HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 05-08-2008MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
May 8, 2008
PRESENT: Commissioners: E. Singer, D. Anderson, M. Smith,
G. Anderson, N. Carroll,
Staff: E. Blank, D. Evans, P. Buck, M. Miller
City Council Liaison: B. Stein
ABSENT: A. Vanderwall, P. Knight, Planning Commission Liaison: J. Davis
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Chair Singer.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made by Commissioner D. Anderson and seconded by Commissioner
Carroll to approve the April minutes. Vote: 5 Ayes. Motion carried.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting.
Staff Diane Evans presented the prototype of the upcoming Minnesota Parks and
Recreation magazine, which has a photograph of Plymouth Volunteers gracing the
cover. In addition, an article highlights our volunteer program as well as recognizing
Chair Singer for her outstanding efforts as a volunteer. Evans presented a photo of the
Millennium Garden in order to give a visual of where the new art sculpture would be
placed. A RFP will be going out to artists with a deadline date of June 13, 2008. Evans
outlined the necessary criteria for the art. At the July PRAC meeting, the art proposals
will be reviewed and a recommendation made. The recommendation would then move
forward to the City Council.
Staff Paul Buck reported on the purpose of the forestry department. He shared the
names and duties of permanent staff and the number of seasonal staff. Buck reported
that most of his programs have some educational or outreach component to them. He
outlined some of his programs such as the Yard and Garden Expo, Environmental Fair
with the schools and the Plant Sale. He informed the Commissioners that the
Millennium Garden is one area in which they spend a lot of time. Within the last two
days, a garden shed has been installed with the landscaping almost complete. Director
Blank asked Buck to discuss the volunteers at the garden. Buck reported that a group
of approximately 12 volunteers helps the department in maintaining the flowers and
foliage in and around the garden. On May 17, 2008, a program called Planting Day will
take place with approximately 150 volunteers planting over 12,000 annuals at
designated Plymouth park areas.
The yard waste site is a compost area. Currently, the soil is being tested to insure there
is no hazardous material. Resident will then be able to come to the site and collect
mulch free of charge. Delivery is also an option for a small fee.
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Buck informed the Commissioners that street tree trimming is done in the winter. They
generally cover one section per season; which equates to approximately one square
mile. Commissioner G. Anderson asked if this was keeping trees off the roadway. Buck
replied yes. Generally, a tree that resides 8-13 feet behind curb is considered a city
tree and the whole tree will be trimmed. If the tree is on residential property, they will
only prune the areas that deem a potential risk. Commissioner D. Anderson asked if
there is any tree vandalism. Buck replied that the playgrounds and equipment are more
of a target. Infrequently, a statue within the Millennium garden may be tipped over.
Commissioner Carroll asked if they were involved in buckthorn eradication and
education. Buck replied that education is light due to the lack of resources. He
continued to say that he believes every piece of property has some buckthorn and
trying to remove it is very laborious. However, he felt the department has a good
handle on it. Commissioner D. Anderson asked about removing the brush. Buck
responded by saying it is put in a chipper and blown back into the woods.
Commissioner Smith asked if ash tree disease is here. Buck replied that it is not, but
does expect it to show up eventually. Chair Singer asked if the city is involved in the
sale of rain barrels. Buck stated that program is run only through the county.
Director Blank stated that Buck manages approximately 3-5 Eagle Scout projects on
the side.
c. Others. There were no other presentations.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Taryn Hills Mini Park: Director Blank reported that at the last City Council meeting
the Taryn Hills Mini Park Master Plan was approved. Staff will be moving forward with
the development of that park within the next 90 days. Due to the park being in the
middle of two different neighbor developments, the park name will more than likely be
generic. Name suggestions will be brought back to the Commissioners once the park is
complete.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Update — Zachary Park Building: Director Blank gave an overview of the
continuing progress of the Zachary Park Building. The site plan will be going to the
Planning Commission next week for approval and then onto the City Council. Director
Blank reported the project is on budget and should start around July 15, 2008.
b. Update — West Medicine Lake Building: Director Blank advised the
Commissioners that staff have met with the architects to begin the planning and design
for the West Medicine Lake Building. The focus thus far has been to discuss the needs
of the building. Written descriptions of the rooms and users have been established. At
the June PRAC meeting, the architects will present 70% of the completed design. The
City Council will also review the preliminary design in June at a study session. At the
end of July, the finished design and a feasibility report will be presented to the City
Council. Bids would be opened in October with the selection process occurring in
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Page 3
November. It is the intent that development of the building begin during the 08-09
winter season. The building specs are currently at 12,000 square feet and may be
reduced to 11,000 square feet. Chair Singer asked if the building would be a one or two
story. Director Blank answered that he is unsure at this time. Commissioner Carroll
asked what the driving force was in getting this up and going. Director Blank responded
that building costs at this time are definitely a factor. Commissioner Anderson asked if
staff has obtained any residential input. Director Blank replied that once 70% of the
design is complete, they would hold an open house for residents to meet with the
architects. He also suggested the City's website contain project information in which
residents would be able to respond with suggestions/concerns via email. Commissioner
Smith asked about the retention pond project at West Medicine Lake and if that was on
hold. Director Blank replied that the project is still a go with 90% of the design
complete.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review Hilde Concept Plan; Brauer & Associates- Amanda Prosser:
Director Blank introduced Amanda Prosser of Brauer & Associates who is one of the
team members working on the Hilde Concept plan. Director Blank stated the primary
goal of this project is to increase seating and obtain a better view of the park.
Prosser discussed the concepts for the Hilde upgrade. Prosser went over the final
concept design, in detail, to the Commissioners. Some of the highlights include new
sidewalk entrances, a small bathroom facility, children's play area, footbridge and
amphitheater style seating area. Chair Singer stated that the concept plan has changed
and evolved since it was last reviewed by the Commissioners. Commissioner Carroll
expressed how impressed he was and appreciated the thoroughness of the plan with
the nice touches of some whimsical aspects. Commissioner Smith asked Prosser to
describe the second fountain by the amphitheater, feeling it might be unnecessary.
Prosser explained that the concept plan is still open for further considerations and
modifications
Commissioner D. Anderson asked about a reader board. Prosser stated that further
studies are needed to determine a location. Commission Smith questioned the location
of the children's play area. Director Blank stated that a couple of locations had been
considered, but this location gives parents the opportunity to view their children at the
playground as well as giving family bikers a place to stop. He continued to say that
further discussion would take place to determine if the playground would be built at this
time.
Council member Stein also questioned the need for the second fountain and then
questioned what the color trails signify. Prosser stated the yellow represent new non -
colored concrete trails. Council member Stein then asked if the bridge across the pond
was necessary. Director Blank responded by saying that based on feedback on other
bridges, people are fascinated by and drawn to the water. Therefore, the bridge was
placed in the concept plan however; a final decision still needs to be determined.
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Council member Stein asked about monuments being placed on the north and south
entrance. Prosser replied by saying that planters will be placed at these entrances
along with themed sculptures. Chair Singer noted that the Hilde is titled a Performance
Center and throughout the concept plan, only a musical theme resonates. Processer
stated that they could change the sculptures to balance music and the performing arts.
Director Blank reiterated that this is a concept plan and the design could be changed.
Commissioner D. Anderson asked if the funding would all be coming from park
dedication money. Director Blank replied that other funding sources would also be
looked at.
b. Review Bocce Ball proposal from Minnesota Special Olympics
Director Blank gave an overview of how the proposal for Bocce Ball came to the City.
He provided a photo and pointed out where the Bocce Ball Court would be placed at
the Plymouth Creek Activity Center. He explained that the long-term goal for this area
would be a parking lot when the Plymouth Creek Center is expanded. Home Dept will
be supplying the materials and builders for the project and the Special Olympics
Organization will coordinate the efforts. Director Blank shared that he supports the
project and is recommending this proposal to the Commissioners. Commissioner
Carroll questioned the court being a hard surface versus a grassy surface. Director
Blank stated that based on the level of maintenance, rock is more cost effective than
grass. Commissioner Carroll asked if it could be used for lawn bowling. Director Blank
replied they could use it, but the Millennium Garden grassy area might better serve the
game. Commissioner Carroll asked if the demand for Bocce Ball was known. Director
Blank said not directly however, Special Olympics would be using it and it may become
a recreational activity for all ages. Chair Singer stated that within their proposal it reads
that the City would move the court if warranted. Director Blank replied that it would take
less than $4,000 to $5,000 and we could opt to do that in maybe ten years. Chair
Singer questioned how scheduling for the court would be handled. Director Blank
stated the necessary times for Special Olympic use would be blocked out and then
turned over to our recreation staff. Bocce Ball equipment would be stored at the
Plymouth Creek Center and could be checked out by users. Chair Singer asked if staff
was dealing directly with Special Olympics staff or a volunteer. Director Blank was
unsure but will find out. Chair Singer asked staff to provide more specifics on
schedules. She also requested that some shade be placed over the picnic patio blocks.
Director Blank will obtain all of the requested information and will bring it back to the
June meeting. Commissioner G. Anderson questioned who was going to maintain the
landscaping of this area. Director Blank replied that the City would maintain it on a
regular basis using both volunteers and staff.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Commissioner G. Anderson gave a brief overview of the MRPF Commissioner
Symposium that took place last month. He has an extra packet if any of the other
Commissioners are interested. Director Blank stated that although the Commissioners
Park Tour was scheduled to take place in lieu of the July meeting, he would like to keep
that meeting open for business. He suggested July 17 as an alternative and July 30 as
PRAC Minutes/May 2008
Page 5
a second choice. All the Commissioners agreed. Director Blank will check the City
Calendar as City Council members and Planning Commissioners attend the tour as
well.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
9. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Singer entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by Commissioner
D. Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Smith. Vote: 5 Ayes. MOTION
approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm.
The next meeting will be held on June 12, 2008
Respectfully submitted
Mary Miller — PRAC recorder