HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 04-18 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 18, 2017
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, Shinnick, Thorbus and Witalka
were present. Also present was City Council Liaison April Graves, Community Activities,
Recreation & Services Director Jim Glasoe and guests Michael Johnson, Teresa Johnson, Jack
Johnson, Aiden Schultz, Stephanie Schultz, Kim Noha, Heather Insernhagen, Penelope Pate
Greene, Kris Miller and Annie Trimberger.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Sorenson asked if there were any additions or changes to the proposed agenda. By
consensus, the agenda was approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 21, 2017
There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to approve the
minutes of the March 21, 2017 meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission as presented. The
motion passed unanimously.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Councilmember Graves was not able to provide and update, as she had to leave to attend the
annual Police Awards ceremony.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS- REVIEW/RECOMMEND
Commissioner Bonovsky introduced the item and shared background information on each of the
two requests, noting that the Friends of Palmer Lake would help with ongoing maintenance of
the projects.
Eagle Scout candidate Michael Johnson presented his request to build a “swift tower” in East
Palmer Park. Mr. Johnson provided information on the construction and identified possible
locations.
Commissioners asked questions and identified “location 1” as the preferred site. After some
additional discussion, Commissioner Dalton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ebert to
recommend approval the swift tower project in location #1. The motion passed unanimously.
Eagle Scout candidate Aiden Schultz presented his request to build 6’ x6’wild flower planter
boxes (2) in the Palmer Lake trailhead site, along with replanting the stone planter. Mr. Schultz
provided information on the construction and identified the preferred location.
Commissioners asked questions regarding proximity to trails and the potential problem with
bees. CARS Director Glasoe responded that, if approved, he would have Mr. Schultz work with
Streets and Parks Supervisor Todd Berg on the best location.
After some additional discussion, Commissioner Shinnick made a motion, seconded by
Commissioner Dalton to recommend approval the wild flower gardens, with special attention
given to location and the potential bee problem. The motion passed unanimously.
NORTH STAR COMMUNITY ROWING
CARS Director Glasoe introduced representatives from the North Star Rowing who had
requested use of Twin Lakes Park to support their rowing programs. Penelope Pate Greene and
Annie Trimberger presented a power-point presentation on their request.
Chair Sorenson noted the request had changed from requesting boat storage, to boat storage, dock
installation, safety launch mooring and trailer parking. Chair Sorenson identified the lack of
parking at the park and the fact that adjacent streets we posted as “no parking”. He added that he
did not feel the park amenities could adequately support the request.
Commissioners asked questions and discussed the request further. After additional review and
more discussion, the Commission, by consensus, declined to make a recommendation supporting
the request.
ARBORETUM ACCESS- CITY COUNCIL REFERRAL
CARS Director Glasoe reported a resident had addressed the City Council regarding an open gate
on the north end of the Eugene Hagel Arboretum, where it meets Major Avenue. Mr. Glasoe
noted the gate had been opened at the request of residents, but added the opening was only large
enough to allow for foot traffic. CARS Director Glasoe reported the resident was requesting the
access be closed.
After some discussion, the Commission consensus was to leave the gate access as is, noting it
allowed area residents to access the Arboretum, but did not allow for vehicle access.
KaBOOM PLAYGROUND- EVERGREEN PARK
CARS Director Glasoe reported that KaBoom had decided to go with a playground in another
community for 2017.
GREAT SHINGLE CREEK CLEAN-UP
CARS Director Glasoe reviewed the event flyer included in the meeting packet, noting the event
would run from 8:00-1:00 p.m. at the Public Works garage. Commissioners asked about the
venue change. CARS Director Glasoe responded that the hope was that an “open house” at the
Public Works garage might increase interest and attendance in the event.
LITTLE LEAGUE MASTER PLAN/ CENTENNIAL WEST- UPDATE
CARS Director Glasoe reported that an application had been submitted to the Department of
Natural Resources for and Outdoor Recreation Grant. Mr. Glasoe noted the application was for
$100,000, and that the city would be notified in May if they are selected.
Mr. Glasoe continued noting the project consultant had determined the feasibility of constructing
any significant portion of the project for the allotted $150,000 grant dollars was doubtful and that
City and Little League representatives were waiting until additional funds could be raised.
CARS Director Glasoe added the city amenities, including the basketball court, tennis court and
community gardens would be delayed until such time as ball fields are constructed. Mr. Glasoe
noted this meant that any improvements to the north end of Centennial Park would also be
delayed.
CENTENNIAL PARK PLAYGROUND- Update
CARS Director Glasoe reported May 6th had been established as the formal “build date” for the
project. Mr. Glasoe added that Commissioners interested in volunteering should contact him.
Mr. Glasoe noted the event would run from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and added that Matt Oquist
from Luther Automotive had asked that all volunteers should come prepared to work.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE
By consensus, the next meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was set for May 18th,
2017 immediately following the Kylawn Park Neighborhood meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m.
MEETING ADJOURNED
A motion was made by Commissioner Shinnick, seconded by Commissioner Bonovsky to
adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.