HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 05-13-2010MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
May 13, 2010
PRESENT: Commissioners: G. Anderson, D. Anderson, N. Carroll, M. Riley, A. Vanderwall,
J. Zwack
Staff: D. Evans, E. Blank, R. Michaud, C Anderson, D. Sankey
City Council Liaison: B. Stein
Planning Commission Liaison: D. Kobusson
ABSENT: Commissioner: J. D. Nelson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair G. Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made by Commissioner Vanderwall and seconded by Commissioner Carroll
to approve the February minutes. Vote: 5 Ayes. Motion carried. Commissioner
Carroll abstained from voting because he was not at the February meeting.
3. OPEN FORUM
none
4. STAFF UPDATE:
a. Staff Presentation.
Regina Michaud, Recreation Manager, has been with the department for nine years.
She explained that her position has a mix of administrative and programming duties.
She supervises the recreation supervisors, handles the marketing, and supervises the
production of three activity guides each year. Her main programming focus is health
and fitness for preschool through adult. Commissioner G. Anderson asked about the
date of the Walk with the Mayor event. Michaud said it will be on Monday, May 17, at
6:00 and is 1.5 miles long. Michaud also mentioned that Greg Anderson is offering a
Bike Ride to Midtown program again this year on June 26.
b. Staff Presentation.
Cindy Anderson, Recreation Supervisor, is proud to have been part of the team for
over 20 years. Her position seems to be constantly changing, bringing new
challenges. She supervises the lifeguarding of the beaches. Specialty and safety
programs include CPR, first aid, kayaking, and wakeboarding. Anderson also
supervises the middle school and teen ski and snowboard trips, gymnastics, and day
camps.
Commissioner Carroll asked if we offer a babysitting class. Anderson said we offer the
Red Cross Babysitting Class about 2-3 times quarterly. It is a very popular class.
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Director Blank thanked Cindy for the wonderful job she does.
c. 2010 CIP Trail Project Update
Director Blank announced that a week ago, the Council authorized staff to proceed
with planning the trail to run about a half mile from Fire Station 3 to Lowes. Consulting
firms are providing feasibility studies which will be done in six to seven weeks.
Neighborhood meetings will be conducted. We will have PRAC look at the plan and
give recommendations, and the neighborhood will be invited to give testimony. Work
would start in late October. The crossing of the wetlands will begin in winter with
installation of footings for the boardwalk. The project will continue into spring and
would be completed perhaps in June. This will be a very desirable, scenic trail. It has
been in the plan since 1980, when it was thought it would be built along with Medina
Road. Medina Road will not be built, so the project has changed. Commissioner G.
Anderson said it is a super great connection, and he is looking forward to its
completion. He is wondering about whether there will be places to secure a bike at the
businesses, since there are none now. Blank thought this was a very good point, and
the City will work with area businesses. Superintendent Evans said that as
development comes in, bike racks are one of the things that are discussed, and they
are encouraged by the Planning Department. Commissioner Carroll thinks this trail is
a great project. He asked if the trail is only half mile long. Blank said there is an
additional section that goes down to Maple Creek Park that makes the entire trail
about a mile long. Since the City usually does'/2 mile sections for yearly trail
installations, this is a much bigger project. We also need to deal with wetland
mitigation issues, which we have done before on other projects. People love the
boardwalks and trails near wetlands. It is more challenging, however.
d. Northwest Greenway Design
Director Blank explained that during the planning stages of the park system, major
parks were planned with the lakes in each quarter of the city. The northwest section
does not have a lake to incorporate into a major park, so the Northwest Greenway
was designed to become the major feature in this section. We are near completion of
the land acquisition for the Greenway. We will sell a second set of bonds for $2.5
million. We sold $2.6 million in bonds two years ago. This allows us to string out the
payments in a way that benefits the City. We are anticipating a very favorable tax rate
on this second series of bonds. We are trying to be conscious of steepness of grades
for ADA accessibility and also for people with strollers. The building of the Greenway
should be accomplished sooner rather than later so that the current homeowners are
in agreement with it. As properties are sold, the new owners are not always aware that
a trail will be going in near them. We will soon be working on the Capital Improvement
Budget for 2011-2015, and we may need to find funds for the project. It is important to
keep the community involved. Commissioner Carroll asked about putting up
temporary signage along the edge of the property. Blank said there are signs every
150-200 feet to mark where the private property ends and public property begins.
Commissioner Carroll felt that signs which let people know what is going on are a
good idea.
Barry Warner, Senior Vice President of SRF Consulting Group explained that the initial
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master plan was done in 2002. This plan created a framework, a long-term vision.
Significant progress has been made in the land acquisition. He showed a diagram that
identifies the system of open space and park and trail amenities, including a paved
trail and a turf trail for use by horses. There is an ongoing coordination with Three
Rivers Park District to tie into their Medicine Lake Regional Trail. The regional trail will
be completed from the north to County 47 this summer. Some of it has been
completed south of 47. The section east of Lake Camelot is still open. The trail around
Lake Camelot is completed, and it is part of the Greenway. Forethought will be given
to connecting with neighborhoods along the way. We will also deal with linkages for
new neighborhoods.
A trail will encircle the wetland basin west of Vicksburg. There could be a grass trail for
equestrian use. Horse -pulled hayrides or sleigh rides could be possible for
programming. This is an important connection to the western part of the community
by Wayzata High School.
An important factor is what Peony Lane will be in the future. An alignment will be
selected by Engineering, with a connection into Maple Grove. This does have
implications for the planning of the Greenway. Recommendations will be made in 6-8
weeks. A developer will be exchanging soil on city -owned property which will result in
graded space for use in the Greenway planning. Putting a trail through the Elm Creek
Highlands area is challenging because of topography.
Vicksburg Lane is an important north -south road. We are proposing a bridge over the
road. This provides an important opportunity to create a strong bold statement to the
community of what the Greenway is. The segment east of Vicksburg will establish
alignment between Vicksburg and Cheshire. One parcel may have the size to
accommodate a horse club. Mr. Warner hopes to bring back more information to the
July meeting.
Commissioner Zwack asked what the approximate total distance of the trail is. Mr.
Warner said it is about 3 miles from 494 to Peony, although looping trails will increase
the mileage. Commissioner Carroll asked about alignment for Peony. Mr. Warner said
that the proposal will be announced in about six weeks. Circumstances have taken
some of the original possibilities off the table. Commissioner G. Anderson asked if
County 47 will be turned over to the City and what issues will be addressed. Mr.
Warner said that is a possibility for the future. Commissioner Zwack asked about the
grade at the crossing at Vicksburg. Mr. Warner said the access will adhere to current
ADA standards, which 8% for a short distance, but 5% is the general guideline
e. Upcoming Community/Special Events
Superintendent Evans mentioned the Healthy Living Fair. It will probably be even
bigger next year with more vendors. The Bridal Fair attracted over 200 brides. The
Plymouth Creek Center was acknowledged as one of the top wedding locations by
Tie the Knot". More than 1400 people visited thel0th annual Yard and Garden Expo.
Staff thinks it was one of the more successful events. It took over 120 volunteers to put
it on. The 14th annual Primavera was held in mid April. The event is free to the public
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Page 4
and showcases juried art. Just under 900 people attended. Volunteers are about to
start marking trails with hearts every 1/10 mile. "Plymouth Has Heart" was Eric Blank's
idea. By Monday, there will be some hearts on the Hilde trail. The summer programs
get started the second week of June, and we are already planning for fall.
f. Annual Report
Evans presented the final version of the annual report to the commissioners.
g. NRPA Accreditation Update
Superintendent Evans reported that we started working on the NRPA Accreditation
process in the latter part of 2009. Accreditation allows us to be benchmarked with a
national organization that shows our citizens we provide services that are efficient and
of high quality. Only 100 agencies are accredited so far, including only a couple in
Minnesota. There are 144 standards. Officially, we are notified of approval in October
at the national conference. Commissioner Carroll asked about the accrediting body.
Evans replied that it comes out of the National Parks and Recreation office. Educators
set up the standards and trained people how to assess agencies. Commissioner
Zwack asked if there are benefits that being accredited will bring to the City. Evans
said that it assures the city of our quality and that we are organized. It also helps with
succession and becomes our operational bible. Commissioner Carroll said it was like
downloading Eric's brain. Evans said yes, it was much like that.
h. Hilde Performance Center Update
Superintendent Evans said that at the last City Council meeting, the Council approved
Phase 1 of the improvement project for the Hilde Performance Center. It involves the
interior portion of the Center, grading, ADA accessibility, enhancements for
concessions and vending, additional seating, and a showplace area in the middle of
the complex which could be used for smaller events and perhaps for weddings. We
had eight bidders, and the bids came in low. It was budgeted for $1.1 million, and the
lowest bid was $834,000. Construction will begin on July 12, after Music in Plymouth,
the Prairie Fire Theater event, and the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon on July 11. It is
scheduled to be completed by the end of October.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Selection of Chair & Vice Chair
Commissioner G. Anderson asked for nominations for chair and vice chair.
Commissioner Carroll nominated Commissioner Greg Anderson for Chair.
Commissioner Riley seconded. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion approved.
Commissioner D. Anderson nominated Commissioner Carroll for Vice Chair.
Commissioner Zwack seconded. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion approved.
b. Parks & Recreation Department Strategic Plan
Superintendent Evans stated that the Strategic Plan was developed for long term and
short term goals for the department. All department divisions worked on the planning
of these goals. We will be working on it throughout the year and revamp it in 2011.
Commissioner Riley asked what is the distribution of this document, who has access
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to it, and is it posted on the website. Evans explained that right now it is internal,
although it is out on the web as part of the Park Commission information packet.
Commissioner Carroll wanted to commend Evans on the thoroughness of this
document. It is very well done and appreciated. Commissioner Zwack agreed and
was impressed with the document.
Commissioner D. Anderson moved to approve of the Strategic Plan. Commissioner
Carroll seconded. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion approved.
c. Parks & Recreation Fee & Revenue Policy
Superintendent Evans said that part of the accreditation project is the Fee & Revenue
Policy. The goal is to make the policy available and to highlight the different budgets
we deal with, the various funds attached to the budgets, and how reasonable fees are
determined. Commissioner Carroll had a suggestion on how to word a portion of Page
1 to use the word "charged" instead of "attached."
Commissioner D. Anderson moved to accept the Fee & Revenue Policy.
Commissioner Vanderwall seconded. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion approved.
d. Consider Renaming the Egan Dog Park
Superintendent Evans explained that the Egan Dog Park is a highly popular, highly
used park. However, when area publications come out with a listing as Egan dog
Park, it causes confusion as to where the park is located. May people assume it is in
Eagan. Staff feels the name should probably be changed and had suggestions such
as Plymouth Canine Park, Plymouth Offleash Dog Park, and Plymouth Dog Park. Staff
recommended Plymouth Canine Park. Chair Anderson asked if Plymouth Canine Park
is used, what would we call a second one. Commissioner Zwack asked if there are
any repercussions for taking off the name "Egan." Evans said staff isn't concerned
because the citizens normally call it the Plymouth Dog Park anyway. Commissioner
Riley said she feels Plymouth Dog Park is a better name then Plymouth Canine Park
or Plymouth Off leash Dog Park. Commissioner Carroll said when he first heard of
Plymouth Canine Park, he thought of a race track. Evans said staff is really open to
suggestions and comments. Commissioner Vanderwall felt keeping it simple is
probably the best — Plymouth Dog Park. Commissioner Zwack said he is in favor of
having the word Plymouth in it. He favors Dog Park.
Commissioner Carroll moved to call it Plymouth Canine Park. Commissioner D.
Anderson seconded. Vote: 3 Ayes 3 Nays. Motion failed.
Commissioner Riley said going for a "classier" name doesn't really fit with the park
itself. It is just a bunch of happy dogs. She requested a revote.
Commissioner Riley moved to name the park Plymouth Dog Park. Commissioner D.
Anderson seconded. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion approved.
PRAC Minutes/May 13, 2010
Page 6
e. E -Bike Presentation
Superintendent Evans reported that a request came from Three Rivers Park District to
consider allowing ebikes on trails. They are hoping that all of the cities, counties, and
the state can be on the same page. She presented to the commissioners the material
that Three Rivers had presented to the department. The issues are allowing the
ebikes on trails and does a rule change need to occur. They have been around since
the 70's. They are different than motorized bikes because they have pedals. They look
very similar to a regular bike. They go less than 20 miles per hour compared to 30 for
motorized bikes and are powered by electricity. They cost in the range of $1500-
2500. Minnesota law allows them on road shoulders. Right now, they are prohibited
on trails. They are popular in Europe and are increasing in popularity here. People
who are using them are previous bike riders who may have health issues, commuters,
and people running errands. Younger people may find it a viable alternative to cars,
and they are considered green. Chair Anderson served on a committee to review the
issue for Three Rivers. He was not sure about it at first, but some of the reasons for
using them are legitimate. They fill another nitch, but he hopes this does not attract
people to using motorized bikes on trails. Commissioner Carroll asked about safety
considerations because they can go 20 miles an hour on the trails. Evans said it
probably isn't different than bike riders riding at high speeds. Three Rivers has not
been concerned with that issue. Commissioner Zwack asked if you can tell what it is
when it goes by you by the sound. Evans said they do not make any sound. Zwack
asked if anyone has thought of the issue of people who want to use the trails for
escape and quiet, and how they would feel about an ebike going by. Chair Anderson
said they are very silent and do not make noise like an engine. Evans road one at a
seminar and found it an interesting and pleasant experience. Chair Anderson said it is
more of an adult type of item, not likely for kids.
6. COMMISSIONER UPDATE
Commissioner Doug Anderson said he has enjoyed his tenure on the Commission, and it
has been fun to see a different side of how things work and how much work the Council,
Commission and staff do. You really need to applaud staff because they work with these
issues full time.
Chair Anderson welcomed Commissioner Zwack to the commission.
Commissioner Carroll thanked Commissioner D. Anderson for his service and wished him
luck in the future.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Anderson entertained the motion to adjourn. MOTION was made by Commissioner
Carroll and seconded by Commissioner Riley. Vote: 6 Ayes. Motion approved. The
meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on June 10, 2010 at the Plymouth Creek Center.
Donna Sankey - PRAC recorder