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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 01-21 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 JANUARY 21, 2014 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 Bonovsky, Dalton, Ebert, Shinnick and Witalka were present. Commissioner Russell was absent and excused. Also present was Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Sorenson asked that an item relating to Willow Lane Rink Lighting be added to the agenda. By consensus, the agenda was approved as amended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 19, 2013 There was a motion by Commissioner Witalka, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the November 19, 2013, meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT CARS Director Glasoe reported that Councilmember Lin Myszkowski had been appointed as liaison to the Commission for 2014, but that she was currently in Liberia with a delegation from Brooklyn Center that is visiting our sister city Voinjama. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Sorenson opened nominations for Commission Chair. Commissioner Shinnick nominated Commissioner Sorenson. Commissioner Witalka seconded the nomination. The motion was unanimously passed. Chair Sorenson named Tom Shinnick as Vice-Chair. 2014 AGENDA ITEMS CARS Director Glasoe indicated that Chair Sorenson had identified a number of future agenda items at the November 2013 meeting and noted he would be working with Chair Sorenson to develop the agendas for future meeting. Chair Sorenson asked that Commissioners continue to identify and forward agenda items throughout the year. BROOKLYN CENTER PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PLAN Public Works Director Steve Lillehaug presented the draft Brooklyn Center Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan to the Commission. Mr. Lillehaug reviewed the study purpose, the importance of walking and cycling, some community background information, the existing and planned pedestrian and bicycle network, the community engagement process, system challenges, study recommendations and best practices review. Following the presentation, Mr. Lillehaug asked for Commission input regarding the plan. Chair Sorenson noted several traffic and pedestrian issues related to County Road 130, west of Brooklyn Boulevard and identified some best practices that might help alleviate them. Commissioner Ebert noted the educational component was good, but added enforcement of existing laws, such as jaywalking, was also important. Commissioners also asked about funding for the recommendations. Mr. Lillehaug noted that funding was not identified as a part of the plan, but added this study was a planning document and would be used as a guide whenever improvements are contemplated. After additional discussion, Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Witalka recommending the City Council formally adopt the Brooklyn Center Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan. The motion passed unanimously. NORTHPORT SCHOOL HENNEPIN YOUTH SPORTS GRANT APPLICATION CARS Director Glasoe reported the Robbinsdale School District had submitted an application for a Hennepin Youth Sports Grant to assist with construction costs of a playfield adjacent to Northport Elementary School and noted the application had been approved. Mr. Glasoe added the District was beginning the process of developing plans and specifications for the project and had indicated they would be providing the Commission an opportunity to review and comment on the plans as the project will require the relocation of a small section of park trail and some grade modifications near the Babe Ruth baseball field. CENTENNIAL SOCCER FIELDS CARS Director Glasoe reported modifications to the plans and specifications for construction work on the youth soccer fields in Centennial Park had been completed. Mr. Glasoe added the availability of the fields for play in in the summer depended largely upon the weather this spring, when sod would be available and when seed would grow. Mr. Glasoe noted the schedule still anticipated the fields being ready for use at some point in 2014. MEMORIAL AMPHITHEATER CARS Director Glasoe reported that the plans and specifications for the amphitheater had been completed and were being reviewed by staff. Mr. Glasoe also noted the City had requested a probable cost of construction estimate from the architect and distributed a letter from the architect with their response. Mr. Glasoe indicated the architect had consulted with a General Contractor they work with to get a better gauge on the current construction market. Mr. Glasoe noted the estimate for the contractor was double the original estimate, but urged Commissioners to not “push the panic button” quite yet. CARS Director Glasoe added that city staff was reaching out to some of their contacts in the construction trades to get additional estimates and noted this exercise had provided an opportunity for the architect to identify a number of areas where the plans could be simplified, materials changed and costs reduced. CARS Director Glasoe noted the intent was to still go out for bids on the project some time next month. WILLOW LANE SKATING RINK LIGHTS Chair Sorenson reported that he had visited Willow Lane Park a number of times during the past few weeks and, despite the lights being on each time, had not seen any skaters. CARS Director Glasoe indicated he would speak with Streets and Parks Supervisor Todd Berg in the morning and remind him of the Commission’s recommendations regarding Willow Lane Park skating. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for February 18, 2014, 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 Witalka to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.