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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 07-12-1990Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting July 12, .1990' Page 28 Present: Chairman Freels, Commissioners Anderson, Edwards, Beach, Rosen, Hanson, and 'Waage; staff Blank, Patterson-Bisek, Anderson, Sankey, Councilman Ricker Absent: none 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Freels called the July meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Counil Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Freels felt, that a sentenceshouldbe added to the June minutes on Page 24, after Paragraph 1._, stating that the Chair closed the Public hearing. Chair Freels moved to approve the minutes with this change. It was seconded by Commissioner Rosen. The motion carried will: all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. staff. Cindy Anderson presented this month's "Employee of the Month" certificate to Linda McKinley, Senior Head Lifeguard. Linda has worked for the Parks & Recreation Department since 1986 as a life guard and swimming instructor. She ha.s over 240 hours of training for her certifications and at least 180 hours of incervice 'training. She supervises, trains, and schedules the life guards, coordinates the Wayzata Beach program, and performs various related administrative duties. Her exceptional knowledge, friendly attitude, and sincere concern for safety help mold the life guard staff into a real team. Cindy stated that beach attendance is up. The new life- jacket and wading areas at the beaches have been added, and use of them is high. The use of life jackets in these marked areas has not been as high as expected, but use by small children for wading has been very popular. This year's lifeguard staff is excellent. Many of the guards are 3rd or 4th year employees, so experience is high. Attendance at Parkers Lake has been very high, contributing to more concession sales. Swimming lessons are being held at Wayzata West Jr. High this year. The classes have been filling up quickly because of the lack of Wayzata East Jr. High. The Red Cross instituted a new Whales Tales safety program which we use with good success. The Whales Tales are also used at the Day Camp, which is going very well. The group size is kept fairly Small, which contributes to a family feeling. PITS attendance is up; the new sites seem to be working well. The Friday special events are very well attended. Mary Patterson-Bisek stated that all the staff deserves a pat on the back due to the handling of all the rained -out activities. For. July 1990 FRAC Minutes Page 29 example, there are 64 softball games to be made up. The department employs approximately 100 seasonal staff., which keeps the full time staff 'very busy, handling Phones, payroll, etc.. The Schneider USA- sponsored Rockin' Hollywoods concert was moved to Wayzata East Jr. High because of rain,, but it was still able to attract 450 people. The Torch Run went very well and generated a great deal of interest.: Phyllis Hanson and her daughter participated. Demand for pre-school l;ograms has been extremely high, including the new pre-school swimming clasees and special events. We are working on expanding the programs. The Water Carnival will be held on July 24 from 5:30 to 9:00. The 'Teddy Bear Band and, Sons, of the Beach will be appearing. Last year's Carnival attracted about 700 people. The fall brochure articles have been turned in, and we are starting to get ready for the next season. Chair Freels asked if the fire works had been rescheduled. Director Blank responded that '.he Civic League will meet on Tuesday to discuss expenses, and then they will have a better idea if they will do something else or wait, until next year. c,. Others. None. 4 REPOM ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Director Blank announced that the City Council approved -the plans for Bass Lake and Parkers Lake Playfields as PRAC had presented them. 5 b_. The City Council awarded the contract to Ideal Paving for Swan Lake Neighborhood Park. Chair Freels asked if a ceremony is held when a park is opened. Director Blank .stated that ground breaking ceremonies and grand opening ceremonies are sometimes held for the major parks and playfields, but not usuall for the neighborhood parks. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. 1991-95 CIP. DirectorBlank presented the CTP containing his estimates of costs of various projects. He stated that the trails listed for each year is a+'general designation; actual, trail projects to be completed each year can he chosen from the list of trails attached or from new trail needs that may become apparent. He also stated that the CIP figures were still just an estimate, since the - available money would depend on flow the Council decides to fund the 1990 projects. Commissioner Beach expressed her wish to see an outdoor pool located at Zachary Park added' to the CIP in 1992. She feels there is a great need and desire among, the citizens for an outdoor pool. Chair Freels felt that staff should be asked to do a study to determine the location and bring the results back to FRAC. Commissioner Waage agrees that the City should build an outdoor pool because several people in her district have expressed an interest in one. The CIP should include what the constituents want most. July 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 30 Compissioner Rosen stayed that he feels an outdoor pool will be needed in the, future, but he is not comfortable with the timing of putting it in the 1992 C., -,;P. He would really like to go ahead with the Community Center in 1991 and would not like to jeopardize its chances by listing an outdoor, pool in 1992. He would also like to give higher priority to new tennics courts and playfields. He felt comfortable with the 1991 CIP, and Would like to leave, out the pool for now., Commissioner Hanson said there are two approaches to a CIP: You can be conse r-ative and only ask for the bare minimum, but chances are that is only what you will get. You can make it a wish list and list everything that: you feel the community can use and go for it. She doesnit feel that the timing on the projects is very critical because CTP's change from year to year: Cor:ntissioner Edwards stated that she is also an advocate of the Community Center: An outdoor ,00l would be mice in June, July,. and August, but would be closed the, rest of the year, Commissioner Anderson felt the Community Center should have priority: He tfondiredi how effective outdoor pools are cost wise. Chair Freels said that, costs could be very high with; maintenance, staff,, and security. He asked Director Blank to comment on pools.. Director Blank stated that wr have three junior highs with pools, two YMCA's„ New Hope and Crystal pools €,vailable for swimming opportunities, along with four beaches within the city. He does feel outdoor pools will be needed in the future, because the lakes are, bound to deteriorate. He said the Council has directed PRAC to look at arecial use facilities. Until the commissioners have done the, study and have a better idea of what is needed, he hesitates putting anything specific in the CIP. Commiosioner Hanson asked if they could lint a "special use" item without specifying what it would be. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BEACH AND SECOZ4DED BY COMMISSIONER HANSON TO INCLUDE AN OUTDOOR POOL LOCATED AT ZACHARY PARK IN THE 1992 CIP. MOTION WAS AMENDED BY COMMISSIONER Dii-'ACH TO READ "LOCATION. AND TYPE OF POOL TO BE DETERMINED LATER". MOTION WAS DEFEATED WITH COMMISSIONERS WAAGE AND BEACH' VOTT,.NG AYE AND COMMISSIONERS ROSEN, HANSON, EDWARDS, ANDERSON, AND CHAIR FREELS VOTING NAY. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN 'i INCLUDE THE OUTDOOR POOL IN THE :995 CIP. MOTION DIED FOR. LACK OF SECOND. Jim Kukral, 4070 Minnesota Lane, represented Plymouth Creek Elementary in requesting that the City donate .$5-10 thousand towards a playground structure for the school., The school currently has only a very minimal playground for the children. They have plans to build a. 35,000. project' on the east side of the building and need the additional funds from the City for rock, timber, and landscaping.. The July 1490 PRAC'Minutes Page 31 school would be willing to submit a request in any form; which is required Chair Freels asked Director Blank what the policy was for this type of request Director Blank replied that they must make the request this year for n.ext year's budget, and the project must be identified as a park site in the park pla i. PRAC would have to address the fact that Pltmouth Creek.Elementary is not currently in the system plan as -a park site. Ccmmissioner Edwards wondered if contributing to the school's playground could be justified since a playfield and neighborhood park are planned for the site just west of the school, Commissioner Rosen pointed out that the City's, investment of $5-10 thousand would actually yield a $35 thousand. value in a neighborhood park, since the school was investing the rest of the money., He also askedwhich Weyzata; Schools have been given money for playground` equipment in the past. rector Blank said that the City had. given money to Sunset Hill-, Oakwood, and Greenwood Elementaries. The difference with these schools is that they had been designated as neighborhood' park. schools in the original: comprehensive plan which were: formulated considering- population projections. Plymouth. Creek Elementary was sort of i "dropped in", and it hadn't been a part of our planning. Commissioner Anderson asked if we could get it into the plans_,; since a precedent has been set with the other schools. Chair Freels stated that all they could do right now is put it on the Council agenda: Mr. Kukral said that the school could borrow the money needed right now to construct the playground before fall if they had some assurance that the request would be presenCed. to the Council.. Commissioner Waage commented that this playground is basically just for the school, not For the general public.. Commissioner Rosen asked if playfie,lds always have 'play equipment as part of their plans. Director. Blank ;said no, Ridgemoun.t and Plymouth Middle School don't have playground equipment. Commissioner Edwards pointed out, that all the others were designated' as playfield-neighborhood parks. She also noted that the school plans to put the play- equipment on the east side of the building, not the west side where the propose' park would be.. Director Blank also wondered why the school district doesn't include the :funds to build playgrounds in their building budgets.. July 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 32 Chair Freels pointed out that the City doesn't, own this park land yet, and it probably wouldn't be developed for 5-10 years. The Commission took no action on ttze school'i; request. Commissioner Hanson feels that there is a major parking problem at Timber Shores Park and that this project should be included in the 991, CIP. She wondered if there would be enoughfunds for it. Director Blank stated that right now the cash on hand in the park. dedication fund is about $900,000. It will depend on how the Council decides to fund the proposed new playfields whether there will be money left for any of the other requested projects. Councilman Ricker said that PRAC shouldn't worry about. funding. They should include whatever they feel is needed in the CIP and let the Council worry about the funding.; A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER HANSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE TO CHANGE THE TIMBER SHORES PARKING LOT PROJECT FROM 1992 TO 1991.. IN THE CIP. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH 7 AYES. Commissioner Rosen asked what it would cost to purchase Hollydale or Hampton. Hills Golf Courses. He ,eels the City will lose the golf courses to homes if they don't step in and make the purchase. Director Blankfelt it would cost about $2 million. Commissioner Edwards feels it would be, a good idea to preserve a golf course from development into homes, but PRAC should look at all the needs. Commissioner Hanson feels a special use study should he completed and then the needs put into the CIP. A 'MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HANSON TO ADD THE ACQUISITION OF AN EXISTING GOLF COURSE INTO THE 1993 CIP. MOTION WAS, DEFEATED WITH COMMISSIONER ROSEN VOTING AYE AND ALL OTHERS VOTIVG NAY. Director Blank stated that standards exist for number of ballfields, etc., per population.. None exist foto golf courses and other special interests. He needs some time to research this issue and hopes to have some answer, of how PRAC should proceed with i study by the September meeting. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE TO APPROVE THE CIP WITH THE TIMBER SHORES CHANGE. Commissioner Rosen wanted it known that the reason some of the special need items aren't in the CIP yet is because PRAC wants to study the issues first. July 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 33; Commissioner Waage wanted to know what trails are included in the CTP. She is very interested in a trail along County Road 47, especially since her daughter was hit by a car on that road recently. Director Blank stated that the Comprehensive Trail Plan was approved by PRAC two months ago. PRAC can pick the highest priority trails from the list they were given, although the list was not meant to be all-inclusive. The County Road 47 trail timing has not yet been set. COMMISSIONER ROSEN PROPOSED AN AMENDME€ii TO THE MOTION FOR INCLUDING A RANGE OF $8-12 MILLION FOR THE CO'NMUNTTY CENTER. Commissioner Anderson felt that instead of a range, it should just be 12 million. Commissioner Beach pointed out with the addition. of time and cost overruns, a more realistic figure may be $15 million. i Councilman Ricker pointed out that the dollar amount was not --ritical at this time. Commissioner Rosen changed the amendment to $15 million, Commissioner Anderson agreed to the amendment to his motion. THE MOTIONTO APPROVE THE CIF WITH THE TIMBER SHORES CHANGE AND A $'15 MILLION AMOUNT FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER WAS APPROVED WITH ALL AYES.. b. fest Medicine Trail Update. Director 'Blank announced that, the bids were opened today for this project, with Barber Construction the apparent low bidder at $235,285.10. The Council will be asked, to award the contract on Monday, and he hopes the project will be underW ty in ten days c.. 46th Avenue Trail URdate. The Council will be asked to authorize the bidding process on this project on Monday. 6. NEW BUSINESS' a. Non-re§ident Fees. Carol Beach stated that she feels all non -Plymouth residents who join youth athletic programs which use Plymouth fields should pay a $5 non-resident fee which' would be collected by the aasociations and turned over to the Park & Recreat.on Department. She. would like this to take effect as of January 1, 1991•. Chair Freels wondered if PRAC' has the authority to recommend this to the Council; Director Blank replied that yes, it does. Commissioner Rosen felt that PRAC should do more research on this subject. He also asked if this subject should be covered at a special ieeting when field usage fees are covered. July 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 34 Commissioner Anderson felt that the subject should be postponed:.. Director Blank said: that the field usage issues: are addressed in December. He also .Felt that the associations should be invited to the meeting when this would be- discussed so that they may come and comment. If PRAC were to act on, it now, the reaction from the associations would be negative. Chair Freels asked if PRAC could be given all the information staff has on this subject. Director Blank stuted that in the New Hope/Plymouth Soccer program, for example, participation is about 60% Plymouth and 40% New Hope. The Association. charges Plymouth children an extra official fee because the City of New Hope pays for the officials, and Plymouth does not. Plymouth Park & Recreation does charge non-resident fees in. various programs run by the Department Commissioner Rosen stated that there are different issues on different sides of the city. He dors not like the idea of Plymouth children being cut from the traveling teams by non -Plymouth kids when the teams are using Plymouth fields. He also wondered what a non-resident fee is for - too exclude others? Commissioner Waage suggested that, maybe certain groups could be. exempted from the non-resident fee, Commissioner Beach stated that other cities charge non-resident fees to Plymouth residents, and people don't understand why non-residents don't have to pay extra fees to play in Plymouth. Chair Freels expressed concern about public relations. He felt the issue, should be tabled and discussed in September. Director Blank, said he would send letters to the associations before the meeting, b. Chair Freels asked the opinions of the commissioners on how he has conducted the meetings and whether he was following Roberts Rules of Order properly. He also pointed out that commissioners should always be careful to avoid conflicts of interest, He also stated that he felt uncomfortable with the way PRAC had redesigned Bass Lake Playfield plans at their last meeting Commissioner Rosen felt the meetings were being run well. The discussions had been more lively lately because of differing points of view, so meetings will naturally take longer. He feels it is appropriate to change park plans and that PRAC doesn.'t necessarily have. to accept what staff presents, Commissioner Waage stated that PRAC is here to make decisions for the entire community and should, not be heavily swayed by just one or two people. She also said that she wants to understand the issues fully before, voting, and not be rushed, July 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 35 Commissioner Beach .heels PRAG usually does make decisions for the entire community, and it is good to move things along. Commissioner Hanson felt frustrated at the, Bass Lake meeting because it was not clear whenthe public was done speaking, and when PRAC could begin their discussion,. It was difficult, too, because there were, no athletic associations present, just neighbors. Commissioner Rosen felt that at one of the Community Center meetings, the Chair handled it well at the start by stating the procedure to be followed at the meeting. it is important to cut the public off at some point. Chair Freels stated that he will bring a copy of Roberts Rules of Order to the next meeting. c. Councilman Ricker brought a request from the Mayor for a joint meeting between,PRAC and City Council.' Chair Freels said that he had requested the meeting to discuss the Clk more fully. Commissioner Anderson suggested meeting, before a Monday Council, meeting. Chair Freels suggested July 30 at 5;00 before the budget meeting, 7 COMMISSION PRESENTATION Councilman Ricker expressed his appreciation for the work PRAC does on all the Park & Recreation, issues. He stated that when the Council makes s change in one of their suggestions, it is only because they see things from a different light from their own studies. He also appreciates their discussion of the length of public meetings. This is; an issue the Council Will, needto address,, too. He said that the Council is selecting a Financial Task. Force to study funding issues;. PRAC should go ahead and include whatever the community needs in the CIP and not worry about dollar figures of this point. These facilities are needed to bringkids together in a good environment 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION None. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9,33 p.m.