HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 05-01-1980Minutes of the. Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission, Nhy 1, 1980'
The 'rear meetingof the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
was called to orde by Chairmari, Face ,at 7:.30 p.m.. on May 1, 1980 in ,he City
Council Chanbers
Director Blank inyroduced the new secretary in Parks and Recreation, Nancy
Helgeson.
Members present: Brass, Terry, Edwards, Chesebrough, Mullan
IN *ers absent: Threinen
Others present.: Frank. Dvorak., and staff of the Parks and Recreation
Department; Eric Blank, Director; Jane Thorston,
Recreation Supervisor; Rick Busch, Athletic Specialist,
and Nancy Helg0son, Secretary,
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2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Chesebrough pointed out several misspellings in the minutes of
April. 17, 1980; motion made to approve minutes by Commios over Edwards,
seconded by Con ssioner 'ferry. Vote taken: All Ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESMATION
Jane Thorston presented Quarterly Reports for Spring and Winter, and discussed
new classes being offered. Commissioners had questions regarding increased
enrollment in this year's classes, and how to make the public even more aware
of programs being offered. Several suggestions were made. including a separate
flyer inside the Plymouth Report, a brochure mailed out independently of the
Plymouth.Report, flyers sent to area schools, ora Welcome Wagon, presentation
for newcomers to Plymouth.
Jane also mentioned that some community residents were interested in a Family
Fare excursion on a larger scale; specifically a summer trip to Aspen. A local
travel agency is willing to put together a package including air fare, lodging,
and car rental for $250-300. Director Blank voiced concern that this program
shoulcin.tt conflict with any already establishedagencies in Plymouth..
Rick Busch explained that he will be attending Athletic Association Board
meetings in an, attempt to solidify the-rolationship between the Associations
and the Parks', and Recreation Department. He further explained his role in
Athletics and in Parks and.Recreation. In. the discussion that followed,
several commissioners .felt that there needed to be more programs for youth and
adults.
Chairman Rice pointed out to the Commissionthat it is their responsibility
to present to the. Council the leisure time needs of thecitizens of Plymouth
and.that perhaps the content of the Recreation program needs to be changed..
It woes; decided that this item needs to; be put on a future agenda so that
a. larger block of time can be devoted to this issue.
Therefollowed soma discussion of which, athletic ;programs are sponsored by
an Association and which are city sponsored. Comniss Chesebrough would
like to see a small section of the Flymauth Report devo,,-d to the explanation
of this division of sponsorship.
Chairman Rice asked that the minutes reflect the Comnissim's appreciation for
the presentations given by Rick and Jane.
d REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTIONS
Playfields were yr»;%rented by consultants. to City Council and they werevery
pleased. Their vm -n question was, were the Athletic Associations aware of any
changes or alterations that have been: made in the preliminary concept plans.
Park and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting - May 1,, 1980
Page 2
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The plans and.: specs went out for bid on the 19th, and the Council will award
i bids on May 27th. Ground breaking should begin around the 9th of June. Several
commissioners feel that the groundbreaking should have media coverage and other
foms of advertising. Director Blank pointed out that at any new site for a
park, a sign will read "Parks in Progress." Council approved.sale of bonds
i at 7.31%-..
S. UNFINISUED BUSINESS
i A. Discussion on vita courses. The Optimist Club is interested in working
with - e- Clty 7m some way. Question was raised as to where first course
should be placed: in playfields or neighborhood parks? Chairman. Rice asked,
that three levels be considered in order to focus discussion: i, -does concept of vita course make sense;
if concept makes sense, shouldn't it be formally reflected into the
park tier system or trails;
if it is part of the plan, where in terms of priority should it fit?
Chairman Rice asked for a motion on concept of vita course; Commissioner
Terry made motion to study it further and supports implementing it into one
of the playfields Commissioner Chesebrough seconded motion. Vote taken:
all Ayes. Further discussion involved where similar courses are now located,
cost of maintaining courses, and how to prevent vandalism.. Comrnissio vers
questioned where first course should be located.. After several suggestions,
i' general consensus was that it should be at Fetnbrook site. Lotion made
by Commissioner Edwards to put it in Fernbrook; Commissioner Terry seconded
motion. Vote taken: all Ayes.
B. Fla fieldUpdate. Commissioner Chesebrough questioned whether any additional
land a to be purlased or leased for Ridgemount. No definite answer was
given and discussion was dropped.
C. C.L.P. 81-85. Director Blank passed out C.I.P. worksheets, requesting
that each commissioner take it home and list 30 needs being somewhat specific.
These needs should then be prioritized, with high priorities going under years
81 and 82, medium priorities under years 83 and 84, and loo: priorities under
i year 1985. Director Blank asked that commissioners bring lists back to next
meeting for further discussion.
Director Blank then made presentation on allocation of funds for the parks and
various components of the budget. Stated that he would like to see Council
adopt a tax mill levy to .fund development of parks.
Chairman Rice asked that Staff: 1) do a basic reexamination of the building
i blocks of the planning process, 2') examine the elements of the park tier
system, 3) an examination of the process followed in planning for the future,.
and 4) re-examine the forrrula for distribution of funds as it relates to use
of park dedication dollars. These findings should be brought back to the
i Commission for their combined study. The deadline for presenting C.I.P. to
the City Council is June 13th.. For this purpose, a.special PRAC meeting is
scheduled for May 22nd at 6:30 p.m. in i;he small conference room. It was
i decided that the regular June meeting should be postponed until. June 12th
because of various school graduations being held on June Sth.
i 6. NEW BUSINESS
A. New Plats. No discussion.
B. 1991 MWCON Grant Ap lication. Director Blank has submitted a LAWCON
grant, to h4prove East Medicine La -Ice Beach including a 100 -car parking lot,
curbs and gutters, bathhouse, trail and landscaping.
R L Park and Recreation Corm.?ysion
1980Regularlnwing - May 1,
Page 3
7. C{WQSSION PRESENTATION
Chairman Rice explained the purpose. of this item for future agendas.
8. STAFF PRESENTATION
Director Blank reiterated his plans to continueto meet with various
AthleticAssociation Presidents.
5. AMITIONAL UNFINISHED BUSINESS
haixman'Rice would like to review the final versions of P.I.P. at the
May 22nd. meeting. Director Blank voiced his concern over lack of boats
and only one lifeguard per beach at East and West Medicine Lake. If the
funding needed to improve safety at these two beaches does not come through,
Director Blankmay propose closing the West beach.
9., ADMUM44T
Motion made to adjourn by :on nissioner (hesebrough, seconded by Com :ssioner
Brass. Meeting was adjourned. at 10:30 p.m.: