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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.