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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 PRAC Minutes/August 2008 Page 2 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 PRAC Minutes/August 2008 Page 3 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 PRAC Minutes/August 2008 Page 4 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