HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 01-09-2014Approved Minutes
Park Et Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, January 9, 2014
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Ned Carroll, Vice Chair Greg Anderson, Commissioners: Merrilee Riley, Tricia
DeBleeckere, Aaron Vanderwall, John Vecere, Kipp Wyse
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Parks Et Recreation Director Diane Evans, Deputy Director of Parks $ Recreation Barb
Northway, Recreation Manager Regina Michaud, Office Support Specialist Sarah Josephs
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Planning Commissioner Dick Kobussen
GUESTS PRESENT: Gary Schiebe from Plymouth Historical Society
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Carroll called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Mr Carroll thanked John Vecere for his service to the Parks Et Recreation Advisory
Commission. Mr Vecere's seat on the Commission will be filled by Michael Swanson.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Vanderwall, seconded by Commissioner Anderson,
recommending, approval of the December 12, 2013, Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission meeting minutes as written. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
3. OPEN FORUM:
4. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS (NON -ACTION ITEMS):
4a. 2014 City Budget Et CIP
A copy of the City Budget and CIP was presented to Commissioners
4b. 2014 City Council Goals
A copy of the City Council Goals was presented to Commissioners.
4c. Plymouth Historical Society, Gary Schiebe
Gary Schiebe presented information on the Plymouth Historical Society to the
Commissioners. Mr Schiebe was born and raised in Plymouth and has a long history of
relatives living in Plymouth. The Historical Society shares a unique connection with
the Parks Et Recreation department. The two collaborate on events and research.
Plymouth began as a small township and held their first official meeting on May 11,
1858. Shortly after, the City's name was changed to Medicine Lake. That change
was only in effect for 1.5 years before residents changed it back to Plymouth. All
original meetings were held in homes and schools. It wasn't until 1884 that a Town
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January 9, 2014
Hall was built by Clem Menglekoch and Tom Ditter. That building was used up until
1960, and continues to stand on Fernbrook Ln near Plymouth Creek Playfield. The
City of Medicine Lake removed itself from Plymouth in 1944.
The Plymouth Historical Society was initially established to save the Old Town Hall
from demolition when Town Hall Road (now Fernbrook Ln) was to be widened. They
were incorporated on October 14, 1975 and had their charter meeting on November
12, 1975. Through a joint effort between the Plymouth Historical Society and the
City of Plymouth, the building was moved back from Fernbrook Ln onto a new
foundation. The Town Hall building was restored between 1978-79. The Historical
Society currently leases the building from the City and uses the Old Town Hall as a
museum. Members are working on adding lights to two display cabinets, expanding a
timeline and pictorial history of Old Town Hall as well as adding more historical
photos of Plymouth. More information can be found on their website at
http://p[VmouthmnhistoricalsocietV.com.
5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS)
5a. 2014 Work Plan - Draft
A draft of the work plan for 2014 is included. Throughout 2014, the Commssion will
work on the master plan for the Dunkirk Neighborhood park as well as the addition at
the Hilde Performance Center. Extra funds have been granted for the eradication of
buckthorn from City Council which will require development of a plan to remove the
buckthorn. Staff is mapping I* identifying key locations for buckthorn removal. Staff
will be working with ICWC crews two days a week beginning in March. In order to
prepare for trail plans, one of the first areas being targeted will be the Northwest
Greenway. Emerald Ash Borer will be another large topic in 2014. Plans include work
on more education of Emerald Ash Borer to residents.
Motion by Chair Carroll, seconded by Commissioner DeBleeckere, recommending to
approve the 2014 Work Plan goals. With no objection, motion passed unanimously.
5b. Naming of Park on Dunkirk Lane
Staff would like the Commissioners to choose a name for the new park on Dunkirk
Lane. Just as Fairway Greens was named to honor its history, the current
recommended names reflect the past of this park land. Recommendations are;
Prairie Pond Park, Whispering Meadow Park, Golden Farms Park, and Clover Acres
Park. The City Council will approve the new name at their meeting on January 21. A
neighborhood meeting, to receive resident feedback and suggestions, is scheduled for
February 6. In March, the City Council will approve final park plans with construction
to start in June.
Motion by Chair Riley, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, recommending to
approve the name of Prairie Pond Park. With no objection, motion passed
unanimously.
5c. 2013 Parks f* Recreation Department Annual Report - Draft
A rough draft of the 2013 Annual Report was distributed to Commissioners. This is
the second year using the new comprehensive, but concise, format. Tracking
methods are being streamlined to ensure more accurate results. A final draft will be
presented at the February 13 PRAC meeting for final approval.
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January 9, 2014
6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE (NON -ACTION ITEMS):
Staff applied for the Hennepin County Sports Grant, but was denied the grant. A
Study Session with the City Council is scheduled to get direction on options for proceeding.
This addition would prove to be a strong off -ice source of revenue for the arena. Wayzata
Girls Basketball Association is considering partnering with the project. Wayzata Youth
Hockey Association and Acceleration MN have already agreed to be a part of the addition.
Submitted an application to the State of MN requesting bonding money. $4.2 million
in improvements are planned and the City is looking for $2.1 million from State. Staff met
with State Representatives Et Senators at the Ice Center to help local politicians understand
importance of the bonding request.
Authorization to rebid the Medicine Lake retaining wall goes to City Council on
Tuesday, January 14. The project is scheduled to start in the end of March and be
completed in June. There will be a hard lane closure on Medicine Lake Dr as opposed to a
one lane closure.
At Tuesday night's Council meeting, staff will seek authorization for a paid event at
the Hilde. We will be working with Sue McLean Ft Associates to offer a large scale musical
entertainment act on June 6. Staff are requesting a Code change by City Council to
authorize liquor sales and consumption at the event.
Several trail grants are being applied for. Two Transportation Alternative Programs
TAP) grants have been submitted for three different projects. The City will also be
submitting a separate $1 million grant for a pedestrian bridge. If granted, TAP money is
repaid back to the city after the project is complete. Notification will be received in May
2014. Parks Et Recreation is also collaborating with Three Rivers Park District for a TAP
grant for adding connections to regional trails.
Hennepin County would like to meet with the City to try to work on completing the
trail gap on County road 24.
The New Years Eve event had over 500 in attendance.
The 25th Anniversary of Fire it Ice will be held on February 1St from 2-7pm. If you are
interesting in volunteering, let Jackie Maas know.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Vanderwall, seconded by Commissioner Wyse,
recommending adjournment of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
meeting. With no objection, Chair Carroll adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
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