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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 06-14-2007MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 PRESENT: Commissioners: Fiemann, Krahulec, Singer, Anderson, Smith, Planning Commissioner: Weir Staff: Blank, Evans, Miller ABSENT: Knight, Mohagen, Griwac, Pederson PACKET INCLUSIONS: Agenda, 5/10/07 Minutes, Neighborhood Park Development Memo with Master Plan graphics, SRF Comprehensive Plan memo with future neighborhood and mini park location graphics, 2007 trail improvement Project memo and graphics. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm in the council chambers by Chairperson Commissioner Fiemann. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commission Fiemann asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Singer motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. All ayes and the motion was carried. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS presented by Evans: a. Athletic Associations: None were present at the meeting. b. Staff: None c. Updates: Summer seasonal employees have been hired and have just completed training Most summer programs will start June 18. Swimming started Monday, June 11. Parkers Lake Water quality issues are stemming from an abundance of weeds in the lake. Fiemann asked what type of weeds and what the remedy would be. Evans replied the majority is milfoil and they are waiting for DNR permits to allow for cutting and another spray. The City will take care of the swimming area and boat launch as it is too costly to do the entire lake. Blank interjected that they will be cutting around 8 acres with a depth of approximately 3-4 feet. The lake will continue to be monitored. Due to the weed conditions the Water Ski Show has been cancelled. Looking at options for July or August shows. First swimmer's itch was reported this week. I- Events Evans reported that the Star and Tribune did a piece on wakeboarding. Plymouth Park and Recreation is offering wakeboard classes this season and both courses are full. Roll the dice bike rally is Saturday June 16, 2007. Pre -registration is $6.00 and $8.00 the day of the rally. We are offering both long and short courses. Big Walter Smith and Groove Merchants are currently playing at the Hilde Amphitheater for the start of Entertainment in the Park. Evans encourages everyone to take advantage of the musicians that will be performing over the summer. MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 I- Recreation Brochure Currently working on the fall Plymouth Leisure Times. Scheduled to go the printer on Monday, June 18, 2007. Fall registration is scheduled to begin on July 11 for Plymouth residents and July 17 for non-residents. Evans concluded her presentation. 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION None reported 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Approve Neighborhood Park Master Plan- Seven Greens Blank started the topic by providing some background information to the commissioners. This small neighborhood area was turned over to the city by Swanson's Developers. Upon deciding to create a neighborhood park, letters were sent to residents inviting them to attend two neighborhood meetings to get their thoughts and ideas. Also in attendance at those meetings was the consulting agency that would work with staff to formulate the master plan, Brauer and Associates. Blank introduced, from Brauer and Associates, Amanda Prosser and George Watson. Both Prosser and Watson will present the master plan to the commissioners. Neighborhood residents were sent an invitation, along with the master plan, to attend this commission meeting to voice their opinions. The process this evening will be to present the master plan and ask that the commissioners accept, modify or send it back for continual work. Staff is recommending that the plan be accepted as it is currently outlined. Watson presented the following: (Refer to the master plan packet for complete details) Background information This site is natural with existing water ponds Two access points. One off Quantico Lane and the other off Terraceview Lane. Portions of the property have been cleared of buckthorn creating more space. Prosser completed the presentation by pointing out the following highlights. (Refer to the master plan packet for complete details) Recommending that nature species be reintroduced to the outer portion of the park. Pointed out the paved asphalt trail. Parking provided along Quantico Lane. Reviewed the plan which showed that a parking lot could be built that would accommodate 6-8 cars, but will not be included in the initial build. Play equipment has a nature theme. Other site amenities would include: o Open space picnic shelter and grills. o Lawn and games area. Arbor with associated seating Seating- benches and picnic tables Trails- both paved and unpaved. Page 2 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 Enhanced landscaping including rock boulders provide seating and border of the lawn/game area. Prosser stated the trails would be field staked. She indicated there was a concern about the trails being to close to property line. They reviewed and realigned to get more space between the trails and the resident homes. Reintroducing natural species would also provide an additional buffer for the park and homeowners. The following dialogue ensued after Prosser concluded her presentation. Anderson questioned whether the west entrance was compliant with ADA standards. Prosser responded that they need to bring in a substantial amount of fill for it to be 88% compliant. Creating switch backs is something that they would have to look at. Smith wondered if there was need for lighting. Prosser stated that there is not lighting in any neighbor parks. Singer inquired if all the paved trails would be asphalt. Prosser replied that the trails will be 8 ft. wide and paved with asphalt for maintenance purposes. Blank requested that Prosser address the Southwood Park. Prosser explained that one of the reasons they decided to go with a smaller play area and nature theme for the new park, is that just one block south is an existing playground park. Per the neighborhood meetings, it was determined that by adding a few extra elements to the existing park, they could accommodate the needs of the neighborhood. The neighborhood meetings brought out residents requesting a set of swings and overhead structures. Krahulec asked if these items are available on the market and Prosser replied with a yes. He also inquired about the storm water ponds. Prosser informed the commissioners that the storm water ponds hold water to collect all run off from the adjacent development. Fiemann asked Blank if charcoal grills are generally placed in neighborhood parks and questioned if it posed a fire hazard. Blank replied that neighborhood park grills are waist high- not on the ground. Residents are not encouraged to bring grills. On that same note, Anderson mentioned that he heard an inquiry about having an above ground fire pit in the park. Blank stated it's not on the plan to add a fire ring at this time, but may look at that option later on. Singer questioned the need for paved trails in the park. Blank replied that the paved trails here are put in for recreational use such as walking, rollerblading, etc. It is easier to do these activities on a hard surface. Wood chips and/or rocks are high maintenance and also deteriorate quickly. In reviewing the plan, Smith stated that there is no indication of where the portable bathrooms will be. Blank replied it will be easier to determine placement once construction begins and they are able to walk the park to insure that the portable bathrooms are out of view of people's homes. He asked the commission to remember that this is a very high level plan, and as the process moves forward, further details will be provided. Singer questioned the statement of possibly bringing this park in under the budgeted amount of $300,000, wondering how much below budget the amount could be. Blank answered the biggest dollar amount would be the asphalt trails. The arbor structure will also be a deciding factor. Blank feels very comfortable with the budgeted amount and that the project will not exceed that amount. Fiemann asked for other questions. Krahulec referred to the informal lawn area, wondering how it would be maintained. Prosser replied that this would be level open space that would be manicured and mowed. Fiemann asked attending residents if they had any question or comments. None were Page 3 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 submitted. Fiemann questioned if further discussion was needed or a motion be made to approve the plan as is. Singer moved that the PRAC commissioners adapt the staff's recommendation of the master plan as presented to commissioners this evening. Krahulec seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was carried. Blank interjected that the plan will now be moved to the June 26, 2007 City Council meeting. If approved at City Council, construction would possibly begin in August with a completion date of October. b. Comprehensive Plan Blank explained to the commissioners that SRF has been contracted as the consulting firm to work with staff to complete the comprehensive plan. They were the same consulting team that updated the City's comprehensive plan in 2000. They were also the team that worked on the Northwest Greenway, along with strategy to link the trails together. They have been asked to follow through by working with staff on several components of the City's park, trail and open space plan as part of the City's larger effort to update the City's Comprehensive Plan. SRF team members are present at tonight's meeting to review the Northwest Plymouth- Future Neighborhood and Mini Park Locations. Staff is not asking for any action by the commissioners at this time. The next four meetings will be to present pieces of the comprehensive plan, and to give commissioners the opportunity to understand all components of the plan. This first presentation of the plan is at its highest level. Staff will not ask for a final motion until all components have been presented, reviewed and understood. The timeline is expected to move as follows: PRAC commissioners approve in October. Public hearing with the planning commission in November or December. To the City Council by December or January. Blank turned the presentation over to Barry Warner. (Refer to Northwest Plymouth Future Neighborhood and Mini Park Location hand-out for complete details). The highlights of this presentation included: I- Park Definitions o Prototypes that guide the development of neighborhood parks Neighborhood Parks Parks within Plymouth are proposed to be approximately 12 acres. 5 acres of the park are dedicated towards recreational activities. Remaining 7 acres are dedicated to passive facilities such as ponds, wetlands and woodlands. Parks are typically located to serve residents located within 0.5 miles of the park without having to cross barriers such as high volume roadways or railroad tracks. Mini Parks Proposed to be approximately 2 acres in size. Recreation facilities such as open play fields. Serves small residential pockets that are bounded by City boundaries and/or high volume roads. Page 4 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 Located to serve residents within 0.5 miles with having to cross barriers such as high volume roadways and/or railroad tracks. o Land Use City updated the land use plan for the northwest area. Analysis is based on projected residential uses and densities. o Northwest Greenway Corridor Master Plan City Council adopted a master plan for future open space amenities extending across a large portion of northwest Plymouth. Greenway will preserve existing natural resources and provide an integrated trail network for this area. Potential parks will be evaluated as to their relationship to the greenway. The presentation was turned over to Joni Giese to address the park site analysis. (Refer to Northwest Plymouth Future Neighborhood and Mini Park Location hand-out for complete details). Park Area 1 o Service Area Abuts the western city limits, immediately south of Highway 55. Existing land use is primarily agricultural with some commercial and single family residents. Natural resources include large wetlands and some woodland. Two existing parks located just outside of the functional park service area. o Special Considerations Service area has very few streets. Future development will include an internal street system to provide park access. o Park Alternatives Site 1A- located in western service area with wooded hillside and lower wetlands. Access for future residential development along Brockton Lane. Site 113- more centrally located than 1A with two wooded hillsides, wetlands, and flat, agricultural land. A roadway or trail will need to be developed through the wetlands to provide park access along Brockton Lane. Site 1 C is centrally located a little further to the south and predominantly consists of wetlands. o Recommendation Providing either a roadway or trail can make a connection through the wetland, staff recommends site 1 B. If this is not feasible, then SitelA would be the alternative because of its close proximity to the residents to the west. Fiemann asked how wide the wetland between 1A and 1 B is. Giese responded her quick estimation is approximately 200-250 ft. Fiemann then asked if you moved the site to 1 A, houses just to the east of site 1 B could not get to the park. Giese admitted this is a problematic area with the wetlands centered in the middle of the area. Smith questioned if in situations like this, would they consider developing two mini parks rather than one big park. Blank responded that planning is usually stopped at this level because when developers buy the land, it depends on who assembles the land and how many parcels they are able to assemble. The more parcels a developer can assemble the more Page 5 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 leeway they have in developing their road system. Utility systems also need to be considered and the cost of running those systems through the wetlands come into play. Blank stated they will sit with the developer to determine which site is more feasible 1A or 1 B. We can use a trail to link the two neighborhoods. Park Site Area 2 (Refer to handout for complete details) o Service Area Abuts the western city limits immediately south of Cty. Rd. 47. Park service area is bound by Cty. Rd 101 to the west, Cty. Rd. 47 to the north, the future Peony Lane extension to the east and green space and Elm Creek Golf Course to the south. Land is primarily rural, low density, single family residents. Natural resources include large wetland, bounded wooded slop and some rolling woodlands. o Special Considerations Elm Creek Golf Course may be redeveloped into residential land. It is anticipated that future residents will utilize the existing community play field located immediately west of Wayzata Senior High if Elm Creek goes residential. The City is planning on extending Peony Lane northward to connect to Lawndale Lane. o Park Alternatives Site 2A- located in the northern portion of the service area. Existing wetlands and associated drainage with an agricultural field that can be converted to an active recreation area. Site 213- located immediately south of site 1A and centrally located. Captures portions of a natural drainage corridor. Large portion can be created in to active recreational area. Large portion of the site will need to be re -vegetated to provide an enhanced passive recreational experience. Site 2C- located in the southern portion of the service area. Site will provide attractive views towards a large wetland complex. Potential to be connected to the Northwest Greenway Site 2D- location of a new church that will be constructed immediately east of Cty. Rd 101. Church site is not central within the neighborhood. Conflicts in facility programming and use may also exist. o Recommendations Site 2B is recommended as it is centrally located in relation to the residential land. Provides ample opportunity for active recreation and will preserve a natural drainage corridor. Krahulec asked how they could connect 2C to the Greenway. Giese replied that they would have to review if these would be additional roadways being built in that area providing an intersection crossing to the wetland complex. Park Site Area 3 (refer to handout for complete details) o Service Area Page 6 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 Bound by the City limits on the north and Cty. Rd. 47 on the west and south. Vicksburg to the east. Existing land is primarily rural, low density, single family or agricultural. Number of isolated wetlands. o Special Considerations Service area has very limited streets within it. Any proposed park would require access be built. Potential for pedestrian underpass of Cty. Rd. 47. o Alternatives Site 3A - located in the western portion of the service area. The site is flat which allows for development of active recreation area and takes advantage of wetland views. Site 3B - centrally located and provides scenic view for park users. Site 3C - located east central within the service area. The site is relatively flat which facilitates the potential of an active recreation area. o Recommendations Site 3A is recommended as a future mini park site. Significant residential development is likely to occur. It will provide an active recreation area as well as scenic views of the wetlands. Fiemann asked if the blue areas noted on the graphic were wetlands or required wetland buffers. Giese replied that there are designated wetlands covering all categories. Fiemann responded that the City has required buffers around the wetlands which further restricts option 3B and 3C. Fiemann then questioned whether Maple Grove is building anything that we could latch onto. Blank replied that he is not currently aware of any, but will be communicating with Maple Grove in the months ahead. We will be connecting with Maple Grove at Elm Creek, bringing the trail to the Greenway. Park Site Area 4 (Refer to handout for complete details) o Service Area Bounded by Cty, Rd. 47 on the north, Vicksburg on the east, the SOO Line Railroad and Schmidt Lake Rd. on the south and Peony Lane on the west. Area contains a number of wetlands. This wetland is planned to be incorporated into the Northwest Greenway. City's only dog park is located in the northwest portion of the service area. A gun club operates a shooting range on a wooded parcel in the southern portion of the service. o Special Considerations Two parcels in the NE quadrant of the service area are currently under consideration as a potential location for a new community playfield. Few streets exist within this area. New neighborhood park access would improve existing local streets or new internal streets. o Park Alternatives Site 4A- Egan Park current use is a dog park. Converting five acres to an active recreation area could not be done without adversely affecting the site's natural resources. Page 7 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 Site 413- Southeast of Egan Park. High demand for parking associated with the dog park could pose issues for a new neighborhood park. This site also has the potential to function as a portion of the Northwest Greenway, completing the link between Dunkirk Land and the Elm Creek wetland complex. Site 4C -centrally located with convenient access to the existing multi -family neighborhood. Site 4D- located immediately northeast of the existing multi -family housing in the portion of the service area. This site is envisioned to be a mini park. While a mini park will provide recreation opportunities, it will be offset by the passive recreational opportunities that will be available in the Northwest Greenway. o Recommendation Site 4B has been recommended, with Site 4D recommended as a mini park. Site 4B provides access to the natural resources within Egan Park as well as being a component for the Northwest Greenway. Site 4D will provide convenient active recreation for residents. Singer questioned why Site 4C was not chosen. Giese responded that the City is considering two potential playfields in that NW area and those playfields would have some recreational equipment. Residents close to that site would be in close proximity of those playfields. Anderson had a question about the Greenway and gaining access to it from other parks within the city. Giese replied that they are looking at Holly Lane and crossing of the railroad. She stated there are still issues surrounding some of the concepts they are presenting tonight and may need to revisit the site location based on the resolution of some of those issues. Blank identified three areas available to cross the railroad. One at the far east at Three Ponds Park, Holly Lane, which has retained right of way for future trail and Dunkirk Lane, which would have a north/ south corridor that would take you to the Greenway. The issues of the train and the whistles will be a matter that the consultants will be looking into. More issues may be identified as they continue through the process, especially as they begin to look at the trail system. Fiemann asked Blank if he was aware if Dunkirk is being planned to connect into the south at any point. Blank replied that there is a sign that reads Dunkirk Lane will be extended. He stated that all planning efforts also indicate that this will be done. Giese asked for additional comments on Site 4. Krahulec asked if the mini park would serve a high density area. Giese replied that she felt the recreational area would be sufficient and that it will also meet the residential passive needs. Blank interjected that they may do a household survey to see the number of children that reside in that area or ask the school for a census list. If a larger structure is deemed necessary, it will be considered. Park Site Area 5 (Refer to handout for complete details) o Service Area Bounded by Cty. Rd 47 on the north, the future Cheshire Lane extension on the east, the Northwest Greenway on the south, and Vicksburg Lane on the west. Envisioned as a mini park. The border area is planned to be incorporated into the Northwest Greenway. o Special Considerations Page 8of12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 New housing developer has provided space within the development for a mini park. Private parks have been provided in the newly developed residential housing located north of Cty. Rd 47. o Park Alternatives Site 5A is the only site under consideration. The park is centrally located with one side of the park directly abutting the future Northwest Greenway. o Recommendations Site 5A in the recommended future site of a mini park. Park Site Area 6 (Refer to handout for complete details) o Service Area Bound by the Northwest Greenway on the north, Cheshire Lane on the east, the SOO Line Railroad on the south, and Vicksburg on the west. Lake Pomerleau is located on the eastern portion of the service area. o Special Considerations Service area has very few streets. Three Rivers Park trail runs along the west side of Cheshire Lane. Plans are continue this trail northward. o Park Alternatives Site 6A - centrally located. Provides a safe and convenient access for future residents west of the lake. Site 6B - located southwest of the lake. Residents west and east of the lake will have easy access to the park. Site 6C - located between Lake Pomerleau and a wetland located southeast of the lake. Provides direct access to the lake. o Recommendations Site 6A is recommended as it is centrally located and can successfully protect the natural resources while providing topography to accommodate active recreation. Anderson asked how this relates to possible future trails and if there has been consideration to have a connection over the railroad into the Providence Academy area. Blank replied that Providence Academy had been in contact with the railroad and talked about tunneling under the railroad track to develop soccer fields on the north side of the tracks. The railroad grade would allow for tunneling under the tracks. They are exploring all possibilities with developers, the railroads and school. Park Site Area 7 (Refer to handout for complete details) o Service Area Bounded by the SOO Line Railroad on the north, Hollydale Golf Course on the east, Old Rockford Road on the south and Peony Lane on the west. Significant feature within the area is the golf course which will remain an active facility. West of Holly Lane contains a mini park provided by the homeowners association. o Special Considerations Page 9 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 Two trails have to be constructed to connect the new residential area. Current trails terminate at the edge of the new development. o Park Alternatives Site 7A will allow for the extension of the existing trails into the woodland areas. Site 7B has direct road access and parking could be shared by the park users and golf course. o Recommendations Site 7A is the recommended future site as it will allow for the extension of the existing trails into the woodlands. Given the unique character of this woodland, it is recommended that the City acquire the entire woodland, if adequate resources exist. Singer asked what is in the private park and Blank responded "a swimming pool". Fiemann asked if the blue area, as shown on the graphic, should be considered wetlands. Giese stated that there are many different categories of wetlands. Sometimes woodlands are classified as wetlands as they flood during the spring melting months. Graphics were not broken down into different wetland categories. Singer asked Blank how many of their neighborhood parks are without parking. Blank replied that 25 parks out of 30 probably do not have parking. Singer asked for overall big picture which was presented on the last slide outlining the overall service areas and proposed sites. Some overlap is due partially as a result of railroads and roadways Smith commented on the nice coverage. Giese asked for next steps and Blank asked if the commissioners have any questions or additional research they would like the consultants or staff to do. He also stated that the park tour would include these proposed areas or they bike through them on their own. In the months ahead, staff will be coming back with updates to the maps, adding continuous layers as they move towards the final park integrated system. This final system should be ready by October, 2007. Staff and consultants will be working on the next four items to present for the July commission meeting. 6. New Business Fiemann introduced the next agenda item: Approve 2007 Trail Improvement Projects. Blank presented the following. There are 100 miles of off road trails. Most trails are built by developers. They are required to build trails as they construct the roadways, but there are always gaps in the system Staff and engineering do an annual analysis of trails making recommendations based on the following: o Where the gap are. o The safety concerns of each location. o The financial impact to improve or build the trails. Budget allocated this year is $75,000.00. It takes approximately $100,000.00 to build one mile of new trail. As previously reported, a number of trails where looked at for improvement. o 2 trail improvement projects would fall in the $75,000.00 budget and based on engineering analysis. Recommendation is: Page 10 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 The trail on Bass Lake Road between Deerwood Lane and Zachary Lane. The trail on Old Rockford Road at the intersection of Revere Lane and Highway 55. Anderson asked Blank if he considered the Bass Lake Road connection a completion or a safety factor and Blank responded that he felt it was a combination of both. Anderson stated that he can't picture how this would be routed through on the southern section as there is no connection to Saratoga. Blank replied that three different plans are being considered. The decision will be left to the traffic engineers. Fiemann asked the commissioners if there were further questions. There were none. He then asked Blank if there was an action he was requesting from the commissioners. Blank stated that he would like to get a motion in order to move the recommendation to the City Council meeting on June 26. Singer made a motion to recommend the trail improvement segments in 2007 be approved. Smith seconded the motion. All ayes and the motion was carried. Blank reported the damage at Parkers Lake Park from the May storm. Lost 5-6 trees on the beach side. This has now been cleaned up. On the north side of the park, the wind picked up a five year old bleacher and embedded it in the fence, thus tipping the fence to a 45 degree angle. Damage to all back stops and a few trees. The build went unscathed. Public works had a well roof come off and smash on to an employee's car. Also lost a few trees. In addressing the Parkers Lake weed issue, Blank is hoping that they will receive the DNR permits tomorrow so they can begin spraying. After spraying, they will commence cutting the weeds. 7. Commission Presentation Mike Misk, residing at 1800 Magnolia for the past 15 years, was present to represent the Medicine Sailing Club. He first commented on what a phenomenal job the park and recreation department does and how the programs have been a part of their family activities. His purpose to present at tonight's meeting is to ask that a sailing park be included in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Misk stated that he has over thirty years in sailing. Blank asked him to mention races he has competed in. Misk responded that he has competed both regionally and nationally. He also mentioned that Larry Kick races and is one of the founders of the Minnetonka Sailing Club. Misk went on to ask that the Medicine Lake Sailing Club collaborate with the City of Plymouth to have events similar to the Minneapolis Aquatenial working with the Minneapolis Calhoun Beach Club. Misk could envision the Medicine Lake Sailing Club, in conjunction with the City of Plymouth, offering sailing, with an emphasis on racing. Blank stated that recreation and sports are addressed in the comprehensive plan and to take note that sailing has not been included. Discussion will continue with the sailing club. 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 11 of 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 14, 2007 Chairperson Commissioner Fiemann asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Singer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Krahulec seconded motion. All ayes and the meeting adjourned at 8:59p.m. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2007. Respectfully Submitted, Mary Miller PRAC recorder Page 12 of 12