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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.