HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 07-14-1988Reguiar Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
July 14, 1988, 7:30 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call: to Orden
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
a, Athletic Associations.
b. Staff.
c. Others.
4. Report on Past Council Action
S. Unfinished Business
a. Community Center Public Comments
b. 1989-93 CIP
c. Park Usage/Cost Study Update
d. Parkers Lake - Update
e. St. Marys Neighborhood Park Update
f. West Medicine Lake Road Trail Update
6. yew Business
a. New Platts
b
C,
7. Commission Presentation
a Staff Communication
9 Adjournment
Meeting with City Council July 75, 5.30 p.m
Next Regular PRAC Meeting August 11
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Adv4iory Commission Meeting
June 14, 1988
Page 25
Present: Chair Edwards, Commissioners LaTour, Rosen, Anderson, Reed, and
Beach; Councilman. Sisk, staff Blank, Patterson, and. Pederson.
Absent: Commissioner Hanson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Edwards called the June meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. in the,
Council Conference Room;
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner B6^ch and seconded by Commissioner Reed
to approve the minutes of the May meeting as presented. The motion
carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a.
b.
None were present at this meeting.
Staff• Mary Patterson. announced that beaches were open_, and that
because of the hot, dozy weather, Parkers Lake has receded six feet
in six days. This is cawing problems isith patrons switmning, outside
of the bouyed areas at both Parkers and East Medicine Lake.
Mary stated tha,t all the pre-school PITS special events are full,
and that we have waiting lists for each ooe. Additional programs
will be offered if staff can be arranged.
Mary indicated that we have applied for an arts presenter assistance
grant for 1988-89 and that the performers will be Dudley Riggs and
the Ethnic Dance: Theater. The Arts Advisory Commission will need to
raise approximately $2,000 in addition to the grant money in order
for these performances to take place. The Arts Advisory Commission
is made up of representatives from the Park and Recreation
Department, Wayzata Community Education, the Art Center of
Minnesota, and Plymouth and Wayzata residents, interested in
sponsoring performing arts.
Summer concerts in the parks begin June 22,. Sponsors this year
include the Bank Wayzata, Northwestern Bell, Musicians Performance
Trust Fund, and the City of Plymouth.
Two nationally known speakers will be the main presenters at a
workshop sponsored by the MRPA in August:. They are Dr.. Crompton,
who will speak on marketing and financing public leisure services,
and Dr. Kozlowski, speaking on the topic of recreational injury
liability. The workshop will be August 23" at the Brooklyn Park
Community Center. Mary encouraged PRAC members to attend. She also
stated that she wouldbe inviting, the Council to this workshop as
well.
PRAC Minutes - June 14, 1988
Page 26
C. ]Lthlret
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. The Council accepted the $5,000 donation for the Parkers Lake Park
Memorial Peace Garden.
5. tWINISHED PUSINESS
a. Rego s for Matching Funes Greenwood/Qakwood PTO. Representatives
from the Greenwood PTO were present to describe their proposed
playground and to explain their budget in their effort to receive
matching funds from the City of Plymouth for the playground:
improvements at GreenwoodElementary School, Commissioner Reed
asked them why they were seeking funds. from the City for thio
playground, and Joyce Frees responded that Greenwood meets the
criteria for being a neighborhood park in this arra. She further
stated that over 300 children walk to this school, and that many
activities are held there during non -school hours, s%,ch as soccer
practises and baseball!softball games. Director Blank then verified
that Greenwood is the neighborhood park for this planning area in
the City's comprehensive park system plan, even though the area is
not 50g developed. Eric stated further that: the 50% development
criteria is used; when determining the timing for building new
neighborhood parks. It is also one of the criteria for contributing
financially to improvements at school playgrounds. This is causing
some conflict for PRAG members in deciding if Greenwood is eligible
for matching, funds from the City. Many DRAG members feel that:
Greenwood deserves some financial support from the City, since it is
considered a neighborhood park and because so many families use the.
playground. They also feel that a $10,000 contribution toward' these
improvements is a, good investment, considering that a new
neighborhood playground costs $30,000 or more. Discussion, then
focused on the types of equipment that the PTO is considering, and
PRAC was concerned with one of the pieces called, a "whirl." They
believe it to be unsafe, and asked the PTO if they would be willing
to exchange that piece for something else. PRAC encouraged the PTO
to get input from the Park and Recreation staff before actually
purchasing anything, and the PTO agreed to this request. PRAC then
informed the representatives from Greenwood that they would make
their recommendation when they discussed the 1989-93 CIP later in
the meeting. Chair Edwards explained that PRAC will present their
proposed CIP to the City Council in July, and Councilman Sisk stated'
that the Council would decide on the CIP in September or. October,.
b. 1989-93 CIP. PRAC reviewed the proposed CIP for changes and
additions; Director Blank pointed out that a ninth playfield will
be needed in the area north of Highway 55 and west of Dunkirk in the
future, and that it's best to buy land 'before sewer goes in and
before residential development takes place. He indicated that 40-80
acres would be needed and would cost somewhere between $200,000 and,
640,000. It was suggested by PRAC to begun the purchase in the
year 1990 on a contract for deed, the same way the Bass Lake
Playfie d land was purchased. Other items for consideration
I
z
PRAC Minutes June 14, 1988
Page ZT
included a piece of property Nest of Zachary Playfield owned by
Forster's Meats, which the City might be able to exchange with them
for, a piece owned by us south of County Road 9. The trail along
West. Medicine: Lake Drive it critical, also.. Many residents are
calling for the development of this trail from a safety standpoint.
It will be an expensive venture, and at the very least will cost
approximately $215,000 for the trail itself and another $100,000 for
a guardrail. It was decided that this issue would be discussed
again following the June 13 Torn Meeting.
PRAC then continued their deliberations on donations to Oakwood and
Greenwood schools for their 'playground improvements for the year
1989.. Commissioner LaTour suggested giving Oakwood the furl
10,000, but she wasn't as eater to donate that amount to Greenwood.
Commissioner Rosen feels that both; schools shouldreceive our
financial support based on it being a good investment and good for
community relations. All commissioners agreed that Oakwood should
receive the $10,000 but were wrestling with giving Greenwood
anything because of the 50% development criteria. Mary Patterson
then pointed out to the Commission that the Council grants
variances" sometimes to ordinances for a variety' of reasons. FRAC
then agreed that Greenwood should receive some financial support
from the City for the following reasons this area: is an
established neighborhood using this playground as its neighborhood
park, 300 plus; children use the equipment, it's a good investment
for a minimal cost, and the City can guide the PTO in the selection.
of the safest equipment.
Further discussion on the CIP included a suggestion from
Commissioner Rosen, to improve the playground at Shil.oh and Gleanloch
neighborhood parks in 1991 or 1992..
C. Plymouth Creek Site Plannint. A 'meeting has been set for June 21
with the City Council to discuss the Plymouth Creek. site master
plan.
d. Park Utgge/Cost *tudy Report Discussion, Director Blank shared with
the Commission copies of the task force report prepared by the Edina
Park Commission on charging user fees. The report indicated that
Edind charges each participant a $5 user fee. Director Blank stated
that the fairest way to charge would be to figure out a, fee for each
association based on use, rather than charging each child' a flat
rate. This is because some athletic associations use fields that
are not maintained by the City of Plymouth, such as Wayzata West
Junior High which is used for youth: soccer. Commissioner Rosen felt
that he didn't know enough about the City's budget to make a
decision on user fess at this time. He feeds that if the City can
manage without it, don't charge at this time. Commissioner Beach
agrees that user fees are inevitable, but feels that the athletic
associations will not; support a community center if they are faced
with paying user fees. She would like to wait until after- the
community center is constructed to institute fees. Commissioner
Reed doesn't want fees charged unless it is absolutely necessary.
C ii Ad _ id h d' omn shWonern_erson sa e a gotten the impression from the
y"
PRAC Minutes - Juba 14, 1988
Page 28
Council that it wasn't a crisis at this time, and Chair Edwards
indicated that she feels it isn't necessary yet to institute user
fees. It was then agreed by PRAC that user fees are probably going
to be necessary in the future, and they suggested instituting them.
in 1990, which will, give athletic associations a year and a half to
prepare for it.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER REED AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
LATOUR TO RECOMMEND- THAT A FEE STRUCTURE BE ESTABLISHED BASED ON
USAGE TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 1, 1990. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH FOUR
AYES (EDWARDS, ANDERSON, REED AND LATOUR). COMMISSIONERS BEACH AND
ROSEN, VOTED NAY.
e. Parkes Construction has been delayed somewhat while
waiting for beams for the pavilion. The large picnic shelter is
finished., DirectorBlank stated that Wayzata. School District
teachers have already asked to resetve the pavilion in late August.
f. St. Mary's Update. Director Blank stated that the park is 1,000
yards short on ,fill dirt. The timbers have arrived for the play
equipment, and the pond is dredged. A resident who purchased a home
south of the park is encouraging the City to relocate the trail on
that end of the park, to it's not so close to his line of view when
he looks out over the park. He wants it pushed farther back into
the park. Director Blank said he restaked it and moved it as far
back aa, he felt comfortable with.
g. Community Center - General Discussion. The next meeting is planned
for June 29, with different swimming groups being represented. The
commissioners were asked if they were ready for a facilities tour,
and if so, which facilities should they visit? Chair Edwards
responded that she wanted to visit the new Bunker Hills wave pool
which is scheduled to opon June 12. Other facilities mentioned'
were: Minnetonka. Senior Center, Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Park, Apple
Valley, and Flagship in Eden Prairie. Director Blank stated that he
would send a video crew to Apple Valley, since- it's so much farther
away than the other facilities. July 13 and 19 were decided on as
tour dates.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. There was no new business.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
S. STAFF' COMMUNICATION
None.
9. ADJOURNMENT'
The meeting adjourned at 10.50 p.m.
June 2, 1988
Mayor Virgil, Sctuieider
city of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Virgil-.
I have received the town meeting notice for June 13.
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the meeting, and T
do find them very interesting and, an excellent way to
amnuicaze with council as well as city staff.
our area has undergorva substantial development during the past
few years and soon will be totally de`eloped. However, a
concern of mine that existed 17 years ago when I first moved
to Plymouth still: exists. That concern is West Medicine Lake
Road. During the past week I once again observed very close
calls between motorized vehicles and bicyclists in the area of
West Medicine Lake Park. I feel we have been very fortunate
not to have had a fatality along this section of roadway in
the past several years with the increase in pedestrians and
bike traffic as well as vehicular traffic. A plan has long
been available calling for the relocation of West Medicine
Lake Road westerly to bypass West Medicine Lake Park and to
join back into West Medicine Lake Road near the railroad
crossing just north of Highway 55
I realize the dost of this improvement is considerable.
However, without this improvement West Medicine lake Park
cannot properly proceed towards its final implementation nor
can the city adequately protect pedestrian and bike traffic
which the existing park generates. I see extensive road
construction occurring in other parts of the city,
particularly in the downtown Plymouth area, far ahead of the
intense level of development which has occurred in our
neighborhood, I am: sure the council and staff share my
concern for safety of our citizens in this area. Hopefully we
can bite the bullet and build the facility that is required
prior to occurrencerence of any serious accident (s) . one fatality
would rake the cob -t of the proposed roadway realignment appear .. '
M
June 2, 1988
Page 2
very insignificant. one only has to briefly observe activity'
near the park on a hot day to realize that a very dazes
situation exists.
I wa=a a yourself and the other council members to inutiate
action towards iuplemw t:ation at a new West Medicine Luke Fuad
as rapid!!y as possible. Although unable to attend the
cm=,4ty zeeting I sincerely thank you for your c omideration
of the above request
Sincerely Yours,
Jahn C. Mullan
11845 28th Averwe North
cc: council Iters Sisk, Zitur, Vasilicu, Ricker
BILL FRENZEL
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Usibington. W 20515-2303
May 26, 1988
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SLOOmImoTON MM 55431-1.32.8..
812-!81.1800
Mr, Eric J. Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mr. Blanks
Thunk you for your recent letter in support of H.R. 4127, the
American Heritage Trust Act. Currently this bill is pending
before the interior Committee, Subcommittee on National Parks and
Public Lands. Thus fair two hearings have been held on this
legislation.
As you know this bill would earmark unappropriated LAWCON funds
to_a trust fund. The fund would be allowed to build up for a
period, and once the fund reached a certain balance Congress
would be authorized to appropriate annual interest earned on the
fund. Currently unappropriated LAWCON funds go into the general
treasury.
There has been some concern that such a fund might be used to
make huge federal land purchases. In addition, questions have
arisen pertaining to the financing of the fund. Until these
issues are resolved, I intend to withhold my cosponsorship of
this bill.
Thanks again for your counsel on this important matter. Your
advice will be useful to me in further reviewing this bill.
Yours very truly,
Bl Frenzel
Member of Congress
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Eric Blank.
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, Minnesota
Dear Eric:
55447
WASHINGTON, D C. 20510
June 9, 1988
Think you for contacting me to express you
the wand and dater Conservation Fund (LWCF). I
time you have taken to share your thoughts with
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
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appreciate the
me.
The LWCF is the federal government's primary system of
financing growth and development of the public outdoor recreation
system. The LWCF provides protection of lands and water for
public outdoor recreation, including acquisition of new areas and
additions to already established parks, forests, wildlife refuges
and other areas. The fund was authorized in 1964 for a 25 -year
period. The money for LWCF comes from federal land sales and
lease fees, but the amount that the fund actually receives is
decided by annual congressional appropriations.
In the so-called Continuing (appropriations) Resolution
passed on December 22, 1987, Congress extended the LWCF until
2015 with the carne funding mechanism. Some maintain, however,
that it is necessary to take the fund out of the annual
appropriations process. To this end, Representative Morris
K. Udall (D -Arizona) has introduced H.R. 4127, which would
establish an American Heritage Trust for purposes of enhancing
the protection of the nation's natural, historical, cultural, and
outdoor recreational heritage. On March 3, 1988, the bill was
referred to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs,
where it awaits further consideration.
The provision of basis recreation opportunities for all
citizens is an essential public service and deserves full
consideration in budget decisions. I am committed to the concept
of making our vast and beautiful natural resources available to
all citizens, while preserving and protecting these resources for
t
June 9, 1988 *w
Page 2
future generations. Be
assurerncere
le ilation pertainingto
the LWCF progresses through Cowill keep yur views in
mind.
Again, thanks for getting vi me.
S
MitedSt Mitt
RH/afm
t!5 lnatOf`
July 79 1986
PRAC
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, 101 55447
Dear Sirs:
Our family is very interested in a community center being
built irs Plymouth. The co=,.unity certer in Filen Prairie which offers
an ice arena and swimming pool appeals to us. We feel that the rapidly
growing Plymouth community can adequately support such a complex.
With the growing number of young suburban families, the facilities
would greatly enhance movement into the Plymouth area and offer increased
revenues for the city as well.
We hope the City Council will recommend a similiar complex for
Plymouth. With three sons interested in playing hockey, this is one
family who would use the facilities constantly.
Sincerely,
The Mudra f ami? y
17300 29th Ave.
Plymouth, MJ x'5447
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