HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 03-13-2008MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
March 13, 2008
PRESENT: Commissioners: E. Singer, D
G. Anderson, N. Carroll
Staff: E. Blank, D. Evans, C.
Planning Commission Liaison
City Council Liaison: B. Stein
ABSENT: P. Knight
1. CALL TO ORDER
Anderson, A. Vanderwell, M. Smith,
Anderson, J. Maas, D. Sankey
none
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Carroll said that in the February minutes, watershed should be one
word. He also wanted it corrected to say he abstained from approval of the minutes.
Motion was made by Commissioner Carroll and seconded by Commissioner Smith
to approve the February minutes with revisions as noted. Vote: 4 Ayes. Motion
carried.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting.
b. Staff. Diane Evans mentioned that the brochure went out in the mail and is
currently being delivered. The first day of registration is March 19 for residents
and March 26 for non-residents. The department has two new employees.
Recreation Supervisor Erica Anderson has joined us, coming from Shoreview.
Her duties will include approximately 80% general recreation programs and 20%
inclusion. Plymouth Creek Center has added a maintenance person, David
Gilseth. He was a seasonal worker for them last summer, and is now working full
time. Evans listed some highlights coming up for the Plymouth Creek Center.
The dome is scheduled to come down on April 22. We set a rental record of 194
hours in February compared to 154 hours in 2007. We are expecting record
numbers in March as well. The Yard & Garden Expo will be held April 4 & 5. We
now have three caterers at the Plymouth Creek Center, and they have served for
several city events in the past few months. We are hearing very positive
comments on all three caterers. The Plymouth Creek Center has 48 weddings
booked in the Millennium Garden, with five more on hold. Last year, there were
44 weddings. The Phase 2 enhancements are exciting and will add so much to
the ambience of the garden.
Chair Singer asked if seniors are using the caterers. Evans said they are
planning to use Medina for an upcoming senior volunteer event, where the
caterer is bringing in food, but not serving. Commissioner Carroll asked if there is
a charge to use the facility. Evans said eight of the weddings are just receptions
PRAC Minutes/March, 2008
Page 2
in the Plymouth Creek Center, twelve are using the garden only, and the rest are
a combination of garden and Plymouth Creek Center. There are fees for each
location with a price break if the customer uses both. Director Blank said a
Saturday wedding in the garden costs $350. Councilmember Stein asked how far
in advance they can book the facilities. Evans said up to 18 months.
Cindy Anderson said she has been part of the team for 20 years, and she feels
she has one of the best jobs in the City. Her emphasis is on aquatics, including
swim lessons, beaches, wakeboarding, concessions, and safety programs like
first aid and CPR. She also handles day camp, youth gymnastics, and ski &
snowboard trips for the middle schools. She enjoys packaging all the details into
a program with creativity and caring and training and mentoring the staff. She
works with high school kids to baby boomers, including college kids and parents
who need to get out of the house. Her goal is to establish safety and trust in the
programs. We had over 255 enrolled in swim lessons last fall and over 479
enrolled in the winter/spring program. The summer swim program is huge, with
over 1,000 participants, plus open swim and private lessons. We need certified
staff for all of these students and employ about 25 for fall/winter/spring and 38 in
summer. The gymnastics program is really growing, with 411 students in the
winter session. We have a wonderful gymnastics coordinator, Lora Bodin. Last
summer's Discovery Day Camp at French Park had 300 kids grades kindergarten
through 5t". We use five staff for the day camp plus volunteers. The Middle
School ski & snowboard trips had 363 participants this year. This was the 18th
year at Wayzata middle schools.
Commissioner Carroll said his oldest daughter went on several of the ski trips
and had a blast. Councilmember Stein said his son was a lifeguard at the
beaches. Director Blank pointed out that we have had 28 years without an
accident involving serious injury at the beaches. He said we average about 3
certificates a year that go to lifeguards who have made saves. We have a high
quality staff with superior training. Staff Evans said that what Cindy does is highly
technical and she needs to be applauded. Commissioner Smith asked what her
biggest challenge is and what they might be able to do to help, such as water
quality issues. Cindy said Parkers Lake is always a concern, especially the
weeds. Numbers of swimmers were down last summer because of the smell from
the rotting vegetation. West Medicine beach has been wonderful. We need to
continue efforts to improve the water quality and to share information with the
public. Director Blank said that permits are required from the DNR for every
treatment, and we use the maximum allowed.
Jackie Maas, the new Volunteer Coordinator, introduced herself. She is thrilled to
be in her position because she enjoys working with the volunteers. Since she is a
resident, she can see the benefits of the volunteers' efforts, too. City-wide, we
had 1,146 donating 18,310 hours in 2007. This translates to $343,678 dollars in
work donated to the City. There was a 14% increase in volunteers and 24% in
number of hours over last year. Park and Recreation had 842 volunteers
PRAC Minutes/March, 2008
Page 3
working 11,765 hours. Volunteer positions include Mutt -mitts, cleaning beaches,
Team Greentree, soccer coaches, t -ball coaches, flag football coaches, rink rat
hockey coaches, ski trip chaperones. Special events include Yard and Garden,
Plymouth on Parade and Old Fashioned Christmas. We even had a proofreader
help with the brochure to increase accuracy. At the Millennium garden, we had
one volunteer work 178 hours dead -heading and picking up. Volunteers meet
with the bride and groom before weddings to go over details. Volunteers come
into the office to help with mailings. Target is volunteering 40 people for a park
clean up project. A Brownie troop is helping with flower planting. The Summer
Teen program has 30 kids help with programs. YES students are going to work
as junior election judges in November. Jackie said she is trying to use technology
better by emailing opportunities to work at special events to people who have
enjoyed this in the past. She has a volunteer data base, and volunteers are
helping her set it up. Volunteer recognition week is coming up in April. We also
have a special recognition event in November.
Staff Evans thanked Jackie because of what she does for the city and the
community. Chair Singer asked if we are number one in the state for our use of
volunteers. Jackie thinks we are. Director Blank said we have volunteers in every
department, and Jackie is doing a wonderful job
c. Others. There were no other presentations.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
There was no report on past council action.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Update — Millennium Garden. Director Blank said we are having consultants do
the final designs and specs for Phase 2. We need these documents to take to
suppliers to see if they can donate or give reduced prices on their goods or
services. The work should start in July on the first phase, which includes the
bridge, waterfall and trail. When we know how much money we have, we may be
able to add a few more items this year. Yard and Garden Expo is a fund raiser for
the garden. Lifetime Fitness has given a $10,000 contribution earmarked for
artwork the last two years and is contributing another $10,000 this year. We had
almost 1,000 contributors to Phase 1. We sent them information to see if they
want to participate in this phase. Money is trickling in as the word is getting out.
Karol Greupner will go to the Council for approval to commission a permanent
piece of artwork for the garden for this year. We are planning to add three pieces
ultimately. The garden may go over 50 weddings this year. It has thousands of
visitors and many volunteers who work there. It is a special place for people for
their special events. Chair Singer noted that there is a nice write up in the new
brochure.
b. Update — Hilde Plans. Director Blank said the plans are on hold right now during
the surveying of the property and counting of the trees, tagging them to identify
PRAC Minutes/March, 2008
Page 4
size and species. Plans will take the trees into consideration. The goal is to keep
a multi -generational mix of trees. We want to match up the design with the City
Center area planning. We want a continuity of crosswalks, sidewalks, light
fixtures, and plantings. We also want to have banners for the light poles, having
three "seasons" for the banners per year: the Music in Plymouth time frame,
artists' designs later in the summer, and a winter/holiday time frame. On the CIP,
we are looking at funding mechanisms for improvements in 2009-2011.
Commissioner Smith asked if the music theme will stay. Director Blank said yes,
some of that will be retained. There are plans for a strip mall by Cub near
Vicksburg Lane with restaurants with open air areas, and that area will need to
be incorporated into the total design. We would like 36th Avenue and Plymouth
Boulevard to be the area's main streets, and they will have the effect of bringing
you to the Hilde.
c. Update — Plymouth/New Hope Little League (PNHLL) Request for Building
at Zachary Park. Director Blank said the Council met two weeks ago in a study
session and discussed this request. PNHLL made a presentation requesting that
the City front-end money to build a concession building. The Council felt there
was merit in the request. They did not have a complete package yet to help them
make an informed decision. They would like PNHLL to work with staff to refine
the plans. The Council asked Director Blank to brief the commission on the issue.
PNHLL will go back to the Council with more details in two weeks. PNHLL
brought in $10,000 of the money they owe on the playfield project and plan to
pay $15,000 on September 1. The architect will have plans ready soon. Director
Blank anticipates that the Council will give approval. PNHLL will be finished with
summer ball on July 10, and construction would commence on July 15. Local
contractors will volunteer their services on the project.
Chair Singer asked if this will affect any projects already planned. Director Blank
said not this year, although it could have effect in 2009 and beyond. The down-
turn in housing will probably affect us more, although it does appear we are in
good shape at the present time. Commissioner Smith asked if the Commission
would have a chance to review the plans. Blank replied that it will go to Council in
two weeks. They are copying the Greenwood building but without a second story.
The architect has just started on the project. Councilmember Stein said the
reason it won't come to the Commission first is because they are under a time
crunch. Director Blank said it will go to the Planning Commission for site plan
approval. Since it meets all the zoning code, it should be routine. Chair Singer
asked if there will be bathrooms. Director Blank said there would be bathrooms, a
concession stand and storage.
d. Update — Northwest Greenway Land Acquisition. Director Blank stated that
he has recently spoken to landowners about three parcels. A landowner on the
eastern end near Pomerleau Lake has agreed to $75,000 for a 2.1 acre parcel.
Attorneys are looking it over. Blank said he received a call from an owner who
turned down three offers last year and was now wondering if the last offer was
PRAC Minutes/March, 2008
Page 5
still on the table. This parcel is on the west side towards the high school. Another
party is wintering in Texas and they are negotiating long distance. If we make
these two acquisitions, we are one parcel away from connecting the Greenway
from Lake Camelot to Vicksburg Lane.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review 2008 Trail Improvement Project. Director Blank explained that we
annually budget for improvements to the trail system, and $115,000 is budgeted
for this year. Most of the trails are built by developers as they develop their land.
They get credit for it as part of their park dedication fees. Commissioner Carroll
asked for a definition of a trail. Blank replied that a trail is eight feet wide and
constructed of asphalt. The county will widen Peony Lane to four lanes, and the
trails will be put in along with the project. We budget every year to put trails into
older areas. He pointed out several potential trail segments, but stated that Old
Rockford Road west of Peony Lane is the number one area in terms of safety.
There is a proposed trail from the Fire Station 3 area towards the Lowes area
through the wetland. A feasibility report needs to be completed for this because
of the wetland. We can have the Engineering Department do a feasibility study in
preparation for the Commission to work on for the CIP in September and
October. The Engineering staff can work on design plans during their off season
to assist in the planning of these projects.
Commissioners Singer and G. Anderson pointed out another trail near the transit
center and LaCompte Park. Blank said it would probably be built on the north
side of the frontage road. Director Blank stated that we have had two pedestrian
deaths during his time with the City. Both were at places where we were planning
to build a trail. Old Rockford Road west of Peony Lane needs to be moved
forward. Commissioner Anderson said he would like to see trails be further from
the road both for safety and for snow removal. Blank said if it is next to the curb,
the plow can wing it for snow removal. Ideally, we would like to have the trail 8
feet back when the road is upgraded in the future. Commissioners Singer and
Smith both mentioned that there is a lot of traffic on Old Rockford Road.
Commissioner Smith reiterated that the trail near the fire station should be a high
priority in the future and it would provide a big advantage for the residents to
connect the areas. Director Blank said this project does have a lot of merit, but it
will cost probably close to $200,000, and we have only $115,000 in the budget
this year. We can work on budgeting it in 2009. Commissioner Smith asked
where the trail dollars come from. Director Blank said it comes from the park
dedication fees which also cover park projects. Chair Singer entertained a
motion to recommend approving the Old Rockford Road west of Peony Lane
project.
Motion was made by Commissioner D. Anderson to approve the trail
construction project. Commissioner G. Anderson seconded. Vote: 6 ayes.
Motion carried.
PRAC Minutes/March, 2008
Page 6
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Commissioner D. Anderson asked how funds are being affected by the economic
downturn. Director Blank said we have raised the park dedication fees, but money
isn't coming in. There is a potential for a large sum from a proposed Elm Creek Golf
Course project. It includes 1700 units, but they are not platting the property. This
would allow them to not pay a park dedication fee. They are a tax exempt
organization, and the residents would have common ownership which means no
taxes. They need re -guiding to LA4 which is high density. The Council feedback is
not favorable. However, the group is intent on making it happen. They have
volunteered to pay a fee in lieu of taxes. We are not sure of how this would work
because the city isn't the only entity which would not be collecting their taxes. They
may volunteer to pay a park dedication fee. The development would involve
thousands of people moving into the community who could use our structure and
facilities without paying park fees. Director Blank said that nothing else is in the
works at the moment for development. Councilmember Stein asked whether Trillium
Woods is complying with their park dedication fees. Blank replied that they are
paying their fees and donating property.
Chair Singer asked if anyone had read an article about releasing commissioners'
personal information like phone numbers and addresses. Councilmember Stein said
it was a state proposal which would say that this is public information. Commissioner
Carrol said it was his understanding that it had passed.
Director Blank reminded everyone that the Robbinsdale School District didn't pass
their referendum last fall. They are implementing all the cuts they had proposed
except for closing a school. There will be no athletics in the middle schools. Staff
members met with the schools and the other affected park and recreation agencies.
The 5:30 p.m. bus will be eliminated, but there will be a 4:15 p.m. bus, although it
may run slightly later. They are proposing intramural sports. Programs would last
about an hour or so. Sandburg wants to have the teachers run the programs as they
have in the past and keep all their programs in place. Plymouth Middle School wants
to run some programs and use as many teachers as possible, but they may need
help from Parks and Recreation and the YMCA. The principals will work with parents
at each school to come up with a plan. We are standing by willing to assist. We do
need a long lead time if we are going to provide programming in the fall. Since we
are fee based, we cannot donate time and materials. There is no consensus yet.
One issue is whether the district will allow large discrepancies in the three schools.
Parents may want to move their students to other schools to take part in more after-
school programs. Commissioner D. Anderson mentioned that the Osseo district is
addressing these same issues.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
PRAC Minutes/March, 2008
Page 7
9. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Singer entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by
Commissioner D. Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Carroll. Vote: 6 Ayes.
MOTION approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 pm.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2008
Respectfully submitted
Donna Sankey — PRAC recorder