HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 03-11-1993Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
March 11, 1993, 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. visitor Presentations
a. Athletic Associations
b. Staff
C. Others
4. Report on Past Council Action
a. Picnic shelter fees approved
b. Handicapped playground
C. Annual report
5. Unfinished Business
a. 1993 CIP
1) South Shore Drive landscaping
2) Trails
3) Handicapped playground update
b. Community survey - review
C.
d.
6. New Business
a. Review fees charged by other communities to athletic
associations for field use and tournaments
b. Review athletic association storage space issue
C.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next regular PRAC meeting - April 15 Ord Thursday)
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
February 11, 1993
Page 6
Present: Commissioners Anderson, Burk, Gutzke, Johnson, Mikula,
Wahl and Watson; Councilmembers Edson and Tierney;
staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the February meeting to order at 7
p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Director Blank introduced the new commissioner, Lynn Mikula.
Lynn works for Opportunity Workshop, enjoys playing
broomball and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota,
with a degree in Recreation.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Gutzke and seconded by
Commissioner Wahl to approve the minutes of the January
meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. Councilmember Tierney introduced
a number of athletic association representatives who had
been invited to attend the meeting to discuss a variety
of concerns. Loni Gradick, representing the Plymouth
Soccer Association, reported that over 1,000 children
will participate in their program this summer, and 100-
200 parent volunteers will help out. She indicated that
their concerns include adequate storage space for over
1,500 worth of soccer equipment—and-having-the-City-work--
more closely with them. She indicated that their
organization is very greatful for the coaching clinics
that have been conducted by Recreation Supervisor Cindy
Anderson, and for the ongoing support provided by other
staff members such as Recreation Supervisor Rick Busch
and Soccer Coordinator Greg Finn.
Jim Gleason, representing the Plymouth -Wayzata Traveling
Soccer Program, stated that they will be sponsoring their
16th annual soccer tournament this summer. He indicated
that although they have adequate storage facilities, they
are not very convenient, because they are located at
Klaprich Field in Wayzata. He further stated that he
would like the City to build a better working
relationship with their organization and invite them to
participate when, and if, new soccer fields are planned.
He also wanted the City to know it is the opinion of the
traveling soccer group that the fees charged to rent
soccer fields and lights is too high. They feel that
since they are a community based group, with 90% of the
participants being Plymouth kids whose parents pay taxes,
PRAC Minutes/February 1993
Page 7
they shouldn't be charged rental fees. He went on to
explain that he understands that lights and maintenance
are costs the City incurs for them, and that their
organization would be willing to pay reasonable and fair
fees.
When asked by commissioners how many teams enter the
tournament and what they are charged, Mr. Gleason
responded that last summer 158 teams participated and
were charged $175 per team. Forty-nine of those teams
were either from out of state, or from communities
outside the metro area, and he is confident that this
number will continue to increase with each new
tournament. He feels that this tournament brings upwards
of a $100,000 into the Plymouth community, what with
hotel accommodations, gas, food, etc., and based on this,
the City should take on more of an ownership role toward
this tournament and entirely eliminate, or at least
reduce, the field rental fees. By comparison, Mr.
Gleason explained that the City of Burnsville hosts a
very large soccer tournament every year and does not
charge field rental fees.
Councilman Edson agreed that the City has a
responsibility to provide fields free of charge to the
community's youth athletic groups for their normal day-
to-day practices and games, but not necessarily for
tournaments, since many of the participants are from
outside the community.
Director Blank asked Mr. Gleason if they receive any
contribution from the hotels, such as $5 for every room
rented during the tournament, which is a fairly common
practice. Mr. Gleason indicated that they don't get any
actual money, but the hotels take out ads in the
tournament program, which is their way of supporting the
tournament financially.
Commissioners asked staff how much the rental fees amount
to for the summer soccer tournament. Director Blank
responded that it was approximately $3,000 which included
the actual per field rental, lights, field attendants and
special needs, such as lining the new fields on an as
needed basis for the tournament.
Mr. Gleason stated this amount is out of line, and he was
confident that field lights do not cost the City $20 per
hour. Director Blank responded that we are charged by
NSP based on usage during peak hours. He further
explained that the City does not advocate over charging
groups that rent facilities, nor does it make a large
profit from field rentals.
PRAC Minutes/February 1993
Page 8
Commissioners requested that they be provided with some
information on what other communities charge for field
rental, and they would like to continue to discuss this
item at their next meeting.
In consideration of other athletic association
representatives who wanted to address the Commission,
Chair Anderson thanked Mr. Gleason and Ms. Gradick for
their presentations and invited them to return to future
meetings.
Rich Dilley, representing Plymouth -Wayzata Girls
Softball, stated that last summer 150 girls, ages 7-18,
living in Plymouth, or District 284, participated in
their program. Mr. Dilley's main concern is equipment
storage. They need a space 12 x 16 ft. to store
approximately $30,000-$40,000 worth of softball
equipment. They currently use fields at Oakwood
Playfield and would prefer something near by. They also
would like to erect a batting cage at Oakwood, which they
are willing to finance, but the City would have to
provide them with a 110 volt outlet. Director Blank
indicated that he would have his staff research whether
or not there is a suitable location for a batting cage
and report these findings back to Mr. Dilley.
b. Staff. Mary Bisek thanked the commissioners who
supervised the bonfire at the Fire and Ice Festival, and
stated that despite the weather, it was another success.
She stated that Rick would be expanding youth atletics
this summer to include an evening t -ball league based on
requests the department received last year from several
parents who are not available during the day. She
announced that May 12 is the grand opening for the
Parkers Lake Playfield and May 19 is Bass Lake's grand
opening. She also indicated that a student intern from
St. Cloud will be with us this summer.
Councilmember Edson asked if any type of survey had ever
been done by staff of other communities' facilities.
Director Blank responded that this survey has been done
and is updated annually, and that a copy of the most
recent one would be distributed to them in their next
City Manager Information Packet. Also, a survey of what
other communities charge for field rentals has been done,
as well as a survey of what type of storage is provided
by other cities to their youth athletic groups. Copies
of these surveys will be redistributed to PRAC and
Council.
Commissioners continued to discuss the soccer tournament
fee issue and agreed that it is the City's responsibility
to provide fields to youth athletics, but they also
questioned the City's responsibility to provide these
PRAC Minutes/February 1993
Page 9
same fields to Plymouth residents who simply want to get
together and play a game for fun. These requests must be
considered as well when debating this issue.
Commissioners agreed that this soccer tournament could be
a major fund raiser for the traveling club if properly
handled.
C. Others.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Council approved hiring the Minnesota Center for Survey
Research to conduct the Parks and Recreation community
survey. A questionnaire will be developed with input
from both Council and PRAC, which must then be approved
by Council, followed by a sample testing of the survey,
and then the final survey will be sent out to
approximately 800 residences. It is hoped that this
process could be completed, with the survey results
tallied, by June.
b. Council approved the fees and rental policies for Parkers
Lake Pavilion and playfield facilities as recommended by
PRAC.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Community survey - review - timeline. See 4a.
b. Amendment toap rk plan - playfield site #9 Director
Blank explained the developments that have occurred in
the past several months regarding future playfield site
9. The original proposed site, located at Dunkirk Lane
and County Road 9, consisting of 50 acres, was part of a
larger parcel that was purchased by U.S. Homes. At that
time, it was designated in the City's comprehensive plan
public/semi-public. U.S. Homes requested that the City
change the guiding to residential. When the City decided
against reguiding, U.S. Homes offered to sell the
property to us. Appraisals were secured by both parties
and because of the vast difference in value, efforts to
negotiate a purchase were unsuccessful. U.S. Homes then
brought in a residential development proposal on this
property, which the City gave tentative approval to,
contingent on amending the comprehensive park plan to
remove the designation of playfield on this site and
finding an alternative site. After several months of
research and review, staff found an alternative site
located at the northwest intersection of the Soo Line
railroad and Peony Lane. The site consists of 150 acres,
owned by two separate parties, of which the City needs
only 50 acres. Some of the advantages to this site
include its boundaries, which are a railroad track on the
south, Elm Creek golf course on the west, Peony Lane on
PRAC Minutes/February 1993
Page 10
the east and heavy woods on the north; good road access
via County Road 101 and the future Schmidt Lake Road; a
portion of this site is already identified as future
neighborhood park in the City's comprehensive park plan;
and the site is generally flat, with some areas of trees,
making picnicing a viable option in the development of
the park.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GUTZKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WATSON TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PLANNING
COMMISSION HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND THE
COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN BY REMOVING THE DESIGNATION OF
PARK ON 50 ACRES LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF DUNKIRK
LANE AND ROCKFORD ROAD AND THEN DESIGNATING A NEW PARK
SITE ON 150 ACRES LOCATED NORTH OF THE SOO LINE RAILROAD
AND WEST OF PEONY LANE. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL
AYES.
Director Blank went on to explain that following the
public hearing, a recommendation would be forwarded to
the City Council for review and action, with final
approval coming from the Metropolitan Council.
at Bass Lake piayfieid, South Shore landscaping. Based
on direction from PRAC, Director Blank compiled a list of
22 different trail segments that could be considered for
construction in 1993. In identifying these segments, he
chose some of the trails that had already been
recommended by Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch for construction due
to safety concerns. He stated that there is $175,000 in
the 193 CIP designated for trail improvements. Commis-
sioner Burk stated that his preference would be to close
the gaps in a number of different trails, including the
trail leading from Fernbrook to Vicksburg, the extension
of the Luce Line trail at the southwest end of Medicine
Lake, and extension of trail through Turtle Lake Park.
Several commissioners questioned the possibility of
constructing a trail leading from the Heritage
development north to the shopping areas located along
County Road 9, east of 494. Director Blank responded
that there are no trail outlots in this area, but he
explained that eventually there will be trail constructed
along Xenium Lane that will lead north to County Road 9.
These residents can also access the trail on the east
side of Northwest Boulevard which leads north to 9 as
well. This raised the question then of how to get from
County 9 west to Vinewood, and could a trail be
constructed here along the north side of 9 and at what
cost? Director Blank estimated the distance to be one
quarter mile at $10 a foot. Commissioners wondered why
trail has been proposed on the west side of Northwest
Boulevard, when trail already exists on the east side?
PRAC Minutes/February 1993
Page 11
Director Blank responded that the residents living in the
Heritage neighborhood have long been requesting this
trail, as a way to get to French Park. They feel it is
too dangerous to cross Northwest Boulevard any place
other than the intersection with County Road 9, and a
trail on the west side of the road would provide them
with safe access to County Road 9, where they can then
cross the road and get to the trail leading east into the
park.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BURK AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON TO RECOMMEND THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE
STAFF TO PREPARE FEASIBILITY REPORTS AND COST ESTIMATES
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TRAIL SEGMENTS 12, 14, 16, 18, AND
THE NEWLY IDENTIFIED SEGMENT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF COUNTY
9 FROM NORTHWEST BOULEVARD TO VINEWOOD LANE. THE MOTION
CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
Director Blank has been in touch with a number of
individuals who have expressed an interest in being
involved in the development of a handicapped accessible
playground, including some handicapped Plymouth children
and adults. He also indicated that he would like one or
two PRAC members to be involved. Both Commissioner
Mikula and Wahl volunteered. Director Blank then stated
that if PRAC wants this project to proceed in 1993, a
motion recommending it would be necessary.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MIKULA AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WAHL RECOMMENDING THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND IN
PLYMOUTH CREEK PARK, AND FURTHER THAT A SUBCOMMITTEE
BEGIN WORK ON PREPARING A FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THIS
PLAYGROUND. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
In response to a request made by serveral residents and
by former commissioner Marlene Waage, Director Blank
researched the cost to install additional swings at Bass
Lake Playfield. Park maintenance crews could install
four swings at a cost of about $4,000 which also includes
the retaining wall and a surface of pea gravel.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAHL AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER GUTZKE TO RECOMMEND THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE
THE INSTALLATION OF FOUR ADDITIONAL SWINGS AT BASS LAKE
PLAYFIELD. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
Commissioner Wahl asked if a clock could be installed in
the building at Bass Lake. Mary Bisek said that she
would look into this.
Commissioner Burk questioned the South Shore landscaping
project listed as an item proposed in the 1993 CIP. To
help bring new commissioner Mikula up to speed on this
PRAC Minutes/February 1993
Page 12
subject, he also briefly explained the history of this
proposed project. His concern is that this landscaping
will benefit only a few residents. Director Blank
commented that the trees would be planted on park
property, not private property. Other commissioners
agreed that although the project will benefit only about
10 families, it is something they feel they are committed
to doing, since it is part of the approved 193 CIP.
Commissioner Gutzke suggested that maybe the plan could
be scaled down somewhat from the proposed amount of
7,500. Director Blank will discuss the possibility of a
new plan with the City forester and report back to the
Commission.
d. Approval of 1992 annual report. Commissioners had
received draft copies of the 192 annual report in their
January agendas and were invited to review them and make
any changes they felt were appropriate, prior to the
report being forwarded to the City Council. Suggestions
made included adding the 1993 CIP as an appendix, and
removing a sentence in the Goals and Objectives chapter
about soliciting citizen involvement in the development
of a community center. It was decided to remove this
statement, because community center input is not being
sought at this time.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WAHL TO RECOMMEND THAT THE 1992 ANNUAL
REPORT BE FORWARDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THEIR
ACCEPTANCE. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
Commissioner Mikula mentioned that on the page listing
the names and addresses of the commissioners, it is
stated that they serve two year terms. She was told that
it was a three year term. Staff indicated they would
look into this and make the necessary correction before
presenting the report to the Council. Commissioner
Anderson will be present at the Council meeting on the
22nd of February to present the '92 annual report.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Additional swings at Bass Lake Playfield. See item 5c.
b. Rental Pol _c_v for Parkers Plavfield picnic shelter and
Bass Lake shelter. Director Blank explained that when
the Parkers Lake Playfield was designed, it was with the
idea that the picnic shelter could be reserved. With
that in mind, staff kept track of the number of requests
received in 1992 from individuals wanting to reserve
picnic facilities. At least 95 requests were tallied
during the picnic season. Based on these requests, staff
is proposing, on a one-year trial basis, that the new
picnic shelter at Parkers Lake Playfield be available on
PRAC Minutes/February 1993
Page 13
a rental basis on Saturdays and Sundays and available on
a first come, first served basis Monday through Friday.
The proposed rental fee is $30 for a half day and $60 for
a full day, with a $25 key deposit for both. Revenue
generated from these rentals would be used to help offset
the cost of maintaining the Parkers Lake Playfield
facilities. Staff would also recommended that the new
Bass Lake shelter be available free of charge, with a $25
key deposit, to Plymouth groups on a first come, first
served basis, as are the shelters at Oakwood, Plymouth
Creek, Plymouth and Zachary playfields.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GUTZKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MIKULA THAT THESE RENTAL POLICIES AND FEES
BE APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS PROPOSED BY STAFF.
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
C. Selection of PRAC chair and vice chair for 1993. Don
Anderson was unanimously approved to be the PRAC chair in
1993, and Wyatt Gutzke was unanimously approved as the
vice chair.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank stated
information for PRAC on
received by the City on
addition to checking on
buildings owned by the
copies of the surveys
tournament field rental
equipment.
that he would be putting together
the expenses incurred and revenues
the traveling soccer tournament in
the availability of storage space in
City. He will also redistribute
done on other cities' charges for
and storage of athletic association
The next meeting is March 11. The April meeting is
scheduled for the 8th, but Director Blank wondered if the
Commission could meet on the 15th instead. The date is not
definite at this point, but if it is necessary to change,
PRAC will be notified in advance by staff.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.
Plymouth Parks and Recreation 550-5130
GUIDELINES FOR USING THE PARKERS PLAYFIELD PICNIC SHELTER
The Parkers Lake Playfield Picnic Shelter, located on the north side of County
Road 6 at the intersection with Shenandoah Lane, is operated by the City of
Plymouth and may be rented by Plymouth residents, groups, churches and
businesses. Certain policies are needed to ensure the proper use and control
of the facility, so that all people may equally enjoy it. The shelter is
available to rent seven days a week, with the exception of national holidays,
i.e., Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
The picnic shelter will rent for $30 for partial day or evening use, e.g., 10-
4 p.m. or 4-10 p.m., and $60 for full-day use (10 a.m.-10 p.m.), with a $25
key deposit (for the restrooms). The shelter closes at 10 p.m.
All individuals and/or businesses must complete a rental application and have
it approved before using the picnic shelter. Applications must be submitted
at least three days in advance of the date for which the rental is requested.
A rental will not be confirmed until the fees are paid.
The shelter contains 11-12 picnic tables, four electrical outlets, two
barbeque grills, restrooms, and a r4--p1_____1,iy4ted--par-king is available
adjacent to the shelter, with overflow parking down near the playfields.
There is also a small children's playground located near the facility. See
map on the back of this sheet.
It will be the responsibility of every group using the picnic shelter to
dispose of all trash and do some light clean-up of the facility. Recycling
barrels will be available for aluminum cans and plastic. No glass beverage
containers or alcohol, including beer, are permitted in Plymouth parks.
Renter's
Address
PICNIC SHELTER APPLICATION
Phone hm) wk)
Name of business, church or group (if applicable)
Approximate number of people in group
Day of rental L
Zip
Time of rental to
I wish to reserve softball field at an additional $11/hr from to
Available only during daylight hours on Saturdays and Sundays)
If using the Parkers Lake beach, how many children will be swimming
Please complete and return, with fee, to: Plymouth Park and Recreation
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
On the day of your rental, a sign will be posted on-site stating you have it
reserved.
ek k:'t:e:Y:YnYir kx:'r:YxinY:Y:'ex:':':::k>ri:k:F'eFOR OFFICE USE
TOTAL FEE PAID CHECK # RECEIVED BY DATE
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
March 8, 1993
PRAC
Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation
1993 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
1. South Shore Drive Landscaping
Attached is a memo dated June 14, 1990, from then City
Forester, Don Kissinger, to me. In this memo, Don lays out
the cost associated with landscaping the area along South
Shore Drive between the residential area and the industrial
plant. In 1990 Don estimated the work to• range between
5,200 if done in-house and $11,340 if done by contract. The
1993 capital improvement program allocates $7,500 of park
dedication funds toward this program. Thus, due to inflation
and the set budget, the project has been scaled back from the
higher estimates from 1990.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this project be approved
for funding in the year 1993. I also suggest that the City
Forester be directed to work with the homeowners to develop
the most efficient and effective planting plan within the
given budget of $7,500 and proceed with the work as a spring
project.
2. Trails
The Engineering Department has prepared the attached trail
cost estimate. The Park Commission suggested last month that
we look at six segments. The one segment rounding the west
side of Turtle Lake has been ruled out due to the fact that
one of the property owners is not available to participate in
discussions at this time. The design of this trail is going
to be greatly affected also by trees, a severe slope and the
wetlands in this area, which will require input from the MN
DNR and the Corps of Engineers. And finally, the long
distance involved would make this a very expensive project
that would chew up much of our money for the year 1993. The
approved capital improvement budget had $175,000 earmarked
for trails. Of this, $100,000 was to come from Minnesota
State Aid (MSA) and $75,000 from the community parks and
trails account. The five segments outlined in the engineer's
report total $106,000. The Commission has two options. One
is to select your highest priority trail segments that most
closely match the $75,000 budgeted, or recommend to the City
Council that the budget for the trail projects be increased
to $106,000 to allow for these five trail segments to be
completed. These projects will be designed in house by the
City Engineering Department. This will be the most cost
effective way for the projects to be undertaken.
The City Engineering Department is currently preparing plans
and specifications for the upgrade of Vicksburg Lane between
Highway 55 and Old County Road 9. As part of this road
upgrade project, they have estimated it would cost
approximately $50,000 to place an off-road trail along
Vicksburg between 55 and Old 9. I recommend that the Park
Commission suggest to the City Council that $50,000 of MSA
funds be used for the completion of this segment of trail.
EB
attachment
TABLE
CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM, 1993 - 1907
YEAR -1093
blbtom
D
1) The $45,000 mdw Other N to be Woneed ham Tm k
2) The 92,200,000 Mdw OnwW be W"ncad $500,000 Imm Pno)md Adnlfetmtlon. !1,000,000 *am Public Facilities, 9200.070 kom Sawer, and 8500.000 harm! Watw.
PwpanM B/: SPRINGSTED Irlcaupdated (20 -Dee -92 )
PARK DEDICATON FUND
STORM INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNITY STATE/ TAX TOTAL
MAP
0 PR06JECTDESCFNPTION
ESTIMATED
COST
SPECIAL
ASSESS.
WATER REPLACEMENT
FUND FUND
UTILITY
FUND
M.S.A.
FUND
PLAYRELDS
TRAILS
NEIGH13WO
PARKS
COUNTY/ INCREMENT
FEDERAL FINANCING
P.I.R.
FUND OTHER
REVENUES
PROMDED
E. PARKS
TmX InpmvamwK
PhVWd Land Ac"Ition
1. P" filth Crook Park Duabl9d PiRYWOund
2. South Shm Land"PlnB
175,000
750,000
110,000
7,500
100,000 75,000
750,00000,000
7,500
50.000
175,003
750,000
110,000
7.500
Sublcbl 1,042,500 0 0 0 0 100,000 802,500 50,000 0 0 0 0 0 1,042,5(0
F. BUILDINGS
1, C"W Etpmnbn I Rmodawl0 3,200.000
1,000.000 2.200.000 (2) 3.200.000
Subtoul 3,200,000 0 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 1,000,000 2,200,000 3.200.000
903 TOTALS 24,320.00 L 3.485,000 50,000 1,100,000 4.575,000 2,928,500 002,500 50.000 O 5,000,000 1,000,000 2,20.5,000 24.320,000
blbtom
D
1) The $45,000 mdw Other N to be Woneed ham Tm k
2) The 92,200,000 Mdw OnwW be W"ncad $500,000 Imm Pno)md Adnlfetmtlon. !1,000,000 *am Public Facilities, 9200.070 kom Sawer, and 8500.000 harm! Watw.
PwpanM B/: SPRINGSTED Irlcaupdated (20 -Dee -92 )
r1YDULl.1 JlYRl ALL pvLUG uvauaaa. aa... a..awrr anoun y- v -
S00TH END OF. EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK ,;, f :a7 .
After visiting the above mentioned park and obtaining data bf the area,
proposed to be used as a screen, I have come up with these recommendations.
The best situation for a sight and noise screen is a layered approach which:_
has the tallest plants in the middle or at one end. Since we cannot plant any
trees behind --the pea shrubs, which are next to.the railroad,tracks,.we:should
plantthe .tallest trees -in the middle (the recommended trees.are Colorado
Green.Spruce) They can grow to a mature height of 60 -75 -feet which will
definitely screen the factory and is more dense than any'pine type species,''_
since thespacingof these trees should be at least 20 feet.':- I recommend Amur
Maple: shrub/trees tobe'planted.in front cf-the:lineiof..spruce,.to:fill the.gap a
skatG111 .^7kv 1"k.'•a9:ttW''.??'r+R's52 ariaiS,P_;:;-. _.
The areas -1
railroad.ti
planted wil
There`Isl4j
mature heil
ias.portions devoid of tr
pecies.-of `shrub'that`ii'
is approximately 12 feet
Ao -receive their permiss
maintained -grass to the
oris hruba'.:should be
int r(Siberian'Pei. Shrub)
inhisarea rThe ghrubs.
If thi's li the factories
to;pIant trees -,ri
xR'Ra.
2,300 to $5,000
With the recommended planting scheme we will have correct` spacing for the
health of the trees and shrubs plus a dense pyramidal affect to direct noise
upward and fill all site gaps. We must remember that to achieve a total
screening affect it will take several years.
In figuring the cost, I computed a reduced price where we would buy the
material wholesale with no warranty on their health and plant them ourselves
or a price where everything is contracted out and has a one year warranty.
With the less expensive method we would need labor which is at a premium at
most times of the year; plus we have no warranty should any trees die. The
more expensive routes limitation is that of price.
CIM APR 24'92
Page Two
The plant: ourself..method.would
route would "be-Sll'.300.:;::The,n
ly $5,200.;_The contracted
WHULESALE- GUNTHAGTEU i -UP ornviro a.on /.• vvn wuu.uv a.>
PRICE ' PRICE PLANTS LABOR" LABOR
12.00 $32.00 24 Siberian Pea Shrub 2-3' $288.. $768.
5 --"`a,,.. s •mak Sr ." i.0 .r_:.r:. .; ._:.; S s:ar s - 'tri _ - "
i
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ciM APR 24'92
Dear friends and Neighbors, 3/s qa
Our reeen{ warm weo,Nl, and meliinq snow remind us Fhai green Fields dna
sky blue p ao'"s are comin% soon. 1n the wetds OR Henry Wltaswer}h t~en'ellew If
Sorill came but once ;n a teni'ury mSiead o once a year, or burst $or}h wi}k the Sound of
an eo.14uake, and net ;n -5*116TM, whale Wender and expee}a};on }hcre would et in all hearts
i'o beheld the m;rweulous ehan e!"
On }11a} note we ate Pleased it announce we are D.T11 heldin our annaal Medicine Lake
ice - tui cen}esi. The yuidelines are *c same as 1a,s yeat: ''To ender 1•6c eoni'es} , wr;l•t year namt[s
on an enveioee wok, the da§elsi you predict' 1 -he lee W;11 be Ceyr% lIB ely gene From the ma;n body
o the lake. EncAose 41.0o pot tack anirl dna delWet it 1.11e King er 3oacA res;aenee bi S},
mitit,h day, March i-1, 1993, 4) The winntt[s 1s encoara'ed it use }he Proceeas o better eke
environmmi) (;e. 1%4 a free, V a semt,bitds, start a compost
Monty will be divilea evu0.111 amtT%yi w;nners.
Bria ei 3odtll has shared the, above paeM wi}l us and the ellew;n retotas Kepi by her 1a}e
abhor Ray , Who e.i']Lktd A -Is een%es:
Nledie;ne 1-aKe Ice
Year Le;i Froze Year Lei Froze Year Left Froze
195S 419 11119 1968 3130 Iz15 1981 2,113 12'6
156 4120 u1z9 `69 q/14 meed Ytar) 11119 '%1 4118 111t5
S1 4118 11148 `10 1]1% ulzy 1S3 4111 'x14
58 415 11141 '71 4116 1212 '84 418 IRh
S9 416 11113 71 4141 12II 1,35 4111 VIZI
60 4113 IzI6 `l3 3131 iz18 '86 4/110 11123
61 4111 1218 74 4119 1412 `87 3141 11121
6Z 4Jz4 12110 _ '15 41;1 11'16 '88 4111 iilz0
63 416 1114 ' 76 412 11113 \%01 41zo I11z4
64 4113 11129
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66 3131 1111 79 4141 1411 `94 415 11117
415 I1130 10 4116 11126 1993 4
We, Wcltemt 51A%rsiiens for imyrovin iht coniesi, Good luck!
Q dake : M4t menlils o leNers Phone cenversa};ens and mee}iT%y ai c;, hall,
he landseaq;n Gree Plartiin5 grejeok mvms-s 4e zireet ;s siM on "ho k PtndinJ yMki
approval by At Plymt%A PoLA and Reermi;m 4mmii}te and 1•ht Cita Count.;`, I w;s)) Vhe
tiii towld Plan} }tees m vickly and easily as 4:41 Can raise properij }axes. \49'd be `living
in a Forest! Werds cavi e,:1'ress my {rusiraiien in JEalinoJ \*Ah btu beuroetaty.
the }rtes are and Kwrmkion Gemf'61hc meeting
T1lutsday rurc 11 1993 , -7:00 PM. d1Je art all encouraged it al}enti.
J
T an1Cs ,
vP
3
We request that the city council approve the "LandscapingImprovementFlan" along the South Shore Drive.
30
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SUB -PROJECTS HOURS
Mowing 3,513.50
Trail maint-repair-const 2,724.00
Infield maintenance 2,130.50
New construction 1,863.75
Equipment maint. 1,529.50
Garbage pick up 1,430.75
Irrig'n maint & repair 1,357.00
Miscellanous rink maint. 938.25
Weed inspection 841.00
Cleaning buildings 839.25
Deliveries & pick ups 826.75
Flooding rinks 768.50
General clean up 724.00
Misc bldg material & rep. 636.50
Signs 597.50
Flower maintenance 572.50
Play structure inspect'n. 564.00
Line painting 467.50
Fencing 453.00
Tree & shrub maint. 453.00
Snow shoveling 425.25
Special events 415.25
Trimming 405.00
Goals and goalposts 377.25
Bleachers & benches 373.50
Play structure repair 322.50
Staff meetings 322.00
Brooming rinks 301.75
Paint & stain buildings 222.00
Sodding 220.50
Planting beds 209.00
Beach maintenance 207.50
Tree & shrub planting 207.50
Watering & water truck 192.50
Aeration 155.50
Park and rec equipment 141.00
Electricity 138.50
Top dressing 129.50
Electrical repairs 125.50
Tennis courts 118.50
Street department 117.00
Snow plow rinks & lot 91.00
Docks and boardwalk 88.50
Windscreens 84.00
Broadleaf weed control 79.50
Plumbing repairs 75.50
Fertilizing 70.50
Tree removal 64.00
Seeding 55.50
Board repair & replace 53.50
Snow blowing rinks 49.00
Safety meetings 48.50
Training 48.00
Tree hauling 43.00
Miscellaneous 40.75
SUB -PROJECTS HOURS
Down time 35.00
Archery range 34.00
Animal control 8.00
Entry ways 7.50
Hockey rink lines 6.50
Trail inspection 4.00
Sewer department 4.00
Water department 4.00
Sign inspection 2.00
Natural gas 0.00
TOTAL 29,365.00
PROJECT HOURS
Pub Wks & Treat. Plant 4,894.75
Zachary 2,987.50
Plymouth Crk Playfield 2,931.00
Parkers Lake 2,497.00
Trails 1,987.50
Nbrhd parks in general 1,866.75
Plymouth Playfield 1,509.25
Ridgemount Playfield 1,421.00
Oakwood Playfield 1,382.50
Playfields in general 1,249.50
Areas Out/Inside City 788.25
Parkers Lake Pavilion 731.25
West Medicine Lake 679.25
City Hall & Ply Blvd 613.00
LaCompte Playfield 603.25
East Medicine Lake 583.00
Four Seasons/Meadowlawn 416.00
Shiloh 336.50
Timber Shores 289.75
Gleanloch 260.00
Bass Lake Playfield 186.50
Zachary Elem. 176.00
Cemetary 170.50
Green Oaks 154.50
Fazendin 152.50
Lions 149.75
Parkers Lake Playfield 145.50
Swan Lake Park 141.25
Sunrise 141.00
Fire Station #2 131.75
Queensland 125.75
Turtle Lake 122.50
St. Mary's 118.00
Mission Hills & Ridge 113.50
Schmidt Lake Park 107.75
Pilgrim Lane Elem. 106.00
Maplecreek 93.50
Imperial Hills 92.00
Circle 88.75
County Road 61 84.25
Rolling Hills 81.00
Kilmer 77.25
Fire Station #3 67.00
Work done for others 46.00
Industrial strip 45.50
Ponderosa 40.50
Oakview Pond 40.00
Greentree West 32.50
Olive Lane Pond 31.50
Schools in general 28.50
Meadowood 27.50
Greenwood Elem. 24.50
Hemlock 24.00
Armstrong High School 20.00
Sunset Hill Elem. 19.25
PROJECT HOURS
12th Ave Pond 16.75
Lift Sta, Pump H, Water T 15.00
Birchview Elem. 14.50
Birch Park 13.50
Zach Water Treat. Plant 13.00
Ferndale North 11.00
Fire Station #1 10.00
Miscellaneous 10.00
Egan 9.50
Medicine Lake Comm. Club 6.00
Inspections 5.50
Deerwood-Balsam 5.00
South Shore Park 4.50
Amberwoods 2.00
Beacon Heights Natural Area 0.00
Birchbriar 0.00
Fountain Lane 0.00
Private ponds 0.00
Sidewalks 0.00
23rd & East Medicine Lake 0.00
TOTAL 31,369.00
March 26, 1993
Dear City of Plymouth Resident:
The Park and Recreation Department of Plymouth is concerned about providing the best possible
services, programs, and facilities to the people of Plymouth. To do this, we need to find out
how well our current programs and services meet your needs. You can also help us in
determining what our priorities should be for future facility and program expansion.
Your response to this survey is very important and will give us valuable information for
improving the Park and Recreation programs provided for Plymouth residents. Your household
is one of a small number in Plymouth being asked to give their opinions about our services and
programs. For the results to truly represent the opinions of Plymouth residents, it is important
that each questionnaire is completed and returned.
Please take a few minutes to complete and return the enclosed questionnaire. A postage -paid
return envelope is included for your convenience. The Minnesota Center for Survey Research at
the University of Minnesota is assisting us with this survey. Therefore, the surveys are being
returned to their office.
You may be assured of complete confidentiality. The questionnaire has an identification number
for mailing purposes only. This is so we may check your name off the mailing list when your
questionnaire is returned. Your name will never be placed on the questionnaire.
Thank you for your help with our survey. If you have any questions, please feel free to call
Name) at (phone number).
Sincerely,
Name)
Title)
PLYMOUTH PARK AND
RECREATION SURVEY
Minnesota Center for Survey Research
University of Minnesota
2122 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454
612) 627-4282
PLYMOUTH PARK AND RECREATION SURVEY
Please circle the number which corresponds to the answer closest to your opinion or
write in the information requested. All individual responses will be kept confidential.
Ql. In the last 12 months, has anyone in your household visited any of the following park or
recreation facilities in Plymouth? (Please circle one response for each item.)
Don't
Yes No Know
a. A park in the City of Plymouth 1 2 3
b..A City:6 Plymouthu4e
Yes
2 3
C. A beach in the city of Plymouth 1 2 3
d;:. A:sport field Plymouth 3::
e. Parker's Lake Pavilion 1 2 3
f.
Rollet bladrng,'oz skating,'
Q2. In the last 12 months, has anyone in your household done any of the following activities at
a City of Plymouth park or trail? (Please circle one response for each item.)
Don't
Yes No Know
a. Bicycle riding 1 2 3
b Walking......... .
C. Running 1 2 3
it Rollet bladrng,'oz skating,'
e. Cross-country skiing 1 2 3
f.lmm* sarea takeT0-:a-;- : N
g. Team sports (soccer, baseball, softball) 1 2 3
h. Bask tball
i. Tennis 1 2 3
children'sj. TTsed playground equipmentz:::::
k. Picnicking 1 2 3
g
Q3. In the past 12 months, did you or anyone in your household participate in the following
2 3
Plymouth Park and Recreation programs? Please circle one response for each item.)
Don't
1 2 3
Yes No Know
a. Arts and crafts 1 2 3
b. Drama 1 2 3
C. Dance 1 2 3
d. Music 1 2 3
e. Fitness/Wellness 1 2 3
f. Swimming lessons 1 2 3
g. Sports instruction (tennis, T -Ball, K -Ball,
2
gymnastics) 1 2 3
h. Team sports (softball, volleyball, soccer,
ice hockey, football) 1 2 3
i. Day Camp 1 2 3
j. Performing arts/Concerts in the Park 1 2 3
k. Social interaction programs 1 2 3
1. One time special events (Fire and Ice, Music in
Plymouth) 1 2 3
m. Trips (ski trips, Get -Away -for -the -Day, Twins
game) 1 2 3
R. Other (Specify: ) 1 2 3
2
Q4. For the programs listed below, please indicate if you think Plymouth Park and Recreation
should offer more, the same, or fewer of these programs. (Please circle one response for
each item.)
3
More Same Fewer
a. Arts and crafts 1 2 3
b. Drama 1 2 3
c. Dance 1 2 3
d. Music 1 2 3
e. Fitness/Wellness 1 2 3
f. Swimming lessons 1 2 3
g. Sports instruction (tennis, T -Ball, K -Ball,
gymnastics) 1 2 3
h. Team sports (softball, volleyball, soccer,
ice hockey, football) 1 2 3
i. Day Camp 1 2 3
j. Performing arts/Concerts in the Park 1 2 3
k. Social interaction programs 1 2 3
1. One time special events (Fire and Ice, Music in
Plymouth) 1 2 3
m. Trips (ski trips, Get -Away -for -the -Day, Twins
game) 1 2 3
n. Other (Specify: ) 1 2 3
3
Q5. In the past 12 months, have you registered for a Plymouth recreation program?
1. Yes
2. No (PLEASE SKIP TO Q9)
Q6. When you registered for a Plymouth recreation program, how would you rate the staff who
took care of your registration? (Please circle one.)
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
5. Registered for program by mail
Q7. How do you feel about the fee you were charged for the Plymouth recreation program you
registered for? (Please circle one.)
1. Too high ------> Please explain why you feel the fee was too high
2. About right and specify the program:
3. A bargain
Q8. In general, how well maintained are the Plymouth Park and Recreation facilities you have
used in the past 12 months? (Please circle one.)
1. Very well maintained
2. Well maintained
3. Some maintenance evident
4. Poorly maintained
5. Other (Please explain:_
n
Q9. In terms of the maintenance of Plymouth Park and Recreation facilities, which of the
following do you feel need improvement? (Please circle all that apply and indicate the
location of the facility.)
Facility
a. Restrooms
b. Beaches and picnic areas
c. Trails and hiking paths
d. Playing fields
e. Buildings
f. Other
Specify:_
Location
Q10. The Plymouth Park and Recreation Department uses carefully controlled amounts of
chemicals and herbicides to control weeds in Plymouth parks. In your opinion, should the
Department continue using chemicals/herbicides to control weeds in Plymouth parks?
Please circle one.)
1. Yes, continue to use chemicals on a carefully controlled basis to control weeds in parks
2. No, do not use chemicals and allow the weeds to grow in City parks
3. Other (Please explain: )
Q 1 I. In your opinion, how important is it for the City of Plymouth to ensure that the following
services/facilities are available for residents? (Please circle one response for each item.)
Very Slightly Not Very
Important Important Important Important
a. Baseball/softball fields 1 2 3 4
b. Outdoor tennis courts 1 2 3 4
C. Indoor tennis courts 1 2 3 4
d. Public outdoor swimming pool 1 2 3 4
e. Public indoor swimming pool 1 2 3 4
f. Indoor racket sport courts 1 2 3 4
g. Outdoor soccer fields 1 2 3 4
h. Indoor soccer area 1 2 3 4
i. Public golf course 1 2 3 4
j. Walking/biking trails 1 2 3 4
L Nature Center 1 2 3 4
I. Public gym space 1 2 3 4
m. Public indoor ice arena 1 2 3 4
n. Public health/fitness facility 1 2 3 4
o. Teen Center 1 2 3 4
p. Senior Center 1 2 3 4
q. Meeting rooms 1 2 3 4
r. Public swimming beaches 1 2 3 4
S. Other (Specify: 1 2 3 4
Q12. How much would you be willing to pay each year in additional taxes to pay for items from
the above list that are very important to you? (Please circle one.)
1. $0 - $10 per year
2. $11 - $20 per year
3. $21 - $50 per year
4. Over $50 per year
T
Q13. Please rate the quality of the following park and recreation services in the City of
Plymouth: (Please circle one response for each item.)
a. Neighborhood parks
b. Sport fields
C. City parks (Parker's Lake, Timber
Shores)
d. Trails
e. Maintenance of parks (e.g., weed
control, trash removal)
f. Cleanliness of park restrooms
g. Park safety
h. Recreation programs
L Information provided to the public
about Plymouth recreation programs
j. Availability of sanitary facilities
permanent or portable)
Q14. If a member of your household needs special services or accommodations because of a
disability, please tell us how well we are doing in providing accessible services and
programs. (Please circle one.)
1. Programs and facilities are very accessible.
2. Programs and facilities need some improvement.
Please specify which ones:
3. Programs and facilities need major improvements.
Please specify which ones:
4. No one in my household needs special services.
7
Don't
Excellent Good Fair Poor Know
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Q14. If a member of your household needs special services or accommodations because of a
disability, please tell us how well we are doing in providing accessible services and
programs. (Please circle one.)
1. Programs and facilities are very accessible.
2. Programs and facilities need some improvement.
Please specify which ones:
3. Programs and facilities need major improvements.
Please specify which ones:
4. No one in my household needs special services.
7
Q15. How often do you feel safe when visiting a Plymouth park or trail area?
Please circle one.)
1. All of the time
2. Most of the time
3. Some of the time (Please explain:_
4. Never feel safe (Please explain:_
5. Do not visit Plymouth parks or trails
Q16. Would you be willing to pay more in taxes to hire additional park staff to patrol Plymouth
park and trail areas?
1. Yes
2. No
Q17. In the past 12 months, have you participated in any recreation activities at facilities, parks,
or trails outside the City of Plymouth?
1. Yes
2. No (PLEASE SKIP TO Q19)
Q18. If yes, please indicate the location of the recreation facility, park, or trail and indicate the
type of activities done.
Location
3
Activit
Q19. In the past 12 months, from which of the following sources have you received information
about Plymouth Park and Recreation programs? (Please circle all that apply.)
a. Direct mail
b. Local cable TV channel
c. Sun Sailor newspaper
d. Wayzata Weekly News
e. Plymouth News (City newsletter)
f. School flyers
g. Word of mouth (from other people)
h. Other (Please specify:
i. Have not received information from any sources
Q20. Of the information sources listed below which two should you most prefer for receiving
information about Plymouth Park and Recreation programs? (Please circle two.)
a. Direct mail
b. Local cable TV channel
c. Sun Sailor newspaper
d. Wayzata Weekly News
e. Plymouth News (City newsletter)
f. School flyers
g. Other (Please specify:
Q21. How important are parks and recreation services to the overall quality of your life as a
Plymouth resident? (Please circle one.)
1. Very important
2. Important
3. Slightly important
4. Not very important
N
T
Q22. In general, how much do you feel parks, open space, and trails enhance the value of
property in Plymouth? (Please circle one.)
1. Very much
2. Somewhat
3. Not at all
Please answer the following questions about yourself. This information will be used only to
compare people's answers. It will not be used to identify you in any way.
Q23. Are you male or female?
1. Male
2. Female
Q24. Do you own or rent your home?
1. Own
2. Rent
Q25. How many persons in the following age groups reside in your home?
Number of
People
a. Persons over 65 years
b. Adults, 20 - 64 years
c. Teenagers, 13 - 19 years
d. Children, 12 years and younger
Q26. How many years have you lived in the City of Plymouth?
years
10
Q27. Please circle the one number that corresponds mostly closely to your race/ethnicity?
1. Black/African American
2. White
3. Hispanic/Latino/Chicano
4. Native American/American Indian
5. Other (Please specify:
Q28. What is your age? (Please circle one.)
1. 18 - 24 years
2. 25 - 34 years
3. 35 - 54 years
4. 55 - 64 years
S. Over 65 years
Q29. Please use the space below to add any other comments you may have about Plymouth Park
and Recreation programs and facilities.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!
Please return your completed questionnaire in the postage -paid envelope provided to:
Minnesota Center for survey Research
University of Minnesota
2122 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454
II
T
1993 PLYMOUTH PARK & RECREATION SURVEY
TOURNAMENT FEES FOR YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS
Question: Is your city charging a fee to youth athletic associations for
using city playfields to run tournaments of any kind?
If yes, how much are you charging?
Responses:
1. Eagan
Yes, they charge a fee of $35/field per day. An additional $25/field per
hour is charged if lights are requested and a $50 cleaning fee is charged
for use of the adjacent building.
2. Apple Valley
Yes, $35/field per day (Saturdays & Sundays).
3. Anoka
No.
4. Burnsville
No.
5. Blaine
No.
6. Brooklyn Center
No.
7. Coon Rapids
The Coon Rapids athletic association pays $500/year for all field use
including tournaments.
8. Fridley
Yes, they charge a fee of $800 per weekend for non-profit groups to have
tournaments on city playfields (softball only). No soccer tournament
requests.
9. Golden Valley
No.
10. Richfield
Yes, they charge $47.50 per day plus lights for baseball and softball.
No soccer tournaments.
11. New Brighton
No, in relation to city athletic association league tournaments.
However, they do charge a fee of $50/day to private groups within the
city and $100/day to groups outside of the city.
12. New Hope
No.
13. Maplewood
No.
14. Shoreview
Yes, they charge a rate of $10 per hour per field.
15. Roseville
No.
16. St. Louis Park
No.
17. Hopkins/Minnetonka
No.
18. Maple Grove
Yes, $30/field per day.
Survey Response Total
Yes - 7
No - 11
NOTE: The communities that responded no indicated that they would charge a
fee if extra maintenance was required.
Survey conducted by:
Rick Busch
Recreation Supervisor
Plymouth Park & Recreation Dept.
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
DATE: March 8, 1993
TO: PRAC
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION EQUIPMENT STORAGE
Attached is an athletic association storage survey that was
completed in 1992 and given to PRAC at that time. Since our last
meeting, I sent a memo to the Chief of Police, the Fire Marshall,
the Director of Public Works, the Superintendent of Public Works,
the Superintendent of Parks, the streets supervisor, sewer
supervisor, and parks supervisor. I asked each of them to review
their own areas and identify any space that might be available to
be used for equipment storage. All of the responses were
negative. There is no space available currently for such usage
on city property.
EB/np
Attachment
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION EQUIPMENT STORAGE
The cities listed below offer the following assistance in
the storage of athletic equipment for the youth athletic
associations serving their community:
Brooklyn Park
Space is provided in their Central Park Community Building
for the various sports. Youth hockey is given space at
their ice arena. All equipment at both facilities is
insured as well by the City of Brooklyn Park.
Burnsville
3,500 square feet of space is provided on the lower level of
their city hall building.
Crystal
The city built a combination concessions -storage facility at
their Little League Complex for the baseball association to
use.
Eagan
A storage building was jointly constructed between the city
and the athletic association. The city provided all
materials, labor and a site. The athletic association is
paying $5,000 a year until the cost of the materials is paid
off.
Eden Prairie
Space is provided at the Round Lake Pavilion for softball,
baseball and football. Some minimal space for swimming,
hockey and figure skating is provided at the ice arena.
Edina
Each association is given some space in their public works
building.
Golden Valley
Each athletic association is allowed some space in one of
the city's maintenance buildings.
Hopkins -Minnetonka
If a storage building is adjacent to the fields the
association uses, then they are given a key to that
building. Otherwise, no storage is provided.
Maple Grove
The baseball and basketball associations are currently
provided space in the Eagle Lake Community Building.
Roseville
Space is provided in their Activities Center. Hockey and
Little League baseball have 400 sq. ft., football has 400
sq. ft., basketball and a second baseball association share
250 sq. ft.
February 16, 1993
Loni Gradick
Plymouth Soccer Association
11730 27th Ave N
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Loni:
yk
f
CITY OF
PLYMOUTR
Thank you for attending the February 11 Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission meeting. At that meeting, you expressed
concern for the safety of your sports' equipment currently stored
in the wooden sheds at Oakwood Playfield. Although, I am not
aware of any space currently available for such storage, the park
and Recreation Advisory Commission has asked me to explore this
matter further and report back to them. I will keep you informed
of any progress we make in this area.
You also indicated that you wish to have strong ties with our
department on the development of the program. Rest assured that
both Rick Busch and Cindy Anderson are available to lend
assistance and coordination at whatever level your board feels
appropriate.
Thank you for your interest in this matter. I will keep you
informed of any progress I make in locating storage facilities.
Sincerely,
111
Eric J. Ak
Director of Parks and Recreation
EJB/np
cc: FRAC
City Manager
Rick Busch
Cindy Anderson
We Listen . We Solve • We Care
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
February 16, 1993
CITY OF
PUMOUTR
Rich Dilley
Plymouth -Wayzata Girls Softball
11601 3rd Ave N
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Rich:
Thank you for taking the time to attend the February 11 Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. At that meeting, you
indicated that you could use storage space of approximately 12 x
16 feet. You also stated you would like to put up a batting cage
as close as possible to the shelter at Oakwood Playfield. This
site would need a 110 volt outlet, and the cage would take a
space roughly 12 x 60 feet 3n lenght.
Although, I am not aware of any space available at this time, the
Commission asked that I look into the matter of additional
storage space and report back to them. I will also ask someone
from my staff to get in touch with you about the possibility of
your organization putting up a batting cage at Oakwood.
Thank you for your time and interest in this subject. I will
keep you informed of any progress we make on these matters.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank
Director of Parks
EJB/np
cc: PRAC
City Manager
Rick Busch
Mark Peterson
and Recreation
We Listen • We Solve • We Care
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
CITY OF
February 16, 1993 PLYMOUTR
Jim Gleason
Plymouth -Wayzata Soccer Club
16505 4th Ave N
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Jim:
Thank you for taking the time to attend the February 11 Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. My notes indicate that
there are two areas of concern you have. First, when the City is
planning future athletic facilities, you would like to have some
input with regard to soccer fields at these sites. Second, you
expressed concern about the amount of the fee for the Wayzata
Summer Soccer Tournament. ,You indicated that the Club would be
willing to pay what you described as "reasonable costs"
associated with the extra maintenance required for this
tournament.
The Commission has asked that I provide them with additional
information regarding this matter, so they can review the current
status of this situation. I will keep you informed of any
changes that may result from their future discussions.
Thank you for your interest in this matter. Have a great summer
soccer season. F
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank
Director of Parks and Recreation
EJB/np
cc: PRAC
City Manager
Rick Busch
We Listen • We Solve • We Care
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
PAVILION CALENDAR
MARCH 1993
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 NWO 9:30-10:30 NWO 9:15-12:15 PD
10:45-11:30 FFT
6:30-8:45 BCW/ 6:30-8:45 BCW/
YOGA YOGA
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:15 PD
10:45-11:30 FFT
6:30-8:45 BCW/ 6:30-8:45 BCW/ 5:00-7:00 PM
YOGA YOGA SALLY OLSON-BDP
559-1606
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO 10-2:30 ART 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:15 PD 9:00-12:30 PSS
10:45-11:30 FFT CLASS CLOWNING AROUND
6:30-8:45 BCW/ 6:30-8:45 BCW/
YOGA YOGA
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:15 PD
10:45-11:30 FFT
6:30-8:45 BCW/ 6:30-8:45 BCW/
YOGA YOGA
28 29 30 31
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO
10:45-11:30 FFT
6:30-8:45 BCW/ 6:30-8:45 BCW/
YOGA YOGA
CAPPING SERVICE
SHOREVIEW /ARUEN
HILLS FOCUS
Ramsey Co.
DEC 2 1992
Mounds Vewl ow Blightun/Shoreview/Arden Hills Focus—Tues.,December 22, 1992 --3
City moves forward \
wlth"
LL,
olf course plan
A proposal for a golf course in and to become competitive In a
Mounds View took a step further competitive market," Clerk -
hist week. Administrator Samantha Orduno
The ,City Council agreed to said.
obtain two additional course The cost of the designs and
designs from architects and to study will be paid by money from
conduCl a market analysis of the the golf course fund, a pool of
area, ns recommended by the money left over from a closed
Golf Course Task Force. bond fund.
The market study information, City leaders also expect
expccled to be shared by Western Western Bank will share the costa
Bank, will help city leaders shape of the market study but the
the prtljcct to compete in the golf- specifics on that project have not
ing m;gkel. yet been worked out, Orduno
11 gill help u% fine our niche said.
1CL1MO
IpNVICEPELE VALLEY,RLEREKrVILLF.9hN-I:URKENT
D•kol• Co.
DEC 221992
Arena
drive
begins
Available funds
stirs Interest
in arena for AV
By Mikkei Kelly
proponents of a new athletic
complex in Apple Valley may
won be knocking on doors and
asking supporters to sign
petitions. Roger Tadsen, a member of
the Valley Athletic Association
VAA) and past president, said
youth sports are "busting at the
seams" and each year morecity
parks are being used to handle
games that can't be scheduled
at appropriate fields.
He mid the Valley Athletic
Association had planned to send
letters asking supporters to
write to the city council but in-
stead deckled it's time to go door
to door.
lime will be h meeting of
supporters at the VAA field
house at Hayes Field Jan. 4 at 7
p.m. and petitions will be
presented to the city "council
sometime later in January, he
said. The city has construction Of a
southern athletic complex on the
city's long-term goal list. The
idea has been on the back
burner until recently when
Comcilmember Bob Erickson
asked residents in a letter to the
editor if and how an available $3
million should be spent.
Erickson's request came last
month after George Ballenger,
Apple Valley finance director,
reported that $3 million from
two of the city's assessment
funds could be spent immediate-
ly and the city would still have
sufficient cash Bow through
2007. The two well-managedIfundsflourishedbecauseofbond
refinancing, fewer defaults, and
assessments paid back quicker
that expected, said Tom
Melena, Apple Valley city
administrator.
Melena said the 25 or so
responses to Erickson have
generally been conservative.
Some suggestions included
reducing debt, keeping the
money fa something to fall
back on, putting off making a
decisim fa awhile, or making a
special fund — as cities such as
Eagan have doe — and spen-
ding only the interest each year,
he said. The council briefly discussed
the 63 million at the Dec. 10
meeting when resident Wilton
Anderson suggested the money
be given back to the taxpayer.
Mayor Bill Holton replied that
it would be difficult to fairly
distribute the money to tax-
payers because not all have Hv-
ed here the same amount of
time. Instead he said the money
should be used for debt
reduction. While the council waits for
other suggestions, more support
for a new athletic c mpiexcame
this week in a report from then
Youth Athletic Needs Study
Committee. The report co -
Nudes that each year athletic:
seed, Intrude a little deeper Into i
6eighborbood parks. Six new 1
playfelds and two gymnasiums S
constructed since 1986 have not
kept pace with the needs, thei
report prep t shows Increasing
m,mbers of youth participating
in sports since 1984. This year
11,774 children participated len I
the Apple Valley Hockey
Association, the Rosemount
Athletic Association, the Rom,
mount Area Hockey Associa-
tion, and tine Valley Athletic
Association. Of those, 7,143 ace
Apple Valley youth.
f the city's 14 neighborhood 1
parks, which according to the
city's Comprehensive Plan are
meant as a place for people In
the neighborhood to congregate,
seven are disrupted by athletic
association actvities. Those are'
Duchess, Faith, Greening,
Longridge, Redwood South,
Wildwood, and Greenleaf.
Those "where the dismplion
factor is not as genal" are Hoo-
tington, Delaney, Gaalieie, Lager, Hagemeister.
and tah parks. report Mix a variety Of
cancans about having atidelk
association games In
neighborhood Perim ':,..
A • No phone or Geld attendantavailable. .t
Fields not designed for
brBanized Play -
Inadequate parking,
children darting between park-.'
Can blocking driveways
and may even restrict theability
of an emergency vehicle.
Drivers turn around in
driveways, park on lawns.
PeoPkcutfiagacrosslawwe.
Litter lett in neighborhood
yards.
Cars taking up resident
par- Rsidents complaining
about presence of portable
toilets brought in for games.
Water is not available at
most sites.
Many children would like to
use park far informal games
while leagues are piaying.
Siblings and friends alteW'
ding games overload..
playground and other facilitiesa:
Noise associated with
games disturbs residents.
Not as cost efficient for City
crews to maintain and ad-
miolalersatellite facilities. ' "
Not mnvervent fa league
peke
scheduling and program
Members of the Youth
Addetic Needs Study Commit•
Lee who prepared the report
are: Robkt Curry, UrbanAffaius '
Committee; Bernie ITsich, Ap-
ple prpleValleyHockeyAssociation;
Karan Edgelon, Planning Com- 1
minim; JoAnne Ellison, Dime,
tar of Community Education
and District 196 Demographer;.,
David Gross. Park and Recrea-
lion Advisory Committee; Jet!,
Krause, Valley Athletic Associa- ,
Go; Steve Reiseauer, Rine -
mount Area Athletic Associa-
tion; and Tom Swope, Valley
Athletic Association.
Normally the city council fan
a geal setting session in JanunrY
but the session has been
postponed to allow a transition
with mayor -elect Will Brammg,
said Metas. Whether to spend
3 million of the city's two
assessment funds and if a%what;
to spend it on, will he one of antissuesbeforethecamelce Y
year.
MNA CLIPPING SERVICE
4LWFST ST. PAUL.
SUN -CURRENT
Dakota Co.
Propo'sed ice arena
would cost residents
By (leather Gay
Residents may need to pay
half the cost for a $3 million ice
arena proposed for Inver Grove
Heights.
The Inver Grove Heights Ice
Arena Task Force hopes voters
will approve a $1.5 million
referendum in April 1993. The ci-
in Inver Grove
1.5 million
ly will appoint a 14 -member
commission to look at whether
there should be a referendum
and what park and recreation
projects should be included in
the vote.
If the residents pay half the
community center -arena cost,
the other $1.5 million for con-
struction would come from a
general revenue bond, said Jack
Skoog, chair of the Ice Arena
Task Force.
The $3 million price tag
doesn't include parking, hockey
boards, or site amenities (grass
and shrubs), Skoog said.
The ice arena planned to
share a parking facility with the
proposed Armory, but the Ar-
mory project has been put on
hold until 1994, he said. So tem-
porary parking would have to be
put in until the Armory is built,
he said.
If a referendum for the ice
arena passes, construction
would begin in May 1993, Skoog
said.
The revenue bonds would be
paid back out of revenues
generated from the arena,
Skoog said. An ice arena
averages a revenue of $1,000 a
game, he said.
Marquette Partners, a finan-
cial operation company, did a
financial feasibility study on
how much revenue the center -
arena could generate in a year.
Its preliminary report said the
competition of surrounding
arenas would not have an im-
pact on this project, Skoog said.
The report said Inver Grove
Heights could expect the same
cash flow as surrounding
facilities based on population,
use and community events,
Skoog said.
That's good news, Skoog said.
Gross revenue projections for
the ice arena are about $200,000
a year, he said.
Ice would be in the building
about seven months of the year,
Skoog said. The other five mon-
ths the arena could be used for
other events, including wrestl-
ing and volleyball tournaments,
field hockey, broomball, con-
certs and tennis, he said. Also
available is a community
meeting room.
The ice arena would seat
1,200. The ice sheet is 85 feet by
210 feet.
That's a unique sheet of ice,"
Skoog said. Most rinks are 85
feet by 200 feet. The reason for
the extra five feet behind each
goal is for safety — to give
skaters more room, he said.
d eAL
0? SOUT" et.r ....
gry GROVE HFl(iHI9
sur,cu RENT
Dakota Co.
DEG 2S 199-7
Proposed ice arena in Inver Grove
would cost residents $1.5 million
By Heather Gay
Residents Xy) need to PaY
half the cost for $3 million ice
arena proposed for Inver Grove
Heights. The Inver Grove Heights Ice
Arena Task Force hopes voters
will approve a $1.5 million
referendum in April 1993. The ci-
ty will appoint a 14 -member
commission to look at whether
there should be a referendum
and what park and recreation
projects should be included in
the vote.
H the residents pay half the
community center -arena cos4
the other $1.5 million for con-
stnution_would . come froma,
general revenue bond said Jack
Skoog, chair of the Ice Arena
Task Force.
The $3 million price tag
doesn't include parking, hockey
boards, or site amenities (grass
and shrubs), Skoog said.
The ice arena planned to
share a parking facility with the
proposed Armory, but the Ar-
mory project has been put on
hold until 1994, he said So tem-
porary parking would have to be
put in until the Armory is built,
he said.
H a referendum for the ice
arena passes, construction
would begin in May 1993, Skoog
saidThe revenue bonds would be
paid back out of revenues
generated from the arena,
Skoog said. said. An ice arena
averages a revenue of $1,000 a Ibis Is a sketch of the $3 million ice arena proposed for Inver Grove
game, he said Heights. City idents may be asked to pay half the cost through a
Marquette partners a furan- referendum.
tial operation company, did a
Financial feasibility study on available is a community
how much revenue the center- meeting mom.
arena could generate in a year. The ice arena would seat
Its preliminary report said the 1,200. The ice sheet is 85 feet by
competition of surrounding 210 feet
arenas would not have an im- hat's a unique sheet of ice,"
pact on this Grove said. Most rinks are 85. The report said Inver
fSkoog
by 200 feet The reason for
Heights could expect the same the extra five feet behind each
cash flow as surrounding goal 'is for safety — to give
facilities based on population, skaters more room, he said
use and community events, The two players' boxes would
Skoog said be on either side of the arena, in -
That's good news, Skoog said. stead of the usual side by side
Gross revenue projections for boxes, Skoog said This way
the ice arena are about $200,000 players would be seated next to
a year, he said their own fans, and opposing
Ice would be in the building fans won't be able to bother the
about seven months of the year, players, he said --
Skoog said The other five moo- The rink is set below pound
the the arena could be used for level with seating starting at
other events, including wresfl- ground level and going up. This
ing and volleyball tournaments, provides good visibility for all
field hooey, broomball, con- seats, Skoog said
cats and tennis, he said Also There will be both men's and
women's restmoms on each side
of the arena, and a large game
room for children.
flus is a lot more than a
building with a sheet of k`
Skoog said
Kc
MNA CLIPPING SERVICE
t WESTONKA
SUN "I"
Latest hockey arena news is no news
Hockey group awaits financing feasibility study
By Angie Cairns
The latest news regarding the
proposal to build an ice arena in
Orono on land owned by the
Orono School District is that
there really isn't any news.
Superintendent Thomas Mich
and Assistant Superintendent
Neal Lawson met Dec. 15 with
some Orono city leaders regar-
ding the ice arena proposal. This
is the fust time members from
either side have sat down to
discuss the issue since a full
board and council workshop in
September.
Meanwhile, the group propos-
ing to build the multi -use facility
the Orono Area Sports
Facilities Association — is
waiting to see the results from a
financial feasibility study, said
Bob Halvorson, association
president.
The summary of that report
was to have been presented to
the association on Dec. 21,
Halvorson said.
Overall, the three groups are
holding fast to the -u• earlier posi-
tions regarding the arena and its
proposed location.
The school site still remains
the No. 1 choice," Halvorson
said.
As for the city, "[Orono] is
still opposed to that arena facili-
ty being placed in the northeast
corner of the school property,"
said Ron Moorse, city
administrator.
The city is opposed to the
location . for a number of
reasons," he said.
The area under consideration
is the northeast corner of vacant
district property east of old
Crystal Bay Road and across
the street from the current
school campus.
County Road 6 is north of the
site; to the east is Willow Drive.
In the September workshop,
city officials expressed a con-
cern over the possible entrance
and exit for the arena on County
Road 6. This issue was discussed
in the recent meeting between
the district and the city.
Really nothing was decid-
ed," Lawson said. "They do not
like the entrance or exit from 6th
for sure."
The school district has
already agreed to sell the land
for cost and any other legal ex-
penses and has given the
association a purchase agree-
ment, Lawson said.
It's really up to the ice arena
folks to make the next move,"
he said.
Although the city does not like
the proposed location of the
arena, Moorse was unsure how
the City Council felt about the
arena in general.
The council, as a whale,
hasn't taken a position on that,"
he said. "[They] haven't reall\
taken a position an whether
they are in favor of it or not."
In the September workshop,
some council members express
ed concern about how the
association will be able to raise
the money to build the arena and
whether or not the arena itself
will be successful if it is built.
But Halvorson said the
association has not given up
hope.
I think that there is a real
need for a project like this," he
said.
The school district does not
have its own arena. Orono High
School hockey teams use Pond
Arena in Mound for practices
and home games.-
Hennepin Co.
DEC 2211992
MNA CLIPPING SERVICE
t WESTONKA
SUN "I"
Latest hockey arena news is no news
Hockey group awaits financing feasibility study
By Angie Cairns
The latest news regarding the
proposal to build an ice arena in
Orono on land owned by the
Orono School District is that
there really isn't any news.
Superintendent Thomas Mich
and Assistant Superintendent
Neal Lawson met Dec. 15 with
some Orono city leaders regar-
ding the ice arena proposal. This
is the fust time members from
either side have sat down to
discuss the issue since a full
board and council workshop in
September.
Meanwhile, the group propos-
ing to build the multi -use facility
the Orono Area Sports
Facilities Association — is
waiting to see the results from a
financial feasibility study, said
Bob Halvorson, association
president.
The summary of that report
was to have been presented to
the association on Dec. 21,
Halvorson said.
Overall, the three groups are
holding fast to the -u• earlier posi-
tions regarding the arena and its
proposed location.
The school site still remains
the No. 1 choice," Halvorson
said.
As for the city, "[Orono] is
still opposed to that arena facili-
ty being placed in the northeast
corner of the school property,"
said Ron Moorse, city
administrator.
The city is opposed to the
location . for a number of
reasons," he said.
The area under consideration
is the northeast corner of vacant
district property east of old
Crystal Bay Road and across
the street from the current
school campus.
County Road 6 is north of the
site; to the east is Willow Drive.
In the September workshop,
city officials expressed a con-
cern over the possible entrance
and exit for the arena on County
Road 6. This issue was discussed
in the recent meeting between
the district and the city.
Really nothing was decid-
ed," Lawson said. "They do not
like the entrance or exit from 6th
for sure."
The school district has
already agreed to sell the land
for cost and any other legal ex-
penses and has given the
association a purchase agree-
ment, Lawson said.
It's really up to the ice arena
folks to make the next move,"
he said.
Although the city does not like
the proposed location of the
arena, Moorse was unsure how
the City Council felt about the
arena in general.
The council, as a whale,
hasn't taken a position on that,"
he said. "[They] haven't reall\
taken a position an whether
they are in favor of it or not."
In the September workshop,
some council members express
ed concern about how the
association will be able to raise
the money to build the arena and
whether or not the arena itself
will be successful if it is built.
But Halvorson said the
association has not given up
hope.
I think that there is a real
need for a project like this," he
said.
The school district does not
have its own arena. Orono High
School hockey teams use Pond
Arena in Mound for practices
and home games.-
tg
DEC Z12 1992
scussions
Uity Council continues Police -
L••y whole
owever, are the
The education to the aro- trent exparLsion, [ire stations
By Terraace }1leneel community "becomes P nd City Ball :;p osion, whichIcearena61kscontinuedownmounttothisLssue:' said Mayor aaroundaboutPathonWhathasTomEgan, during a council iof Crci als believe are muchperennialdebateforworkshopDec. 15. j
become a Pe Council But that doesn't mean anether
the Eagan City referendum is on the way. Can_
The council remains cautious neat member's said they remain .i
on its approach to budding committed to avoiding taxes for '
ice arena. To that end, the coon- About $1.35 million is
cit now refers to the ice arena as an arena.
a "recreational facility/arena.'
available through the city's
Council members said the community investment fund andarenawillserve. more than leftover bond money- arena
oney The C0W"
hockey groups and the name cil has designated that amount
should reflect that multi-
for19Maspariutthecdy'sCrve-
Besiect
thatword "ice year cap ital Improvements
a
pbo
enema" carries a stigma from P= duns y ComPehng for other non -
1 past failed referee layer money in the CQ'.
want to avoid.
on ice
Couneihnember Ted Wachter
said he favors meeting
dd'
with
needs before going
pians to build an ice arena. ap- Wachter said the best option verPearstohavepolicelakeover
the Municipal Center and L'OII-
shvct anew CIty IIaLL. Those are the two concerns I
want to see satisfied first; he
said. Wachter
As for the ice arenao a said it should be Part .
plan for a community center•
arena complex
Even i[ the arent! is built Fust at
least residents willundde ata°d
the broader Pictn'e, Councihnember Pam 1
ag ' but added Eagan s .
must meet the needs
council
youth.
I don't think we should
railroad anything
always
supporrted budding
anMICM,
who icearena
in Eagan. city ex- McCreasuggestedthe tyx-
plore creating a non-profit
group, complete with a Board ofDirectors, to oversee the arena*
That way, she said, no one group
willhave HockeydA 0C18
a public - tion has ProP°S dwith Eagan
private partrlershl The Ea
to build an arena.
would c yipaym'oover 20
y;;,
D yyearsfor the Protect. Another50,000 would come as in-kindservice; through sweat qty
More funding options such asraisingcityfeesand _ pall -tabrevenuearebeingconsideredto
help offset costs. neo hasEganaddedthemakethat
tough lo:U ig". But as •'. may be Poli _ should not ..
mayor• he said, ritryingsks
to
not
drad-
feared comcomunit futuredressthe .
needs.
FEB 10 1993
Shorewood
site eyed
for senior
center
Costs, design, still
in earliest stages
By ,fohn Mugford
They're not calling it Shangri
La, but members of a task force
assembled to find a permanent
home for the Southshore Senior
Center have found a spot they
like.
At Monday's Shorewood City
council meeting, members of
the Southshore Senior Center
Task Force presented a ten-
tative plan to consider building a
new Southshore Senior Center,
7,000 to 8,000 square feet, on land
just north and east of Shorewood
City Hall. The land is owned by
Shorewood and is part of the Ci-
ty Hall campus and is just off
County Road 19.
I think we're saying we
would definitely support the idea
Iii , firing built here," said
Shorewood Mayor Barb
Brancel. "But there are a lot of
things to figure out
beforehand."
Indeed there are, said Bob
Gagne, a former Shorewood
council member and a member
of the 12 -resident task force. The
task force was put together last
year to find a permanent home
for the senior center, which has
been located in small, tem-
porary quarters at Mt. Calvary
Lutheran Church in Excelsior
since 1990.
All we're asking for is the OK
to go ahead and study this fur-
ther, to get a more -detailed plan
going," Gagne said. "We can't
go any further if we don't get the
approvals of the city councils to
go ahead. And you're the first
one we're asking because we
think you have a lot at stake."
Monday, Shorewood gave the
task force the approval to con-
tinue studying the proposal, and
now the group will ask the other
four city councils for similar
direction. Those councils are
Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Green-
wood and Deephaven.
But before thr proposal can
move out of the earliest concept
stage, Shorewood Planner Brad
Nielsen will figure out exactly
how much land is available and
how large a building could be
built at the site just off CountyRoadf9.
The City Hall campus is about
10 acres, but Nielsen said a city
zoning code does not allow more
than 20 percent of the land to
contain buildings.
Should task force members
get the approval of the other city
councils, they will begin work-
ing with Nick Reuhl of
Excelsior -based Eos Architec-
ture to come up with a final plan
and cost estimate.
According to a report issued
last week by the task force,
senior center officials in 1989
estimated that a free-standing
building meeting the needs of
the senior center could cost
anywhere from $400,000 to
500,000.
But neither Gagne nor Ben
Withhart, CEO of Hopkins -
based Senior Community Ser-
vices and a member of the task
force, would say if that figure is
close to what a new senior
center would cost. Senior Com-
munity Services manages
several area senior centers.
It's just too early to tell,"
Withhart said. "We can't even
give a ballpark figure at this
point. That's why we want to be
able to continue on and meet
with the architect."
Should the five city councils
ultimately approve the con-
struction of a permanent home
for the Southshore Senior
Center, several methods could
be used to pay for it, including
adding construction costs to
local tax levies.
In the meantime, the task
force needs to raise $5,000 to pay
for a detailed architectural and
financial proposal. Senior
citizens who take part in ac-
tivites at the senior center plan
to raise about $2,500 by selling
cookbooks, said Jan Gray, a
task force member.
The Southshore Senior Center
has been looking for a home
since 1990, when it had to leave
the old Excelsior High School
because the Minnetonka School
District needed to reclaim the
space.
And while Mt. Calvary
Lutheran Church came to the
rescue that year, offering tem-
porary space, the senior center
hasn't been able to expand its
services, as officials had
planned.
Before the senior center had
to move from the old Excelsior
High School, plans were in the
works for the senior center to
Join in a cooperative building
project with the Shorewood
American Legion Post 259, ac-
cording to a report issued by the
senior center task force.
But the timing of the move out
of the old high school killed those
plans.
Today, an average 35 to 40
seniors eat lunch each day at the
senior center, said Ed Fuller, a
task force member. Others take
part in a variety of other p
grams, he said.
EXCEISIOR—
SNOR6w'110D
SUN -SAILOR
Ilennepin f'n.
FEB 10 1993
Shorewood
site eyed
for senior
center
Costs, design, still
in earliest stages
By ,fohn Mugford
They're not calling it Shangri
La, but members of a task force
assembled to find a permanent
home for the Southshore Senior
Center have found a spot they
like.
At Monday's Shorewood City
council meeting, members of
the Southshore Senior Center
Task Force presented a ten-
tative plan to consider building a
new Southshore Senior Center,
7,000 to 8,000 square feet, on land
just north and east of Shorewood
City Hall. The land is owned by
Shorewood and is part of the Ci-
ty Hall campus and is just off
County Road 19.
I think we're saying we
would definitely support the idea
Iii , firing built here," said
Shorewood Mayor Barb
Brancel. "But there are a lot of
things to figure out
beforehand."
Indeed there are, said Bob
Gagne, a former Shorewood
council member and a member
of the 12 -resident task force. The
task force was put together last
year to find a permanent home
for the senior center, which has
been located in small, tem-
porary quarters at Mt. Calvary
Lutheran Church in Excelsior
since 1990.
All we're asking for is the OK
to go ahead and study this fur-
ther, to get a more -detailed plan
going," Gagne said. "We can't
go any further if we don't get the
approvals of the city councils to
go ahead. And you're the first
one we're asking because we
think you have a lot at stake."
Monday, Shorewood gave the
task force the approval to con-
tinue studying the proposal, and
now the group will ask the other
four city councils for similar
direction. Those councils are
Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Green-
wood and Deephaven.
But before thr proposal can
move out of the earliest concept
stage, Shorewood Planner Brad
Nielsen will figure out exactly
how much land is available and
how large a building could be
built at the site just off CountyRoadf9.
The City Hall campus is about
10 acres, but Nielsen said a city
zoning code does not allow more
than 20 percent of the land to
contain buildings.
Should task force members
get the approval of the other city
councils, they will begin work-
ing with Nick Reuhl of
Excelsior -based Eos Architec-
ture to come up with a final plan
and cost estimate.
According to a report issued
last week by the task force,
senior center officials in 1989
estimated that a free-standing
building meeting the needs of
the senior center could cost
anywhere from $400,000 to
500,000.
But neither Gagne nor Ben
Withhart, CEO of Hopkins -
based Senior Community Ser-
vices and a member of the task
force, would say if that figure is
close to what a new senior
center would cost. Senior Com-
munity Services manages
several area senior centers.
It's just too early to tell,"
Withhart said. "We can't even
give a ballpark figure at this
point. That's why we want to be
able to continue on and meet
with the architect."
Should the five city councils
ultimately approve the con-
struction of a permanent home
for the Southshore Senior
Center, several methods could
be used to pay for it, including
adding construction costs to
local tax levies.
In the meantime, the task
force needs to raise $5,000 to pay
for a detailed architectural and
financial proposal. Senior
citizens who take part in ac-
tivites at the senior center plan
to raise about $2,500 by selling
cookbooks, said Jan Gray, a
task force member.
The Southshore Senior Center
has been looking for a home
since 1990, when it had to leave
the old Excelsior High School
because the Minnetonka School
District needed to reclaim the
space.
And while Mt. Calvary
Lutheran Church came to the
rescue that year, offering tem-
porary space, the senior center
hasn't been able to expand its
services, as officials had
planned.
Before the senior center had
to move from the old Excelsior
High School, plans were in the
works for the senior center to
Join in a cooperative building
project with the Shorewood
American Legion Post 259, ac-
cording to a report issued by the
senior center task force.
But the timing of the move out
of the old high school killed those
plans.
Today, an average 35 to 40
seniors eat lunch each day at the
senior center, said Ed Fuller, a
task force member. Others take
part in a variety of other p
grams, he said.
MRw CU I SESERVICE
t
EDEN PRAIRIE
SUN -SAILOR
11 ... ephi fo.
JAN 1 3 1993
City may negotiate
Ily Richard Crawford
In the quest to expand and up-
grade Riley Lake Park, three
homes may be lost in the
process.
Riley Park, in ille southwest
corner of Eden Prairie, is slated
for a L'Soo,000 upgrade as a result
of a park -improvement referen-
dum that was approved by
voters last March.
Planned improvements at the
park include adding two softball
fields, expanding a public beach
area, and adding new courts,
trails, playground equipment,
and a horse ring.
for three homes next to Riley Lake
Plans are also in the works to
reroute Riley fake Road around
the perimeter of the park, which
would accommodate the propos-
ed Bearpath Golf and Country
Club adjacent to the park.
Without the road running
through the park, it no longer
makes sense to allow all of the
boat -launch traffic to run
through the middle of the park,
according to Bob Lambert,
director of Parks, Recreation
and Natural Resources.
Ilse Parks, Recreation and
Natural Resources Commission
has recommended that the City
Council consider acquiring four
lots — three of which have
homes — so that the boat launch
could be relocated to the
southern end of the park.
711e Eden Prairie City Council
is scheduled to consider the mat-
ter Jan. 1.9.
None of the owners of the four
lots has expressed an interest to
sell, said Lambert.
Basically, the big boys are
moving in and taking us out"'
according to Ernie Shuldhiess,
who owns one of the homes the
city may acquire. "They aren't
going to try to condemn
Bearpath."
Shuldhiess' parents five in one
of the other homes in question.
The family has lived there near-
ly 4o years, said Shuldhiess, who
currently rents out his home
while he is working in Wiscon-
sin. He said he was hoping to
retire next to Riley take. (See
letter on Page 4A)
Ever since the early 1900s,
said Lambert, the city has con-
tacted the owners of the four lots
to lel them know that the land
was slated for future park
expansion.
Although there were no plans
lg use their property until
around She year 2000, that
changed when the Bearpath
development was proposedsaidLambert. ,
Moving the boat launch to the
southern end of the park also
would make the park a lot safer,
said Lambert. Pedestrians
wouldn't have to cross a buffy
street to get to the beach, and
atheboattrafficwouldbe wayfromtheswimmers, he
explained.
Shuldhiess maintains that the
boat launch could be moved to
the northern part of the park
without having to acquire
homes. But that scenario would
require building another en-
trance to the park and would
Jeopardize a historic farm site in
that location, said Lambert.
IThere is also a legal provision
that was in place when the city
purchased land in the northern
F9;qe
of the perk that prohibited'
a boat launch there.
We never like to to
somebody and say we're going10taketheirpropertywhetherUIPYlikeitornotsaid
Lambert "But we're tryfog todowhat's best for the Nogg -termWhimofthecity."
Mae
edtoconsideronJan. 19
w7Is
to
give city staff members the
ability to begin negotiations forthefourlots.
H the City Council authorizes
negotiations but they aren't suc-
cessful, the city could consider
condemning
The city would
pe
ld em
from a Park Dedication nod to
dry the homes, said lambert.
Money from that fund is corn:
Posed of lash tees paid bydevelopersinlienofdedicatingPortionsofdevelopedland
forparkuse.
MMA CLIP•INn SERVICE
1
SHAKOPEEVALLEV
NEWSScottCo.
15 tf
City to hold on to sales tax funds
An unexpected surge in state sales lax revenue means that about 800
Minnesota cities will receive extra money in their year's end aid payments
from the state.
For some cities, like Minneapolis, the result will be a downright
windfall. The state's largest city will receive about $5 million it didn't
expect. Many cities, like Minneapolis, will use some of the extra funds to
reduce the 1993 tax levy. St. Paul, the second-largest city, will gel $3
million.
On the other end of the scale are cities like Shakopee, which will
receive a paltry 512,167. The payments arc based on the amount of stale
aids each city receives. The $12,167 equates to two-tenths of 1 percent of
the city's general fund budget in 1993.
Al the Dec. 15 City Council meeting, Councilor Bob Sweeney sug-
gested "pmdent use" of the extra money: leave it in the city's cash now
fund to offset possible future cuts in slate aids. The state is facing a $750
million budget deficit in the next biennium.
The council agreed with Sweeney's suggestion on a 5-0 vole.
Since 1991, the state has designated 2 cents of its 6% -cent sales tax for
a local government trust fund, designed to help cities, townships and
counties pay for municipal services and social programs. However, last
year the slate raided the trust fund to help-fhnance its own budget,
Cities will get the bulk of this year's unexpected windfall.
Second Eden Prairie rink set to open
EDEN PRAIRIE—A second indoor ice rink at Eden Prairie Commu-
nity Center is expected to be open for skating Jan. 1 as scheduled.
The new Olympic -size rink will be used primarily for groups that pay
rent for ice time, such as figure -skating clubs and youth hockey teams.
Estimated cost of the new rink, expanded office area and parking lot is
2.3 million, which the city plans to pay for through rental fee revenue over
20 years.
The Eden Prairie High School hockey team will continue to use the
existing rink, which will be open for seasonal use. The new rink will be
open year-round.
PSC
Chaska utility keeps taxes down
CHASKA— Chaska's electric utility continues to be an important
source of rovenue for the city, with its profits holding down property, taxes.
Each year, an estimated 10 percent of the city's electrical utility
revenue is put into the city's general fund in lieu of property taxes, which
is enough to make the utility the second-largest source of revenue for the
city, second only to property taxes.
This year, the city will collect $1,021,709 in property taxes. Electrical
utility transfer will be $757,338. In 1993, the city will collect $1,040,025
in property taxes and receive $829,300 from the utility. City officials said
that without the utility transfer, city property taxes would be considerably
higher.
The city recently approved a 1993 levy of $1.3 million, up 3.2 percent
from the 1992 levy. However, the general operating budget for Chaska Is
much hi*her than the 1993 levy. The 1993 budget approved recently was
3.17 million.
Community center budget is $1 million
CHASKA—The city of Chaska established a $1 million budget for the
Chaska Community Center in 1993.
Revenues aro expected to be $1,073,590, with expenditures of 5951,967,
resulting in an anticipated profit of $121,623. The figure, however, are for
operations only and do not include capita investmeats or building pay-
ments.
The budget is designed so that the mater remains profitable and does
not need tax levy suppor for operations.
Memberships and daily admissions account for the lion's share of
revenue. Daily admissions have hovered around $250,000 annually since
the center opened. Memberships brought in $346591 in 1991. Projected
for $330,000 in 1992, the membership Iola[ for the fust 10 months was
279,000.
Racquetball and the ice arena are the two areas where revenues have
been short of projections in 1991 and 1992.
PCA
MMR cLIgINa aERVICE
f
NEB RRlfalNRIILLE.
R..., C.. Ca.
DEV Z' 16. i
Golf market study planned; Linke apologizes .
MOUNDS VIEW r
by fico Fuebrer
The Mounds View City Council
Dec. 14 approved spending up to
S15,000 for additional concept designs
and a market analysis for the city's
proposed golf course. The additional
design work "will help us find our
niche," said City Administrator
Samantha Orduno, "in what is
becoming a very competitive market."
Money for the additional work will
come from the city's golf course
development fund, a closed bond
account that contains about $60,000,
she sa d.
According to Orduno. the city's Golf
Task Force mel with several
representatives of nearby municipal golf
courses who urged city officials to take
the time to thoroughly plan the project.
They were excited," she said.
They say that there is a market for a
course and that we're silting in a very
good location."
As a result of the meetings, the Golf
Task Force recommended getting new
concept drawings from two other golf
course architects and updating the
current concept drawing, Orduno saki.
The task force also decider' to
conduct an extensive market analysis to
determine costs and revenues, growth
and developmrnl trends in golf courses
and any other information that could be
important to the success of the proposed
course, she said.
MAYOR JERRY LINKE also
publicly apologized to Council Member
Pat Rickaby for calling for her to resign
from the city council at a Dec. 9 budget
hearing. Linke stressed that he wasn't
apologizing for asking Rickaby to
resign but, other, for the way he did it.
Unbeknownst to me, when 1 asked for
her resignation, she had already
resigned," he said. "For thm 1 apologize.
1 should have given her the cotmesy of
a phone call."
In accepting Linke's apology,
Rickaby said that she wanted "all
politicking at city council meetings to
come to an end. I sce nothing in the job
description of a city council member or
mayor that allows them to evaluate the
work" of another city council member.
Rickaby also said that she plans 'No
continue to get the word out and will
exercise my free -speech rights" on
issues facing the city. She also
requested that Linke, his supporters and
newspaper reporters "slop calling me at
my office:'
MMAFCLIP INO IERVICE
t
APPLE VALLEY /LARF.-
VILLESUN-CURRENT
Vskob Co.
prC 3 U 1992
City to study proposal for
southern athletic complex
pointed out that some children
By Mikkel Kelly
II are in more than one league, so
of is not
Options i0c1onslrucling a
southern athletic complex in Ap-
the number participants
the actual number of children.
Council directed Johnson and
pie Valley will be studied andtotheCityCouncilin staff to determine specificallypresented
coming months by the Apple
fields or
what additional atbletiiccommendarefraneeded,re
Valley Parks and Recreation arenasDepartment. a time might be
The City Council accepted a built when, and recommendtomeet
report from the Youth Athletic
22 that
aternative solutions
athleticsNeedsCommitteeDec.
Apple Valley athletic Mayo 1 Ho and council
concluded
fields are being used to total
commit -
mee m hankednheherthestudyandreagreed
capacity for league play• Leagues are consequently using leagues e.
We have had a feeling this iscityparks, parks not intendedforleagueactivities, the report happening and now we havesomeconcretenumbers," said
said
One graph presented to the
areHolton. He said
in Apple Valle andleyancouncilindicatedAppleValleyis
below the national average for a changing for fields has -
will finish his
city its population in he numberThe ed. Holton, who
term this week and will nooffieldsforeachsport. disparity appeared to be longer be on the council, said thelargestinthenumberofsoccerfields, city might be wise o ured.ro-
ration
secure
in preparationwheretheaveragecityhad
twice as many Gelds. Penc Gary Hum -
hre said 'We are going toYTheneedscommitteethat
the study found that
P bless ithavesomeseriouspro
there are 11,724 participants inApple
we don't do something."
Councilmember Virginia
the four local leagues:
Valley Hockey Association, Sterling asked the staff to in -
v'
mgst
b wRv le
Rosemount Area AthleticAssociation, Rosemount Area gyphe N tional
Guard Armory ani[ Hockey Association, and ValleyAthleticAssociation. Par-
whlrflys
Centeidln Rhosbem romp inticipantsintheAppleValleycity
ptel
994, will help offer additional/Ilimitsare7,143.
Randy Johnson, Apple Valley athletic space.
Parks and Recreation director,
1'11A5nA VIERALD
l:urvrr r:w.
JAN 14 1993
Paied down arts facility proposal
ed ES 2 mil- used u
Committee members
think cost may be
impediment
Ply I Vmme aloene
I -AstorWhen the Chaska City Comm" reviewed
Proposals for a now almmunity anter, four
Years ago. Them were more wants than m-
heads for Council
In
sommo to fulfill them. Now, Wit emaidere pool. Na until the figure reach 1 oaz pn
corWrueton o[ an arts facility, the same lion could it a[[ord bmh.
UPera
problem is haunting organizers. Toa many already had tdeo erredlncllld
ngralhe
qmr cfl
pt fommng now consdcn
wishes and loo few dollars. rnt uin 1
Unforlunatcly, the arts facility may not do girls component. While the number Of rec- pen B
CounclilsltookWam 1h BrosTherehaseras were heing rulucea to meet the city f ARer weekseksCorklmembersconcludedsame- hoc eommiuer
anter.
emend funding as it did
anter.
the adiecting, however,
dng on an rots [adlity
been a hint that the Council's E2.3 million for budget, u 1theensisafirm, or nerdy firm figure. With thing had to go. It was the performing ens in this ase, an addition 10 the continuallyondidinclude
the community
Gomyearly casual talk of E2 mi, rose llion, EiSO000n(3 percent) 2mmbt 1Plaad toward a r°mailes
neanter —
rly doubly rile pr'1aallowed
t
e Council.
to over E4 million, to E62 million and, future perforate harts
component -
community anter Ihh is TL9 new story
itfinally, to Eg.2 million. the Council would has been a success, boot se the money set A taw woks ago, the ed floc orb commitWithoutthatfinaljump, have had to choose between an ice sheet or a aside for the performing arts WUH111y gel lee was looking at a variety Of Nnmilaro eud
progmrre for an ares res
whldt conorls, PIam
could be staged toppe
were also areas for b
with braek-0r11 MOrBS
meet in small groups•
video production end f
Z1, a
to go fc
special film showmgs.
en and visual girl di
eluded. Rehearsal h+ areas,
id dao , pogmI
time Ikt, 6 1 the
inm Veseltatic
vhere
mud ,aces wM1cm and
suluonfemO 1dlOce
stnferenas
Ince sludias, relavSOMIew!
AHTS FACILRV to PmQTWt.
PeAC-
Cityedrops aquatic center plans after seeing survey
th I "
By Michael B. SmithO
A muni ipal aquatic center — much talked about and highly
debated in recent years — will not be a part of Minnetonka's near
future.
The Minnetonka City Council reviewed aquatic center survey
results Monday, Feb. l and decided to abandon plans for the pro- posed center. The survey, done by Decision llesources Inc.
1 DRD, found that while many residents thought the idea appeal-
ing, most were opposed if a tax increase was part of the funding.
Seventy-six percent of those polled favored the center whentherewasnomentionofcost. Only 29 percent were in favor if a
tax increase was necessary.
These figures indicate that a bond referendum would be re-
jected by voters, according to Bill Morris of DRI. The center could be built without a tax burden on residents by
using the Community Investment Fund, money set aside formunicipalprojects. However, that would lie up that fund for 10
years, according to City Manager Jim Miller. The key issue is
whether there is enough support for the project to warrant tying
up the fund for that period of time, he said. The City Council decided it was not in favor of using the fund
for 10 years. We have no idea what our needs may be 10 years from now,"
said Mayor Tim Bergsledt. "We may need that money
desperately and we are not comfortable committing to that
now.,,
Citizens want to know what the bottom line is, what is it going
to cost and I flunk we now know how y ce , said Coun- e
cilmember Fred Hanes.
For the time being, the pool is on the back burner," Bergstedt
said.
In 1989, a less detailed survey indicated 66 percent of resident
in favor of a an aquatic center. Morris said surveys are "snap-
shots of points in time" and said that worse economic and social
conditions today, as opposed to 1989, may have attributed to the
decreased support.
The survey, taken by telephone of 801 Minnetonka residents,
had a margin of error of 3.5 percent. Other survey results found:
The family -orientated aspects of the center were highlyfavored; 69 percent favored aspects such as a zero -depth edge
and a shallow depth area. The City Council asked the Park and
Recreation Department to further explore family -orientated
options.
Forty-six percent said they would not be willing to pay any
amount of a tax increase to support the protet.
an t for aFifty-one percent would not be willing to pay Y amoun
season pass.
The survey was part of a mayor -appointed task force's effort to
propose plans and funding for the center. The task force included
council members, park board members, representatives from
area swimming teams and residents.
The lack of support was not because of the proposal, but related
to economic conditions, Bergstedl added.
The $4.4 million project would have been the first to be built
with money from the city's Community Investment Fund.
MB11CLIPPING SERVICE
IS11OPKINS
SUNSAIIAR
Ilenntpin Co.
Cityedrops aquatic center plans after seeing survey
th I "
By Michael B. SmithO
A muni ipal aquatic center — much talked about and highly
debated in recent years — will not be a part of Minnetonka's near
future.
The Minnetonka City Council reviewed aquatic center survey
results Monday, Feb. l and decided to abandon plans for the pro- posed center. The survey, done by Decision llesources Inc.
1 DRD, found that while many residents thought the idea appeal-
ing, most were opposed if a tax increase was part of the funding.
Seventy-six percent of those polled favored the center whentherewasnomentionofcost. Only 29 percent were in favor if a
tax increase was necessary.
These figures indicate that a bond referendum would be re-
jected by voters, according to Bill Morris of DRI. The center could be built without a tax burden on residents by
using the Community Investment Fund, money set aside formunicipalprojects. However, that would lie up that fund for 10
years, according to City Manager Jim Miller. The key issue is
whether there is enough support for the project to warrant tying
up the fund for that period of time, he said. The City Council decided it was not in favor of using the fund
for 10 years. We have no idea what our needs may be 10 years from now,"
said Mayor Tim Bergsledt. "We may need that money
desperately and we are not comfortable committing to that
now.,,
Citizens want to know what the bottom line is, what is it going
to cost and I flunk we now know how y ce , said Coun- e
cilmember Fred Hanes.
For the time being, the pool is on the back burner," Bergstedt
said.
In 1989, a less detailed survey indicated 66 percent of resident
in favor of a an aquatic center. Morris said surveys are "snap-
shots of points in time" and said that worse economic and social
conditions today, as opposed to 1989, may have attributed to the
decreased support.
The survey, taken by telephone of 801 Minnetonka residents,
had a margin of error of 3.5 percent. Other survey results found:
The family -orientated aspects of the center were highlyfavored; 69 percent favored aspects such as a zero -depth edge
and a shallow depth area. The City Council asked the Park and
Recreation Department to further explore family -orientated
options.
Forty-six percent said they would not be willing to pay any
amount of a tax increase to support the protet.
an t for aFifty-one percent would not be willing to pay Y amoun
season pass.
The survey was part of a mayor -appointed task force's effort to
propose plans and funding for the center. The task force included
council members, park board members, representatives from
area swimming teams and residents.
The lack of support was not because of the proposal, but related
to economic conditions, Bergstedl added.
The $4.4 million project would have been the first to be built
with money from the city's Community Investment Fund.
00king for northeast park rp L
akevill&s future park needs may include bond
by Joni Hubred i .': 4
Use your mind's eye to erase the
snow and replace it with greet grass.
Stand in cm= field at Aronson
Park, shade your eyes against the
setting sum; sit at a picnic table at the
new Caspetsoa Park shelter, pass the
hot dogs and watermelon.
It's spring in Lakeville. Ball teams
scramble for time on fields marked
with three base lines so that the both
children and adults can use them At
the parks' perimeters, bicycles weave
around joggers and walkers on miles
of bituminous trails.
With 70,000 people expected by
the year 2020, the city's parks and
trails will be even more heavily used
than they are now.
Parks and Recreation Director
SteveMichaud says thecityhas a tool
to help with planning for the [reeds of
those future residents in its Park and
Open Spaceplan, recently revised for
the fourth time in the past 22 years.
Lakeville City Council gave it their
blessing Jan. 21; as part of the city's
Comprehensive Plan, it now moves
to the Metropolitan Council for final
approval.
The document represents a sys-
tem that would be very representative
of today's citizens," Michaud com-
ments, adding that a high priority is
given to environmental issues. While
the city can't buy err acquire all wet-
lands and tree stands, he says, where
apossibility of acquiring land with
new developments occurs, "we'll do
our best."
Currently, land for active use is
need ed—forballfuelds m accaamto-
date the hundreds of children who
will play inyouth athletic leagues this
year, along with a rapidly expanding
co-ree sports program and other adult
teams. Today's Lakeville citizen are
looking for more active uses in city
parks, but that will change, Michaud
believes.
As today's "baby boomers" head
toward retirement, theirchildren will
grow up and they will use active
facilities less and less. "We justneed
to be flexible and adjust to that," he
says.
The city has a better vision of the
fame: reflected in its new plan than
everbefomthanks tonewpopulation
projections released last.year by the
Metropolitan Council. The world
ahead will be fraughtwithchallenges
posed by the rapid growth antici-
pated, andthe Parlssystemis already
losing a little ground under the weight
of two record -seting years for new
single family home permits.
While the number of community
balTmIds is meeting national stan-
dards, Lakeville falls a little shot in
providing smaller, neighborhood
I pads. The importance of that "na-
tional standard" is emphasized by the
number of residers who have re-
quested the city build a park in thew
neighborhood
Part of the problem, Michaud says,
is that times have changed.
Society itself is changing. The
biggest issue for parents is the safety
and sectirity of their
child=... Parents don'tfeel safe and
they're basically demanding a park
closer to thea own neighborhoods,"
he explains.
That's virtually impossible to ac-
complish for every neighborhood
While land may be acquired
through the park dedication require-
ment in the city's pig Ips, it
costs thousands of dollars to develop
that land — as well as continuing
funds and manpower to care for it
Lakeville cities don't hesitate to
call the city when they feel the grass
in a park needs cutting; they have
always drivenma imenance andclean-
ing standards to a high level.
Even though the city can't put a
park in every single neighborhood,
Michaud tries to explain to citizens
who call, "We have a plan:'
That plan calls not only for addi-
tional development of smaller parks,
bnforthe acquistionof anothercom-
munitypark.Officials have been con-
ducting a search for suitable land over
the past few years, in the northeast
sector of the city.
Over the next few years, Michaud
hopes to see the city's largest parks,
Caspersen and Ricer Fara, fully de-
veloped By 1995,plans forttenorth-
east sector park should be complete;
by the year 2000, he expects all three
community parks to be developed
and fully functional.
How will all this be paid for? The
cityco minutes a long historyof apply-
ingforgrammonies; rumblings at the
national level lead Michaud to be- _
lieve Land and Water Conservation
LAWCOI) monies may offer a
small glimmer of hope" under the
Clinton adminism im,
Lakeville's Parks Deparoneru has
a well-earned reputation for being
able to turn $l into $5 with matching
grants Lakeville has also received
thousands of horns of labor through
the Sentenced to Service (STS) and
Tree Trust program Person con-
victed of certain mimes are eligible to
work in community service through
STS as part of their scrum The
Tree Trust program provides sum-
mer jobs for area young people last
year, itwas expatdedinnfall month s.
The city may also place a parks
bond referendum before voters this
fall — dollars that may be used to
obtain matching finds for park de-
velopment and land acquisition
A survey taken prior to the 1986
bond helped officials decide where
those dollars would be concentrated;
the result was an expansion of
Lakeville's trails system. This year's
community survey is currently being
structured to include questions about
what residems want from their parks
system
While Lakeville voters have been
supportive of funding parks and rec-
reation needs in the past, Michaud
observes, theyh ave also bhxn conser-
vative. W itncarefulmanagementand
continued utilization of outside fund-
ing, the parks department has been
able to keep pace with Lakeville's
population, providing facilities as
demand increases.
That may not be the case this year.
Lakeville youth sports program sign-
ups have drawn more children than
there are ballfields to accommodate
them Some program directors are
already talking aboutholding try -outs
before the season beg m
In plain language, there will be
some kids that sign up who w ill not be
able to play," Michaud points euL
And that's really nobody's fault
Lakeville has done the best we can,
but there's just no way to keep up
with the growth"
The bond referendum is one of the
few mechanism available, he adds,
that will bring the city back to meet-
ing those needs quickly.
MN11 CUPPINn SEIIVICE
F:Af:AN
til IN-CIIRRF:N7'
DAMN Co.
FEB 101991::
Diffley-Lexington ballfield plans take shape ' itrsoccerplafter 1996.Iyignchts they a use
By Terrance Mencel
Plans to build a third athletic
field complex complete with
softball and soccer fields are
taking shape.
Grading and seeding could
begin this summer on the
20 -acre site known as the
Diflley-Lexington site, said Ken
Vraa, director of Eagan Parks
and Recreation. The relatively
Gat field, home to soybeans
these past few years, takes up
the southwest corner of DifGey
Road and Lexington Avenue.
The crunch in ball
Gelds ...is at every level in
organized sports," he said.
With the go ahead, Vraa ex-
pects the softball fields would
open for play in 1996. Ball fields
generally require two years to
Golf driving range proposed
grow grass, Vraa said.
Concept plans show six
diamonds for softball, three soc-
cer fields, a football/bandy field,
and a practice field, said Vraa,
during a City Council workshop
Feb. 2. Parking would be
available for about 375 vehicles.
A picnic area also would be in-
cluded. "Our major picnic parks
are great but they don't have the
play element," Vraa said.
About $400,000 would be need-
ed to grade, seed and run storm
and sanitary sewers through the
site, he said. Currently, the
city's park site fund has about
1.1 million available for park
improvements.
Eagan purchased the site
from the Department of Housing
and Urban Development four'
years ago intending to have it
ready for play two years ago.
But it has sat idle for three years
because of financial constraints
and plans to widen Diffley Road.
Meanwhile, the city's popula-
tion encroaches on 52,000 people
who are demanding more and
more ball Gelds, especially soft-
ball fields.
Eventually, the Diffley-
Lexington athletic Geld complex
would become home for adult
sport leagues. Rahn Park would
convert back to a more youth -
oriented athletic Geld complex.
Driving range
Two entrepreneurs have pro-
posed operating a 260 -yard golf
hall driving range on the site
through 1996. Eagan resident
Rick Kuchera and Ryan
Helgeson of New Brighton pro-
pose placing the driving range
where the soccer Gelds would
eventually be built.
Vraa said conceptual plans
show work on the softball fields
would not be affected by the
driving range. Additional soccer
Gelds will not be necessary until
at least 1997.
Helgeson and Kuchera would
guarantee the city $30,000 over
three years for the use of the
site. And the site would be ready
ed for the operation until 10 p.m.
They plan to put in a permanent
driving range in the area after
1996.
I think it's an excellent in-
terim use of the land," said
Mayor Tom Egan.
The city would extend electric
and water lines for lighting and
irrigation to the site for about
4,500.
Up to 10 summer jobs will be
created with revenues of
120,000 expected over three
years.
But just as the city will gain
extra income from the proposed
driving range, it will receive
less money than expected from
Dakota County. The county
reduced plans to mine 90,000
yards of common harrow for the
widening of DifGey Road.
Now it appears the county will
likely pay Eagan about $35,000
to mine 30,000 yards, Vraa said.
The county will replace the san-
dy soil it removes with richer
top soil when completed.
Vraa added, the Diffley-
Lexington athletic field complex
would become home to adult
sport leagues. Rahn Park fields
would convert back to youth
oriented sports.
MNA, LLIPPINn SERVICE n_J
l'IION a ANAND'I'l.N,LI 11
Anoka t o.
UFC %1 VTV
oseball asso pitionresidentcriesfoul
ear limit on use of Woodcrest Little .League fieldsCityCouncilSetstwo -y area near the fields. bel ollelsmann
ward and then go five steps back. lensmann. .said the baseball association would
by Paler Batley
Managingeditor
A two-year limit has been placed on
Coon Rapids Baseball Association
use of Little league fields in Wnod-
crest Park.
The Coon Elapids City Council Nov.
24 set this time limit in response to
concerns raised at file Nov. 10 coun-
cil meeting by two residents of the
Wooderestarea.
But the council action does not set
well with baseball association presi-
deal Bonnie Grocbner. "This is a
problem," she said. "Two years is
not a sof,im, but a hand -aid."
The association is planning to con-
struct a baseball complex, including
two Little League fields and two
full-size fields, at Winlorcresl Park,
which lies adjacent to Woodcrest crest. The council keeps shuffling as BY using the Wood Park area, . ahem t to m' ba ze the number ofPinlotandlbeareaPark. At a September workshop with the around." Otlemmam said, grading old ins- cars the parking
But because ilia newly formed third council when the request wasGrcebncrsaid, [he impres- Grcebner said she has been our fun- rovemena cold be kept to a mio- imam aid facilities would be ready fMlds wellfcuAheailihisee
ofLittle
he beslreulhe. Little League in the city, the Central granted, by the council was that Braising on behalf of rhe asoctiinaa lmhe in 1997 bell court in lbe park, however,
1 title League needs a place to play sion left of r- and has been told by people forme
said. ,
in 1997, the council agreed to the there would be a degree Pebaseballassociation's requesllode- marancYlolhe Woodcrest fields. unfainl to the tmseball11association
clop two fields at wooderest Park Ire
That's because a Little league field
already exists at Woodcrest and it
would he less expensive for the
association to upgrade that field and
construct a second field at Wood -
crest at this time than to build two
new fields al W inlercreSt.
In fact, this fall volunteers from the
baseball association constructed the
two Little Leagues al Woodcrest.
with the help of donated materials.
Work also sarled on developing the
first of the lull -size fields at Winter
The council has required the
baseball association to construct
fencing round the Woodcrest fields
at cost of $7,Wo, but Ihls would not
b done if there was only a two-year
limit on the use of Ilse fields,
Grcehhersaid.
However, no matter how long the
fields are used by the Little League,
1,7W backstops and SSW sorely
fences have to be installed, she said.
We are really confused," said
Groebner. -,We take three steps for'
compared to its trealmml of of r
sports organiations in town.
How much more can the baseball
people take? We have
through all ane hoops she aped
everything they have wanted m' to
do."
The city is providing the land for
fields at Wintercrest, but extensive
grading and other construction is
necessary to complete the fields
suitable for play, said Coon Rapids
Public Works Director Bill Of -
In agreeing to this request by the
association In September, OI-
lemmann sad, the council indicated
that this would be a temporary solo-
line, but no time limit was placed
then.
sue Owens and Jodi Nelson,
residents of the Woodcrest arca,
raised a number of corlcerm about
the use of WIIOdCIYaI for LiWe
League baseball, inclldag tlw fact
that no lermian date had lain
set
Parking was also a concern In the
011emmann conceded that the Little:
League fields will increase the we or
Woodcrest Park, and that wily
change the character of the park:
somewhat. But he did not think i4
would be detrimental to usage of the:
park as a neighborhood Park.
There were only three coumili
members present at the Nov. 24:
meeting. Groebner said she plans to:
go back to the council to find out:
whaVsgoingon. ,
MCLIPI aV
SOUTH ST. PAUL/
INVER GROVE HEH;HB
SuN.CURRENT
Ihxmr C'n.
DEC 7. 1934
Trails will n®t be in Ohman Lake area
By Heather Gay
There will be no trails in the
Ohman take area.
The Inver Grove Heights City
Council voted 4-1, (Bob Pollack
abstained) to remove the special
use area (SU -6) and trails from
the Comprehensive Park Plan
and Development Guide after
tearing from many residents
who opposed having the trails
in my backyard."
The comprehensive plan was
approved by the council May 26.
After the approval many
residents in the Ohman take
area spoke out against the plan
and requested the council recon-
sider the SU -16 area and propos-
ed trails.
On June 22 the council
directed the Planning Commis-:'
sion to have a public hearing on
the special use area and trails.
After a Nov. 10 hearing, the
Planning Commission recom-
mended the special use area and
trails be removed from the plan.
This matter has been of great
interest to residents in this par-
ticular area, said Jim Willis, ci-
ty administrator.
If the area and trails are
removed from the Comprehen-
sive Park Plan it creates a hole
in the park area, he said. "I
think an amendcndmenl of this
nature might be premature,"
Wilds said. "it might be ap-
propriate for the community to
determine what impact this
might have on the overall plan
and for the future."
Some council members said
they thought this issue had been
decided back in June.
The council should consider
what the city needs in terms of
dollars, and what the communi-
ty already has, said Vance
Grooms Jr., a resident. Tax-
payers have parks within
minutes of their homes that they
are paying for, he said.
We have limited tax dollars,
and shouidn't we use those to
develop existing parks," Gran-
nis said.
Some say we should put the
trails on the map now, so in the
future when the city is built up
like Minneapolis, the area will
be protected, Grannis said. "But
we don't want to be like Min-
neapolis," he said. .. .
IL seems tome, when we look
at our evolving park system, it
has clearly shown accommoda-
tion to the northern part of the
city," said Jim laska, a rest.
dent. Even though residents say
they'll take care of the land,
what happens to the area for
future residents, he said.
We should at least look to the
future for what people have T
reed for. And the council should
not lose sight of that, because
their voices cannot be heard
now," Laska said.
Darlene Grannis said she was
there representing 196 residents
who want to keep their properly
private. "If you put this trail
system in our back yard, un-
protected and unsupervised, we
will be in for a big problem," she
said.
Why is another trail needed
when there are many area
parks with hiking, biking,
snowmobiling and skiing trails,
she asked. The Comprehensive Park
Plan is wrong when it puts trails
in people's backyards, said
Councilmember Warren Krech.
He said he will vote against the
trails, but in the future another
council could put the trails back
in the park plan with a 41 vote.
Al some point it would be
Wee for limited public access to
that ared (Ohman Lake),"
Krech said. "I'm willing to take
these off the plan, but the con-
cept of parks and trails is a good
concept..,
There is no ore in the area
who thinks the trails are a good
Idea, said Councilmember
George Tourville. "I think it's a
plan before our time and
resources."
1 don't see where we have to
take every last beautiful area
and make it a park. Especially
since the area is privately own-
ed and no one seems to want it
there," said Councilmember
Bill Klein. "I guess it really irk-
ed me that we're back to this
point." Mayor Rosemary Piekarski-
Krech said she was concerned
about the time when these
residents won't be there to take
care of the land. "What is going
to happen to that area 100
yearfromnow.,'
I col.\AKA RAI 11
1'mv, ( l .,. n.
DEC .j 199%
Task force must reconcile wish list, budget
sitting up and tearing dawn gYmnas•
IiR eq„Ilalrm. And there Iif Bex- tptkhmlwalngtillof o
strscrestedin participating in
gymnastics programs.
As for the perftming ans compo-
nent, architect Jon 7Torstenson said,
1 don't know Ilial we can make the
thing extensive enough to etommo- dnre tae term mods. Our first budget
1,IA
By 1AVInne Harm
Editor
Performing arts fats the same
dilemma that sports maatim did
a wish list that cannot be fulfilled
within the allotted budget. An ans
onmp ennt will be added m the Chador
Community Center, but community
planners will have to make same
Next meetings are
Dec. 3, Dec. 17, Jan. 7
choices on is faturR. They're work-
ing mthose choices now.
The ad ha community task fort.
meeting to define what it will rarnn-
mend to the Chaska City Council as
an arts facility, meets again tonight,
Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. a1 the city hall.
Additional meehngs tentatively have
been scheduled rte Dec. 17 and Jan.
7, with the repos going before the
Council at its Jan. IS meeting.
Throe issues have been before the
task fora that was given the jab of
proposing aperforming arts/wltural
component for the city within the
2.3 million budget allowed. The
task fort had to determine where
the facility should he located, what
elements should be included In it,
and contain itself to essentially e
2.3 millim package.
It hasn't been easy.
TIIE PRICE TAG.
I think the cast would be abort
85 million if you totaled the pro-
posals of all the (would-be) us"
grmps," said Wendy Schist , park
and relation staff member who
providesstaff %.Mxxt Io the ad hoc
group.
Those results are not so different
from what the original Community
Center ad hoc committee experienced.
It started with a budget of $4-5 mil-
lion, which was quicklyy upped to
about $6 million, and rmlly approved
at war $S million; but the wish list of
the Icer groups would have required
a Community Center project of about
15 million. Unlike what happened with the
mcneational Community Center,
planners of the cultural component
should Out expect to lace the budget
cop rise appreciably. At a City Council rusting and later
in an interview, Mayon Robert Roepke
made it clear that S23 million is the
figure to work with. Furthermore,
phased in conslructton of various
components is not likely to be well
towed. The thing that's important." said
R s man w; we' But a budget—f
think $23 million is a pretty signiB-
cant investment. (The ad ha com-
mitts members) are going to have w
ane up with some prtottoatfon and
than come up within a budget"
Some committee members and
members of the architectural tam
who have spoken of phased oxstruc-
tim, with a tonal exceeding $23
million, may have to revise their
thinking if the Cmmcil lakes that
Position.
Long term seeds are also on issue,
just as they were with the ranee
timal portion of the Community
Center. in the mcmatimhal art, the
city ampronsed by having one
gymrsasturn function as the gymrms-
tis sit also, As a result several horn
a week, a"anling to staff, are spent
Through is initial matings, the ad
ht group has concluded by coarsen -
SM that the site of the "cultural"
component should be as an addition
to lM Community Center. Ruled oul
al is Nov. 12 meeting wet a free
be oldold junior high auditorium. The
aka junior high site wasvmtually dired-
naled by School Dsaid 112 when it
concluded the auditorium spat was
needed and utilized by the Dsuid
for olMr purpos.
Susan
Craes
ss, an ad hoc committee
mcucber who represents the Chaska
Planning Commission. also noted the
city did nes own suitable land else- where far such a project. She added,
The city plane" feels we should
keep it at W rear the Community
enter." 7ismrxh this pry there pas
been a mindsel that the Community
Center was the mast likelyy place t
would be: said Marsh Hal beIll. lesk
fort chairperson.
We really haven't heard alae gond
realm why it should be anyPlace
else: said I Allard, emllmrtlee
member. Allard later added to s
question of"blending" momatim and
cultural uses, that "it should be a
separate entity, connected but Ups -
rate." He said he didn't went the
cultural portion's identity lobe last.
THE COMPONENTS
There are some elem ilm that ad
bra committee members arc attain
they want in a "cultural" wing of the
Community Center, others it would
be nit to have,. and a few about
which they tray be indifferent.
At an earlier meeting in Novem-
her, David Eijadi, an architect with
the Weld[ Group pan of the design
tam, spoke about redoing some
adjacent areas of the existing Center,
and including another open art where
both cultural and recralioml Center
users might gather. '
Any modifications would be pan
of the budgeted expenditure.
The ad hon commr0u has exam -
activities of primary I=, nterest m the
committeed are m l ed chamber
mmintica
a
drama, cbOnd
pms-
tiara,
and dant. The ranee, whattionsatewhattheaterarra, whet
desiggnn, etc The size of the Orchestrapit, for Imtaltt, controls the type of
producim that can a mounted,
committee members have been ad.
vised. ce or
Seating amid be as little as
2"
nm be
seln
much gl1,500. M
init m a1 600.
fined seven general types of facilities
and programming. They am:
1. Traditional performing ans,
2. Popular entertainmem.
3. Business presentations,
4. Audiolvidw presentations,
5. Community ars and Muslim,
6. Facility administration, and
7. Patron activities.
The traditional performing ens
district needs la ale r
School. Ad hoc con
rsand city oQiclots tell
use, something which
e some revenue to the i
middle school giants waw mw, „""..
In assembly or for Other purposes; Of the size, architect Eijadi said,
9l will have to be smaller because of
ash, but that's a reasonable gal."
Van Phillips, the theater comult-
ant, told the commiuu, "7bcre am
sone breaks that mlurally Occur...A
pis yy fees W er at 40010 600, a fulimumfeelsWawat800in1,200."
When committee members began
talking about the stage designs they
liked and how a new performing
stage and orchestra pd might be
cons ommet, Phillips cautioned them
Io focus of the reeds they wanted to
meet, allowing the atchreCta Io de-
sign the space appropriate to mut
Ing Nese eds. Popular neentertainment prima
activities would include community
and done band concerts end dance
programs (popular, folk end Iradi-
lional). Business prewmalims arc an tm-
ponant component of this "cultural"
area because they m at possible
revenue to help offset the cast of
operating this swim of the mmma-
mty center. These uses include Ice -
lures and speakers, conferences, and
bmek not' mons where participants
can gather in smaller groups.
Audidvidw pnSCntatiom mean that
additional planning must be consid-
ered when designing me a more
urate, areas. TcIccorhfcmaCei would
be a pan of these activities, as -mid
actual video production. The can -
ver a trm indicated the small video
production area, now located behind
the dais of council chambers at the
city hall will be =moved to the
Community Center.
Visual an displays—salla form of
gallery experience — is another pri-
May component to be considered. Currently, the Only gallery option in
the Community Center s a hallway
where artwork has been hung. Them
s, however, no security a monitm-
ing specifically fm the art.
Tied into the package are 811 the
support spacm ad activmes—eve.
rything from offices and copy no -
china to rehearsal spaces, dressing
moms and workshops.
Although the final report of the
committee was delayed by a month,
until mid-Jmuory, there r"mirs much
primary fm It m do. The meetings are open
for members of the community.
1\ I U
m;'(N`^—C-LIYPIM6 SERVIC
HE
t LL/ BLOOMINGTON
xUN.CURRENT
I I .... Ph. C. -
Message is clear:
But ski jump backers say
they are moving forward
By Mark Johnston
With all due respect to New
York Yankees great Yogi Berra
and his linguistic linguini, the
Bloomington City Councilast
week sent a clear messageto the
Minnesota Holmenkollen
Foundation.
That message was, "It's over
when it's over." And as for a
proposal for a Holmenkollen ski
jump in Hyland lake Park, it's
over. A dream is a dream, but you
get to a point where a dream
becomes a nightmare," said
Maya Ned Peterson. "I think
91"
this project is beginning to fall
into that category."
The council's decision was
based mainly on City Attorney
Dave Ornstein's opinion that the
financing package submitted
Nov. 1 by the foundation did not
meet the requirements of a con.
tract that would allow construc-
tion to begin on the $7.5 million
project. Under the contract, the cosi of
the proposed ski jumping facili-
ty world have bent split Bure
ways, with Bloomington, the
state of Minnesota and the Min-
nesota Holmenkollen Founda-
tion each providing $2.5 million
toward construction costs.
Hennepin Parks agreed to
lease 9.3 acres of Hyland Park
for the project, which would in-
clude four ski jumps modeled
after the Norwegian
Holmenkollen.
Originally Bre foundation had
until June 1, 1991, to raise its
share of the money. The founda-
tion was given a one-year exten-
sion and then a five-month ex -
plan is
tension this year, to Nov. 1, 1992.
Elements of the financial
package submitted by the Nov. l
deadline — including unrinalized
letters of credit for it million
from First Banks — were
worth nothing more than the
paper they were written on;"
Ornstein said.
A $75o,ow letter of credit
from Kraus -Anderson
Construction) wasn't even legi-
ble;" he added. "It's clear the
foundation) missed their
obligation to raise $2.5 million
by a significant amount."
Byron Laher, fundraising
chairperson for the min -profit
foundation, said he believed the
group had mel the Nov. 1
deadline with an adequate finan-
cial plan. At the same time, we did not
in any way think we had achiev-
ed enough fundraising to begin
the construction process; he
said. faker tried to convince the
council that donation pledges
from "major supporters" were
expected to be made in
December and January. He
noted in the past two weeks
sizable pledges have been made
y local cmnpames
ra 1
Laher also responded to
remarks made recently that the
foundation has not been UP -front
about the scope of the project.
In addition to the ski jumps,
the project includes a four-story,
14,000 -square -fool training
center, a 5,000 -person am-
phitheater with skating rink, a
promenade and a 4,500 -square -
fool chalet, among other items.
rhe changes people are talk-
ing aboutare not changes," he
said. "we really haven't chang-
ed anything."
AB of which not only faded to
impress the council but was
rendered moot by Hennepin
Parks Board chair Judith
Anderson. Anderson told the council that
Parks Board attorney Jeff
Bramble had reached the same
conclusion Ornstein did and old
foundation representatives the
issue was dead two weeks ago.
With no project, there was M
lease agreement.
We have no agreement in
place between the city and Hen-
nepin Parks, so the issue Is
moot;" she said. "H an agree-
ment between two Public agen-
cies is ndl and void, it would
seem future negotiations bet-
ween the city land the'
Holmenkollen Foundation)
would be out of place."
The council agreed, saying the
only way the project could be
resurrected is to start ovei
again, including negotiating a
new agreement between all (ht
parties.
That's exactly what the four
dation will do then, according b
Laher. If we have to come back hen
and put all these pledges am
loans on the table before th,
council, we will certainly d
that;' he said. "We'll find ou
exactly what they need."
How long that will take, lahe
does not know. But the deadlin
for receiving the stale portion t
the funding is July 1, 1993. If
plan is not in place by then, IN
money may no longer b
available -
11u7 µl"IDBURY BV k.. W asAlnAlun Va.
11'. r.. ; 199L
gppr
tisals
to
be performed
for athletic
complex sites
By Ken Surbaugh
Staff Writer
City residents will have 10 wait a
bit longer to find out where a newrecreationalfacilitymightbebuilt
in the city. The Woodbury City Council
approved appraisals to be per-
formed for two sites being consid-
ered for the proposed cons itch n
of an athletic complex.
Al its Nov. 25 meeting, the Coun-
cil agreed to him the mat estate
appxnisal firm or B Umdorf. Rob -
mi. Knoche, Inc. to papprar-
sats and the prepare ortofd develop-
ment Cost estimates for the two sites
by the city's Consulting engineeringfirmofBorcsiwn, Roscoe' Ander-
lik and Associates.
The idea of creating a new athle-
tic complex in Woodbury hasnexistedforanumb" or y
1991, the city's Park Commission
marrowed down the site Selection of
potential athletic complex sites
from seven to two. The fust Sim is located at UtesoutheastintersectionofBailey
Rood and Tower Drive- andI. The sec• simos r.f in 90-acm para
and site is situated a half mile east
Of County Road 19 and south of
Valley Creek Road. It consists of
105 acres of land and is being con- sidered in Conjunction with the
proposed concept of a municipal
golf course. Both areas am current-
ly being farmed. Park Commission members dis-
cussed the issue of which site to
select In, the acquisition or land for
the athletic Complex and instead of
choosing one Particular site, the
group recommended that a CostappraisaIofbothsilosbedone.
In addition, they also agreed thal
cost estimates should he d elloPed
for the athletic Complex Concept
plan that was presented by city staff
at the mcetng. Both sites are
planned to include softball, soccer
and baseball fields, wme of which
would be lighted. They would ala
be picnic and play areas.
At an Oct. 20 meeting, the Palk
Commission held a public input
hearing to allow residents 10 Com - trial on which site should be
acquired.
About 50 people attended the
meeting and the input uceivforfrom
residents was Supportive he
acquisition of land and develop-
ment of an athleuc complex. Both
sites received equal support and
Speakers at the meeting emphasized
the need to make the acquisition
now before development occurs a
land values incmase.
Two of the primary issues raised
by pwplc regarding the two sitesdealtwithaccessandvisibility. At
Site 1, them are twu access sites
Bailey and Tower). which would
Provide better visibility and securi-
ty of the site.
Site 2, with just a single access
proposed (Valley Creek Road). is
more secluded and there were fears
expressed by wine residents that
the low visibility of the site might
create a seemly problem.
However, it was indicated that an
additional access could occur due to
development between County Road
19 and the Sim.
People attending the meeting
also expressed thew desire to make
the proposed athletic complex more
that just Softball and Soccer fields
Them were several requests to
include facilities such as play
equipment, tennis courts, an out-
door swimming Pool, picnic facili-
tics and arms for other athletic uses.
And several individuals
requested that two to three acres at
the athletic complex site Could be
used for the future development of
an ice arena and outdoor skating
rinks. The Woodbury Arm Hockey
Club has Submitted a peuton indi-
cating their support of ice faciliucs,
and stated no preference for the one
proposed site or the other.Thcy feel
that the athletic complex would
benefit by sharing sluing space and
restooms in the aroma.
According to the club, the 230
players involved in searnscuminly
spend their ice time in Hudson, W is.
and at the University of Minnesota
Simply Put, we can't gel all or
the needed ice time for our child-
ren," Mn Phillipi of the WAHA
wrote in a letter W the city Council-
With Hudson having high
demands fru their ice times and the
UAmos, rnnde fwe
winew
ll be ablemiucci
Aa, w
W afford die anticipated higher cost
of rating" Asa result, the Park Commission
ow recommended that city staff
Mold also be authorized to incor-
Ponae into the Concept plan two to
three acres for the development of
ice facilities. Although cost estimates am
being developed fa both sites base-
d on a concept plan. what the site
will actually ronlain won't be final-
ized until a master plan is deve-
loped. The cost e,timalcs arc being
used as a guide to assist in the selec-
tion of either Site I or 2 for a IROP-
used athletic complex.
The nppraisals and cost estimates
are expected in be available and
ready for review at the January
meeting or the Park Commission. Once a site is selected, a detailed
process in developing a Master Plan
would begin.
MMA CL PP aE11VICEVVV
f NUNT1tST.PAU1.—
NAMSr:\' CUUN'ry
REVIEW—Ramety Co.
DEC 2 1997.
Planners
J-4 .
by Chris Stater
say centers will coexist successfully
The North Sl. Paul Community
Ccntcr has only been open for about
eight months and already it's being
called a success. "Everything has gone
better than expected," said City
Manager Dub Gatti. "We're pleasantly
surprised."
The community center opened its
doors March 16, and since then has
offered a variety of exercise and
recreation programs and services.
North St Paul residents indicated in
a 1988 survey that they were interested
in facilities for exercise and would
support a community center. In 1990,
the city formed a Community Center
Commission to plan the building.
Results of their planning are located
at 2290 N. First Street. The center
offers a collegiate -sized. mule -purpose
gymnasium, used for sports and as an
auditorium, with a stage at one end and
a kitchen for groups to cater their
events. The kitchen isn't currently
equipped. but Parks and Recreation
Director Steve Roe hopes it will be
fully function;d in the near future.
A running/walking track surrounds
the gym on the building's upper level.
An exercise room, with 18 different
weight and exercise machines, is also
located on the upper level. Locker
rooms adjoin the gym.
On the main floor, a 200 -person
meeting room is available for rental. An
arts and crafts room, a game room with
video games and air hockey. and a
children's activity roan are available.
The wide range of activities and
programs reflect the city's attempt to
cater to the entire community. "We've
had a good cross section of the different
age groups in the community using the
center using the center." said Gatti.
Roe said the center has lived up to
the city's expectations and the future is
bright. "Response has been excellent."
he said. "We've had a really good start,
and we expect it will get better."
That growth would help the city
meet its goal of the center paying for
itself through fees and memberships.
Galli said that community center
revenue is a little higher than expected,
and it's well on the way to meeting this
goal. Meeting room rental is a little
behind projections, but Gatt expects it
to pick up. There is a $2 charge per visit, and a
one-year membership is available for
100, with seniors gelling a discount.
We're really pushing memberships,"
said Roe, adding Those who use the
center frequently will save money by
buying a membership, and will receive
benefits like long-range schedules and
quicker check-in procedures.
And now North St. Paul won't be
the only city in the area with a
community center. The Maplewood
City Council recently approved
preliminary plans to build a center.
While the facilities will be similar in
focus, they will be much different in
design. The Maplewood center will
include two full-sized gymnasiums,
including exercise and weight rooms;
two pools, one for exercise, one for
leisure; a 300 -person banquet room;
and a theater. The center will also have
several all-purpose courts, to be used
for racquetball and walleyball.
Officials from lath Noah St. Paul
and Maplewood agree that the centers
will complement, notconflict, will)
each otter. "Our surveys indicate [list
two community centers in the area ale
still not enough; Maplewood Cil
Manager Mike McGuire said. Roe slid
he also believes there are enough
people in the area for both centers id
prosper.
While North St. Paul charges to
same fee for residents and noggq
residents, Maplewood is considcrir
charging non-residents a higher fc .
I've bad some calls from city reside -ms
who are wear about overcrowding:'
said McGuire, indicating that a higher
charge to non-residents might curb
possible problems. McGuire added thin
an "agreement" would probably be
worked out with North St. Paul because
they haven't charged people from
Maplewood an extra fee in the past.
Construction is scheduled to begin
this spring or summer, and McGuire'.
said the city hopes to open the center:
sometime in the summer of '94.
For information on the North S0.
Paul Community Center call 779-4471.
For information on the planned
Maplewood center, tall 770-4525.
YNa CLIIPINO rERVICE
wT3-r a,
VIINITT'URENILNYINT
Ira4nna fn.
JAN 2 71993
Feasibility
i,lw
By Heather Gay
study says ice arena can pay for self
If you build it, they will come.
It Inver Grove Heights builds
an ice arena/community center
complex it is projected to
generate enough participation to
cover its costs.
A financial feasibility study
shows if an ice arena is Milt it
can generate enough capital to
pay for full cast of operation,
and a minimum of $f50,000 of
debt service in the first year, ac-
cording to a study done by The
Marquette Partners.
The study, financed by the In-
ver Grove Heights Hockey
Association, was initialed by a
seven -member Ice Arena Task
Force appointed by the Inver
Grove Heights City Council in
February 1992.
The study indicates there is
ample revenue available in
utilization and subsidies to sup-
port and operate this facility in
the community of Inver Grove
Heights," according to a memo
to the City Council by Jack
Skoog, chair of the task force.
Because the revmues are so
strong, and the utilization of the
facility so diverse, it deserves
the financial support of the
community."
The facility is designed to,
have ice for seven months, with
the remaining months having a
dry Hoo for other activities. It
could have ice year-round, but it
would cast more to have it dur-
ing the summer, Skoog said.
Is there a demand for ice time
by surrounding communities,
asked Councilmember Bill
Klein. If this is built South St. Paul
wants 150 hours of ice time, and
other areas, including Fagan,
West Sl. Paul, Inver Grove
Heights and Mendota Heights,
need time too, Skoog said.
And it wouldn't be used just
for hockey, but for ringette, girls
hockey, bruonball, and other
activities, he said.
Includedin the arena is a
community meeting roam, 32
Fact by 20 feel.
One of the concerns I have
for the community is that we
provide an area for our youth
and far senior citizens," said
Co ncgmember George Tour-
ville. "We need to provide an
area away from schoof because
not every kid is involved in forganizedspots, and this is an,
Opportunity for this." i 1
A
it
kURNsvILLY.sVN
l'IIRRRNI' Ibkon Co.
JAN 2 71993 .„
r1`
IIa,e \
center M'a`w== New colY]n]illllty it
By llolg Elickshal City would buy, renovate mall
The possibility that an aging Burnsville
mall may or, day Louse a community
ceptor appoom to be gaining momentum.
AL a Monday work session, members of
the City Council and Parks and Recrea- tion Committee responded en-
thusastically to conclusions reached by a
study team after its preliminary evalua-
tion of the concept. Under the plan, the city ,odd boy the
financially troubled Diamond Headc MallandconvertittoamixedusePo
private facility with community meeting
Zooms, a seder center, real stores and,
ideally, a number ofantysand '
profit agencio. A gym ing
pool,oWd be buIR onto the mall.
vented to a com-
The study team of city, county and
school district relaeSenaliv. —
rated
the Diamond Head Mall Review Teambelievesthe — se and boa
many beneGaafor nthe
ciakes
ty, sad reg
K city m on the assumption
that the mal, which is in receivershipduetotenantvacancies, doesn't hove. a
bright future l left coley as commercal
property, Kaal said. so we started Nuking more in terms
It a reviaiizalion of that area and maybe
killd.
The lower leveltwobirds )of thethInc s195Aao-6(flu -
foot mall could be con level famlmitycenter, with the uppermixeduses, mending some of the ex-
isting real sates, whjeh would hopefullybenefitfromincreasedfoottraffic, Konal
said. The city's Economic DevelopmentAuthoritycouldownandmanagetheup-
per portion, with renal income offsettingoperatingcostsforthatportionofthe
butdmg, Komi said.
Also, School District 191 has expressed
rrcent
of the
u
levelt
in
iits
EarlyChabout
40 JdhoodFami-
ly Education Program, raw housed In
rifler rented commercial space, Konat
said. The mail proposal also omnipossibilitiesforadjacentdevelop
welch It this point, are strictly in the
hreimtorming sage but help Illustrate
the site's rt oflft mal
Kom(mid, For in -
could be con-
6anle, Po Cea.terwill a newvertedaaconference
hotel attached to it. And septa lousagI
a new, county library cold be built near-
by ,hemid. 1 the city wouldUnderthemalpropose ,
old uP with mom space fa shad fileitestimated
e
same amount of money
it
would need to build a 70,000stla0refool
community center at Civic
Center Park, said Randy OP-
pelt, Ppelt, parks and recreation
the cast a
anywhere I
and $9.0
Where's a
those fngm
estimates pace
e mal plan at
of
ready fpr a vote by the May
school board elections.
A referaxkun on budding a
j new center was postponed last
revealedyearafterasurvey
few residents were aware of the
plan, pulling the referendum's
passage in doubt. Kaon said
he's encouraged by the early
awareness and WUaI positive
feedback on the mad proposal.
there seems to be a better
acceptance, he said. "I don't
know that it will pass, but people
seem to lice at least the concept
of this cemmhudly center better
than a community center at
Civic Center Park.”
I think it's exciting," said
Caaelmember Glenn McKee.
711is will make news around
the country for creative reuse of
heplan's proposed partner
ship among the public, private
and ran -profit sectors is 'a
h holistic approach to making
fa the gym and swimming Pool something work. which a reallyaddition, and between f1.0 very ofce, said Cumhclmember
million and R million fordrying Elizabeth Kautz.
We mal. To fund it, residents will axil
to approve a bad referendurnl, although an, dale for the vote has
been set. Komi mid it's W d bethemallpropose
THINK ROSES !!!!!!
The Minnetonka/Plymouth Rotary Annual Rose Day
Once again we are asking you to take part in our annual fundraiser by buying some long
stemmed, boxed, red roses. The profit from this sale goes (100%) to benefit chanties and
people in need on a local, regional, and international basis. Rose buyers from last years have
helped Hurricane Andrew victims, Teens Alone of Mtka., The Hammer Residences (indepen-
dent living for the mentally impaired) in Plymouth, The Cookie Cart in No. Mpls, (a business
started by a nun to teach entrepreneurial skills to young Northside kids), The Jimmy Heuga Ski
Express for MS, The Minnesota Health Volunteers in Kenya, The Twin West Scholarship
Fund for local students, the Viking Scout Counsel, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mpls., and many
other worthwhile endeavors. Be assured that your money goes for worthy causes and we
would welcome solitations from your favorite cause.
HOW DO YOU ORDER? Sendto
at the the order form below
with your check to the Minnetonka/Plymouth
Rotary and when to have them delivered.
WHEN IS "ROSE DAY193"? March 25-26,1993 (see delivery schedules below).
HOW MUCH DO THEY OST? Would you believe only $18 ner dz. (same as last yr.)
WHO SHOULD I GIVE THEM TO? Although that is certainly up to you,
I will give you a list of possibles. 1. Spouse
2. Significant Other, 3. Secretary or Asst.
4. Mother, 5. Employee who has done
special favors, 6. Favorite manager,
7. Favorite client, 8. Someone you are
trying to impress, 10. Mother-in-law.
11. Anyone else?
YES!! I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CHARITABLE GIVING AND
ALSO GIVE SOME PEOPLE CLOSE TO ME SOME BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS.........
Name Phone No.
No. of Dozen X $18.00=$ check to
Minnetonka/Plymouth Rotary.
Deliver them
Fri. 3/26/93 Indicate best time
Pick them up at Westdale Floral in Mtka. on Sat. Morn.
Return to with your check before March 19, 1993 (checks not
cashed before April 2nd) Call me at with other payment or delivery requests)