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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 02-22 HCM 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 FEBRUARY 22, 2012 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Lawrence- Anderson at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Commissioners Kathie Amdahl, Peggy Lynn, and Ephraim Olani were present. Also present City Council Member Lin Myszkowski and Business Development Director Gary Eitel. Commissioners Thorbus and Norstud were excused. Commissioner Tracy Groves was 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—January 17, 2012 There was a motion by Commissioner Lynn and seconded by Commissioner Amdahl to approve the January 17, 2012 Housing Commission minutes. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson reported that the City Manager will be making a State of the City presentation at the February 24th Brooklyn Center Business Association Meeting/Luncheon. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson welcomed City Council Member Myszkowski as the new Council Liaison to the Housing Commission, which was followed by a brief introduction and personal background information by each of the Commissioners. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT City Council Member Lin Myszkowski introduced herself to the Commission and briefly commented on her background. She noted that the recent campaign for election had provided an opportunity to get reacquainted with the entire City and that she is excited to serve as the Housing Commission Liaison. 2-22-12 Page 1 CONTINUDED DISCUSSION ON ESTABLISHING A COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM. - Happy Hollow Neighborhood Park( 18 garden plots) Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson commented on the background of the Housing Commission and Park and Recreation Commission review of potential parkland sites within the City,the previous attempt to become part of the Brooklyn Park/Crystal community garden program at the Crystal Airport, some of the design features the Commission feels would make a community garden a desire amenity at various locations throughout the City,the very receptive response from Malmborg's Nursery in partnering with the City on promoting gardening opportunities with the City, and the positive features of the Happy Hollow Neighborhood Park site. Business& Development Director Eitel commented on the guidelines and application format that previously been accepted by the City Council,the significant savings that will be realized by the offer of Malmborg's to provide water for the garden plots,the potential to stage the plans for perimeter fencing to work within a limited budget and allow for other creative partnerships within the community to evolve. The Commission discussed the next steps of the process: - Contacting the adjacent property owner, - Meeting with the Park& Recreation Commission on this specific proposal for 18 garden plots at Happy Hollow Park and discussing the operations. - City Council acceptance of the proposal, direction on proceeding with a neighborhood meeting, and direction on proceeding with a 2012 Community Garden Program. Commissioner Amdahl moved, Commissioner Lynn seconded a motion to proceed with the plans for establishing the first community garden, comprising of approximately 18 garden plots in the Northwest corner of the park, and to have city staff meet with the adjacent property owner. The motion passed. The Commission then discussed the schedule of activities and actions necessary to occur for a garden program to be ready for the 2012 planting season. The consensus of the Commission was to request a joint meeting with the Park& Recreation Commission on March 201h and to request City Council direction at the March 26th City Council Work Session. - Willow Lane Early Childhood Center(ADA accessible garden sites) Business & Development Director Eitel distributed information that the City had received regarding the possibilities of a Community Garden Program at the Willow Lane Early Childhood Center that has the potential to provide raised garden beds on a former hard court/basketball area that would be handicapped assessable. Director Eitel indicated that staff would seek additional information on this gardening opportunity and the potential role of the City. 2-22-12 Page 2 OTHER BUSINESS. - Update on Development of Official Neighborhood Designations Director Eitel commented on the presentation of this item at the last meeting and that it will be placed on the next agenda for formal recommendation by the Housing Commission. - New Welcome Program for 2012 Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson commented on continuing the New Welcome Program this spring, having an inventory of the available information from last year program, the Commission's review of the contents included in the welcome bags to ensure we maximize opportunities through this initial contact,the assembling of these bags,the compiling of sales data that has occurred since the last delivery in 2011, and the soliciting of volunteers to assist in the program. The Commission was supportive and renewed their commitment towards continuing this program for 2012. Commission Amdahl volunteered to prepare a letter to the editor asking for volunteers to assist in this year's New Welcome Program ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Olani and seconded by Commis Toner Amdahl to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housi o fission adjourned at 8:26 p.m. airperson 2-22-12 Page 3