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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 10-11 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 OCTOBER 11, 2011 COMMUNITY ROOM 4221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Ebert, Peterson, Russell, Shinnick and Starling were present. Commissioner Lee was absent and excused. Also present were residents Diane Sannes and Issa Mansaray and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. I APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Peterson asked that an item be added to discuss amenities at East and West Palmer Parks. Commissioner Ebert asked that an item be added to discuss dog parks. By consensus, the agenda was approved as amended. Chair Sorenson directed the additional items be added to the agenda after the Old Business items. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — September 20, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve the minutes of the September 20, 2011, Park and Recreation Commission meeting as written. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Ryan was not in attendance. HENNEPIN COUNTY YOUTH SPORTS APPLICATION CARS Director Glasoe reported that the next round of applications for the Hennepin County Youth Sports Grants were due shortly. Mr. Glasoe asked for a resolution of support for an application to convert the baseball field at Centennial Park to youth soccer fields. After some discussion, Commissioner Peterson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell recommending the City Council support the grant application for youth soccer fields in Centennial Park. 2012 -2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM- Planned Park Improvements CARS Director Glasoe reviewed the proposed 2012 -2026 Capital Improvements Plan, noting changes that had been made since last year's plan. In addition, Mr. Glasoe added the City Manager was still looking for the Commission's recommendation related to the basketball court at Firehouse Park. CARS Director Glasoe continued that a conversation with the Brooklyn Center Schools Superintendent had taken place regarding the possibility of locating the basketball court on school district property. Mr. Glasoe noted the response was the school district would consider locating the basketball court on school property, but not in the area of the current tennis courts. CARS Director Glasoe suggested that, in order to provide flexibility, the Commission could ask that funding to replace the court be placed in the CIP, without designation of the final location of the court. After additional discussion Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell recommending the City Council approve the parks portion of the 2012 -2025 Capital Improvements Plan. As part of the motion, the Commission asked that $15,000 be added to the plan in 2012 for the potential relocation of the Firehouse Park basketball court. The Commission noted that, while the option of locating the basketball court on school district property or elsewhere in Firehouse Park remains under examination, the additional allocation allows for construction once a preferred site is identified. The motion passed unanimously. COMMUNITY GARDENS CARS Director shared the completed matrix of potential park locations for the locating of community garden plots. Mr. Glasoe reported site criteria evaluated included general location, water supply, soil, site storage for material, parking, access issues, proximity to residential properties and safety. ° After much discussion and careful consideration, Commissioner Peterson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, to recommend to the Housing Commission that the combined Brooklyn Park/Crystal site at 63 Avenue and Douglas Drive, the Centennial Park West location at Nash Road and Brooklyn Drive and the Happy Hollow site at 50 and Abbott Avenue were considered by the Commission as most favorable for the development of community gardens. The Commission felt the combined Brooklyn Park/Crystal site location provided the most potential to get a community gardens program up and running quickly, as the site already contained all of the essential elements to support a successful program. . The Commission noted the Centennial Park West site included ample space for 50+ gardens and storage and felt the site lent itself well for community gardens. Conditions also noted as positive were: water supply in adjacent shelter building, no residences in close proximity, adequate parking and good site access. - In addition to the above attributes, the Commission did identify a few concerns regarding the location. These included: the current soil conditions, the fact the area is prone to minor flooding, the proximity of parking to the actual garden locations and the fact is it adjacent to Shingle Creek. Lastly the Commission noted the Happy Hollow site was also recommended. The Commission noted attributes including: water supply to park, no residences in close proximity, adequate parking and good site access. As with the Centennial West site, the Commission also noted a few concerns. These included: the current soil conditions, the fact the garden location is a distance from the parking, sun conditions, as a result of significant tree cover and the location adjacent to a commercial building. EAST & WEST PALMER PARK AMENITIES Commissioner Peterson asked if some benches might be added to the basketball court at West Palmer Park. Mr. Peterson also asked about the status of the basketball court at East Palmer Park. Chair Sorenson responded that his recollection was the court was removed as a result of continual flooding and because it was creating problems as it was hidden behind the former shelter building. After some additional discussion CARS director Glasoe offered to speak with the Public Works Streets and Parks Maintenance Supervisor regarding these items and to report back at a future meeting. After some additional discussion, Chair Sorenson asked that this item be added to the November agenda DOG PARK Commissioner Ebert expressed a desire to have the Commission discuss the need for an off - leash dog park in Brooklyn Center. Chair Sorenson responded the Commission had previously din considered the issue, and ended up not recommending such a p ark. After additional discussion, Chair Sorenson asked that CARS Director Glasoe research the past Commission discussions on the issue and share them at the November meeting. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for November 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 Starling, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32p.m. The motion passed unanimously. i