HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 02-10-1983Minutes of the Plymouth Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
February 10, 1983
Page 4
Present; Commissioners Threinen, Chesebrough, Edwards, Mullan and Dvorak; staff
members Blank, Helgeson and Patterson; Planning Commissioner Magnus;
John Howie of the Wayzata. Soccer Club; John Uban of Howard Dahlgren
and Associates; Mike Pflaum and Rick Sather of Lundgren Bros. Construction
Absent: Chairman Rice, Commissioner Berg
1. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Threinen called the meeting of February 10 to order rpt 7:32 0.11,
in the Plymouth City Center Council Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Mullan moved and Commissioner Chesebrough seconded a motion to
approve the minutes of January 6. The motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
a. Wayzata Soccer Club -John Howie. Mr. Howie was present to brief the
Commission on the Wayzata Soccer Club, one of the youth athletic associa-
tions serving Plymouth and Wayzata residents located in District 284. He
indicated that this is their 7th year of operation, and that 69 teams
participated last year. They play in June and July on facilities provided
by the City of Plymouth (Oakwood, Plymouth Creek and Ridgemount) and
fields provided by District 284. The Club allows girls from Orono and
Minnetonka to play in order to fill up teams, otherwise all players must
live in District 284. When questioned by the Commission on how the Club
would feel if it had to begin paying user fees for such things as
maintenance of fields, Mr. Howie responded that they would simply pay.
b. Mary Patterson. Mary gave the. Commission information on the new printer
who will icaing this year's Plymouth on Parade newsletter. She also
talked about the two interns wFo w e workng in the Recreation Depart-
ment beginninq in the spring for approximately 10 weeks. She handed
out copies of a questionnaire that had been completed by the student
council members of Ridgemount and Wayzata Jr. High on programming for
teens and how we can better meet their needs. A list of suggested
programs to be offered in the future was given to each commissioner
as prepared by the program advisory council. Members of this committee
include Commissions Threinen and Edwards. Mary had also prepared a
lest of all 1982 py,. vams she offered and their total registration.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Park Dedication Fees 1983. Director Blank reported that the Council
annually approves PirRDedication Fees, and this year's fees that
were recently approved raised the residential fee from $390 to $400
per unit. The $2,200 per acre for commercial development did not
change..
b. Approved A oraisor for Bass Lake Playfield/St. Mary's, These appraisals
were approved and should be available by February 11.
c.
the
and
to
near future to discuss the plans for Plymouth
the play equipment. Residents bordering this
attend.
k and East Medicine
play equipment at
a public meeting in
Creek Neighborhood Park
park will be invited
PRAC Minutes of February 10, 1983
Page 5
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Plymuth Creek Estates Update. Director Blank reviewed his memo to PRAC
ated February - , whicR states that staff believes the concept plan
submitted by Howard Dahlgren and Associates: will sufficiently meet the
future needs for Plymouth Creek City Park. The current concept plan
calls for 34+ acres to be dedicated for park, which is a reduction of
approximately 25 acres from the original plan prepared for the City by
Brauer and Associates. The old concept plan called for a very active,
playfield-dominated park, whereas the new plan is more of a natural
open and passive -type park. The only major change that will result
from this new plan is the moving of the activities center approximately
300 feet further west.. Two residents who were: present at the meeting,
Gerald Zander of 3310 Lanewood Lane and Len Muehleisen of 15025 32nd
Avenue North, spoke against the new concept plan because of its redaction
in acreage. Although they were: both greatly pleased about the new
plan being more open and passive in nature, they are concerned about the
amount of wildlife that will be disturbed by the increased residential
develcpnrent, and they both feel that Mr. Belgarde still owes the City
for park dedication he avoided contributing several years ago when he
developed the Fox Meadows area. After hearing from these two residents,,
Commissioner Chesebrough asked Director Blank if he had any additional
comments. to make, and he stated tha* he is still recommending approval
of this plan as presented.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBROU'GH MOVED AND COMMISSIONER MULLAN SECONDED A MOTION
TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE CONCEPT PLAN FOR PLYMOUTH
CREEK ESTATES IS IN REASONABLE CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONCEPT PLAN FOR
PLYKUTIH CREEK CITY PARK AND RECOMMEND ITS APPROVAL. The motion carried;
with four ayes;. Commissioner Dvorak voted nay, because he did not feel
that he was as iriformed as the other commissioners on this issue.
b. Parkers Lake Planned Development. Director Blank reviewed the concept
Lundgrenbyp:an that has Bros. for the development of
the 400+ acres north of and suer- nding Parkers Lake. He stated that
he has five concerns which he has reviewed with Lundgren Bros. These
include the size and shape of the neighborhood park site located in the
northwest quadrant of the development along Dunkirk Lane, just south
of 25th Avenue. Itis one of the few remaining wooded areas left in
Plymoutt located west of I-494 and south of Highway 55. Lundgren's plan
calls for residential development of this area, and staff would like to
see more of the woods preserved: Staff's second concern is the trail
which runs southward behind the Cimarron Ponds townhouses and ties in
with the existing trail on Vicksburg Lane; at approximately 18th Avenue.
Staff ids recommending that this trail run straight across and connect
with Vicksburg at a 90 -degree angle, rather than jogging to the south.
The third area of concern is the need for a northerly trail access from
the middle neighborhood park site. This will allow the residents north
of 21st Avenue access to the park and the trail system leading to Parkers.
Lake City Park. The fourth concern deals with the playfield. The plan
currently calls for a portion of the residential area to protrude into
the playfield, and from staff's experience with our current playf'elds,
residents prefer more privacy. Staff is recommending that the western
boundary of the playfield be straighteoed out. The fifth area regards
the piece of property lying south of the railroad track. Lundgren is
proposing this as part of the park, and Director Blank feels that it would
PRAC Minutes of February 10, 1983
Page 6
be more appropriate for housing, because the railroad track makes such
a natural border for the park. With these concerns in mind, Director
Blank feels that the concept plan presented by Lundgren Bros. is
generally inaccordance with the overall City Comprehensive Park Systeme
ldn and he would recommend that PRAC recommend to the City Council
concurrence subject to. correction of the matters outlined during the
discussion. Mike Pflaum of Lundgren Bros. then spoke to the Commission
and shared maps of the proposed development. He stated that Lundgren
Bros. is in general agreement with four of the concerns outlined by
Director Blank, but that they strongly disagree over the park size
proposed for the northwest quacAlrant. Lundgren feels that this land is
of prime buildable character, and that having homes built in the woods.
will make for excellent sales. Houses proposed in this area are in the
250,000 to $650,000 price range. They feel that the City is being very
unfair in wanting so much of this area for park. Lundgren Bros. believes
that the area they have proposed for park sufficiently meets the needs
of the City in terms of park dedication. requirements.
Two residents who live north of this woo,' -',''d area, Tom. Witchger and Mitzi
Witchger, both of'1+6531 26th Avenge North, spoke against the development
of homes in this northwest.quadrant. They want the woods. to be preserved,
because in doing research, they discovered that this area is the only
woods left west of I-494 and south of highway 55. They feel thatit
would be impossible to recreate this kind of environment in their life-
time if Lundgren Bros is allowed to destroy even some of the woods
in their efforts to develop this into a residential area.
Followin.aese comments; Commissioner Mullan asked if it would cause
any probiums if PRAC were to delay in making any recommendations at
this time. Mr. Pflaum indicated that Lundgren Bros. would like to be
in the ground by this fall.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH MOVED AND COMMISSIONER EDWARDS SECONDED A MOTION
TO RECOMMEND TO THE. CITY COUNCIL CONCURRENCE WITH PARKERS LAKE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION OF THOSE
MATTERS OUTLINED IN ERIC BLANK'S MEMO DATED FEBRUARY 7, 1983, ON PARKERS
LAKE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONER MULLAN AMENDED THE MOTION TO
RECOMMEND THAT THE PARK LAND IN THE MAPLECREEK/MAPLEDELL AREA BE CON-
SIDERED IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE HIGH GROUND IN THE LUNDGREN BROS. PROPOSAL
WHEN FIGURING MINIMUM NEIGHBORHOODPARK REQUIREMENTS, The motion and
the amendment carried with all ayes.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Life. Be In It. June 4 Mary discussed the "Life.. 'le In It.," contest
scheduled Tor March through June 4 and the "Life. Be In It." day to be
held on June 4 in conjunction with the grand opening of the Zachary
Playfield. The contest is for families In Plymouth and will consist; of
a variety of different activities such as bicycling events, rollerskating
events, walking, jogging, hiking, etc. Families entering the contest
will compete in these activities and will score themselves. Those who
reach a minimum number of points will be eligible for a drawing which
will take place on June 4.. Three winners will receive a free hot-air
balloon ride. Contestants will also get discounts on programs they
register for, and copies of a walk booklet and an activities -idea booklet.
FRAC Minutes of February 10, 1983
Page; 7
Health Central is donating $1,500 to pay for the balloon rides and
banners advertising "Life. Be In It." Health Central and Plymouth
Park and Recreation. Council members and FRAC will be asked to
promote "Life. Be; In It." day and to participate in activities planned,
at Zachary Playfi;eld to celebrate the grand opening of this park.
COMMISSIONER DVORAK MOVED AND COMMISSIONER EDWARDS SECONDED A MOTION
TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ENDORSE NATIONAL "LIFE. BE IN IT."
DAY ON JUNE 4 AND THE ACTIVITIES PLANNED AT ZACHARY PLAYFIELD'S GRAND
OPENING. The motion carried with all ayes.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
c. St. Mary's Update., The appraisal of this property is being delivered
to Dire,tor Blank on February 11,
d. LAWCONACMR Grant Update. The latest information we have received
1n"c %ates fii our grant may be -funded in July.
e. Medicine Lake Task Force. Commissioners Chesebrough"aand Mullan, who
are meiffiers of t s tas force, Mated that the meetings held so far
have been very informative, and that several different agencies have
been representedand have shared very helpful information.
f. 1982 Annual Report. Final copies of the Annual Report were given.
ea—ccE com iss over for their review and comment,. The Goals and
ObJectives Chapter was in draft form, and was approved after a minor
change was made on Goal #9. It was recommended that one meeting per
year should be held with the Planning Commission. The overall annual.
report was approved by the Commission and suggestions were made to
share it with school districts in Plymouth, the local library, area
newspapers and homeowner associations.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Park Use Policies 1983. Each commissioner received a copy of the 1983'
afarUsen c esn Director Blank pointed out a few changes that.
have been made in this year's policies. Item D.-3. was added to
B.-1. regarding play beginning after 10:00 p.m. Under D.-1., we have
added that MRPA-sanctioned teams will receive a $30 discount on their
rental fee during tournaments. Under D.-2., we state that no game
may start before 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday or before 10:00 a.m.
on Sunday. We have changed field rental fees (Item F) to show a greater
differentiation between local organizations and outside groups, and also
graduated rates depending on the number of games you wish to have on a
field.
COMMISSIONER'CHESEBROUGH MOVED AND COMMISSIONER MUL'LAN SECONDED A MOTION'
TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, APPROVE THE 1983 PARK USE POLICIES
AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER DVORAK AMENDED ITEM D. -I. -a. BY CHANGING
THE RENTAL FOR ONE GAME FROM $10 TO $7.50, AND TWO GAMES FROM $20 TO
17.50. The motion carried with all ayes.
b. 3.2 Beer Permits -Zachary and PlymouthCreek ala fields. Director Blank
remn e the Comm ss on that Council's approval last year of allowing 3.2
beer by special' permit at these two playfields was on a trial basis and
that we were to keep records of any problems that arose or any complaints
I
PRAC Minutes ol" February 10, 1983
Page 8
from the public received by the ,police department. Since no problems.
were reported and no complaints received by the police, Director Blank
recommended that PRAC approve this policy on an on-going basis rather
than on a one-year time Limit.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH MOVED AND COMMISSIONER EDWARDS SECONDED A MOTION
TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ENDORSE: THE CONTINUED SALE OF 3.2 BEER
BY SPECIAL PERMIT ONLY AT PLYMOUTH CREEK AND ZACHARY PLAYFIELDS SUBJECT
TO THE CONDITIONS OUTLINED IN ERIC BLANK'S MEMO DATED FEBRUARY. 7, 1983.
THE MOTION WAS AMENDED TO INCLUDE ALL OF PLYMOUTH CREEK PARK, RATHER
THAN JUST THE PLAYFIELD AREA. The motion carried with four ayes.
Commissioner Dvorak abstained,
c. Fencing Projects - Yachar and Plymouth Creek Pla €fields. COMMISSIONER
57 '" 15 AND COMRISSIONER CHESEBROUGH SECONDED A MOTIoN TO RECOMMEND
THAT THE ifY COUNCIL APPROVE TWO PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT C.I.P.
FOR FENCING THE NORTH BOUNDARY AT PLYMOUTH CREEK PLAYFIELD AND, TWO
BALLF'IELDS: AT ZACHARY PLAYFIELD AND THAT $24,500 BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE.
PARK DEDICATION ACCOUNTTO THE. CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT IN ORDER TO FUND
THESE PROJECTS. The motion carried with all ayes.
e. Purchase of Land - West Medicine Lake Ci_V_Park. Director Blank indicated
tA' the Commission tat a building permit ,has been taken out on Lot 6
of Elmhurst Gateway 2nd Addition, which is located west of Medicine
Lake Drive and north of 18th Avenue, and was proposed to be included
in the West Medicine Lake City Park per the Comprehensive Park System
Plan prepared by Brauer and Associates and approved by the Council in
July, 1982. Director Blank is recommending that the City Council authorize
the purchase of -this site at this time, rather than waiting and possibly
having to pay more for it latera
COMMISSIONER MULLAN MOVED AND COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH SECONDED A MOTION
TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL FUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION OF THIS
PARCEL IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH THE OVERALL PLANS FOR FUTURE ROADS AND
PARK DEVELOPMENT IN THIS AREA. F9NDING FOR THIS PROJECT IS TO COME FROM
PARK DEDICATION, CITY PARKS, PLAYFIELDS AND TRAILS ACCOUNT. The motion
carried with all ayes.
7's COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None,,
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank announced that Chairman Rice has decided to resign from the
Commission in May, due to the extensive amount of traveling that he is required
to do. Chairman Rice has requested that PRAC hold a training session An April
7 (the date of the regular April meeting). Don Brauer, who is a futurist, will
lead the workshop. The next regular meeting of PRAC will be held on March 22,
and will be a combination vgenda for March and April.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m.