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Home My WebLink AboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 12-10-1992Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission December 10, 1992, 7:00 p.m. F-ITOWI: 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. Approved purchase of wooded property County Road 9 & Fernbrook 5. Unfinished Business a. Park development projects update b. Focus groups and surveys - report from subcommittee, Tom Johnson, chair C. Amendment to park plan - playfield site selection update 6. New Business a. Review proposed 1993 capital projects - discussion b. Grand opening discussion - Bass Lake and Parkers Lake Playfields 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjournment a Next regular PRAC meeting - January 14 Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 12, 1992 Page 45 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Johnson, Wahl, Waage, Gutzke; staff Bisek, Blank, Busch and Pederson; Councilman Edson Absent: Commissioners Watson and Burk 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the November meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Gutzke and seconded by Commissioner Wahl to approve the minutes of the September meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Mary stated that staff is busy working on programs for January, February and March, which will be in the January issue of Plymouth News. If commissioners have any ideas for programs, Mary will need that information by November 23. Several programs are currently being conducted at the new Bass Lake playfield shelter building. Participants seem to be pleased that we are offering activities at this location. Special events to look forward to include Old Fashioned Christmas on Sunday, December 6, cosponsored by the Plymouth Historical Society, and the Fire and Ice Festival on Saturday, February 6, cosponsored by the Plymouth Civic League. As in past years, Mary asked the Commissioners for their assistance with the bonfire and s'mores during Fire and Ice. She stated that the theme being considered for the 1993 Fire and Ice Festival is country -western. Fire and Ice bandanas may be sold as a fundraiser. A country western deejay may be asked to MC, and line dancing on the ice during the time before the fireworks starts is being considered. A couple of new programs being researched for the summer of 1993 include a safety camp offered for 3rd and 4th graders and an art fair at Parkers Lake in September. The safety camp would be instructed by members of our police department and would cover things such as animal/pet safety, bicycle safety, etc. The art fair would feature local artists and would offer children an opportunity for hands-on art activities during the fair. PRAC Minutes/November 1992 Page 46 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. The Comprehensive Trail Plan amendment was approved by Council and forwarded to the Metro Council. New maps of the plan will be printed and available for public distribution once Metro Council approval is granted. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Volunteer coordinator report from subcommittee. A report prepared by the subcommittee was reviewed by PRAC and will be forwarded to the City Council. The report lists other municipalities/agencies that have volunteer coordinators, the possible pro's and con's, the savings that are possible, and the costsassociated with hiring a volunteer coordinator. Director Blank stated that at a recent Council meeting, he learned that $15,000 has been proposed in the 193 budget for such a position. Councilman Edson stated it was his general opinion that the Council is favorable toward the hiring of a volunteer coordinator. He further indicated it is the Council's desire that the Park Commission be the body to redefine the job description, although this individual may not necessarily report to the Park and Recreation Department. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAHL RECOMMENDING THAT THE COUNCIL REVIEW THE INFORMATION PREPARED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE PERTAINING TO THE HIRING OF A VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR. The motion carried with all ayes. b. Park development projects update. The three neighborhood parks have been satisfactorily completed and were officially "opened" with the grand opening celebration conducted at South Shore Park on October 3. The two new community playfields are being readied for winter by having their irrigation systems blown out. These two projects are basically complete, although a punch list is still being reviewed. The recreation staff is starting to work on grand opening plans for next spring. The trail along West Medicine Lake Drive being done by city crews is mostly complete. A feasibility study is being done by Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch for the trail along Ridgemount Avenue. If the City decides to proceed with building a trail on Ridgemount, there is a possibility that Minnetonka will get involved in the project. C. Focus groups and surveys report from subcommittee. Commissioner Johnson, chair of the subcommittee on focus groups and surveys, whose members also include Commissioners Burk, Anderson, Director Blank and Councilman Edson, stated that the committee had recently met with representatives from two firms that conduct surveys. One of the firms is from the University of PRAC Minutes/November 1992 Page 47 Minnesota, and the other is a private firm based in Edina. Both agencies recommended that a survey shouldn't be conducted by including a questionnaire in water bills or in the city newsletter. They indicated that the responses may not be scientifically quantifiable. If you conduct a survey supervised by a professional agency, you could expect to get back about 400 good responses. Following that process, focus groups, comprised of Plymouth residents, would form to discuss any needs that surfaced as a result of the survey, such as the need for a swimming pool, ice arena, golf course, etc. It was also stated by the two agency representatives that the next couple of months is not a good time to do a survey, because of the holidays. The subcommittee will meet again on Thursday, December 3, at 4 p.m., to begin working on a Request for Proposal to submit to the City Council. If the survey process is approved by the Council, the cost could be paid for with park dedication funds. It is estimated that a survey would cost approximately $10,000. d. Acquisition of Ess property at County Road 9 and Fernbrook Lane. The process to acquire this property began several months ago, stated Director Blank, when Larry Liles made a presentation to PRAC, requesting that they recommend the purchase of 24 acres of land located northeast of County Road 9 and Fernbrook Lane. At that time, the owner wanted $10,000 per acre. Because this is one of the last heavily wooded sites existing in Plymouth, it was the general consensus of PRAC that this land should be considered for acquisition, thus they recommended that the City negotiate with the owner for the purchase of the property. A city secured appraisal of the property set the value of the land at $206,000, and subsequent negotiations resulted in an agreed upon price of $198,000 spread over three years at 8% interest. Director Blank also stated that the nationally recognized Kids for Saving Earth," based in Plymouth, has indicated an interest in adopting this site as a project for their organization. They would be involved in the design, building and maintenance of the park, as well as maybe doing some fund raising for the park. Funding for this acquisition would come from park dedication funds. This project is currently shown in the approved 1992 capital improvements program at an estimated cost of $250,000. Councilman Edson asked if park dedication funds were adequate to buy property all at once, rather than spread it out over three years. Director Blank stated that the terms of the purchase agreement were a condition of the seller. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAHL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GUTZKE TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION OF THE ESS PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF FERNBROOK LANE AND COUNTY ROAD 9. The motion carried with all ayes. PRAC Minutes/November 1992 Page 48 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Adult usage of gym space. Rick Busch, Recreation Supervisor, has been tracking our use of gym space in both Districts 281 and 284. Over the past three years, we have lost 33% in adult usage of available gym space to youth basketball and youth soccer programs. It has always been the policy of the Wayzata School District that first priority for gym space goes to district sponsored programs for youth in grades K-12, followed by youth athletic associations, with Plymouth Park and Recreation sponsored programs for adults being considered 4th priority. According to Rick, we have lost most of our space in Wayzata schools. We are now down to one night a week at Wayzata East Junior High for adult volleyball. In Robbinsdale schools, the situation is better, because Robbinsdale Community Education permits us to assign the gym space. There we use Plymouth Middle School on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, and Armstrong High School on Wednesdays. However, Rick is often asked by youth basketball groups if they can have our space at Plymouth Middle School, despite the fact that they have unlimited use of elementary schools in both Plymouth and New Hope. Commissioner Waage asked if staff had looked into using Osseo schools. Both Mary and Rick stated they have talked to Osseo Community Education but have not had much satisfaction. Mary learned that space could be made available on a very limited basis, such as one classroom, but that rent would be charged. Gym space was almost out of the question. Commissioner Waage offered to speak to the director of Osseo Community Education to see if something could be arranged. When asked if private schools had been considered, Mary stated that they charge anywhere from 25 to $35 per hour per use. Another frustration is the fact that youth groups do not have to make efficient use of the space they are given. An example of this, as illustrated by Rick, is that youth basketball may have only 25-30 kids a night using the gym, playing only one game. When we schedule an adult league, we put 70-80 adults in that same gym, playing three or four games in the same amount of time. Director Blank stated that as a possible compromise, we are considering scheduling adult activities to immediately follow youth activities, with the adults then playing until 11 p.m., or perhaps trying to schedule some leagues on Saturdays and Sundays. Some of these scheduling difficulties may be alleviated in the Wayzata School District, because they may build a new junior or senior high school in the near future. However, the Osseo and Robbinsdale schools will not be adding any new facilities. PRAC Minutes/November 1992 Page 49 Commissioner Johnson suggested that some sort of adult lobbying group may need to form. He recommended that this issue be included in the resident survey. Councilman Edson stated that if Wayzata builds a new facility, we should negotiate with them for use of indoor space, in exchange for maintenance of their outdoor fields. Rick stated that demand for our outdoor facilities is also increasing. The New Hope/Plymouth Athletic Association has indicated a desire to use the four softball fields at Zachary Playfield on a Monday through Friday basis, beginning next summer, which would put an end to our adult softball league. Rick has decided to turn over to NHPAA the softball fields at Plymouth Creek instead, because this site is physically located in School District 281. Wayzata youth baseball has used these fields in the past, but they will be shifted over to the new Parkers Lake fields next summer. The opening of the Bass Lake site will also take some of the pressure off the demand for Zachary. Chair Anderson suggested that this issue be placed on the Commission's January agenda, because it warrants further discussion. Rick announced that the September, October and November employees of the month were softball umpires Dave Kresa, Mike Sankey and Ron Mielke. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Chair Anderson congratulated Director Blank on his selection as the recipient of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association's Distinguished Service Award. This award is the highest honor that the Association bestows on its members for long and outstanding service in the field of park and recreation. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Director Blank indicated that Julie Quarve-Peterson has been touring our park facilities to determine what things may need to be done in order to make them handicapped accessible. She is under contract to do this for all City buildings. On a volunteer basis, she has stated her willingness to help with the design of a handicapped accessible playground at Plymouth Creek Park. Commissioner Johnson suggested starting a "volunteer of the month" club, based on the impressive volunteerism apparent in Plymouth. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next meeting is December 10. PLYMOUTH PARK AND RECREATION SURVEY Goal To measure the current use and satisfaction of Plymouth residents with regard to park facilities and programs, and further, to determine citizen priorities for future facilities and program expansions. Decisions we want to make are: Should the City plan for the development of: o community pool o golf course o ice rink 0 other I. Current level of service o neighborhood parks o playfields o city parks o trails o park maintenance o park safety o recreation programs o public information o registration II. Future expansion needs o pool o golf course o ice rink o senior citizens o gymnasium o preschool o sports (baseball, softball, tennis, soccer) o horseshoes o sliding hills o theater o arts and crafts o special population o environmental issues - use of chemicals III. Cost to taxpayers o today o future IV. How important are parks and recreation to their quality of life? V. Set priority for future growth VI. Demographics information PROPOSED 9-02-92 PARKS CIP 1993-97 1993 Land acquisition - playfield 750,000 Plymouth Creek Park handicapped playground 110,000 Zachary parking lot 65,000 Trails 175,000 Neighborhood Park (?) 150,000 South Shore landscaping 7,500 1994 New playgrounds - Hemlock, Schmidt Lake, Mission and Timber Shores 150,000 West Medicine Lake City Park Phase I 750,000 Plymouth Creek Park tennis courts 350,000 Trails 75,000 Fishing dock East Beach 14,000 1995 Neighborhood park (?) 175,000 West Medicine Lake City Park Phase II 500,000 Trails 75,000 1996 Neighborhood park (?) 175,000 Trails 100,000 Playfield #10 350,000 1997 Neighborhood park (?) 175,000 Trails 100,000 SRF December 9, 1992 STRGAR-ROSCOE-FAUSCH, INC. CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PLANNERS TRANSPORTATION CIVIL STRUCTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAND SURVEYORS Mr. Fred Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works Mr. Eric Blank Director of Parks and Recreation CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 RE: PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT RIDGEMOUNT AVENUE PEDESTRIAN TRAIL PROJECT CITY PROJECT NO. 302 Dear Fred and Eric: SRF No. 0921748 Decati, of p909g2 As requested, we have prepared the following preliminary engineering report for the referenced project. Preparation of this study was ordered by the City Council on August 31, 1992. This letter serves as our feasibility report, conveys our recommendations related to design, and also identifies project costs. The City of Plymouth Park and Trail System Plan identifies the planned corridors of the different classes of trails city wide. The trail segments pro osed in this plan were proposed as Class 1 (trails separated from the existing roadways , or Class 2/3 (trails that are striped on roadways or use local roads). The trail discusse herein is proposed to be Class 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS Ridgemount Avenue is a two-lane major collector street mmmin east -west, connecting Vinewood Lane North on the west with Zachary Lane North(C.S A.H. 73), as shown in Figure 1. Residential properties abut Ridgemount Avenue on the south while two schools and residential properties are on the north. Ridgemount Avenue is also the boundary between the Cities of Plymouth and Minnetonka in this area. The study area of Ridgemount Avenue generally has a paved roadway width of approximately 32 feet which provides a 12 -foot lane in each directron plus a 4 -foot shoulder striped as a pedestnan/blke lane. The westerly 500 feet of the study area segment has been widened to provide a 40 -foot section consisting of a 12 - foot lane in each direction pJus an 8 -foot shoulder also striped as a pedestrian bike lane. Parking and passing along the study area segment of Ridgemount Avenue is generally not restricted. The posted speed limit through the Ridgemount Avenue study area is 25 mph. A speed study was not completed as part of this study; however, on roadways similar to Ridgemount Avenue the average speed is typically 32-33 mph and the 85th percentile speed 37-38 mph. The range in speeds can be from 20 mph to over 50 mph. Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55447 612/475-0010 FAX 612/475-2429 Mr. Eric Blank Mr. Fred Moore, P.E. Page 2 December 9, 1992 School zone speed limits have not been established on Ridgemount Avenue in the vicinity of the elementary and junior high schools. There are, however, marked and signed school crossings at Teakwood Lane and Milbert Road, which are facilitated by student crossing guards before and after school. There is also a 3 -way stop at the intersection of Milbert Road. A review of the vertical and horizontal alignment of Ridgemount Avenue indicates that two crest vertical curves restrict sight distance to less than the recommended minimum safe stopping sight distance, according to MN/DOT State -Aid criteria for 30 mph. These crests occur at locations about 650 feet east of Pineview Lane and 300 feet west of Forestview Lane. Horizontal curves along the study segment are within acceptable standards for safe stopping sight distances. Residents in the vicinity of the project haveetitioned the City for trail improvements. Pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the schools has been the chief concern raised by the residents. Icy conditions in the existing bike lanes and poor visibility near the crest vertical curves have also been identified as problems by the residents. TRAFFIC DATA Based on 1991 counts by the City of Minnetonka, Average Daily Traffic volumes on the study area segment of Ridgemount Avenue range from 1,000 vehicles per day on the west end, to 1,600 vehicles per day on the east end of the segment. The typical range in A.D.T. volumes for a ma or collector street is from 1,000 to 15,000 vehicles per day. Based on this range, Ridgemount Avenue functions on the lower end of the major collector street range. Since the study area is primarily a mature residential neighborhood, traffic volumes have not grown significantly for many years and should not be expected to grow significantly in the future. The highest average hourly volume of 160 vehicles occurs on Ridgemount Avenue near County Road 73/Zachary Lane between 5:00 and 6:00 P.M. This volume results in an average gap between vehicles of 22.5 seconds. Assuming a 3 -foot -per -second walking speed, it takes about 11 seconds to cross Ridgemount Avenue. Statistically, an estimated 98 acceptable safe crossing opportunities of 11 seconds or more would occur in the traffic stream on Ridgemount Avenue during the highest volume hour. Pedestrian/bicycle counts were not completed as part of this study due to the present seasonal conditions and their effect on pedestrian and bicycle activity. However, based on discussions with city staff and school faculty members, and our knowledge and observation of the study area, it is estimated that at any one location on Ridgemount Avenue, the highest pedestrian/bicycle crossing demand in any one hour is 30 to 40 persons. Based on the estimates of crossing demand and acceptable safe crossing opportunities, it appears that there is not a significant pedestrian/bicycle crossing problem on Ridgemount Avenue through the study area. Mr. Eric Blank Mr. Fred Moore, P.E. Page 3 December 9, 1992 The volume of pedestrians and bicycles walking or riding along Ridgemount Avenue is also unknown. However, based on the available information, it is estimated that the highest pedestrian/bicycle volume, walking or riding along Ridgemount Avenue at any one location, would be similar to the estimated crossing demand of 30 to 40 persons per hour. A review of traffic accident data since 1987, obtained from the cities of Plymouth and Minnetonka, as well as Mn/DOT, indicates that one bicycle accident occurred on the study area segment of Ridgemount Avenue near 12000 Ridgemount Avenue in 1988. Specific details of the accident were not available, but since this accident was reported only to the City of Plymouth and not Mn/DOT, it can be assumed it did not involve a serious injury. A further review of the accident data also indicates that very few reported accidents of any type have occurred on the study area segment of Ridgemount Avenue. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Based on vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes alone, there does not appear to be a strong justification to construct a separated trail or walk along Ridgemount Avenue at this time. Generally accepted guidelines used to justify separated walkways are estimated to be 2,000 vehicles per day or 200 vehicles per hour with 50 pedestrian/bicyclists per hour. The observed volumes on Ridgemount Avenue are close to those criteria, and given the function of the roadway and the existence of the two schools, the road is an appropriate corridor for a separated trail or walk. However, as a Municipal State -Aid route in both Cities, it may be appropriate to wait to construct the trail when the roadway is upgraded. If the trail or walk is not constructed at this time, minor measures could be taken to improve conditions somewhat. The roadway on Ridgemount Avenue presently provides adequate width to accommodate the vehicular and pedestrian/bicycle traffic. However, when vehicles park along the roadway, the pedestrian/bikeway is blocked creating a problem. Parking restrictions could be unposed to minimize this problem. Also, school zone speeds of 15 mph could be established along Ridgemount Avenue adjacent to the schools to improve safety. However, these measures would not alleviate all of the residents' concerns. If it is determined that a separate trail or walk should be constructed at this time, it is recommended an 8 foot bituminous walk be constructed along the entire 1.3 mile project length. Figure 2 illustrates the typical sections recommended for the construction of a trail. Whenever possible, it is recommended the trail be separated from the existing road by a grass boulevard. In areas of steep slopes or mature trees, the trail could be constructed adjacent to the curb or retaining walls could be constructed at a higher cost. Ideally, the walk should be continuous along one side of the street. However, on the south side west of Forestview Lane, there are areas of mature trees, steep slopes and a wetland adjacent to the roadway. On the north side east of Forestview Lane, an existing wetland would make construction of a walk difficult. Mr. Eric Blank Mr. Fred Moore, P.E. Page 4 December 9, 1992 Based on the above factors, it is recommended that the walk be located on the north side of Ridgemount Avenue west of Forestview Lane and on the south side east of Forestview Lane, as shown in Figures 3 to 6. Constructing the walk entirely on one side of the street would increase costs significantly. The estimated cost of the bituminous walk as recommended is approximately $170,000. This cost includes construction costs along with costs for design, inspection, administration and contingency. A detailed estimate of costs is attached. We would be pleased to meet with the City staff, City Council, and other interested parties to review this report. If you have any questions, please let us know. Sincerely, STRGAR-ROSCOE-FAUSCH, INC. A es R. Dvorak, P.E. ssocciia-t-e 7Q Andrew G. Roe, P.E. Senior Engineer JRD:AGR:mdg Attachment cc: David Sonnenberg, City of Minnetonka 11 _ „ 'e oy e / AVE. zein 11 i ' (1V \ pzafm' t avE u ]of 20rn AVE. xa 3Rrn FL. F N. i i nJ H. q " T i $Bin aVE 1{aC` n 21in i VE. x'VWW ap 2rth PF. 2Jfn AVE. '> nAVE4` yS: - i 2iini - i6rn 'y u AVE. - N.Y E Medicine a z -.n AVE. AEx NEO LA. 'o t6in °QREDCRR, u 25th AVE. N. v pVE. x. S A LA. u z SS S e'AfM1 VF, N. i r 251 R OARS LA. NfM1a pVE.i X, d u AVE. AB. BN lON LA. (L Eli F, a AVF.x. a J 61 ° a • ' ' Lake wE u INWS Ifl1Al PoIflRELVO. PpgA 1 IAlsr OR VE } Vf MEDICINE AVE \LA%EmWATERiONFACIP. (lam IVES LA. J Ell AVE V mm AVE 1980 POP. 419 lira xer Iitn AVE. I6tn AVE. N ¢3i b m P,10. \ Iv PL OR' a 01 gIsm AVE w c ~° W s gN a" Nix spe r'S AVE. N.74 194 / SJn dVE p ` qCN LA.y N. LL W a e -JrO A E ISiM1 i q Sp - YYYLOLdIILL LID. N. AVE. x.0 7. ! pHddcn Y 1]IngNom. 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APEf m ORLNAPO AVE BLVD. f 6 ¢ s 4' of WOW Siaryf 4C i(.LO't' .n 9 BhT 0.4 Eq" u Ep E(N 4JygR a(a. SeOLVEi N ORIEL RED 111[LV 'SpMEADOW LA. GflEENOPIAR POS mf_ r STS STRGAR-ROSCOE-FAUSCI- INC. CITY OF PLYMOUTH FIGURE 1 1RL' carrsuLm GINGEl is Blsrymolol GWR • Smex.l t Eovhomahl • Ell Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North RIDGEMOUNT AVE. TRAIL PROJECTLOCATION Minneapolis, MN 55447 612) 475-0010 CITY PROJECT NO. 302 SRF NO. 0921748 R/W Existing Road I Blvd. 91tuT nius Width Varies) 8' TYPICAL SECTION m Bituminous Existing Road Trail 10, TYPICAL SECTION TRAIL ADJACENT TO EXISTING ROADWAY T,91 ini Existing Road I Blvd. I BitTrail I Rewallng 10, SL STRGAR-ROSCO&FAUSCH,INC lRI' CONSUL. GF CUNF£HS Tmgvblbe GN 5lutlml e.v6c l P+dtles Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North Minneapolis, MN 55447 612) 475-0010 TYPICAL SECTION TRAIL WITH RETAINING WALL CITY OF PLYMOUTH RIDGEMOUNT AVE. TRAIL CITY PROJECT NO. 302 FIGURE 2 TYPICAL SECTIONS SRF NO. 0921748 Z10 Q 0 4-1 Q Z x 9 9.3 fo 0 13221 SUNSET HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5 a O WO 0 a RI6 GEMOUNT AVENUE x 1000 -3 rl"LWMINE O 13111 OA — PAVEMENT STRIPING FOR CROSSWALK PROPOSED TRAIL 0 SUNSET HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL' a 0 o Z 1003.1 x V a 1s WTIDGEUNT AVENUE •984.4, wZZ J J V 7 99p H a WETLAND AREA 980 8 20 Y2809 Q 25 13005 SRFSTRGAR-ROSCOE-FAUSCH, INC. CITY OF PLYMOUTH FIGURE 3 CONSULTMGENGINF585 v,.p.num cwu sa.nw Enammmm eam„ PROPOSED TRAIL Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North RIDGEMOUNT AVENUE TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Minneapolis, MN 55447 612) 475-0010 CITY PROJECT NO. 302 SRF NO. 0921748 I 124-40 12530 12520 12500 12630 12620 ww Ilk 0 # . , r r. A) — PAVEMENT STRIPING FOR CROSSWALK PROPOSED TRAIL I INMIUM519, n WAYZA TA12420 U c W Z J U 1 EAST HIGH SD STRGAR-ROSCOE,FAUSCH, INC C1TY OF PLYMOUTH1RI' CONSOLTENGENGMaULS 0C 0sem, m&s Wm RIDGEMOUNTAVENUETRAIL PROPOSED TRAIL Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North IMPROVEMENTS Minneapolis, MN 55447 612) 475-0010 CITY PROJECT NO. 302 SRF NO. 0921748 WA STJR, HIGH O TENNIS COURTS W 0 m m P.1 f 935.1 x RIDG MOU T AV NUE W. 923. x 928.4 x O 71 Q 6 0 z ,. Q98IIO / I x 920.8 m 11 12109 12103 a: 72017 12013 120091 4 ST. MARY'S CHURCH OA — PAVEMENT STRIPING FOR CROSSWALK PROPOSED TRAIL 1( 111 O l__J 17700 11616 11670 11710 l— W I I W W x 93o Z L+ .L,,G1 W O 1 I I/ I U» U- I( j }J ( IL ( I I I SS IL fL J 922.4 IDGEMO NT AVEN E W. x 917.1 x 9161 U_, ,,;,,,, , ,,,_ v WE 918.2 I ( IO 11917 11911 1 0 I I O 11x9 I 1181j 09 11817 Ul 11601 S7) t,+ STRGAR-ROSCOE-FAUSCH, INC. CITY OF PLYMOUTH FIGURE 5 1R1 roNSUMNGENGINEM TM r se r u tee Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North RIDGEMOUNT AVENUE TRAIL PROPOSED TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Minneapolis, MN 55447 612) 475-0010 CITY PROJECT NO. 302 SRF NO. 0921748 11800 11510 0O W - 11420 -- WETLAND AREA U. w l 912.8 x W 912.1WQ W Z_ Z x 916.6 x 917,2 x 917,4 R DGEMOUN AVENUE W. wasp tlkn O sz92 o M\ V Q x IQ 1 Q p 914.2 I 11609 Q 1 " Q I I 11509 I Y 11409 I I 16011 I 1 \\ , 11401 x N LU OA — PAVEMENT STRIPING FOR CROSSWALK cu J ilk —PROPOSED TRAIL I I4) to 11220 11202 z m' Q i {F II x J 245.1 Q Q i RI GE O NT A ENUE W. 944.7 x 943.24 Q E.: VI 94i'ia 11317 11301 11217 11209 11201 C SRFSTRGAR•ROSCO&FAUSCH, INC CITY OF PLYMOUTH FIGURE 6 CONSN.TINGENGINkiRS w• a s s • gym• s Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North RIDGEMOUNT AVENUE TRAIL PROPOSED TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Minneapolis, MN 55447 612) 475-0010 CITY PROJECT NO. 302 SRF NO. 0921748 RIDGEMOUNTAVE. PEDESTRIAN TRAIL PROJECT PLYMOUTH CITY PROJECT NO. 302 STRGAR-ROSCOE-FAUSCH, INC. DATE: 12-492 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF CONSTRUCTION COST FILE: RIDGEAVE.WQ1 UNIT ESTIMATED TOTAL NOTES REM NO. ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE QUANTITY AMOUNT 2101.511 CLEARING AND GRUBBING LUMP SUM 2500.00 1 2500.00 2104.501 REMOVE CURB AND GUTTER UN. FT. 5.00 40 200.00 2104.501 REMOVE BITUMINOUS CURB LIN. FT. 1.50 200 300.00 2104.505 REMOVE BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT SO. YD. 5.00 15 75.00 2104.521 SALVAGE WOOD RAIL FENCE LIN. FT. 8.00 220 1760.00 2104.523 SALVAGE SIGN PANEL - TYPE C EACH 30.00 20 600.00 2501.501 COMMON EXCAVATION (EV) CU. YD. 10.00 1400 14000.00 2501.515 15' R.C. PIPE SEWER UN. FT. 40.00 45 1800.00 2105.521 GRANULAR BORROW CU. YD. 6.00 200 1200.00 0411.603 MODULAR BLOCK RETAINING WALL SQ. FT. 12.00 800 9600.00 0504.601 REPAIR IRRIGATION SYSTEMS EACH 600.00 10 6000.00 2506.509 CONSTRUCT DRAINAGE STRUCTURE EACH 900.00 4 3600.00 2521.601 BIT. TRAIL (2-1/2' WEAR. W/ AGGR. BASE) SO. YD. 9.00 7500 67500.00 0531.602 PEDESTRIAN CURB RAMP EACH 200.00 10 2000.00 2535.501 BITUMINOUS CURB LIN. FT. 6.00 110 660.00 0557.603 INSTALL WOOD RAIL FENCE UN. FT. 8.00 220 1760.00 0557.603 F & I SPLIT -RAIL FENCE LIN. FT. 20.00 200 4000.00 2564.531 F & I SIGN PANEL -TYPE C SQ. FT. 25.00 62 1550.00 0564.602 INSTALL SIGN PANEL -TYPE C EACH 40.00 20 800.00 0564.603 4' SOLID WHITE LINE- PAINT LIN. FT. 2.00 425 850.00 2573.502 SILT FENCE HEAVY DUTY UN. FT. 3.00 500 1500.00 2575.505 SODDING W/ 4' TOPSOIL SQ. YD. 3.00 3200 9600.00 2575.532 COMM. FERTILIZER ANAL. 12-12-12 POUND 0.50 135 67.50 SUBTOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST 131,922,50 ENGINEERING, INSPECTION, ADMINISTRATION CAPTTILIZED INTEREST AND CONTINGENCIES 26.8% 35,355.23 TOTAL PROJECT COST 167,277.73 LEASING AIR RIGHTS. AN ALTERNATIVE FOR FUNDING PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES In today's cli- mate of limited funding formunici- pal governments, there is a consistent effort to find alter- native methods of financing for capi- tal projects. One of these methods was just successfully completed by the Oakbrook Terrace Park District in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. This method involved leasing public air rights for private development, and receiving public improvements in return for a 99 -year lease. by Mario Parente Director of Parks and Recreation Oakbrook Terrace Park District History The Oakbrook Terrace Park Dis- trict is about 40 minutes west of Chicago on the eastern boundary of DuPage County. It serves a population of ap- proximately 10,000 people and operates 26.6 acres of park land. The park district has a tax rate of $.39 and an overall budget of $820,000. The park district is located in one of the fastest growing commercial development areas in DuPage County. The main thrust of this development has been in the area of office and hotel space. About 75 percent of the park district's tax base is gener- ated from the corporate sector. In this highly developed area, the park district operated a 14 -acre park; this land was origi- nally leased from the City of Oakbrook Ter- race in 1974 for recreational purposes. The park included two lighted tennis courts, alighted baseball dia- mond, a maintenance facility, a one -acre fishing pond, and a two -acre retention area consisting of a peat bog, and a land- fill. The Problem The park district had always wished to remove the landfill from this area in order to create additional recreational space and a more maintainable retention area. Because of the park district's limited size and budget, issuing general obligation bonds and/or revenue bonds was out of the question. The removal of the landfill was estimated to cost $300,000 alone. The park district had always realized that the space was prime commercial devel- opment area. The question the park district had to answer was "Could a park district, who was entrusted with the responsibil- ity for both open space and recreational facilities for the public, lease air over public land?" The Solution The park district believed that leas- ing air rights was a legitimate solution to their problem, but where to start? Cont'd on Pg. 8, Col.1 FALL 1992, VOL. 16, No. 3 Air Space- coned from Pg. f, Col. o First, the park district began to ag- gressively seek out developers who might be interested in the area. The premise was simple; if the park district could maintain control of all facilities on the ground level, it would lease all the air space above its head in the area. The final proposal was for an eight - story office complex with the ground level being owned and operated by the park district. The ground -level facilities would include a Fitness Center consist- ing of five racquetball courts, a 70'x 60' gym area, a 13 -station cardiovascular weight training center, locker rooms, shower facilities, and a lounge area. This development alone would be about 15,300 square feet. Along with the new facility would come public park improve- ments that would include adding a picnic shelter, the moving and upgrading of the existing baseball diamond, a sled hill, removal of the existing peat bog, creat- ing athree-acre lake with lighted fountain, a 40' x 28' floating stage and amphithe- ater with seating for special events and concerts, and ajogging path around the lake. Is it Legal? The next step was to establish what a 99 -year air rights lease was worth for a nine -story office building. To arrive at this number, the City of Oakbrook Ter- race, the park district, and the developer each retained their own appraiser. The appraisers were given the potential use of the site and the amount of square footage. If all three appraisals were within five percent of each other, then the appraisals would be added together and divided by three to come up with the actual cost that the developer would have to pay for the 99 -year lease. The final outcome showed that the air space was worth $1,268,333 (Please note that these are 1985 dollars). Once we completed the appraisal process, we had to finalize all the draw- ings and sign a working agreement. The agreement would be known as the "Tri - MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Party Agreement," and it set some of the basic rules for a final lease. After the agreement was written, the park district had to answer two ques- tions: One, was this document and project legal? Two, what if the developer could not find financing immediately, and the cost of constructing the park improve- ments escalated? Would the park district have to accept less development? The park district's legal firm came up with the following solutions. First, it seemed that because of the amount of monies involved for the park district and the developer, it would be in everyone's best interest to submit the Tri -Party Agreement to the courts for a declaratory judgment. The courts would be given all the facts of the case, and knowing that all three parties were in general agreement, would determine if the president of the park board could legally sign such a document. The sec- ond question was resolved by putting an escalator clause into the agreement. This clause, which would be" known as the Consumer Price Index Clause, states that after the Illinois District Courts had up- held the legality of the document, the developer would have one year to either start construction or show proper financ- ingforthe project. If neitherconstruction nor financing were evident, then the Consumer Price Index would be multi- plied monthly to the amount of 1,268,333 for a period not to exceed twoyears. After this period of time, if the developer had not started construction or arranged for financing, then both the city and the park district could withdraw from the agreement. On February 7,1985, the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courtof DuPage County found in favor of the park district, al low- ing us to sign the document. Finally the writing of the 99 -year lease took place. This document, num- bering some 45 pages, covered areas of defaults, easements, rights of ways for construction, lien provisions, and insur- ances. These were all items that had to be considered in the lease. Celebrates On June 2 f 1992, ten years of planning, nego n, and construction culminated ' a three- Grand Open- ing Cel ration. To date, e Fitness Cent (opened for business on cem- 4ef 19, 1991) has already received 00 November 11, 1992 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Road Plymouth, MN 55447 Attn: Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation Re: Plymouth Playfields Dear Eric: 46hin qbee Congratulations, we have won a 1992 Award for the Plymouth Playfields project. This award is sponsored by the Minnesota Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Please set the evening of January 29, 1993 aside for yourself and a guest so that you can attend the Awards of Excellence banquet as our quest. More detailed information will follow. As a winner we are eligible to enter the National Awards of Excellence competition. Winners will attend the National convention in Las Vegas, Nevada in March, 1993. I want to personally thank you for your cooperation during this process and look forward to your continued support. Sincerely, r Keith I McDonald Vice President KIM/sam nMobcc Builder,, Inc. 273 N. Medinu &=L P.O. box 6 Loretto, MN 55357 (612) 479-7300 General Contractor 4 Construction Moungemcnt 4 Des n/Build Fern and Al Dorich 5325 Orleans Lane, #8 Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dorich: Mayor Bergman has asked me to respond to your letter dated October 23 regarding trails and sidewalks in the Cardinal Ridge area. As you may recall, I wrote to you about this subject on September 6, 1990. Although we have not completed all the areas that you illustrated on your map, we have most recently finished trails on 51st Avenue, Nathan Lane and Schmidt Lake Road. As I indicated in my earlier letter to you, we intend to also construct trails that will lead to the north toward Super America, and out to the west through the park area, into the residential area near Zachary Lane. As with most matters, funding is a concern. Both sidewalks and trails are costly ventures, and need to be allocated on a priority basis throughout the City's 36 square miles. You may not be aware that at this time, there are no plans for Larch Lane to cross the railroad tracks. We do, however, anticipate a pedestrian crossing of the tracks from the park area approximately 500 feet west of Larch Lane. The other area that you've shown on 45th Avenue, in the approximate location of the new post office, is one which we will have to evaluate further for consideration of sidewalk. As this largely undeveloped area fills in with commercial or retail businesses, it's quite possible that sidewalks will be necessary. I thank you for your continued interest in this matter and your willingness to write and let the Council and staff know of your concerns. I have forwarded a copy of your letter to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. If I can be of any further help to you on this matter, please call me at 550-5131. Sincerely, Eric J. Blank Director of Parks and Recreation EJB/np cc: Mayor and Council Park Commission 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 1992 ATHLETIC FACILITY RENTALS revised 11/10/92 Zachary Softball Tournaments 4/25 & 26 Trygs 5/16 & 17 Honeywell I 5/22-27 Girls High School Region 6AA 6/13 Honeywell Employees 7/11 & 12 Honeywell II 7/25 & 26 Target 9/4-7 MRPA/USSSA Men's Class C Divisional Other Softball Rentals 7/10 QVC (Plymouth Creek) 8/6 Burgess Industries (Plymouth Creek) 8/22 John Sands (Plymouth Creek) Baseball Tournament 6/26-28 Plymouth/Wayzata Assoc. (Plymouth Creek) Soccer Rentals 6/15-19 6/26-28 Miscellaneous 6/14 10/31 West Suburban Soccer Camp Plymouth/Wayzata Soccer Club TCRC Car Club (Plymouth Creek) Boy Scout Troop 477 (Plym Creek Bldg) 960.00 600.00 470.00 300.00 600.00 600.00 1.000.00 4.530.00 102.00 56.00 30.00 L88. 00 L20. 00 200.00 3.260.00 3.460.00 70.00 100.00 L70. 00 TOTAL RENTALS $$.568.00 December 9, 1992 Eric Blank Director Park & Recreation Plymouth Park & Rec 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Eric: The State Outdoor Recreation Public Advisory Committee (ORPAC) is currently in the beginning stages of developing the 1995-99 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan SCORP). At their meeting on November 12, the ORPAC developed a comprehensive list of 11 issues currently facing public leisure service providers in the State of Minnesota. In early January, ORPAC will be reducing this list to five to seven priority issues to be addressed in the forthcoming SCORP document. The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is an important long-range planning tool since it has a major impact on legislative issues affecting leisure services and provides a framework for ranking grant proposals under the local outdoor recreation grants program. As your MRPA representative on the advisory committee I think it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to comment in the beginning stages of the forthcoming SCORP document. It would be greatly appreciated if you would review the enclosed material with your board and staff and report their combined comments, via the Discussion Worksheet, by January 1 st to Brad Moore, Office of Planning, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN 55155-4010. Thanks for your participation and have a joyous holiday season. Cordially, Pun VM John VonDeLinde Minnesota Recreation and Park Association • 5005 West 36th Street • St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2661 Phone: 612/920-6906 Fax: 612/920-6766 800/862-3659 DNR Office of Planning Attachment A November 1992 Outdoor Recreation Public Advisory Committee (ORPAC): Issue Discussion Results not in order of priority) A. Environmental Ethics/Values & Loss of Outdoor Skills Many members of the public lack knowledge about the environment, how natural processes work, or do not possess skills necessary to enjoy outdoor recreational facilities and places. In many cases, this lack of knowledge translates into unacceptable values and activities which may lead to environmental degradation or deterioration of recreational facilities through improper use, abuse, or neglect. Urban and suburban residents in particular need natural places to recreate so they may have opportunities to connect with the natural environment. Al Outdoor Recreation Programming & Visitor Services (issue #4. from the 1990-1994 SCORP) In our increasingly urban society, many Minnesotans are becoming further removed from their natural, ecological surroundings. Consequently, many lack even basic understanding of environmental concepts, outdoor and life skills, or the ethical behavior and values associated with natural resource conservation.... Building public awareness of resource issues is critical to the protection of Minnesota s natural and cultural heritage.... B. Access (Barriers to Recreation) Residents and visitors are experiencing a variety of access barriers to recreational facilities and activities. Access barriers may take the form of facilities which are not accessible to the disabled; in other cases the primary barrier to access may be a lack of means to travel to the recreational site e.g., no access to a car or no public transportation to the recreation site.) Access may also mean no place to pursue a particular form of recreational activity. For example, users of Off -Road Vehicles (ORVs) are finding it increasingly difficult to use their machines near the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs. Hunters as well have found fewer opportunities near the metropolitan area to pursue their sports. Residential and commercial development, for example, has decreased the availability of fewer places to pursue these types of recreational activities. Finally, an access barrier may be cultural or linguistic. New immigrants and citizens with different languages or cultures may not fully understand the availability of recreational opportunities. As the diversity of Minnesota's population grows, the types of recreational opportunities sought also grows. ORPAC DRAFT Issues 11/12/92 Meeting Page 2 C. Infrastructure Maintenance & Rehabilitation Across Minnesota recreational facilities are deteriorating or need rehabilitation. Many of these facilities were build in the 1960s and 1970s; some even were built in the 1930s. Heavy recreational use over many years have caused many of these facilities to deteriorate. While public officials have continued to fund development of new facilities, often maintenance of existing facilities has received less attention. The need for additional maintenance and rehabilitation touches on all types of facilities from the primitive to the urban. The need also extends across facilities managed by federal, state, local, and private organizations. Because funding is a critical issue for all types of public programa in the 1990s, there may be a need to determine whether maintenance and rehabilitation or new development should receive a higher funding priority. C1. Maintenance and Operation of Existing Outdoor Recreation Facilities (issue #5 from the 1990-1994 SCORP) Minnesotans have made substantial investments over the past 25 years in developing one of the finest outdoor recreation systems in the nation. Unfortunately, many state and local outdoor recreation facilities are rapidly deteriorating due to their age, increased use and vandalism. In recent years, funding for facility repair and preventative maintenance has been insufficient to reverse this disturbing trend. Maintenance and operations funding for units of the state's outdoor recreation system has remained relatively constant during the 1980s, despite the eroding effects of inflation, salary increases, cuts in base -level funding, increased operating expenses, and costs resulting from growing visitor use and new facility construction. As a result, visitor safety and satisfaction are being jeopardized, and public services have been reduced.... D. Loss of Open Space & Associated Opportunities. Across Minnesota open space suitable for outdoor recreation is being lost. Commercial, industrial, and residential uses, for example, are reducing the availability of natural environments suitable for outdoor recreation. In other cases outdoor recreation opportunities are lost for other reasons. For example, abandoned railroad grades present ideal sites for trails, yet some never become trails due to lack of coordination among public agencies or funding. In southern Minnesota as well, public lands to pursue a variety of outdoor recreational activities from hunting, trail -riding to bird -watching are scarce. Across the state, there is need to purchase properties for recreational activities or secure easements with private or non-profit landowners to gain recreational access or open space preservation. In some rural areas which are rapidly developing there is a need to secure natural lands so that these areas retain their character and natural amenities which made them desirable to new residents. The loss of open space is interlinked with the decline of the land and water base supporting outdoor recreation. Pollution, improper land use controls, water contamination, compacted soils, diseases (oak wilt) and exotic species ORPAC DRAFT Issues 11/12/92 Meeting Page 3 negatively affect the natural environments supporting outdoor recreation. The natural resource base and its needs must be assessed to determine how to protect it and thus sustain outdoor recreation opportunities. E. Coordination & Connections Many facets of Minnesota's outdoor recreation system need to be more effectively coordinated or connected. Several examples are listed below: 1) Outdoor recreation can be connected with environmental education. Parks can be educational places as well as recreational sites. Outdoor recreation can serve as the medium through which youth and adults alike can connect to the land and learn how to use and conserve the natural environment. 2) There are opportunities for more linkages among recreational facilities. Trails can connect parks while serving as transportation corridors (some of them lengthy). Parks can serve both recreational and educational needs. Natural areas can serve as a means to preserve open space, unique environments while providing educational and recreational opportunities to connect these areas. 3) There are opportunities for linkages among providers and participants. Participation by participants builds in a personal investment into the recreational system. Coordination and partnerships among private and public providers can result in better recreational facilities, enhanced service delivery to users, and saves financial resources as well. These efforts may include shared funding, leases, or contracting for services. There is a need to bring institutional systems up-to-date with technological systems (GIS). 4) There are opportunities to better coordinate fragmented funding efforts. For example, funding comes from federal, state, local, and special district (e.g, IRRRB) sources without planning for how these activities link with one another. F. Roles & Responsibilities The role of public and private providers should be examined to determine the roles each provider should play. Overlapping jurisdictions should be reduced e.., wetlands regulation). We need to work within the current bureaucracy rather than build a new one. There is confusion among the providers and legislators on the proper roles of providers and founders -- SCORP could provide a framework for this role. There is also a need to work on data gathering and analysis for the state's outdoor recreation system. We need a means to look at the social changes taking place in Minnesota. Who do providers seek out for this data and to assess the data implications for recreation facility development and maintenance? For example, should grants be administered through DTED versus the implementing agencies DNR/MNDOT? Perhaps grants should not come through the those implementing agencies. ORPAC DRAFT Issues 11/12/92 Meeting Page 4 G. Showing the Beneficial Social and Economic Impacts of Recreation There is a need to more effectively demonstrate the positive economic and social impacts of outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation tourism benefits many local economies in Minnesota; many social and health benefits stem from outdoor recreational activities as well. H. Inadequate Funding There is insufficient funding to finance recreation -related facilities and areas in the state. Political considerations complicate this issue—certain projects are funded for political consideration regardless of whether those projects truly reflect the state's recreation priorities. As a result, there are fewer funds for other priority recreation projects. L Program Review & Analysis There is a need to review and analyze why some recreation programs are effective (e.g., snow -mobile grant-in-aid system) so that the strengths of these programs can be used in other recreational programs. We ought to find the best outdoor recreation practices and use them across the outdoor recreation spectrum. J. Liability and Litigation Provider liability has been an ongoing outdoor recreation concern. Liability and litigation concerns have impeded facility development, caused other facilities to close, and has diverted dollars from recreational activities to legal battles. An outdoor recreation risk management program needs to be developed to address these liability and litigation concerns. K. Emerging Outdoor Recreation Issues As Minnesota's population changes, there are new recreation activities being developed ana new types of associates issues which must be addressed. For example, many adults do not have a normal daily work schedule; as a consequence, there is a need to provide recreational opportunities during non-traonal hours. There are new or rapidly growing recreational activities which create a need for facilities including in-line skating, jet skies, and soccer to name a few. Recreation providers must address the needs of these new recreators while balancing the needs for emsting recreational activities. axrp.lila DNR Office of Planning ATTACEM ENT A November 1992 Outdoor Recreation Public Advisory Committee (OR.PAC) Issue Discussion Worksheet Backeround Please review the attached list of 11 issues generated at the recent November 12, 1992 ORPAC meeting. (We encourage you to share copies of the issue discussion results and issue worksheets with your constituent groups as well.) Since only 5-7 major issues will serve as the basis for the 1995-1999 SCORP, carefully review the issues and consider the following questions: 1. Are there changes you would like to see in any of the 11 issues we have developed? If anything is missing, please list your additions below, on the back side of this attachment, or on an attached sheet, or in the margins by each issue. (Do not be concerned with editing the issue statements at this point, we are primarily concerned with ensuring that all pertinent information is included in the issue statements.) 2. Are there issues which should be added to our list? Use the back side of this attachment or add additional sheets. - -- PLEASE RETURN OR FAX [(612) 296-60471 YOUR COMMENTS AND NEW ISSUES BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993 TO. Brad Moore, Office of Plan Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, Minnesota 55155-4010 DNR Office of Planning November 1992 1995.1999 SCORP ISSUES IDENTIFICATION PROCESS STEP ONE Goal: To identify the t?p four to six key issues which affectOutdoorRecreationinMinnesota. Outdoor Recreation & Minnesota's Quality of Life: Outdoor recreation is integral to the quality of life in Minnesota. People live and recreate in Minnesota in part because of the state's vast natural environments and associated opportunities to pursue outdoor sports and leisure activities. Minnesota hosts a variety of outdoor recreation activities ranging from wilderness canoeing and hunting to city softball leagues, volleyball, and urban bicycling. Birdwatchers, children with fishing poles, picnickers, and families visiting state, regional, or local parks all enjoy elements of Minnesota's outdoor recreation system. These activities support a recreation tourism industry which significantly benefits the economy.. The quality of life for virtually every Minnesotan is enhanced in some manner by outdoor recreation activities. Consider the statement above. What key statewide issues affect Minnesota's h. h quality outdoor recreation? The issue (or problem) should meet the following three criteria: A. Is it so serious that it would be irresponsible not.to address it? B. Can it be analyzed and examined (e.g., can we determine the trends related to the problem; can we research it)? C. Can the issue be addressed at the state or local level? DNR Office of Planning ATTACE M 2U B November 1992 Clarification of the 1995.1999 SCORP Planning Process There was discussion at the first ORPAC meeting about the need to clarify the planning process used to develop the 1995-1999 SCORP as well as the plan's audience. Listed below is information which should help clarify these questions. The planning process we are using is outlined in the State of Minnesota/National Park Service Planning Agreement which you received at the November meeting. It is an issues -based strategic planning process with one addition -- it will incorporate vision statements. Once ORPAC and the DNR/DTED planning team choose and analyze which issues the plan will address, we will develop vision statements for those issues. In this respect, the plan will be forward -looking --the goals/strategies, and project selection priorities will flow from these vision statements to address the identified priority issues. For example, if the issue is lack of coordination among recreation providers, a vision statement discussing a system where recreation providers coordinate activities would be developed. The goals/strategies and project selection criteria serve as the means to move forward from the issue problem to the desired vision. A project selection criterion to address a coordination issue may be demonstration of a pubhc/private partnership as part of the project proposal. Finally, use of vision statements provide us with opportunities to use real examples of that vision actually taking place. Consider the coordination issue again. A good example of ongoing coordination is the grant -in -trail snowmobile system --in this case state, local governments, private landowners, business, and users are all take part in maintaining a very effective recreational system. The vision becomes more real if actual examples are used. As a result, the reader will have real-world examples on how the issue can be addressed. At our next meeting, I will provide written examples of results stemming from this type of planning process. Finally, several ORPAC members had questions about the plan's intended purpose and audience. The Minnesota/National Park Service planning agreement specifies two primary purposes for the plan: a) To meet the Federal L&WCF requirements; and, b) To provide guidance to outdoor recreation providers including agencies, local governments, non -profits, private businesses, and legislators. The document is not intended to be a gwde for recreation facility users or as a data document for researchers. Budget constraints are a very real issue in this planning process; we simplycannotproducethetypesof9CORPdocumentswhichhavebeendevelopedin the past. A.yiartment of Natural Resources Project: 1995 - 1999 Assessment & Policy Plan Phase I: Planning Agreement Development and Approval Phase II: Formation of Planning Committees Phase III: Issue Identification Phase IV: Trends Analysis - Data Compilation Phase V: Development of Vision & Strategies Phase VI: Development of Implementation Process Phase VII: Incorporation of Plan Supplements Phase VIII: Document Review Phase IX: Approval & Distribution' 1992 1993 1994 July ----- Sept.'92 Aug. - Oct '92 Sept. ----- Dec. '92 Dec. 92 - July '93 Process Goals: o To meet L&WCF requirements. July - Aug.'93 Aug. - Nov.'93 Aug. ----- Dec.'93 D To develop a document that provides guidance to Minnesotasoutdoor recreation providers, including state agencies, local governurents, non -profits, private businesses and legislators. Jan. Appendix A September 1992 July'94 July'- Aug. '94 r y_ SUNDAY PARKERS PAVILION CALENDAR/DECEMBER 1992 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 11 2 3 4I 5 9:30-12 MWO/FFT 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:30 PD 10:00 -NOON JULIE TEICHER 449-9340 5:45-7:45 6:30-8:45 BCWO KATHY PROBELSKI YOGA 475-1950 67 8 9 10 11 12 9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-12 MWO/FFT 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:30 PD 9:00-12:30 PS SPECIAL HOMEMADE HOLIDA 6:30-8:45 BCWO 6:30-8:45 BCWO 1:30-6:30 YOGA YOGA PHYLLIS BRUNEAD 1475-0556 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 9:30-12 MWO/FFT 9:30-10:30 MWO 6:30-8:45 BCWO 6:00-9:00 6:30-8:45 BCWO 5:30-7:30 YOGA BEV COYNE YOGA BRENT FRAUENFELDER 476-3240 557-6885 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY 27 28 29 30 31 Hmneyln Co. OCT 2 R 1992 Funding P"I for new Fly Mark Johnston approved . ice rink What's known is Bloomington will likely have a new Olympic - size ice rink in operation at Bloomington Ice Garden by next fag. What's unknown is whether that rink will be an economy model or one loaded with ex- tras ... where money will come from to pay for any ex- tras ... and what impact, B any, the rink will have on taxpayers B funding projeetioaa fall short. The City Council voted 5-1 Oct. 19 to approve $1.2 million in fun- ding for the IWfoot-by-2oP10,01 rink. Council Member Tom Spies voted against the project, while Council Member Coral Houle abstained, due to a potential conflict of Interest created by her job with a fvencial can- pany that may be involved in the thThe conmcil's decision does Four things. It approves a $3 million bond basic that will be paid back by revenues from ice time fees. It OK's the use of $500,009 from the city's recreational facilities head for the project. It gives the go-ahead to the transfer of $650,900 from the city's capital project contingen- cy fund for the ice rink. Il also makes supporters of the new rink ecstatic. 1'm very happy," said Bob Lange, a member of a bi- partisan citizens committee that has worked on the rink idea for nearly two years. "It will be a wonderful asset to the city." But several issues remain unresolved, including a "wish list" of items that would make the rink more than a basic facili- tobut would add nearly $BDO,000 to the cost of the pro*(. Those items include the addi- tion of locker mums for the Ken- nedy and Jefferson hockey teams, north bleachers, several energy-saving modifications, lobby expansion at the ice garden and many other Items - The council has decided that 19o,000 already budgeted for the project should be used to im- prove the locker room facilities at the two existing rinks. Prioritizing the rest of the wish Its" will be difficult enough, but finding a way to 089 for the items on the list could be even harder. It's unlikely council members already a little edgy about rely- ing on future ire reveams; for funding will approve increasing the amount of the $3 million hand issue. Council Member Mark Mahon, who said he approved the project "with some reluc- tance;' said he would have preferred to issue general obligation bonds, which would have required voter approval. But sometimes you have to go with your gut feel," he said. I thought this is something we should move forward with." There are at least two other sources of money for wish -list Items. The council could ap. prove a property tax levy which, given current economic condi- tions, does not appear desirable either but may he necessary B Increased ice rink charges do not generate the necessary funds. H there is a revenue sbart- fau, there would be a propertyItaxlevy, as required by statute," said Community Ser- vices Director Lyle Olson Another alternative would be to take more money out of the 2.5 million capital im- provements contingency fend, from which $650,000 is already being taken. The capital contingency fend does offer a liquid cash source, but even that option may be pro- blematic. The city is committed to keeping at least a $500,am balance in the fend. In addition, some of the money has been committed, at least tentatively, to offer pro- ject, not the least of which is a 3M,000 waterslide officials my is needed to bail oma fnerxtailIF troubled Valley View pool. There is the possibility of us- ing more revenue from the city's golf cousin to help sub- sidize ubsidizethenewrink. But Spies has been reluctant to dip tea deeply Into the ellNff the rink, especially it sacrificing one source of recrea- tion for another. I hope I don't have to my 1 told you an," Spiro said. "There have been a lot of promises to buy time (at the new rink), but 1 haven't aero anything yet but Then Sperm hasn't seen the contacts that commit to buyinii primetime ice through March, said Lange. Lange contest, and city staff concedes, that the revenue pro- jections based on ice time charges —which would be about 115 an boon at prime times — are very conservative. Allen - dance Is projected to be only 62 percent of what attendance has historically been at We two ex- isting rico:. Lange pmjeL- tie notib take mW aacccount in, creamed revenues Fran eunem- siom and advertising spam above the arms. What's move, the same concerns about the ex - hung eex- hting rbcs whin they were built have proved unfounded. Perhaps meat importantly, Lange send, lee ft e Is not only at a premium in Bloomington, B's spree In every surrounding Ir°Da simply not the that money isn't there," Lange said I think that is a smokesaem Ilds isn't a hockey arms. It's an ice arms. To beagainst it is to be against open skating. Tin percent of the population is affected by the (existing) rinks that's a lot of people who ane then. We all year-remd. The demand is there. It's needed." As for the "avbh Bet," Lange said he is dis"poia0ed that the bids came in above wlet's been budgeted to date. But he mid the council may be making a mistake if it doesn't complete Iters that will be expansive up front but will save money in the long ren. In any case, hand bids will be taken throto Nov. 2L Con- stnadlan Is due to begin need Ntiret / MMA, C SSERVICE RLAINESPRING LAKE PARK LIFE Awl* Co. OCT 2 81992 Happy Acres Park to become major Athletic park There will be not one, but two new ice skating rinks at Happy Acres Park this winter bringing the to- tal rinks at that 20 acre park to three. The City is making an effort to consolidate major athletic facilities at larger park locations to reduce the athletic demands on neigh- borbood parks, which cur- rently receive a very high use by organized youth and adult athletic programs. This use, in turn. has caused problems in the neighborhoods due to in- creased traffic, parking, noise and less park use available for neighborhood residents. Before the August meet- ing with the Park Board, the Athletic Association and the Hockey Association, 125 neighbors surrounding the park were notified of the meeting to discuss the use of the park. No one ap- peared. Three letters oppos mg the upgrading of the park toa major athletic use facility were received. Theoriginal plan called for one new rink to be con- stiucted this year with a second new rink to be add- ed at a later date. However, two representatives from the Blaine Youth Hockey Association appeared at the Council meeting and asked for the second new rink this season because of greatly increased enrollment in the programs the Association offers. They said the group would be willing to pay for one half the cost. The Council apread to this re- quest , with the City por- tion of the cost not to ex - treed $16,000 for the con- struction of the two addi- tional rinks and lighting of the facilities. The Council also agreed to spend $11;293 for light- ing and uV;mdmg of theexistinglighting, and fenc- ing of the existing rink. It is expected to have the rinks in operation for this hockey season. Theoutside rink at Fo- erty Arena will be used this year but will be dismantled in the spring. The area will be converted to a parking lot to serve the Arena, ball fields and the wetland area adjacent to the fields. According to a letter from Tim Zinda, President of the Hockey Association. they will ask for an addi- tional two rinks and expan- sion of the building next spring. h.00MINGTONUNCURREW Hnwrb Co. d 181942 t p Financing, scope By Chrbfopher Burns project is up in the air of the Holmeflkollen project questioned The future of the Minnesota Holmenkollen, a ski jump pro- posed for Hyland Lake Park in Bkminglon, is once again in doubt. Bloomington City Ad:rney Dave Ornstein has issued an opi- nion that a financing package put together by he Minnesota I lolmenkollen Foundation a non{ Profit, private group promoting the ski lump, does not satisfy terms of the contract that would ailow construction to begin on the $7.5 million project. Under the contract, the cost of the proposed ski jumping facili- ty is split three ways, with Bloomington, the stale of Min- nesota and the Minnesota Holmenkollen Foundation each providing $2.5 million toward construction costs. Hennepin Parks has agreed to lease 9.3 acres of Hyland Park for the project, which would in, clude four ski jumps modeled after the Norwegian Holmenkollen. Money from the state and city has already been approved, but Minnesota Holmenkollen Foun- dation officials have had trouble raising the matching private funds. Originally, the foundation had will June 1, 1991, to raise its share of the money. The founda- tion was given a sue -year exten. sion and then a five-month ex. tension this year, to Nov. 1, 1992. The foundation did submit a financing.package by the Nov. 1 deadline, but Ornstein and Hen- nepin Parks Attorney Jeff Brauchle both concur it's inadequate. Based on what we've seen to date, the city attorney's judg- ment is that they have not met the terms of the agreement in terms of funding," said Eric Berg, Bloomington associate ci- ty attorney. According to Ornstein, the money package submitted by the Holmenkollen for the $2.5 million contained the following breakdown of contributions: A $1 million line of credit from First (tanks. 1.3 million in pledges, which includes aM,000 Jim of credit from Kraus -Anderson Construction. i"in-kind" or noncash dara- mns of goods and services of 143.000. 563,500 in pledges from a ski club. 76 ' 5M in cash donations. Ornstein said said Holmenkollen Foundation of- fdctals failed to provide an ade- quate letter of credit indicating Iww the $ t million line of credit Iran Fcondly, Oall Hanks could be used. Sernstein said it's uncles, if the pledge inn be revoked. Representatives from the Minnesota Holmenkollen Foun- dation are scheduled to appear at the Hennepin Parks Board meeting Thursday, Nov. 19, and at the Bloomington City Council meeting Monday. Nov. 23. we think we've met the re- quhements in the agreement," said Byron Laher, vice chair of the Holmenkollen Foundation board of director. Laher said even though the foundation believes it has met he requirements, the gmuP will not immediately seek construc- tion permits or ask he city to release the bond Marey. Two escrow accounts required by the city and Hennepin Parks will tie up $1 million and can't be used Iw actual construction. We think we've met the deadline, but we also don't feel we've got enough money to do the construction,' Laher said. We've got a couple of major gifts that are going to be decided in the next two to three weeks. We expect fairly soon we would have enough money." Jim Andrew$, the Bloom- ington City Council member who represents the area in which the ski jump would be located, said Holmenkollen of- ficiais, out of fairness, should be given an extension if the Pro- blems with the finance package proves any extension in he 1 agreement. Many of mu• LrommisetaRers are very concerned abed that Liter (to architects) and pro- posed Improvements that were never discussed with us," Bryant said. The additions may even pro- mot Hennepin Parks to seek.,O new contract. My opmdm would be that You really should look at re egatia- tlon of the tease agreement," Bryant said. But Laher said he new Plans are not adding anythtog new ft - the skating rink. He said almost all d he components mentioned, including the am- phitheater. have been a part of lbe project in one form or another from the start. In terms of all the sluff we've been planning an doing, we rml- ly haven't made any tdouugM' laher said. chi$ would be an hnmet e complex, It's huge," said mislmderstan- Thevenin. "I don't think people what's going to be builtaremerelya ding of heaeceptable form." He I realizeiandthe enormous amount of m - destruction.' mid he would rely on an opinion vvmunental llnevenin, who has been to thebythecityattorney. Financing problems aside, I Norwegian Holmenkollen twice, aunt opposed to thenewquestionsaboutthescope and the size of the Minnesota said she'sIbasicidea of building a ski Holmenkollen have also begun I J=P. a beautiful to surface. In a brochure and letters sent s the i she said. "1pnx9, it's thudding." I just link it Is in the wrong Voltopotentialdonorsanderr- The Problem a hal it le an Idealchitectsthistail, the Minnesota Holmenkollen Foundation tohill, but it's a very tight and toinviteanmanyPropleoutlinedstructuresandusesfor the site which residents and have so much going et 11 An. Parks officials say they've dnews said any change from the original design would haveneverheardmentionedbefore. In addition he fan ski to the coun- amps, foundation officials men- o cp or effect on ent T tion a fourstory, 14,00D -square- and traffic. fool training center, a. My gut says we put them 5,000 -pesos amphitheater with the ballot and voters supported skating rink, a promenade, and It to help the sport of ski jmnp- a 4,500 -square -fort chalet. A. ing„ said Andrews. "An am - two -story cafe, gazebos, eater doesn't have much to pavilions," a boardwalk, do with ski jumping. I fad that chanrldit, spectator stands and lu be very different from he fountains are also outlined as p itself, which the voles k umphpatpartofapreliminarySite Master Plan. Doug ryank Hennepin Parks Tine Thevenin, a Bloomington superintended, said Parks staff resident who lives near the site, am •very nervons" that the new said she's upset about expanded the She's proposals might have a negative Park. plans for project. effect on Hyland bothered that she has neve our staff is very concerned been able to fad out exactly about the impact on the natural what the foundation plans to resamees," Bryant said. "It's build. very hard for us to believe the It's all been so vague," she new vision far this facility isn't said. • I feel they haven't been going to have a much greater straightforward about what's Impact on the natural be twill.' 11 resources. sold staff and larkTheadditionalstructures outlined by the founds n would commissioners win want to sin double the project's mt from ithe foundation's full plans before Hennepin Parks ap- 7.5 million to $15 million. proves any extension in he 1 agreement. Many of mu• LrommisetaRers are very concerned abed that Liter (to architects) and pro- posed Improvements that were never discussed with us," Bryant said. The additions may even pro- mot Hennepin Parks to seek.,O new contract. My opmdm would be that You really should look at re egatia- tlon of the tease agreement," Bryant said. But Laher said he new Plans are not adding anythtog new ft - the skating rink. He said almost all d he components mentioned, including the am- phitheater. have been a part of lbe project in one form or another from the start. In terms of all the sluff we've been planning an doing, we rml- ly haven't made any tdouugM' laher said. IIrIV 1 P 1992 Pro's and con's heard at hearing on aquatic center By Rkhard Criiwy A Nov. 12 public'lhearing on a proposed outdoor aquatic center in Minnetonka revealed that residents have strong feelings for and against the project. About loo residents attended the meeting at Hopkins West Junior High School. A second public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19 at Minneton- ka High School. Talose speaking in favor of building the aquatic center said it would provide a needed amenity in the city and give residents, especially teenagers, a healthy place for resonation in Minnetonka. On the con side, residents questioned the financial impli- cations of such a facility and, whether noise, lighting and tmf-i fie would . affect nearby neighborhoods. Pam Oberg of Minnetonka said an aquatic facility would make tames in the city more at- tractive to younger families. it would give the teenage group a good, clean, healthy place to be," Oberg said. Jerry Hopperstad, who lives close to the proposed site, said the city should not build an aquatic center, given the state of the economy. Hold off on construction and use available dollars for tax relief," Hopperslad said. Hopperstad also said that if the city Council does decide to move forward with the plan, a referendum should be held to let voters decide the issue. That suggestion received a round of applause on two occasions at the bearing. Currently, a group of Mirme- looks residents is simulating a petition to try toforce a referen- dum on the issue. Members of the city - appointed Municipal Recrea- tion/Aquatic Center Task Force and representatives of BWBR Architects, a firm hired by the city, explained to diose in atten- dance that the proposed aquatic center would not be like other municipal swimming facilities in Minnesota. According to a city report, the proposed aquatic center, which would be built on the site of a municipal hose ring, next to the Minnetonka Civic Center, would have features such as water- falls, body flume and tube slides, and water playground areas. There would also be a 25 -yard lap swim area, a sand play area for children, a sand volleyball area, deck areas for lounging, a concession facility and a bathhoRse; total capacity, 1,500. Cost for building the aquatic center is estimated at $3.9 million. A main funding source for the project would be the city's Com- munity Investment Ford, money set aside for capital pro- jects in Minnetonka that have canmundy-wide benefit. By the end of this year, City Manager Jim Miller said the Community Investment Fund will have bet- ween $18 million and $20 million. When asked what otter ways the city could use the Commuul- ty Investment Fuld, Miller said that streets throughout the city will have to be rebuilt in the next several years and could be paid for. in part, with the fund. But Uwe is not enough money in the Community Investment Fund to pay for rebuilding the streets even if the .entire fad was used far that purpose, Miller said. lorry Blackslad, chair of the task fore that recommended building the aquatic center, said such a facility would generale an estimated $75,000 Per year. The estimated attendance fee for the facility would be $3.50 per person Thee also likely woidd be a fee struchuY for families, Blackslad said. In addition to the two public hearings, the City Council- las hired the firm of Decision Resources Inc. to conduct a shmvey to determine support for the project. After the results of tatsurvey are available. the City Council will then decide whether to move forward with the project and whether a Merehdran will be held. YNA f CUPPING SE=RVICE MINNETnNHA SUN-SAIIHtNNreIN Ca. IIrIV 1 P 1992 Pro's and con's heard at hearing on aquatic center By Rkhard Criiwy A Nov. 12 public'lhearing on a proposed outdoor aquatic center in Minnetonka revealed that residents have strong feelings for and against the project. About loo residents attended the meeting at Hopkins West Junior High School. A second public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19 at Minneton- ka High School. Talose speaking in favor of building the aquatic center said it would provide a needed amenity in the city and give residents, especially teenagers, a healthy place for resonation in Minnetonka. On the con side, residents questioned the financial impli- cations of such a facility and, whether noise, lighting and tmf-i fie would . affect nearby neighborhoods. Pam Oberg of Minnetonka said an aquatic facility would make tames in the city more at- tractive to younger families. it would give the teenage group a good, clean, healthy place to be," Oberg said. Jerry Hopperstad, who lives close to the proposed site, said the city should not build an aquatic center, given the state of the economy. Hold off on construction and use available dollars for tax relief," Hopperslad said. Hopperstad also said that if the city Council does decide to move forward with the plan, a referendum should be held to let voters decide the issue. That suggestion received a round of applause on two occasions at the bearing. Currently, a group of Mirme- looks residents is simulating a petition to try toforce a referen- dum on the issue. Members of the city - appointed Municipal Recrea- tion/Aquatic Center Task Force and representatives of BWBR Architects, a firm hired by the city, explained to diose in atten- dance that the proposed aquatic center would not be like other municipal swimming facilities in Minnesota. According to a city report, the proposed aquatic center, which would be built on the site of a municipal hose ring, next to the Minnetonka Civic Center, would have features such as water- falls, body flume and tube slides, and water playground areas. There would also be a 25 -yard lap swim area, a sand play area for children, a sand volleyball area, deck areas for lounging, a concession facility and a bathhoRse; total capacity, 1,500. Cost for building the aquatic center is estimated at $3.9 million. A main funding source for the project would be the city's Com- munity Investment Ford, money set aside for capital pro- jects in Minnetonka that have canmundy-wide benefit. By the end of this year, City Manager Jim Miller said the Community Investment Fund will have bet- ween $18 million and $20 million. When asked what otter ways the city could use the Commuul- ty Investment Fuld, Miller said that streets throughout the city will have to be rebuilt in the next several years and could be paid for. in part, with the fund. But Uwe is not enough money in the Community Investment Fund to pay for rebuilding the streets even if the .entire fad was used far that purpose, Miller said. lorry Blackslad, chair of the task fore that recommended building the aquatic center, said such a facility would generale an estimated $75,000 Per year. The estimated attendance fee for the facility would be $3.50 per person Thee also likely woidd be a fee struchuY for families, Blackslad said. In addition to the two public hearings, the City Council- las hired the firm of Decision Resources Inc. to conduct a shmvey to determine support for the project. After the results of tatsurvey are available. the City Council will then decide whether to move forward with the project and whether a Merehdran will be held. Nov l l 192 t.V: pool vote fails By Sue Webber I' A proposed $2,250,000 bond referendum for a state-of-the- art, zero depth entry outdoor swimming pool was defeated in Golden Valley last week by a vote of 6,944 to 5,766. I think the hangup people are feeling is the economic crunch. They're leery of the future, and you can't fault them for that. This would have been a lot of money. But you can't do it a lot cheaper and end up with anything, either," said Rick Jacobson, director of parks and recreation. George Murad, who chaired a 10 -member Outdoor Pool Task Force, said he believes the pool would have been approved if the referendum had not been on the begot at a general election in a presidential year. This was one of the all time great vote' tunmuts In Golden Vasey. No matter what anyone says, 5,708 votes for a pool is a heck of a lot. I think we did very well. It proves that a lot of peo- ple in Golden Vasey want a pool," Murad said. Howeva;4', "1fie cool . summer didn't lthip, and nether did the snow. The impetus for the pool referendum grew out of a citirenorganized petition drive. Three years atter a $5 million referendum for an indoor pool and recreation center was soundly defeated in 1987, a group of residents asked the city coun- cil what would be regWred.for an outdoor pool to be considered.. They were told they'd have to get signatures of petitions from 2,350 people, or 51 percent of the people who voted in the 1%7 referendum. The task was accomplished, and the Outdoor Pool Task Force was formed. One thing we said from the very beginning was that people have a right to vote on a pool. We brought it to the people. It can rest now," said Marti Micks, a member of the outdoor Pool Task Force. Micks said she doesn't envi- sion working on another pool referendum in the future. "This was a one-time thing for me. It was a lot of work," she said. . MMA CLIPPING SERVICE NEW HOPE—GOLDEN VALLEY SUN -POST Hennepin Co. Nov l l 192 t.V: pool vote fails By Sue Webber I' A proposed $2,250,000 bond referendum for a state-of-the- art, zero depth entry outdoor swimming pool was defeated in Golden Valley last week by a vote of 6,944 to 5,766. I think the hangup people are feeling is the economic crunch. They're leery of the future, and you can't fault them for that. This would have been a lot of money. But you can't do it a lot cheaper and end up with anything, either," said Rick Jacobson, director of parks and recreation. George Murad, who chaired a 10 -member Outdoor Pool Task Force, said he believes the pool would have been approved if the referendum had not been on the begot at a general election in a presidential year. This was one of the all time great vote' tunmuts In Golden Vasey. No matter what anyone says, 5,708 votes for a pool is a heck of a lot. I think we did very well. It proves that a lot of peo- ple in Golden Vasey want a pool," Murad said. Howeva;4', "1fie cool . summer didn't lthip, and nether did the snow. The impetus for the pool referendum grew out of a citirenorganized petition drive. Three years atter a $5 million referendum for an indoor pool and recreation center was soundly defeated in 1987, a group of residents asked the city coun- cil what would be regWred.for an outdoor pool to be considered.. They were told they'd have to get signatures of petitions from 2,350 people, or 51 percent of the people who voted in the 1%7 referendum. The task was accomplished, and the Outdoor Pool Task Force was formed. One thing we said from the very beginning was that people have a right to vote on a pool. We brought it to the people. It can rest now," said Marti Micks, a member of the outdoor Pool Task Force. Micks said she doesn't envi- sion working on another pool referendum in the future. "This was a one-time thing for me. It was a lot of work," she said. . EAGAN 6UN{URRENT nakom. Co. 140V 111992 tee arena Plan would avoid taxes By Terrance Mencel Ice arena discussions have taken more form with a pro- poral to pursue nanaaxpayer dollen. I've leen here three years and It seems like we're dogs chasing our•talis," said Coun- cilmember.Tlm Pawlenty dur- ing a City Council workshop Nov. 8. Pursuing non -taxpayer dollars to construct the first phase far an ice arena- . community center appears the best solution, City Council member said. They also agreed any proposal would have to be a phased plan. Now it becomes a matter of Trow such a facility can be built. To that end, Eagan Hockey Association representatives have proposed a public-private partnership to make an ice arena and more ball fields a reality in Eagan. Under that partnership, the EHA has recommended the following to build an estimated $2.75 million ice arena and ball fields: 1, • The association will con- tribute $200,000 in $10,000 yearly payments over 20 years, under a legal contract. Pluse $50,000 of in -bind services (sweat equity). The city would designated 1.95 million from its communi- ty investment fund, already slated far such. w • The citywould seg about $IAT million in revefick hands, to be paid far by a one-time $100 fee on future new home construc- tion in the next 20 years. tN each ice rental charge, 10 per hour would be used toward the arena's construction costs (for a period of 10 years). Assuming the city can capture low interest rates. EHA representative Brad Smith said 111,000 would be needed such year to pay off the bonds over 20 years. Taxpayers. woWd not have to foot the bio. The $100 would be applied to new homes and multi -family projects. The Metropolitan Council predicts Eagan's housing stock will in- crease by 7,000 homes by the year 2000, and another 7,000 homes by 2020. The association also proposed Increasing adult recreational team fees by $err and adding a ci- ty utility fee far new accounts to help pay off the revenue bonds. I have a problem with the rets that (1) consider taxes;• said Councilmember Pad; Awada. But EHA member At Meaning countered that current and past residents have footed thebill for the city's multi-million dollar parks system. All you're hitting them far is 100 bucks for $90 million in parks," he said. Pawlenly and Coun- cilmember Pam McCrea agree future residents have some responsiblily to creating a park/recreation system. An ice arena would fulfill an active" recreational need that has gone unmet, said Coun- ciimember Pam McCrea. "1 think we have more than mel the needs for passive park land," McCrea said. EHA officials cited other city efforts to construct ice amass. ror Pasta dr, Bloomington1,1111W If' 1.44 11110.1 .1"1 .ml km olympiesize) far$4.l mtlBm by selling revenue bands: Lakeville will build a $1.8 million ice arena using matching donations and money fromI 1`—sales . Chaska has used lax -increment financing for its $8.5 million community canter. We are not talking about In- creasing property taxes," Smith u said. "We're talking about one time charges and user fees." The time to build an ice arena in Eagan is now, Smith said. Should we be forced to turn 1 may kids from participating in our pogrmns," he asked. Eagan athletic associations have had difficult times keeping up with the ever-increasing number of players. EAA membership increased an average of 22.5 percent from 1909 to 1992, Smith said. It's not unusual far hockey players and tbeir parents to drive 45 miles for ice time. said Smith. I've been mulling over this for same time. I would like to see something chat will unify the community," said Coun- cilmember Ted Wachter. Wachter suggested the city capture thehiunfabri lagembibi* money through the sale of pull tabs, such as Lakeville is doing for its arena corrstruction. The city controls pull tab licenses, he said, and therefore dictates where that money goes. The cameo continued dtvos- stsn about an Ice areae and bag fields until a workshop Nov. 24. Mace CLIPPING SERVICE i;fFRIm1.Ey FOCUS NEWS Bennepin E Aenks Co. NOV I (1199;, Fridley chosen for senior center MACDONALD MEABR The four -city Senior Center Task Force (Fridley. New Brighton. Mounds View cold Spring Lake Park) chase a Fridley site for its proposed senior activities center. Ile site Is on Anoka County park proper- ty near Old Central and 69111 avenues. hI the Nov. 4 vote, only one of the 13 task force members pre- sent voted in favor of the second site under consideration — at the Rice Crack Shopping Center on Silver Lake Road in New Orighon. The remaining 12, including Fridley Cily Council Member Nnncy Jorgenson and New Brighton Cily Council members I)anA Rebelein and Roger Williams, Decided the Fridley Bile wax the best anerna- the. A major factor in the decision involved the inability of We task force to gel site acquisition cost figures for the New Brighton site, Jorgenson said. The proper- ly is for sale, but a church earlier expressed interest in also pur- chasing the site. Until negolia. lions with that party are com- plete, the owners of the shnppine, anter said they were unwilling to Shut talk purchase price with the task force. Task force members were unwilling to pay an estimated 8,000 to do their own assess- ment. Additionally, task force mem- bers felt the Fridley site offered better access for public trans- portation. The Fridley site requires all new mistruction, while the New Brighton project would have included renovating existing space along with some new con- struction. Jorgenson said. Both sites were projected to cost roughly the same - about $1.8 million. Prim to the Usk force vote last week, a few Fridley residents spoke against the project. Todd While and Greg Smith. both of whom own homes near the approved Fridley site, opposed the project. saying they don't feel dwindling open span should be taken up with a build- ing and puking lot. Willis Unke, a Fridley resident and vocal opponent of the pro- ject. presented a prepamd state- ment that, among other things, argued the task force was not ful- filling its original purpose. The impetus for the effort was to combine services among cities to save money, Unke said in the statement. However, if the project is approved, the four cities will be paying more for senior ser- vices than they were prim to the new center, he said. Unke said, however, expanded services and amenities will come from that additional cosi Current figures from dee task force, supplied by Fridley City Manager Bill Burns, suggest. Fridley will pay about 512,000 more annually wide a senior cen- ter as compared with the city's' 1991 expenditures for senior pro; grams. That does not, howeveri include lost i eleresi earned on the, money if it remained in the city's amounts. . Unke further challenged Infor- mation the task force has received, particularly concerning the cost of the Fridley site. The task force was mid Anoka County has agreed loallow the project on its property in exchange for Fridley developing a series of bicycle/pedestrian paths along Rice Creek and Easl River Road. At the meeting. Unke asked Bums, who is staff liaison to the task form, what the trail develop- ment costs would be. Bums was nimble to give a figure. Following the meeting, however, Burro said he estimated the cost at about 265.000. After the meeting, Burns said the trails have been proposed in Fridley for a long time, He said the city could receive grants or other financial help to offset that tocol cost figure. Nonetheless, Unke argues task force members were not appraised of that trade-off cost prior to making its decision. Unke also suggested the project Is "bureaucratically driven" with- out any grammes support and he urged task fora members in r ommend the issue be decided by a public referendum. However, a survey commis- sioned by the task fora members about a year ago showed public support in all four cities for the project. Jorgenson said. She also said a referendum is not proposed. While a report and recommen- dation have not yet been made to The four city councils, who will make the ultimate decision, the likely funding recommendation involves the use of Fridley and New Brighton budget reserves, Jorgenson said. Fridley will contribute about 1.2 million from its pink reserve fund and New Brighton will con- tribute about $800,000 from its reserves to pay the up -(rant costs. Jorgenson said. Those reserves Would then be paid back over 20 years by all four cities, with pay- ments based an the percentage of seniors In each of the cities. Jorgenson said. That is reCmnnleoded because k 1 AVOWS the costs related to selling . a bond or lalling a bond refenm- dtm , she said. The task fora plans mo further matings other than public (nfm- malim sessions m be held in each of the fmm cilies in January 1993. Bums is compiling the report and retxtmmendations, which will be presented to each of the city councils sometime after the pub- lic Information sessions, Jorgenson said. The city councils will likely alum Weir decisions On the pm- jccl within two months of receiv- ing the report, she said. If all four city councils approve the plan As recommended, con- suacdou could occur as early as fall 1993, Jorgenson said. However, if the councils opt to call a bond referendum or recom- mend other significant changes, or if one or more of the cities choose not to participate in the project. It will be delayed at Least until 1994, she said. , MMA cLIPp SESERVICE 4. 4. l'1111N RAPIUSIMPALD Anoku t'e. I40V L ;i li"'. Adult,softball fees will not go. exclusively to park projects by Peter Bodley this year was $18,115. the revnte the city gets from adulk Managing editor fideties to capital Improvements. . Fees generated from the adult soft- ball programs will not be earmarked specifically for capital improvement projects in Coon Rapids' city parks. The Coon Rapids City Council Oct. 6 rejected that proposal from the Park and Recreation Commission and the District It Community Education Department. The council did agree, though, to use some of the fees that are passed on to the city to replace the green safe- ly fencing on fields 2 and 5 at Sand Creek Park. Cheryl Ober, assistant to the city manager, said that the city, through an agreement with community dedication, gets $25 per team in the adult softball program for field maintenance. The revenue goes into the city's general fund, she said. Ober said $5,000 was anticipated in the 1992 budget. In fact, the total received from summer and fall soft. ball leagues and non-resident fees A non-resident fee of $10 per person was assessed to all people playing on the softball teams using Coon Rapids parks who are not residents of the city, generating 15,805 in 1992. In the past, said Ober, this rule has not been strictly enforced. Carl Saarion, community education recreation/athletics supervisor, in a letter to the city, said that because softball teams are turned away every year, the city might want to consider adding additional facilities for adult softball by upgrading ex- isling.fields In the city through im- provements or lighting. The Park and Recreation Commis- sion suggested that a policy be es- tablished so that all fees generated from the adult softball be used for capital improvements at the facili- ties where the fees are generated. But Public Works Director Bill Ol- lensmann expressed doubts about the recommendatiuns- He said he didn't believe the city should establish a policy that dedicates all The expansion of adult programs. and the establishment of fall leagues Is already placing an Increased burden on the park maintenance staff, and the expansion of the pro gram to include more fields wail(• reduce the opportunity_ for - unorganized games and practices, while placing a greater demand on, the city's public works crews. The council was unanimous that il' did not want all the softball fees go-: ing to capital Improvements. "The money goes to offset maintenance costs," said Councilmember Susan Green. We need to use ads Money In dif- ferent places and at differeoK times," said Councilmember Carolyn Voss. "We can't keep ad-, ding fields without adding; employees." But the council did agree to spend 5,865 from the fees for the Sand Creek fencing, as recommended. YMu CLIPPING SERVICE EDINA SUN -CURRENT H`nofRin Ca. Nov I 1 1.1_ Charitable gambling funds still taboo for athletic clubs Accepting donations from organizations that raise funds through legalized gambling is still against city policy for Edina athletic associations, the Edina City Council decided last week. At their Nov. 2 meeting, emm- cil members voted 3-2 against a resolution offered by Camcil Member Jack Rice to change the policy. Council Member Peggy Kelly seconded and voted for the motion. Council Members Jane Paulus,-. Glenn Smith and Mayor=Fred Richards opposed it. The vote was in response to a Park Board recommendation that the policy be changed The Park Board sp1it7 to 4 in making the recommendation. The matter had fust come up two years ago when the Edina Girls Fastpitch Softball Amocia- han was offered funds from charitable gambling. Tberafter, the council voted that accepting the funds was against its policy. Cyadtable gambling is not allowed in the city. But no: all of the athletic associations in Edim have in- dicated their support for receiv- ing the funds. Representatives of the Edina Swim Club, Edina Soccer Association and Edina Baseball Association told park board members their organisa- tions opposed charitable gambling. Representatives said the Edina Girls Athletic Associa- tion, the Edina Hockey Associa- tion, Edina Girls Fastpitch Association and Edina Girls raveling Basketball favored accepting the money, while the Edina Basketball Association has not voted on the matter. Paul O'Connor, Edna school board representative on the park board, told council members the school board did not support the park board's recommendation. Ve do not think it's immoral ar Nen unethical (to accept the money)," he said "but we feel the park board should support what the school board is doing in the schools." O'Connor said the use of funds derived from gambling would be contrary to one of the ethical values being taught in the schools — a sense of responsibility. Ibis is contrary to what we want the lids to understand as their responsibility as citi2ens. It says they really don't have to pay all the cast but can look to gambling and others to pay. Edina resident Steve Cook said the funds would be used to help some youths whose parents can't afford the costs of the athletic programs, which have been going up. He compared funds from gambling to funds the city receives from alcohol sales at the municipal liquor stores, even though it does not en- courage children to drink or adults to overindulge. Irish Brown, representing the Edina Girls Athletic Associa- tion said steep increases in fees charged by the school district for gymnasium use are one reason the organization may need additional fins in the future. Rice questioned the city's right to control what the organizations do. City Manager Ken Rasland said the city could not prohibit organizations from taking the funds, but it could raise fees to reflect the true cost of operating park facilities or withhold staff- ing that has been assigned to the organizations. I think we should teach kids Oat if they want something they should go out and work for it," said Richards. "(rte of the con- cepts in this town is that if you. want something, you pay for it." I ford it hypocritical to say we won't allow it (gambling) here, but you can get it (gambl- ing proceeds) from there," said Paulus. I'm concerned about how big the funds could get — they're getting to a pre -professional leve at the elementary school leve]. I have a real concerti about what the funds are going for." She said she might be able to consider a change in policy if the contributions were capped. Paulus said organizations could become dependent oro the gambling -derived funds, which might not always be there. Kelly said she thought the real problem is the increasing sophistication of the athletic programs and the amount of travel involved, which has rais- ed costs. She recommended that the ci- ty study casts before voting on the issue, but ber motion failed. In other matters, the council: Received a recommendation from the Edina Community Health Services Advisory Com- mittee that the city initiate more aggressive endowment on a quarterly basis to reduce illegal sale 0LAnbacc-adunee to mints. The committee recom- mended raising the licensing fee to $1,000 and doubling the fee after revocation for sale to minors. The comcil voted to study alternative methods of en- forcing the ordinance. Refused to consider a letter from Mark Dablquist regarding his property, which Dahlquist said was not related to his Rib- division ubdivisionrequestthatwasnoton the agenda. Richards said the letter did relate to the request, and council members agreed it would be unfairr to consider it without notifying neighboring property owners fCCEDESPIMaaaEIIVCE PRAIRIE SON -SAILORHeeeePinCo. Trails put By David Christenson Wal 'an'd bicycle trails in two Filen Prairie neighborhoods are sparking debates over privacy versus public access. At issue are trails in the Hid- den Ponds neighborhood, a residential area northeast, southwest and southeast of Valley View and Dell roads, and a proposed hail access to the Minnesota River lowlands from West Riverview Road. The pro- posals roposalsweredebatedseparately Monday at a meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. We're not going to resolve all these issues tonight. We've dealt with these issues for 16 or 17 years," said Bob Lambert, director of parks, recreation and natural resources, about the Hidden Ponds issue. In both cases, the commission made no immediate decision on its recommendation. The panel ordered a survey of the 258 Hid- den Ponds property owners on their desire to keep trails, and for Minnesota River access, to keep hail options open. Hidden Ponds At Hidden Ponds, four homeowners have asked for a property subdivision that would eliminate a trail on the neighborhood's "outlot A," undeveloped land around a pond northwest of Park View and South Shore lanes. The homeowners claim ownership of the outlot, and say the asphalt trail is too close to homes, frequently flooded and in such poor condition that it is a hazard. Lambert agreed about the condition, and said if in s- ed today, the trail design would not be approved. Trails built for access to other ponds in Hidden Ponds are also in bad shape, city officials and residents agreed. Neighbors disagree on whether to save or remove the traik, however. Whey a public path goes I through your lawn or yourbackyard, your yard becomes public property said Terrie Thimsen of Park View Lane. on trial Thimaen and other owners of adjacent property said the trails are used by sb angers traveling through the neighborhood, not just neighbors. They said the foot and bicycle traffic has brought noise, litter and pro- blems with privacy and Trail advocates argued that the hails are a neighborhood resource and allow residents and children to enjoy the ponds. You don't buy a home next to the airport, and take advantage of the price, and then ask to move the airport," said Debbie Notermann of Park View Lane. Riverview Heights An earlier version of the Riverview Heights development proposal drew opposition from the neighborhood and Metropolitan Council staff members because it included the fust home sites to be located on a slope of the Minnesota River bluffs. Met council opposition could have resulted in a lengthy review of the project's en- vironmental impact or even court action against the city. Instead, developers Rusted and Associates and property owners Bob and Jim Brown returned with a scaled-down proposal, siting homes only on top of the bluffs between East Riverview Road and Valley Oak Drive. New opposition came Monday to a proposal to relocate planned hail access from the Riverview Heights neighborhood west to an existing access road off West Riverview Road. The Metropolitan. Waste control commission (MWCC) ism the road to get to sewer facilities below the bluff. Developers proposed the change because public hail ac- cess from a cul-de-sac could reduce their ability to market home lots. West Riverview Drive i residents said these is not ade- quote parkmg for trail users on there street, and the maintenance access road is t00 steep for users.