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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 06-11-1993Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 11, 1993 Page 30 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Mikula, Wahl, Johnson, Burk, staff Bisek, Blank, and Sankey Absent: Commissioners Watson and Gutzke 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. in the Council Conference Room. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Mikula and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes of the meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Mary stated that the beaches are now open, as well as the new concession stand at Parkers Lake Playfield. Staff training for summer employees will take place on Saturday. Many of the summer programs get under way on Monday. Staff will be starting to work on fall programs, and any suggestions from the commissioners would be welcome. Mary presented an idea for a special event for teens called "Wild Video Dance Party" to be held at the amphitheater on 37th and Plymouth Boulevard. This program incorporates a disc jockey with rock music, big -screen video, and a laser show. It could also include a drug-free theme. The cost would be $1,500. Tickets are normally $5, and sponsors could be found. She suggested that a Saturday in early September would be good, because the teens could be reached easier when they are back in school. If weather forces a cancellation, it could be moved to a gym or rescheduled for Sunday. These programs have proven popular elsewhere, but are new in Minnesota. Commissioner Burk questioned how the event would be controlled. Mary stated that the site could be ringed with a snow fence, and the attendees would enter through a controlled point. Commissioner Mikula was concerned about security, because of the possibility of fights and problems. Director Blank explained that he had discussed the possibility with Chief Gerdes, and he was willing to provide uniformed police support for the event. Everyone agreed that a heavy police presence would be necessary. Commissioner Johnson suggested that having the event on a baseball field, perhaps at Parkers Lake Playfield,may work out better. There is already a fence present, the ground is more flat for dancing, and lights are available if needed. Director Blank agreed that a baseball field would be an interesting location, although he had been hoping to find more good events to utilize the amphitheater site. Other suggestions from the PRAC MINUTES/June 1993 Page 31 commissioners included concerts by the Robbinsdale Band or Golden Valley Orchestra or a skate board demonstration. Commissioner Mikula felt that doing something for the teens would be a good idea. Commissioner Johnson suggested starting a teen council to get ideas from teens in the community. C. Others. None. 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Youth at Risk. Loretha Suggs had asked the Council for a $1,000 per month stipend to work with young people at risk. The Council examined the issue and decided against it. The recreation division created a flyer with youth recreation opportunities and delivered it to the apartment complexes in the City to help give these young people ideas for summer activities. b. West Medicine Lake Park. The Council appointed Barton-Aschman and Associates to develop the preliminary plans for this park. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Community survey update. The Minnesota Center for Survey Research has reported that they have received a 65% return on the survey. They will provide us with a first look at the results on June 21. Commissioner Burk asked if the results will be publicized. Director Blank said that the information will probably go into the newspapers and also into the city newsletter, with perhaps a set of three questions and their answers each month. b. Accessible nlayground. Director Blank reported that attendance has not been good at the last several meetings on this subject. The next step probably will be to request five major manufacturers of park equipment to submit concept plans for the committee to consider. The favorite from among these plans could then go Dict to bid. Commissioner Burk said that a custom wheelchair manufacturer could possibly make a donation or have ideas for the project Director Blank added that a woman who works for Vinland Center mip,tit- have some ideas for a special wheelchair trail. Such a trail may be usable by skateboarders also. Commissioner Mikula expressed some concern for the differences in speed. C. West Medicine Lake Park. The first meeting with the consultant, Barton-Aschman and Associates, is coming up soon. There will probably be public meetings the end of August or early September, ivtth a first plan ready around November. The first step for the consultants will be research with the DNR. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. 1994-98 CIP. Director Blank presented the first look at the new CIP. He stressed that this was just a very preliminary look, and that more discussion would come later, especially after the results of the survey are in. He did point out some highlights on the current PRAC MINUTES/June 1993 Page 32 version. There is $750,000 for purchase of a playfield site in 1993. This would be done in conjunction with School District 284's potential building of a new high school. There is also some money set aside in 1995 for grading of the site at the time of the building of the school, if that project proceeds. There is also money devoted to neighborhood parks, such as Seven Ponds and Cardinal Ridge. Trails are a major priority. Director Blank reported that the City Manager wants to look at finishing the planned trails. The county has purchased land to extend the Luce Line eastward. The city portion of the trail east of Vicksburg could be sold to the county also, which would free up some money which could be used for more trails. As it now stands, some of the planned trails will be built along with street projects. There are only around ten or so independent trail projects left, and these could be completed in the next three to four years. Commissioner Wahl asked about additional funds for snow plowing. Director Blank said that those costs will continue to increase, because the public likes having the trails plowed. Commissioner Wahl was also interested in other maintenance costs. Director Blank said that repairs in cracks, pot holes, and overlays need to be done periodically. The City is in the third summer of an overlay project for all the trails that need it, and it should be done this year. Sealcoating will need to be done in the future. Mary pointed out that the specs on trails are tougher now than previously. The pavement is 1/2" thicker, and fiber matting is used in some places. Commissioner Wahl asked about spraying in the parks. Director Blank said that our department has a policy which is environmentally sensitive. He said that homeowners do more damage to the environment than professionals do. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Director Blank reminded everyone that Music in Plymouth is on July 7. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.