HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 02-14-1991Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
February 14, 1991
Page 6
Present: Chair Freels, Commissioners Anderson, Beach, Rosen and Waage; staff
Bisek, Blank, Pederson and Public Works Director Fred Moore
Absent: Commissioner Hanson (due to death in family)
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Freels called the February meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the
Council Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Beach and seconded by Commissioner Waage
to approve the minutes of the January meeting as presented. The motion
carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. Mary Bisek thanked the commissioners for their help with the
bonfire at the Fire and Ice Festival and briefly discussed the success
of this year's event. Chair Freels commented that the wood chips that
were delivered by maintenance really helped to control the mud that
had developed around the bonfire and he suggested that additional
s'more sticks would be helpful next year.
Mary discussed the warming house situation explaining that they had
been closed for several days in a row in early February due to
unseasonably warm weather. Then when temperatures did get back to
normal, it took a few days to get the ice back in good condition,
after which it snowed, followed by a day of extremely cold wind
chills, all of which added up to 11 days in a row of being closed.
She added that rinks are scheduled to close for the winter season on
February 18.
The employee of the month is a warming house attendant, Brian Olson,
who was unable to be at the meeting to receive his certificate,
because he was taking a test at the University of Minnesota.
Mary explained that the Plymouth Middle School Ski Club had a good
season with several Friday after school ski trips, including one over
night trip to Spirit Mountain on February 8. The final trip of the
year is scheduled for March 1.
A Youth Leadership Retreat is planned in March for Grades 8-11, co-
sponsored by Plymouth Park and Recreation, the American Red Cross,
Minneapolis Camp Fire and the Robbinsdale and Wayzata School
Districts. The two-day retreat will be held at Camp Tanadoona in
Chanhassen. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford
the $28 fee. Chair Freels indicated that his company would be willing
to help financially with any future events of this kind.
February 1991 PRAC Minutes
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Mary briefly discussed how budget cuts may affect some programs for
the summer season, such as closing of the West Beach and a reduction
in the Playground in the Streets program. Further cuts could affect
other programs.
C. Others.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. 1991 Rental Policy and Fee Schedule. Council approved the fees and
policies proposed for park facilities in 1991.
b. Parkers Lake Rink Lights. Approval of lights at Parkers Lake skating
rinks is pending further research by staff.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Special facilities - continue discussion. No discussion.
b. Annual Report. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED
BY COMMISSIONER BEACH TO ACCEPT THE 1990 ANNUAL REPORT AND FORWARD IT
TO THE CITY COUNCIL. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
C. Plavfield Project Update. The Financial Task Force has meetings
scheduled through the first week in March, so no recommendations on
the playfield projects have been made at this time. Director Blank
has received no information indicating if one, both or neither
playfield will be recommended for development.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Comprehensive Plan Review Public Hearing - Schmidt Lake Road Trail and
Neighborhood Park. Director Blank stated that approval by the Park
Commission of the park and trail portion of the Comprehensive Plan
occurred in July of 1990 as part of the overall updating of the City's
System Plan. These updates were then forwarded to the Metropolitan
Council for their approval. Since that time, new requests have been
received by the City for a trail on Schmidt Lake Road and funding at
the new Kimberly Lane Elementary School by School Dist. 284. Director
Blank reviewed with PRAC the trail plan they adopted in 1990, and
asked them to consider if a trail is necessary on Schmidt Lake Road
and if so, should it be a Class I or Class II. He further stated that
if PRAC feels a trail is necessary on Schmidt Lake Road, should the
proposed trail along the railroad track be eliminated. He explained
the problems that would be encountered if the City attempts to
construct the trail along the railroad tracks, including the wetlands
it would cross, steep terrain in some areas, and constructing a trail
under the Soo railroad bridge which would mean getting an easement
from the railroad.
Arden Doering, 5210 Yorktown Lane, spoke in favor of installing trail
along Schmidt Lake Road between Highway 169 and Zachary Lane, due to
the extremely heavy traffic and the fact that there is no place to
currently walk along there. He prefers that it be placed on the north
side of Schmidt Lake Road and that it be a Class I trail.
February 1991 PRAC Minutes
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Shawna Fleming, 10745 55th Avenue, lives in Harrison Hills and stated
there are at least 50 children living in this development, and they do
not have safe access to Zachary Playfield or Timber Shores Park,
because Zachary Lane has no sidewalks. She is requesting that when
Zachary is upgraded to four lanes, sidewalk or trail be put in with a
crosswalk of some kind to get people safely across Zachary. Right now
Zachary has no paved shoulder, only gravel, and she feels this
situation is very dangerous. She asked if the intersection of Schmidt
Lake Road and Zachary would have a traffic light. Director Blank
stated he wasn't certain.
Chair Freels suggested that this issue be referred to the City
engineers and a traffic consultant. He feels that an extra stop light
along Zachary Lane that would allow people to cross over to the
playfield or Timber Shores Park would not be very practical due to the
high cost of installing it, and although a marked crosswalk is not a
costly item to install, he feels that people do not pay attention to
them. The other commissioners agreed with this.
Commissioner Rosen stated that based on past experience, he believes
the City would not install trail on both sides of Zachary Lane. Mrs.
Fleming said she was told at the time they purchased their home that
Zachary would have trail on both sides of the street.
City Engineer Fred Moore arrived at the meeting at this time.)
Director Blank explained that a trail is proposed to be constructed
along the west side of Zachary providing access to Timber Shores Park
and the Zachary Playfield. This would permit residents living in
Harrison Hills to travel south to Schmidt Lake Road and then cross
over to the west side of Zachary at the intersection, which may have a
traffic light within five years or when traffic counts warrant,
according to City engineer Fred Moore.
Mrs. Fleming asked about the possibility of a crosswalk somewhere in
the vicinity of 53rd or 55th and Zachary. Mr. Moore stated that there
are City guidelines for constructing sidewalks, which is based on
concentrations of the population crossing streets at certain points,
and this would have to be studied. He stated that just because you
install a crosswalk doesn't mean people will cross there.
Director Blank stated he believes it would be appropriate to get a
recommendation from a traffic consultant on how best to get people
from the east side of Zachary over to Timber Shores Park and the
Zachary Playfield. Mr. Moore agreed that if there are concentrated
numbers of pedestrians crossing Zachary at 53rd Avenue, a crosswalk
might be appropriate here.
Mrs. Fleming said she brought this issue up now because she feels it
should be considered along with the widening of Zachary to four lanes.
Commissioner Rosen agreed and suggested that the City consider all
future trail locations and trail connections at the time that roads
are being developed, so these projects could be done in conjunction
with one another. He indicated that PRAC is very concerned about the
safety of Plymouth's residents who use the trails and parks. He
February 1991 PRAC Minutes
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further suggested that the routing of the proposed trail along Zachary
should be studied carefully when the widening of Zachary is
undertaken. .
Chair Freels closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BEACH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
ANDERSON TO RECOMMEND AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL PLAN TO
INCLUDE A TRAIL ON SCHMIDT LAKE ROAD, TO REMOVE THE TRAIL ALONG THE
RAILROAD TRACK WHERE IT IS NOT YET BUILT, AND FURTHER, TO WORK WITH
THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE TRAIL SHOULD BE ON
THE NORTH OR SOUTH SIDE OF SCHMIDT LAKE ROAD. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH
ALL AYES.
The City has recently received a request from District 284 to help
fund a playground at the new Kimberly Lane Elementary School, sited at
Old 9 and Kimberly Lane. If PRAC believes that a park at Kimberly
Lane makes more sense than a full scale neighborhood park proposed
elsewhere in the Elm Creek driving neighborhood, the comprehensive
plan must be amended. Other issues that must be addressed include the
150,000-$200,000 that would be saved by building a playground as
opposed to building a full neighborhood park, would County Road 9 be a
deterrent for people on the north side getting to and from Kimberly
Lane school, and will there be a need for an additional neighborhood
park if Hollydale remains a golf course. Another issue to consider at
this time is that sewer will only be extended west of Vicksburg as far
as the new school, but this will allow for development southeast of
the school. City engineer, Fred Moore, believes there will be a high
concentration of residential development in this area. He also stated
that the school district bought more land than it may need and thinks
maybe the City could negotiate a deal with them for park use.
Commissioner Beach pointed out that even though Kimberly Lane school
could be designated as the new park site in this neighborhood by
amending the comprehensive plan, it still must meet other funding
criteria before funding will be granted. She feels it would be better
to stick with the original plan to build a neighborhood park in the
southwest corner of Hollydale golf course, assuming that if a
developer buys Hollydale, he would have to dedicate land or money to
the City for a neighborhood park. Mr. Moore commented that at the
present time, Hollydale is guided public/semi-public, and before a
developer could do anything, he would have to request reguiding of
this area. He believes this area could be fully developed within 10-
12 years, with some development taking place within five years if
sewer goes in north of County Road 9 within that time frame. At the
present time, it is assumed that Hollydale will remain a golf course
indefinitely. Commissioner Rosen commented that he hopes the City
would acquire it for use by the residents rather than allowing a
developer to buy it if it does go up for sale.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CHAIR FREELS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN
TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN DESIGNATING KIMBERLY LANE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS THE NEW PARK/SCHOOL SITE IN THE ELMCREEK DRIVING
NEIGHBORHOOD. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH FOUR AYES. COMMISSIONER BEACH
VOTED NAY.
February 1991 PRAC Minutes
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Commissioner Waage asked if the originally proposed location for a
neighborhood park in this area could be reinstated at a later time.
Director Blank said that it could, because the comprehensive plan is
reviewed every other year due to changing development plans.
b. Review Land Acquisition Needs. Director Blank reviewed land
acquisition needs that he believes are crucial for the continued
growth of the park system. The Forster property lying immediately
west of Zachary Playfield is for sale and is the best property
available east of I-494. Some advantages of acquiring this site
include its location, size, and easy access from County Road 9 and
Zachary Lane.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
ANDERSON RECOMMENDING THAT THE COUNCIL AUTHORIZE NEGOTIATING WITH THE
FORSTERS TO ACQUIRE THEIR LAND WEST OF ZACHARY PLAYFIELD. THE MOTION
CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
The proposed playfield site owned by US Homes at the corner of Dunkirk
Lane and Old 9 is being considered by the School District as their
primary site for a junior or senior high. Director Blank stated he
believes it would be in the best interests of the community to work
jointly with the school district in the planning and development of a
park/school project, but each group would separately own their sites.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
WAAGE RECOMMENDING TO THE COUNCIL THAT STAFF BEGIN NEGOTIATING WITH
U.S. HOMES FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AT OLD 9 AND DUNKIRK LANE,
AND FURTHER, THAT THE CITY WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR THE FUTURE SITING OF A PARK/SCHOOL FACILITY THAT WOULD BE JOINTLY
PLANNED AND DEVELOPED BUT SEPARATELY OWNED. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH
ALL AYES.
Land may need to be acquired north of County 9 between Fernbrook Lane
and I-494 for a future neighborhood park. Director Blank stated that
some development interests have surfaced at this time, but nothing is
definite. He explained that park dedication probably would not be
enough to meet the needs of this park and that additional land may
have to be acquired. Staff will keep the Commission informed on
development in this area.
C. 1991 CIP Proiects. Director Blank explained that the City Council has
not yet officially adopted the 1991-95 CIP. PRAC has the opportunity
to further review the projects proposed for 1991. He stated that the
northeast neighborhood park will have to be delayed because the
necessary land dedication has not occurred. Commissioners responded
that if no neighborhood park is being considered in 1991, the City may
wish to use those funds for the construction of more trails, including
the trail along Schmidt Lake Road. In choosing trails, safety should
be the number one priority. It was decided that the construction of
four tennis courts in Plymouth Creek Playfield should remain in the
1991 CIP, along with the improvements to the Shiloh and Gleanloch
neighborhood park playgrounds. Bridges should be replaced in Fazendin
and Four Seasons neighborhood parks. Playfield irrigation at
February 1991 PRAC Minutes
Page 11
Ridgemount should also be done. Projects recommended for delay until
1992 include the expansion of the Zachary Playfield parking lot and
parking along Zachary Lane for the Timber Shores city park. It was
suggested that this be done at the same time as the upgrading of
Zachary Lane.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER ROSEN APPROVING THE RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE 1991 CIP.
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
d. Proposed Expansion of Public Safety Building/Amphitheater Area.
Director Blank explained that the proposed Public Safety building may
be sited in the area of the City Center natural amphitheater.
Construction will not affect this summer's Music in Plymouth but could
have an effect on the concert the following year. Director Blank will
keep the Commission informed as the public safety building plans take
shape.
e. Parkers Lake Pavilion Rental Policy & Fee Schedule. Mary Bisek
presented the 1991 rental policy and fee schedule for the Parkers Lake
Pavilion and noted that fees are proposed to increase in all areas by
about four percent. The other recommended change is allowing fund
raising by rental groups with prior approval by the City Council.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
ANDERSON RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE 1991 PARKERS LAKE PAVILION
RENTAL POLICY AND FEE SCHEDULE. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
f. Park Closing Times. The only park that has an official closing time
stated in a City ordinance is Parkers Lake Park, which was established
at 11 p.m. Director Blank feels it would be helpful if all parks had
official closing times. All parks currently have signage stating when
they close. Director Blank's recommendation is to close East and West
beach at 9 p.m., all neighborhood parks at 10 p.m., all community
playfields at 10:30 p.m, and Parkers Lake at 11 p.m.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WAAGE APPROVING THE OFFICIAL CLOSING TIMES OF PARKS AND
BEACHES AS RECOMMENDED BY DIRECTOR BLANK. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL
AYES.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Several commissioners commented that they could not attend the March
meeting if it is held on the 14th, so it was decided to postpone it until
the 21st. Chair Freels will be out of town on that date, so Vice Chair
Rosen will preside over the March meeting.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
The City of Chaska is having an open house to celebrate their new
community center and has invited City of Plymouth officials to attend.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.