HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 12-12-1991Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
December 12, 1991, 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
a. Athletic Associations
b. Staff
c. Others
4. Report on Past Council Action
a.
b.
5. Unfinished Business
a.
b.
C.
d.
6. New Business
a. Review draft of sidewalk and trail plan
b.
C.
d.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next regular PRAC meeting - January ?, 1992
Minutes of the Park'and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
October 10, 1991
Page 37
Present: Commissioners Anderson, Johnson, Waage and Wahl; staff Bisek, Blank,
Greupner and Pederson
Absent: Freels, Gutzke, Watson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council
Conference Room.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Wahl and seconded by Commissioner
Johnson to approve the minutes of the September 12 and July 23 meetings as
presented. The motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at this meeting.
b. Staff. Karol Greupner, Recreation Specialist, introduced herself to
the Commission and stated she has lived in Plymouth for 16 years.
Prior to working for Plymouth Park and Recreation, she worked for the
Chaska recreation department. She worked for Plymouth in the late
70's and early 80's as a fitness instructor, and in 1989 was hired as
a part-time recreation specialist, supervising and coordinating pre-
school programs, the summer concert series, the adult getaway trips,
pedestrian club and one-time workshops on things such as arts and
crafts. She also co -coordinates the Music for Everyone program, which
offers private piano, voice, guitar, clarinet and saxaphone lessons,
and is offered in Plymouth as well as several other surrounding
communities. A new program she is responsible for introducing to
Plymouth is a "Happy Birthday Party," offered for four to six year
olds. This activity is held at Parkers Lake Pavilion on Friday
afternoons, 4-6 p.m. Entertainment is provided by the "leader," and
the parents provide the party decorations, refreshments and gifts.
Karol wrote, and was awarded, an $1,800 state arts grant to help fund
the International Folk Arts Festival, which will be held at Wayzata
East Jr. High on Saturday, March 21, 1992. It will feature five
different ethnic troupes performing throughout the day, as well as
ethnic folk artists who will be displaying and selling their crafts
and ethnic foods.
Another new program Karol is establishing is the Corporate Fitness
Challenge, which involves fitness competition among the employees of
companies located in Plymouth. Employees compete against other
employees within the company for fitness points, and then companies of
the same size will compete against each other.
The Employees of the Month are two individuals Karol supervises, Jan
Burkhartzmeyer and Julie Ylinen, a pre-school teacher and a Hennepin
October 1991 PRAC Minutes
Page 38
County librarian. They teach the pre-school specials for ages 3-5,
offered once per month throughout the year. Some of the class titles
have included Creepy Crawlers, Dinosaur Search, Jungle Safari, and
coming up this month and next, Halloween Hobgoblins and Plymouth
Pilgrims. Two sessions are offered each month, usually on a Saturday
morning, and almost always fill to their capacity of 20.
Mary gave a brief rundown of some of the programs coming up this fall
and winter, including the Goblin Walk scheduled for October 19, which
is co-sponsored for the first time this year by T.J. Maxx. The Goblin
Walk relies on the help of about 50 volunteers, several of whom are
juniors and seniors at Armstrong High School. Our Gym, Swim & Movie
event is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 17 & 18, at
Wayzata East Jr. High. These are school release days for Osseo,
Robbinsdale and Wayzata schools. This year, in order to accommodate
families living in north Plymouth, we will provide free van service,
with pick-up at Zachary Elementary. Our 4th Annual Old Fashioned
Christmas event is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, and the fourth
annual Fire & Ice Festival is scheduled for Saturday, February 1,
1992. The first organizational meeting for the Fire & Ice Festival is
set for Wednesday, October 16, 4 p.m., and Mary invited commissioners
to attend if their schedules permit.
Mary announced that the annual MRPA conference is coming up in
November. The board and commission workshop is scheduled for Nov. 20.
Mary had several statistics to report on summer programs. Classes
offered in June, July and August totaled 287, of which 223 were
actually held, with a total participation of 3,469. Swimming classes
totaled 105, with 648 children participating at Wayzata East. Over
5,400 children attended the summer puppet shows. Eighteen non -
swimming programs were contractually offered for the City of Wayzata,
with nine of them running. Sixty Wayzata residents participated in
the tennis program, and 596 enrolled in the swimming lessons offered
at Wayzata West. Visitors at Parkers Lake beach totaled 31,168 with
17,188 patrons visiting East Medicine Lake beach. The Wayzata beach
had a total count of 33,231.
C. Others.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
Three bids were received for the construction of the neighborhood park
improvements, with the lowest being $288,000. The Council deferred
awarding the bid, however, until after the Housing and Redevelopment
Authority can hold a public hearing on the use of HUD money for 1992.
That hearing is scheduled for November 7. Following that, Council may
award the bid, but it is not expected that any major work on these three
parks will get underway this year. Some dirt fill has been hauled into
both Shiloh and Gleanloch parks, and some trees have been removed from the
10th Avenue park site.
Barber Construction is making excellent progress on the six trail projects
and is expected to be finished by October 18 with all but one segment.
October 1991 PRAC Minutes
Page 39
Shingobee Builders hopes to have the Bass Lake Playfield completed by
November 8, except for seed and sod. Crews have also been very busy at
Parkers Lake playfield and are making good progress. The tunnel running
under County Road 6, which connects the playfield to the City park, is
expected to be open by October 25.
Bids will be opened on October 15 for the restoration of the silos at
Parkers Lake playfield and also for the installation of lights at the
Parkers Lake skating rinks.
As part of the 1991 capital improvement program, new bridges are being
installed in Four Seasons and Fazendin neighborhood parks.
Director Blank has been negotiating with Tom Forester for the purchase of
his property west of Zachary Playfield. Mr. Forester is anxious to have
this settled by January 1, and Eric is confident this can be done. The
Council previously authorized these negotiations.
The City Council will be appointing a water quality task force to deal
with issues such as milfoil. Eighty more acres of milfoil has been
discovered in Medicine Lake. Milfoil now also surrounds the entire
perimeter of Parkers Lake. Parkers will be treated with a new chemical
next spring called Sonar, known to kill milfoil. It is not harmful to
fish.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Review of field rental policy, Continuing the discussion started at
last months meeting, Director Blank offered three possible options for
charging youth athletic associations. Option 1 would be to continue
with the current rental policy with some slight modifications, option
2 would be to drop all fees, and option 3 would involve charging for
extra -ordinary maintenance items, such as field striping. Director
Blank reminded the Commission that the rental policy has been in
effect since 1982, and came about as a result of the report prepared
by the Mayor's Task Force on Park and Recreation Program Financing, a
copy of which was provided to each commissioner. Because of the high
demand for use of our facilities, it was decided this past year, that
only Plymouth groups could rent our fields.
It was the consensus of the commissioners present that a fee of some
kind is fair and reasonable for youth associations running tournaments
on Plymouth fields. Mark Wahl recommended that the City continue with
the current policy of a basic rental fee, plus charging for extra-
ordinary maintenance.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WAAGE TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THAT THE CITY CONTINUE TO
CHARGE YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS AS THEY HAVE IN THE PAST.
Tom Johnson feels that Plymouth's current fees are excessive and
should be reduced somewhat. He pointed out that the survey presented
last month showed that Plymouth charged more than any other city to
run a similar tournament. He believes that the soccer association
October 1991 PRAC Minutes
Page 40
should be charged no more than $1,000 to run their tournament.
Commissioner Anderson withdrew his motion at this point, because
discussion was strongly favoring reducing the basic rental fee.
Director Blank suggested that the Commission might want to choose a
specific dollar figure for an hourly rental rate.
Mary Bisek commented that the Plymouth -Wayzata Soccer Club made a
choice last summer to run a tournament that called for three extra
fields and the use of lights. They have the option to reduce their
costs by scaling down the tournament and not using extra fields and
playing only during daylight hours.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
JOHNSON TO RECOMMEND THAT THE COUNCIL APPROVE A RENTAL POLICY FOR
1992, WHICH LOWERS THE HOURLY RATE FOR YOUTH ASSOCIATIONS TO $5 PER
HOUR, BUT CHARGES 100% OF THE DIRECT COSTS FOR EXTRA MAINTENANCE. THE
MOTION CARRIED WITH FOUR AYES.
Director Blank briefly reviewed the Joint Powers Agreement with School
Dist. 284 that was established in 1973 to govern the use of school
facilities. In 1984, a supplementary agreement was established for
the tennis courts at Oakwood and Wayzata East,. which stated, among
other things, that the City could charge for any costs incurred to
operate said tennis courts, as long as the City did not charge the
School District for district sponsored activities during school hours.
A second supplementary agreement was signed in April, 1980, for the
Oakwood playfield facilities. In reference to the committee that was
to have formed, Director Blank indicated that said committee has never
formally met as far as he knows.
The recommendation made at the September meeting on eliminating the $5
non-resident fee, and the recommendation made at this meeting on
lowering the tournament rental fees, will be in a report that will be
presented to the Council on October 21. Director Blank will inform
the youth athletic association representatives of this meeting.
Commissioner Waage and Wahl said they would try to attend the Council
meeting, and Director Blank will also talk to Commissioners Freels,
Gutzke and Watson. Commissioners Johnson and Anderson both have
previous engagements on October 21.
6. NEW BUSINESS
None.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank asked if the commissioners had any topics they would like
to address at future meetings, because he did not have any pressing items
at this time for the November or December agendas. He stated that Strgar-
Roscoe-Fausch is preparing a report on sidewalks and trails, which may be
ready by the November meeting, in which case PRAC could meet to discuss
that report.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Regular Council Meeting
October 21, 1991
Page 416
j • , c•.vu u .uv i iv w i- v
ou cil emb r VdS EIPOU, to ado RESO UTION AYME T O. 8 AND
FCT680 RE UEST F R P NT N0. 8 FINAL, FINAL ROJEC OESTRKSANIARSEWER - P I, CITY 014
NO. 014. Item 7-P
Motion carried on a roll call vote, five ayes.
Park Director Blank stated bids have been
received for rink lighting at Parkers Lake Park.
He recommended award of the bid to Metro Electric
in the amount of $24,473 for the installation of
a three pole system.
He stated the issue of lighting was addressed in
response to a request from the Plymouth
Speedskating Club; however, lighting was
previously included in the plans. There is
tremendous general public use of this facility.
The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
recommended installation.
Councilmember Vasiliou asked how the City would
regulate and/or communicate that this facility is
multi -use so that open skating and speedskating
can coexist.
Director Blank stated the facility would be
listed in the park facility guide available to
the public. A calendar is kept of events
scheduled through the park department, i.e.
skating lessons. These dates are posted in the
pavilion.
Councilmember Vasiliou felt it is important that
the organized events of the Speedskating Club be
recognized and placed on the event calendar.
In response to questions from Councilmember
Zitur, Director Blank stated that complaints have
not been received from abutting residents
concerning the music played for skating. The
attendants try to play a variety of music.
Councilmember Vasiliou asked if signage was
proposed on the speedskating track? Director
Blank responded, no.
Regular Council Meeting
October 21, 1991
Page 416
ION mad byunci! tuber icker, !cont
Cou til emb r Vas'liou, to ado RESO UTION
680 RE UEST F R P NT NO. 8 FINAL,
T ST R K SANI AR SEWER - P I, CITY
CT NO. 014.
Motion carried on a roll call vote, five ayes.
Park Director Blank stated bids have been
received for rink lighting at Parkers Lake Park.
He recommended award of the bid to Metro Electric
in the amount of $24,473 for the installation of
a three pole system.
He stated the issue of lighting was addressed in
response to a request from the Plymouth
Speedskating Club; however, lighting was
previously included in the plans. There is
tremendous general public use of this facility.
The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
recommended installation.
Councilmember Vasiliou asked how the City would
regulate and/or communicate that this facility is
multi -use so that open skating and speedskating
can coexist.
Director Blank stated the facility would be
listed in the park facility guide available to
the public. A calendar is kept of events
scheduled through the park department, i.e.
skating lessons. These dates are posted in the
pavilion.
Councilmember Vasiliou felt it is important that
the organized events of the Speedskating Club be
recognized and placed on the event calendar.
In response to questions from Councilmember
Zitur, Director Blank stated that complaints have
not been received from abutting residents
concerning the music played for skating. The
attendants try to play a variety of music.
Councilmember Vasiliou asked if signage was
proposed on the speedskating track? Director
Blank responded, no.
014
Item 7-P
8
Regular Council Meeting
October 21, 1991
Page 417
Councilmember Ricker stated he is in favor of the
lighting -installation, but questioned the
recommended funding from the Park Dedication
Fund. The Council previously supported funding
this project from DARE funds. He suggested that
the project cost be funded 75 percent from DARE
funds, and 25 percent from park dedication funds.
Manager Willis stated there may be a problem
using the DARE funds, some of which is drug
forfeiture money. The forfeiture money may only
be available for specific purposes in the police
department.
Public Safety Director Carlquist stated that drug
forfeiture funds can only be used for capital
expenditures or further enforcement efforts.
Councilmember Ricker stated he doesn't want to
award the project bid until funding is
identified.
MOTION was made by Mayor Bergman, seconded by
Councilmember Ricker, to award the bid for rink
lighting at Parkers Lake Park to Metro Electric,
with funding from General Fund and to direct
staff to advise whether funds can come from
another source.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION was made by Councilmember RESOLUTION 91-681
Ricker, seconded by Councilmember Vasiliou, to APPROVING LIGHTING
adopt RESOLUTION NO. 91-681 APPROVING LIGHTING FOR PARKERS LAKE
FOR PARKERS LAKE SKATING RINKS, with funding from SKATING RINKS
the DARE funds. Item 7-Q
Councilmember Vasiliou asked Speedskating Club
organizer Greg Oly what efforts have been made to
solicit funds from other cities where club
participants are from.
Greg Oly stated that most club participants are
Plymouth residents. The first year he personally
funded the club. Last year the club raised
4,500. This year he anticipates raising enough
funds to cover the program costs. He stated this
program has not been funded or run by the City.
The police department or the DARE program is not
involved in administrating or running the
program. Lighting at Parkers Lake will benefit
Regular Council Meeting
October 21, 1991
Page 418
the general public, not only the Speedskating
Club. He said the Club provides free skating
instructors to the public. If the Club is
practicing, anyone is welcome to participate and
the Club is open to members of any age.
In response to a question by Councilmember
Ricker, Mr. Oly stated the program is promoted
through the Plymouth Park and Recreation
Department. The City maintains the ice.
Councilmember Ricker predicted the program will
continue to grow, and stated that if it is a Park
and Recreation program, it may eventually be part
of the regular program budget.
Councilmember Zitur stated he supports using DARE
funding for the lighting. The skating program is
proactive toward keeping children occupied and
away from drugs.
Councilmember Vasiliou agreed, stating that the
Council was advised that the Speedskating Club
originally was an extension of DARE. She felt
the lighting installation would be a very
appropriate use of DARE funds.
Motion carried on a roll call vote, five ayes.
Mayor Bergman asked whether in-house park
department staff has been trained in irrigation
work, such as the proposed installation of an
irrigation system for Ridgemount Playfield.
Park Superintendent Peterson stated that park
staff has been trained in irrigation work and has
installed irrigation systems at several City
facilities. The City will rent the necessary
equipment.
Councilmember Vasiliou stated that several other
cities have received community organization
donations for this type of work. She asked if
staff has considered looking to local groups for
donations on similar projects?
Manager Willis stated some donated services have
been received in the past from local clubs
including the Lions Club and Optimists Club.
Regular Council Meeting
October 21, 1991
Page 419
MOTION was made by Councilmember Ricker, seconded
by Councilmember Vasiliou, to adopt RESOLUTION
NO. 91-682 APPROVING CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITION
IRRIGATION AT RIDGEMOUNT PLAYFIELD.
Motion carried on a roll call vote, five ayes.
RESOLUTION 91-682
APPROVING
CONSTRUCTION OF
IRRIGATION AT
RIDGEMOUNT
PLAYFIELD
Item 7-R
MOTION was made by Councilmember Vasiliou, 1992 Field Rental
seconded by Councilmember Zitur, to defer the Fees and $5
PRAC recommendation on 1992 Field Rental Fees and Nonresident Fee
5 Nonresident Fee to budget study sessions. Item 7-S
Motion carried, five ayes.
Libby Fairchild, 1725 Weston Lane, urged the
Council to study the issue. She stated that many
children participate in programs in other cities,
including her own child. She thanked the Council
for reducing the tournament fees earlier in the
year for the Plymouth Soccer Club. The fees are
now more in line with other communities.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Vasiliou, RESOLUTION 91-683
seconded by Councilmember Zitur, to adop APPROVING//
RESO TION NO. 91-683 APPROVING DISBU MENTS FOR ISBURSE)Q6 TS FOR
THE PE'OD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1991 P IOD LADING
Motion
Manager Willis
appealed the F
on a roll call
ated that
Code Com
of the Fire Inspeb or, Fire/Chief
Safety Director wit resp t to a
sprinkling of the ba me of the
located at 4130 Highwa O1 d/b/a
Liquor.
five ayes.
F. Hughes has
determination
and Public
variance from
business
Party Mart
James E. Tiller, 145 amel Road, Hamel,
represented Robert ghes. r. Tiller stated
that a sprinkler s' stem was quired for a
basement of 2,500 q. ft. or 1 rger in 1973, when
the building was onstructed. a current Code
requires a sprin ler system forN- basement of
1,500 sq. ft. o larger. The buil ing is about
1,584 sq. ft. He provided a copy o a letter to
Kevin Leiser f om the State Fire Marsh 1. The
letter indic ted that the Fire Marshal es
discretion i situations of.pre-1983 bui ding
T
em 7-U
Hughes
f Fire
Distinction in Design, Inc.
14264 23rd Avenue North, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 • 612/550-1138 • FAX 612/550-1349
December 3, 1991
Mayor Kim Bergman
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth MN 55447
Dear Mayor Bergman,
It has been a great experience for me serving on the PRAC advisory
commission. I have learned a great deal about city government and
also the contributions made by many voluntary citizens groups in
making Plymouth a Star City.
In my three years as a commissioner, I have seen Parker's Lake
expansion, the development of Bass Lake Park, Swan Park, Shiloh,
Greenlock, 10th Avenue Park, improvements in our trail system and
other park improvements completed or being completed in 1992.
It is with regret that I resign from PRAC as chairperson effective
December 31, 1991. The Freels' have built a new home in Florida
and we plan to spend several months each year there.
I would be unable to perform the duties as required for such an
important position.
I want to thank Mr. Erlc Elank and his staff for the wonderful help
and support they have given me and the other PRAC commissioners.
My thanks to all PRAC Commissioners, and my best regards to you and
the City Council members.
Sincerely,
Frank H. Freels
Chairperson PRAC
FHF/jj
cc: Mr. Eric Blank
CIN OF
November 6, 1991 PLYMOUTR
Mary Davidson
1870 Glacier Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mr. Davidson:
Thank you for your letter requesting the addition of horseshoe courts and
bocce ball facilities at the Parkers Lake Playfield. Your letter is being
forwarded to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission and the City Council.
At the present time, I cannot say if these facilities will be added to the
park, but I can assure you that your request will be considered.
Thank you again for your interest in recreation facilities for the citzens of
Plymouth. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact
me at 550-5131.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank
Director of Parks and Recreation
EJB/np
cc: City Manager
Park Commission
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
r .r 8
O er Zane
CITY OF
November 26, 1991 PLYMOUTR
Edwin A. Sufka
1850 Ithaca Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mr. Sufka::
Thank you for your follow up letter to our phone conversation with regard to
the silos at the Parkers Lake Playfield. As we discussed, the current master
plan for the playfield site does call for the silos to remain as part of the
overall plan. However, the City Council has not awarded any contracts for
work to be done on improvements to the silos as of this writing. I anticipate
that we will begin soliciting bids on this work for Council review sometime
next April. In the meaintime, I have forwarded your letter to both the City
Council and the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, so they are aware of
your concerns with this issue.
As we discussed on the phone, it is my belief that the silos are an
historically significant structure in the community and worthy of our efforts
to retain them. The City Council is the body that eventually will have the
final say as to whether or not the silos are demolished or refurbished. This
decision will be made by the Council at the time that they have an actual cost
estimate for doing this work. I'm sure they will consider your input at that
time.
This is one of those issues on which people have diverse opinions. We realize
that, and hope that whatever decision is ultimately made, it will be based on
what the Council believes to be in the best interests of the total City.
Thank you for taking the time to write, and if you would like to discuss this
issue with me further, I can be reached at 550-5131.
Thank you and have a happy holiday!
Sinnccierely,
An^
Eric J. Blank
Director of Parks and Recreation
EJB /np
cc: City Manager
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
Eric Blank
Director Of Parks And Recreation
City Of Plymouth
City Center
3480 Plymouth Blvd.
Plvmnuth^ Minnesota 55447
November, 4. 1991
Re: Parker's Lake Mayfield
Dear Mr. Blank:
Edwin 8 Sufka
1850 Ithaca Lane
Plvmouth, Minnesota 55447
REFERRAL TO;
CITY MANAGM
QTYC4UNCIL
PUBLIC WORK railELIO
JR!M-lr mP[0TCR
ANNI|&JDNgVIOR
51kEPT8M
PARK%}IAIW|S'-i'O@
X!vY/K|0IOlY
ODif: H__`~~~-^~ 7,7
I was quite surmrised to see that the site Plan for the above
mroject shows that the old workhouse farm silos will be retained
as a permanent part of the p3ayfieJd" You indicated that this
was doe for the most oart to their historic siom1ficamcc,. I
could understand this arqument if the wonderful old barn was
still attached~
As they now stand, the silos present a very unpleasant eyesore.
and J cannot imanine a coat of paint chamgina this. Will their
existence serve anv useful purpose? Every red --blooded Plymouth
boy between the ages of seven and fifteen will probably assume
that they have been retained as a personal challenge to be
cl mbed and coo uere" 0ne can only imagine the number and size
of persona3 injury claims just waittno out there to be filed
a0ainst the City. The most likely use for this unsiuhtiv
structure will probably be the official location for Plymouth's
first araffiti board" I can see it mow: "Wayzata - Class of
93»^ Better keep lots of paint on hand"
I sincerely hope that the Department of Parks and Recreation will
review their decislon and determine that it is in the best
interests of the City and its residents that these silos be
demolished -
Very trulv yours.
Edwin A. Sufka "