HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 01-11-2024
1 Approved Minutes
January 11, 2024
Approved Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, January 11, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Vita Wilson, Vice Chair James Kuznia, Commissioners: John McCulloch, Jessica
Montgomery, Nicholas Beecher
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners: Ann Hoekstra, Hannah Wegner
STAFF PRESENT: Director Jennifer Tomlinson, Plymouth Ice Center Manager Erik Halverson, Office Support Lead
Genny Layne
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Planning Commissioner Julie Olson
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Vita Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
APPROVE AGENDA
(4.1) Approve Agenda
Motion by Vice Chair James Kuznia and seconded by Commissioner Jessica Montgomery recommending approval of
the January 11, 2024, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission agenda. With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
Consent Agenda
(5.1) Adopt proposed Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
Motion by Vice Chair Kuznia and seconded by Commissioner John McCulloch recommending approval of the
November 9, 2023, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission minutes. With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
General Business
(6.1) Appointments of Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson
There was a brief discussion about the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson positions. Chair Vita Wilson advised she
would like to continue as Chair and no other Commissioners stated they would like to be considered.
Motion by Vice Chair Kuznia and seconded by Commissioner Nicholas Beecher recommending Chair Vita Wilson be
appointed as Chair for 2024. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Vice Chair Kuznia advised he would like to continue as Vice Chair. No other Commissioners stated they would like to
be considered for Vice Chair. Motion by Commissioner Montgomery and seconded by Commissioner McCulloch
recommending Vice Chair James Kuznia be appointed as Vice Chair for 2024. With all members voting in favor, the
motion carried.
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January 11, 2024
(6.2) Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Annual Work Plan Draft Work Plan
Director Jennifer Tomlinson presented the 2024 PRAC Work Plan to the Commissioners. The Work Plan was put
together based on feedback from Commissioners as well as meeting the Strategic Priorities of the City of Plymouth
voted on by City Council. The overview of the coming year was outlined and attached for review.
There was discussion regarding the construction at the Meadows as a significant project this year for staff and
resources.
Director Tomlinson advised the Commissioners that we are in the process of updating the Capital Improvement Plan
to bring before PRAC.
Chair Wilson asked to have an update on trail connections. Director Tomlinson advised that all 165 miles of trails
have had eyes on them to see what condition they are in annually and that update can be included in updates this
calendar year.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
(7.1) Plymouth Ice Center Update
Plymouth Ice Center Manager, Eric Halverson presented an overview of PIC operations. The history of the Plymouth
Ice Center starts with construction of the $5.4 million building consisting of rinks A and B, with an upper and lower
lobby in 1997. A grant from the state and funding from Wayzata Youth Hockey Association, Wayzata School District
and the City of Wayzata helped to complete the project.
In 2004, rink C was added for a total cost of $5.3 million. Rink C was funded by Providence Academy, WYHA, Park
Dedication Fees and a loan that has been paid back.
In 2014 PIC expanded with the addition of the training center at a cost of $1.4 million. WYHA contributed and the
balance was city funded and charges lease payments and ice rentals.
The demand for ice time continues to grow:
o 1998 (Two Sheets of Ice)
Visits: no data available
Ice hours rented: 5,385
o 2008 (Three Sheets of Ice)
Visits: 300,526
Ice hours rented: 7,054
o 2022 (Three Sheets of Ice)
Visits: 820,219
Ice hours rented: 7,635
2022 primary users included WYHA, MAP/FHIT, Wayzata H.S., Showcase, MN All-Star, Hockey Finder and Providence
Academy with year-round hours of 6 a.m.-11 p.m. The building is only closed 20 days a year.
There are 6.4 full-time staff with one that is shared with Parks and Forestry. Staffing includes 59 part-time positions.
Over 800,000 people visit PIC annually. An overview is given of what neighboring communities are have available for
ice. Currently, WYHA is purchasing nearly the equivalent of a fourth sheet of ice from neighboring communities. The
fourth sheet ice plan was presented.
Discussion was had about what else might be needed at PIC. Director Tomlinson said a 10-year Capital Improvement
plan was in the works taking into account the building assessment and the cost of the new rink, along with other
updates and renovations needed.
Attendance tracking was also discussed and clarified.
Commissioner McCulloch asked why five sheets are not being considered with the current demand. Director
Tomlinson advised that there is not space to be able to accommodate a fifth sheet.
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January 11, 2024
Discussion was had about the need for additional staff if there is a fourth sheet added.
(7.3) Special Events 2024
Director Tomlinson presented the 2024 upcoming events and updates, including the following:
• Cancelation of Fire and Ice due to unsafe ice conditions
• List of special events presented to PRAC
• Outdoor rinks
• The Meadows Playfield presentation to Planning and Zoning Commission
• Construction projects regarding City Center and the Hilde entrance
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Montgomery, seconded by Vice Chair Kuznia, recommending adjournment of the Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting at
6:45 p.m.