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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 05-20 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 S E S 101' MAY 20, 197-7 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 7010 pom. Roll Call Chairman Zerban, Commissioners Grannes, Johnson and Harvey. Also present were Director of Park a.nj Recreation Gene Hagel, Councilman Tony Kuefler, City Manager Donald Poss and Administrative Assistant James Lacina. It was noted that Commissioner Pickering was excused. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Harvey and seconded by Commis- 4®15-75 sioner Grannes to approve the minutes of the April 15, 0 1975 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Presentation on Chairman Zerban introduced the First item of busi.® Policy ness on the agenda, a presentation on policy formula- Formulation tion by City Manager Donald Poss. The City Manager proceeded with a lengthy discussion on the process of policy formulation. He commented on the Metropolitan Council Development Guide and its Recreation and Open Space Chapter which utilized the concept of policy formulation to dictate and serve as developmental guidelines. He noted that these policy statements serve as justification for developmental decisions. He stated that policy formulation plays a major part in the implementation of a comprehensive plan. Commissioner Bogle arrived at 7®15 p.m. He further stated that he felt at this time, during the process of developing the Comprehensive Plan, the Park and Recreation Commission should consider drafting policy statements prior to making develop- mental decisions. He noted that a comprehensive plan, such as that which the Park and Recreation Commission is compiling, should be a flexible document and in that regard the policy should reflect that. He noted that policy statements should be continually scrutinized and reviewed so as to meet the test of being compatible with the operational procedures. The City Manager next reviewed various policy statements from the Metropolitan Council Guide Recreation and Open Space Chapter. He noted that in each instance the policy statements serve as criteria for making rational decisions. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to policy statements and comparative examples of policy statements which would be applicable to the park and recreation function in Brooklyn Center. Councilman Ku.efler inquired as to the starting ground for this policy formulation. The City Manager noted that it might be worthwhile for the Commissioners to review the Metropolitan Council's statements. He further commented that he did not feel the staff had adequate facilities or knowledge in the area of policy formulation to do it in house. He noted that it might comprehend the use of expertise outside help in the formulation of these policies. He further noted that a person from the outside could serve as a useful resource in formulating policy in the abstract and not being totally familiar with the current operation. Chairman Zerban inquired as to the schedule for the commencement of this procedure. The City Manager noted that he had hoped to get some information back to the Commission by their next meeting. Com- missioner Harvey commented that he felt policy formulation procedure was a good concept and one that should be undertaken prior to the decision making process. Councilman Kuefler noted that he felt the policy making procedure would serve as the basis for measuring decisions and recommendations. Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel then commented that he felt the policy formulation procedure would be a valid step in measuring decisions. Fol awing further discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Harvey and seconded by Commis- sinner Grannes to proceed with the adoption of the policy formulation procedure for the Compre- he,n.sive plan and to retain a consultant for assistance in this policy formulation. The motion passed unanimously. 5-20-75 -2- Commissioner Grannes then inquired as to the involvement of the neighborhood groups in the policy formulation. Chairman Zerban noted that he felt the Commissioners should solicit input or reaction to the initial statements of policy formulation. The City Manager commented that he felt the neighborhood groups should not be involved in the actual policy formulation and debate but should serve as a sounding board to the draft policies. Chairman Zerban thanked the City Manager for his informative review of the policy formulation proce- dure. Review of The Director of Park and Recreation then proceeded Proposals for with the next item of business on the agenda. He Shingle Creek briefly reviewed the Brauer and Associates plan for the Shingle Creek Trailway system. He noted that it would commence at Palmer Lake Basin and follow the Creek down to Brookdale. He stated that some of the initial plans have already been adhered to in the construction of the bridge on Freeway Boule- vard. He commented that under the bridge there is space for both biking and walking along the Creek. He also noted that the recently constructed Kennedy and Cohen building offered relief near the Creek f or the construction of bike or pedestrian trails as would all parcels abutting that area. Commissioner Harvey inquired as to the cast of the implementation of the entire Brauer study. Mr. Hagel noted that at this time he did not have a cost estimate. Commissioner Harvey then inquired as to the amount of money that was provided for general park development in the General Fund Budget. Mr. Hagel commented that there was not a significant amount of money available for park development at this time. He noted that Willow Lane was designated to receive tennis courts but that was probably the only extensive expenditure for park development. A brief discussion ensued relative to the park and recreation development. The secretary noted that at this time the funds were not designated for park development because of the pending Comprehensive Plan and overall development study. He did note, however, that expenditures were made for operational items. Tennis Court Commissioner Harvey commented briefly as to the Lighting Proposal tennis court proposal submitted by the Community Education Council. Councilman Kuefler noted that the study was still in question and that the 3- 5-20-75 school district had been notified of the Commis- sion's intention to defer this matter until the Comprehensive plan has been completed. Park and Recreation Director Gene Hagel then noted that the estimated costs for such lighting of six courts would be approximately $10,000. Chairman Zerban commented on the operational costs of pay lighted tennis courts. The Director of Park and Recreation noted that in most instances costs were approximately 25(~ for 15 minutes or $1.00 per hour. Commissioner Bogle left at 9:45 p.m. A brief discussion ensued relative to the tennis court proposal. It was the consensus of the Commission to invite a representative of the Community Education Council before the Commission to discuss the tennis court proposal in more detail. Councilman Kuef ler noted that he would contact a representative and invite him to submit proposals at the June meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion by Commissioner Harvey and seconded by Adjournment Commissioner Grannes to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Chairman 5-20®75 -4-