HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 12-15 PRMMINUTES OF THE PRECEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020
Virtual (WebEx)
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Sorenson called to order at 6:35p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Sorenson and Commissioners Bonovsky, Ebert and Councilmember April Graves
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — December 15, 2020,
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT - Council Member Graves spoke to the
Commission on:
• BCTC Public Art Initiaitive
• City Halloween Drive-thru Boo
• City partnership with the Minneapolis YWCA and the BCCS to host student
learning pods at EBHC
• City's BC Beyond COVID Innovation Initiative — City provided the first 4 of 40
iPads to seniors throughout the City
NEW BUSINESS
A. COVID-19 Impact on City Services (Parks and Recreation) — Staff indicated that the City
was still operating under the Governor's Emergency Declaration. The Community
Center was closed due to the Governor's Emergency Declaration increased restrictions on
gatherings and the opening of gymnasiums and fitness centers. There were no physical
programming offered by the department. There was limited maintenance of parks due to
COVID staffing reductions.
B. Brooklyn Center Beyond COVID Innovation Projects "Wi-Fi in the Parks" — The issue of
Wi-Fi in the Parks was not moved forward at the previous Commission meeting or the
Council. The City was exploring other measures to address the internet connection
challenges exacerbated by the COVID-l9 Pandemic.
C. Department Name Change (Brooklyn Center Recreation Department — At the Center of
Community Well -Being) — Staff presented the new department name of "Department of
Recreation". The City did not adopt the name "Parks and Recreation", because the
function of park programming and maintenance is shared by the Department of
Recreation (programming) and Public Works (maintenance). Thereby, the phrase
"Parks" is not part of either department's name.
D. RFP Community Center Expansion — Staff presented the concept of expansion of the
Community Center. The City had been approach by potential partners to expand aquatic
services to community and swim clubs. The City was exploring the issue and would first
need to complete a study of the feasibility of expansion before determining the prudency
of such an initiative. Staff indicated that they would come back to the Commission with
a presentation of project and possible study at its next meeting and prior to seeking
direction from the Council regarding conducting a study.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Member Term Expirations and Vacancy — Staff indicated that there was no significant
movement on this issue. The Council had been made aware of the issue and the Mayor
would need to take action on the matter. Council Member Graves thank the
Commissioners for their service. She indicated that the Mayor had been conducting
interviews the applicants of the City's various Commissions in an effort to increase the
diversity of the Commissions in order to be more reflective of the diversity of residents
living in the City.
B. Commissioners Bonovsky and Ebert indicated that they had completed an application,
but have not received any feedback. Chair Sorenson indicated that his seat was also
expiring and soon the Commission would not have any seats filled.
C. Playground Replacement Update (Presentation) — Staff indicated that the replacement
plan was delayed for 2020 due to COVID; however, we would be moving forward with
the replacement plan in 2021. Staff stated they would provide a full update on progress
and an engagement plan to the Commission at its next meeting.
D. Commissioner Witallca Memorial Plaque — Update (Proposed Alternate) - Staff indicated
that due to COVID no significant work had been completed on this project. However,
the thought on places a engrave brick at the Amphi Theater as a way of memorializing
Witalka was presented to the Commission. The Commission spoke of the long history
and many contributions that Commissioner Witallca had made to the park system in the
City. There was a consensus of the Commission to place a plaque type memorial in a city
park as a means of recognizing the contributions made by the late Commissioner Witallca.
E. Mound Cemetery/Freeway Park Update — Staff spoke of Council's previous approval of
the preliminary and final plats for MOUND CEMETERY 2' ADDITION in November,
2020. There were no significant actions happening with the project since the last
meeting, but staff would update the Commission on future progress.
F. Dog Park Update — Staff indicated that due to COVID no significant work had been
completed on this project.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE AND AGENDA — Feb. 16, 2021
ADJOURNMENT — End time not noted or captured.