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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972 12-13 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 MINT113SOTA December 13, 1972 The Park and Recreation commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Don Reichel at 7:30 P. M. Members present were Don Reichel, Henrietta Anderson, Ruth Lind, Roger Pickering, and William Anthony. Also present were staff members Gene Nagel and Doug Bryant. The minutes of the previous meeting of September 13, 1972, were approved as recorded. Minutes of the discussion of November 15 were also noted. The first item on the agenda was Chairman Reichel's report. Reichel suggested that there should be more coordination between the numerous athletic associations and the Park and Recreation Department within the City. Fle questioned if the present set-up is out of date and further suggested a loon at a complete Brooklyn Center Athletic Association. Commissioner Anderson questioned if attempts had been made to guide them before and been turned away. The Director responded that most associations want the Department to be merely caretakers with nothing to say about how the program is run. He further commented that these volunteer organizations are tremendously needed and do a good job running programs, but that guidance and coordination of effort are lacking. After further discussion a motion was made by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Lind that the staff draft a resolution aimed at creating a better liaison between the athletic associa- tions and the Park and Recreation Department. The motion carried unanimously. Next, Chairman Reichel questioned what the Commission's goals should be after budget appropriations have been delineated. Commissioner Lind stated that as long as Park and Recreation is in a financial bind, the Commission should start involving more residents in neighborhood meetings to promote volunteering, to support programs and even help to maintain parks. Further discus- sion was tabled until the next meeting. -2- Next, Reichel pointed out that as was requested at the November 15 meeting, all Commission Members and the Mayor did receive atten- dance figures of all Commissioners at Park and Recreation Commis- sion meetings. After these figures were compared to other commis- sions, the results showed that the Park and Recreation Commission had the lowest percentage of attendance. Reichel added than Com- missioners have an obligation to fulfil their Commi'ctnent and if they cannot, he recommended that they notify the Mayor so that another concerned resident can be appointee:. The second item on the agenda was a review of budget appropriations, programs, and projects for 1973. Director Hagel pointed out to Commissioners the appropriations, the projected revenues and the total allocation for each recreation program area including the Community Center. He also covered the appropriations for park maintenance and improvements. At this time Chairman Reichel requested a Community Center break- down on revenues, expenditures, and appropriations as soon as the figures are available. Next the Director reviewed the Priority Development Schedule, Part I, which was approved by the City C-ouncil on May 22, 1972. He stated that the remainder of those improvements will be under- taken in 1973. The Director called attention to new programs and projects: The acquisition of seven acres of lard north of Kylawn Park which he recommended be utilized as a combination arboretum-- nursery for the park system, The design of spillways,at River Ridge Park to eliminate the erosion problem caused by storm water drains, Design of bridges in Central Park, across Shingle Creek and providing access to the island, Updated members on the progress of site developments at Central Park, Invited per:~a_.. ~i.zerw to suggest :ideas fair development and. 116provement ::of the island. At this time Chairman Reichel requested that the City Council noti, fy the Park and Recreation Commission the date and time when the Brauer Study of Shingle Creek Trailway would be discussed. -3- Commissioner Anderson recommended that a special invitation be sent to new council members to attend the next meeting. Commissioner Lind requested that the City Council allow the Park and Recreation Commission the opportunity to review the new resolu- tion for a Park and Recreation Commission, before it is finalized. The last item on the agenda was a report from Commissioner Lind re- garding a special session for Board and Commission members at the M.R.P.A. Conference. The speakers at the session emphasized that Commissions can have and must exert influence and that there mast be a clear delineation of Park and Recreation Board authority - Boards must have responsi- bility and authority. Other continents were: Must have interest, time, make a committment and follow through. Must be broadly representative both age and cul- turally, not just geographically. Must be responsible and responsive, must have guts, must have work sessions, tours, meet with other boards, study, read selected readings. The Mayor of Anoka reported that their city has a regular five- year plan and budgets $2,000 annually for planning. In response to suggested orientation and training of new members, the Director stated that a completely new and revised Board Members Manual is being put together and will. be ready at the January meeting. The manual will contain, in part, a history, standards, suggested goals and objectives, a suggested re-classification of parks, selected readings, and other pertinent material. At this time, Chairman Rei.chel introduced the subject of Federal Revenue Snaring Funds. General interest and concern was expressed regarding the use of such funds and their possible application to parks and recreation. After discussion Commissioner Anthony intro- duced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING USE OF FEDERAL REVE10E SHARING FU1.,?S FOR PART{ AND RECREATION PURPOSES WHEREAS, parks and playgrounds in Brooklyn Center are in need of further improvements including walkways, surfacing, landscaping, lighting, and general aesthetic embellishments for the benefit and enjoyment of all segments of the public, and WHEREAS, funds for such improvements are not forthcoming from general funds or a Bond Referendum, and -4- WHEREAS, legislative action has imposed severe limita- tions on City budgets, and WHEREAS, Lack of funds can lead to deteriorat;cn of park facilities, and WHEREAS, the City of B.rcoklyn Canton: will be receiving funds from Federal Revenue Sharing, and WHEREAS, the expenditure of Federal Revenue Sharing funds for Park and Recreation purpc: es is a lawful use for such funds, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RSSOLVED that the Park and Recrea- tion Commission recommends that the City Council give serious consideration to the use of Federal Revenue Sharing funds for professional part planning and improvements. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Pickering and upon vote being taken thereon the following voted in favor thereof: Reichel, Anderson, Anthony, Lind, and Pickering, and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted„ In closing Commissioners agreed that the movie "To Touch a Child" be shown at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P. M.