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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 06-21 PRM - Joint Session with Housing CommissionMINUTES 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 JOINT SESSION WITH HOUSING COMMISSION JUNE 21, 2011 COUNCIL/COMMISSION ROOM, BROOKLYN CENTER CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The joint session of the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission and Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairpersons Lawrence-Anderson and Sorenson at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Housing Commission Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Commissioners Kathie Amdahl, Chereen Norstrud, and Judy Thorbus Also present were Council Member Dan Ryan and Staff Liaison Tom Bublitz. Council Liaison Carol Kleven was absent from the meeting due to another commitment and Commissioners Tracy Groves and Ephraim Olani were also absent from the meeting. Also in attendance were Park and Recreation Commission members including Chair Bud Sorenson, Commissioners Gail Ebert, Muriel Lee, John Russell, Thomas Shinnick and Dan Starling. Commissioner Roger Peterson was excused. Also in attendance was Park and Recreation Commission Staff Liaison Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Housing Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Housing Commissioner Norstrud to approve the Housing Commission agenda as submitted. The motion passed. MEET WITH PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY GARDENS Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson welcomed the Park and Recreation Commission and opened the discussion on Community Gardens noting that she believed location is the key element in making a successful Community Garden. She pointed out that the schools are perhaps not the best choice due to a number of reasons and that with 500 acres of City parks there appears to be room for a pilot program for Community Gardens. Park and Recreation Commission Chair Bud Sorenson inquired about the target date and Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson responded that it would be Spring of 2012. Mr. Sorenson stated he believed Park and Recreation Commission could provide information on potential sites especially as they relate to the availability of water and other services necessary for the creation of a successful Community Garden. Commissioner Norstrud pointed out that there would be other requirements including portable toilets, garbage collection, soil testing for the initial plots, etc. Commission members discussed the Brooklyn Park program including their rules set up to administer the program and the first year costs for setting up a Community Garden. They also discussed a potential Community Garden at the EDA owned property along Brooklyn Boulevard st at 61 Avenue North. The general consensus was that traffic safety would be a concern at this site. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson inquired if the Park and Recreation Commission could suggest any locations. Mr. Sorenson replied that Northport, Evergreen and Happy Hollow would be potential locations for a Community Garden. Commission members then discussed the number of plots that would be included in an initial Community Garden location. Between 20 and 30 plots appeared to be a reasonable number for an initial Community Garden. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson also noted that it would be good to have a couple of locations in the City for better access for residents, the thought being that two locations would be the best alternative to start the program next year. Mr. Sorenson also pointed out that Bellvue Park may also be a possible location but that parking may be a problem at this park. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson noted that the Housing Commission would also like to look at a rd site currently being used by Brooklyn Park and Crystal located at 63 and Douglas Drive North. Park and Recreation Commission Staff Liaison Jim Glasoe also added East and West Palmer Lake Parks as potential locations and stated that he believes the Park and Recreation Commission could recommend between three to five parks for potential Community Gardens. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson concluded that there is no absolute number for the first year but that two parks would be the best option for access of residents. Councilmember Ryan stated that he appreciated both the Housing Commission and Park and Recreation Commission taking the time to review this issue and that he believed the Commissions will do a great job in sighting a workable location for Community Gardens. The joint session was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.