HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 08-14-2008MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
August 14, 2008
PRESENT: Commissioners: E. Singer, M. Smith, A. Vanderwall, G. Anderson, D.
Anderson, P. Knight, N. Carroll
Staff: D. Evans, M. Miller, R. Busch, S. Mittelstaedt
City Council Liaison: B. Stein
ABSENT: Staff: E. Blank
Planning Commission Liaison: J. Davis
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Singer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. at the Plymouth Creek Center.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
No minutes were included in the packet. The June and August minutes will be reviewed
at the September meeting.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioners introduced themselves and gave a brief
bio to the Plymouth Creek Activity Center staff.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None
b. Staff: Plymouth Creek staff Sara Mittelstaedt coordinates all of the senior
programs. She started her presentation by sharing the history of the Veterans Event
day and the Vets photo display. The veterans were photographed at a breakfast that is
held in honor of Veterans Day.
Mittelstaedt shared that there have been a lot more 90 year olds participating in
programs. She provided a hand out of the 90 year olds that reside in Plymouth and
added that an event was held to honor them. Entertainment included music of their era
and old fashion cars that provided rides for the seniors around the park. Overall, the
senior program has served 2100 seniors. This number is down from 2006 due to the
Grapevine newsletter becoming a paid subscription. Mittelstaedt shared that some
seniors have become internet savvy and wondered if there is a way to find out how
many are hitting the Plymouth website senior program link. Commissioner Vanderwall
stated that there is a way to get a report on website hits. Commissioner Knight asked
why the newsletter needed to become a paid subscription. Mittelstaedt explained the
cost of printing became too expensive and therefore they need to start charging for it.
Staff Evans interjected that the bulk of programs held for seniors can be found in the
Leisure Times. Mittelstaedt also provided the Commissioners with handouts that
outlined other forms of program publicity. Commissioner Knight asked what the Man to
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Man Men's club was. Mittelstaedt explained the program is a men's club that invites
speakers in for presentations and discussions. She also stated that the group partakes
in field trips. Mittelstaedt continued to state that the seniors host fund raisers
approximately three to five times a year. The dollars raised benefit the activity center or
the senior programs. Commissioner D. Anderson wondered at what age people start
attending senior programming. Mittelstaedt replied that the youngest have been 50
years old, attending programs such as art and fitness. However, the programs
generally attract those in their 60's, with the bulk of participants in their 70's or 80's.
Chair Singer gave kudos to the Great Decision program. Commissioner D. Anderson
wondered about the ratio between males and females in the senior programs.
Mittelstaedt responded that the ratio is probably 75% women, and 25% men. She
continued to state that the seniors book about 30-40% of the activities that occur at the
Plymouth Creek Center, not including the dome. Commissioner D. Anderson inquired
how long the city has had the Senior Program. Mittelstaedt stated at least 32-33 years
with Senior Community Services starting at the West Medicine Club and moving to
Plymouth with the opening of the Plymouth Creek Activity Center. Since that move,
their programs have doubled.
Rick Busch, the Plymouth Creek Activity Center Manager, gave a background on
himself and his staff. Busch has been with the city since 1980 and moved to Plymouth
Creek when the facility opened in 2000. He shared that the field house first opened in
1999, so this will be their 10th season. He stated that the Plymouth Creek field is unique
as it is run through the City and not affiliated with any schools. Commissioner Smith
asked if the original turf is still there. Busch replied no, there was some issues with blue
lines being visible after a few years. Commissioner Carroll asked how much the field
originally cost. Busch replied the field was $425,000 with the dome costing an
additional $450,000. Although the turf has had to be replaced, the dome remains the
original. Busch is hopeful that the dome will last another 10 years. The facility continues
to turn a profit. Busch continued to state that they would probably need to replace the
turf again in three to four years. Commissioner Carroll inquired how often the rubber
pallets are replaced. Busch stated they probably would add some before the dome
goes up this year. Busch informed the Commissioners that the sales of available prime
time dome space is now approximately 90% full, with Lacrosse and Rugby really
picking up. City Council Liaison Stein asked how the he prioritizes between groups that
want to rent the facility. Busch explained they look at how many residents they have in
their group, and how much time they have rented in the past, along with other criteria.
Commissioner Carroll asked about expansion of the Center. Busch stated that it is
possible. Commissioner Smith asked if there was space at this location to expand the
turf field and Busch stated no. Staff Evans stated there has been talk about additional
outdoor turf fields but there are pros and cons that need to be considered.
Rick shared that the Activity Center was built in two phases. The expansion of the
lower level took place after the first two years of the center's existence. Busch
provided the annual report of the Activity Center. Busch also provided a hand out that
outlined the Millennium Garden and a breakdown of event rentals. Residents can book
out 18 months and non- residents 12 months. Commissioner D. Anderson asked if the
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PCC had an exclusive caterer. Busch responded that they did up until last year, at
which point they opted to have three different caterers giving clients a wider variety of
choices. Commissioner Carroll inquired if the caterers have a one year contract. Busch
responded yes.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. None.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Update — Bocce Ball : Staff Evans informed the Commissioners that the Bocce Ball
court has been completed with the partnership of Home Depot and the Special
Olympics. 100 volunteers laid out the court. The Special Olympics have already begun
using the court, however, Staff Evans shared that the courts still need some additional
work. It is expected that Bocce Ball Leagues will start next year. Next Wednesday,
August 20th at 6:30 p.m. there will be a grand opening of the Bocce Ball Court.
b. Update — West Medicine Lake : Staff Evans reviewed the plans for the West
Medicine Lake building. Staff Evans reviewed the external and internal lay out and
noted changes. Commissioner Smith asked if the style would still be open timber.
Evans replied yes. The type of roofing still needs to be determined. Commissioner D.
Anderson inquired about full-time staffing for the facility. Staff Evans shared that the
City is not anticipating the need for any full time staff. There will be part-time building
supervisors as needed, along with program supervisors working in the building. In
October 2008 the plans will be presented to the Planning Commission and then move
onto the City Council. Commissioner G. Anderson asked if they were still working
toward LEED certification. Staff Evans replied that they are staying as environmentally
conscious as possible, but will not be going for the certification.
c. Update — Electric Signs The electronic signs are up and running at both Parkers
Lake and Zachary field.
d. C.I.P: Staff Evans handed out the preliminary CIP for 2009. No action is required
this evening. Commissioners are asked to come back to the next PRAC meeting with
comments , suggestions and be prepared to make a recommendation to City Council.
Commissioner Smith noted that the new trails dollars are not enough in the 2009 plan.
Staff Evans stated the dollar amount changes based on the trail. City Council Liaison
Stein inquired about building a new east skate park. Staff Evans stated that it possible.
She continued to state that they would need to do some preliminary research to find out
more about the continued popularity of the sport.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Millennium Garden Art : Commissioners received a memo outlining the
acquisition for the piece of art work that will be placed in the Millennium Garden. The
committee is requesting that PRAC make a recommendation to move this acquisition
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forward to the City Council. Chair Singer, who sat on the committee stated that out of
this selection process there could be artwork displayed from other artists in other
Plymouth venues. Commissioner Smith asked if we could use this same sculpture
again somewhere else. Staff Evans stated the artist is not allowed to replicate this
piece of work per the contract. However, the artist can have pieces that closely
resemble the work that will be displayed at the garden. MOTION was made to
recommend the piece of art, "The Winged Iris", to the City Council by Commissioner
Carroll and seconded by Commissioner D. Anderson. Vote: 7 Ayes. MOTION
approved.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION: A logo is being designed for Plymouth as the #1 City
in America. Art contest banners will be going up tomorrow and then transition into the
1 City banners as a part of Plymouth on Parade. The MRPA State Conference is in
Brainerd this year and starts on Sept 23rd. If Commissioners are interested in
partaking, let Staff Evans know.
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: 7 Ayes. MOTION
approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on September 11, 2008 in the City Council Chambers
Respectfully submitted
Mary Miller— PRAC recorder