks. He rioted that those improvements included the paving of parking lots, walkways and the modification of the playground equipment and buildings to accommodate handicapped individuals. Councilmember Kuefler then added that the City Council was waiting for further information relative to a number of housing plans. 12-I9-78 -1- K PALMER LAZE DEVELOPMENT PLAN Commissioner Bogle introduced the next agenda item, that being a staff presen- tation of the Palmer Lake development plan. Briefly, DiL-ector Hagel reviewed the background of Palmer Lake noting that the previous Brauer Plan had called for the development of Palmer Lake as a nature center similar to that of the Woodiake area in Richfield.- He noted that there were approximately 78 other nature centers in the metropolitan area at this time and that- had the plan been developed, it would have cost the City approximately a million dollars to construct. He'noted that what the staff was proposing was to retain the natural character of the land and provide a few hiking trails and observation points to observe the park area. Landscape Architect Judy Johnson then reviewed the plans for the Palmer Lake area. She noted it was a natural area with much wildlife and one of the few tamarack stands in the metropolitan area. She reviewed the trail system noting that -it was designed to provide for as many different kinds of people as possible. She noted there would be facilities to handle the handicapped in wheelchairs and the blind. She also noted that there would be educational features in the park system and that an amphitheater was provided for a classroom setting. Commissioner Hickman inquired as to the type of surfacing material and location of the bike trails and their connection with East and West Palmer. Director Hagel indicated that there would be a variety of trails;, some would be crushed limestone, some would be asphalt and some would be woodchip. He then briefly reviewed the connection between East and West Palmer and how that connection fit into the overall plan development. Landscape Architect Judy Johnson noted the plan called for a building on the property and briefly described the building. Director Hagel indicated that there are no immediate plans to provide staff for the building. Zollow'Lng.the :presentation, Commissioner Velasco indicated that-he approved of, the concept. Commissioner Schroeder indicated that he had talks with many of the neighbors in that.area and all of them had indicated that they prefer that the park not be developed. GREAT RIVER ROAD TRAIL Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel reviewed the history of the Great River Road noting that it went back to 1938. He then reviewed the alternative plans being considered for the Great River Road.. He then indicated it was the-staff recommendation that the proposal as it stands now is to come down through Palmer Lake to 69th-and proceed east to 169 and then south to the m, inneapolis and Camden area. He added that some monies would be available for overlooks, parking lots. and so forth which should- be of interest in the development of the Palmer Lake area, A,brief discussion then ensued and Commissioner Hickman inquired if the trail would be on the east or west side of 169. Director Hagel indicated that it would be on the west side as of now. Commissioner Hickman then inquired if the bike path would be on the road right-of-way or would there be purchases involved. Director Hagel indicated that the road right-of-way would be used. Councilmemiber Kuefler added that construction of the 69th Avenue strip would be started this-next year. CRITICAL RIVERS ACT Director Hagel then reviewed the Critical Rivers Act. 0 He reviewed the goals of 12-19--78 -2- the plan. He expressed some concern that the plan seemed to propose a blacktop and curb entrance to River Ridge. He felt it would be more. proper to have a slightly less developed park to help retain the natural character of the area A brief discussion then ensued and Director Hagei reminded the Commissioners that there would be a public hearing held Thursday, December 21. i RECESS The Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 8:50 p.m. and reconvened at 9:00 p.m. FUTURE GOALS AND OBTECTIVES Councilmember Kuefler introduced the next agenda item noting that the Commissioners had, just finished a major project and. that it was time to start reviewing their goals and objectives for the future. He recommended that each of the Commissioners review the resolution that formed the Park and Recreation Commission and note the eleven items that the Commission was charged to look at or work: with. He indicated that the Commission should consider these items over the next-month and be pre- pared to discuss future projects at that meeting. OTHER BUSINESS Director Hagel requested that any of the Commissioners being made aware of any problems with the skating rink attendents contact him immediately. He added that skating rink attendents had very little supervision and if he is not informed of problems immediately it is hard to take action. ADTOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Hickman and seconded by Commissioner Kiefer to adjourn the mceti y. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m. Chairman 12-19-78 -3-