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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 10-28 PRMf MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNT'Y' OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 28, 1975 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Vice-Chairman Pickering at 7:10 p.m, Roll Call Vice-Chairman Pickering, Commissioners Hendrickson, Hickman and Johnson. Also present were City Councilman Tony Kuefler, Park and Recreation Director Gene Hager Consultant Peter Jacobson and Administrative Assistant James Lacina. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Hendrickson and seconded by 10-14-75 Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes of the October 14, 1975 meeting. The motion passed unan- imously. Vice-Chairman Pickering then introduced the first item of business on the agenda, that of a con- tinued review of the park policy issues statements. Mr. Jacobson proceeded with his review. He stated the issues that would be covered on the second half of his presentation would be capital improvement planning, acquisition, development and operation and maintenancei lie commented that a major question relative to the capital improve- ment planning was how will the projects be funded, He then reviewed the alternatives available for funding of major capital improvement projects stating that a bond issue was more than likely the only alternative if a major cost was projected. He pointed out that in the preliminary stages of capital improvement planning, the process of assigning dollar values to suggested improvements should not occur. He stated that this step should take place only after priorities have been established and definite needs approved. He also stated that the funding process could possibly consider the use of state, federal and metropolitan funds and emphasized these as alternative ways. He next commented on the concept of user charges and compiling a capital improvement project based on encountering" additional operational expenses. A brief discussion ensued relative to the establishment of priorities and recommendations. Commissioner Jensen commented relative to establishing improvements according to geographical locations or establishing improvements to the entire system, as a mass improvement. Mr. Jacobson stated that he felt the Park Service Areas have been evaluated through the recent inventory as far as physical needs or wishes. He pointed out that each area should be evaluated relative to its own identity but that they should be treated equally in the establishment of major priorities or neces- sities of a park system. Mr. Hagel then stated that one of the important considerations in dis- cussing an improvement project should be the economic factor of doing it on a large scale to all parks versus small specialty jobs for each park. He also commented relative to contract work or work done in-house by City crews. Councilman Kuefler then addressed to the undeveloped areas. He stated that it was his feeling to devote attention to development on a balance basis for all Park Service Areas, keeping in mind the geographic locations and the age of the park users in that area. Mr. Jacobson then stated that there are really two alternatives when considering development in Brooklyn Center. He pointed out the major issue was the development of Central Park and that the alternatives consisted of developing Central Park first and other parks later, or developing the ether parks with embellishments and then Central Park, or a combination of these. Councilman Ku,efler,commented that he is more con- cerned with the development of Central Park and the upgrading of all the other parks, leaving off the i_indeveloped parcels, such as Twin Lake properties, Palmer sake basin and the Shingle Creek Trailway as secondary type projects. Commissioner Hi pan__stated that she was supportive _.1 of councilman Kuefler`s comments relative to the developmental order. A brief discussion then ensued relative to Central Park. Mr. Hagel stated that it was the intent of Central Park-to be a high activity area for both structured and unstructured recreation. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission Recess recessed at 8..15 p.m. and resumed at 8:30 p.m. 1Q-28-75 -2- Continued Consideration of Policy Issues Mr. Jacobson then continued with the issue of acquisition. He stated that the City of Brooklyn Center has pretty much completed its acquisition program of park land needed and unless further studies indicated otherwise, there would be no need to consider major acquisitions. He pointed out that the major concerns in this area would be to maintain the standards of quality of the existing acquired parcels. He then summarized his review by addressing to the developmental and operational maintenance issues. He stated that there were three areas of input in the development of a system, those by the private sector, the volunteer group and the City. He commented that development could occur by the efforts of any one of these stimulants alone or through a combination of them 'Working together. He next commented on the operation and maintenance issue stating the major concern in this issue was whether or not the park system was free to all users or whether a special charge should be applied to excessive users such as fDotball associations and hockey leagues. He stated that this was a major issue when considering the operation and maintenance of park land, A brief discussion then ensued relative to the operation and maintenance and the possibility of users charges or special fees for athletic asso- ciations. Mr. Jacobson concluded by stating that by the next meeting on November 18, 1975, and after discussion with members of the staff, he would present a draft of policy statements for review by the Commission. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Hickman to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Cen~er Park and Recreation Commission, meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. 0 Chairman -3- 10-29,75