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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.04.15 PRCMMINUTES 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 APRIL 15, 2025 CALL TO ORDER Chair Jeffrey called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. ROLL CALL Chair Noah Jeffrey, Vice Chair Travis Bonovsky, Commissioners Gail Ebert, Jack MacMillan, Jill Dalton, and Julie Bourque were present. Also present were Public Works Director Liz Heyman, Public Works Planner Kory Andersen Wagner, Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Carissa Goebel and Community Center Supervisor Rachel Kenyon. A few members of the public also attended the meeting virtually and in person. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice Chair Bonovsky moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner MacMillan seconded the motion. The agenda was approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY MINUTES Commissioner Dalton moved to approve the minutes. Vice Chair Bonovsky seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. PARKS CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION Planner Andersen Wagner presented on the current draft of the Parks Capital Plan. He mentioned how the plan was developed, the timeline, and the current plans intended to be presented to Council. The plan should be a tool for budgeting, grants, capital planning, targeting gaps, and adjusting over time. Commissioner MacMillan asked would the type of lighting be addressed by the plan. Planner Andersen Wagner explained that it would be more project based as the plan is implemented. Commissioner Dalton asked about what direct next steps are after the plan is adopted and how she could get involved. Planner Andersen Wagner explained that the City is already using it for engagement and applying for grants. There will be opportunities to get involved as the projects develop and start. The plan is ever changing to adapt to the community’s needs. Commissioner Dalton brought up the possibility of a dog park. Director Heyman explained that a dog park in Northport was researched and ultimately decided against by the Council. Commissioner Ebert asked if the City was able to apply for the Hennepin County youth activities grant. Deputy Director Goebel informed the group that Parks & Recreation applied for the grant to obtain soccer goals. Commissioner Ebert asked if storm water gardens were included in the plan. Director Heyman explained that they are not, as they are not parks. Commissioner Bourque asked if trees/vegetation that are edible will be considered for the new plantings. Director Heyman explained that they are an added cost due to additional maintenance. Commissioner Ebert raised a concern of additional taxes. Planner Andersen Wagner explained that this plan is designed to be a guide for the existing budget. Commissioner Bourque asked if the word accessible could be added to the vision on page four of the plan. Staff will note that. A member of the public (on the Planning Commission) explained that the dog park came in front of the Planning Commission and they also raised the financial and maintenance concerns. Another public comment was in relation to taking care of the wetlands. Planner Andersen Wagner explained that this plan has already started to research and work on improving those conditions. Chair Jeffrey moved to approve the plan to send to Council. Commissioner Bourque seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. EARTH DAY/ARBOR DAY OPPORTUNITIES Deputy Director Goebel explained that the City staff came up with a combination event to get people involved in being out in the community and taking care of the earth in a variety of ways. Spring Into Action: Clean & Swap will incorporate park clean-ups, a community swap that can turn into donations, learn about resources, and see a live band. FUTURE MEETING The next meeting will be May 20th at 6:30pm at the Community Center. Vice Chair Bonovsky moved to adjourn the meeting. Chair Jeffrey seconded. The decision was unanimous.