HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 07-12 CCM Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
WORK SESSION
JULY 12, 2010
CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work
Session called to order by Mayor/President Tim Willson at 7:19 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor /President Tim Willson and Councilmembers /Commissioners Kay Lasman, Tim Roche,
Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Interim Chief of
Police Kevin Benner; Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of
Business and Development Gary Eitel, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
FIREHOUSE PARK BASKETBALL COURT UPDATE
City Manager Curt Boganey explained that staff moved forward with the Council's direction and
installed a single basketball hoop at Firehouse Park. He noted this matter had been extensively
reviewed by the Council a year ago, and nothing has changed from that point of view. Mr.
Boganey advised that within 20 minutes of installing the basketball hoop, a flurry of neighbor
complaints were received but the number of calls have since greatly decreased because there
have been no incidents. He stated there has been an increase in litter, which has been addressed
with staff.
Interim Police Chief Benner reported their patrol time has increased from 5% of staff time to
12.5% staff time. He referenced the summary report of officer's findings when visiting the park
to meet with people and identify where they are from. He clarified that while calls were received
about adult males playing on the basketball court, investigation found that was not the case.
Interim Chief Benner advised of two incidents of after -hour park use.
Councilmember Yelich indicated he had requested residents to contact him if they noticed
problems, but he has received no comments. He had stopped by the park and found no one was
using the basketball hoop. Councilmember Yelich supported continued monitoring for the time
being.
Councilmember Roche indicated the first couple of nights he observed a fair amount of traffic
and activity but since then it has greatly dropped. He stated he remains concerned about the litter
problem and thinks that at some point the basketball court should be moved to the fire house.
Councilmember Roche took exception to comments in the Park and Recreation Commission
minutes regarding the half -size basketball court versus a full -sized court and indicated he would
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and Recreation
support the appointment of residents from this neighborhood to the Park pp g
Commission.
Councilmember Ryan thanked the Police Department for its report and foresight in shifting
resources to what had been a problem area. He asked the Department to carefully document all
calls so the Council can determine what should happen in the future. Councilmember Ryan
noted he had reservations about a basketball use at this park and, when resources are available,
would like it moved to a different location in the park that is better suited and farther from
residential homes. He suggested the Council be prepared to reverse its decision for a half -court
if excessive problems return that impact neighboring residents and consume too many police
resources.
Councilmember Lasman stated she supports a "wait and see" approach. She asked for an update
on Central Park and use of the park patrol. Interim Chief Benner advised that while there had
been issues on the Central Park trails last year, that is no longer the case.
Mayor Willson indicated support for continued monitoring of Firehouse Park and noted that
parks are available for people to enjoy, even a half-sized basketball court. However, at some
point, he would like to reassess having a full -sized court.
Councilmember Yelich clarified that the Park and Recreation Commission are advocates for
recreational facilities and support other approaches to deal with behavior issues such as police
monitoring or relocating the court. The Commission would prefer to see a full -sized basketball
court but he had explained to them that this is a deliberate measured approach by the Council.
The majority consensus of the City Council was to continue monitoring Firehouse Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember /Commissioner Ryan
seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at
7:38 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
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STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER)
The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn
Center, Minnesota, certifies:
1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Work
Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on July 12, 2010.
2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at
Brooklyn Center City Hall.
3. That the City ouncil adopted said minutes at its Jul 26 2010 Regular Session.
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City Clerk Mayor
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