HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969 05-28 CCM Special Session with Citizens Architectural Advisory Committee I
Minutes of the Proceedings of the City
Council of the City of Brooklyn Center
In the County of Hennepin and State of
Minnesota
May 28, 1969
The City Council met in special session and was called to order by
Mayor Philip Cohen at 7 :39 P. M.
Roll Call.- Philip Cohen, John Leary, Earl Rydberg, Howard Heck and
Theodore Willard. Also present were: D. G. Poss., Gene Hagel, and B.E. Peterson.
Members of CAAC present were: Gordon Erickson, Neil Smeaton, Verlin Atkins,
Robert Jensen and Ed Theisen. Absent members of CAAC were: Robert Larson..
and Gilbert Engdahl.
This fifth special meeting of the Brooklyn Center City Council and the
Citizens Architectural Advisory Committee (CAAC) and the firm of Cerny Associates,
Inc was conducted for the purpose of reviewing the preliminary drawings and
table model of the East Side Fire Station and to review and approve final schematic
drawings of the Civic Center.
The City Manager presented the Council and CAAC with an updated record
of progress on the Capital Improvements Program. He then called upon the
representatives of Cerny Associates, Inc. to present to the Council and CAAC
the preliminary plans and model for the East Side Fire Station.. Robert Pierce,
Cerny representative, described to the Council and CAAC the floor plan layouts
of both the lower and upper level indicating the functional relationships on each
level. Councilman Willard requested Mr. Pierce to point out and explain the
difference and changes between the approved schematic drawing and the present
preliminary drawing. Mr. Pierce indicated the changes to the Council and CAAC
and then asked for questions.
CAAC member Robert Jensen asked if the occupant of the watch room
would be able to see out onto the corner of 65th & Dupont Avenues. Cerny
representatives responded that with the exception of the west bound traffic there
would be adequate visibility,
Councilman Willard commented that it appeared that there was more than
30% excess space in the apparatus room. The City Manager said that the extra
space would be used for mechanical repairs and extra equipment which the Fire
Department personnel foresee in the future.
Cerny representatives next presented to the Council and CAAC exterior
elevations and the model of the East Side Fire Station pointing out that basically
It is a two story building with a brick exterior and a limited amount of glass area.
At this time Mayor Cohen asked Cerny Associates to pay particular design
note to the slot windows which he found somewhat unattractive. Councilman
Heck concurred with Mayor Cohen's request. The City Manager responded to the
Council and CAAC stating that Mayor Cohen's and Howard Heck's comments
would be duly noted and studied by Cerny Associates. CAAC member Gordon
Erickson stated his concurrence with the slot windows and the general design
and complimented Cerny Associates for an overall commendable job.
Motion by Howard Heck and seconded by Theodore Willard to approve
the preliminary drawings of the East Side Fire Station. Voting in favor were;
Philip Cohen, John Leary, Earl Rydberg, Howard Heck and Theodore Willard.
Voting against were: none. Motion carried unanimously,
Mayor Cohen asked Cerny Associates to comment on when bids could be
let for the East Side Fire Station. Robert Pierce of Cerny Associates suggested
that the East Side Fire Station and the Municipal Service Building be considered
as a "package" and that bids could possibly be let out during July,
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The City Manager next introduced the subject of the Civic Center
schematic drawings, stating that several modifications had been developed,
analyzed,- and discarded since the last Civic Center schematic review on
April 10, 1969. He stated that the current drawings represented a studied
refinement of the initial concept. Representatives of Cerny Associates explained
the site plan layout of the Civic Center in relation to Palmer Lake Park,
Shingle Creek greenstrip and Central Park. The City Manager pointed out that
City Hall parking would be recessed and would not be directly within the vista
from Shingle Creek Parkway. Following this there was an extensive discussion
among Council and CAAC relating to drainage, and the relocation of Shingle Creek.
Concern was expressed by Robert Jensen regarding the single access point to the
Civic Center and its ability to handle the possible traffic generation. The
City Manager stated that the matter would be studied.
Cerny Associates next presented the schematic of the upper level of City
Hall explaining the functional relationship among the Council Chambers and
Administrative Offices. Cerny Associates next explained the functional
relationships of the lower level police offices. The City Manager explained
to the Council and CAAC how the police would process (book) a prisoner and
the various rooms used in this process.
Councilman Heck explored the matter of how handicapped individuals
would be able to enter the police station and it was determined that there
were sufficient lower level entrances to provide access for the handicapped.
The meeting recessed at 9 :00 P. M. and resumed at 9 :18 P.M.
At this time Cerny representatives explained the upper level of the
social hall and swimming pool to the Council and CAAC pointing out the layout
of the teenage lounge and the glass wall space allotted for viewing the swimming
pool. Discussion ensued among members of the Council and CAAC with no
major reservations stated as to the layout of the upper level of the Community
Civic Center.
Representatives of Cerny Associates next explained the layout of the lower
level of the Community Center (Social Hall) explaining that the exercise room which
was heretofore on the upper level was brought to the lower floor, in addition,
provision had been provided for a spectator area in the pool room overlooking
a wading pool and the swimming pool.
Councilman Heck asked if the provisions for spectator arrangement on the
same level as the swimming pool meets the State requirements. Robert Pierce
responded that at this time the technical requirements relating to the swimming
pool and seating of spectators appeared to meet State requirements. However,
modifications would be made if present requirements do not meet the State Law.
CAAC member Gordon Erickson asked if Cerny Associates had considered
how to handle the reflection of the sun on the swimming pool. Park and Recreation
Director Eugene Hagel commented that it is important that the sun's reflection
be diffused in order to prevent blind spots when observing the activity in the
pool. Robert Pierce agreed to give more study to the sun's angle on the pool
Pierce next explained to the Council and CAAC the lower level of the social
hall, pointing out the amount of patio space that would be wrapped around the
entire community center. At this time (9 :37 P. M.) Mayor Cohen left the Chair
and Mayor Pro-tem Howard Heck assumed the Chair. Mayor Pro -tem Heck
asked where the placement of the kitchen would be in the social hall. Cerny
representatives pointed out that the kitchen would be tucked under the stairway
used to get to the upper level of the building.
Discussion ensued among Council, CAAC and Cerny Associates as to
the layout and multiple use of the social hall. CAAC member Ed Theisen
questioned the usefulness of a stage in the social hall, whether or not it
was needed.
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Brief discussion followed over whether or not there should be room for a
projection booth. It was the consensus of the Council and CAAC that a
separate room for a projection booth would not be needed. The Park Director
and City Manager responded that once the stage facilities had been constructed
that they definitely would be used.
CAAC member Neil Smeaton questioned the utility of a sauna and he
stated that some of his contacts thought it was ostentatious. The City Manager
responded to Smeaton's remarks stating that the sauna is primarily for adults,
and that the cost of installing the sauna is comparatively small. mayor
Pro-tem Heck asked how many people could be seated in a sauna and was
answered that 15 people could be accomodated at one time.
At this time Councilman Willard asked that the Council and CAAC to
consider use of the social hall for roller skating. Cerny representative responded
that although the size of the social hall seemed to mitigate against, no real
research had been done on using the social hall for roller skating. CAAC
member Gordon Erickson commented adversely to the concept of roller skating
In the social hall. The City Manager commented that Wiliard`s concern
will be studied. At this time (10 :07 P. M.) Mayor Cohen returned to the
meeting.
Motion by Theodore Willard and seconded by Earl Rydberg to approve
the schematic drawings for the Civic Center. Voting in favor were: Philip Cohen,
John Leary, Earl Rydberg, Howare Heck and Theodore Willard. Voting against
were: none. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Philip Cohen and seconded by John Leary to adjourn the
meeting. Voting in favor were: Philip Cohen, john Leary, Earl Rydberg,
Howard Heck and Theodore Willard. Voting against were: none. Motion
carried unanimously. The Council meeting adjourned at 10 :08 P. M.
Cl k Mayor
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