Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 04-15 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 APRIL 15, 2014 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chair Sorenson called the meeting to order at 6:58 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Bonovsky, Ebert, Russell, Shinnick and Witalka were present. Commissioner Dalton was absent. Also present were resident Angie Brown, Business and Development Director Gary Eitel, Recreation Program Supervisor Joe Ericksen and Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA By consensus the agenda was approved as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 18, 2014 Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to approve the minutes of the March 18, 2014 meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT CARS Director Glasoe noted Councilmember Myszkowski had previously indicated she had a conflict with tonight’s meeting. Mr. Glasoe reported in her absence that the Mayor and City Council had hosted five high school students last evening for Youth in Government Day. Mr. Glasoe noted the day included an opportunity for the youth to meet with, and ask questions of the Department Heads, a tour of various city-owned buildings and the opportunity to “shadow” the Mayor and Council during the City Council meeting. Mr. Eitel reported the former food court building at Brookdale was being demolished to make way for multiple single shops that will be built on the site. ESG HOUSING STUDY Community Development Director Gary Eitel presented a power point overview of the ESG housing study, conducted in a portion of the former Opportunity Site area. Mr. Eitel reviewed the original Calthorpe Study in 2003, noting Chair Sorenson was part of that review and the Damon Farber Study in 2006. Community Development Director Eitel showed examples of mixed use developments in Minnesota and design elements that could be incorporated. Commissioner Witalka noted the lack of restaurants in the community and asked if the plan included additional eating establishments. Mr. Eitel responded the plan did include eating establishments. Commissioner Witalka asked if the 57th and Logan Avenue property was included in the study. Mr. Eitel indicated it was not, but that any anticipated development would complement the plan. After some additional discussion, Chair Sorenson indicated he felt the design was “on the right track”. By consensus Commissioners agreed and asked to be updated as the planning continued. BAT RACK FUNDRAISER Program Supervisor Joe Ericksen presented a proposal from Minnesota Sports Fundraising to install bat racks in the dugout areas of selected ball fields. Mr. Ericksen noted Minnesota Sports Fundraising would then sell advertising on the bat racks and reimburse the City $1,000 for each field at the end of the season. Commissioners asked if the City would have control over the types of advertising that could be included. Mr. Ericksen indicated the City would have that control. Chair Sorenson noted the sign ordinance should be checked to make certain the bat racks were in compliance and added the City might be best served by a single year agreement. CARS Director Glasoe indicated staff would confirm compliance and would limit the agreement term. Commissioner Ebert asked if Brooklyn Center businesses would have priority for the advertising. Mr. Ericksen indicated the intent would be to sell the advertisements first to Brooklyn Center businesses, and then would be offered to businesses outside the city if not enough Brooklyn Center advertisers were identified. After some additional discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Shinnick recommending the City move forward with the plan. The motion passed unanimously. MAY PARKS TOUR PLANNING Chair Sorenson noted the next meeting of the Commission fell on the same night as the Lions Park neighborhood meeting and recommended the Commission attend that meeting. Chair Sorenson noted the Commission could host a short meeting following the neighborhood meeting should the Commission have items to consider. 2013-14 SKATING RINK USAGE Program Supervisor Joe Ericksen provided an overview of skating rink usage for the 2013-2014 season. Mr. Ericksen noted the weather had been quite cold and indicated the numbers reflected the weather conditions. Chair Sorenson noted the lack of skaters at Willow Lane Park, but noted the need to keep some skating facilities open and available for the residents. After some additional discussion, CARS Director Glasoe indicated staff would review the issue further and come back to the Commission the fall with some recommendations. MEMORIAL AMPHITHEATER UPDATE CARS Director Glasoe passes out a revised rendering of the Memorial Amphitheater, noting the revision included all of the cost saving recommendations identified by the architect. 2014 EARTHFEST Chair Sorenson reported he would be available to “man the table” at the upcoming Earthfest event for only a portion of the time and asked if other Commissioners could assist. After some discussion, Commissioner Shinnick indicated he could assist. Chair Sorenson asked CARS Director Glasoe if staff would be able to put together a display for the event. CARS Director Glasoe indicated staff would have the display ready for the event on the 26th. MISCELLANEOUS CARS Director Glasoe reported he had received correspondence from the Adopt-A-Park, Trail Street Coordinator Jenny Whiting, indicating she had received inquiries regarding adopting Marlin and Lakeside Parks and asked if the Commission might consider giving up the sites as a result of the requests. After some conversation the Commission agreed if there was interest, they would give up adoption of those parks and assist in the Adopt-a- Park program where needed. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By consensus, the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was set for May 20, 2014, immediately following the neighborhood meeting at Lions Park. MEETING ADJOURNED Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bonovsky, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.