HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 11-08-2007MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
November 8, 2007
PRESENT: Commissioners: Knight, Anderson, Smith,Vice-Chair Singer
Planning Commissioner Weir
Staff: Blank, Miller, Evans
GUESTS: S.R.F. Consultant John Hagen, City Engineer Bob Moberg
ABSENT: Commissioners: Vanderwall, Krahulec
PACKET INCLUSIONS: Agenda, 10/11/07 Minutes, Rental Memo, Transportation Plan and Memo,
Millennium Garden Memo and Graphic. Hand outs: Golf e-mail, Parks and Recreation Planning and
Zoning Memo.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Vice -Chair Singer.
Chair Fiemann has submitted his resignation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
effective immediately. Vice -Chair Singer will take over as Acting Chair until February 2008. (Chair
Fiemann stopped by to wish his best to the Commissioners and acknowledge his enjoyment working
with them.)
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Vice -Chair Singer asked "Co -Chair" is changed to "Vice -Chair". There were also sentences where
Commission" should read "Commissioner". With corrections, MOTION was made by Commissioner
Anderson to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Smith. Vote: 4 Ayes. MOTION
approved.
MOTION by Vice -Chair Singer to recognize Chair Fiemann as a wonderful commissioner and
thanked him for his 13 years of service. Commissioner Smith seconded. Vote: 4 Ayes. MOTION
approved.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Association
No information was presented.
b. Staff- Diane Evans
Staff Evans notified the Commissioners that the format and detail of the minutes will change in order
to remain standard with other city departments.
Staff Evans reported on Parks and Recreation events, programs and activities that have occurred
over the past month.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Staff Blank reported that no Parks and Recreation action was taken.
MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
November 8, 2007
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Update on Comprehensive Plan -Draft
Staff Blank reported the Planning Commission meeting was held yesterday, November 7, 2007 to
review and discuss several different sections of the Comprehensive Plan draft.
Staff Evans addressed the implementation strategies for the Parks, Trails, Open Space and
Recreation Plan.
Staff Blank gave a range of the "timings" (low, medium, high) for each of the descriptive strategies.
b. Transportation Plan
City Engineer Moberg reviewed the topics that were presented at the Planning Commission meeting
and the pared version that will be presented at tonight's meeting; which will focus on road facilities
and touch lightly with how they addressed off-road trails. City Engineer Moberg introduced John
Hagen from S.R.F Consulting Incorporated.
Consultant Hagen provided the Commissioners with a power point presentation that outlined the
policy and program guidance to make appropriate transportation decisions. Tonight's presentation
walked through on -road bicycle routes, off road bicycle trails, roadway crossings and implementation
considerations.
During the presentation, City Engineer Moberg pointed out to the Commissioners the
shoulder/outside lane" concept and the lack of no parking signs. He stated this could become a point
of conflict with on -street parking.
Consultant Hagen asked for questions. Commissioner Anderson referenced the Luce Line Crossing
at Xenium Lane (CSAH 61) and stated that it is not on the plan. Hagen replied the Transportation
Plan doesn't necessarily identify specific projects. The plan identifies areas that might need
improvement. Specific projects are based on the C.I.P. or during a project implementation.
Commissioner Anderson stated that this is a major crossing in the Plymouth community with City
Engineer Moberg replying one of the challenges of this crossing is jurisdiction. The roadway is owned
and maintained by the county and the Luce Line is the jurisdiction Three Rivers Park District.
Therefore, the City of Plymouth doesn't have a stake in ownership. The question and challenge for
that particular crossing will be how to come up with a solution to move forward when other agencies
are the larger stakeholders. Staff Blank asked if an agency such as Three Rivers Park District is
required to come up with a Comprehensive plan. City Engineer Moberg suspects Three Rivers Park
District is not obligated to put together a plan. Staff Blank stated it might be advantageous to call to
see what they do have. Staff Evans interjected that they do have a plan that is provided to the Met
Council however, it is questionable if they follow the same guidelines as other municipalities. City
Engineer Moberg stated an interesting parallel is Three Rivers Park District is moving forward with a
private bicycle overpass at 36th Ave and Hwy 169. He doesn't recall if the Park District or the City of
New Hope is the lead agency that secured the federal funding, but it is a cooperative effort between
the two. It was suggested that staff investigate whether Three Rivers Park District has any plan to
build a grade -separated facility at the Xenium Lane and the Luce Line crossing.
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MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
November 8, 2007
Commissioner Anderson questioned the feasibility of creating an on -road bicycle facility on Vicksburg
Lane, south of Highway 55 given its current status as a four lane undivided roadway with no
shoulders and a 50 mph speed limit. City Engineer Moberg asked the Commissioners to keep in mind
the Comprehensive Plan horizon goes out to the year 2030. He pointed out in the cities current 5 year
C.I.P. (Capital Improvement Plan) they do have a proposed upgrade of Vicksburg between Old
Rockford Road and Schmidt Lake Road and including Vicksburg Lane in the Transportation Plan for
on -road bicycle facilities is a first step in making it a reality. The City has submitted an application for
federal funding to assist with that project. A hurdle to consider is the anticipated growth in Northwest
Plymouth and continued growth in Maple Grove where the traffic lines will be such that a grade
separation at Vicksburg and the CP railroad crossing will be required, which will take sizable dollars.
Consultant Hagen interjected a study was performed at the Vicksburg Corridor that identified
Vicksburg from CSAH 55 to CSAH 6 in need of improvements. He feels the most effective way to
achieve bicycle facilities at this location is to piggyback on other identified efforts which are being
reviewed for implementation.
Vice -Chair Singer emphasized that citizen education on the safety laws is an important and cost
effective part of bicycle facilities and requested that the City explore ways to get the message out to
bicyclists, other trails users and motorists. Consultant Hagen stated that education will be included in
the implementation portion of the Transportation Plan.
Staff Blank explained to the Commissioners that the goal is to have the City Council adopt the
Comprehensive Plan on December 11, 2007. Once the draft has been adopted, the plan will move
onto neighboring communities for their review to see how it works in concert with their plan. The City
of Plymouth would also be receiving other community plans going through the same process. This
review process covers a couple of months with the Comprehensive Plan circling back to the City
Council. Final adoption will occur sometime in the spring of 2008.
On an unrelated matter, Vice -Chair Singer questioned the transit system improvements that were
noted in the Transportation Plan, specifically reducing Dial- A —Ride in favor of more commuter bus
service. City Engineer Moberg stated that S.R.F. put that plan together after an intensive analysis
looking at transit and trends. PACT has reviewed this portion of the Transportation Plan and agreed
with the proposed changes. Shifting funds from Dial -A -Ride to other modes of transit seem a better fit
of limited resources at this time. It is the City's intent to be as responsive as possible to the diverse
and changing needs for transit services.
Commissioner Anderson attended St. Louis Park's Bike and Pedestrian Plan Open House which is
going through the same process as Plymouth. He wondered if we are leaving bicycle facility
language to loose which could end up with Plymouth going in the opposite direction in terms of on -
road facilities from other communities. He would like to see stronger language used when addressing
this topic. City Engineer Moberg integrated Staff Blanks overview of the Comprehensive Plan review
cycle, focusing on other communities having the opportunity to review Plymouth's Plan as well as
Plymouth reviewing theirs for continuity and strategy direction. He also let the Commissioners know
that they would forward all of the PRAC comments to the City Council when it considers adoption of
the Transportation Plan.
Commissioner Anderson articulated that on -road bicycle facilities would more than likely be safer and
utilized more effectively adjacent to minor arterials, collectors or local streets rather than the higher
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MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
November 8, 2007
traffic speed and volume areas. It was suggested that Plymouth Boulevard, Niagara Lane or
Fernbrook be options as a substitute for Vicksburg.
Staff Evans asked Commissioner Anderson about having bicycle trails on high volume highways, with
appropriate signage; one side would be bike transit only and the other used for pedestrians.
Commissioner Anderson stated it would be hard to get people to comply.
With no further comments, Vice -Chair Singer thanked City Engineer Moberg and Consultant Hagen.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Phase II Millennium Garden
Staff Blank made his presentation on the second phase of the Millennium Garden; reviewing the
graphic with the Commissioners. He asked the Commissioners endorse the plan and recommend
to the City Council.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the back way lighting would be solar powered. Staff Blank stated
they were looking at fixtures that will be close to the ground, but have not yet determined what they
will be. Staff Blank will make a note of suggesting solar lighting.
Vice Chair Singer asked if there were plans for sitting areas. Staff Blank replied yes, and pointed out
the seating areas on the graphic. He also stated they are looking for at least one more sculptures that
fit with the nature theme of this area.
Commissioner Smith asked if Phase II would allow for more garden weddings to occur at one time.
Staff Blank stated that they would not have more than one wedding at a time in the garden. Staff has
however, spoken with the new caterers to promote other high quality types of events in the garden.
Staff Blank pointed out on the graphic where potential flat lands are within the garden to allow
caterers to post tents for an event to occur completely outside.
MOTION was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve and recommend the Phase II Millennium
Garden Master Plan to the City Council; seconded by Commissioner Knight. Vote: 4 Ayes. Motion
carries.
b. Other
Staff Evans informed the Commissioners the handouts in front of them were informational only. The
documents outline what will be presented to the City Council at their next meeting. Most of the
information regards the golf course changes which was the outcome of the Planning Commission
meeting.
Vice -Chair Singer commented about signage on the trails and how they would be strategically placed.
Staff Blank informed the Commissioners that Three Rivers Park District just adopted a signage
package and are implementing this signage system program for all their regional trails. In order to
maintain continuity, Staff Blank has inquired about using their design, as well as the vendor for the
City of Plymouth trails. This would be advantageous as it brings the cost down. Staff Blank he is
hoping to have some prototypes after the first of the year for PRAC to review and recommend to the
City Council.
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MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
November 8, 2007
Vice- Chair Singer asked about the rental fee document. Staff Blank stated it is informational only.
Staff Blank suggested the Commissioners not meet during the month of December. He also informed
the Commissioners that the City Council will be interviewing for new commissioners in January 2008.
Vice -Chair Singer referenced the MRPA conference that is being held next week.
Staff Blank remarked about the new inflatable slide in the dome and early returns say it is very
popular. Commissioner Smith stated it is a nice element for older children and that Staff might want to
consider more publicity to market that feature.
7. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATION
None presented
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Knight to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Commissioner Smith. Vote -
4 Ayes. Motion approved and the meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm
There will be no meeting the month of December. Meetings will reconvene on January 10, 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Miller
PRAC recorder
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