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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 02-21 HCP AGENDA BROOKLYN CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION February 21, 2012 7:00 p.m. Council Commission Room Brooklyn Center City Hall 1. Call to Order: 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes- January 17, 2012 5. Chairperson's Report 6. Council Liaison Report 7. Continued Discussion on Establishing a Community Garden Program: a) Happy Hollow Neighborhood Park ( 18 garden plots ) b) Willow Lane Early Childhood Center (ADA accessible garden sites) 8. Other Business a) Update on Development of Official Neighborhood Designations 9. Adjournment: 8:30 MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION JANUARY 17, 2012 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Lawrence- Anderson at 7:12 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Commissioners Kathie Amdahl, Peggy Lynn, and Judy Thorbus were present. Also present were Assistant City Manager/Director of Buildings and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning and Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel. Commissioner Chereen Norstrud was excused. Commissioners Tracy Groves and Ephraim Olani were absent from the meeting. APPROVAL OFAGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Lynn to approve the agenda as amended. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—December 20, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Lynn to approve the December 20, 2011 Housing Commission minutes as corrected. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson reminded the Commissioners of the January 24, 2012 Special Election to fill the vacant City Council position. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT The Commission was informed of the City Council appointments for 2012 and that the winner of the January 24th Special Election has been appointed to serve as the Council Liaison to the Housing Commission. DEVELOPMENT OF OFFICIAL NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGNATIONS Assistant City Manager/Director of Buildings and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning commented on the following: - the December 12, 2011 City Council consideration of establishing official neighborhood designations using commonly recognized neighborhood features, such as neighborhood park names, which would provide a unique and/or distinctive identification of the community residential neighborhoods, - the direction of the City Council to get feedback from the Housing Commission and Park 1-17-12 Page 1 & Recreation Commission, - the potential benefits of promoting neighborhood identifications (effective means of communicating information to specific geographical areas and promoting positive community images with positive neighborhood identifications, and - a map illustrating 17 neighborhood areas within the community: Bellvue, Centennial, East Palmer, Evergreen, Firehouse, Garden City, Grandview, Happy Hollow, Kylawn, Lions, Middle Twin, Orchard, Riverwood, Shingle Creek, Upper Twin, West Palmer, and Willow Lane. The Commission was also informed of the comments/recommended change by the Park Commission that that Upper Twin Lake area is commonly recognized as the Northport Neighborhood ( based on the location of the elementary school and community park). and the Middle Twin is more commonly recognized as the Twin Lakes neighborhood park.. The Commission discussed the following items: - The relationship of these neighborhood geographical areas to the Police Departments service areas, - Concerns on the labeling of neighborhoods and the potential of negative images inadvertently being established, Assistant City Manager/Director Vickie Schleuning commented on the positive aspects of using neighborhoods for effective communications, that these neighborhood areas had been used over the last three years in the Police Departments neighborhood meetings, and that the Police Department will also be commenting on these proposed geographical boundaries. The consensus of the Commission was: 1. That the proposed neighborhood boundaries should closely match the Police Departments geographic service areas to best serve as an effective communication tool. 2. That the revised map of neighborhoods, as recommended by the Park& Rec Commission and the comments of the Police Department, be placed on a future agenda for further review and formal Housing Commission recommendation. CONTINUED DISCUSSION ONA COMMUNITY GARDEN The Commission was informed that Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson and Director Eitel will be meeting with Van Cooley, Manager of Malmborg's Garden Center & Greenhouse on Friday, January 201h to discuss the concept of 18 community garden plots at Happy Hollow Park. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Lynn to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Chairperson 1-17-12 Page 2 MEMORANDUM TO: Chairperson Kris Lawrence—Anderson and Commission Members From: Gary Eitel, Director of Business &Development Date: February 17, 2012 Subject: Housing Commission Agenda Items Item# 7 Continued Discussion on Establishing a Community Garden Program: The January 20th meeting with Malmborg's Nursery was very positive and they are very interested in working with the City in establishing a community at the Happy Hollow Park and in promoting gardening opportunities throughout the community. Van Cooley, Manager at Malmborg's is investigating the opportunity of using their private well water to provide a water source for the proposed 18 garden plots, which would result in a significant savings to the initial budget. Additionally he expressed a willingness to attend this meeting to share with the Commission his experiences and expertise in gardening and contribute in the Commission's ongoing discussions on promoting of gardening opportunities in Brooklyn Center. Prior to this meeting, intend to have made contact with the adjoining residential property owner g� J g p p Y at 5042 Lilac Drive, and plan to have a report of their initial thoughts on the location of the proposed 18 garden plots. For your reference, I have included a copy of the application and community garden contract agreement that have previously been presented to the City Council in 2010/ Also, included is information received on establishing a Community Garden at the Willow Lane Early Childhood Center(former Willow Lane Elementary School—adjoining the Northwest Family Service Center. Item# 8 Other Business: Update on Development of Official Neighborhood Designations. At this time, I do not have any additional information from presentation made at the January 17th Meeting; however, I will have the map available at the meeting should the Commission have any additional questions or wish to request that additional information be gathered before it is returned for a formal recommendation by the Commission. MEMORANDUM TO: Chairperson Kris Lawrence—Anderson and Commission Members From: Gary Eitel, Director of Business & Development Date: February 17, 2012 Subject: Housing Commission Agenda Items Item# 7 Continued Discussion on Establishing a Community Garden Program: The January 20th meeting with Malmborg's Nursery was very positive and they are very interested in working with the City in establishing a community at the Happy Hollow Park and in promoting gardening opportunities throughout the community. Van Cooley, Manager at Malmborg's is investigating the opportunity of using their private well water to provide a water source for the proposed 18 garden plots, which would result in a significant savings to the initial budget. Additionally he expressed a willingness to attend this meeting to share with the Commission his experiences and expertise in gardening and contribute in the Commission's ongoing discussions on promoting of gardening opportunities in Brooklyn Center. Prior to this meeting, I intend to have made contact with the adjoining residential property owner at 5042 Lilac Drive, and plan to have a report of their initial thoughts on the location of the proposed 18 garden plots. For your reference, I have included a copy of the application and community garden contract agreement that have previously been presented to the City Council in 2010/ Also, included is information received on establishing a Community Garden at the Willow Lane Early Childhood Center(former Willow Lane Elementary School—adjoining the Northwest Family Service Center. Item# 8 Other Business: Update on Development of Official Neighborhood Designations. At this time, I do not have any additional information from presentation made at the January 17th Meeting; however, I will have the map available at the meeting should the Commission have any additional questions or wish to request that additional information be gathered before it is returned for a formal recommendation by the Commission. City of Brooklyn Center Community Garden Application 2012 Season May 12 through October 18, 201-2- mm Name: Address: City: State Zip Home Phone: Other Phone Email: IN Plot Number: 1 st Choice 27!-NiChoice � 3rd Choice ACV Yes, I am interestedid renting a secftlot if one becomes available. (Cost is = per plot.) Rental Fee Per Plus �. (Cash or check only) City Use Only: Date Received Payment Received Plot Number Assigned 2nd Plot Number Assigned City of Brooklyn Center Community Garden Contract Agreement One City of Brooklyn Cent e r agrees to prepare the garden plot for planting,stake out the plot, identify the plots by number, and make water accessible to gardener.If a cancellation is requested in writing prior to May 1, 2010, a refund will be granted(excluding cancellation fee). Please review the following program guidelines. 1. Priority will be given to Brooklyn Center Residents and prior year renters. 2. Non-residents will have last priority after resident extra plots are rented. 3. Renters will be on a first-come, first-served basis depending on availability. 4. One plot per household unless extra plots are available after May 1. 5. Garden plots are assigned to one person and are not transferrable. Others may garden the plot,but the responsibility for maintenance of the site is assigned to the person that applied for the plot. 6. Fees must be paid at the time of application. Cost is 7. No refunds will be given after May 1. (A$5 cancellation fee applies prior to May 1) 8. The plot must be tended by May 15th. If you are planting later,you are still responsible for keeping the plot free from weeds and harvesting through the end of the season. 9. Renter agrees to: • Have something planted by June 10 and keep plot maintained the entire season. • Notify the City if they must abandon their plot. • Keep weeds to a minimum. • Maintain garden within the borders of their plot—no vines encroaching to other plots. • Use only approved certified organic fertilizers that do not affect other plots(no herbicides or pesticides)to keep insects,pests and diseases under control. • Have plot cleaned and cleared by October 31. • Place organic waste in the compost piles in areas identified by the City. 10. If the garden plot is not being maintained,the gardener will be given ten days to correct the situation or the plot may be re-assigned. 11. A 3 ft.chicken wire fence may be in place to protect crops from rabbits and other critters. 12. Plantings must not shade other gardener's plots. 13. Pets are not allowed. 14. Children must be supervised. 15. Motorized vehicles must only use the designated parking area. The Gardener agrees to assume all liability and to indemnify and compensate the City for any injury or damage to person, property or employees by or arising in connection with the use of the premises. The Gardener further agrees to defend, indemnity and hold harmless the City against all actions,claims,damages,or demands,which may be brought or made either against the City's interest in the premises by reason of anything done by the Gardener,in the exercise of purported exercise of the rights and privileges herein granted. The City may terminate a Gardener's use of City property under this Agreement immediately upon violation of any of the terms of this Agreement in connection with the use of the garden plots. The City of Brooklyn Center assumes no liability for accidents or injury to participants or others either on or adjacent to the garden area. The City of Brooklyn Center assumes no responsibility for acts of vandalism or loss of crops or property due to theft. By signing this agreement,I agree to abide by these conditions established for Community Gardens including complying with federal,state and local laws and regulations. Name(Please Print) Signature Date