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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 08-18 PRM 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 AUGUST 18, 2009 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Peterson, Russell and Shinnick were present. Commissioners Lee and Starling were excused. Also present was City Council Liaison Mark Yelich, Don DeVeau Planning Director for Three Rivers Park District, Public Works Director Steve Lillehaug and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was approved as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 16, 2009 There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Russell to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2009 Park & Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Yelich reported that the Police Department had hosted a meeting at Firehouse Park on July 20th to discuss recent incidents in the park which led to the temporary removal of the basketball hoops. Councilmember Yelich noted that a number of the Commissioners were in attendance and staff was preparing options on how best to proceed. Councilmember Yelich noted this item would be brought back to the Park and Recreation Commission for review and recommendation. Councilmember Yelich also reported the City Council had approved a new Holiday gas station on the corner of Xerxes Avenue and Bass Lake Road. Mr. Yelich noted that construction was expected to begin this fall. TRAILWAY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT- Three Rivers Park District Public Works Director Lillehaug informed the Commissioners that the draft trailways agreement being considered tonight had been revised based upon their recommendations at the January 2009 Park & Recreation Commission meeting. Mr. Lillehaug indicated the time schedule was tight for consideration of the agreement; with Commission consideration tonight, th a public meeting regarding the agreement is set for tomorrow the 19, City Council rdth consideration on August 23 and Three Rivers Park Board consideration on August 27. Public Works Director Lillehaug provided a brief history of the Three Rivers Park District and an overview of the regional trail system. Mr. Lillehaug noted that 5.6 miles of trails in Brooklyn Center were being considered as part of the agreement. Mr. Lillehaug then reviewed the agreement, with special attention to the items identified at the January meeting, including, easement language, duration of the agreement and design rights and responsibilities. There was significant conversation related to the easement language contained in the Works Director Steve Lillehaug pointed out that all easements are typically permanent, but can be changed by vacation or amendment. Mr. Lillehaug noted the intent of the agreement was to maintain a contiguous trail segment. The Commission, per the discussion, wanted to retain some flexibility in the easement language to allow for trail realignment as it might relate to improvements to Shingle Creek, redevelopment in the Brookdale area, or park use changes. Don DeVeau, representing Three Rivers Park District, responded that the District would work with the City on any realignment as long as a contiguous trail was maintained. Upon questioning by the Commission, both Mr. Lillehaug and Mr. DeVeau indicated additional language could be added to the agreement to clarify this issue. Regarding the potential for realignment, the Commission discussed the option of moving the regional trail designation to the trail section on the west side of Shingle Creek as it moves through Central Park. Public Works Director Lillehaug noted that a portion of the trail was slated for reconstruction this year, but was only planned for an 8 foot width. Mr. Lillehaug added this width would not meet the Three Rivers Park trail standards. Mr. Lillehaug noted that, if there is a desire to change the regional trail designation, it might be wise to recommend reconstructing the westerly trail section according to current Three Rivers standards. After additional discussion, the Commission unanimously passed a motion recommending to the City Council approval of the Trailways Cooperative Agreement, with the additional language related to the easements. With the motion, the Commission wished to convey their interests now, and in the future were protected by adding the additional language. Additionally, the Commission unanimously passed a separate motion recommending the City Council consider reconstructing the trail section just west of Shingle Creek according to current Three Rivers Park District standards. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for September 15, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in Community Room #221 of the Brooklyn Center Community Center. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.