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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 07-13-2000Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting July 13, 2000 Page 30 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Meyer, Musliner, Singer, Thompson Absent: Commissioner Wahl 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the July meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Singer and seconded by Commissioner Meyer to approve the minutes of the June meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. b. Staff Mary reminded commissioners that we still have a few concerts left. The summer carnival is July 18. The beach party is on July 25. High Noon performs on Aug. 1, Scandinavian Ensemble on Aug. 8, and Jonathan Pemberton Jazz Quartet on Aug. 15. Commissioner Thompson mentioned there was only one microphone at last Tuesday's concert, so it was hard to hear all the instruments. Senior activities at the Plymouth Creek Center are going very well. There's been good response to most of their activities. Some things have had to be cancelled, but that could be because of summer vacations, etc. Lots of new activities are being offered this fall. Trips are popular. The senior bike club has over 60 members. Beaches have been operating safely so far, and are very busy due to the warm weather. We continue to have issues with water quality and swimmers itch. Staff is now working on fall programs, and we're looking ahead to fall special events — The Chocolate Sampler and Plymouth on Parade. Chair Anderson asked where the bike club goes riding. Mary said a variety of places. They have had a few overnight trips out of town. Commissioner Fiemann asked if anything can be done about swimmers itch. Director Blank said we spray the beaches as soon as we get a report of swimmers itch. Mary explained the best way to get rid of it is to shower immediately after swimming and towel off vigorously. c. Others. There were no other presentations. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Approved 2000-01 rental fees for Fieldhouse and walking/jogging. Council approved the proposed rental fees without any changes. Wednesday was chosen as the free day for walking/jogging. PRAC Minutes/July 2000 Page 31 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Plymouth Creek Center update. There are some new furnishing to purchase, such as outside furniture for the deck, a new TV, plants, etc. Crews are finishing up with landscaping, etc. The project is still under budget. Director Blank said he just finished a day long budget review for the Plymouth Creek Center. We are asking for more staff there — a full time custodian and half time clerical. We may get the janitor yet this year. b. Millennium Garden update. Director Blank introduced the landscape consultant, George Watson, and said that he would bring PRAC up to date on the garden plan. The stewards have met and have reviewed the plan. They like it. After PRAC reviews it, it will be forwarded to the City Council. Mr. Watson said a number of ideas were incorporated into one plan. He explained that they concentrated the core of the development in a relatively small area. A donor recognition area was added, which is up front and center. The ceremonial art display will be used for set up of things that need to be on hard surfaces. The grand lawn will be for large groups of up to 250-300 people, 1/4 acre in size. The exhibit area will be at the same elevation as the grand lawn. The exhibit area could be maintained for smaller groups as well. In terms of planting, there's a gradation of formal and informal plantings, perennials and annuals, for seasonal color. This will gradually transition to a more natural area. There will be a native plant area consisting of shrubs, trees, etc. Flagstone pavers will be used to lead you around the garden. There will be small alcoves for art, which could be permanent art or temporary displays on pedestals. Benches could be added to the garden over time. The plan will continue to evolve over time as the park gets used. Mr. Watson suggested that the City develop some areas into natural prairie grasses, etc. and also that rustic bridges be constricted over some of the waterways rather than using hand rails. The ceremonial area would have a different elevation than the grand lawn. He pointed out areas where arbor strictures could be. Commissioner Fiemann asked if there was going to be lighting in the main area. Director Blank said it's already there. Mr. Watson indicated where he thought lighting would be important. The floating boardwalk would connect to the trail that leads to city hall. Mr. Watson pointed out a wide access service entrance, which is a hard asphalt surface. He also explained that there's a shredded tree bark that meets the standards for handicapped accessibility. Commissioners Musliner and Singer said they are very impressed with the plan. Commissioner Singer asked about the maze. Mr. Watson said it was decided to go with a labyrinth, because it's a lot easier to maintain than a maze. Director Blank said there will be signage to identify the various plantings, etc. Director Blank said we've raised about $41,000 so far with the sale of bricks and pledges. A couple of families want to do some rather large memorials, in the area of $5,000. Director Blank and the Mayor will soon be going to large businesses to ask for pledges. The fundraising consultant is now reviewing this information. He will choose 100 companies to visit. Benches cost 1,000 and several families have said they want benches. Director Blank is developing a new idea of adding into the walkway the names of all the former council members and mayors in an effort to link the past to the future. Packets of information on the garden are now being developed for showing to the businesses. There has been tremendous response from the community. We're also looking for in-kind donations from businesses. PRAC Minutes/July 2000 Page 32 c. Comprehensive plan update. The comprehensive plan is scheduled to be approved by the Metropolitan Council on July 26. Then it will come back for approval by the City Council. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Hilde performance stage. As of two weeks ago, we have an agreement with Mr. Hilde. Director Blank said he received a signed contract July 6. Sound and lighting studies will begin soon. The agreement is a non-binding agreement. We now have to do a binding agreement. We're on a timeline to break ground after Music in Plymouth next year. We have I I months to come up with a design. The City Council is very committed to getting community input for this. There will be some public meetings, perhaps before PRAC. It will be in the same location as the current concrete stage. It may have to be moved south slightly. It will be large enough to hold the Minnesota Orchestra. The showmobile did not sell. We still have it and will continue to use it. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Commissioner Thompson said a family in her neighborhood has sent out hundreds of letters regarding the possible loss of the golf course when Holly Lane is updated. Director Blank said a portion of the golf course parking lot is on road right of way and that some adjustments will have to be made over that. Commissioner Thompson also mentioned that some land has sunk at the baseball field 46 at Plymouth Creek and that some lighting is out. She also asked why bathrooms are not open? Director Blank said it's because of vandalism. We try to open some of them during the day. Commissioner Singer asked if any thought has been given to putting up a sign that says no soccer cleats allowed inside the Plymouth Creek Center building. Director Blank said he would discuss this with Rick Busch. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION The park tour was put on hold. The 5th of August turned out to be difficult for several commissioners. Unless Director Blank comes up with pressing business, the August meeting will probably be cancelled. Director Blank will poll commissioners to come up with a new date for a tour. He discussed beginning a tour at 3:30 in the afternoon and going until about 9 p.m. Several commissioners said that would work. Possible sites to visit include water parks in Eagan and St. Louis Park, and a skate park in Hopkins. Director Blank said the Ferndale open space meeting went very well. They did a good job. The committee of eight met for two hours and laid some groundwork. One of the issues is the three entrances into the park. The next meeting will be on site to discuss those entrances. Once a plan is pulled together, it will be sent to the residents. Then there would be a meeting scheduled with PRAC. This process needs to be done without alienating anyone. Commissioner Singer said the best comment she heard that night was "the fight is over." 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.