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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 01-18 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 JANUARY 18, 2011 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. i ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Lee, Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Starling were present. Also present was City Council liaison Dan Ryan, Brittany McFadden and Emily Anderson from the Tobacco Free Youth Recreation Program, Brooklyn Center High School students Stacy Osagiede and Jocelyn Kocidou, resident Allan Hancock and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Sorenson asked if the Tobacco Free Youth Recreation item and the 2011 Earth Fest presentation could be moved up on the agenda, as we had guests at the meeting for each item. By consensus, the agenda was approved as amended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — November 16, 2010, December 14, 2010 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick, to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2010 Park & Recreation Commission meeting as presented. Commissioners Sorenson, Ebert, Lee, Russell, Shinnick and Starling voted in favor of the motion. Commissioner Peterson abstained. There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2010 Park & Recreation Commission meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. TOBACCO FREE YOUTH RECREATION CARS Director Glasoe indicated that this item was placed on the agenda as a continuation of the discussion related to a non - smoking policy for parks. Mr. Glasoe noted there were a number of people in attendance who wanted to speak to the issue. CARS Director Glasoe introduced Brittany McFadden from the Tobacco Free Youth Recreation Program. Ms. McFadden shared some letters of support and then introduced Emily Anderson, also from the Tobacco Free Youth Recreation Program. Ms. Anderson presented a letter from Keith Lester, Superintendent of the Brooklyn Center School District, supporting the smoke free initiative. Ms. Anderson also provided the Commission with a copy of the Brooklyn Center School District's smoke -free policy. Brooklyn Center High School students Stacy Osagiede and Jocelyn Kocidou, along with Brooklyn Center resident Allan Hancock also spoke in support of a no smoking in parks policy. After the presentations, Chair Sorenson asked the Commissioners about their feelings related to limiting tobacco use in the parks. I Commissioners Russell and Shinnick indicated they were in favor of no smoking in the parks, with some exceptions. Commissioners Peterson, Starling and Lee indicated support of a non- smoking policy. Commissioner Ebert indicated she favors "free choice' and would not favor restricting use. Chair Sorenson noted that he had issues with a policy that could not be enforced. CARS Director Glasoe reported that he had received examples of no smoking policies from other communities that ranged from completely banning smoking in the parks, to only banning it in certain areas. Mr. Glasoe noted that these were the "gold, silver and bronze" options discussed at the November meeting. After considerable discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Starling to direct staff to draft a policy that prohibits smoking in parks and open spaces, with exemptions identified by staff, or the Commission. Commissioners Lee, Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Starling voted in favor of the motion. Chair Sorenson and Commissioner Ebert voted against. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he would have some examples available for the February meeting. Diane Sannes and Jill Dalton arrived to the nzeeting at 7:25 2011 EARTH FEST Diane Sannes and Jill Dalton presented their plans for the 2 'd Annual Earth Fest event, scheduled for Saturday, April 16"' from 1:00 -4:00 p.m. at Brooklyn Center High School. Ms. Sannes noted that last year's event included over 60 booths, with attendance estimates of over 400 people. Ms. Sannes added participation would match up with City Council Goal #6, which relates to green initiatives. Jill Dalton reported that their group had received a $5,000 grant that will assist in bringing in more partner groups. After some discussion, Commission consensus was to add this item to the February agenda to further discuss how the Commission might be involved. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Ryan reported that he had been appointed as liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission and shared a little about his background. Councilmember Ryan reported the City Council had passed a resolution supporting the Twin Lakes Regional Trail Master Plan. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Sorenson opened nominations for Commission Chair. Commissioner Shinnick nominated Commissioner Sorenson. Commissioner Russell seconded the nomination. The motion was unanimously passed. Chair Sorenson named Tom Shinnick as Vice - Chair. HENNEPIN COUNTY YOUTH SPORTS GRANT- Update CARS Director Glasoe reported that the City had been informed that its joint application with the Brooklyn Center School District for additional gymnasium space at the High School had been approved. Mr. Glasoe noted the grant amount was for $304,000 and that planning would begin soon, with construction beginning later this year. 2011 AGENDA ITEMS CARS Director Glasoe indicated that, as always, staff would continue to identify and place on the meeting agendas, items that need to be considered by the Commission. Mr. Glasoe added that he wanted to open up the agendas for items the Commissioners would like to discuss. Chair Sorenson asked that Commissioners forward agenda items throughout the year. Commissioner Peterson indicated that he would like two parks visits planned as part of this year's parks tour planning and also noted he had an issue related to tree removal as part of the Neighborhood Street Reconstruction program. Commissioner Peterson added that he did not know if this issue was directly related to the Commission, but thought it worthy of discussion. Commissioner Peterson passed out information related to the benefits of having an urban forest. Councilmember Ryan noted the City Council had a "tree policy" and noted its intent was to preserve as many trees a possible. CARS Director Glasoe noted that, from his understating, only boulevard trees were impacted during the street reconstruction and that each tree is evaluated to determine whether it can be preserved. There was Commission conversation regarding the issue, but no consensus on placing it on a future agenda. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for February 15, 2011, 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 Russell, to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. i