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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 04-21 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 APRIL 21, 2015 COMMUNITY ROOM #221, COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chair Sorenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. ROLL CALL Chair Sorenson and Commissioners Bonovsky, Dalton, Ebert, Russell and Witalka were present. Commissioner Shinnick was absent and excused. Also present were Kou Vang, representing New Millennium Charter School, resident Paul Fusco, Councilmember April Graves, Planning and Zoning Specialist, Tim Benetti, and Community Activities, Recreation & Services Director Jim Glasoe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Sorenson asked if there were any additions or changes to the proposed agenda. Commissioner Dalton indicated she would like an item added regarding recycling signage and container placement. Chair Sorenson noted he would also add an item related to the Palmer Lake and Northport area clean up events. By consensus, the amended agenda was approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 17, 2015 There was a motion by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Bonovsky to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2015 meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission as presented. As part of the discussion, Commissioner Witalka noted an omission on page two and indicated the minutes should read “The youth responded they were aware of the policy, but felt a complete ban on tobacco product use should be extended to the entire park system….” Chair Sorenson also identified a typo on page one where Vice Chair Shinnick was referred to as Vice Chair Sorenson. The motion to approve the minutes as amended was passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Graves reported she had missed the last City Council due to a viral infection, but did note the last week of the Brooklyn Center University citizens academy was scheduled for this week and the City Council was considering preferred options for Highway #252 and noted the conversion of a portion of the former Shingle Creek trail in Centennial Park from paved to wood chip trail. NEW MILLENNIUM CHARTER SCHOOL CARS Director Glasoe introduced Planning and Zoning Specialist Tim Benetti, who provided an overview of the New Millennium Charter School being proposed for the former Malmborg’s nursery site. Mr. Benetti noted a soccer field was a critical component for the school and presented options for the site, some that included using portions of Happy Hollow Park for the soccer field. Mr. Benetti noted the proposed field would be built and maintained by the school. Chair Sorenson indicated he preferred option #2, which would have the soccer field placed half on the school property and half on park property. Commissioners Bonovsky and Witalka agreed. Resident Paul Fusco asked if the fields would be ready by the fall opening, Mr. Benetti indicated they would likely not be ready until the next spring or summer. Chair Sorenson asked if they would seek input form the neighborhood, noting it might be a tough sell. Mr. Benetti indicated they would be seeking public input. Commissioner Ebert asked if the school was open for open enrollment. Mr. Vang indicated it would be. Councilmember Graves indicated she had some previous interactions with students and teachers from the school and they were very positive. Commissioner Ebert asked if the farmhouse on the site was historical. Mr. Benetti responded that it was not historical, but it would likely be available to be moved. Chair Sorenson asked if any Commission action was needed tonight. Mr. Benetti responded that tonight’s session was informational only and that once the proposal was finalized, it would be brought to the Park & Recreation and Planning Commissions and then on the City Council. PARKS TOBACCO FREE CARS Director Glasoe indicated the City Council was looking for a final recommendation on this issue, now that the Brooklyns Youth Council had presented their findings and recommendations. Chair Sorenson indicated he favored keeping the policy as is. He then polled the Commissioners on their thoughts regarding strengthening the policy. Commissioner Dalton indicated she would be in favor of a complete ban. Commissioner Russell indicated he was okay with the policy that was in place. Commissioner Bonovsky indicated he supported a complete ban. Commissioners Ebert and Witalka indicated they supported keeping the policy as is. After additional discussion, Commissioner Witalka made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell to recommend the Parks Tobacco Free Policy be kept the same. The motion passed 4-2, with Commissioners Dalton and Bonovsky voting nay. Regarding the use of e-cigarettes, there was Commission consensus that recent work at the legislature to have e-cigarettes included in the definition of tobacco, and tobacco related products should take care of that issue. Meaning, they would also be prohibited in youth areas designated in the policy. COUNCIL/COMMISSION MEETING- April 8, 2015 CARS Director Glasoe asked if there was any Commission feedback from the April 8th Council/Commission meeting. Commissioner Dalton and Councilmember Graves both indicated a desire for more “social time” and opportunities for Commissioner engagement. MEMORIAL AMPHITHEATER UPDATE CARS Director Glasoe reported construction was underway, with soil corrections being completed and footings being poured later this week. Chair Sorenson noted the construction schedule was slated for 75 days, putting the completion sometime in late July. OTHER Commissioner Dalton reported that as a result of a comment placed on the Brooklyn Center Facebook page regarding trash, she had organized cleanups in three areas of the community. Chair Sorenson commented on the cleanup of the Northport Park nature area and asked CARS Director Glasoe to find out if that area is included in the expectations for groups cleaning the park. CARS Director Glasoe responded that he would research and report back on the response. Commissioner Dalton asked if additional multi-lingual or international symbol signage could be added to recycling containers to assist in recycling efforts. Commissioner Dalton also asked if the Commission had any input on the placement of the new recycling containers that were being purchased with the Hennepin County grant proceeds. CARS Director Glasoe responded that he had provided the feedback provided by the Commission to place additional containers near major trail sections and by bench placements. He asked that Commissioners forward suggestions to him and that he would pass them along to Street & Parks Maintenance Supervisor Todd Berg. Commissioner Bonovsky reported the Palmer Lake clean up held on April 18th was a big success. Resident Paul Fusco noted that over 18 bags of trash had been collected and shared pictures. SET NEXT MEETING DATE Chair Sorenson reminded Commissioners that the May meeting was scheduled to immediately follow the West Palmer neighborhood meeting, which was scheduled for Thursday, May 21 st at 6:00 p.m. at West Palmer Park. CARS Director Glasoe reported that he would not be able to attend the May meeting but would send another staff person. MEETING ADJOURNED A motion was made by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Dalton, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.