HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 11-10-2005MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
November 10, 2005
Page 1
PRESENT: Commissioner Aamoth, Davis, Fiemann, Krahulec, Mohagen, Rezabek,
Singer; staff Abel, Blank, Evans, Sankey
ABSENT: Commissioner Griwac, Commissioner Pederson
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Singer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Rezabek moved and Krahulec seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the
October meeting.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting.
b. Staff. Blank congratulated Singer on her 20 years of service for youth soccer.
Evans said Oct 31 Halloween at the Creek was a success with 560 participants.
Attendance was down a bit from last year because of the participation of fewer
churches this year and the nice weather. The Volunteer Recognition dinner will
be on Nov. 17, and around 300 volunteers are expected to attend. Nancy
Anderson sought donations for this event from businesses through a mailing,
and this one letter has brought in over $2000 in donations. Old Fashioned
Christmas will be on Dec. 4 at Plymouth Creek Park and the Historical Society
building. The event is co-sponsored with the Historical Society. New Year's
Around the World is set for Dec. 31 at the Ice Center and Lifetime Fitness.
People can skate, use the pool, and do activities in the gym from 6-9 pm. We
still need volunteers for this event. The winter brochure was just sent off to the
printer and will be in hands of the community the first part of December. Things
to keep an eye on include some new art classes, Teen LAN parties and LAN
Tournament, and "When Pigs Fly Yoga" for those who have been afraid to get
started in yoga. We are already starting on the summer brochure which will go
to print in March. Last year, we started a formal evaluation program, and we
have done about 20 programs per year. In 2004, 86% of our customers rated
us as excellent. So far this year, we have a 91 % excellent rating. We'll continue
to track this in the future. One question we asked was what mode of registration
they are using. Of the people who responded, 31 % registered on line in 2004,
and 44% in 2005. The department is working on an art policy. We will soon
begin working on the state conference which will be in Plymouth in 2006. Davis
asked about the LAN party and whether it would be in the brochure, and Evans
confirmed that it will. Blank showed the City & County Magazine which
contained an article about the Ice Center and the donations from Providence
Academy and Wayzata hockey.
Abel said that as of the end of October, we have received over $1 million in
revenue, which broke the previous record. Advertising has raised over $42,000
and is used on the zambonies, dasher boards, pamphlet board, and popcorn
bags. Ice rental was about $760,000 as of end the of October. With the third ice
sheet, concessions can have more consistent hours, which is helping sales.
Sales are at $77,000 so far. Adding the new ice sheet was the correct decision
for the facility because of how busy we are. In fact, we are probably the busiest
ice arena in the state. The tournaments have a great effect on the local
economy. In fact, the local businesses want to know when the tournaments are
because they need to increase staff. The layout of the facility is working very
well. Hockey numbers are good. Wayzata Hockey has over 1100 children
participating, and they claim to be the largest in the 5 -state area. They still need
to buy ice elsewhere. Fiemann agreed, saying that they buy more ice at the
VMIA rink than anyone else. Hockey won't be going away. Abel said he must
turn people away. Singer asked about growth in recreational skating. Abel said
the skate school is growing again earning $100,000 with 700 children in skating
school. Open skate is growing also, with a lot of participation in daytime
offerings like Parents and Tots and Open Hockey. It is harder to offer a lot of
open skating in the evening because of rental demands.
Abel said he is working with a company which sells advertising on pamphlet
boards for which we receive $5,000. The newest advertising idea we are trying
is in conjunction with a company called Reach. They will be installing two 42"
plasma TV screens, one in the upper lobby and one in the lower. The company
sells half of the screen for advertising; the other half of the upstairs screen will
be for our announcements. On the downstairs screen, it will show locker room
assignments. The company likes our venue because of the captive audience
for looking at the screens. Blank said computerized TVs were part of the
planning of the project, and would have been a $5,000 to $10,000 expense.
Reach is paying us $5,000 and is setting it up for us. There will be a six-month
trial, with an evaluation in March. If successful, there will be a 3-4 year contract.
Krahulec asked how the data is maintained. Abel explained that the advertising
is done by Reach over the internet. We will send our announcements to them,
and they will be added this way also. Locker room assignments will be done by
us on a computer in house. Fiemann said it would be nice to have one in the
back lobby to encourage people to come that way. Abel said that Reach is
setting up trial sites at the Super Rink, Braemar, and Woodbury, but Plymouth
has the most businesses wanting to advertise. That could perhaps help us to
get a third screen.
Providence is very happy with the facility. They have fulfilled their agreement of
225 hours. They think they will probably have both a varsity and a JV team
within the next two years. New lockers from Australia are on order. They cost
1 to use and are large enough for a purse or a motorcycle helmet. This will fill
a need for our public. Singer asked if there have been complaints about
parking. Abel answered that it has gotten better because more and more
people are using the rear lot. He has ordered a sign to direct people to the back
side. At large events there usually is a parking problem, although in the worst
case, a person would park a block away. The more people who get used to the
back lot, the better it will be. Blank said they have created a special spot for
high school buses, which should help. Abel mentioned that he is looking into
putting in an ATM machine. Fiemann pointed out that the Arena is a wireless
site and people are using their computers every night here. Able agreed, saying
that they will often sit at the tables out in lobby. Some work on homework with
kids. One man used the area for his laptop while his office computer was down
for a while. Able said that they are looking at prices for tile floor for the new
lobby addition. The Center Ice Room will be re -carpeted. An artist will be
painting a mural in Rink B this year. Fiemann asked about the blinds in the Blue
Line Room. He noted that half of them aren't up and wondered if there are
plans to fix them. Abel explained that the room is used for birthday parties, and
kids hang on the blinds until they break off. We need to look at some other type
of window covering. Evans wondered if tinting the windows would be enough.
Abel said the windows on rink C had to be tinted because at certain times of the
year the goaly at the east end had to wear sunglasses. He also mentioned that
we are starting to repair and replace things — the building is 9'/ years old now.
The zambonies travel 40,000 miles per year. Rezabek said some members of
the Council say there is money available for the tile. Blank says he is holding
back until all of the contracts are finished and he makes final payments. The
project is $15,000 over budget, and he wants them to see all the numbers
before we ask to tile the lobby. Maybe by late December he will be able to go
back to the Council with the request. Abel said it could be done during the
season because each area only has to be down 24 hours and they could work
around it. Rezabek asked about whether we have made any headway with
getting the same software that others have. Wayzata and Armstrong youth
hockey both have Max Ice. It would be easier to work with everyone. Fiemann
asked what we are using. Blank said the current software, Class, does the
scheduling and runs the financials through it. Rezabek said that any software
can be made to integrate. Blank said he will talk to IT about it.
Rezabek also mentioned a complaint from the Wayzata Hockey Board meeting
about garbage along windows and on tables. Abel said that some of the part
time staff has been a problem, especially if no one is standing over them. They
don't take the initiative to pick up. Rezabek said there was a locker room with a
broken shower, and Abel said it has been fixed. It has been broken several
times and costs $300 to fix it each time. We do incur a lot of damage in the
building, especially downstairs. Blank said that our philosophy is that when
something in the parks system is broken, we fix it as quick as we can. Aamoth
wondered if we have volunteers who could help with this. Abel said he has four
volunteers working at skate guarding and other positions. He thinks it might be
hard to get a volunteer for repair work. We do have Equality, a group of special
needs adults who come in and do some cleaning for us during the week. The
weekend hours are the hardest for cleaning because there isn't enough staff to
keep up as thoroughly as we would like. Blank said we didn't add any full time
staff after the third sheet was opened. After we evaluate, we may need to go to
the Council and request another position. We wanted to make sure we were
making the anticipated revenues. Abel said he actually receives many more
compliments then complaints about the cleanliness of the building.
Aamoth asked it there would be any additional tournaments coming up. Abel
said they added two new ones this year. Rezabek said they lost out on two big
tournaments because of area association politics. The feeling is there that other
rinks need the money more. Fiemann says there will be 28 teams in the Gold
Star tournament. They might expand some of the tournaments because the
demand is so high. Bill says that not only have we added two tournaments, but
our usual tournaments have been able to add teams because of the third sheet.
This has been really good for local hotels and restaurants.
c. Others. There were no other presentations.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Plymouth/New Hope Little League Baseball Request Update/Review. Blank
said that it would be a problem to give up the two skinned fields at Zachary.
Patti Weldon needs two fields for Armstrong's Girls Fast Pitch. We have a
wonderful relationship with Armstrong High School, and it would not be good to
push them out. However, he said, in the last couple days, things have fallen
together. A consultant has drawn new plans which would include five fields and
drainage corrections. He will meet with the baseball group next Tuesday to
propose this project. Retaining walls and changes would have cost the city
300,000 plus. The consultant looked at the plan and suggested an alternative
that would cost us around $25,000. There would be three grass infields for
baseball. A portable pitching mound could be used on one field so high school
could still use it for softball. The plan would create a nice mall area in the
middle. We can use natural drainage by pulling apart the fields. To add another
field would affect the parking. With the cost going down to $25,000 for us, we
could afford to add 25 or more parking stalls, so adding the additional field
would not create such a problem. The consultant is analyzing the issue of
adding parking. Blank hopes to have the proposal ready by the December
meeting. He would cap the expenses at $225-250,000 for the baseball
association. Our costs would be whatever would be on top of that. This
package would be a win-win. The Recreation Department and Armstrong High
School can continue their programs, and Baseball would get their facility.
Fiemann said it is very important to take care of the Armstrong Girls Softball
teams. Krahulec asked what the portable mound is like. Blank said it is made of
fiberglass. Rezabec asked what would happen if they were to get a big
tournament. Blank said he would sod the infield temporarily for a national
tournament. Fiemann asked what the cost would be for additional parking.
Blank said about $1,500 per stall. Fiemann said the project would be very good
for the park and area. Krahulec asked how close it would be to Rockford Road.
Blank said it wouldn't go past existing fences because the outfields would be
shorter. Krahulec asked if the new generation of lighting is more efficient. Blank
said it is more efficient, and the fixtures allow the light to cutoff right at the edge
of the field like a curtain. We would switch back to white lights. Blank needs to
crunch the numbers on lighting. At Elm Creek, our people have to go in and
groom fields after the high school girls fast pitch games so they are ready for
adult games. They can't make it over to Plymouth Middle School in time to
groom them for the evening events. This proposal would solve the problem.
Blank said he would like to go out for bid in March and award by May 1. It
would take about 4'/ months to get it up and running, so it could be ready for
the 2007 season.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. 2006 Rental Fees and Policies. Evans presented the rental information. She
said we are not proposing any increases for this year. We feel the fees are
reasonable and competitive with our neighbors. No information is included
about the Millennium Garden and Plymouth Creek Center because that will be
presented in May. Singer said she noticed that the tobacco policy was missing
on some of the forms. Evans said we are transitioning and updating all the
forms. Aamoth said he thought it was a good idea that we aren't increasing fees
right now.
SINGER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RENTAL FEES AS
PRESENTED. REZABEK SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
b. Comp Plan and Park Dedication Update. Blank said that in the Tarn Hills area,
a 25 acre swath of trees was dedicated and saved. We will get about $500,000-
600,000 in cash, plus this land as park dedication. The comp plan is going
forward. The City Council and Planning Commission are meeting with staff Nov.
30 and Dec. 6. It would be interesting for PRAC members to attend. They are
planning a meeting for the public to come in and speak on the plan Dec. 12.
Blank said we have already done our planning based on development. He
thinks the Council is thinking more towards single family homes, which is more
favorable to children and creates more park needs. Buying land and developing
parks creates a big economic impact. We need factual information for
projections for youth athletics. Guiding and density issues plus youth athletic
issues will be blended for working into the comp plan.
c. Hilde Center. Blank said that the Hilde Center could become a venue for paid
events. We have met with a person who does events. Artists of the caliber of
Sheryl Crowe or James Taylor would be booked. They would temporarily fence
in the site, and security would be required. Tickets would be sold, and parking
would be offsite. We would be making money from this to be earmarked toward
the arts. Timing is important. The promoter will be looking for artists that would
be traveling on bus tours next summer. We need to get back to the promoter in
January or February in order to book the artists for 2006. The Council will be
asked at a study session if they think it is worth spending time on this and
studying it further. We don't want to spend a lot of time on this issue unless the
Council thinks it could be a good idea. Davis asked how this fit with our current
rental policies. Blank said a new policy would have to be written to fit this issue
d. Possible Future Referendum. Blank pointed out that Eden Prairie had 3 out of 4
referendums pass. This may tie into us because we may need a referendum to
finish our park system projects such as the Northwest Greenway, the 10th
playfield, and trails. If we keep taking land instead of money for park dedication,
we may be short of cash for finishing the projects. Open space acquisition
would be an important piece. Eden Prairie and Woodbury passing their
referendums is a good indication for us. He said that we may bring in a
consultant to do a survey of the public about a referendum to purchase open
space. Next general election is November of next year. We would need to know
by July in order to put it all together. Aamoth asked what happens once the city
is all developed and no new money is coming in. Blank explained that a trust
fund of up to $6 million would be desired. We could use $500,000 per year
from the interest for maintenance. If we can accomplish this, we would be one
of the few areas in the country to do repairs without going into the general fund.
Recently, the electric company routed through Nature Canyon Park. We
negotiated $500.000 from the electric company for coming through. This was
one way to add to the trust fund.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Mohagen suggested that the Parks Department designate an area where
people could play paint ball. Blank asked what would be needed. Mohagen
said trees are needed, but not necessarily grass. He said the space behind
Wayzata High School would be ideal. Blank said that property is protected
space. If paint ball were allowed, there would be a real problem with the public.
He thought any place that has woods would have neighbors that would object.
He said he would talk to staff
Singer spoke on Sports Alliance of Minnesota whose purpose is to promote a
positive sports environment. She presented information on a summit they are
sponsoring and invited the commissioners to come to the summit and
participate. Sportsmanship and respect in sports, treating the facility well, and
treating each other well are goals of the group. Rezabek agreed that this is a
huge issue that is being addressed. One example he has heard of is using
points against teams whose parents are acting improperly.
STAFF COMMUNICATION
The December meeting will be at the Plymouth Creek Center on December 8.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50