HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970 10-26 CCM Special Session Minutes of the Proceedings of the City
Council of the City of Brooklyn Center
in the County of Hennepin and State of
Minnesota
October 26, 1970
The City Council met in special session and was called to order
by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7.36 P. M.
Roll Cali; Philip Cohen, john Leary, Vernon Ausen, Howard Heck
and Theodore Willard. Staff members present were: Ronald Poss, James
Merila, Eugene Hagel, Arnie Mavis, Paul Holmlundt Tern Loucks and
B.E. Peterson. CAAC member present were: Gordon Erickson, Ed Theisen,
and Bob Jensen.
This fifteenth special meeting of the Brooklyn Center City Council
and the Citizens Architectural Advisory Committee (CAAC) was conducted for
the purpose of considering the Park and Recreation Commission °s recommendation
of October 14, 1970 regarding the allocation of remaining bond monies for Park
Capital Improvements projects.
Mayor Cohen recognized Mr. Don Reichel, Chairman of the Park
and Recreation Commission and the following, members from the Hockey
Association: Mr, Roger Wheeler, President; Harry Roberts and John Newcomb.
Mayor Cohen then called upon the City Manager to- review for the
Council the status of the covered ice shelter building proposal which was
part of the Capital Improvements program approved by the voters in the
November, 1968 bond referendum. Upon completing a summary of past
events, he reported that Cerny Associates had developed an economic
analysis which indicated a prefabricated metal building would cost
approximately $137, 000. 00, a shop fabricated custom metal building would
cost approximately $139,000.00, and a laminated wood arch and wood deck
building would cost approximately $153,000.00. In addition, enclosed toilet
facilities would add approximately $10,000.00 to each such structure. The
City Manager stated that originally $82,000.00 had been reserved for the
Park Capital Projects budget for the construction of a multi - purpose covered
ice shelter and now it was obvious that additional funds would be required
to construct the building at this time.
Mayor Cohen recognized Eugene Hagel, Park and Recreation Director,
who passed out a memo to the Mayor and Council regarding the Park and
Recreation Commission's Capital Improvement priority recommendations.
The memo was intended to clarify the Commission's recommendation that
certain funds be reserved for two tennis courts and that the remainder of
the budget funds be designated for construction of a covered ice shelter in
Palmer Lake Park, capable of conversion to an ice arena. Councilman Willard
argued that the bond referendum did not comprehend an ice arena and he
contended that an arena would be an inappropriate use in Palmer Lake Park.
A discussion ensued during which Commission Chairman Reichel
stated that the Commission had based its recommendation on a commitment
contained in a voting information brochure sponsored by certain civic groups
prior to the 1968 bond referendum; Councilman Willard contended that the
official voting information brochure issued by the City Council specifically
described the improvement as a winter skating shelter and a covered shelter
for other activities during the off season for skating. Mayor Cohen commented
to the effect that it is apparently the intent of the Commission's recommendation
to meet the commitment of the bond referendum and that any future conversion
of the proposed multi- season shelter building would be evolutionary in
nature. He suggested a feasibility study be conducted relative to the construction
of the facility. Councilman Heck and Councilman Leary offered statements in
support of conducting such a feasibility study. Councilman Ausen inquired
as to the alternative priorities considered by the Commission in lieu of the
covered ice shelter and was informed that the alternative would consist of
installing general park improvements which were also committed in the 1968
bond referendum. -1-
Nir. "! fheeler offered an opinion that those who voted in the 1968
bond referendum thought they were voting for an arena and further stated
that the Brooklyn Center Hockey Association supported the concept of
building a covered ice shelter which could subsequently be converted to
an ice arena. He also stated that the Hockey Association would actively
campaign in support cf a fail, 1971 bond referendum for the purpose of
securing the necessary money to convert the covered ice shelter to an
arena and further to reimburse the park system for those general improvements
committed in the 1968 bond referendum.
Mayor Cohen then called upon members of the Citizens Architectural
Advisory Committee for their views. Robert Jensen suggested that the
feasibility study be conducted and additional information be sought and
studied prior to making any definite commitment as to location and type of
facility to be built. Ed Theisen urged that a determination be -made initially
as to whether the facility was going to be a multi- season shelter building
or whether an ice arena was to be built. Gordon Erickson urged that an
evaluation be made and a decision arrived at as to the type of facility to
be built and that if the determination is to build an ice arena rather than a
multi- season shelter structure, then sites other than the Palmer Lake Park
area should be evaluated.
Upon conclusion of consideration discussion a motion was made
by Theodore Willard and seconded by John -Leary to direct the City Manager
to conduct a feasibility study on .the concept of constructing a phased
ice arena on a site presently owned by the City whin ^h would be consistent with
accepted land planning principles. Further, the City Manager is authorized
to retain appropriate consultants to assist in the conduct of the feasibility
study. Voting in favor were: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Vernon Aus en,
Howard Heck and Theodore Willard. Voting against were: none. Motion
carried unanimously.
Motion by Howard Heck and seconded by John Leary that the
feasibility study be referred for comment and recommendation to the Capital
Improvement Review Board, Planning Commission, Park and Recreation
Commission, and Conservation Commission. Voting in favor were: Philip Cohen,
John Leary, Vernon Ausen„ Howard Heck and Theodore Millard. Voting against
were: none. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Howard Heck and seconded by John Leary to adjourn the
meeting. Voting in favor were: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Vernon Ausen,
Howard Heck and Theodore Willard. Voting against were: none.. Motion
carried unanimously. The Council meeting adjourned at 9 :25 P.M.
Clerk Mayor
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