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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 04-11-1991Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Page 12 Present: Chair Freels, Commissioners Anderson, Hanson, Rosen, Waage and Beach; staff Bisek, Blank, Busch and Pederson; Sgt. Larry Rogers, Plymouth Police Department Absent: 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Freels called the April meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the February meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present at this meeting. b. Staff. Rick Busch presented the March Employee of the Month award to Angie Morrison, who has worked for us as a youth t -ball coach, scorekeeper and gym attendant. Mary Bisek discussed a MRPA sponsored lecture featuring Dr. Geoffrey Godbey on "The Future of Leisure Services: Thriving on Change" to be presented May 2nd at the Humphrey Institute on the west bank of the University campus. She encouraged PRAC members to attend if they could and indicated that the Recreation Dept, would arrange carpooling. She informed PRAC of the "Robin and Friends" concert scheduled for Saturday, April 13, at Plymouth Creek Elementary, which is one of the events celebrating "The Week of the Young Child." Mary indicated that Cindy recently conducted a water test for all of her summer aquatic applicants, which is part of the "interview" process. Applicants doing well on the water test are then considered for employment. Cindy is also running a Junior Lifeguard class this summer for 11-15 year olds. Part of the course content will include assisting with guarding at our beaches. Mary stated that Recreation Specialist, Karol Greupner, is looking for a new sponsor for our summer Concerts in the Parks series. Our former sponsor, The Bank Wayzata, isn't able to help fund the concert series this year. Mary attended the senior Care 'n Share Recognition luncheon recently, which honors those seniors who volunteer their time. Over 6,059 hours were volunteered. April 1991 PRAC Minutes Page 13 Mary presented the April Employee of the Month award to Lisa Christenson who has been teaching Jazzercise for the City for about eight years. Lisa goes out of her way to make sure that her students have a safe, fun, and effective workout. 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Council approved the 1991 Parkers Lake Pavilion rental policy and fees. b. Council approved the policy on park closing times. These times will now be posted in all parks, allowing police personnel more authority to enforce the closing times. C. Council accepted the 1990 Annual Report. d. Council approved the budget cuts proposed by staff. The Park and Recreation budget was reduced by $115,000. Some of the areas affected by the budget cut include fewer park attendants, reduced hours for summer maintenance employees, and no scorekeepers for adult softball games. There will be a reduction in office part-time clerical help as well. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Special facilities - continue discussion Commissioners continued to discuss information they received in their packets from an earlier meeting regarding the national standards for swimming pools and golf courses. This discussion has been ongoing for several months, and the Commission believes that there is a need for these special facilities in Plymouth. Director Blank suggested that some type of resident survey be conducted, because 1987 was the last time such a survey was done. It was also suggested that an economic analysis be done on the three existing golf courses in Plymouth. Commissioners felt that another option to consider would be purchasing land for the purpose of building a golf course. The Commission concurred that a survey to find out what the residents want would be a good idea. Chairman Freels recommended that this survey include questions on swimming pools, golf courses, a community center, ice arena, indoor tennis, etc. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A RESIDENT SURVEY WHICH WILL ASK RESIDENTS WHAT THEY WANT IN THE WAY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. b. Bass Lake/Parkers Lake Playfields Update This item may be on the May 6 City Council agenda. The Council will receive the official report by the Financial Task Force at their meeting on April 22. Based on the recommendations in that report, the Council may or may not recommend going forward with none, one or both of these playfields. Chairman Freels urged as many commissioners as could attend to be at that Council meeting to stress the importance of proceeding with the ^ construction of these two playfields. Commissioners agreed that the April 1991 PRAC Minutes Page 14 need for these facilities was demonstrated by the numerous meetings that were held with the residents in 1990, and it is important to move forward on the construction of these playfields now, so that they can be ready for use as soon as possible. Commissioners also want to convey to the Council that it would be financially more practical to build these facilities in one phase, rather than spreading it out over two or three phases. c. Estimated cost for trail construction proiects Director Blank, at the request of the Park Commission, identified several segments of trail that could be considered for construction in 1991. The cost to construct these segments is estimated at $297,200. The proposed trails are along the Soo Railroad east of Zachary, 51st Avenue and Nathan Lane, Schmidt Lake Road from Pineview to Hwy. 169, along Co. Rd. 9 from Zachary to Nathan, through Plymouth Creek park, trail connecting St. Mary's park to Ridgemount park, along Zachary Lane from Co. Rd. 9 to the elementary school, and along Co. Rd. 6 west of Co. Rd. 101 to the Imperial Hills park entrance. Director Blank explained that funds may come from tax increment financing, MSA funds and the trails account at the Council's discretion. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HANSON TO APPROVE STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF TRAILS IDENTIFIED IN THE STAFF REPORT TOTALING 297,200. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Sidewalks/trails (referred from Council) The City Council referred this item to PRAC for further study after receiving a letter from Chairman Freels suggesting that sidewalks are needed along Plymouth Boulevard. Council agreed that now was the time to consider sidewalk in the downtown Plymouth area what with the new CUB store in place and the proposed new public safety building. Council also felt that the cost to construct and maintain sidewalks needs to be considered and that the Police Department should get involved in the process to assist in identifying where sidewalks are needed from a safety standpoint. Director Blank stated that he had met with the Public Safety Department and with Fred Moore, Public Works Director, and together they came up with a number of conclusions, some of which were: if sidewalks were built on minor arterial and major collector streets, they would total approximately 60-80 miles if built on one side of the road. If on both sides of the road, sidewalk would equal between 120- 160 miles. Sidewalks are usually concrete and trails are asphalt. Concrete is more expensive to install. Both cost the same to maintain. Sidewalks are generally five feet wide, trails are eight feet wide. In comparing the thoroughfare guide plan with the existing comprehensive trail plan, they are almost an identical match. If the City's trail plan were totally implemented, Director Blank feels that 90-95% of all areas that would normally have sidewalk would be covered by public trail on one side of the street. April 1991 PRAC Minutes Page 15 Director Blank commented that after meeting with the Public Safety Department, several areas have been identified as maybe needing sidewalk or trail that were not formerly included in the comprehensive trail plan. Director Blank also stated that PRAC needs to address if trail or sidewalk should go on both sides of some streets. In checking with other cities, he learned that Eagan, Eden Prairie and Maple Grove put sidewalks on both sides of their arterial streets using street funds, thus building them at the same time the streets are built. Director Blank indicated that if PRAC wanted to build the entire trail system as proposed in the Comprehensive Trail Plan, there would not be enough park dedication funds available to do that, but if trails were referred to as sidewalks, tax increment financing and MSA funds could be used to construct them. In some cases, where residents are requesting a trail or sidewalk, it would have to be determined if that sidewalk benefits just that area or the general public. In the case of benefitting a specific area, the special assessment committee may have to look into the request. Commissioners concurred with Director Blank's concept of where to build sidewalk/trail and also agreed that arterials and collector streets should have sidewalk on both sides. They further agreed that the funds should come from other sources such as tax increment financing and MSA funds. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BEACH ENDORSING DIRECTOR BLANK'S FINDINGS WITH REGARD TO SIDEWALKS/TRAILS, AND RECOMMENDING THAT STAFF PRESENT THESE FINDINGS TO THE CITY COUNCIL IN ORDER TO GET FURTHER DIRECTION. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. b. Annual nark tour - pick date. After a short discussion on who would be available, May 22 was chosen as the date for the park tour, with the bus leaving city hall at 5 p.m. C. Request for park at 10th Avenue & So. Shore Drive Director Blank explained that a small neighborhood park has been contemplated in this area since the park plan was completed in 1982. A park has never been constructed, however, because this area is mostly commercial in nature. Currently the City owns about three acres in this location, which was purchased when 10th Avenue was widened. This would be large enough to accommodate a small park. Sgt. Larry Rogers, Plymouth Police Department, gave a brief presentation on the Willow Wood neighborhood and the types of police activity taking place there. He explained that Willow Wood is a Section 8 housing development, with about 114 children living there. The nearest park is LaCompte, which is across Highway 55. Recently, a child was hit by a car crossing 55 to get to LaCompte. If children cannot get across 55 to play at that park, the other alternative is to play in the street and in the apartment complex parking lot, which involves dashing in and out among the parked cars. In 1990, there were 136 calls for police assistance at Willow Wood. Some of these calls involved youth, ranging in age from five to 17, either as suspects or victims. Sgt. Rogers believes that although the City may April 1991 PRAC Minutes Page 16 not be able to improve the internal social or economic conditions of these families, the city could provide a safe, positive environment where these children can play. Theresa Grandprey, 10850 So. Shore Drive, stated that she is in favor of the park, and would feel more at ease knowing her children did not have to cross Highway 55. She did say she was concerned with the exact location of the park and where it would be in relationship to the Willow Wood apartment complex. Director Blank stated the entrance would be across the street from the Willow Wood parking lot entrance. Children would still have to cross So. Shore Drive, but most of the traffic that used to be on So. Shore Drive has been diverted to 10th Avenue, now that 10th has been widened. Commissioners all agreed that the children in this area should not have to cross Highway 55; it is much too dangerous. They asked Director Blank if this park could get underway in 1991, or if it would have to wait. Director Blank responded that the CIP did not contemplate a neighborhood park project in 1991, but that it might be possible to build a small one in this area, particularly since the City owns some land here. Commissioners asked what facilities could be constructed in a three acre area and what it would cost. Director Blank estimated that for about $70,000, you could get a grassy open area with a backstop for playing ball, trail, playground and possibly even fence the perimeter. Commissioner Rosen agreed with the concept of a park in this area, but wondered if it shouldn't be studied further. Other commissioners indicated they feel it should get underway as soon as possible. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BEACH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE CITY TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO CONSTRUCT A PARK NEAR 10TH AVENUE AND SOUTH SHORE DRIVE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, AND WITHIN THE 1991 CONSTRUCTION SEASON IF FEASIBLE. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. d. Discussion on eradication of milfoil in area lakes Director Blank stated that the City Council has asked staff to prepare a policy regarding the eradication of milfoil on area lakes and what role the City of Plymouth should take. Director Blank is proposing that the City share with the DNR and homeowner associations the spraying of milfoil on lakes with full public access such as Parkers Lake and Medicine Lake, with the City of Medicine Lake and Hennepin Parks also contributing to Medicine Lake. On lakes where the City owns public land, but there is no full access, staff is proposing that the City would pay based on the amount of land we own, for example, if we own 10% front footage, we would pay 10% of the cost. This includes lakes such as Bass, Schmidt, Mooney and Mud. On private lakes in the City, with no access for public use, the City would not contribute to the cost to spray for milfoil. These lakes are Lost, Pomerleau, Gleason, Cavanaugh, Hadley, Pike, Curtis, Kreatz and Snyder. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO ACCEPT STAFF'S PROPOSED POLICY ON THE ERADICATION OF EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL ON AREA LAKES. April 1991 PRAC Minutes Page 17 Commissioners Beach and Waage stated they don't think it's fair that the City pay to spray for milfoil on lakes that don't have full access such as Bass. They feel that if the public isn't able to have full use of the lake the same as the homeowners, the City should not have to pay for any eradication of milfoil. They contend that milfoil is spread by boats moving from lake to lake, and if the public can't put a boat on Bass Lake or Schmidt Lake, they are not spreading milfoil. Commissioner Rosen commented that although he understands their feelings, he still believes we should take some financial responsibility for these lakes, since we do own land around them, and if for no other reason than aesthetics. MOTION FAILED ON A 4-1 VOTE, WITH COMMISSIONERS BEACH, WAAGE, ANDERSON AND FREELS VOTING NAY. Commissioner Hanson had another engagement and was not present for the discussion on this item.) A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BEACH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY PAY ITS FAIR SHARE ON LAKES WITH FULL PUBLIC ACCESS, AND ON LAKES WHERE THE PUBLIC DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AS THE SURROUNDING HOMEOWNERS, THE CITY SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MONETARY CONTRIBUTION. Commissioner Rosen reiterated his feeling that the City must take some responsibility to rid area lakes of milfoil in order to save the quality of the lake for future use. Even though we may not have full public access, residents are still allowed to use the lake for fishing and canoeing by carrying in a small boat or canoe. THE MOTION FAILED ON A 4-1 VOTE, WITH COMMISSIONERS WAAGE, ROSEN, FREELS AND ANDERSON VOTING NAY. A MOTION WAS MADE BY CHAIR FREELS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY SHARE EQUALLY IN THE COST TO ERADICATE MILFOIL ON FULL PUBLIC ACCESS LAKES, AND 25% OF THE COST PER FRONTAGE FOOT ON LAKES WHERE WE OWN LAND, WITH THE HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION PAYING THE REMAINING 75% ON THE CITY OWNED LAND. THE MOTION CARRIED ON A 4-1 VOTE, WITH COMMISSIONER BEACH VOTING NAY. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Director Blank briefly discussed the new CARE (adopt a park) program, which is receiving wide spread volunteerism. Several elementary school children are getting involved in cleaning up the parks and trails around their schools, and private groups and individuals are also volunteering to take care of a park or trail near where they live. Director Blank stated that a full and complete copy of the Financial Task Force Report would be sent out to each commissioner after it is presented to the Council on April 22. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.