HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 02-08-2024
1 Approved Minutes
February 8, 2024
Approved Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, February 8, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Vita Wilson, Vice Chair James Kuznia, Commissioners: John McCulloch, Jessica
Montgomery, Hannah Wegner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners: Ann Hoekstra, Nicholas Beecher
STAFF PRESENT: Director Jennifer Tomlinson, Organizational & Equity Partner Paul Johnson, Parks & Forestry
Manager, Jason Goehring, Office Support Lead Genny Layne
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: None present
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Vita Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
APPROVE AGENDA
(4.1) Approve Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Jessica Montgomery and seconded by Commissioner Hannah Wegner recommending
approval of the February 8, 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 Commissioner John McCulloch and seconded by Vice Chair James Kuznia recommending approval of the
January 11, 2024, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission minutes. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
General Business
Reports and Staff Recommendations
(7.1) Organizational Development Update
Organizational & Equity Partner, Paul Johnson presented an update on equity efforts by the city. City of Choice was
one of the Council and city’s strategic priorities. The position was created as a continued commitment to offering
high-quality, cost-effective, equitable and inclusive policies and service operations. This job is more internally
focused, working with departments, leaders, and directors, with the goal of that having an outward effect to the
city, as well. A discussion was had about the meaning of DEI. Diversity, equity, and inclusion were defined, and
examples given verbally and visually. One component of implementing DEI is developing an Employee Engagement
Committee to represent employees and create a survey to improve input from employees on the workplace
environment, including what is working now and what could be improved upon.
2 Approved Minutes
February 8, 2024
(7.2) Parks & Forestry Update
Parks & Forestry Manager, Jason Goehring presented an update on Parks & Forestry. There are 28 full time staff
members, staffed 7 days a week, year-round. 24 seasonal/temporary employees are hired during the peak summer
season.
Parks & Forestry are responsible for the operations, maintenance, and repair of over 1800 acres of park land and
175 miles of trails throughout Plymouth.
2023 projects:
• Zachary Playfield pickleball courts
• Bass Lake Playfield baseball renovation
• Reclaimed, graded, compacted, paved and restored 3.13 mile of trails
• Elm Creek Playground retrofit
• Bass Lake Building renovation
• Plymouth Creek batting cage donated by Plymouth Wayzata Youth Baseball Association
The historic warm temperatures this year allowed crews to install and remove the holiday lights at the Hilde and City
Hall easily. Ice rinks were not able to open until January 17 and then closed two weeks later. No rinks were opened
on the lakes or pond this year due to the ice not being thick enough. Crews have been busy performing structural
tree trimming in the parks and working with the street department to trim trees for right of way. Playground
inspections are ahead of schedule due to the warmer temperatures.
Discussion was had about Emerald Ash Borer tree removals and locations throughout the city.
2024 projects:
• Parkers Lake Fountain Pond improvements
• West Medicine Lake median renovation
• Parkers Lake Field C soccer renovation
• Parkers Lake Field 1 subsurface drainage
Trail projects in 2024 include Aspen Ridge, Sunrise, Rolling Hills, Mission Hills, and Schmidt Woods Connectors.
Crews will continue to work on Zachary concessions building upgrades, including exterior concrete, floors, painting,
plumbing and electrical.
Manager Goehring described the Green Tree Island Prairie restoration that was an idea presented by the
neighborhood.
There was information presented about the volunteer event led by one of our AmeriCorps members to plant 10,000
perennials around Hilde pond.
(7.3) Special Events 2024
Director Jennifer Tomlinson presented upcoming special events and updates, including the following:
• 55+ Winter Bingo
• Presidents Day $10 Open Play at PCC
• Discover Plymouth vendor applications
• Tree and Shrub Sale
• Pie Day
Adjournment
3 Approved Minutes
February 8, 2024
Motion by Commissioner Wegner and seconded by Commissioner Montgomery recommending adjournment of the
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting at
7:00 p.m.