Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 07-12-2007MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 PRESENT: Commissioners: Fiemann, Krahulec, Knight, Anderson, Smith, Mohagen Planning Commissioner: Weir City Council Liaison: Bildsoe Staff: Blank, Miller GUESTS: Rick Busch, Manager/ Plymouth Creek Center; S.R.F. consultants Barry Warner & Joni Giese ABSENT: Pederson, Evans, Singer PACKET INCLUSIONS: Agenda, 6/14/07 Minutes, Plymouth Creek Field House Annual Report, Rate Increase Proposal, Draft Memorandums/Graphics from S.R.F on Nature Canyon Park Concepts, Plymouth Creek Park Hillside Concepts, Northwest Greenway Plan Refinement, and Off -leash Dog Parks 1. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm in the council chambers by Chairperson Fiemann. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commission Fiemann asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Anderson motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS presented by Rick Busch: a. Plymouth Creek Annual Report: (Please refer to the Annual Report for complete details) Plymouth Field House Domed and open for six months out of the year (October to April). This past season was the eighth season it has been open. Annual report covers January through December. Budget 200,000 annual operation costs including salaries of permanent and temporary staff and utilities. Intake about $300,000 annually. Escrow is approximately $100,000.00 annually. Escrow will be used to replace the turf when needed in the dome. Longevity of the turf is approximately twenty years which gives us about 12 years before needing to be replaced. Rentals Main Renters Plymouth, Wayzata and Maplebrook Soccer o Soccer has 67% of total usage Softball/Baseball organizations o LaCrosse and softball account for approximately 8% of rentals Rugby is becoming the largest growing group for rental. MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 Rugby currently accounts for 1.5% of scheduled time. Dome provides walking and jogging opportunities for Plymouth residents. Park and Recreation provide scheduled courses and activities. Activities provided by Park and Recreation account for 27.4%. Commissioner Knight asked how the prices compare to other communities. Busch replied that Plymouth is on the low end when comparing field house prices with those compatible in size. Busch asked if there were any other question regarding the new prices and Knight commented that prices do not seem to be keeping up with inflation and therefore we are passing on a good deal. Blank interjected that this portion of the agenda is meant to review and discuss the Plymouth Creek Annual Report and that fees would be addressed later in the meeting. Commissioner Anderson asked what kind of growth is expected in the sport of lacrosse and if the field house would be able to accommodate the growth. Busch responded by stating that lacrosse is growing rapidly throughout high schools, which has now become a sport recognized by youth associations throughout communities. It could get to a point where the field house would not be able to accommodate the need, especially during prime rental times in the future. Commissioner Anderson asked if soccer and lacrosse would be able to share a field. Busch replied yes, they are compatible enough to be shared. Busch addressed a previous comment on rental rates being on the low end. He stated that Blank has tried to keep rentals at a reasonable rate as Plymouth residents are already paying taxes for this facility. Commissioner Krahulec asked Busch to explain what the primetime capacity is and if that is used up. Busch replied primetime is considered 6:00 pm -10:30 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am -10:30 pm. He continued to say that they don't have trouble selling that time especially during January - March (rental is normally in the 90% range). November and December are slower and April always depends on the weather. The objective currently is to sell more non -primetime by promoting different activities. They are experiencing a good response to weekday open play time for preschool and home school students and are running some golf range times during the week. Siemens Corporation has rented two days a week for soccer over the next five or six years. Busch also stated that they are working on getting other corporation second and third shift workers to utilize the facility during week day hours. This concluded the presentation on the Plymouth Annual Report. Blank updated the commissioners on two main events that have occurred in the past few weeks. Music in Plymouth was held on Thursday, July 5, 2007 with 16,000 in attendance. The fall Plymouth Leisure Times has been mailed out. Page 2 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Approved Neighborhood Park Master Plan Approved by City Council b. Approved 2007 Trail Improvement Projects Approved by City Council c. Approved Open Space Acquisition on Cty. Rd. 73 Seller approached the City to purchase the property. Council approved the purchase of the land for $275,000. City Attorney is working on the closing at this time. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Comprehensive Plan presented by S. R. F. consultants Barry Warner and Joni Giese: Continuation of the comprehensive plan topics was presented. Highlights discussed for each topic is outlined below. (Please refer to specific memorandums/graphics for complete details) Northwest Greenway Plan Refinement- Recommended changes- Barry Warner Refine components to reflect the following: Recent and proposed land use changes. Recent park, open space and trail developments and proposed new park plans. Proposed changes to roadway corridors that may impact the development of the Greenway. Elm Creek Trail Connection/Extension City of Plymouth agreed to make a connection with Maple Grove for the Elm Creek. A definitive trail without a definitive trail alignment will be determined at a later date. A 100 foot width trail easement is recommended along this trail corridor between the city boundary and Cty. Rd 47 which will buffer adjacent residential uses from the trail and also preserve a partially wooded hillside. Three alternatives to providing this extension were presented: o Elm Creek Trail Connection — Concept A A trail along both sides of Cty. Rd. 47 is consistent with the City's trail plans for this roadway. Trail switchbacks would be needed on both the north and south side of the roadway. Once the trail passes under Cty. Rd. 47, it immediately connects to the Northwest Greenway. Could encourage trail users to jaywalk unless physical barriers are constructed on the bridge between the roadway and the trail. o Elm Creek Trail Connection- Concept B Depicts an independent trail bridge that crosses the creek approximately 100 feet north of Cty. Rd. 47. Page 3 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 Would continue south along the creek for 150 feet before turning eastward and making the connection to the Northwest Greenway. o Elm Creek Trail Connection- Concept C This concept and its alignment are not consistent with Maple Grove's plans and would require a trail crossing the creek north of the city boundary. A trail switchback would be needed on the south side of the roadway to bring the trail down to the underpass. Once the trail passes under Cty. Rd 47, it immediately connects with the Northwest Greenway. Peony Lane Extension The city is planning to extend Peony Lane and make a connection to Lawndale Lane. The alignment will allow trails to be placed between the wetland and the new roadway. Possible relocation of the Equestrian Club Relocating the Equestrian Club from its current location to a parcel located between the Elm Creek wetland and the realigned Peony Lane. Relocating would provide easy access to the planned equestrian trails around the wetland complex. The following trail features are proposed to better accommodate equestrian activity around the wetland: Boardwalk Crossing o Two boardwalks are proposed. o Boardwalks would provide a clear width of twelve feet to safely accommodate horse drawn carriages and maintenance vehicles. Four possible equestrian trail pavement options were presented for consideration: Mechanically stabilized aggregate- includes an aggregate base covered with geotextile fabric. Trail Firming- compressing aggregate into the native soil to stabilize it. Chemical Binding- utilizes 100% crush stone that contains all fines and dust. Chemical Binding (Copolymer Soil) -Copolymer bonding agents are being introduced in the market to stabilize soil. Trail Connection to Schmidt Lake Road Boardwalk crossing of the wetland is approximately 1400 feet north of Schmidt Lake Road. A smaller loop is proposed that circulates around a southern leg of the wetland with the southern portion of the loop making a connection to Schmidt Lake Road. o If this is not feasible, a trail should extend down either the east or west side of the wetland from the boardwalk to Schmidt Lake Road. Pedestrian Bridge over Vicksburg Lane Enhance user safety and maintain continuity of the Greenway experience. Vicksburg Lane is planned to be a four lane roadway, including a multi -use trail along the east side of the road. The pedestrian bridge will tie into the hillsides. Page 4 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 At both ends of the bridge, a switchback trail system will be necessary to climb/descend approximately another 20 ft. to reach the top of the hillsides. Estimated cost is 1.0 to 1.2 million (2007 dollars). o Design fees are approximately 20-25% of total dollars. Additional property immediately east of Vicksburg Lane This additional property will help preserve the wooded hillside and may assist in making a grade transition down to the pedestrian ramp over Vicksburg Lane. Greenway Realignment West of Juneau Lane Revised to parallel an existing private roadway that extends west of Juneau Lane. The Greenway would extend north for approximately 300 feet and then turn west again for approximately 600 feet where it will connect with a parcel that the City has already obtained for Greenway use. A corridor width of 100 feet is proposed for this segment of the Greenway. Greenway Connection to Regional Trail Network To enhance safety and promote connectivity to a future trailhead and Camelot Park, a pedestrian underpass will be constructed at Cheshire Lane. The trail head will provide access to the western portion of the Greenway. Trailhead Locations Three trailheads are proposed: o Proposed Equestrian Center o Community Playfield o South of Camelot Park Commissioner Fiemann inquired where the current Equestrian Club, the Silver Buckle Club, is located and Blank pointed out the location on one of the maps that accompanied the Greenway revision presentation. Fiemann then asked if the Silver Buckle Club would be willing to move. Blank responded that they are interested in staying in Plymouth long term and therefore would be open to the move. A potential scenario would be the club selling their current property and buying in the Greenway. A joint venture between the Equestrian Club and Plymouth would include restroom facilities and trailheads. Fiemann stated that on previous versions there was an internal Equestrian trail surrounded by bicycle trails, and wondered if that was still in the plans. Blank replied that decision has not changed. Commissioner Krahulec asked what is wrong with their current location. Blank stated that there is nothing wrong, however, the property is very expensive, people are interested in buying, they currently need more room and there are no trails there. By moving, they could work with Plymouth Park and Recreation to offer horse activities such as summer horse camps and seasonal events. Commissioner Fiemann asked if the club would be paying for their own buildings. Blank responded yes. Commissioner Smith wondered if staff and the consulting team were looking for recommendations regarding Cty. Rd. 47's crossing. Blank replied that they are not currently looking for decisions at this time as many decisions will be dictated by the City Council's land approvals. As development takes place, they will choose the correct trail and the best land use. Commissioner Smith voiced some concern about jaywalking over Cty. Rd. 47. Blank responded when Cty. Rd. 47 is improved there will be a trail on both sides. All major thoroughfares will also have dual trails on both sides, which are driven by residence requests. In this case, the tunnel needs to go under Cty. Rd.47 as the creek flows downward. The only option is to go underneath Cty. Rd. 47. Smith asked if a combination of the Page 5 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 options presented would be considered. Blank stated yes. Commission Knight asked if Maple Grove will be contributing to the venture and Blank stated that Maple Grove will not. Their Master Plan is to bring the trail down to Plymouth's border. Plymouth will then pick up the trail to the Greenway. Commissioner Anderson had a question regarding construction of the Vicksburg Bridge. He wondered if the grade of slope approaching 60th before 47th would be adjusted to make it less sloped and questioned if it could possible to do a tunnel rather than a bridge to connect to the trail. Warner replied that there are a number of uncertainties at this point. Variables include which playfields are selected and the profile of the roadway. He stated that a bridge would be more advantageous than a tunnel due to ADA requirements. Commissioner Fiemann asked if they foresee connections from Vicksburg to the east/west trail. Warner pointed out that if a certain playfield is selected, there would be a connection to Vicksburg via the park. Blank interjected that the profile of Vicksburg Lane will be critical. Once they have some idea of how that will look, it can then be determined what the best connection to the Greenway from Vicksburg should be. A comment will be added to the report to look at the Vicksburg connection to the Greenway. Warner advised the Commission that the following presentation on the Off -leash dog park is for consideration only should the city determine there is a need. OFF LEASH DOG PARKS (Please refer to memorandum/graphics for complete details) The City currently has one Off -leash dog park, Egan Park, located in the northwest quadrant of the City. Considerations if a second Off -leash dog park would be needed: Possible locations for a second dog park. Criteria to help evaluate potential sites. General recommendations regarding Off -leash dog park amenities and support facilities. Potential Locations A graphic was presented that depicted 16 possible locations. The list of sites was developed through a combination of discussions with City staff, review of aerial photography and site visits. o Some locations would be developed as a park exclusively for Off -leash use. o Other locations may incorporate an Off -leash dog area with other recreational facilities. New Site Evaluation Criteria Parcel Characteristics o Accommodating both large and small dogs would require 5-10 acres. o Parcel should have street access and be ADA accessible. o The site should accommodate off-street parking for 25-35 vehicles. o The site should provide good drainage and avoid steep slopes. Adjacent Land Use o The dog park should not adversely impact residential land use. o Adequate buffers should be provided if the land used is adjacent to residential use. Site Amenities Required o Shade o Trash receptacles Page 6 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 o Site rules and regulation signage o Delineation of park boundaries. Optional Amenities o Security lighting o Restrooms o Water o Benches o Separate areas for large and small dogs Incorporate Off -leash Areas within Existing Parks o Design the park in a manner that minimizes confusion by creating Off -leash boundaries. Partnering Organizations o Success is contingent upon site maintenance and safe usage. Provide educational materials to park users. Alert the City of any maintenance needs. Schedule volunteer clean up days. Commissioner Fiemann asked if any members had questions. Commissioner Krahulec asked if there were competing locations that were not depicted on the graphic presented. Warner replied that Three Rivers is the dog park that is closest to Plymouth. The City of Minneapolis also has a few dog parks. Fiemann stated that the biggest complaint that he has heard is that the current dog park is not centrally located for all Plymouth residents. He also asked if French Park was developing a dog park. Blank replied that there is potential for them to build a dog park in the future. Commissioner Knight asked how it would work if they developed the park on Honeywell or Wagner property. Warner replied that these companies would not give up their land and more than likely the property would be leased. Blank stated that they are currently not proposing construction of an additional dog park, but rather providing the footwork should the City determine a need to have another one. Warner turned the presentation over to Joni Giese. NATURE CANYON PARK CONCEPTS (Please refer to memorandum/graphics for complete details) Existing conditions denoting three functions that the park may potentially serve: Community playfield in the northern section of the park. Special use facility in the southern portion of the park. A neighborhood park along the west side. Two overhead power transmission lines traverse the eastern edge of the site. The City is currently placing soil fill in the northern portion of the site. The woodlands are classified by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as an area of biodiversity significance. Park Concepts Active Use Park Concept o Maximizes active recreation activities within the park. o Several power line poles may need to be relocated. o A mountain bike trail circling the existing wetland. Page 7 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 o A bike loop trail provided in the wooded area. o Playground equipment maintained along the west side of the park. Passive Use Park Concept o Primary element of this concept is the incorporation of an art/cultural/nature center building within the park. o Building would accommodate performance space for guest artists, along with a small amphitheater. o Northern portion of the site would accommodate parking, picnic shelters and an open lawn. o Walking trails around the wetland with a boardwalk to use for crossing. o Play equipment on the west side of the park. Mixed Use Park Concept o Mix both active and passive concepts. o Northern portion of the park reserved for active recreation. Include an Off -leash dog park. Softball/baseball playfields Relocate one power line pole to accommodate playfields o Mid and Southern portion used for passive recreation. Construction of a bituminous walking trail. Boardwalk to cross the wetlands. Provide benches for rest and scenic views. Western section used for traditional neighborhood park uses. Commissioner Knight asked if the electrical issues and freeway noise would affect a passive environment. Giese replied that strategic planting could occur in order to block the freeway noise. Blank added that the power lines are low therefore trees could be planted and kept cut so they don't grow over 7-8 ft. Blank also stated that this property may become a hybrid of plans. Plymouth resident input will lead the direction of use. These concepts will be used as a stepping stone and the three plans will work towards the final plan. Commission Krahulec asked about the interchange in that intersection. Blank stated that the City has gone to great lengths to tie up all four intersections. Commissioner Fiemann stated that the options are very attractive to a parent. Blank concluded by stating that we own the property so we can create our own destiny. PLYMOUTH CREEK PARK HILLSIDE CONCEPTS (Please refer to memorandum/graphics for complete details) Existing Conditions In the western portion, the hillside is being used as a wildflower garden. The eastern portion of the hillside is adjacent to single family housing. The southern portion consists of wildflowers and single family housing. The northern portion is a wooded area. A drainage swale flows into Plymouth Creek. Park Concepts Community Garden Concept 0 20 plots would provide vegetable and flower gardening opportunities. o An open shelter would provide a shaded rest area. o Central water supply would be provided. Page 8of11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 o Existing drainage swale would be aligned to enhance its aesthetic character. o Design as one basin or a series of basins that would assist in plant uptake of the water and cause sediments to drop out of the water into the basin, thus resulting in a reduction of phosphorus and pollutants that enter the creek. Bird Sanctuary Concept o The bird sanctuary would be created on the hillside and in the adjacent drainage swale area. o Two ponds would be created to attract varying bird species. o A number of small footpaths would traverse the sanctuary. o Existing wildflower gardens would be maintained. Lawn Game Concept o Lawn areas would be created at both the top and bottom of the hillside for games such as croquet and bocce ball. o A trail and small overlook would be created to take advantage of the extended view the hilltop offers. o The lawn area at the base would provide a picnic shelter and benches. o The wetland adjacent to the drainage swale would be restored as wetland. Commissioner Smith asked if this site would be big enough for the park center that was talked about at the other site since it is within walking distance to the Hilde. Blank responded with a yes. If there was going to be a structure or an art center built there, the property at 38th was acquired to be utilized as a parking lot. He continued to say that since the property is currently undeveloped for recreational use its interim use was deemed to be the rain garden and wildflowers area in order to beautify the neighborhood. He further went on to say that the theme tonight was to come to the table with different concepts for each of the properties. There is a lot of flexibility in what can be done with these properties. Public input will lead us down the path determining the right use for each of these properties. What is being built into the comprehensive plan is not cast in stone but will be used a guide. This gives the community and developers as well as perspective buyers and/or Realtors maps and graphics that will show them what may conceptually be included in their neighborhood. Commissioner Anderson asked if we would solicit public input by sending out surveys. Blank replied that we have the ability via technology to place a survey on the City of Plymouth's web page and more than likely will do that in the future. Blank reiterated that tonight's meeting was not intended for any action to take place. The next meeting's agenda will include a couple more concepts with one or two additional items lingering to the September meeting. By September or October it is the expectation that the whole package will be brought together. The final comprehensive plan, which includes all City departments, will be presented in draft form at a public meeting held by the Planning Commission. It is expected in December of 2007 to also be presented to the City Council in draft form to allow for necessary changes. The Comprehensive Plan should become a final document sometime thereafter. 6. New Business a. Approve Fee Increase for Plymouth Creek Field house and Garden. Blank opened the topic by stating that the driving force is that both the Millennium Garden and Plymouth Creek Center can be booked out 18 months in advance. He continued to state that we Page 9 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 need to adjust fees almost two years prior in order to accommodate those that book that far in advance. The action item that Blank would like to see tonight is for the Commissioners to endorse the rate fee increases whether they do so as presented or with recommended changes. Blank would like to be able to take this recommendation to the City Council meeting on July 23, 2007. Blank called Busch back to the podium to address the rate comparison chart. Busch said regarding the Plymouth Creek Field House, they are recommending a $20.00/hr primetime increase. As mentioned, an increase is needed in order to keep up with rising operational costs, but keeping the rates low enough not to burden the Youth Associations and Plymouth residents. Busch asked if there were any other questions regarding the Field House that were not addressed in the earlier presentation. Commissioner Smith requested the field house fees for the open play for preschools and home school children not increase. Busch replied that an increase is not planned at this time and the rate will remain at $2.00 an hour. Millennium Garden (Please review the rate chart for complete details) Sites comparable are charging $350.00 an hour Monday -Thursday per event or $600.00 for three hours on the weekends. Rates recommended are for the 2009/2010 seasons Recommending an increase of $20.00 per hour going from $320.00 to $340.00 for residents. Recommending an increase of $20.00 per hour going from $370.00 to $390.00 for Plymouth corporations. Recommending an increase of $25.00 per hour going from $425.00 to $450.00 for Non -Plymouth residents. There is a full time park maintenance worker whose main emphasis is the upkeep of the garden. Blank let the Commissioners know that when the garden and activity center's ballroom are booked together, a hundred dollar discount is applied. Busch reiterated that after July 1 of this year, rental requests for the garden and/or ballroom are available. With this 18 month rental window, it could put potential bookings out to Jan 2009. He also stated that no requests have been received as yet and the increase can not be effective until it is approved by the City Council. Activity Center (Please review the rate chart for complete details) Busch reviewed the rental rate chart. Looking at a 6% increase that would sustain over the next two years. Experiencing increase in energy costs. The building is 7 years old and is beginning to need repairs. Less week day and week night rental due to increases in City use such as Park and Recreation programming. The Council dictated that the Activity Center would be available for residents first and rent on the weekends. Increases should help keeping the average income for the center at $150,000.00. Commissioner Fiemann asked for questions or comments. Commissioner Krahulec asked if we were losing money at the Millennium Garden. Busch replied that they are actually taking in more due to an increase in garden weddings. Blank interjected that Park Maintenance is responsible for the garden Page 10 of 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2007 and that is was not set up for recouping dollars. The dollars collected on garden rentals goes into the general fund. The field house intake goes into the enterprise fund. Commissioner Fiemann stated that the increases seem appropriate and asked members if they entertained a motion for the increase as presented. Commissioner Krahulec moved to accept the increases as a whole package. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Commissioner Anderson broached the topic of shared used paths. He was not asking for discussion but distributed a hand out from the bicycle development guide. If members have questions after reading the material, they can contact him. Commissioner Fiemann qualified that shared use paths include not only bicyclist, but roller bladders, walkers and any other non motorized type of transportation. Blank stated that S.R.F. Consulting and the Traffic Engineers are aware of this issue and working towards resolution. Traffic Engineering may have recommendations as early as August in which they could present to PRAC members. He also stated that they may hold a forum for bicyclist to gain their feedback prior to the completion of the Comprehensive Plan. Blank acknowledged that due to PRAC's full agenda's over the next couple of months, it may be necessary to hold a special meeting in which the Traffic Engineer's present their ideas on the shared path issue. That will be determined in the near future. He reminded the Commissioners that next meeting will be held on August 16, 2007 in order to accommodate his vacation and the September meeting has been moved to the 20th due to the Jewish Holiday. 8. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Commissioner Fiemann asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Krahulec motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Knight seconded motion. All ayes and the meeting adjourned at 8:59p.m. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2007. Respectfully Submitted, Mary Miller PRAC recorder Page 11 of 11