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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 03-18 CCM Joint Session with Park and Recreation Commission MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA MARCH 18, 1997 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Peterson, Theis, and Shinnick were present. Commissioners Mead and Russell were excused. Also, in attendance were City Councilmembers Kay Lasman and Robert Peppe, City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, and Acting Recreation Director Jim Glasoe. Mayor Kragness entered the meeting at 6:42 p.m. Councilmember Carmody entered the meeting at 6:48 p.m. Councilmember Hilstrom entered the meeting at 6:54 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTE - FEBRUARY 1$ 1997 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Mead to approve the February 18, 1997, minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The motion passed. Mayor Kragness joined the meeting at 6:42 p.m. PARKS City Manager McCauley introduced a set of questions for the City Council and Commission to consider in preparation for the development of 5- and 20 -year plans for parks and recreation programming. He indicated that a specific long -range plan needed to be developed for capital expenses related to the parks. He asked the Commission and Council to consider the concept of major and minor parks J p ks m the system.. Councilmember Carmody joined the meeting at 6:48 p.m. Public Services Director Spector showed a map of the existing parks and their facilities. She then discussed the possibility of developing four or five "destination parks." These parks might have lighted pleasure and hockey rinks with warming houses; larger playgrounds; groomed ball fields; 3/18/97 _1_ staffed summer programming; tennis and basketball courts; biffs and other more capital and maintenance intensive activities. The remaining neighborhood parks might have smaller playgrounds; basketball courts; picnic shelters and perhaps a ball field for pickup games. Councilmember Hilstrom jointed the meeting at 6:54 p.m. Councilmember Hilstrom wanted all parks to still be useable by the neighborhoods, with appropriate facilities including trails and benches by playground equipment. City Manager McCauley urged the Commission to develop an inventory of existing facilities and prioritize needed replacements on the basis of creating destination parks. After some discussion there was consensus that consideration should be given to establishing major parks and refocusing capital expenditures and programming efforts. An inventory will be developed and replacements prioritized. COMMUNITY CENTER Public Services Director Spector asked Commissioners and Councilmembers to indicate what they believed the focus of the Community Center should be. She referred specifically to items such as handicapped accessibility, the wading pool, and the need for family locker room space. Councilmember Hilstrom asked if attendance figures were available for the wading pool. Acting Recreation Director Glasoe indicated that there was no specific attendance figures for the wading pool, but that by combining registration figures with general attendance, an estimate could be established. Commissioner Ebert believed the wading pool is an important amenity and should be relocated or renovated. Councilmember Carmody asked about the possibility of dedicated space for a senior citizen center. Commissioner Sorenson indicated the Commission had discussed the possibility but recommended all spaces should be non - dedicated and able to accommodate multiple uses. He stated that although a dedicated Senior Center was not recommended, if a space can be designated during the daytime hours, it may be worthwhile. After discussion, the consensus opinion appeared to be that the Community Center should be positioned to provide opportunities for all age groups, with a focus on youth and families. COMMISSION /COUNCIL, RELATIONSHIP Public Services Director Spector asked Commissioners and Councilmembers if the current working relationship was meeting each aroup's expectations. 3/18/97 -2- Chair Sorenson indicated that he would like to see the Council Liaison to the Commission reporting on the Commission's activities at the City Council meetings. Mayor Kragness indicated this item was on the agenda for an upcoming Council work session. Both groups indicated this type of "face to face" meeting was the most productive. Councilmember Lasman expressed a desire to have the City Council invited to join the Parks and Recreation Commission on its annual tour of parks. Acting Recreation Director Glasoe will put the tour item on an upcoming Commission agenda. TWIN LAKE PARK Councilmember Carmody asked for Commission's feelings regarding Twin Lake Park. She expressed concern regarding the City's liability exposure because of swimming at the park. She asked if the Commission might consider selling the property. Public Services Director Spector indicated she was not certain how saleable the land was, as a large portion was within the current flood plain. Also, because the issue of how the City acquired the property is unclear, City Manager McCauley will investigate if the City can legally sell the property. Councilmember Lasman indicated that for some time she has considered Twin Lake Park a "diamond in the rough" and would like to see it developed into a swimming beach. Commissioners indicated a desire to keep all current park land. After additional discussion, it was decided the Commission will discuss the issue once ownership issues are clarified. SET MEETING DATE The next meeting was set for April 15, 1997, at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room A of City Hall. . MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. The motion passed. City Clerk Mayo 3/18/97 -3-