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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 11-20 PRMMINUTES 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 NOVEMBER 17, 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, Lee, Peterson, Russell and Shinnick were present. Commissioner Starling was absent. Also present were City Council Liaison Mark Yelich and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was approved as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 20, 2009 There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick, seconded by Commissioner Russell to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2009 Park & Recreation Commission as presented. The motion was passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Yelich reported the City Council would be considering changes to rental licensing in December. Councilmember Yelich also noted the Brooklyn Center Liquor operations had been contracted Councilmember Yelich added the liquor stores set a record for single day sales as a result. Commissioner Starling arrived at 7:04 p.m. 2010-2024 CAPTIAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM- Planned Park Improvements CARS Director Glasoe presented the planned park improvements included in the draft 2010- 2024 Capital Improvements Plan. Mr. Glasoe noted one addition to the plan was the reconstruction of the trail segment on the west side of Grandview Park. Mr. Glasoe indicated that this trail segment was adjacent to the Highway 100 noise wall and had been in place prior to the land swap that created the new park. Mr. Glasoe discussed one additional change, which was the West Palmer shelter building had been slotted ahead of the Northport building replacement in the revised CIP. Mr. Glasoe noted staff made the recommendation to switch the years after an in-depth assessment of the current condition of the buildings. There was considerable discussion regarding moving the Northport Park shelter building replacement ahead of the West Palmer Park shelter replacement in the schedule. Although the respective replacements are only separated by one year, the Commission felt the use of West Palmer Park was greater than at Northport Park. After additional discussion, Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell to recommend to the City Council the planned park improvements scheduled in the draft Capital Improvements Plan. The motion passed unanimously FIREHOUSE PARK- Update CARS Director Glasoe reported that the City Council had discussed the Firehouse Park issues at their October 26 study session. Mr. Glasoe noted the City Council had reviewed the various recommendations regarding the basketball court and the park and spent considerable time discussing the issues. Mr. Glasoe continued that, after the discussions, the City Council directed staff to move forward with reorientation of the basketball court to one ½ court in the spring, with consideration of adding another half court sometime in the future, or removing the hoops depending upon results Chair Sorenson asked Councilmember Yelich why the recommendations of the Park & Recreation Commission had not been followed. Councilmember Yelich responded that the recommendations had been considered, but the Council had opted for the reorientation as it provided a tangible, visible response to area residents, but still allowed for basketball in the park. Chair Sorenson strongly noted that what was left was not basketball. Mr. Sorenson indicated that you could not cut a tennis court in half and still call it tennis. Other Commissioners added examples of how reducing court size or field size would not maintain the integrity of the activity. Councilmember Yelich responded that while he could appreciate the comparisons, the City Council felt the residents around Firehouse Park deserved a more tangible response as a result of the issues that had occurred over the summer. After additional conversation, Chair Sorenson added that he was aware of the fact that the Park & Recreation Commission was an advisory body and recommendations made to the City Council were exactly that, but he also wanted assurance that the recommendations regarding Firehouse Park had been duly considered. Councilmember Yelich assured him that they had been considered. CENTRAL PARK TRAIL CONSTRUCTION CARS Director Glasoe reported the completion of the trail reconstruction on the west side of Central Park would be delayed until spring 2010. Mr. Glasoe noted, the portion of the trail that has been removed would be replaced and then be redone next spring. Mr. Glasoe added the planned reconstruction was being done per Three Rivers Park District specifications, except for the bridge abutments. BROOKLYN CENTER SCHOOLS GRANT REQUEST CARS Director Glasoe reported the City had joined the Brooklyn Center School District in a grant request as part of the Hennepin County Youth Sports Grant. Mr. Glasoe noted these grants provided monies for recreational facilities to enhance youth sports in Hennepin County. Mr. Glasoe indicated that City staff had been working closely with the school district to propose a small addition to Brooklyn Center High School. Mr. Glasoe noted the new facility would have access to the gymnasium, weight room, and dance studio. He stated the $400,000 grant would provide the opportunity to create a fairly extensive recreational activity place for youth. Mr. nd Glasoe noted the application deadline had been November 2, and results of the grant request would not be available until mid December. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for January 19, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in Community Room #221 at the Brooklyn Center Community Center. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lee to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.