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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 09-20 PRM11 MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 20, 1977 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chair- man Johnson aL 7:07 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Johnson, Commissioners Hickman, Bogle, Kiefer, Nyquist and Velasco. Also present were Council- man Tony Kuefler, Park and Recreation Director Gen-3 Hagel, Landscape Technician Bob Hill and Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman. Chairman Johnson stated that Commissioner Schroeder had contacted him prior to the meeting and indicated that he would be approxmiately one (1) hour late. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Velasco and seconded by Com- August 23, 1977 missioner Nyquist to approve the minutes of the August 23, 1977 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Park Grants The first agenda item was a report from the Secretary relative to preliminary LAWCON grants filed with the State by the City. The Secretary noted that most of the grant money available for the coming year had been ear- marked for specific projects as opposed to the broader development projects that the City is contemplating. The Secretary then reviewed the two (2) specific pre- liminary grants filed by the City. The first, was a LAWCON outdoor recreation grant to realign Shingle Creek in the Central Park area. The Secretary noted that the total project was estimated at $180,000 with the Federal share being 50% of that total, the State share being 25% of that total and the remaining 25% being the local match. The second preliminary grant filed was also a LAWCON trail grant application. The Secretary stated that the grant had a Federal match of 50% and a State match of 40% and the local share would be 10% The Secretary stated that while these two (2) projects were not wholly consistent with the priorities established by the Commission for placing emphasis on neighborhood parks, they were included in the 'total bonding package proposed and that the two (2)' grants amounted to approx- imately $300,000 which would have a significant impact upon our bonding request if granted -1- 9-20-77 Following a brief discussion, Councilman Kuefler noted that the grant applications were preliminary grant applications and if they were selected for funding, the project would eventually come back to the Council for a resolution of support. Chairman Johnson then introduced the next item of business, an open discussion on Brooklane Park. He noted that a group from the Brooklane Park Service Area was at the meeting to discuss their concerns. Dawn Kiefer, the Park Service Area IV Commissioner, requested that Mrs. McDonald share her concerns with the Com- mission. Mrs. McDonald replied that she and the other members of the neighborhood would like to review the proposed park plans first. Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel then proceeded to review the contingency plans-for Brooklane Park. He noted that the plans were just a conceptualization for development and had not been presented to the school board as of yet. He further stated that most of the park land belonged to the school and that any development would require their approval. He reviewed the existing facilities noting the presence of a shelter building that would have to be removed. When questioned if the shelter building would be replaced, he indicated that that question was still unresolved. Councilman Kuefler then inquired if the skating rink would be lighted to which Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel replied that the lights were already in place. Commissioner Kiefer inquired if the cost of the new shelter building had been incorporated into the cost estimates for the park. Again, Gene Hagel affirmed that such costs were included in the total cost projection for the park. Further discussion followed with an inquiry as to whether the City would be maintaining the park. Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel replied that it would be dependent upon several factors including increased use of the park by the City and any agreement, entered into between the City and the school board. A member of the neighbor- hood group that was in attendance asked if the school board would be reviewing all park development plans. It was explained that Brooklane Park was a unique case because the school owned a majority of the land in Brooklane Park and further that the school board would not be reviewing the other park plans. Commissioner Hickman then inquired as'to the status of the park should the school be closed. Councilman Kuefler replied that the Council would want legal opinidn on the matter prior to any agreement with •the school. Discussion continued with Councilman Kuefler inquiring of the group if they shad any recommendations. The group indicated that they like the concept for the park and that they would Brooklane Park Discussion 0 • • 9-20-77 -2- like to see some natural barriers placed along Brooklyn Boulevard and 65th Avenue to inhibit children from running out into the street. They also indicated that they would like to see the final plans prior to the bond- ing issue. Following a lengthy discussion, the Commission agreed that the school board should be contacted relative to the proposed park plans. Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel agreed to contact them in the near future. Chairman Johnson inquired if a favorable reaction was received from the school board it would be possible to go ahead with the project prior to bonding., Gene Hagel indicated that the park would have to wait for bonding like the other parks. Commissioner Arrival Commissioner Schroeder arrived at 7:55 p.m. A brief discussion ensued relative to the costs, of Brooklane Park. When questioned about the total dollar amount to be spent in Brooklane Park in comparison to the other parks, Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel replied that the proposal was slightly more than the average amount being proposed for the other parks. Recess The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 7:59 p.m. and resumed at 8:26 p.m. Skating Rink Review The first item of business after the recess was a brief review of the Commission's decision to close a number of skating rinks. Chairman Johnson stated that there was a need for them as a group to reaffirm their decision so that everyone would have the same understanding of the reasons involved in the closing. He- noted that this decision had been very difficult and time consuming but that it had been made. He further stated that he felt that it would be inappropriate to start second gqessing the issue now. Commissioner Schroeder added that he had tried to look at all of she options involved and that he wanted to keep them open but now that the decision had been made, he also felt that they must go with it. Com- missioner Velasco concurred with the thought that they, must stick with their decision. Commissioner Nyquist noted the request from the Twin Lake area to have the lake plowed off so that they could maintai a rink. She indicated that she would like to at least give it a try. Councilman Kuefler felt that it would be feasible to utilize a program whereby warming houses would be closed but the rinks left open and maintained by the City. Commissioner Hickman reiterated the decision had been very difficult, but that it was only for d one (1) year period and she felt that they should stay. with the Com- mission's decision. Commissioners Bogle and Kiefer -3- 9-20-77 also indicated the need to stay with the decision. Following a lengthy discussion relative to the need for not giving into pressure, Chairman Johnson stated that they have a concensus and have reaffirmed their position. Commissioner Don Bogle left at 8:50 p.m. Chairman Tohnson inquired of the Commission if there` was any o~her business to be brought before the Com- mission. Commissioner Leahnell Hickman inquired if the Commissioners should be meeting with their Service Area Committees. Chairman Johnson indicated that they should be'reviewing the bylaws and have committee reports ready for the November meeting or at least by' the December meeting at the latest. The Secretary noted that the Park and Recreation Com- mission had stated a need to meet with the Conservation Commission to review the park development plans. The Secretary further stated that the October meeting of the Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission would be a good time to make the presentation. Following a brief discussion, Chairman Johnson noted that they would have someone present at the meeting to discuss the park development plans. Commissioner Hickman moved and Commissioner Nyquist seconded a motion that the meeting be adjourned. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m. Chairman 1 0 Commissioner Leaves Other Business • Adjournment • 9-20-77 -4-