HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 01-08-1981Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation. Advisory Commission
January 8, 1981
Commissioners Present: dames Rice, Steve Chesebrough Barbara Edwards,
Betty Threinen, John Mullan, and Alan Brass
Commissioner Absent= Frank Dvorak
Staff Present. Eric Blank, Rick Busch, Nancy Helgeson., Mark Peterson,
and Jane Sletten
Others Present: Representatives of Prudential Insurance Co., residents.
interested in the Bass Lake Access, and Judy Frakesx
President of the Mission Homeowners Association
1: CALL. TO ORDER.
Chairman Rice called the meeting to order at 5::05 p.m, in the Plymouth
City Center Council Chambers.
2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES'
Commissioner Chesebrough motioned for approval after making a correction
on page 3 of the December minutes regarding January's, meeting beginning
at S:OO instead of 5;30 as stated in the minutes. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Brass, A Mote was taken, and the motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
A. tAthl.etic Association representatives were not present at this meeting.
B. Others' presentations will be co.vered.in detail later in the minutes..
C. Jane Sletten discussed three trips that Plymouth offered in December
which were all successful, with the exception of one, participant suffering
a broken leg during downhill ski lessons at Birchpark. New classes this
winter include American Karate, Creative Dance and Ballet. Demand for cross-
country ski lessons was so great, that three additional classes are being
offered, and a. second CPR class will be addedin February.
Rick Busch discussed the warming houses and attendants, Not all permanent
shelters are finished, and in the interim, temporary trailers are being used.
Six teams have signed up for Adult Co-Rec Broombail which begins on Sunday,
January 10. `youth wrestling registration began slowly, but enough have
signed up to make it carry.:
Because of the nature of the meeting, the following agenda items were
taken out, of sequence..
S. UNrINISHED BUSINESS
D. Prudential Insurance Co. Director Blank reviewed his staff report
of last i6nth regarding the ru ential Northwest Business Campus and the:
proposed trail along Plymouth Creek. He also shared maps and popu ation
charts with the commissioners. and; discussed a couple of areas that are
available for park;. Neighborhood #27 (Creekwood Heights) does not have
a park at this gime, but does have access to the West Medicine Lake Community
Club, Jaycee's Hemlock park, West Medicine Lake beach, Vision of Glory church,
the future Medicine Lake Regional Park, and many acres of opnn space. Director
ek'
Minutes of the FRAC Meeting
January, 8, 1981
Page 2
Blank pointed out that Prudential had met with the neighborhood, and the Planning
Commission has held hearings. on this development, but apparently, no one in this
neighborhood has requested a park on this site, Commissioner Brass asked if
neighborhoods #23 3 27 could somehow be tied together and served by one park
in between? Director Blank said there is potential for a park between these
two neighborhoods.
Dick Knutson, McCombs -Knutson, then addressed the commission and shared a map
showing a 13) acre parcel as undeveloped along I-494. They are proposing this
area for a park. The commissioners continued discussing this item, and two
motions were passed.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBR)UW MOTIONED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THAT THE CITY NOT
TAME A PARCEL NEAR CREEKWOOD HEIGHTS FOR A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK.: COMMISSIONER
BRASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH THEN CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
COMMISSIONER'CHESEBROUGH MOTIONED THAT THE CITY NOT ACCEPT THE 133 ACRE PARCEL
RECOMMENDED BY DICK.KNUTSON FOR DEVELOPMENT AS A PARK. THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED
BY COMMISSIONER MULLAN,. AND ALSO CARRIED WITH AIL, AYES,,
Mr. Knutson then wanted to know if PRAC thought the City would like to have this
hand as a gift? PRAC suggested staff should explore this option further.
Commissioner Brass asked that the: minutes reflect that PRAC is aware and concerned
about developing parks for neighborhoods X23 and #27, and PRAC instructed staff
to review these areas for potential park sites in updating the Comprehensive
Park Plan.
6. NEW BUSINESS
C. 1981 Reforestation Plan - Director Blank introduced Mark Peterson, who
is the Pars an ,Environments Supervisor, Mr. Peterson explained that this
plan's ultimate goal is to reforest our parks, many of which start out as bare
land. He shared a document with the commission that showed the plantings for
one park on a, yearly basis and explained,that for every tree we purchase, the.
State of Minnesota reimburses us $50. This Year's program involves 245 plantings.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH MOVED THAT PRAC ENDORSE THE REFORESTATION PROGRAM AS
RECOMMENDED IN STAFF'S MEMO OF JANUARY 5, 1081.. COMMISSIONER THREINEN SECONDED
THE MOTION, WHICH THEN CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
B. Selection of Neighborhood Park Design Consultant Director Blank
introduces this item Yy reading his memo outlining t e neighborhood
involvement process:, He also shared a memo with the commissioners regarding
Design Consortium's costs for constructing three parks in 1981, and,
recommended the commission endorse the selection of Design Consortium as
the park consultant for Mission, Timber Shores, and Schmidt.Lake parks.
Commissioner Mullan was concerned about some of the: costs that Design
Consortium had excluded in their original bid, and he asked staff to
get a new lump: sum bid from DS1 to include those items.
Judy Frakes, Mission Ridge Homeowners Association President, addressed PRAC
and gave them a copy of a survey/questionnaire that her neighborhood had.
put together for purposes or getting neighborhood involvement in designing
new parks..
Minutes of the PRAC Meeting
January $", 1982
Page
Following; her presentation, and further discussion on Design Consortium,
two motions were passed,
COMMISSIONER BRASS MOTIONED THAT PRAC RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THE ACCL° TANCE
OF DESIGN CONSORTIUM AS THE PARK CONSULTANT., THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER EDWARDS, AND CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.,
COMMISSIONER EDWARDS MOTIONED THAT -PRAC ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION AS
OUTLINED IN DIRECTOR BLANK`S MEMO DATED DECEMBER 22, 1980 REGARDING THE
NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVEMENT PROCESS INCLUDING THE INFORMATION PROVIDED
BY THE MISSION RIDGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, COMMISSIONER THREINEN
SECONDED THE MOTION; AND IT CARRIED WITH ALL AYES;
The commissioners then adjourned for a short five minute break before;
beginning the Bass Lake Access item.
E. Bass Lake Access - Director Blank introduced this item by reviewing
a staff report_35-te-c December 31, 1,980. He concluded his report by saying
that staff recommends, three options including the refusal of Palmers
property as an ;access, making multiple use of Timber Shores Park, and
exploring. the possibility of purchasing land on the west side of Bass
Lake. Chairman Rice -then opened the meeting for disGitssion and comments
by the audience.
Wendell Davidson, the new president of the Bass Lake Improvement Association,
gave a historical report. on Bass Lake which detailed how the reside.its had
taken it upon themselves to improve Bass Lake, including aeration, maintenance,
and stocking it with fish. Mr,. Davidson feels that there are other lakes
in Plymouth that can accommodate large boats and he would prefer that Bass
Lake be limited for use by canoes and small boats,
Curt Swanson., 5440 Balsam Lane;, stated that he purchased his property in 1975,
and Timber Shores was not developed at that time. He was told it would
always be a nature area, and this is why he purchased his lot. He is opposed
to access through Timber Shores because it would require additional policing
and maintenance of the area, and he is concerned about; vandalism, also.
Mike: Paxton, 11610 57th Ave N is opposed. to access for Bass Lake because
it is not a big enough lake to support large watercraft, there are rock
formations just below the surface that could be hazardous, and because of
the long-term deterioration of the 'take.
James RYdeen, 5605 Evergreen Lane, is apposed to lake access through
limber Shores because he was told this area was to be left natural, and
he: concurs with Wendell Davidson's statennts,
Frank Pinc, 5345 Larch Lane, agrees with Wendell Davidson in that the lake
cannot support large boats. He is opposed to the DNR putting in an access,
because he feels they simply want, to take over the fish management of Bass Lake.
Bill Pucell, 5705 Evergreen Lane, stated that he thinks the DNR is using
Palmer's proposal of land as a wedge between themselves and the City of
Plymouth. He is in favor of others being able to use the lake, but is
opposed to large watercraft. He is not against people carrying in canoes
or using small horsepower motors.
Minutes of the FRAC Meeting
January 8, 1981
Page 4
Roger N orlin, 12110 both Ave N, is concerned about lowering the level of Bass
Lake. He claims that trash and debris are very apparent when outsiders use
the lake,, and he also was told that Timber Shores was supposed to be a nature
area.
Sylvia Schultz, 5420 Kirkwood, does not support a fully developed access to
Bass, Lake. She also understood that Timber Shores was to be a nature area..
She stated that there are five accesses available in other locations.
Pete Thomsen, 11730 54th Ave N', gave more historical background on Bass Lake.
He is in favor of making the area more available to as many people as possible
and is in support of the City installing a fishing pier as an alternative to
an access. He was, however, in favor of a "grandfather clause" which would
allow persons already living on the lake and in possession of large boats
to be able to continue using them, but new residents would be limited to a
certain orator size. This statement brought up the question of whether this
clause could be legally implemented. Council member, Virgil Schneider,
was in the audience and stated that since the lake is within the City of
Plymouth, it can be zoned anyway the City desires.
The commissioners then began to discuss some of the concerns that the
audience had expressed. Chairman Rice asked staff to obtain engineering
data on dredging and connecting the pond in Timber Shores to Bass Lake as
well as the levels of the lake vs. the pond, and what would happen to the
bottom seal of the pond. He was also concerned about existing documentation
the City might have regarding preserving Timber Shores in a natural state.
He would like staff to present a progress report regarding public access
for Pike Lake,
Director Blank responded to these questions by showing a map including eleva-
tions of the lake and pored that had been taken a few weeks ago by our city
crews. There are no records regarding the bottom seal of the pond,
The commission continued asking questions of the audience and of Director
Blank, and they are interested in a legal opinion on whether or not the
Palmer property can be transferred to the DNR by way of lot division or
easement.
Each commissioner was then asked to state his feelings on providing public
access to Bass Lake. Commissioner Chesebrough is in favor of an access for
small horsepowered'boats only. He feels that Pike and Medicine Lakes can
be used by residents with large motorboats.
Commissioner Brass, is concerned about maintenance,, controlling the size of
motors, and how to handle the overflow of cars and trailers if a ramp
to accommodate large boats is installed on Bass Lake.
Commissioner Mullan is against developing Boyer Palmer's property and is
concerned about the development of Timber Shores, as well. He is in favor
of an access with restrictions on the size of boats.
Commissioner Threinen favors public access but.questions parking and the
installation of a ramp. She endorses the use of small boats and. canoes.
Minutes of the PRAC Meeting
January 8, 1981
Page: 5
Commissioner Edwards is against access through Timber Sores, but is in favor
of some access to accommodate small boats.
Chairman Rice is in favor of making Bass Lake available to more citizens but
is against development of the Palmer property. He is interested in limited
development of Timber Shores, excluding a boat ramp.
Following the commissioner's statements and further comments frau the audience,
four motions were passed.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH MOVED THAT PRAC ENDORSE THE COOCEPT OF INCREASED
PUBLIC ACCESS TO BASS LAKE. COMMISSIONER THREINEN SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH
CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
COMMISSIONER'BRASS MOVED THAT THE PRAC SUB COMMITTEE, AFTER FURTHER STUDY ON
REGULATIONS, SHOULD REPORT BACK TO THE COMMISSION WITH SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
ON RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR WATER USE ON BASS LAKC. THIS SUB -COMMITTEE
SHOULD CONSULT WITH STAFF, THE DNR, AND THE BASS LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.
THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH AND THEN CARRIED WITH
ALL AYES.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH MOVED THAT STAFF SHOULD STUDY TWO ALTERNATIVES: HOW
MUCH IT WOULD COST TO DO A STUDY TO DETERMINE, WHETHER OR NOT TIMBER SHORES.
PARK CAN BE TIED INTO BASS LAKE, OR HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO DEVELOP A SITE
ON THE WEST SIDE OF BASS LAKE, AND HOW TO FUND THESE ALTERNATIVES. COMMISSIONER
MULLAN SECONDED THE MOTION, AND IT CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
COMMISSIONER CHESEBROUGH MOVED THAT PRAC SUPPORT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION' AS
OUTLINED IN A DECEMBER 31 MEMO WHICH RECOMMENDS AGAINST ANY PUBLIC ACCESS
COMING THROUGH THE PALMER PROPERTY. THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER.
MULLAH, AND CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
it was decided that the following people would serve as official contacts:.
Mike Marcell and Del Barber from the DNR, and Wendell Davidson from the
Bass Lake Improvement Association.
4. REPORT CN PAST COUNCIL ACTIONS
Director Blank gave the commissioners a handout outlining aipolicy that the
Council had adopted at their last meeting which deals with the orientation of
commissioners and the introduction of new commissioners.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Playfield Update - All shelter buildings at the various playfields are
nearly complete, and one by one, the temporary trailers are being removed,
Director Blank has met with the Pilgrim United Methodist Church representatives
regarding the swapping of property for the Zachary playfield.
Chairman Rice wants staff to try and come up with some sort of grand opening
event for the playfields and shulters. Staff should check with the Council
and Jim Willis regarding a. good time for this type of thing.
Minutes of the PRAC Meeting;
da nuary 8, 1981
Page 6
B, Comprehensive Park Plan - The sub committee which consists of Alan Brass,
Frank Dvorak, and BettyiTi en will interview three, firms and make a.
recommendation to PRAC..
C. Carlson Center Director Glank had nothing new to report on this
item.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. New Plats -- There are no new plats at this time.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
It was decided that the: PRAC Bass Lake Sub -Committee would meet with the
DNR and the Bass Lake Improvement Association on Tuesday, January 20, at 3:15 p,m.
at the City Center,
The next PRAC meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 7:.30 p.m, due to
scheduling conflicts. At the next meeting, PRAC would like staff to give an
updated report on the workhouse development proposal.
Commissioner Threinen announced that the latchkey program is being presented
to the school board on Monday evening, January 12.
The MRPA meeting; on Tuesday, January 13, will, be attended by Director Blank
and Commissioner Threinen. Anyone else interested in going should meet them
at the City Center for car-pooling purposes..
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank is showing the PIP to the Shenandoah Homecwners Association
on Thursday, January 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the Wayzata Sr. Nigh school. He also
announced that the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources has approved
the East Beach LAWCON grant. PRAC agreed that staff should get council
authorization to hire B.R.W. to proceed with working drawings and specifications
so that when final approval comes about March 30, we can then proceed to get
bids for construction.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Brass mo, one<i.to adjourn at 10:40 p.m.,