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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 06-24 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 JUNE 24, 1975 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Zerban at 7:05 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Zerban, Commissioners Pickering, Johnson and Grannes. Also present were Director of Park and Recreation Gene Hagel, City Councilman Tony Ku.efler, Mr. Robert Spies representing the Brooklyn Center Community Education Council and Administra- tive Assistant Jam s Lacina. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Com- 5-20-75 missioner Grannes to approve the minutes of the May 20, 1975 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Tennis Court Chairman Zerban introduced the first item of busi- • Lighting Report ness on the agenda, that of a tennis court lighting study undertaken by the Brooklyn Center School District Community Education Council. He intro- duced Mr. Robert Spies who was representing the Brooklyn Center Community Education Council. Mr. Spies proceeded with an indepth review of the cooperation that Brooklyn Center School District and the City of Brooklyn Center have enjoyed over recent years regarding school and City programs and facilities. Commissioner Harvey arrived at 7:10 p.m. He then noted that the Community Education Council was presenting a program for tennis court lighting of the eight tennis courts located at Brooklyn Center High School. He noted that a joint approach with the City and the School District on this matter would reduce the cost for both of the parties con- cerned. Commissioner Bogle arrived at 7:15 p.m. He next reviewed the existing use of the tennis courts noting that the City was presently program- ming recreational programs on these courts and in fact used them quite extensively. He reviewed a study which depicted the use, numbers of and cost of operation for tennis courts in other suburban cities. He noted that the cost for lighting these tennis courts would be approximately $14,500 plus $250 each for the four meters required to operate the lights. He noted that the standard charge for lights was 25~- for 15 minutes. An-extensive discussion ensued relative to the tennis court proposal. The secretary inquired as to the maintenance of the courts. Mr. Spies responded by noting that he felt the School District would continue to maintain the courts as it has been doing in regular fashion. Chairman Zerban inquired as to the City's share of the total. projected cost, Mr. Spies responded by noting that he thought the cost, would be split 50 - 50 to the City and the School District. He further noted that he felt this additional service could be provided for little cost to both participants and that he felt it was a service that was needed in the community. Additional discussion pursued relative to the possi- bility of benches for spectators and wind screening, Mr. Spies noted that these two items were also con- sidered in the ultimate proposal. Chairman Zerban then acknowledged acceptance of the tennis court. lighting proposal. He thanked Mr. Spies for his presentation and noted that this proposal would be referred to the City Manager and staff for review, The Park and Recreation Commission recessed at 7.-45 p.m. and resumed at 8-.05 p.m., Chairman Zerban noted that the tennis court proposal would be treated in a similar manner as other athletic association proposals regarding additional facilities Commissioner Pickering noted that he felt the age group of the tennis participants was much larger than other team sports and because of its availability to the general public he noted that he felt there was merit to considering a lighting proposal, Commissioner Bogle noted that he did not feel it was comparable to -team sports and that by the wide spread use of tennis facilities, lights would be warranted at this site. Commissioner Gra.nnes noted that she felt lights could be justified for tennis since most of the other park and athletic association activities already have lighted facilities. • Recess Continued Discussion of Tennis Court Proposal 6®24®75 -2- A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the tennis court proposal. Councilman Kuefler reviewed the budget procedure noting that he did not feel the expenditure of that amount could be comprehended in the existing budget. He commented that he felt if a proposal of this nature were to be con- sidered it would have to be a capital expenditure budgeted for that purpose. Commissioner Harvey then commented that he felt the Commission should take a position on recom- mending capital items for the 1976 budget. He noted that if dollars were available, the Commis- sion should present a proposal to the City Council regarding certain expenditures for capital items in the parks The secretary briefly reviewed the philosophy of the Comprehensive Plan and the expenditures for capital items in the parks. He did note, however, that if the Commission so desired to recommend capital items, they should do it in a conceptual manner and not indicate specific expenditures for specific items. A brief discussion ensued relative to this topic. • Councilman Kuefler noted that capital expenditure items may be considered during the process of the Comprehensive Plan but that dollar amounts for them would be decided at the Council level He also noted that the Commission should approach the matter as a statement of intent if the money were available rather than outlining specific proposals to be considered. Commissioner Harvey noted his concern for the intent of capital expenditures in the parks, speeding up the Comprehensive Plan process and the recommending of specific proposals. A brief discussion ensued relative to the hiring of a consultant for the formulation of policy as recommended at the previous Commission meeting. The secretary noted that the City Manager was still in the process of reviewing this matter and selecting an appropriate consultant. Following further discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Harvey and seconded by Commis- sioner Grannes to direct the secretary to draft a resolution stating the intent and requesting consideration for allocation of capital expendi- tures for the parks for budget year 1976. The motion passed unanimously. 3® 6®24®75 W Mr. Hagel then reviewed the recreational facilities tour sponsored by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. He noted that the tour would start from Columbia Heights Field House at 1®30 p.m. on Thursday, dune 26 and that it was scheduled to stop at the Brooklyn Center Community Center at 4:10 p.m. on that day. He urged participation if at all possible by the Commission members. Mr. Hagel then proceeded with a review of the Palmer Lake facilities. He noted the Brauer Plan of 1968 which comprehended complete development of the area.. He then reviewed the changes of philosophy regarding the use of this area as a naturalist area or as an activity type park. He noted that the first concept of this area considered it as a natural area but that since that time there have been several natural areas designated and that this concept might possibly be reconsidered at this point in time. He next reviewed the costs for complete development as outlined by the Brauer plan. He noted that there were specific problems with this area and many questions that needed to be answered before the decision of development. He noted that the community park along 69th Avenue, construction of a nature center and the controlled access were a few of the considerations. He then commented that this specific area was a good example of how the entire park system and capital development must be continually reviewed to identify priorities for development. Recreational Facilities Tour Palmer :sake Review 0 Motion by Commissioner Harvey and seconded by Commis-- Adjournment sioner Bogle to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9m50 p.m. Chairman 0 6-24-75 -4-