HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06-25-2002 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
June 25, 2002
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at
5:30 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on June 25,
2002.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Hewitt, Harstad, Slavik,
Johnson, Stein and Black (arrived at 5:50 p.m.).
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Park and
Recreation Director Blank, Finance Director Hahn, Superintendent of Recreation Evans,
Community Development Director Hurlburt, and City Clerk Paulson.
Review of Concept Plans for Lower Level of Plymouth Creek Center
Park and Recreation Director Blank introduced Del Erickson, architect, who has prepared
concept plans for finishing the lower level of the Plymouth Creek Center. He explained
the Youth Advisory Council and the Senior Council have reviewed the plans. He noted
that all of the programs at the Plymouth Creek Center have outgrown their space on the
main level, and they are in need of additional space. He noted that the approximate cost
to refinish the entire level is approximately $750,000, and the City only has $225,000 in
capital improvement funds available for this project.
Del Erickson illustrated and explained the proposed concept plans. The plans would
include a vending/concession area, a tiered multi -use space, conference space, a smaller
multi -use room, and storage space. He stated one concern expressed by the Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission was noise, and he is currently reviewing methods to
address noise levels.
Park and Recreation Director Blank stated the tiered multi -use space could be fully
catered for events. This area could be utilized for weddings, but the space would be more
functional for business luncheons.
He also mentioned that the City currently leases lower level space to Acceleration
Minnesota, and if the Council were to refinish the area they occupy, he is unsure if there
would be other options for them. He stated there currently isn't space at the Ice Arena to
accommodate them.
Councilmember Harstad suggested that there be security measures in place for the
computer/conference room. Mr. Erickson stated that would be addressed, and he noted
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Special Meeting of June 25, 2002
Page 2 of 3
that there would be electrical outlets on the floor and along the walls to allow flexibility
in how the computers would be arranged in this room.
The Council discussed doing the project in phases, which would be to allocate $225,000
per year for three years. City Manager Johnson added that the proposed projects in the
capital improvements program need to be reviewed again by Council and staff to
determine the priorities and whether some of the projects should be revised.
Park and Recreation Director Blank stated at this point, he and Mr. Erickson need to "fine
tune" the budget and the plans. It is their hope to present another report to the Council in
a month. He also spoke of the possibility of not relocating Acceleration Minnesota and
constructing the tiered multi -use space with a concrete floor.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the City were to do the project in phases, would the
costs increase. Mr. Erickson replied the costs could increase approximately 20%.
Councilmember Stein commented that if the Council were to approve the construction of
the tiered multi -use room, the common area should also be constructed at the same time..
Discussion on Proposed Dome for Tennis Courts at Oakwood Elementary School
Park and Recreation Director Blank reported that earlier this year, the Council authorized
the reconstruction of the five tennis courts at Oakwood Playfield. The budget for this
project is $140,000, which would come from the park replacement fund.
He indicated that residents have previously contacted him regarding indoor tennis courts
in the City. He stated he contacted a dome vendor, and they proposed a cost of $194,500
for a dome structure. He commented that this proposal is very reasonable so he contacted
the Wayzata School District to determine if there was any interest for a dome at these
tennis courts. He stated that the school district would like to utilize the courts for their
tennis program, and they would be interested in leasing the space similar to the type of
lease arrangement for the Ice Center. He stated the school district could only lease the
space ($25,000 per year) rather than be the operator due to this use being outside their
levy limit. He stated individuals would purchase their court time on the City's website.
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Special Meeting of June 25, 2002
Page 3 of 3
He stated constructing a dome for the Oakwood tennis courts is a viable option as the
courts are already scheduled to be reconstructed, and it would be easy to add the
necessary underground utility work at the same time. He also noted that the entire site is
surrounded by approximately 30 feet of solid evergreen trees, and the location of these
courts, which is at a major intersection (County Roads 101 & 6), provides easy
accessibility. He stated if the Council is interested in pursuing this project, there would
be the Conditional Use Permit process whereby the property owners within 500 feet of
the site would be notified of the proposed use of the site.
The Council discussed whether there would be a different fee for use of the facilities for
non-residents. Park and Recreation Director Blank stated the City currently doesn't
charge different fees for non-residents for other park facilities. It was noted that the four
school districts within the City encompass students from other communities, not just
Plymouth.
Councilmember Harstad suggested incorporating other uses for the site such as
volleyball, basketball, batting cage, and badminton. Park and Recreation Director Blank
commented that staff could review that suggestion, but he noted that the equipment for
those uses would need to be stored somewhere.
The Council authorized Park and Recreation Director Blank to solicit input from the area
residents on the proposed domed tennis courts and provide a written proposal to the
Wayzata School District to determine if they would agree to a lease agreement with the
City for use of the facility.
Schedule Future Study Sessions
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson,
to schedule a Special Meetingonn July 23 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the City's website
redesign. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adiournment
Mayor Tierney declared the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk