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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 02-15 PRM i i i i 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 I REGULAR SESSION FEBRUARY 15, 2011 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER i CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Peterson, Russell and Shinnick were present. Commissioners Lee and Starling were absent and excused. Also present was City Council liaison Dan Ryan, Brittany McFadden and Emily Anderson from the Tobacco Free Youth Recreation Program, and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. I APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Sorenson asked if the Council Liaison Report could be moved down in the agenda to allow j Mr. Lillehaug to complete his presentation. Councilmember Ryan had no objection. i Commissioner Peterson asked that an item pertaining to reseeding of trail areas be added. By C consensus, the agenda was approved as amended. E APPROVAL OF MINUTES — January 18, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick, to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2011 Park & Recreation Commission meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. � SHINGLE CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT ;I Public Works Director Steve Lillehaug provided the Commission with an overview of the upcoming Shingle Creels Restoration Project. Mr. Lillehaug noted the project would run the length of the creek from Interstate 694, south to Bass Lake Road. Mr. Lillehaug reviewed the need for the project and its funding sources. Mr. Lillehaug indicated the project would begin this spring and emphasized the opportunities for citizen input and involvement. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Ryan reported the City Council had approved the Shingle Creek Restoration Project as outlined by Mr. Lillehaug, noting the storm water pond on the Gateway Commons j property that will be used for irrigation. Councilmember Ryan reported the City Council had heard a request for financial assistance from the developer of the proposed Shingle Creels Crossing development. Mr. Ryan indicated the development anticipated the day lighting of Shingle Creek and other public improvements. Councilmember Ryan noted Council consideration of financial assistance was limited to these more general site improvements and that the Wal -Mart construction would not be part of the requested assistance. Councilmember Ryan reported that three citizens had attended the February 14, 2011 City Council meeting and had spoke in support of the Tobacco Free Parks at the open forum. Commissioners asked about the anticipated timeline for the Shingle Creek Crossing project. Councilmember Ryan noted there were a number of approvals that were necessary before any construction could begin Commissioners asked about the timing of the creek day lighting. Councilmember Ryan indicated he felt that particular element of the construction would happen towards the beginning of the construction process, but noted all elements of the proposed development are subject to City Council consensus. INCREASED NUMBER OF REQUESTS FOR ADULT PARK USAGE PERMITS CARS Director Glasoe reported that staff had seen a significant increase in the number of permit requests for adult use of city fields. Mr. Glasoe reiterated the current policy of providing permits j for CARS youth activities, or those programs we co- sponsor, with the adult use being on a first come, first served basis. i Mr. Glasoe continued that the current practice was working, but that staff was getting push back from the adults on not being able to schedule fields for their exclusive use. After some discussion Chair Sorenson asked that additional information be gathered and the item placed on a fall agenda for further consideration. TOBACCO FREE YOUTH RECREATION CARS Director Glasoe reported that, based upon the direction of the Commission at the January meeting, he had put together a draft policy for Commission consideration. Mr. Glasoe noted that staff had expressed of number of concerns related to how the policy would be enforced when he had asked about areas or activities that should be exempted. Chair Sorenson asked for Commissioner feedback regarding the draft policy, noting that he still had some questions about enforcement and how we could tell an adult they could not smoke outside, even if no one else was around. Commissioners Russell and Shinnick indicated they were in favor of no smoking in the parks, but mostly as it related to kids being around. Commissioners Peterson noted that "in the presence of children" was a key point. Commissioner Ebert indicated she favors "free choice' and would not favor restricting use, but could support regulating smoking when children are present. After considerable discussion, there was a consensus of the Commission that a revised policy be drafted, prohibiting smoking in areas where children are present. CARS Director Glasoe indicated that he would work with the Tobacco free Youth Recreation staff and have a revised example available for the March meeting. 2011 EARTH FEST Chair Sorenson reminded the Commission that the 2 " Annual Earth Fest event was scheduled for Saturday, April 16 from 1:00 -4:00 p.m. at Brooklyn Center High School. Chair Sorenson asked if there was a role the Commission could play. CARS Director Glasoe indicated the Public Works Department was planning to have a couple of tables with a variety of information for residents. Mr. Glasoe continued the Commission could assist with "manning" a table with information regarding the Brooklyn Center parks and trails, including the new Three Rivers Regional Trail. Chair Sorenson asked if Commissioners might be available to assist at the event. After some discussion, Chair Sorenson asked that a "sign up" item be placed on the March agenda. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for March 15, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in Community Room #221 of the Brooklyn Center Community Center. i Chair noted that he would not be in attendance at the March meeting, as he would be out of town. I MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Shmmck made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. C' f