HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 01-10-2008MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
January 10, 2008
PRESENT: Commissioners: Knight, Anderson, Smith, Vice -Chair Singer, Vanderwall
Staff: Blank, Miller, Evans
ABSENT: Commissioner Krahulec, Planning Commissioner Weir, City Council Member Bildsoe,
PACKET INCLUSIONS: Agenda, 11/08/07 Minutes, Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan,
2008 Work Plan, Hilde Performance Center Concept Plans
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Vice -Chair Singer.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Vice -Chair Singer asked the Commissioner if there were any changes or corrections to the November
meeting minutes. Commissioner Anderson asked that verbiage on page 4 be revised to read
adjacent to" rather than "on". MOTION by Vice -Chair Singer to approve the minutes with revision
noted. Commissioner Smith seconded. Vote: 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Association
No information was presented.
b. Staff- Diane Evans
Staff Evans reported on the Parks and Recreation events that took place in December. She
addressed the upcoming events for the month of January. Evans provided a brief background on the
Bluewater Theater group, which will be offering several performances of a "Grand Night in Singing".
Events scheduled to take place in February include Fire and Ice. This event has been cancelled over
the last two years due to weather issues. Evans shared the different activities offered at this event.
She asked the Commissioners to contact her if they wish to volunteer their services to assist with this
event. Vice -Chair Singer asked what date and time Fire and Ice will take place. Evans replied it will
be on February 2, 2008 from 2:00 pm -7:00 pm.
The main administrative project in the works is the 2007 Annual Report. The Commissioners will be
reviewing the draft at the February meeting.
New Park and Trail maps are now available. Evans passed one out to each of the Commissioners.
Evans gave kudos to Emily Assmus, who worked diligently on this project.
Evans presented the New Program Focus and redesign for program supervisors for 2008. A new
position, Adaptive/Inclusion Specialist has been posted. Applications are being received with the
expectation to have someone on board by February. Evans also shared the break down of each
programmer and their responsibilities for 2008. She informed the Commissioners that each
programmer will attend a PRAC meeting to review their events and programs.
MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
January 10, 2008
Vice -Chair Singer thanked Evans for her report. She asked if reorganizing the programmer's
responsibilities was a long process. Evans responded by saying it took approximately one year.
No further questions or discussion.
c. Bill Abel- Ice Arena Report
Staff Blank introduced Bill Abel to the Commissioners. Abel has been the manager of Plymouth's Ice
Arena over the last ten years. Blank reported that typically the PRAC members would hold their
October meeting at the Ice Center for a tour, but due to the Comprehensive Plan and its deadline
date of December 13, 2007, that was unable to happen. Abel is here tonight to give the
Commissioner a brief update on the Ice Center operations for 2007.
Staff Abel provided a summary on the length of operations and the changes that have taken place at
the Ice Arena. The Commissioners were given details regarding the addition of a third ice sheet. It
was noted that even with a third sheet, Plymouth's Ice Arena has very limited dead ice time. Abel
reviewed the various groups who utilize/rent the three sheets of ice. He informed the Commissioners
of other attributes that contribute to the success of the Ice Arena, such as their concession stand,
strategically placed TV sets that inform users what sheet they are on, what time and which locker
room as well as an aesthetically pleasing building.
In terms of health, Abel pointed out that no gasoline or propane is used at Plymouth. Their three
Zambonies are electronically run. This provides for cleaner air for those that attended events at the
Arena.
Abel also addressed the advertising that takes place within the Ice Center. He shared the energy
saving installs that will decrease electrical costs by 15%.
Abel asked for questions. Commissioner Knight stated that he played Adult Hockey in a league that
travelled to different Ice Arena's and how impressed teams were with Plymouth's facility. He then
questioned if there was enough parking, especially during large tournament events. Abel replied that
for the most part, parking is not an issue. There are times, on Thursday's when there is a high profile
boy's high school game, where games coincide with peak work-out times at Lifetime. This can cause
parking challenges, but again it is generally not an issue. Commissioner Smith commented how he
feels the Ice Arena is a great facility and asked if there were still video games available for children
downstairs and if were age appropriate. Abel replied that they do have gun videos, however, you are
not shooting at animals or people, but instead are target shooting. He went on to state that there was
a wrestling video game in which blood was involved, but that has since been removed. Abel informed
the Commissioners that the Home School rents out time during the weekdays and had pointed out
the violence of the videos. They even requested that KS95 not be broadcast during their time at the
Arena due to music content and programming. New installs of games have included Claw games, in
which children try to pick up prizes by using an electronic claw, as well as the old PAC Man video
game. He informed the Commission that video games used to be a big money marker for the Arena,
but with the inventions of quality home devices such as Wii and X box, incoming revenue numbers for
Arena video has decreased. Commissioner Smith asked if the games come with a rating. He stated
that all games should be rated E for Everyone. Abel replied that he believes the videos currently
installed at the Arena were built before there was a rating system.
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MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
January 10, 2008
Staff Blank requested that Abel further address the hockey teams that have contracts with Plymouth's
Ice Arena. Abel reported that the Ice Arena is home to Wayzata High School, both boys and girls,
Armstrong High School team with the boys playing two -years and the girls playing two -years. With the
boy's contract up this year, contract negotiations will begin shortly. Providence Academy who also
contracts ice time has begun a more regimented hockey recruitment process which could make them
a power house in three to five years. The Ice Arena also houses the Wayzata Hockey Youth
Association, some of Armstrong's Youth Hockey and the Plymouth -Wayzata Speed Skating Club.
This collection of groups is unique as Plymouth has no high school or hockey associations, as do
other city arenas. However, these groups keep the three sheets going year round. Blank added that
adding the third sheet of ice arena and its associated costs were not paid for with tax -payers dollars.
Providence Academy donated $1,250, 000 dollars and the Wayzata Youth Association donated
725,000. Other monies came from a loan secured from city investments. The loan notes are made
through the Ice Arena's profits. Blank continued that Plymouth's Ice Arena plays host to
approximately 10-11 tournaments mostly through the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association. The Ice
Arena has also hosts a tournament in which Minnesota's high school hockey regions most
outstanding players compete to make it to Nationals. With all these functions, the Ice Arenas
generally has approximately 300,000 people passing through its doors. Blank informed the
Commissioners they will be touring the Ice Center for their October meeting.
Vice -Chair Singer thanked Abel for his presentation.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. The City Council approved PRAC'S recommendation for the PHASE II Millennium Garden Project.
They also adopted the Comprehensive Plan which has now moved into the neighboring community
approval process.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Update on Comprehensive Plan
Staff Blank reported the Comprehensive Plan had gone back to the Planning Commission for a formal
public hearing. Throughout the whole process, the only subject matter that was debated was that of
the Hollydale Golf Course verbiage and the City's involvement. The verbiage has been revised to
somewhat reflect how it was stated in 2000. He reference page 11 of 48 in the Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan booklet that the Commissioners received. He noted that this issue is still a high
priority item. He also informed that Commissioners if they are interested in reviewing the
Comprehensive Plan in its entirety, they may do so on the City's website. If they are interested in
obtaining manual copies of any other chapters, he asked they contact Mary Miller. Vice -Chair Singer
asked the Commissioners if they had any questions. With no questions, the meeting moved to the
next topic.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review Draft 2008 Work Plan
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MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
January 10, 2008
The 2008 Work Plan draft was provided to the Commissioners. There is no action required from the
Commission at this time; however it will come back for review at the February meeting. Blank walked
through the plans line items.
Blank highlighted the Northwest Greenway by stating there are two parcels with offers on the table at
this time. One has committed and a purchase agreement should be entered into shortly. The other
parcel just recently received an offer. Further updates will be forthcoming.
Blank informed the Commissioners that the City Council reviewed three Hilde concepts. The goal is
make the Hilde Performance Center the focus point of downtown Plymouth. He stated that
engineering and planning staff were not included in the development of these plans but as the
Council approved of the concepts, these departments will be involved in further plan development. As
this project moves forward, presentations will be provided to PRAC for their input.
Commissioner Smith asked if the development of Woodland Trails Neighborhood Park would be
starting this year. Blank replied that it is almost done. He stated that the playground equipment is in
and it should be completed by spring. He shared that the parks lay out resembles Three Ponds Park.
Vice -Chair Singer questioned where we were in terms of the art policy since we will be acquiring a
piece of art or sculpture for the Millennium Garden. She felt that the Art Policy should be part of that
process. Blank stated the City Manager asked that the continued work on the Art policy be placed on
hold for the time being. He continued to state that the current Art Policy draft will be followed in
obtaining the new art work. Vice -Chair Singer stated that we need to get this policy into place. She
also asked if there was going to be a continuing art theme in the Garden. Blank replied that currently
there are characters of children; however, they can go any direction with more abstract art being
considered. If Commissioners have ideas for types of art to look into, they should inform Staff. Evans
interjected that the Art Policy will become more of a procedure rather than a policy and that is why
they need to revise the original draft.
Vice -Chair Singer asked about an additional dog park. Blank stated that there are no plans to add
one at this time. That was an option based on if Egan Dog Park would be moved based on the
Comprehensive Plan. Vice -Chair Singer then asked if there were any plans to enhance Egan Dog
Park. Blank stated that they could consider adding a water pump. Vice -Chair Singer added that
parking could become an issue as the popularity of the park continues to grow. Blank replied that
issue will remain on the radar. He is relatively sure the dog park will be there long term based on the
Comprehensive Plan. Questionnaires may go out to dog owners as well as discussions with Three
River Parks District to get their ideas on enhancements for the park.
Vice -Chair Singer asked where we were in terms of rebuilding the archery range. Blank stated that
they have been awarded a $5, 000 grant from the DNR and now have the mechanism to build. He
believes it will take all summer to complete the project. He would like to see a completion
commitment date of June 1, 2008. He also stated that he would like to see us do more programming
with the range. A 2008 challenge for the new staff member could be to create archery and fishing
programs.
There was no further discussion.
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MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
January 10, 2008
RIa—TA -Zil:nrerdZ!F.
Blank reviewed each of the three concepts in detail with the Commissioners. Vice -Chair Singer stated
how this could enhance other activities to take place there. Blank stated the City Council had some
concerns about maintaining the wooded area. The plan is to inventory every tree and design work
around both elderly and younger trees that must not be destroyed. The goal is to have the Hilde
Performance Center the key stop for downtown. Vice -Chair Singer asked if the larger statues would
stay. Blank replied that the birds are continually picking away at them. They may not be there long
term. Blank asked for questions. There were none.
7. COMMISSIONER DISCUSSION- Misc.
Vice -Chair Singer asked if the new caters had moved in and how it is going. Staff Evans replied that
all is going well. Evans is finding all the caterers getting bits and pieces of events. She will keep the
Commissioners abreast of the progress with each caterer.
Blank reminded the Commission that they will be recommending a Chair and Vice -Chair at their
February 14, 2008 meeting. This recommendation will go forward to the Mayor for a formal approval.
Other February agenda items will include review of the 2007 Annual Report. Blank reported that he
will not be at the February meeting. The City Council will also be approving new PRAC members in
January 2008.
Commissioner Smith asked how many new members would be voted in by the City Council. Blank
replied since the Commission is comprised of seven members they will only be replacing Ron
Fiemann.
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Knight to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Commissioner Vanderwall
Vote: 6 Ayes. MOTION approved and the meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Miller -PRAC recorder
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