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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 02-19 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 FEBRUARY 19, 2013 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson, Commissioners Dalton, Ebert, Peterson and Shinnick were present. Commissioner Russell was absent and excused. Commissioner Witalka was absent. Also present were City Council Liaison Kris Lawrence-Anderson and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was approved as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 15, 2013 There was a motion by Commissioner Dalton, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2013, meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported she had shared the Commission’s discussion regarding the potential to expand the annual neighborhood meetings from four to six meetings each year. She noted the Mayor had asked the City Manager to have staff study the impact of that change and report back to the City Council. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported the City Council had received information regarding high levels of manganese in the City’s drinking water and that it was a potential health hazard, particularly for infants. Lawrence-Anderson noted steps were already being taken to reduce the levels and that information had been shared with the local news media and was available on the City’s website. Councilmember Lawrence- Anderson shared some of the results of the recent citizen survey, noting the overall results were very positive. Commissioner Ebert asked if there was a plan to let new parents and day-care providers know about the manganese issue. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson responded the city was in the process of verifying current levels and developing additional educational materials. She indicated she would share them with Commissioners as they became available. AMPHITHEATER FUNDRAISING TASK FORCE CARS Director Glasoe reported the Memorial Amphitheater Fundraising Task Force had attended the last City Council meeting and reported on its progress. Mr. Glasoe reviewed highlights from the Task Force’s presentation, noting they have already raised over $175,000 of the $335,000 goal. Mr. Glasoe noted the group remain actively engaged in the fundraising and hopes to have the goal met within the next year. Commissioners noted their continued support of the amphitheater project. ADOPT-A-PARK 2013 Chair Sorenson asked if Commissioners were interested in continuing their “adoption” of Marlin and Lakeside Parks for 2013. Commissioner Dalton asked for some additional background on the program and the Commission’s commitment. After some discussion, Commission consensus was to continue the commitment to the program for 2013. After some additional discussion, Commissioners asked if CARS Director Glasoe could get information on the status of Adopt-A-Park, including the current demand for spaces to adopt. COMMUNITY GARDENS- UPDATE CARS Director Glasoe reported the last community garden plot had been reserved this past week, meaning the program was filled for the year. Mr. Glasoe noted he would be requesting a quote to expand the garden area. Commissioners discussed the community gardens program and Chair Sorenson noted this year would be a good test of the program’s impact on parking and the neighborhood residents. Commissioner Dalton asked about provisions for composting at the site. CARS Director Glasoe responded that he believed the intention was to provide for some composting at the site. CARS Director Glasoe indicated he would report back to the Commission once a quote was received to enlarge the gardens. 2013 MEETING SCHEDULE-POTENTIAL CONFLICT CARS Director Glasoe reported the annual Police “neighborhood meetings” schedule had been set and May 21 had been selected as the first meeting date. Mr. Glasoe noted the 21st was the scheduled meeting date for the first parks tour and regular Commission meeting for May. After some discussion, Chair Sorenson asked that all Commissioners plan to attend the May 21st Neighborhood Meeting at Grandview Park and that a Commission meeting (if needed) would be held at the park following the neighborhood meeting. NO SMOKING IN THE PARKS- Review Sign Placement CARS Director Glasoe reported this item was a continuation of a discussion regarding the placement of no smoking signs adjacent to the respective park amenities. Mr. Glasoe noted the park amenities matrix had been updated to reflect the Commissions discussion at the February meeting regarding which sign type would be placed adjacent to each amenity type. Commissioner Dalton asked about the potential to expand the “no smoking “areas to all areas of the parks. Chair Sorenson responded the Commission had spent considerable time on the issue and the current policy was reflective of that effort. Commissioner Peterson asked about the confusion that might be created by having multiple signs in the same parks reflecting slightly different messages. After additional discussion, the Commission consensus was that “No smoking when youth are present” would be placed at all park locations. OTHER Commissioner Dalton reported the 2013 Earthfest was scheduled for April 20th and asked if any of the Commissioners would be interested in attending and sharing information about Brooklyn Center parks. Commissioner Peterson indicated he would be available to attend. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for March 19, 2013, 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 Ebert to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.