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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-14-2011CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp) COUNCIL INFO MEMO October 14, 2011 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS IOCP Business Partnership Lunch 10/20/11........................................................................................ Page 1 Metro Summit for Lake and River Groups 11/1/11............................................................................. Page 2 Plymouth Rotary Trick or Trot 10/29/11.............................................................................................. Page 3 2011 Watershed Heroes Awards 11/17/11............................................................................................ Page 5 October, November, December 2011 Official City Meeting Calendars .............................................. Page 9 Tentative List of Agenda Items for Future City Council Meetings ................................................... Page 12 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, Etc ... Ehlers Market Commentary 10/11/11............................................................................................... Page 14 MEETING MINUTES WCICCMinutes 09/21/I1................................................................................................................. Page 17 EQCMinutes 09/14/11....................................................................................................................... Page 19 PRAC Minutes 06/09/11.................................................................................................................... Page 23 PRACMinutes 09/08/11.................................................................................................................... Page 30 PLEASE JOIN US business Lunch Partnership Join us and key members of area businesses for a tour of IOCP's new home in Plymouth, a light lunch, and short discussion about ways that IOCP can help your business achieve its goals while working together to strengthen our community, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20 11:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M. INTERFAITH OUTREACH & COMMUNITY PARTNERS 1605 COUNTY ROAD 101 N • PLYMOUTH FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES WELCOME! RSVP To CATE FOSSING 763-489-7513 OR CFOsSIN(i IOCP.ORG CO-SPONSORED BY: { INTERFAITH OUTREACH & COMMUNITY PARTNERS PEG'S COUNTRYSIDE CATERING oin us for this great chance to network and: • Hear the latest on successes and challenges from a panel of lake association leaders • Get an update on the milfoil control efforts on Minnetonka • Receive hands on invasive species identification instruction • Hear expert info on how you can in uence water policy The Event: Share with and learn from other citizen leaders working to protect our water resources. Metro Area Lake and River Groups as well as individuals interested in clean water issues. More at: www.minnesotawaters.org MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT When: November 1, 5-8:30pm Where: Eisenhower Community Center, Room 209 1001 Hwy 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 Cost: $12 — Dinner will be provided *Please include any dietary need: with your registration 44/tv minnesata waters -47 Register by: October 27 Send the following information to: Alex Gehrig, MN Waters 1410 St. Paul Ave, #12 St. Paul, MN 55116 -Name and email addresses of attendees -Name of the organization or lake/river •A check payable to Minnesota Waters ($12 per person) Questions? alexg@minnesotawaters.org Page 2 ,,yvnoUth Rota,,, ROTARY CLUD Trick or Trot Family 5K Run/Walk OF PLYMOUTH paRKER'! LAKE pU1rR1ELD V19TRICT #5950 COUNTY ROAD 6 & NIAGARA LN. ROTARY REEI1TR6TION: WEEKLY MEETING! 9 A.M. THURIDAY,12:15 P.M. RACE: CROWNS PLATA HOTEL /0 A.M. 3131 CAMPUS DRIVE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE PLYMOUTH, MN ONLINE AT AlTIYE.lOM BY FOR MORE ROTARY INFORMATION: WWW.ROTARY.ORG WWW.ROTARY5950.ORG W W W.RO"RVIPUMOUTMORG FIND U! 014: 91 ,,yvnoUth Rota,,, Trick or Trot Family 5K Run/Walk October 29, 201� 4 paRKER'! LAKE pU1rR1ELD COUNTY ROAD 6 & NIAGARA LN. REEI1TR6TION: 9 A.M. RACE: /0 A.M. REGISTRATION AVAILABLE ONLINE AT AlTIYE.lOM BY SEARlNINE "TRICK OR TROT" PROCEED! FROM THE RASE WILL CO TO eENERIT COLLEGE !lIIOLARlNIP! FOR LOCAL NIEII Sl1100L SENIOR! Start Time: Registration at 9 a.m., race at 10 a.m. Course: The race will start at the Parker's Lake Community Playfield, just . north of County Road 6 and west of Niagara Lane in Plymouth. The finish line will be on the north side of Parker's Lake. The course will be made up of public streets and paths. There will be controlled traffic. Animals will not be allowed on the course. Registration: Participants can register online at active.com by searching "trick or trot". On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. Cost: Pre -registration: Race Day: $20 - Adults $15 - Under 12 $25 - Adults $20 - Under 12 Children 5 and under are free with a paying adult. 1 In the last eight years, the Rotary Club of Plymouth has donated over $220,000 to various schools, organizations and charitable causes that support youth and education. Recipients include: 0 Scholarship Recipients 0 Senegal Mosquito Nets 0 Maria Keller Read Indeed 0 Teens Alone 0 Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners 0 Wayzata/Robbinsdale Y.E.S 0 Homeless Blanket Project 0 Rotary Foreign Exchange Students 0 Haiti Safe Water 0 Help to Health Center -Mexico 0 Jesuit Volunteers International I -- { From L -R: Rotary President Jeff Wosje, Rotary scholarship winners Gabrielle ,Jude and Rachel Kinnunen and Rotary member Carol Parrish tHMKMU aitt mourn ROWYCLM Rotary Club Vice President Ann Dillard presents mosquito nets to several children in Senegal. The nets have helped prevent the spread of Malaria in the country. i-d3113g JN1113E) s,2S3.LVM 9H -L .- jNj dvNn[ SONVAAV S30N3H a3HSN3.L`dM MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT BOARD OF MANAGERS MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT James Calkins, President, Minnetonka Brian Shekleton, Vice President, Minneapolis Lee Keeley, Secretary, Plymouth Richard Miller, Treasurer, Edina Jeff Casale, Shorewood Pamela Blixt, Minneapolis Bill Olson, Victoria Page 5 The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District invites you to a night of fun and celebration! Join us as we honor and celebrate Watershed Heroes - those who have Jumped In and done great things to improve the quality of water, quality of life in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed. JUMP IN! THE WATER'S GETTING BETTER! MINNEHAHA CREEK i QUALITY OF WATER I WATERSHED DISTRICT QUALITY OF LIFE THE 2011 WATERSHED HEROES AWARDS Thursday, November 17th, 2011 6:30 PM Hors d'Oeuvres and Cash Bar 8:00 PM Awards Program Location: Bayview Event Center 687 Excelsior Boulevard, Excelsior, MN 952-470-2224 Tickets are $35 per person Please RSVP by November 3rd, 2011 Call 952-641-4507 for more information age THE 2011 WATERSHED HEROES AWARDS Presented by the MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT Excellence in Development Award Solution Blue Innovation in Government Award Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Outstanding Partner Award Minnesota Waters Youth Naturalist Award Youth of the Pierson Lake Association (APPLE) Citizen Engagement Award Lake Action Alliance Outstanding Contribution Award Bob & Jan Halverson Page 7 THE 2011 VATERSHED HEROES AWARDS _ YES! I'm Jumping In on November 17th! I'll see you there? J like tickets at $35 each. My check is enclosed. Zip E-mail: hake checks payable to Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. v cannot accept credit cards, NNEHAHA CREEK "b ] WATERSHED DISTRICT QUALITY OF WATER QUALITY OF LIFE NEHAHA CREEK 'ERSHED DISTRICT PLACE STAMP HERE 18202 Minnetonka Boulevard Deephaven, MN 55391-3343 Page 8 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life October 2011 Modified on 10/ 14111 Center CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 9 1 2 3 4 6:30 PM 5 7:00 PM 6 7 8 VOLUNTEER PLANNING RECOGNITION COMMISSION EVENT MEETING Plymouth Creek Medicine Lake Room Center Yom Kippur Begins at Sunset 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 5:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK £t REC 12:00-3:00 PM MEETING` QUALITY ADVISORY FIRE DEPT. COLUMBUS DAY Parkers Lake Room COMMITTEE COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE Observed (EQC) MEETING (PRAC) MEETING Fire Station III 7:00 PM Parkers Lake Room Plymouth Ice Cente PLYMOUTH PUBLIC REGULAR COUNCIL WORKS DIVISION MEETING CLOSED Medicine Lake Room 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 6:00 PM CANCELLED SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING" COMMISSION Parkers Lake Room MEETING Medicine Lake Room 23 24 2 5 26 2 7 28 29 7:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING MEETING ADVISORY Parkers Lake Room Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT /Halloween STUDY SESSION 0 P Bass Lake Room *Review applications for and 2 Council Position o and quarterly U date with City Manager ek ymouCreek ** Conduct Interviews for and 2 Council Position Modified on 10/ 14111 Center CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED Page 9 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life November 2011 Modified on 10/ 14111 Page 10 1 2 7:00 PM 3 7:00 PM 4 5 PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COMMITTEE MEETING MEETING Medicine Lake Room Parkers Lake Room 6 7 8 8:00 Pm 10 11 12 REGULAR 7:00 PM COUNCIL MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL Medicine Lake Room QUALITY VETERANS DAY SPECIAL COMMITTEE Observed COUNCIL MEETING (EQC) MEETING CITY OFFICES Immediately Follow- Parkers Lake Room CLOSED ing Regular Meeting Budget Study Session Medicine Lake Room 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL PLANNING HRA MEETING MEETING COMMISSION Parkers Lake Room Board and Commission MEETING Interviews Medicine Lake Room Parkers Lake Room 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 7:OOPM REGULAR COUNCIL. MEETING Council Chambers THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CITY OFFICES CITY OFFICES CLOSED CLOSED 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) MEETING Medicine Lake Room Modified on 10/ 14111 Page 10 City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 2011 Modified on 10/ 14111 Page 11 1 2 3 4 2:00-5:00 PM 5 6 7 7:00 PM 8 7:00 PM 9 10 OLD FASHIONED PLANNING PARK Et REC CHRISTMAS COMMISSION ADVISORY Plymouth Historical MEETING COMMISSION Society Building Council Chambers (PRAC) MEETING Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 7:00 PM 15 16 17 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL REGULAR COUNCIL QUALITY MEETING COMMITTEE (EQC) Council Chambers MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM CHARTER COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING Medicine Lake Room 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:00 PM HRA MEETING Parkers Lake Room Chanukah CHRISTMAS EVE Begins at Sunset 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 CITY OFFICES NEW YEAR'S EVE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY Modified on 10/ 14111 Page 11 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items October 18, Special, 6:00 p.m., Parkers Lake Room • Conduct interviews for Ward 2 Council position October 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Assessment hearing for Suncourt Street Mill and Overlay Project (11006) • Presentation of donation from the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for hockey goal lights at the Plymouth Ice Center • Announce Photo Contest Winners • Approve change order and final payment for the Hilde Performance Center project • Approve final payment for the Plymouth Dog Park project • Ordinance Amending the City Code • Thank You from Glagow, Poland for park equipment • Approve Grant Agreement with Hennepin County Receiving Waste Abatement Incentive Grant Funds for Multi -Family Recycling and Waste Reduction • Award Contract, Conor Meadows Improvement Project (11019) • Payment No. 3 and Final, 2011 Street Sweeping Project (11024) • Approval of the Metropolitan Council Master Lease Agreement for Regional Fleet Vehicles • Accept Utilities for Continual Maintenance and Authorize Reimbursement for Trunk Utilities, Hampton Hills 2nd Addition (2010043) • Accept Utilities for Continual Maintenance, Elm Creek Highlands 2nd Addition (2010013) • Accept Utilities for Continual Maintenance, The Willows 1St Addition (2010041) • Accept Utilities for Continual Maintenance, The Willows 2nd Addition (2011003) • Approve a preliminary and final plat for Churchill Ridge 2nd Addition. Gronberg and Associates. (2011071) • Approve 2012 Regular Council Meeting Schedule November 83, Regular, 8:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Approve change order and final payment for lighting project • Approve change order and final payment for Plymouth Skatepark • Adopt ordinance amending Section 1016 of the City Code regarding Plymouth Ice Center fees November 83, Special, Immediately following Regular Meeting, Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2012 Budget November 15, Special, 6:00 p.m., Parkers Lake Room • Board and Commission interviews • Council Coordinating Representatives for 2012 • Deputy Mayor for 2012 November 221, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Announce Old Fashioned Christmas on December 4 at Plymouth Historical Society Building • Approve donations to the City of Plymouth December 131, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Adopt the 2012 Budgets and Tax Levies and 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Program • Recognize Police Citizen Academy Graduates Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Page 12 • Approve 2012 Tobacco License renewals • Announce New Year's Eve Event at the Plymouth Ice Center Page 13 October 11, 2011 Winds of Change? We all enjoyed a balmy September, but the winds of change have been blowing recently. And we are not talking about the weather. Interest rates dropped significantly from July to September, but they have risen sharply in the last two weeks. Below is a graph that highlights the 10 year Treasury yield, the 10 year AAA municipal bond yield (as reported by Thomson's Municipal Market Data), and the weekly supply of new issuance of tax- exempt bonds. What does this chart tell us? In our last market commentary, we noted that tax-exempt rates for a 10 year maturity were 108% of Treasury rates. As of mid-day on October 7, this ratio has increased to 122%. Back in July of this year, the ratio of Treasuries to tax-exempt rates was much more traditional, in the 85% to 90% range. It makes sense for tax-exempt rates to be lower than taxable rates. What is happening to invert that relationship? We can point to four factors which may have big influences in the market: 0 FREERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Offices in Minnesota: (800) 552-1171 Wisconsin: (800) 717-9742 Illinois: (800) 417-1119 Page 14 Taxable & Tax-exempt Bond Yields vs. Municipal Supply $10,000 $9,000 3,00 o $8,000 E $7,000 2.50 u $6,000 ^ ° 2.00 $5,000 Weekly issuance ut `—" $4,000 a 1.50 } 10 -YR Treasury 'EL u$3,000 —10 -YR AAA M M D $2,000 1.00 $1,000 $0 0.50 7/1/2011 8/1/2011 9/1/2011 10/1/2011 Sou¢es: Bloomberg, Thomson Manicipal Morket Monitor Week Ending 19E H LE RS What does this chart tell us? In our last market commentary, we noted that tax-exempt rates for a 10 year maturity were 108% of Treasury rates. As of mid-day on October 7, this ratio has increased to 122%. Back in July of this year, the ratio of Treasuries to tax-exempt rates was much more traditional, in the 85% to 90% range. It makes sense for tax-exempt rates to be lower than taxable rates. What is happening to invert that relationship? We can point to four factors which may have big influences in the market: 0 FREERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Offices in Minnesota: (800) 552-1171 Wisconsin: (800) 717-9742 Illinois: (800) 417-1119 Page 14 Ehlers Market Commentary 1. More Supply The chart above shows the weekly volume of new issuance for tax-exempt bonds as reported by Bloomberg. In early 2011, weekly supply for the nation was less than $3 billion. As the 10 year, AAA MMD fell from the end of July to mid-September, issuance was averaging $4 billion to $5 billion per week. Now we are averaging $8 billion. The vast majority of the new volume consists of refunding issues, evidenced by the names of the bonds on the attached chart of new, competitive issues in the Midwest over the past two weeks. 2. Less Demand for Tax -Exempt Bonds For the past three years, tax-exempt bond market specialists have warned us about the "thinness" of the buy side. Build America Bonds, with taxable rates, were instituted in 2009 partially to address the loss of several sectors of the tax-exempt market including hedge funds, larger insurance companies, and profitable banks. BABs allowed the municipal market to increase supply later in 2009 and throughout 2010, while also limiting tax-exempt issuance. It could be that there are fewer buyers of larger bond issues, especially when the primary drivers of the tax-exempt market are institutional buyers who are not in favor of locking up funds for 10 years at rates in the mid -2% range. Local banks still seem to have a strong appetite for municipal debt, which means that bank qualification could become a more significant factor in the near-term. "Retail" buyers (individuals and small companies) have become a much more important component of the demand for tax-exempt bonds, but they are often slower than large institutions to respond to market changes. 3. Legislative Proposals Unclear The new proposal emanating from the U.S. Senate for a "millionaire's tax" clearly would increase retail demand for tax-exempt bonds if the tax were in the form of increased marginal tax rates. At the same time, there are other proposals to limit deductions which would retroactively hurt buyers of tax-exempt bonds. These conflicting policy measures may cause buyers to hesitate when considering the purchase of more tax-exempt bonds. 4. Economic Uncertainty We are entering another period of economic uncertainty. During the summer, all news seemed to be bad. Now there are more glimmers of hope. August economic indicators were dismal with some improvement in September. Consumer confidence reports have not been good, but the fall in commodities prices bodes well. Europe may be able to deal with the Greek debt crisis, but there are other sovereign and banking debt problems in Europe. This uncertainty is unsettling to the markets. Many bond underwriters will price this uncertainty into their bids, just in case rates run up quickly and they need more room to unload inventory before they need to sell at a loss. FREERS �►r ww.ehlers-i nc.c®m LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE Page 2 Page 15 _ AW _ ._. mentary October 11, 2011 Conclusion So what are we to do? There has historically been a higher volume of issuance at the end of the calendar year. You may want to evaluate your refundings, especially advance refundings, and consider a delay until the early part of 2012 if those refundings do not meet your savings goals. There are no guarantees of lower rates at that time, but historically supply of tax-exempt debt is lower in the beginning of the year and demand for tax-exempt bonds is stronger in January and February, due in part to the high volume of bond redemptions and calls in those months. We can also remember that even with the recent increases in yields, rates are very low compared to historical averages. EHLERS LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE www.ehlers-inc.com Page 16 Page 3 MINUTES WAYZATA COMMUNITIES IN COLLABORATION COUNCIL September 21, 2011 PRESENT Bob Wittman, Brenda Heim, Susan Sommerfeld, Kristin Tollison, Donna Marget, Marcia Treno, Becky Halvorson, Terese Atkins, Katie Jackelen, Linnea Fonnest, Lynn Zemlin, Katy Hemmah, Mark Ihrke, Carlee Nelson, Christina Ruiz, Ellen Timmerman -Borer, Angela Haseman, Sarah Gaveske, Judy Hanson, Charlene Barghini, Holly Nelson, Leah Hughes, Becca Fink, Chace Anderson, Pat Gleason, LaDonna Hoy, Diane Evans, and Margy Herbert CALL TO ORDER • Becca Fink called the meeting to order. Brenda Heim welcomed the Council to the new IOCP facilities and introduced Margy Herbert as the new CICC Coordinator. MAY MINUTES • The minutes were approved, as written. WAYZATA PARTNERS WELCOME • Kristin Tollison welcomed the Wayzata Community Partners to the CICC meeting. It was determined that many of the WCP were already attending both the WCP meetings and the CICC meetings, so the meeting are now combined and all WCP are welcomed to join the CICC meetings. STATE OF COMMUNITY • Benefits of the new IOCP facility to the clients, families, and the community, ability to provide services combined in one location, allowing the on-site partners to share resources including Community Education and Hennepin County. • The learning component connected to the IOCP facility is able to create links in services to clients. This was achieved with School Board, Hennepin County and other community partnerships working together, sharing and combining resources, to create a seamless team of services for IOCP families. TOUR OF IOCP FACILITIES • Business and Community Offices • Community Education • Peppermint Fence West • Food Shelf • ReSale 101 Boutique COMMUNITY UPDATES Caring for Kids Initiative Page 17 • Brenda Heim announced that the Family Fun Night Event was a success. The event was attended by 200+ people, including 10-12 CfKI scholarship families. • The Event was held at the Hilde Performance Center in Plymouth and consisted of a Walk/Run, Book Exchange, Story time with Miss MN USA, YES Students provided Games and Crafts, Child Friendly Yoga and concluded with a Movie. Partners In Prevention • Judy Hanson reported that Wayzata was the recipient for the Drug Free Federal Grant in the Partners In Prevention program. • Includes working with Minnetonka School District as their Community Mentee. • 2 year process, beginning with assessment phase, focus groups, MN survey data, and community engagement. • October 4th Interviews to hire a Coalition Coordinator for the PIP program. This will be a shared coordinator between Wayzata and Waconia. Wayzata Community Clinic • Kristin Tollison stated that the Wayzata Community Clinic is open Wednesday afternoons, providing barrier free care and services. Including acute care, sports physicals and immunization services. • Clinic is averaging about 10 visits per week, high of 18 Wednesday prior to start of school. • Dental Services had to cancel one summer date due to low need. • Kristin/Margy to update marketing materials and distribute. Early Childhood Special Serives • Donna Marget reported that about 40 mental health staff members attended PTSD Trauma training. Minnetonka Center for the Arts • Leah Hughes announced that on October 1St, there is an open house at the MCA. • Holly Nelson was introduced as the Adult Program Director. CO ;• MCA is partnering with the Tonka CARES Program. ECT • Katie Jackelen stated that the Homework Club is looking for volunteers and tutors. Partners In Parenting • Charlene Barghini announced that the Partners In Parenting will hold the Parenting Forum on February 4th 2012, Family Learning Center • Marcia Treno provided an update on the Literacy Matters program and the start of the Story Time Matters. Volunteers are currently being trained. Library • Linnea Fonnest provided Library brochures and stated that the library will begin providing library users with ebooks for the Amazon Kindle next week. The meeting was adjourned at 4:32 PM. Respectfully submitted, Margy Herbert 2 Page 18 Approved Minutes Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) September 14, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Kathy Osborne, Committee Members Tawnia Johnson, Carlos Gutierrez, Ken Zieska, Katie Kendrick and Andy Polzin MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Forester Paul Buck, Water Resources Manager Derek Asche and Office Support Specialist Patty Hillstrom OTHERS PRESENT: Cheryl Culbreath, Landscape Restoration 1. Call to Order - 7:05 P.M. 2. Public Forum 3. Approval of Agenda Motion by Committee Member Zieska, seconded by Committee Member Johnson, recommending approval of the September 14, 2011, Environmental Quality Committee meeting agenda as amended. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 4. Public Information Announcements 5. Consent Agenda A. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 10, 2011, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MINUTES Motion by Committee Member Polzin, seconded by Committee Member Kendrick, recommending approval of the August 10, 2011, Environmental Quality Committee meeting minutes. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 6. Public Hearing 7. General Business A. OAKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUCKTHORN REMOVAL Committee Member Gutierrez stated that his neighbor, Dave Turbenson, would like to recruit a group of volunteers to remove buckthorn at Oakwood Elementary School and is willing to coordinate the project and obtain funding. Committee Member Gutierrez suggested that the EQC also consider a buckthorn removal project in 2012. Page 19 Environmental Quality Committee Minutes September 14, 2011 Page 2 Committee Member Gutierrez introduced Cheryl Culbreth. Ms. Culbreth stated that she owns a business that specializes in invasive species control and native habitat restoration and said she has been removing buckthorn for years and has volunteered as a master naturalist. She added that Dave Turbenson contacted her about his vision for buckthorn removal in the City of Plymouth and she expressed enthusiasm for his ideas. Ms. Culbreth spoke about the degradation of native plant communities because of invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard. Ms. Culbreath spoke for Mr. Turbenson, stating that he would like to eventually have a buckthorn removal program in place for the entire City of Plymouth and program template for use by other cities. She said he would like to pilot the project at Oakwood Elementary School and then move on to all other municipal parks in Plymouth. Ms. Culbreth asked for City assistance with the following items: • Promoting education • Advertising and use of City's media to bring volunteers together • Removal of brush or available mulching on site • Provide herbicide • Provide tools (loppers, pruners, gloves and safety glasses) • Appearance of City staff at volunteer events • Provide funds for printing brochures Ms. Culbreth is willing to provide educational services at no cost if a free meeting place is available. She will continue to work with Environmental Education Coordinator Margie Vigoren and will contact the media. She also said Mr. Turbenson is working on the logistics and getting permission from Oakwood Elementary School. Motion by Committee Member Gutierrez, seconded by Committee Member Zieska, encouraging volunteers interested in buckthorn removal in the area of Oakwood Elementary School to do a buckthorn removal pilot project this. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Water Resources Manager Asche will add the buckthorn removal project to the list of ideas for the 2012 EQC sponsored project. He said the project would be considered for inclusion in the 2012 EQC Work Plan for approval by the City Council. B. INVASIVE SPECIES UPDATE City Forester Buck stated that last winter 300 ash trees with widths 12" and under were removed from City parks and replaced with other species to reduce the impact when the Emerald Ash Borer arrives in Plymouth. He noted that the Emerald Ash Borer has been reported in the area around Highway 280 and Larpenteur Avenue (the closest area to Plymouth) and has crossed over Page 20 Environmental Quality Committee Minutes September 14, 2011 Page 3 to the West Bank and possibly to the east side of the Mississippi River. He said the borer has been seen this spring in Shoreview and also near Red Wing. City Forester Buck stressed that education for proper disposal of ash trees is important. He said diseased trees should be removed in the winter and ground to an inch or less. City Forester Buck said treatment includes the application of an insecticide at the base of the tree for the life of the tree. C. ADOPT A STREET Motion by Committee Member Johnson, seconded by Committee Member Zieska, recommending the third street cleaning on October 2, 2011 at noon. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Committee Member Johnson reminded committee members to make sure catch basins are also clear of debris. Water Resources Manager Asche noted that the street sweeper will be cleaning Dunkirk Lane. D. 2012 WORK PLAN IDEAS The EQC compiled the following list of items for consideration for the 2012 EQC sponsored project: • Buckthorn removal • Ordinance requiring mandatory recycling for businesses, workplaces and houses of worship • Storm water ordinance Chair Osborne requested that any additional project ideas be emailed to Water Resources Manager Asche or noted at the next EQC meeting. E. SHINGLE CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Committee Member Polzin informed the EQC that the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission chose November 9, 2011, to meet with the EQC to speak about the purpose of the watershed commission. He said the time is yet to be determined. 8. Reports and Staff Recommendations A. FARMERS MARKET Committee Member Johnson reported that there were a lot of people at the Farmers Market considering the cold. She said her entire stock of fluorescent light bulbs was distributed although Page 21 Environmental Quality Committee Minutes September 14, 2011 Page 4 there was some hesitancy because they were not the instant on type. She said there were a number of inquiries about small composting containers for use in the kitchen. It was determined that Committee Member Polzin will man the EQC booth next Wednesday. 9. Future Meetings — October 12, 2011 10. Adiournment With no objection, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. Page 22 MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 9, 2011 PRESENT: Commissioners: G. Anderson, N. Carroll, M. Riley, A. Vanderwall, J. Vecere, K. Wyse, J. Zwack Staff: D. Evans, D. Sankey, A. Dehn Planning Commission Liaison: D. Kobusson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Carroll called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION was made by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Vanderwall to approve the May minutes. Vote: 5 Ayes. Motion carried. Note: Commissioner Wyse and Commissioner Vecere arrived after the vote. 3. OPEN FORUM 4. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS (NON -ACTION ITEMS): a. Staff Presentation: Angie Dehn, Plymouth Creek Center Rental Coordinator Superintendent Evans introduced Angie Dehn, the Rental Coordinator, and explained that she is stepping in for Rick Busch, the Manager. Dehn presented the Fieldhouse Annual Report for 2010. Commissioner Vanderwall asked if we have projections on how the new Maple Grove facility will affect us. Dehn said we would definitely lose one group, Maplebrook Blast. We have so much interest in the facility, that their hours will be recouped by other users. We do want to stay competitive. Commissioner Zwack asked how we compare to others. Dehn answered that everyone pretty much offers the same service for about the same price. Dehn provided an update on the Plymouth Creek Center. We are proposing that we decrease the Friday rental rates and keep the other rates the same. Compared to other centers, we are a little high and we don't want to price ourselves out of competition. We are proposing $725 for residents and $1,030 for non-residents on Fridays. Commissioner Vanderwall asked how much lower the new rates are. Dehn said about $200 lower. MOTION: Commissioner Riley moved to adopt fees as staff proposed. Commissioner Zwack seconded. Vote: 7 Ayes. Motion carried. Commissioner Riley said she had requested last year that the tone of the written policy information presented to customers be changed and was wondering if she Page 23 PRAC Minutes/June 9, 2011 Page 2 could see it on line or elsewhere. She thought the materials were not as welcoming as they could be. They are accurate and complete but could have a warmer tone. b. Staff Presentation: Betty Hanson & Pat McGraw, Senior Council Betty Hanson andPat McGraw spoke on behalf of the Plymouth Senior Council, which represents all the activities offered to seniors in our city. The Senior Council's purpose is to work with PRAC to provide programs for seniors. The senior participants are 55 and older. Offerings include a large variety such as Handycrafters, Woodcarvers, Rockers, speakers, classes and trips. The seniors also participate in fund raisers, style shows, computer classes, and an annual brunch to honor volunteers. Commissioner Vanderwall asked where the Bike Club meets. Superintendent Evans said there is a coordinator who picks out routes. Sometimes they meet at the Plymouth Creek Center and sometimes elsewhere. 5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS): a. Trail Projects - Carlson Parkway or Medina Road Superintendent Evans said that every year we review potential trail additions to add to our trail linkage. We do have gaps in the system and we like to fill the gaps to provide safe ways for pedestrians and bikes to get around. We are presently considering segments on Medina Road, estimated at $115,000 and Carlson Parkway estimated at $125,000. The City typically puts trails in parks or right of ways. In both of these cases, it would be in a right of way. Both locations have plenty of room to put in an 8 ft trail, which can be constructed next to the curb or set back. Evans provided the Chair with comments she has received on the project. Commissioner Vanderwall asked if the property is owned by the city. Evans said it is road right of way. Commissioner Riley asked if we have usage statistics showing which site is used most. Evans said we do not, although we do see that people are using these areas. The Carlson Parkway site has a worn dirt path. Medina Road is a two-lane road, which is rather busy, and it is near a school. Commissioner Vecere noted that there is a trail system running through the area that looks kind of cumbersome. The trail would allow people in the back quadrant to access the school area more easily. He asked which proposal would have more of a positive impact on its neighborhood and be useful for kids. Evans noted that there is a school in the Medina Road neighborhood. There seems to be more kids using that road. Less concern has been expressed so far from citizens in the Carlson Parkway area. Commissioner Anderson said as a cyclist he wondered if any kids had to cross 494 to get to school on Carlson Parkway. Evans thought probably not, but the convenience store area nearby was probably the main place to go. Vanderwall noted that there is a gymnastics gym in the area. Anderson said Carlson Parkway is also a busy road. It is a four -lane road, and that is intimidating. Vanderwall asked if there were any accident stats for the area. Evans said not that she knew of, but she had not done research in that regard. Page 24 PRAC Minutes/June 9, 2011 Page 3 Yvette Burger, 3945 Yellowstone Lane N, said she built her home in 1994. She is very concerned and totally against this trail. The money should go elsewhere since we are lacking in services of police and other necessities. It is better to protect the children. This is spending that we don't need at this time. They have neighborhood trails already. She doesn't see that many people walking. Evan Gaustad, 3925 Urbandale Lane N, said he was not entirely against the trail. He has a sprinkler system that goes up to the road and sprinkles in towards the yard. The path would increase traffic along the road. He would need his berm extended and some privacy trees. Sharon Taragos, 18375 37th Place N, is a member of the Homeowners Board of Bridlewood. The association has spent a lot of time and money to make sure their neighborhood trails are maintained. She thinks it is safer for the kids in the neighborhood to use their trails. The association has not had any complaints about the safety in the area. She doesn't think a new trail is necessary. It would be a duplication of the trails within the neighborhood. She is also concerned about losing part of the berm. She mentioned that Excel is going to move some power lines. Commissioner Anderson asked if their trail belongs to the City. Parks Maintenance Supervisor Lowell Luebeck explained that it belongs to the homeowners association. Brian Malmquist, 13636 5th Avenue N, said he thinks the Carlson Parkway trail is probably needed. He has about 24 feet between the curb and his trees and fence. He would like to see the trail next to the street so it doesn't disturb his plantings. Anil Singh, 18540 39th Avenue N, feels that we could probably use the money somewhere else. He thinks the foot traffic is more inside the community, and there is limited foot traffic on Medina Road. He is not opposed but would rather see the money used elsewhere. He would like to see the speed limit on Medina Road slowed down because it would lower the risk of accidents. Many parents are dropping off kids at school. Many trucks are going in and out of the businesses across the street. It would be better to have the commercial vehicles going into the businesses on a four -lane street. Commissioner Vanderwall asked for clarification. Singh said he is not opposed to trails, but it would be better to use the money somewhere else. He is afraid the trail would not be used very much. Su Gaustad, 3925 Urbandale Lane N, said she has seen a couple people every month going through where the trail would be. The trail within the neighborhood is not plowed during the winter, and she is not sure if the city trail would be plowed. She is in favor of a trail but somewhat indifferent. Yvette Burger said she is concerned about her property value. She has four 40 or 50 foot blue spruce trees, and it would be very costly to replace them if we build the trail. She would be very disappointed if the trees are removed. She feels a speed bump would be good to reduce speeds on Medina Road. Page 25 PRAC Minutes/June 9, 2011 Page 4 Sharon Taragos said that in Bridlewood the trails are not maintained in winter time. This involves liability issues for the association. Anil Singh is concerned that the trail would attract people near his property who are not neighbors and is wondering about needing to take safety precautions. He would like to see an artist's rendering of what it would look like. Evan Gaustad noticed that people fly down Medina Road, and he would like us to consider lowering the traffic speed. Superintendent Evans explained that the trail would be built with park dedication money that cannot be used for police or any other use. It can only be used for new park property development or enhancement. If a trail were put in, the sprinkler system would be fixed for the homeowner. We would not provide a berm for screening. The trail further down Medina Road is against the curb, and this probably would be too. It would be maintained by the city. In Plymouth, 80% of trails are plowed so that there is a way to get to schools and destinations in winter. We try to protect trees. The State issues the speed limits. Citizens can present concerns about speed limits to the City Council who can work with the State. Commissioner Anderson said he witnessed a bicycle accident a few years ago. A teenage driver was turning into a development with sun in his eyes and hit a bicyclist. There is a state law that lets cities change a speed limit to 25 near schools. Commissioner Riley had a question about the power company increasing the size of the lines and whether we factored this in. Evans said the Engineering Department provided the cost estimate, and they probably are aware of this. Commissioner Zwack said he leans toward putting the trail in where there are less developed trails already. The Medina Road area may be less in need. The Carlson Parkway trail may be the greater need. Let the homeowners association continue with what they are doing. Commissioner Riley agreed. Superintendent Evans said she had a conversation with Drew Leonard who wished to have a curb cut to access his back yard as part of the Carlson Parkway project. She just found out that each property is allowed only one curb cut, which is the driveway. Commissioner Wyse said he visited the sites and agrees with Commissioner Zwack that the Carlson Parkway trail is more needed. MOTION: Commissioner Zwack moved to approve the Carlson Trail project. Commissioner Anderson seconded Vote: 7 Ayes. Motion carried. Lowell Luebeck, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, said he does the maintenance on the trails and feels the Carlson Parkway trail is a good choice. This may become part of a Page 26 PRAC Minutes/June 9, 2011 Page 5 regional trail sometime in the future. Chair Carroll wondered if the people in the Medina Road area are aware of the trail system in the neighborhoods. Bryan Malmquist asked how soon the project would be done. Superintendent Evans said it now goes to the City Council. Notices to the abutting properties will need to be sent out. b. Plymouth Creek Center / Millennium Garden / Fieldhouse Fees See section 4a. c. Skate Park Lowell Luebeck came to Plymouth ten years ago and Coon Rapids before that. He is responsible for maintenance in the parks. We are considering creating a new skate park. We first looked at putting the skate park back where it has been at the water treatment plant area. However, it is not very inviting. The staff started looking at other available sites. Eric had the idea of moving it to Plymouth Creek Park at the former archery range. This spot is rather tucked away and not very visible, so we are now considering the former hockey rink site. Since this is our central park, we want to have a good variety of things to do there. We have pulled the boards from the old hockey rink that is next to the new concrete poured hockey rink. We have gathered input from skaters and have held meetings with vendors. The type of skate park we are looking at is a "plaza type." Because of the size of the project, we will not need Watershed District approval. The Engineering Department has worked on grading plans. We hope to have Council approval to award the bid on July 26. Bids go out the end of June. Superintendent Evans said it would be great for the commissioners to be involved in the neighborhood open house that is coming up. The budget is $210,000. Bids will be for the best skate park for this budget amount. Commissioner Zwack said he lives on Plymouth Creek Park. He will abstain on voting, but he will attend the open house. Evans asked if he sees any problems. He said the archery range site is pretty tucked in. The hockey rink location is a very good one. We will probably incorporate canopies for shade like we do on some of the playgrounds. We have planned ahead for possible future projects nearby so that the land is well used. Commissioner Anderson noticed references to skate park and open skate. Luebeck said that open skate refers to the winter ice skating usage. MOTION: Commissioner Vanderwall moved to approve continuing the skateboard project. Commissioner Riley seconded. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion carried. Note: Commissioner Zwack abstained. Page 27 PRAC Minutes/June 9, 2011 Page 6 d. Model Rocket Code Change Diane said this request is coming from the Police Department. They have had complaints about the sound coming from gas powered model rockets. Our current code does not cover these. We are proposing to add a few words to the code to define this issue MOTION: Commissioner Riley moved to support the adoption of the wording for the Model Rocket Code as supplied by staff. Commissioner Anderson seconded. Vote: 7 Ayes. Motion carried 6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATES o Plymouth Dog Park Superintendent Evans explained that we wanted to realign the entrance into the dog park with the driveway across the street. The County has approved the location, so we can move along with the project of paving the driveway and parking lot. It still needs to go through the Planning Commission and City Council. We anticipate starting work on the project in August or September. o 2012-2016 CIP Draft Review Superintendent Evans explained that the 2012-2016 CIP Draft is not available to hand out quite yet because she is still working on it. She will email it to the commissioners to start reviewing. The City made a big commitment to update lighting in the parks, and we have budget commitments for the next ten years. We have scheduled $250,000 each year to go toward the lighting project. It will affect how much money we can spend from the CIP. Upcoming are renovations of playgrounds, a new trail for the Northwest Greenway, a splash park at Plymouth Creek Park, and replacement of field turf at Plymouth Creek Center. There is the potential acquisition of land for a tenth playfield. Chair Carroll asked if we have a location for this. Evans said it is the Begin property. Every year we have had dollars in the CIP for trails. The strategy for the next few years is to put in $200,000 every other year. This allows us to do more difficult trail segments. o Upcoming Community/Special Events Music in Plymouth is June 29. This is the grand opening of the updated Hilde Performance Center. Movies in the Park starts next week. Megamind is the first movie on June 15. Six movies are scheduled o Eric's Retirement Flyer Eric Blank's party on is June 23 from 4:30-6:30. Ellie Singer will speak on behalf of the Commission. Commissioners can submit comments to Superintendent Evans who will pass them on to Singer. Page 28 PRAC Minutes/June 9, 2011 Page 7 7. ADJOURNMENT Chair Carroll entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by Commissioner Riley and seconded by Commissioner Vanderwall. Vote: 7 Ayes. Motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held on September 8 in the City Council Chambers. Donna Sankey - PRAC recorder Page 29 MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING September 8, 2011 PRESENT: Commissioners: G. Anderson, N. Carroll, M. Riley, K. Wyse, J. Zwack Staff: D. Evans, D. Sankey, C. Anderson, A. Krumholz Planning Commission Liaison: D. Kobusson City Council Liaison: Bob Stein ABSENT: A. Vanderwall, J. Vecere 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Carroll called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION was made by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Zwack to approve the June minutes. Vote: 5 Ayes. Motion carried. 3. OPEN FORUM 4. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS (NON -ACTION ITEMS): a. Staff Presentations: Cindy Anderson and Alyssa Krumholz, Recreation Supervisors Cindy Anderson and Alyssa Krumholz spoke on upcoming special events. The kickoff for Plymouth on Parade is on Friday night, September 23. There is a Spaghetti Dinner fund raiser for senior programs at the Plymouth Creek Center and a Movie in the Park, "Megamind," at the Fieldhouse field. The Fire Department has its Fun Run 5K at Fire Station 2 on September 24 at 9:00 a.m. The Parade starts at 11:30. Chair Carroll asked about Movie with the Mayor. Krumholz said it is on Saturday, September 10, at dusk, and the film will be "Secretariat." Carroll asked how the movie program was working. Anderson and Krumholz said it is going very well. The screen is huge, and teens, families, and all ages are enjoying it. Carroll asked about picture quality. Anderson says it is exceptional. Projection is from behind the screen. Director Evans said the first movie, "Despicable Me," had an attendance of over 800. Krumholz also mentioned that the Farmers Market continues through October 12 on Wednesdays from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Page 30 PRAC Minutes/September 8, 2011 Page 2 5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS): a. Three Rivers Park District - Bassett Creek Presentation Kelly Gruseman from Three Rivers Park District reported that they have been working on the Bassett Creek Trail project with the city for about a year. Three Rivers currently has100 miles of regional trails, and more are planned. They are trying to connect points of interest and provide a continuous route that is cost effective and safe. They want everyone to be within 2-3 miles of a regional trail. They also want to make the trail corridor attractive to the users. This project would connect French Park to Theodore Wirth Park. Plymouth is fortunate to have two existing regional trails already. The visitor estimate for this new trail is about 175,000 visits per year. The trail in Plymouth would be along 36th Avenue. It would be on the north side from Zachary Lane to Pilgrim Lane, then crossing the street to the south side. They feel it would be a safer place to cross than at Highway 169. The estimated cost is $330,000. The current trail on the north side would be expanded from eight feet to ten feet wide. Commissioner Anderson asked why it needs to cross the road instead of being on the south side the whole way. Gruseman said there would be a lot of impact on private properties on the south side. The best case is to have 10 -foot wide pavement with a 2- 3 foot clear zone on each side. There is not a lot of room along 36th Avenue to keep the trail the desired distance from the road, but perhaps in the future, if the road is reconfigured, the trail could be reconfigured, too. Anderson asked why the trail jogs north in New Hope instead of staying along 36th Avenue. Gruseman explained that the City of New Hope was concerned about right of way along this segment, and they wanted the trail to go through a nearby park. Chair Carroll asked how long that section is. Gruseman said about'/2 mile. Councilmember Stein asked about the Luce Line and the crossing at Xenium Lane. Gruseman said they have a federal grant for 2013 construction. Stein asked whether it would go to the Council. Gruseman said that could be done. Director Evans asked if it could go through PRAC to showcase it. Gruseman said that was a very reasonable request, and she would work with Evans to make that happen. b. 2012-2016 CIP Draft - (Informational; approval at October meeting) Director Evans showed the commissioners the proposed 2012-2016 CIP. She said that we were very careful and fiscally responsible during development of the CIP and tried to be conservative with Park Replacement funds. We need to carefully maintain the park system as we go forward. We usually budget $120,000 - $130,000 per year to do trail gaps. For the 2012 CIP, we budgeted $230,000 knowing some of the gaps are getting more expensive to accomplish. We are now budgeting every other year so that more expensive segments can be done. In 2012, there is $2.5 million for land acquisition budgeted. Part of it is bonding money for the Northwest Greenway. There is also some for additional land that could be purchased. We show $1.5 million for 2013. A consultant for land acquisition has been hired. Eric Blank will work on these issues. A trail crossing underpass at Cheshire Lane is budgeted at $250,000 to connect the Greenway to the regional trail. For the next two to three years, we will be looking at renovating instead of replacing the playgrounds. The Playfield Lighting Page 31 PRAC Minutes/September 8, 2011 Page 3 budget shows the payment to the Community Improvement Fund. Turf replacement would come from the Fieldhouse fund and from a Hennepin County Sport Grant. The current turf will only last about one more year. An irrigation replacement project is budgeted in 2014 at the Ice Center/Lifetime Fitness property. It is coordinated with a parking lot replacement project. Commissioner Anderson asked if the entire irrigation system would be replaced. Evans said yes, some of the underground pipes are broken and the system is not working. The second phase of Hilde Performance Center upgrades involves the entrance from Plymouth Blvd, trails, and a playground. In 2014, we may add an additional hockey rink to the system, probably at Elm Creek with a possible partnership with Wayzata High School. We would apply for a Hennepin County Sport Grant. The Plymouth Creek Splash Pad was removed from the CIP by Council. Chair Carroll said the splash pads he has seen are wildly popular. Director Evans said perhaps it can be presented to the Council again at a later date. We would try to get the Northwest Greenway Trail from Vicksburg Lane to Juneau Lane constructed in 2014. This is important because we applied for a federal grant for the overpass over Vicksburg Lane. This would involve $600,000 from city funding and $1 million from the grant. Millennium Garden enhancements in 2014 could involve a glass atrium and perhaps another art piece. The Garden has its own funding from the Yard & Garden fundraiser and Lifetime Fitness donations. A turf field is shown in 2015 at $1 million, and it would probably be installed at Elm Creek Playfield. These fields are very heavily used. A turf field would allow groups on earlier in the season. We would like to do one on the east side as well. Traditions Neighborhood Park is the old Hampton Hills Golf Course. We have acquired over 5 acres for a park. The developer is encouraging us to get the park done as quickly as possible. Lighting replacement in Parkers Lake Park is scheduled in 2013. Commissioner Wyse asked about the turf field at the Fieldhouse and how long it can be expected to last. Evans said about 10-15 years. Wyse asked how old it is. Evans said about 10 years. It gets a lot of use. c. Golf Medal Video Submission Page 32 PRAC Minutes/September 8, 2011 Page 4 Director Evans explained that we are one of four cities of our size in the country up for a gold medal this year. We prepared a video as part of the application. Since the audio is not working tonight, we will have to postpone showing the video until our next meeting. 6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATES Director Evans spoke on the following topics: o Plymouth Dog Park The project is underway. Most of the sidewalks and curbing have been installed. The park is still open. We were able to provide access to some parkland to the south of the park to use for parking. We are also adding water to the site to provide potable water for the dogs. Amenities like benches will also be added. o Playfield Lighting This project will be completed in a couple of weeks at a cost $2.2-2.3 million dollars. A few change orders have been added. They are currently working at Parkers Lake, then on to Bass Lake. The lights are all computerized, and we can turn them on and off from our desks. We have had a lot of positive comments from neighbors and users of the parks on the new lights. o Plymouth Creek Skate Park We worked with a consultant from California on the design of the park. He is a guru on skate parks, and we are lucky to have him. The cost of the project came in over our budget. We were prepared for this with a base bid and alternates. Commissioner Wyse asked when construction starts. Evans said we had a construction meeting today, and it will start full speed next week. Chair Carroll asked about the green spaces in the plan. Evans explained that they are items to jump over. We will probably use artificial turf in those spaces. The facility provides for many different levels of skill. Commissioner Zwack asked if the facility is at grade. Evans said the main part is at grade and some parts are built up. The designer worked on the facility in St. Cloud, which is very popular. They learned from that project and incorporated what they learned into our project. It is scheduled to be completed the end of October. Gohman is the contractor. o Upcoming Community/Special Events Kathleen Murdock is resigning from Council. They will go through a process to fill that position. Bellediva is performing at the Hilde Center tonight. The summer concert series has been very popular this year. "Secretariat" will be the movie shown at Movie with the Mayor on September 10. The Farmers Market has had good turnouts this year. The Page 3 3 PRAC Minutes/September 8, 2011 Page 5 last day is Oct 12. Plymouth on Parade activities start September 23 with the Spaghetti Dinner and a Movie at the Fieldhouse. The Parade is on September 24. Commissioner Anderson asked about the current year's trail project. Director Evans said it was approved by Council, but there have been a few glitches. A few utilities and fiber optics are underground in this space. We looked at the other side of the road, but there was not enough roadway easement. Because of the fiber optics, we will put in a sidewalk instead of asphalt. Residents have been advised. 7. ADJOURNMENT Chair Carroll entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by Commissioner Zwack and seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Vote: 5 Ayes. Motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. The next meeting will be held on October 13 at the Plymouth Ice Center. Donna Sankey - PRAC recorder Page 34