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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.04.15 PRAAGENDA Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission Tuesday, April 15, 2025 6:30 - 8pm 1. Call to Order 6:30 pm 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes- February 2025 5. Unfinished Business 6. New Business • Parks Capital Investment Plan Presentation and Discussion • Earth Day/Arbor Day Opportunities 7. Set Next Meeting Date and Agenda May 20th 8. Adjournment 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 FEBRUARY 18, 2025 CALL TO ORDER Chair Jeffrey called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm. ROLL CALL Chair Noah Jeffrey, Vice Chair Travis Bonovsky, Commissioners Gail Ebert, Joe Younglove, Jack MacMillan, Jill Dalton and Julie Bourque were present. Also present were Parks & Recreation Director Cordell Wiseman, Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Carissa Goebel. A few members of the public also attended the meeting virtually and in person. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Jeffrey moved to approve the agenda with the addition of a recycling update. Commissioner Ebert seconded the motion. The agenda was approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF JANUARY MINUTES Commissioner Younglove moved to approve the minutes with the grammar update. Chair Jeffrey seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT Since the commission is now full Chair Jeffrey wanted to discuss why members decided to join or what keeps them on the commission as a member retention strategy. Commissioner Dalton re-joined because of passion around recycling in parks and parks in Brooklyn Center. Commissioner MacMillan seconded that. Commissioner Bourque wanted to see how we can reach more families and youth and had the idea to give City Commissioners memberships to the Community Center as a form of compensation. Deputy Director Goebel mentioned the potential for some Youth on Board additions as a part of a Hennepin County program that the department has a contract for. Vice Chair Bonovsky indicated that forging relationships keep him coming back. Commissioner Ebert raises grandkids in Brooklyn Center which keeps her interested in the parks. Commissioner Younglove stated forming relationships and learning behind the scenes of community. Chair Jeffrey was attracted to the commissioner because of enjoying the parks and doing what he can to improve them. RECYCLYING UPDATE Commissioner Dalton contacted the County representative with the recycling ambassador program to see if they had badges that could be handed out to people attending parties and the parks who would be in charge of recycling for the party. The County did not have anything like that but does not have the budget to execute but did send an avery name badge system the City could print their own. She also discussed clear plastic recycling bags but the County does not have those either. Vice Chair Bonovsky asked if the name badges had to be personalized or could just be general and Commissioner Dalton indicated that they could just be general. MEETING DECORUM A discussion around how the commission would take public comment. Commissioner MacMillan indicated that on the planning commission had requested comments after each agenda item. Commissioner Ebert indicated on charter commission they gave five minutes at the beginning of each meeting. Director Wiseman indicated the Chair could control the length of discussion and participation. Commissioner Bourque asked if people online can comment and Deputy Director Goebel will check if there are any City policies prohibit but it is believed there is no issue with online comment if the Commission wishes. There was a discussion if it should be an open forum time slot or an option at each agenda item. It was decided that an allocated time block with a time limit two minutes per person that would be held at the end of each agenda item with a six minute maximum per agenda item. Motion to adopt by Commissioner Ebert and seconded by Commissioner MacMillan. WELCOMING CITY SPACES Chair Jeffrey opened discussion around the Executive Orders put out by the Federal Government that marginalize certain groups of the community. A discussion was had how to ensure people knew that the parks and City facilities are safe spaces that are inclusive to anyone. Commissioner Bonovsky gave the idea of adding a yard sign to parks that state all are welcome here. Director Wiseman discussed the ways we show the spaces are welcoming without using signs. Commissioner Bourque suggested leaning on the mission that was created by the City strategic priorities. Chair Jeffrey will attend the Cultural and Public Arts Commission to discuss a potential collaboration for a all are welcome sign for the parks. LIGHT POLLUTION DISCUSSION Chair Jeffrey discussed lights in parks and a study in the Grand Teton testing out red lights in parks as they affect bats, birds and homes. Commissioner Ebert added that lights for basketball courts and safety would need to stay on. Director Wiseman added the safety issue for parking lots. Commissioner Younglove indicated it may be better suited for National Parks and not used in high traffic areas. Deputy Director Goebel indicated that there is a light study that is in with the Park Capital Improvement Plan. Chair Jeffrey also brought up motion activated lights may be helpful as well. FUTURE MEETING The next meeting will be March 18th at 6:30pm at the Community Center. Chair Jeffrey moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Ebert seconded. The decision was unanimous.