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Home My WebLink AboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 01-13-1994Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission January 13, 1994, 7 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order a. Election of Chair and Vice Chair 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff c. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Approved format of Open Space Committee b. Approved negotiation of homes in West Medicine Lake Park 5. Unfinished Business a. Request for City to take over Amberwoods Park b. Capital improvements program revision c. West Medicine Lake Park master plan update d. Study of unique open spaces update e. Accessible playground update 6. New Business a. Review draft of annual report b. Review park rental policies and fee schedule '94 C. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - February 10, 1994 MINUTESOF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING December 2; 1993 Page 53 PRESENT: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Gutzke, Mikula, Wahl, Watson; staff Blank and Pederson ABSENT: Commissioners Burk and Johnson 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Anderson at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Mikula and seconded by Commissioner Watson to approve the minutes of the November meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting. b. Staff. Director Blank announced that skating rinks are scheduled to open Saturday, December 18, weather permitting. He announced that the Old Fashioned Christmas in Plymouth special event is scheduled for Sunday, December 5, at Plymouth Creek Park. This annual event is co-sponsored by the Plymouth Historical Society. He also stated that the Fire and Ice Festival special event is scheduled for Saturday, February 5, 1994, at Parkers Lake. This event is co-sponsored by the Plymouth Civic League. As in past years, commissioners were asked if they would volunteer their help with the bonfire and sales of s'mores. Director Blank announced a new special event being organized with the Plymouth Historical Society called the Plymouth History Fest. It will be held in September and will feature antique cars, such as Model T's and Model A's. Superior Ford has agreed to help sponsor the event. c. Others. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION None. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Request for City to take over Amberwoods Park. Director Blank stated that he and Mark Peterson, Superintendent of Parks, had visited Amberwoods Park and surveyed the existing equipment and condition of the park. Following that survey, Mr. Peterson prepared a cost estimate for updating the equipment and adding this park to the City's PRAC Minutes/December 1993 Page 54 regular maintenance schedule. It was determined that this park would cost approximately $50,000 to upgrade and $3,000 annually to maintain. If a skating rink was added, the annual maintenance cost would rise to $6,000. Director Blank went on to explain that Amberwoods Park does not provide any significant amenities to the new developments lying to the west and north. These new developments will have their own park facilities provided by the developer, or their only access to Amberwoods park is through Greenwood Elementary School property, which is considered to be the neighborhood park for this area. Staff's recommendation, therefore, is to not take over the maintenance of this private park for the reasons that there is no significant increase in benefit to the total walking neighborhood, and because it could set a precedent for dozens of other requests to take over private neighborhood parks. Pat McDonald, President of the Amberwoods Homeowners Association, indicated that Greenwood is not a satisfactory neighborhood park due to the fact that there is no toddler equipment there, and the school has asked them to not use the equipment during school hours. He also stated that the homeowners association cannot afford to upgrade the equipment they now have, which leaves them with no alternative but to tear down the existing playground, because it is considered dangerous in its present condition. He then asked when their neighborhood could expect to have a park built for them, and what their taxes are being used for if they can't have a park. Director Blank responded that there are six or seven other school sites in Plymouth that serve as neighborhood parks, such as Birchview Elementary, Pilgrim Lane Elementary, Sunset Hill Elementary, etc., and use of the playground equipment during school hours has never been an issue before. Director Blank also stated that a few years ago, the Greenwood Elementary PTA approached the City about helping with the upgrading of Greenwood's playground. They were told that the City was willing to consider partial funding up to $10,000, but the PTA never followed through. Commissioner Gutzke suggested to Mr. McDonald that he approach Greenwood about starting up that project again. Mr. McDonald requested that Director Blank talk to the Superintendent of Schools regarding the school's policy about using the playground during school hours. Chair Anderson stated that he was reluctant to take over the Amberwoods Park due to the precedent it might set. Commissioner Gutzke was concerned about that possibility, as well, but also stated that when homeowners buy houses in developments with private parks, they do so knowing that part of their dues go toward maintaining their private park. b. West Medicine Lake Park master plan presentation by Barton-Aschman. Representatives of Barton-Aschman were present to discuss the three proposed road alignments and park concepts associated with those road alignments. They explained that some of the objectives of the park are to: establish bike trail connections, establish passive wood chip trails, treat urban runoff, improve water quality, segregate active areas from passive areas, provide water front activities, maintain bike connections along the lake and neighborhood safety. Barton-Aschman then explained each road PRAC Minutes/December 1993 Page 55 alignment and used visual displays to show those alignments and the various park designs. Following their presentation, residents and commissioners were asked for their comments. Erika Urban, 1541 West Medicine Lake Drive, stated that she is concerned about disturbing the wetlands and prefers road alignment A, as it seems to have the least impact. She urged PRAC to consider a park concept plan that would not attract large boats to the area. She would like the park to be low key and to somehow keep the jet skis out. Director Blank responded that at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, large boats need to have a way to get on and off the lake, because the French Park boat launch is not adequate for this purpose. Roger Meyerhoff, 23rd Avenue, prefers that any tennis courts be placed further into the park rather than on the outer edge. He would like to see the wetlands improved. He believes that fishing docks will be negatively impacted by speed boats. When the improvements take place, he hopes to have a curb and gutter installed in front of his property. His preference for a road alignment is either A or C. Scott Heathcote, 18th Avenue, spoke on behalf of his neighbor Glen Hanson. Mr. Hanson does not want road alignment B. Chuck Korsmo, representing his father, Bud, stated concern about the homeowners being assessed for curb and gutter when the new road alignment goes through. Director Blank responded that that is an issue the Council will have to address. Mr. Korsmo indicated that his father's preference for a road alignment is either A or C, and he would also like some sort of buffer constructed to separate the private residences from the park traffic. Commissioners Wahl, Watson, Mikula and Anderson preferred road Alignment A, because it has the least impact on the wetlands. Commissioner Wahl indicated that Commissioner Burk also preferred A. Commissioner Gutzke preferred road alignment C. Staff stated that they also prefer road alignment A and a buffer zone, because it offers the most flexibility for use of the land between the road and the park. A MOTION WAS MADE BY CHAIR ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GUTZKE TO ENDORSE ROAD ALIGNMENT A. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. Commissioner Gutzke prefers that no wood be used in the construction of the bridges in the park. Director Blank stated that he now needs further direction from PRAC in terms of the park concept plans and the possible use of focus groups as suggested by one of the residents who attended the public meetings. Commissioner Mikula suggested that another letter be sent to the residents inviting them to volunteer to serve on a focus group. Commissioner Watson expressed some concern that focus groups can be too self selective and could end up consisting of people interested only for themselves. Director Blank stated that he would like any focus group to be broad based and represent the entire community. The focus group also needs to be small scale, with seven to ten people serving on it. Chair Anderson suggested sending a letter to the surrounding homeowner associations as a possible way to get membership on a focus group. Director Blank wondered about sending the letter to those residents who had PRAC Minutes/December 1993 Page 56 attended the first two public meetings. Commissioner Wahl suggested sending the letter out to all the surrounding residents, the same ones that had received the first letter inviting them to attend the public meetings. A special questionnaire could be prepared and their responses could be used as the basis for selecting them to serve on the focus group. This idea was then discussed by PRAC, and it was the consensus to send a questionnaire to all the surrounding residents. Commissioners Gutzke and Watson volunteered to review the responses and select seven or eight people to serve on the focus group. c. Study of unique open spaces update. The Open Space Committee met and decided that it would like to have the format changed to have a larger representation. They are proposing a committee comprised of four PRAC members, one Council member, one Planning Commission member, and one citizen from each of the four wards. The Park and Recreation Director and the City Forester would be non-voting liaisons to the committee. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAHL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GUTZKE RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE PROPOSED COMMITTEE FORMAT AND INTERVIEW AND APPOINT FOUR CITIZENS, ONE FROM EACH WARD. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. d. Accessible playground update. There was no new information to report. 6. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Commissioners wondered about the status of the trail along East Medicine Lake Boulevard based on a letter they had received earlier from residents concerned about pedestrian safety. Director Blank had also received a copy of the same letter and had sent the residents a response indicating that Hennepin Parks intended to contact the property owners whose properties would be affected by the construction of the trail. Of the five property owners, two said they may sell, two said they would talk about it, and the fifth individual, who owns two properties along the proposed trail, has indicated that he is not interested in selling. 8. STAFF -COMMUNICATION Director Blank announced that a meeting has been arranged between the Save French Woodlands group, Hennepin Parks and the City for December 15. The City Council meets on December 20 and may, at that meeting, make a decision on the proposed Baton development. 9. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m. CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: January 10, 1994 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric Blank At the December Commission meeting, you discussed the merits of the City taking over the ownership of the Amberwoods property. Based on your review, a number of issues needed further clarification by staff. 1. Does the School District have a policy forbidding people from coming on school grounds? I spoke with Superintendent Landswerk who informed me that the District has no policy prohibiting residents from visiting the school grounds during the school day. Further, Superintendent Landswerk contacted the principal of Greenwood Elementary, who indicated she would have no problem at all with residents of this area coming on the school grounds during the school day. 2. The next issue had to do with the statement that people would have to walk on a county road with 50 mph speed limits. As you can see from the attached map, we have provided direct access via trail, on the west side of the property, at the southwest corner of the property and on the southeast corner of the property. No one living within this entire walking neighborhood would have to walk or bike on anything other than a normal residential street to get to Greenwood Elementary School. Because of the good trail access into the Greenwood Elementary site, a very high percentage of the residents in this walking neighborhood are within three to four blocks of the school site. 3. The next issue had to do with the precedence of this proposal. I have attached for you five examples of other locations within the community where private neighborhood parks are very close to public neighborhood parks. These sites are Turtle Lake Park, Swan Lake Park, Plymouth Creek Park, Mud Lake Park and the new park going in at County Road 24 and 101, with land that has been dedicated by both Lundgren Bros. and Hans Hagen Homes. In all of these cases, we have a reverse situation to the Amberwoods issue. Because the City already owns and maintains a neighborhood park adjacent to areas where private parks are developed, I anticipate that we would have a good defense against being pressured into taking over these private open space park areas. The Amberwoods group states correctly that the City has not purchased or maintained a neighborhood park in their area. In these other locations, that simply would not be the case. The preliminary plat for Amberwoods was approved on August 21, 1972. The developer was given a park donation credit for 2.6 acres of trail dedicated to the City, and they paid a park cash fee equivalent to 5.8 acres of land donated to the City. This cash fee was approximately $10,000. 4. The last issue dealt with the availability of appropriate equipment on the Greenwood site. The Greenwood School has playground equipment on one side of the building for kindergarten through third grade children and on the opposite side of the building equipment appropriate for children in grades 4-6. The answer to this question is subjective. I suggest that each commissioner visit the site and draw your own conclusions as to whether or not you believe there is any play equipment on this site which is appropriately used by preschool age children. RECOMMENDATION: At the December meeting, staff's recommendation was to not accept ownership of the Amberwoods property. At this time, my recommendation has moved to a neutral position based on two issues: 1. I believe we have a defensible position on a majority of the other private open space areas throughout the community in that we already own publicly maintained parks adjacent to those sites. Therefore, I don't believe this would lead us to taking over numerous actively developed play areas throughout the community. 2. Amberwoods did pay a cash park fee in 1973. If the Commission is inclined to recommend accepting the property, I would suggest that the timing for the upgrade take place in the year 1995. This could be done by making an amendment to your recently adopted capital improvements program. np Attachments December 2, 1993 Mayor Kim Bergman City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN. 55447 Honorable Mayor Bergman; etc 06 199, At the last Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting in November, the Amberwoods Homes Association presented a problem and an opportunity. Evidently Mr. Blank got hung up on the opportunity. Currently, the citizens south of media road, west of hwy 101, north of Cty Rd 24 and east of Medina city limits do not have a city park. Mr. Blank feels that Greenwood Elementary is our city park. I told him at the November meeting that the school does not want strangers around during school hours and that means parents with pre-school children. This evidently does not matter to him It Greenwood is our area's city park then: I. When will the city install equipment for children under the age of six? 2. When will the trail system be completed to allow the little children or mothers with strollers direct access without having to travel on highway 101 or Cty. Rd. 24 or Media Road? 3. When will the School Board be notified that the City of Plymouth has designated Greenwood as a City Park? 4. Is the school really within six blocks of all the residents? 5. Does the School District really want strangers on school property during school hours? 6. When the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission puts $100,000 into the CIP for special wetland parks, $210,000 for special Save the Earth Parks, 28,500 for another Park Employee, $3,420 for Toilets at other Parks, then our residents feel it is appropriate that we also have a real city park. 7. How much city owned wetland borders the Amberwood Park? Mr. Blank created this problem, is ignoring this problem and justifies it in a ridiculous manner. He says there is no significant increase in benefit to the total walking neighborhood. If he feels that kids riding a bike or walking on one of the major roads is acceptable then I understand how he can justify his comments! In order to get to the school they have to cross the school property that is an open field. Usually muddy and in the winter full of snow. Kids will not cross it, they will take to the Highway literally. Mr. Blank does not care that our children are being put in harm's way and I for one will not tolerate his inconsiderate feelings about the safety and well being of any of the over 300 children in this area. Mr. Blank points out Churchill Farms has a Private park. U.S. Homes (Bridlewood and Saddlebrook) do not have a private park. Boulder Crest does not have a Private park. The residents allong shadyview do not have a private park. Amberwoods needs to tear down our play equipment and effectively will not have a private Park. Most children would be going on less travelled roads to reach our solution. Private parks are not the issue or answer. Bordering our Park Area is wetland that is city owned. There is approximately 10 acres. If Churchill 5th addition outlot A is also wetland then clearly over 12 acres of wetland with a play faciility could be developed. If something is not done, the area will very likely become a big dumping ground. We were offering to give the city the land for free, and as you can see from the attached map it is accessible by the city bike trail. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commissioner's need to be changed. There only answer for me was that I should work with the school board to get Greenwood to put in play equipment for younger children. The school board does not even know that the School is a designated city park. Why do we have a Park Board? Why do we have a Director of Parks? Why? Why? Why? Yes, 1 am very frustrated! 1 feel that I have attempted to be a good citizen, point out a problem, offer a solution, just to be ignored and pushed aside. I have attempted to work through the system and feel I need to move to a higher authority. I will not go away'. This is a problem that Mr. Blank has created, has avoided, has ignored. 1 hope someone in the city complex cares about its citizens. By the way, the school board was not aware that the city is designating Greenwood Elementary as a city park. I find it ironic that after several years of being designated so, that the Parks Director has not notified the School District of his actions. would be happy to meet with you to discuss this issue at your convience. Sincerely, 4,4410" Patrick McDonald 18625 33rd PI. N Plymouth, MN. 55447 473-7049 11001/51 1111 11001/51 202 GMT OT I GOVT Lai e 23 N112 SEC. 16 Y. 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III al%14n a s a a a w N Ill N A-' Councilman Hunt introduced the following Resolu- tion and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 73-98 WHEREAT, the Village Council of the Village of Plymouth did, by Reso- lution No. 72-287 on August 21, 1972, approve of the preliminary plat for AMBER WOODS", and j WHEREAS, Dreyfus Interstate Development Corporation has requested pre- liminary plat approval for a revised plat of "AMBER WOODS" located in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 19 under the Village Subdivision Regulations and the Village Zoning Ordinance, and i WHEREAS, the Village Planning Commission has reviewed said revised preliminary plat and has recommended approval, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PLYMOUTH that the preliminary plat for "AMBER WOODS" be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. That the Public Works specifications in a memo dated January 29, 1973 be adhered to; 2. That the developer be given a park donation credit for the 2.6 acre trail to be donated and that the cash value of 5.8 acres of land be donated to the Village for the balance required; 3. That the Village does hereby approve of the temporary diversion of sanitary sewage from the "AMBER WOODS" development south from the proposed development until such time as the Northwest of the Northwest Interceptor is constructed subject to: a. The report submitted by Bones,00, Rosene, Anderlik and Asso- ciated, Inc. dated October 13, 1972 is accepted; b. Hughes Addition and Amber Woods Addition are authorized to connect to the sewers in the South District; c. No additional properties from the Northwest District will be authorized to connect into the South District until flows have been studied and evaluations :Wade to indicate such ca- pacity is available. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing Resolution was we 1994-98 CIP DRAFT, 1-12-94 1 Project/Year MSA Community Playfields/ Trails 218 Neighborhood Parks Grants T.I.F. C.I.F. Park Replace. Fund TOTAL 1994 Acquisition of open sace 250,000 250,000 Accessible playground 60,000 65,000 125,000 9th vlavfield ac uisition 750,000 150,000 900,000 10th pla field acquisition 450,000 450,000 Replace 4 nb park plygrnds 1 200,000 200,000 W Med Park road and ac . 1,500,000 1,500 000 Ply Creek tennis/basketball 350,000 350,000 Gleason Elem playground 10,000 10,000 Medicine Lake fishing dock 28,000 28,000 Trails 100,000 100,000 9 200,000 Seven Ponds n hhd park dev 120,000 120,000 Cardinal Ride land acq. 90,000 90,000 Contract payment SE ark 36,000 36,000 Transfer to park lace fund 0 25.000 11.000 0 0 36,000 Total 1994 100 000 1 349 000 496 000 1 500 000 850,000 JLZ56 000 6 7,? 7 3 C 7 U 173( 1) Timber Shores, Mission Hills, Schmidt Lake, Hemlock 3 / Project/Year MSA Community Playfields/ Trails 218 Neighborhood Parks Grants T.I.F. C.I.F. Park Replace. Fund TOTAL 1995 9th playfield special assess. 235,000 235,000 West Med Park Phase II 500,000 500,000 Trails 100,0001 100,000 200,000 Phase I develop la field 1,500,000 1,500 000 Last contract payment (KSE ark 38,000 38,000 Trnsfer to park replace fund 26,000 12,000 38,000 Playground equip. replace. 1 100,000 0 100,000 Cardinal Ride park develop 185,000 185,000 Total 1995100 000 626 000 335,000 1,735 000 2396,000 1996 Trails 100,000 200,000 300,000 Transfer to park replace fund 28,000 12,000 40,000 Park replacement work 0 0 0 99.000 99.000 Total 1996 100,000 IM.000 12.000 99.000 1439,000 1997 Trails 100,000 200,000 300,000 Neighborhood Park 175,000 175,000 Phase II develop la field 700,000 700,000 Transfer to park replace fund 29,000 13,000 42,000 Park replacement work 0 0 0 0 207,000 207,000 Total 1997 100,000 229 000 188 000 700,000 207,000 1 424 000 1) East Beach, Maplecreek, Sunrise Project/Year MSA Community Playfields/ Neighborhood Trails 218 Parks Grants T.I.F. C.I.F. Park Replace. Fund TOTAL 1998 Trails 1-0-0-10-0-0- 200,000 300,000 Transfer to park replace fund 30,000 14,000 44,000 Park replacement work 0 0 0 383.000 383.000 Total 1998 112Q 000 IM 000 14 000 383 000 727 000 DATE: January 11, 1994 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation Ll SUBJECT: WEST MEDICINE LAKE PARK FOCUS GROUP The following individuals submitted applications to serve on the West Medicine Lake Park focus group. Those names printed in bold were the ones selected to serve on the committee by Commissioners Wahl, Watson and myself. Cerise Ahrens, 1737 West Medicine Lake Drive Dean Barkley, 2840 Evergreen Lane Dick Bertrand, 2655 West Medicine Lake Drive John Brose, 10118 South Shore Drive William Brown, 12330 29th Avenue Terry Donovan, 1735 Evergreen Lane Timothy G. Flugaur-Leavitt, 12023 23rd Avenue David Gradick, 11730 27th Avenue George Gurb, 12330 24th Avenue GlenkR Hansen, 1805 Forestview Lane Richard Hatfield, 2524 West Medicine Lake Drive Ann Larson, 2337 West Medicine Lake Drive Louis Lavoie, 2675 Larch Lane Sheryl McRoberts, 2345 West Medicine Lake Drive Dick Milner, 2355 Jonquil Lane Gary Moe, 12420 29th Avenue Tim Schaefer, 12320 28th Avenue Nancy Sinard, 3060 Rosewood Lane Erika Urban, 1541 West Medicine Lake Drive Marc Weisenburger, 12300 30th Avenue A egL i 4 iMM. f L. 912tH OIMtACr lYtt<L 0.d + e i l vOrdLifLW LOn9 fViO.K+RA m oo.eea wrlYWl uaMf9t00mGi Rq yi1L 0/vvMr1 1 1y Ib"PoJL lOvttAOM vlvv .. "-` bl egL i 4 iMM. f L. 912tH OIMtACr lYtt<L 0.d + e i l vOrdLifLW LOn9 fViO.K+RA m oo.eea wrlYWl uaMf9t00mGi Rq yi1L 0/vvMr1 1 1y Ib"PoJL lOvttAOM vlvv .. "-` Reflections of Leisure FOCUS ON QUALITY Plymouth Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 1993 Annual Report City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 January 1993 Honorable Mayor City Council City of Plymouth Residents The information contained in the following pages is a philosophical response and statistical report of the Plymouth Park and Recreation activities. It should be noted that a rapid diverse population growth, the past few years, has been the primary challenge for the department. Also amongst the necessary other activities, the park and trail needs of areas within the city had to be recognized. Monthly PRAC meetings have helped to review the Park and Recreation activities and also to provide for the necessary citizenry input. The Commission is involved with budget review, planning and all of the significant park and trail development. The City is fortunate to have a well trained and experienced Park and Recreation staff. Their expertise has provided for the needed planning, development and maintenance of the parks, trails and related activities. Future activity may include a comprehensive survey for some necessary planning. Also, in retrospect, we have seen a fine team effort by everyone involved. R911 spectfully submitted, GGA Donald D. Anderson Chairperson 1993 PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT Letter of Transmittal.............................................................................. 1 Members of the Commission..................................................................... 4 Commission Attendance Chart ................................................................... 5 1994 Goals and Objectives of the Commission ................................................ 7 1993 Highlights.................................................................................... 9 Administration....................................................................................11-14 Recreation/Athletic Section.....................................................................15-21 Environmental/Forestry Section................................................................ 22-32 Parks Capital Improvements Program ................................................ Appendix 1993 -2- PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION w FOCUS ON QUALITY t 1993 PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION There are seven members on the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, each appointed for a three-year term by the City Council. The chair is appointed by the members of the Commission and serves for a term of one year. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council. Name Phone Number Term Expires Donald Anderson, Chair 545-3608 1/31/95 417 Union Terrace Lane Plymouth, MN 55441 Steve Burk 557-0132 1/31/94 11775 40th Place Plymouth, MN 55441 Wyatt Gutzke 449-8906 1/31/94 17410 12th Avenue Plymouth, MN 55447 Tom Johnson 557-0822 1/31/94 2345 W Medicine Lake Drive Plymouth, MN 55441 Lynn Mikula 595-9924 1/31/95 3482 Pilgrim Lane (app't. 1/25/93) Plymouth, MN 55441 Marlene Waage 1/31/95 13925 61st Avenue (resigned 1/93) Plymouth, MN 55446 Mark Wahl 553-9563 1/31/96 11640 52nd Avenue Plymouth, MN 55442 Mary Kay Watson 449-0446 1/31/96 1500 Terraceview Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 1993 -4- J02714` 1994 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1. RECOMMEND PLYMOUTH'S LEISURE OBJECTIVES To evaluate development trends and population characteristics within the community, and recommend both short and long-range objectives for leisure time facilities and programs, including acquisition of land in anticipation of future development. This effort shall involve collaboration with school districts, service clubs, and other community recreational components to reduce unnecessary program duplication, provide appropriate facilities and insure consistency of City recreation policies and programs. To hold one in-house training session focusing on future trends, ideas, etc. 2. REVIEW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAIL AND FACILITY NEEDS To review and update as needed the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plans, based on actual land development as approved since the System plan was adopted in February, 1982. This assessment shall include a review of the City's development patterns, trends and citizen input including athletic associations, homeowner associations, schools, etc. 3. PLAN THE RECREATION PROGRAMS To carefully plan the City's recreation programs to ensure that they are responsive to the citizens' needs and desires. Only those programs meeting continued public acceptance should be offered. Use past program participants to help evaluate and develop new program ideas. 4. HELP PROMOTE PLYMOUTH'S ATHLETIC GROUPS To develop a program of communication and coordination between the City's park and recreation department and all athletic groups in an effort to better serve all portions of the community, and to work toward developing one, unified Plymouth athletic association. 5. RECOMMEND PARK USAGE POLICIES To formulate and recommend to Council policies for appropriate use and maintenance of park facilities and recreation programs. 6. GET PLYMOUTH'S CITIZENS INVOLVED To encourage community service organizations and citizens' groups to assist in the development and/or maintenance of parks and recreation facilities. Maximum use of local resources and talents will not only improve the total park system and recreation programming, but will foster increased community pride. 7. PREPARE THE PARKS CIP To develop annually the park and recreation component to the City's five year capital improvements program (CIP). The parks component should consider all capital improvements needed, as evaluated by PRAC, and the sources of funding. Submission of this component should be to the Department of Community Development, so that it may be incorporated into the five-year CIP review of the Planning Commission. 1993 -7- 8. UPDATE TO COUNCIL To meet annually with the Plymouth City Council and Planning Commission if warranted. The meeting will be joint with full membership of all members invited. To deliver to the Council presentations of current work and problems encountered. To solicit the Council's reactions and advice. 9. REVIEW DEVELOPER PLANS To coordinate throughout the year and meet with the Planning Commission when necessary to review plans that are consistent to ensure that they comply with Plymouth's overall plans for both parks and trails. 10. LEGISLATION To review and recommend to the City Council suggestions with regard to any federal or state legislation which may impact the City's ability to develop and maintain park and recreation facilities and programs. 11. PARKS TOUR To conduct a parks tour for PRAC, City Council, Planning Commission, City staff and other interested citizens prior to the development and approval of the CIP. 12. COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER PARK AND RECREATION AGENCIES The Commission will strive to communicate and exchange information with commissioners from other adjoining or overlapping park and recreation agencies such as New Hope, Maple Grove and suburban Hennepin County parks. 13, S-t 1993 -8- 1993 HIGHLIGHTS Park Commission Members Commissioner Lynn Mikula was appointed to the Commission on January 25, 1993. She replaces Vice Chair Marlene Waage, who resigned because of a relocation. Commissioner Don Anderson was elected Chairman, while Wyatt Gutzke was elected Vice Chair. Playfield Grand Openings The Parkers Lake and Bass Lake playfields were substantially completed in the spring of 1993. The Parkers Lake grand opening took place on May 12, while the Bass Lake grand opening was scheduled for May 19. The grand openings included ribbon cutting ceremonies with the Mayor and Council, Park Commission members and other participation at the events by youth athletic associations, Plymoth Rockers Senior Choir, Ronald McDonald, and an exhibition softball game with members of the City Council, Park Commission, police department, fire department, and City staff participating. Environmental Park In the fall of 1992, the City completed the acquisition of 33 acres of property lying north of County Road 9 and west of 494. Working closely with the nationally reknowned Kids for Saving Earth Club, the City sponsored a Saturday clean up day to remove all the old tires, kitchen appliances, beer cans, etc., from the site. The day was very successful with two large dumpsters of materials being removed from the property. A well deserved thank you goes out to all the volunteers who successfully worked on this project. South Shore Drive Landscaping After many years of requesting and waiting, the residents of South Shore Drive finally got the landscaping they had been wishing for. The City forestry department planted 24 Siberian Pea shrubs, 22 Colorado Green Spruce and 63 Amur Maple shrubs along the east edge of the park property, as a buffer between the residential area and the industrial area. New Trails At the Park Commission's recommendation, in 1993 additional trails were paved throughout the Mission outlot area on the north side of County Road 9 between Northwest Boulevard and Vinewood Lane, just south of 27th Avenue between Niagara and Fernbrook Lane, and on the west side of Vicksburg Lane between Highway 55 and Old County Road 9. Additional trails were also paved as part of road construction projects along Northwest Boulevard, from County Road 9 to Schmidt Lake Road, and along Schmidt Lake Road from Northwest Boulevard to Pineview Lane. West Medicine Lake Park The City Council selected the consulting firm of Barton-Aschman to begin working with the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission on the development of a master plan for West Medicine Lake Park. By the end of 1993, a number of concept plans had already been reviewed and studied for this park site. The Commission took action to select a preferred road 1993 -9- alignment and also endorsed the concept of a citzien focus group being developed for further planning which will carry over into 1994. Between 70 and 100 residents turned out for each of the fust two public meetings to discuss this park improvement program. City Survey The Minnesota Center for Survey Research carried out a park and recreation survey during the summer of 1993. Written surveys were mailed to 800 homes, with 508 completed questionnaires returned for a response rate of 68%. The questionnaire asked 31 questions dealing with people's perceptions of the existing and future needs for park and recreation programs throughout the community. The Commission, City Council and staff will be using this survey as they develop future plans for park and recreation activities throughout the community. Parkers Lake Playfield Picnic Shelter For the first time in the City's history, a picnic shelter was made available on a rental basis to the community. The rental rate vaned between $30 and $60 a day based on half day and full day rentals. A total of 48 rentals were processed during this fust year of the program. This program proved quite successful, and we anticipate that the rentals will increase in the years ahead. Playfield Site Number Nine The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission approved the amendment to the comprehensive plan to identify a new location for playfield number nine. The Commission recommended and the Council endorsed the siting of this future playfield at the northwest corner of the Soo Line Railroad Tracks and Peony Lane. At this location, there is a vacant piece of property consisting of 161 acres which can be developed into a future park. In the latter half of 1993, the City and the Wayzata School District opened discussions on the possibility of developing a joint high school sports complex on this park site. The potential future for this project will be mapped out during 1994. Capital Improvements Program After six months of review and debate, the Park Commission adopted the capital improvements program calling for xx millions of dollars of capital improvements over the next five years. Study of Open Space In the fall of 1993, faced with increased pressure from citizen groups, the City Council directed the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to begin studying the appropriateness of the City acquiring open space. A sub -committee of four park commission members, a member of the City Council and staff, met to review this issue and made a recommendation back to the Park Commission and City Council with regard to the format for a City-wide open space committee. The City Council endorsed this format, and the committee will begin its work in February of 1994, with a target completion date of August, 1994. The Commission took the positive step of earmarking $250,000 in the 1994 capital improvements program for the acquisition of future open space in this next year. 1993 -10- ADMINISTRATION 1993 PARK AND RECREATION STAFF EricBlank........................................................................................... Director Cindy Anderson..................................................................... Recreation Supervisor Nancy Anderson ..................................................... Part -Time Volunteer Coordinator hired in May) Mark Bisek................................................................. Superintendent of Recreation Rick Busch.......................................................................... Recreation Supervisor Karol Greupner.................................................................... Recreation Supervisor Sara Mittelstaedt................................................................ Senior Program Advisor Nancy Pederson................................................................................... Secretary Donna Sankey......................................................................... Data Control Clerk Mark Peterson.................................................................... Superintendent of Parks PaulBuck............................................................................................ Forester Daniel Heitke............................................................................. Parks Supervisor 1993 -12- Financial If you are a Plymouth resident, for each $100 in property tax you paid in 1993, on the average: 14.41 went to the City of Plymouth. Of this $14.41, 11.77 went for General Fund purposes and park and recreation activities. From the $11.77 for General Fund and park and recreation purposes, Of that: 2.57 went to Plymouth's Park and Recreation Department. 0.22 was for Administration 1.66 was for Park Maintenance 0.21 was for Recreation Programs 0.48 was for Park Bond Debt Service 2.57 For 1993, the budgeted revenues and expenses of the Park and Recreation Department were summarized as follows: Sources of Revenue State Expenditure Property Tax Fees Grant Surplus Misc Administration 174,200 174,200 Maintenance 1,305,700 1,305,700 Recreation Programs 662,100 175,000 475.000 0 9.100 3.000 TOTALS 2,142,000 1,654,900. 475,000 0 9,100 3,000 1993 -13- 1992 GENERAL FUND BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Park & Recreation General Gov't, Legal, Community Development, Finanre, Public Safety, Public Works 1992 PARK & RECREATION BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Park Bond Debt Service Recreation Programs 8% e% Administration Park Maintenance 1993 -14- 1993 GENERAL FUND BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Park & Recreation General Gov't, Legal, Community Development, Finance, Public Safety, Public Works 1993 PARK & RECREATION BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Park Bond Debt Service Recreation Programs 13% 8% Administration Park Maintenance rr+fii':•?;:r? n{:_:4r ;:r :-,rvrf ,rvr r,Y{r.v r}. }Y- r•..vr:x:r::•::-}r:vri .: ffi.•U.-:5ri"N{}.. S-iW.`C Fr{rT d7o. RECREATION FEES & EXPENSES 700000 600000 600000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 1964 1006 1096 1667 1066 toes 1690 1001 1992 1903 Recreation Fees Expenses EXPENSES COVERED BY RECREATION FEES Expenses Exceeding Rn 26A% Based on budgeted figures. 1993 -16- tion Fees 73.6% 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 RECREATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 YOUTH ADULT ®ALL AGES ® SENIORS The above graph includes numbers for Summer T -Ball, K -Ball, Softball, and Instructional Baseball, and Fall Soccer. Other sports leagues are run by volunteer athletic associations. Existing programs are evaluated and adapted in response to community input. New programs for 1993 included: Autumn Art Fair, Bass Lake & Parkers Lake Playfield T -Ball, K -Ball, Instructional Baseball and Tennis Instruction, Bridge Club, Country Western Line Dancing, Cub Softball, Drama Camp, Ethnic Dance Series, Fall Power Volleyball, Horseback Riding Camp, Hyland Hills December Ski Lessons, Introduction to Rock Climbing, Kids for Saving Earth Camp, Magic & More, Mask Making, Playfield Grand Openings (2), Snowboard Lessons, Sunday Evening Men's & Women's Open Basketball, Teen Poetry Workshop, Weeknight Evening T -Ball, Fishing Clinic. 1993 -17- 00000 70000 50000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0- 1904 BEACH & WARMING HOUSE VISITORS 1965 1985 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 BEACH WARMING HOUSE 1992 1993 City of Plymouth beaches are: East Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake. The unseason- ably cool weather drastically impacted beach attendance. Average temperature was 74.70. June was maim ool and windy. July was the rices month with a 2 week "hot spell" that attracted people to the beach. August weather was mainly cool, and the beach was not very busy except for the first week. 1987 - Parkers Lake Beach opened (still under construction). 1991 - West Medicine Lake Beach closed. Plymouth runs warming houses at Zachary, Plymouth Middle School, Plymouth Creek, LaCompte, Oakwood, Ridgemount, and Parkers Lake. The Bass Lake warming house opened in December of 1992. 1988 - Parkers Lake warming house opened. 1993 - Bass Lake Warming house opened for a full season. 1993 -18- 15 -YEAR ENROLLMENT IN PLYMOUTH ADULT TEAM SPORTS 1979-93 UNOFFICIATED 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1 1988 1989 1 1990 1 1991 1992 1993 Fall 3 -Man Bkb 22 16 24 32 32 36 36 36 36 40 28 28 32 33 Winter 3 -Man Bkb 18 27 27 34 36 41 43 48 36 32 32 Spring 3 -Man Bkb 16 22 19 28 32 24 32 30 36 32 26 1 32 24 20 30 Summer 5 -Man Bkb 4 5 6 Winter 5 -Men Bkb 6 8 8 Fall 5 -Man Bkb 16 16 16 16 Fall Volleyball 20 29 38 50 48 44 50 44 42 39 Winter Volleyball 7 7 11 8 18 32 36 40 46 42 46 1 42 38 Beach Volleyball 6 6 6 12 22 24 24 22 4 -Man Football 11 14 24 28 29 29 32 32 32 32 32 28 23 16 Co-Rec Broomball 6 12 12 12 10 12 10 22 14 15 14 8 9 Softball Wamup 40 32 26 28 22 24 25 16 4 -Man hockey 14 14 14 14 12 14 12 13 16 15 12 Total Unofficiated 16 55 62 95 147 166 235 266 280 299 291 322 311 283 261 OFFICIATED Winter 5 -Men Bkb 6 8 8 12 12 12 16 18 18 22 22 20 21 18 18 Fall Power Volleyball 6 6 Winter Power Volleyball 13 14 10 14 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 9 9 11 Summer Softball 56 60 72 100 124 123 139 153 186 198 210 185 193 195 191 Fall Softball 22 32 37 30 48 48 38 49 56 64 64 79 80 Total Officiated 75 82 112 158 185 177 215 231 254 281 300 281 287 307 306 TOTAL TEAMS 91 137 174 253 332 343 450 497 534 580 591 603 598 590 567 TEAMS ENROLLED IN PLYMOUTH ADULT TEAM SPORTS 350 300 250 260 150 100 50 0- 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Total Officiated 0 Total Unofficiated 1993 -19- PLYMOUTH PLAYFIELD USAGE 1984-93 NUMBER OF GAMES PLAYED Softball 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 LaCompte 20 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Oakwood 0 25 44 42 35 48 45 53 73 42 Plymouth Creek 265 270 181 330 205 188 232 210 266 276 Plymouth Middle School 45 85 117 172 147 130 16 12 8 12 Ridgemount 0 8 0 0 4 8 8 16 0 17 Zachary 11 184 1 385 1 250 1_,360 1_ 301 11 701 11725 1_ 634 1 900 1846 Totals 1,514 1,783 1,592 1,904 1,692 2,075 2,026 1,925 2,340 2,207 60-75' Baseball 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 92 Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 LaCompte 50 30 40 90 111 81 120 114 129 136 Oakwood 47 25 19 20 38 0 0 0 0 0 Parkers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 70 Plymouth Creek 0 0 28 27 30 59 52 55 86 69 Plymouth Middle School 56 74 72 73 121 141 210 175 180 175 Ridgemount 13 2 0 0 0 26 40 65 66 56 Zachary 12 8 6 0 0 0 0 14 21 65 Totals 178 139 165 210 300 307 422 413 482 487 90' Baseball Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 Oakwood 58 72 64 50 36 67 80 73 50 59 Parkers lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 94 Plymouth Creek 43 60 75 74 93 71 76 65 77 59 Ridgemount 4 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Zachary 69 65 60 68 102 110 96 91 95 81 Totals 174 211 199 192 231 248 252 229 222 333 SOCCER Oakwood 275 292 240 268 263 448 220 141 202 243 Parkers Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 92 Plymouth Creek 65 67 61 65 48 38 39 126 100 115 Plymouth Middle School 115 100 85 61 64 57 114 186 168 189 Ridgemount 112 106 133 164 233 253 162 190 168 52 Zachary 165 116 142 180 177 219 180 184 157 193 Totals 732 681 661 938 785 1,015 715 817 795 884 TACKLE FOOTBALL Oakwood 35 24 38 54 60 45 45 0 18 34 Plymouth Creek 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Plymouth Middle School 10 10 6 6 20 27 41 32 30 40 Ridgemount 10 5 8 8 3 4 5 3 3 4 Totals 55 60 52 68 83 76 91 35 51 74 BROOMBALL Plymouth Creek 36 45 48 40 56 21 29 25 28 35 Ridgemount 0 0 0 0 21 21 28 24 0 0 Totals 36 45 48 40 77 42 57 49 28 35 4 -MAN HOCKEY Plymouth Creek 0 0 0 0 25 30 29 36 17 20 Plymouth Middle School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 20 Zachary 50 63 57 30 24 30 29 36 26 20 Totals 50 63 57 30 49 60 58 72 60 60 1993 20- PLYMOUTH PLAYF'IELD USAGE 1984-93, continued NUMBER OF GAMES PLAYED TOUCH FOOTBALL 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Plymouth Creek 106 0 118 118 118 118 112 98 0 66 Zachary 0 102 0 0 0 0 0 0 80 0 Totals 106 102 118 118 118 118 112 98 80 66 TOTALS PER FIELD Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 70 Lacompte 70 40 40 90 111 81 120 114 129 136 Oakwood 415 438 405 432 432 608 390 267 343 378 Parkers Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 256 Plymouth Creek 515 463 511 654 575 525 569 615 574 640 Plymouth Middle School 226 269 280 312 352 355 381 405 403 436 Ridgemount 139 135 141 172 261 312 243 298 250 129 Zachary 1480 1739 1515 1 638 1604 2060 2030 1959 2279 2205 Totals 2,845 3,084 2,892 3,298 3,335 3,941 3,733 3,660 3,978 4,250 These totals do not include team practices, school physical education classes, and drop-in usage.) Bass Lake Plavfield I soccer/football field 1 hockey rink 2 softball/baseball fields Oakwood Plavfield 3 soccer/football fields 1 hockey rink 2 softball/baseball fields 190' baseball field Plymouth Playfield 3 soccer/football fields 2 hockey rinks 3 softball/baseball fields Ridgemount Playfield 3 soccer/football fields 2 hockey rinks 2 softball/basebal fields 1993 -21- LaCompte Park 2 softball/baseball fields 1 hockey rink Parkers Lake Playfield 2 soccer/football fields 1 softball/baseball fields 2 90' baseball field Plvmouth Creek Park 2 soccer/football fields 2 hockey rinks 2 softball/baseball fields 190' baseball field Zachary Plaviield 2 soccer/football fields 2 hockey rinks 4 softball/baseball fields 190' baseball field ENVIRONMENT Klw-2A FOCUS ON QUALITY a PARK MAINTENANCE DIVISION STAFF 1. (1) Superintendent of Parks 2. (1) Park Maintenance Supervisor 3. (1) Park Maintenance Leadman 4. (9) Full Time Park Maintenance Workers 5. (18) Seasonal Employees 6. (1) Weed Inspector ACREAGES 1. Maintained 341 2. Un -maintained or natural 586 3. Total 927 h7:i:1Ile 1701•11114 Zei dI 1 1. (1) Community parks - Parkers Lake 2. (8) Playfields 3. (20) Neighborhood parks 4. (67) Trail miles FREQUENCY OF DUTIES DAILY WEEKLY BI -WEEKLY Building maintenance Mowing Safety Inspection Refuse service Trimming Beach maintenance Line painting Rink maintenance Irrig. systems maintenance Machinery & equipment - 85 pieces Acres under irrigation,140 - 2,000 heads within the system PARKS FACILITY BREAKDOWN 1. 10) buildings 2. 20) softball fields 3. 6) baseball fields 4. 4) football/soccer fields 5. 15) soccer fields 6. 11) hockey rinks 7. 22) general rinks 8. 30) play structures 9. 2) swimming beaches 10. 11) picnic shelters MONTHLY Trail Inspection 1993 PARK PROJECTS Ballfield Improvements Birchview Elementary Greenwood Elementary Parkers Lake Zachary Playfield Plymouth Creek Playfield Planter Bed Improvements Zachary Playfield East Medicine Lake Playfield Park Signs ADA/CSPC Improvements Re -stripe and re-sign parking lots Retrofit all spring animals Retrofit tennis and basketball courts Label restrooms Ridgemount soccer field renovation New Trail Construction Zachary Playfield Heritage Park Gleanloch Park KSE Park Trail Overlay Program West Medicine Lake Rolling Hills Heritage Plymouth Creek Gleanloch Amberwoods Seal Coat Plymouth Creek 1993 Tree Trust Projects Replace boards on two hockey rinks at Plymouth Creek. Imperial Hills play area: rebuild retaining walls. remove old play equipment. install additional play apparatus. re -orient swing as per CPSC safety guidelines. 1993 -24- Plymouth Forestry Program Summary 1993 DUTCH ELM DISEASE. OAK WILT. & HAZARD TREES This year, we once again had two MN. certified tree inspectors, along with the Forester, marking trees for removal in this category. Of the total 2157 trees marked, 1964 of these were for DED. The average diameter of these diseased Elms was 7.4". The 300 % increase in DED over last year was due in large part to last years lack of marking during peak periods while filling the Forester position. Trees that weren't removed last year caused further spread of the disease this year. Our diligent marking of DED trees this year will hopefully result in less transmission of DED in 1994. It appears that the amount of trees infected with Oak wilt doesn't actually increase or decrease much from year to year, as seen by the 1-2% of marked trees annually infected. The three infected Oaks had an average diameter of 20.9". With the City's funding of the sample charge for Oak wilt testing, an increased public awareness, and an intensive field inspection program, the City should be able to maintain these low levels of Oak wilt incidence. With the renewed emphasis of DED, marking of hazardous trees decreased by 62%. The average diameter of these trees was 13". No major areas were thinned, but parks were inspected for dead or structurally weak trees, as were boulevards and right of ways. Removal of potentially hazardous tree situations decreases the potential liability to the public. TREE REMOVALS TREE OWNERSHIP 1993 -25- 2157 DED Oak Wilt Hazard Forestry aide 867 2 129 Tree inspector 1097 1 61 TOTAL 1964 3 190 PERCENTAGE 91% 2% 8.8% TREE OWNERSHIP 1993 -25- 2157 STUMP GRINDING of stumps 111 Total inches 2949.2 Avg. stump size 26.6" The 1982 Shade tree ordinance was updated this year with a focus on stricter adherence to State guidelines and the inclusion of an objective procedure for inspection of hazard- ous trees. This may explain the 2100% increase, from 1 to 22, of forced removals over the last year. Second and final notices were eliminated to equalize removal compliance. This change has resulted in more uniform compliance of removals. of trees ( < 6") removed 452 of trees ( > 6") removed 211 Total # of forced removals 699' (Avg. diameter = 7.3") W3 of properties w/ removals 22 Our contractors trimmed 722 trees, an increase of 43 % over last year. This correlates to approximately 3.5 sections of the City being covered. New door hangers were designed and given to residents with trees intended for trimming. This resulted in less irate and confused calls from residents and in many cases the fust acknowledgment of the City's forestry program. STREET TREE TRDd IING HIGHLIGHTS Trimmed trees 722 Removed trees 72 Total maintained trees 794 Avg. # of trees maintained/day 17 Cost per inch to maintain $2.23/in. With the addition of new streets, we must keep increasing our street tree trimming budget to come close to the desired 5-7 year pruning cycle throughout the whole City. If we don't keep close to that cycle, liability and plowing problems may increase. This summer our seasonal crews again re -mulched, trimmed, and replaced missing tree guards to the majority of park trees. These trees are in maintained areas of parks which get the most contact from citizens and our mowing crews. 1993 -26- REFORESTATION Between our own crews and contractors, the City planted 328 trees and 320 shrubs in approximately 8 parks. The four larger plantings occurred at Bass Lake playfield, Turtle Lake park, Zachary playfield and the Zachary Water Treatment plant. The Forestry Dept. received a $3,700 SBA grant for tree planting which was used for the Turtle Lake park reforestation in cooperation with the Tyrell townhouse matching donation of $3,700. The City was one of only 28 recipients of these grants in the state. We will submit a grant for the '94 planting season, but priority will be given to appli- cants who did not receive '92 & '93 grants, so we aren't planning on receiving another grant. The Forestry Dept. also received a $5,000 MnReleaf grant which was used to plant our Arbor day celebration at the Zachary Water Treatment plant. 60 Boy/Girl Scouts planted a windbreak on the north & west sides of the exposed building in an energy conservation effort. The Forestry Dept. also assisted with an Eagle Scout planting project this fall. The co- operative efforts of Mike Olson, his troop, MnDOT, and the Forestry Dept. resulted in 500 seedlings being planted along Hwy. 55 through the road beautification program America Treeways". CITY CREW Shiloh Park (spring) 4 Schmidt Lake Park (spring) 2 Zachary Playfield (fall) 80 Carlson Pkwy. (fall) 1 6 Chelsea Woods (fall) 3 39 VOLUNTEER PROJECTS Zachary H2O Treatment Plant (spring) 78 56 MN State Hwy. 55 (fall) 500 46th & NW Blvd. (fall) 20 TOTALS 328 320 500 1993 -27- TREES SHRUBS SEEDLINGS CONTRACTED Zachary Playfield (spring) 37 54th & NW Blvd. (spring) 12 NW Blvd. Trail 19 Bass Lake Playfield (spring) 62 Turtle Lake Park (spring) 53 E. Medicine Lake Park (fall) 27 116 45th & NW Blvd. (fall) 10 23 CITY CREW Shiloh Park (spring) 4 Schmidt Lake Park (spring) 2 Zachary Playfield (fall) 80 Carlson Pkwy. (fall) 1 6 Chelsea Woods (fall) 3 39 VOLUNTEER PROJECTS Zachary H2O Treatment Plant (spring) 78 56 MN State Hwy. 55 (fall) 500 46th & NW Blvd. (fall) 20 TOTALS 328 320 500 1993 -27- TREE PRESERVATION With another banner year for development, tree preservation inspections were constant and heavy. The administration of this policy does demand a great deal of time and ef- fort, but trees are being preserved that might otherwise be lost. The Forestry Dept. is constantly looking for ways to educate builders and homeowners about this important issue so as to further preserve this valuable environmental resource. of inspections of trees preserved Avg. diameter of lots w/ trees Avg. # of trees/site DEVELOPMENT INSPECTIONS 18 239 17.4" BUILDING INSPECTIONS 622 344 26% 3.8 Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- May. Jun- Jul- Aug. Sep. Oct- Nov- Dec. 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 Building ® Development 6% 94% 1993 -28- PINE BARK BEETLE TRAPS This was the fifth year that we have used Pine Bark Beetle traps in Parkers Lake and Oakwood Playfield Red pine stands. We caught 205 beetles this year, down approxi- mately 70% from last year. This decrease may have been in part due to the cool, moist spring and lingering cool, moist summer. Another factor may have been the later start date of our trapping efforts. We also may be seeing a natural decline in beetle popula- tions due to environmental conditions and successful trapping efforts. Needless to say, our remaining stands of Red pines appear to be doing well. 2- S. 15- 23- 29- S- 13- 30- 22- 2- 10- 12 - Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Parkers Lake (22 traps) Oakwood (15 traps) TOTAL BEETLES TRAPPED REQUEST TRACKING Oakwood Parkers Lake 80 125 205 Over 1105 telephone calls and requests were taken by the Forestry Dept. where service, advice, or information were given out. The calls were many and varied, which kept the department busy and challenged during peak periods of the season, but a high level of service was not sacrificed. With the increased use and familiarity of the Request Tracking service and other com- puter programs, our Dept. should be more efficient in the coming years. The advance of computers into our department is a positive step in streamlining our procedures and will bring many benefits in the years to come. TOPICS OF CALLS PERCENTAGE Misc. 399 36% DED, OW, Hazard trees 235 21% Tree preservation 209 19% Street tree trimming 86 8% Burn permits 84 8% Anthracnose 67 6% Sight obstructions 16 1% Weeds 9 1% Total 1105 100% 1993 -29- MISCELLANEOUSITEMS FERTHdZING/AERATING 390 trees were treated at the following locations; 1. Circle park 2. Lions park 3. Parkers Lake park 4. Fire Station 1-3 12 trees were rototilled & fertilized by the Forestry Dept. at; 5. Median of 36th Ave (west of Plymouth Blvd.) Proper maintenance helps insure that our initial investment will come to fruition in a viable and healthy urban forest. SITE OBSTRUCTIONS Approximately 15 site obstruction complaints were received, processed and abated. BURN PERMITS 45 burn sites were inspected, resulting in 41 permits being issued. Y! : 1 Y• lulul City crews 1. Maple Creek trail 2. Black Oaks trail 3. Imperial Hills park 4. Plymouth Creek park 5. Mission Hills park 6. Dunkirk Lane (north of 18th) 7. Sunrise park 8. Rolling Hills park 9. Amber Woods trail 10. Luce Line trail (at Harbor Lane) Contractor 11. West Medicine Lake Dr. trail 1993 -30- Plymouth Park and Recreation Department Ph. 550-5130 1994 PARK FACILITY RENTAL POLICIES AND FEE SCHEDULE The City of Plymouth's Park and Recreation facilities are provided for the wholesome leisure - time activities of all City residents. Use of these facilities is governed by policies established by the Plymouth City Council as recommended by the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. The following procedures and policies have been developed for park facility usage. It is the responsibility of the Park and Recreation Department to administer these policies fairly and equitably. Any group wishing to use Plymouth's park facilities should make a request providing as much lead time as possible. Fourteen days is the minimum request time for any (special event) facility usage. Requests will be filled based on availability and facility condition. In order to ensure maximum availability to residents, we are not allowing usage to non -Plymouth groups. It is the City's policy that the long-range care and maintenance of all park facilities takes precedence over any single event. Requests will be denied and/or revoked when and if the City believes damage may occur to park facilities. The decision to grant or revoke a request is solely up to the discretion of the Director of Park and Recreation and/or his appointee. By adopting this policy, the City reinforces its commitment to provide clean, safe and fun parks for every resident's enjoyment. ELIGIBLE PLYMOUTH USER GROUPS IN ORDER OF PRIORITY: 1. Plymouth Park and Recreation sponsored programs. 2. Youth athletic associations serving Plymouth residents. 3. Plymouth resident groups (50 % of the group must be Plymouth residents). 4. Plymouth non-profit civic organizations, i.e., Civic League, Lions, Jaycees, etc. 5. Registered teams participating in City programs. 6. Private Plymouth companies. 7. Churches located within Plymouth. SEASONAL FACILITY RESERVATIONS 1. Plymouth athletic associations and adult programs made up of at least 50% Plymouth residents will be given free use of athletic facilities to conduct their normal day to day programs. Free lighting will be provided for youth groups only after they have made maximum use of daylight hours. Lights for practice are provided only for hockey during normal warming house hours. We supply bases, goals and soccer nets (you must supply soccer corner flags). a. Facilities will be provided t• youth athletic• • -1 on 1- percent Plymouth1 program. b. Mymouth adult gratips wi4l be responsible for speeiO field prepffation tl ete.) en any days when paA attendants are not in the park for othef programs. equipment. A&h groups wi4l: a4se be fequifed to pay for- any light usage. 1. All groups will 1" charged a fee forspecial Park Facility Rental Policies SPECIAL EVENT FACILITY RESERVATIONS Page 2 Facilities that are available, after scheduling seasonal field reservations, are on a first-come, first-served basis. Any group wanting exclusive reserved use of a facility is required to pay a rental fee. Whenever lights, rest rooms or special facility preparation is required, you must have a park attendant on duty a minimum of 30 minutes prior to and following your event. All estimated special event rentals must be paid a minimum of seven days prior to the event. 1994 FEE SCHEDULE Softball/baseball, hockey/broomball 2. Football/soccer 3. Park attendant 4. Field lights 5. Rink lights Electronic scoreboard (where available) Public address system Diamond Dry 11/hour or $66/day 16/hour or $96/day 8.50/hour* 20/hour 10/hour 25/day/scoreboard 50/day 10/bag (maximum of 5/day) A refundable $100 damage deposit must accompany all applications for rentals of $200-$500. A $200 damage deposit is required for rentals over $500. Plymouth athletic associations can make arrangements to assume park attendant duties for special event rentals. For day long reservations, users can opt for two hour morning set up. Remember, motorized ballfield grooming equipment usage is limited to Park and Rec staff. NOTE: All groups are responsible for repaying, in full, any and all damages resulting from theft or vandalism to any equipment or facilities used during their rental period. Any cancellation by user will result in loss of deposit if made less than 30 days prior to the event. If cancellation is made before that a $25 service fee will be retained. The Plymouth Park and Recreation Department will determine the amount of refund on any weather shortened events. PARK RULES (Penalty for violation is loss of deposit) 1. No game may start before 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday or before 10 a.m. Sunday. 2. No inning or period may start after 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday or after 9 p.m. Sunday. 3. No motorized vehicles or machines are permitted on park property without the written consent of the Park and Recreation Department. eWGM'M trrrirezr:eeresf rssleaeers. 1 seMee fee. Any othef emeell-.1 n by usef will result in less e deposit if made less than 1 days priof to ffie event. if eaneellation is made befof that, a / seMee fee will be Fetained. The Plymetith Park and Reefeafien 1 1' no consumption of \ on park property, specialpermit 1 by the City Council. 7. •, i 1 • practice is prohibited \ • Penalty" CITY OF PLYMOUTH SPECIAL EVENT/PARK USAGE APPLICATION 1. Organization 2. Person in Charge: Name Address Phone: Home Work 3. Dates desired 4. Fields/rinks desired 5. Will food or merchandise be sold? Estimated Field/rink charges Lights ($10/hr/rink, $20/hr/field) Staff ($8.50/hr) $ Scoreboards ($25/board/day) Public" address system ($50/day) TOTAL Actual (Office Use Only) I, , understand that a part or all of the deposit fee will be forfeited if condition of the park requires extra duties for the Park and Recreation Department, and that I and the representative organization are responsible for conduct of participants and any resulting damages. Signature Date PLAYFIELDS AND THEIR FACILITIES All have park shelter buildings) Bass Lake 1 SB/BB Plymouth 3 SB/BB-L 5450 Northwest Blvd. 1 90' BB 9805 36th Avenue 3 S/F-L 1 S/F-L 2 HR -L KEY 1 HR -L 4 T -L 4 T -L 1 BKB-L SB/BB = Softball/Youth Plymouth Creek 3625 Fembrook Ln 2 SB/BB-L 1 90' BB -L 1 BKB-L Baseball Field LaCompte 2 SB/BB 10805 Old Co. Rd. 15 1 HR -L 2 S/F-1L 2 HR -L S/F = Soccer/Football FieldOakwood2SB/BB-11, Ridgemount 2 SB/BB1700Co. Rd. 101 190' BB -L 3 S/F-2L 12000 Ridgemount Ave 2 S/F HR = Hockey Rink I HR -L 2 HR -L 5 T-21, Zachary 3 T -L 4 SB/BB-L T= Tennis Court Parkers Lake 1 SB/BB 15500 Co. Rd. 6 2 90' BB -1L 4355 Zachary Ln 190' BB -L 13KB = Basketball Court 1 S/F-L 2 S/F-L 4 T -L 2 HR -L L = Lighted 1 BKB-L 4 T -L Plymouth Park and Recreation Ph. 550-5130 PARKERS LAKE PAVILION MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM RENTAL POLICY The Parkers Lake Pavilion multi-purpose room is operated by the City of Plymouth and may be scheduled for use on a rental basis by community residents, civic organizations, and private groups. Certain policies are needed to ensure the proper use and control of the facility, so that all people may equally enjoy it. All groups must complete a rental form and have it approved before using the multi-purpose room. Forms must be submitted as far in advance as possible of the date for which the reservation is requested. Reservations must be paid for at least seven days prior to usage, or usage may be cancelled by the City. The multi-purpose room is rated for an occupancy of 68 and is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. (pending _availability) with the exception of national holidays. There are no kitchen facilities available, but there are a few electrical outlets located throughout the room. The multi-purpose room is not available for sales or other events that are fund raising for either public or private groups, unless City Council approval is granted. The Parkers Lake Pavilion is a smoke-free building, & no alcohol is permitted. Fees for Use 1. School Districts 281 and 284 will be charged a park attendant fee of $8 per hour. Plymouth non-profit groups will be charged a rental fee of $18 per hour, which includes a building attendant. 2. All other Plymouth groups will be charged a rental fee of $30 per hour and non-resident groups will be charged $36 per hour (including a building attendant) and will be required to pay a $200 damage deposit. The damage deposit will be returned within two weeks of the event if no deductions are necessary. 3. The minimum rental period shall be two hours. 4. When you calculate set-up time on the application, allow at -least 30-45 minutes. This includes things such as putting up and taking Cown tables and chairs, etc. (Please note that the attendant does not arrive until the precise starting time of your event, therefore, room set-up does not begin until then.) 5. Minimum cancellation time shall be 48 hours in advance. For weekend use, you must cancel by 4:30 Friday by calling 550-5130. For all cancellations, a $5 fee will be retained from your rental. If circumstances arise the day of the event which cause you to cancel, you will be charged the minimum rental period of two hours. Pavilion Rental Policy Rules and Regulations Page 2 1. Every group using the facility must be under competent adult leadership. The organization or user group shall assume full responsibility for the group conduct and for any damages to the building or equipment. 2. Beer and intoxicating beverages are not permitted in the multi-purpose room, in the parking lot or surrounding park areas. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the pavilion. If you violate these conditions, your damage deposit will be forfeited. 3. Disorderly conduct of any kind is prohibited. 4. The signer of the application shall assume full responsibility for any unlawful act committed. 5. The City assumes no liability for loss, damage, injury or illness incurred by the users of this facility. 6. The signer of the application shall be held personally responsible for any breakage, damage or loss of equipment. 7. All decorations, including streamers, signs and banners must receive prior approval. 8. General clean-up of the facility is required. 9. Violations may result in the Park and Recreation Department denying future permits for the use of the facility. NOTE: If you must cancel your reservation the day of your rental, particularly if on a weekend, and the Park and Recreation office is not open, call a staff member listed below. Staff phone numbers Mary Bisek 474-9542 Eric Blank 553-9922 Nancy Pederson 473-2558 Pavilion no. 476-2822 Name of Applicant Addre PLYMOUTH PARK AND RECREATION DEPT. 3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55447 PARKERS LAKE PAVILION RENTAL APPLICATION City. Phone: Home Work Purpose of Use (ex. birthday party, bridal shower, etc.) Date & Time of Rental (figure in set-up and clean-up time) date) (time) Approx. # attending Will you need tables & chairs set up Do you want use of 100 -cup coffee maker? (you must provide coffee) I understand that a part, or all, of the deposit fee will be forfeited if condition of the multi- purpose room requires extra duties for the Park and Recreation Department, or if any members of our group are observed smoking or drinking by the pavilion attendant, and that I and the representative organization are responsible for conduct of participants and any resulting damages. Signature Date OFFICE USE ONLY ------------------------------- Payment received Receipt # Amount date) CONFIRMATION FOR USE OF PARKERS LAKE PAVILION Your group's use of the Parkers Lake Pavilion has been approved for date) time) by Park and Recreation Staff Member) Estimated Actual (office use only) School Dist. 281 & 284 8 per hour for attendant 2 hour minimum Non-profit Plymouth groups 16 per hour, 2 hour minimum Other Plymouth groups (2 hour min.) 30 per hour, 200 damage deposit Non-resident groups (2 hour min.) 36 per hour, 200 dama a deposit Fees must be turned in with application) TOTAL I understand that a part, or all, of the deposit fee will be forfeited if condition of the multi- purpose room requires extra duties for the Park and Recreation Department, or if any members of our group are observed smoking or drinking by the pavilion attendant, and that I and the representative organization are responsible for conduct of participants and any resulting damages. Signature Date OFFICE USE ONLY ------------------------------- Payment received Receipt # Amount date) CONFIRMATION FOR USE OF PARKERS LAKE PAVILION Your group's use of the Parkers Lake Pavilion has been approved for date) time) by Park and Recreation Staff Member) Plymouth Parks and Recreation GUIDELINES FOR USING THE PARKERS LAKE NORTH PICNIC SHELTER The Parkers Lake North 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 $35 for partial day or evening use, e.g., 10-4 p.m. or 4-10 p.m., and $60 $70 for full-day use (10 a.m.-10 p.m.), with a $25 key deposit (for the bathrooms). Key deposit payable when you pick up the key. 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 barbecue grills, fireplace and bathrooms. Lights for bathrooms are located in the janitor's closet, which can be opened with the bathroom key. Limited parking 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. PICNIC SHELTER APPLICATION Renter's Name Address Name of business, church or group (if applicable) Approximate number of people in group Day of rental Date Ph. Time of rental I wish to reserve softball field at an additional $11 hr. from Available only during daylight hours on 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 Boulevard Do not pay key deposit at this time.) Plymouth, MN 55447 wk) Zip to On the day of the rental a sign will be posted stating shelter is reserved. M*****+****+***+*M+* **M*FOR OFFICE USE ONLY****** ** ** **x***x* **+** TOTAL FEE PAID CHECK # RECEIVED BY DATE Plymouth Park and Recreation Ph. 550-5130 BASS LAKE SHELTER RENTAL POLICY The Bass Lake shelter building is operated by the City of Plymouth and may be scheduled for use on a rental basis by community residents, civic organizations and private groups. Certain policies are needed to ensure the proper use and control of the facility, so that all people may equally enjoy it. Reservations must be made as far in advance as possible, but at least five days prior to usage. The room is rated for an occupancy of 65 and is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., with the exception of national holidays. There are no kitchen facilities available. The shelter is not available for sales or other events that are fund raising for either public or private groups, unless City Council approval is granted. The shelter is a smoke-free building, and no alcohol is permitted. Fees for Use 1. Non-profit Plymouth groups, i.e., homeowners associations, crime prevention groups, boy scouts, etc., may use the facility at no charge, but must pay a $25 key deposit at the time you pick up the key. 2. Private Plymouth parties will be charged a rental rate of $15/hour with a $100 damage deposit. The minimum rental period is two hours. The damage deposit will be returned within two weeks of the event if no deductions are necessary. Bass Lake Shelter Rental Policy Rules and Regulations Page 2 1. Every group using the facility must be under competent adult leadership. The organization or user group shall assume full responsibility for the group conduct and for any damages to the building or equipment. 2. Beer and intoxicating beverages are not permitted in the shelter building, in the parking lot or surrounding park areas. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building. If you violate these conditions, your damage deposit will be forfeited. 3. Disorderly conduct of any kind is prohibited. 4. The City assumes no liability for loss, damage, injury or illness incurred by the users of this facility. S. User groups will be held personally responsible for any breakage, damage or loss of equipment. 6. All decorations, including streamers, signs and banners must receive prior approval by the Park and Recreation Department. 7. General clean-up of the facility is required. 8. Violations may result in the Park and Recreation Department denying future permits for use of the facility. DATE: January 13, 1994 FROM: Eric Blank Com, I 1 SUBJECT: CANOE RACK RENTAL FEE Last summer, a total of 18 individuals rented canoe racks, thirteen at Parkers Lake and five at Medicine Lake. The rental rate for the period April 15 -October 15 was $37 for residents and $40 for non-residents. We anticipate that canoe racks will be just as popular this summer and plan to have 18 spaces available at Parkers and six at Medicine. Staff is proposing to increase the rental rate to $40 for residents and $45 for non- residents and would like your views on this matter. np E-—P, SERVICE 1 N f:W RRIGIITONBULLETINRamatCe. Ntiu 1 7199,1 ng on Nov. 23 agenda for a 15 -year issue should M 11impacting New Brfghmn•s bondneth Provided lly. A ous do' entlug,: Bad rating 5s a faetmjaBdramatically. in 20year '. do emoning i neat Imq A yo . lsue would ptimmy be in the 5.1 ,bond ratingpercentto5.9 percent range, with a lowrintengamarralGerally IS rewardedMac"VMY adde& also Cityserve e members ` whooftie 1 A G4E GATION EDA — believe the family center is I, ej eo er Opponents4H elw a r y one way the city canamchiNtenhcfae talo families Mcubea rcftarPdmn Theeatpofuesodtautmainbeo®e of a spai t ciecmn world be about prmblrms, Mayo Bate map, g ; .58,000 m 510,000, according m a lotam la rive than dealing whis *Wo fEBrm, the city" fluoro Revenue bads will he utilized I1• Revenue boats. line,= they doID oda magisonix the ujnd m iayemi the (,•aa pledge We fulllith and audit uftmforaeoncosts, according am8 j1I46e city. do not require a public discussion at the EDA meeting, itI''odlm bbe tolledWhilealowerinterestwouldbeTheNov23 possible with general obligation be held sometime after city bmnda, they Asti would add bthe conncil mectimg conveaq to 7:30City's outstanding debt, pasiblye iron AdryhaLL Hopkins garbage collection changes.Lfor Thanksgiving Hopkins rAsilidnls who normally have their garbage and recycling picked up on Thursdays will have it collected on Wednesday, Nov. M, because of the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 25 and 26. There will be no change in collection dates for residents who have their garbage and recycling picked up Monday through Wednesday. Garbage and recycling containers should be at their regular collection sites by 6 a.m. on collection days. An extra refuse truck will be used to accomplish theaddilional Wednesday collection. Because of the two-day holiday, there will be no Thursday bulk - item pickup or Friday brush pickup. For more information, call Hopkins Public Works at 9691382. Holiday hours at Burwell House The Minnetonka Historical Society has expanded the hours it will open the Burwell House for public tours during the holidays. The society will host open houses from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 5 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Handicapped park- ing will be available on the grounds and general parking will be available at the St. David's School lot, on the east side of the Burwell Home. There is no charge for the open house and refreshments will be served. Charles H. Burwell was the manager of We Minnetonka Mill Company and built this Mons in 1883. The he" will be decorated for the season. City receives financial award The city of Minnetonka was recently awarded the annual Award of Financial Reporting Achievement from the Govern- ment Finance Officer Association. This is the tenth consecutive year that We city has received the award, which is the highest form of recognition in the areas of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Williston -Excelsior Boulevard signal On Nov. 8, the Minnetonka City Council awarded a contract to Ridgedale Electric Co. for the installation of a stoplight at Williston Road and Excelsior Boulevard. Corstrintim work is scheduled to begin this week. Famil center fundi NO*BRIGHTON ;.. 1?., , gghh mxattes gmaaed byyibfvla'cenf4 iridin We school district. county and city. Tie hY.BmSehwartr City's sham will be limited through New Brighton will hold a public hearing Nov. 23 m consider the sae property taxes. The owner of a 575.000 borne would Pay about $12 Of up to $5.04 edition in revenue bonds m build the proposed family annually far 15yenp—the life of the bad ism The cos so Me I '10EOo Owner of a $1dBfpq would be about520ammauy. a MWed note, the city Ott 27 opened bids for de fuss phase of city pay $54000 for o onO dutiesthefamilycenterproject, which includes the prepmatinp of footings Bwp the fust year the center will be o enand and We insta0alim of saniwy sewer 4th annoy through 1997. The and water Ones. A contract for the Leola would be self-slppoheg ager work will nil be awarded Until theacomdi° Bnatyo i{y- 00=0 decides if it will proceed with I .the bond sale. Such an action could DAVE MACG1f-t.IvRAY the take place following We Nov. 24 haring. city a fiscal aamlllam on We pmr jttL said cmmnt coaditium in Wt pondthe The binds would issued by the city's Economic DavciopmCM market are very favomto municipalities. He mid the EDA Authority (EDA) and would be mmnbessat Wei Oct.26aeetioglatanalkMinaslow, as 55 paoenl Ntiu 1 7199,1 ng on Nov. 23 agenda for a 15 -year issue should M 11impacting New Brfghmn•s bondneth Provided lly. A ous do' entlug,: Bad rating 5s a faetmjaBdramatically. in 20year '. do emoning i neat Imq A yo . lsue would ptimmy be in the 5.1 ,bond ratingpercentto5.9 percent range, with a lowrintengamarralGerally IS rewardedMac"VMY adde& also City serve e members ` whooftie 1 A G4E GATION EDA — believe the family center is I, ej eo er Opponents4H elw a r y one way the city canamchiNtenhcfae talo families Mcubea rcftarPdmn Theeatpofuesodtautmainbeo®e of a spai t ciecmn world be about prmblrms, Mayo Bate map, g ; .58,000 m 510,000, according m a lotam la rive than dealing whis *Wo fEBrm, the city" fluoro Revenue bads will he utilized I1• Revenue boats. line,= they doID oda magisonix the ujnd m iayemi the (,•aa pledge We fulllith and audit uftmforaeoncosts, according am8 j1I46e city. do not require a public discussion at the EDA meeting, itI''odlm bbe tolledWhilealowerinterestwouldbeTheNov23 possible with general obligation be held sometime after city bmnda, they Asti would add bthe conncil mectimg conveaq to 7:30City's outstanding debt, pasiblye iron AdryhaLL Hopkins garbage collection changes.Lfor Thanksgiving Hopkins rAsilidnls who normally have their garbage and recycling picked up on Thursdays will have it collected on Wednesday, Nov. M, because of the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 25 and 26. There will be no change in collection dates for residents who have their garbage and recycling picked up Monday through Wednesday. Garbage and recycling containers should be at their regular collection sites by 6 a.m. on collection days. An extra refuse truck will be used to accomplish theaddilional Wednesday collection. Because of the two-day holiday, there will be no Thursday bulk - item pickup or Friday brush pickup. For more information, call Hopkins Public Works at 9691382. Holiday hours at Burwell House The Minnetonka Historical Society has expanded the hours it will open the Burwell House for public tours during the holidays. The society will host open houses from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 5 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Handicapped park- ing will be available on the grounds and general parking will be available at the St. David's School lot, on the east side of the Burwell Home. There is no charge for the open house and refreshments will be served. Charles H. Burwell was the manager of We Minnetonka Mill Company and built this Mons in 1883. The he" will be decorated for the season. City receives financial award The city of Minnetonka was recently awarded the annual Award of Financial Reporting Achievement from the Govern- ment Finance Officer Association. This is the tenth consecutive year that We city has received the award, which is the highest form of recognition in the areas of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Williston -Excelsior Boulevard signal On Nov. 8, the Minnetonka City Council awarded a contract to Ridgedale Electric Co. for the installation of a stoplight at Williston Road and Excelsior Boulevard. Corstrintim work is scheduled to begin this week. 1M41 C, Cn1 - 111111vIcE HOPKINS SUN"SAnAnHteerPi. Co. Ntiu 1 7199,1 ng on Nov. 23 agenda for a 15 -year issue should M 11impacting New Brfghmn•s bondneth Provided lly. A ous do' entlug,: Bad rating 5s a faetmjaBdramatically. in 20year '. do emoning i neat Imq A yo . lsue would ptimmy be in the 5.1 ,bond ratingpercentto5.9 percent range, with a lowrintengamarralGerally IS rewardedMac"VMY adde& also Cityservee members ` whooftie 1 A G4E GATION EDA — believe the family center is I, ej eo er Opponents4H elw a r y one way the city canamchiNtenhcfae talo families Mcubea rcftarPdmn Theeatpofuesodtautmainbeo®e of a spai t ciecmn world be about prmblrms, Mayo Bate map, g ; .58,000 m 510,000, according m a lotam la rive than dealing whis *Wo fEBrm, the city" fluoro Revenue bads will he utilized I1• Revenue boats. line,= they doID oda magisonix the ujnd m iayemi the (,•aa pledge We fulllith and audit uftmforaeoncosts, according am8 j1I46e city. do not require a public discussion at the EDA meeting, itI''odlm bbe tolledWhilealowerinterestwouldbeTheNov23 possible with general obligation be held sometime after city bmnda, they Asti would add bthe conncil mectimg conveaq to 7:30City's outstanding debt, pasiblye iron AdryhaLL Hopkins garbage collection changes.Lfor Thanksgiving Hopkins rAsilidnls who normally have their garbage and recycling picked up on Thursdays will have it collected on Wednesday, Nov. M, because of the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 25 and 26. There will be no change in collection dates for residents who have their garbage and recycling picked up Monday through Wednesday. Garbage and recycling containers should be at their regular collection sites by 6 a.m. on collection days. An extra refuse truck will be used to accomplish theaddilional Wednesday collection. Because of the two-day holiday, there will be no Thursday bulk - item pickup or Friday brush pickup. For more information, call Hopkins Public Works at 9691382. Holiday hours at Burwell House The Minnetonka Historical Society has expanded the hours it will open the Burwell House for public tours during the holidays. The society will host open houses from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 5 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Handicapped park- ing will be available on the grounds and general parking will be available at the St. David's School lot, on the east side of the Burwell Home. There is no charge for the open house and refreshments will be served. Charles H. Burwell was the manager of We Minnetonka Mill Company and built this Mons in 1883. The he" will be decorated for the season. City receives financial award The city of Minnetonka was recently awarded the annual Award of Financial Reporting Achievement from the Govern- ment Finance Officer Association. This is the tenth consecutive year that We city has received the award, which is the highest form of recognition in the areas of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Williston -Excelsior Boulevard signal On Nov. 8, the Minnetonka City Council awarded a contract to Ridgedale Electric Co. for the installation of a stoplight at Williston Road and Excelsior Boulevard. Corstrintim work is scheduled to begin this week. Gary William, left. and Andre Berle are key pleyelCommitteeandBertaIsthecity's cable technic chombera. (Bulletin photo by Bred Stan Her),. Of the New Brighton Coble In New Brighlon's cable television operation. WIIliems serves as chairmenn. The two are pictured with recently-purchosed equipment In the control room outside council I N' f Gary William, left. and Andre Berle are key pleyelCommitteeandBertaIsthecity's cable technic chombera. (Bulletin photo by Bred Stan Her),. Of the New Brighton Coble In New Brighlon's cable television operation. WIIliems serves as chairmenn. The two are pictured with recently-purchosed equipment In the control room outside council arx CLIPPING SERVICE 1 NEW BRIGHTONBULLETIN R.." Co. 140V P? Golf oeourwstep4o Arcading m the master plan, which is in hand, the Mounds View City Council The subdivision will create four lots ' MOUNDS `%IEW \lp • available fu viewing at City Hall, the par approved a resolution that will allow the and re out-bt Acowding m City nature, 1 z,3 0 al mase will include five Par city to "bmow" money firm a tax inne- Paul Harrington, the out -lot will be ! 3 holes, three par4 holes aed a par5 hole. meal financing district on a short-termdedicated to the city for use m a pondingby71nFuMnerMostholeswillplayitemthegolfer's r basis to pay for pmpeM acquisition costs. ' areaforthepunid golfmase, iTheaarestillafewhazardsremaining; right m len, with the Lweplion of the oiab ."Yr've got a master plan in a golf' "[fie subdivision] will help facilitateinplanstobuildtheMoundsViewhole; asbmpdog-legw. gpuod. •r mursr, now yuan pave ro pay for i4" City?: the acquLWm of property necessary formunicipalgolfoomse. The curse alsotiocludes a practice;'; Admini=Smnantha Onkmosaid. the Moupdf;V)eW.a myicipm gaUcoase," 'IDuringillNov. g Amino, the Mounds area with a driving range and a "urgmer" ' According Onhum, city officials are he said ' View City Council "sliced" throcghgreen. "The mastjr pian YGcusea on,' pmspaly, waking out Man fora mveae several items muting in the planned 9 -hole playing and practice Yth a smog kmnmg bond sale, with proceeds used m buythe. IN ANOTHER MA executive course and driving range,, mmpmm6"Milky ' - pmCity oneeded fa n to the bo cid introduced an ordinance that willincludingapprovalofthecurse's mater ' 'The curse will take full advantage N 1 City officials pun m sell the bonds this reduce the number of tests requiredpalmandamethodtofiancefltheart -t- g water a slik'0 ptmplirded Year "to take advantage of good interest satrapy. fa snits in We city. , IFollowingthemeeting, city officials 1' by additiogal water t&addftioa of rams,".ONum mid. But The money bare Currently, city law allows existingsaidthatthelastmajorobstacletothe (sand) bumktas;' Miller " '!: - the bond safe will not be available urtff buildings on property not abuttingproposalisabadsalewhichwillinurenextspring, which would delay the municipal Wale, maim in use ca -site wellstheproject. That sale is planned next THE TOTAL COST for the golf project r, for WSW serike manta. course, excluding land, is about $1.6 Instead, city oticials proprue lou j Howevq Wore properties wire wultsI'm very excited about the golf Million, eomrding m the masts pun las • umrcy fan The sex doeremenl dismim t mull submit cvtified tests results to thecomsc," Mayorfeny Linke said "les been month, the city council approved purchase buy thenroded PmpertY• city twice a year, la April and Ocmber, a Ing time coming: we've been talking agteenmens totaling M.505m buy send; The money woad be relaid m the tan indicating the levels of caldron and nioam about it for more than 10 yeah. But in the Nash Star Indushial Park which is* increment district next spring, aIle: nurogm. Acwding ma staffscppLlookingwtheplan, I use that everything needed fir the course. ',':'woswaim bids are awaited on Under the new ordinance, testinggoescodeleftandlslice." The master plan also includes a pajat,,acmrd"mg ma staff 'I would be required only onm ayear, inPaulMillerofWilliamsGilland ' tuachne fir the planned golf omuse. Bids.; , Associates, the architect an the project. fir the pmjul should he received by cert' THE CITY COUNCH, oho April. I said a number of mune designs were March, with construction starting in April; ed subdivision Wasson Bah the Ramsey County and Minnie- said including several 18 -hole and 9. 1994. The corm could open for b for re9 by Doug Wmsan, sola g once, depart is health "feel thanboleconfngurions, before the fuel plan July 1. 1995. PtaY Y' k,as the do the North Sur f Conray fisting once a year iscontaminationn assureParkmthesoutheastCernerofCountythatWereisnon said. nalioa in Wewasselected. Wahemasler plan fa the you carr Road) alit Coal Sea . WeBs,^fiarriogmn said. 1 raxeCLIPPING SFNVICE v'r.snnurnv nnu.r nn NOV 171993 Cu Foods or something else? Future of Apache site unkild. rtn ra ST. ANTHor4y by Amber Brennen SuperValu intends to make good on a promise to build a slore in Apache Plan, though the company will not guarantee that it will be a Cub Foods, as it had origiadly proposed. At a recent meeting between SL Anthony Maya Clarence Ranallo, City Manager 76m Burt and Joan Ahrens, a developncnt consultain for SuperVaa (the parent company of Cub Foods), Abrens staled that the compmy's 1994 budget includes building "a store" at Apache Plata Astore' may mem a Cub Foods, or it may mean one of several other options. Ahrens raid Supervalu works with several conventional and discount stores; but that administrators "haven't discussed other formals besides Cub Foods] for that site:' Ahrens did not know whether the store will be 50,000, 70,000 or 80,000 square feet, or wbe a in 1994 construction will begin. She said the format of the new outlet will better determine its sae. At the Nov. 9 city. Council. mceting,.B"„"llo said ge city is in the process of drafting a lens to Supervalu, asking for a time frame on the pmjecL "We want to know by the end of this year' when the store will be built, he sad "We aim warn to encourage them ... let dem know we're still interested and [the project] is still viable and all that." MEANWHILE, APACHE'S men•hmro, who have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a Cub Foe& far nearly a year, are preparing themselves for the wast. Many of the mall'i merchants are Counting un the deluge of bushuss a Cub Foods is known IoatracL Council Member Ck"e Wagner, who attended the Apache Merchants Association meeting, said the merchants are "down", and "depressed" about the possibility of not being neighbors to a Cub Foods. "If this doesn't go through, they see massive exodus of what's eO," Wagner said,.indicating that some stores may dose without the devekryanent. If plans for Cub do fall through. Ranallo said the city would not be so quick to accept a "no name' store in its place. He said they would by to recruit mother big name" store to revive the struggling mal, and don't believe that a less popular name would be adequate. It hallo also said the council .wants td keep the merchants hopeful, and told 'them "not to be discouraged yet" ; , Burt said he thinks the fact that the store was budgeted for is evidence that SuperValu'is serious about the endeavor. 'This is a very important issue to them and they want it done," he said. Both Ranalo and Bust said there appears to be an internal conflict between SuperVau and Cub Foods that is at hast partially responsible for the delay. The city, Ramllo said, has been rba ly to begin the project for several mombs. The idea, first came up in 1991, and in early 1992, the city council established a tax increment Bouncing district to help SuperValu flounce the project. In addition, holding ponds m conhq( thn:Nyoti into Saver Lake were recently installed b, pleparn iim for the bigger store's mriva. . I P. w41 -- All , 111sEnvlcE EDEN PRAIRIE By Mark Wibir .that the pool, one of three questions. Place as$ 3choomld1= 611' pofoll la^rm arsyf oouldhel,relevebcoingea-Ifeehindd^tivalepitt NEWS onnJmn. 11 refereadumballotwon tlon 11E, chNitirie ssolepublicpool mppoit from two city of Eden :—Ihe Plan Pinkie CbnlmmIfty mgt In Cbaska, . 'r. , I kkestfd @e pool airld become eiedthepbanIAI NOV 18 1993 i tFjlOhs. liylI ) fis Tool to cep sb11i psef rF 1 h8'ybice, 1, By Mark Wibir .that the pool, one of three questions. Placeas$ 3choomld1= 611' pofoll la^rm arsyf oouldhel,relevebcoingea-Ifeehindd^tivalepitt boot however,Iheptopased OetpyW ,growl{' edClalieHtlgema1 ", . he the kWia l afaMlllN-AII6lobit,doubtsabouttam hosing. onnJmn. 11 refereadumballotwon tlon 11E, chNitirie ssolepublicpool mppoit from two city of Eden :—Ihe Plan Pinkie CbnlmmIfty mgt In Cbaska, . 'r. , I kkestfd @e pool airld become eiedthepbanIAICenter Prarrie.panels this week — one pool — but shouldn't be viewed as caoadmll Ibis isn't rte klud f' `us Wvotedsden- pool I'd design to serve the reaea +Aorse thetconcept while Brownmoreenthusiasticthantheothertbeend-all. ofssiz-lane swim- j, City officials thisweek said they, lionelneedsofthecity,"Parkebhee l{t voted againii'eejiep 6e felt theImBobLembeiIsdvv;edparkirnm proposaididir ineeltt eebmruo min'et01 believe a recreational pool poowith water slides and the like Dekjshould one daq be added lothe Pta imimiolimembersthisweek.,How "dly a'moai'psess3ng. ^eer6-;Tbaever, dart wain't the goal of thisfi(lakV.;y'metioii to.au pott,lhe poolssen5lrricutumlecoca endgm 16e Eden Prabie cannily center complex, as has been Pazks, Recreation end : Namial I anticipated in a master plan for that lheBrstprknhfists" 1`iterlm pian passed 6.1. Early proJedion3lodinte 16at the + "Why no the populam short city, which would staff had manage', by not Ietung them toteResourcesCommissiononMonfacility. larandthechvrnuncil.whlchthe Po ..Mh.. m... ih............ on a pool thepmFosedpoolwheuacbdollsool . ilia.'ixeaB headed ear_____ _ _._— ...., I. ..... , . Y. y.. CLIPPING SERV ICa NEW HOPE OLDEN VALLEY SUN•rOST xe,aeµ. C.. NOV 2 4 1993 Dispatch: From page l ARobbinsdale approves - county dis ari' P By HarveyMitockwood last month and decided to Maio- tam the'dty's system. __.__ _. Robbinsdale and Crystal are "Me bottom lice is, we think Continuing W -move towardua.:' you're going to gee an outstso- switch to • Hennepin.. County, .. ding service, --ani efficient. ser - Sheriff's Department's public vibe," said Chief Sber!Ws Depu- safety dispatch system. ty_ovide LaBarge. •-And it's go- Robbinsdale City Council ing to save you money." members affirmed the change Spetch estimated the city on a 4.1 vote last week, despite would save roughly $80,000 on strenuons opposition from the dispatching services in 1994, city's fire chief, Tom Sipe. with increased savings in later Police Chief John Spetch yeah. - - ayaun endorsed fha move, asset- The County's dispatch service tiog that the city would save is provided free to Hennepin moneythatcould be used Canty communities, with the elsewhere.. He said the move exception of some equipment would have little effect on p6mitases. Some equipment can service be leased. _1= Crystal and New Hope also .The largest savings will come appear headed for the switch. in salaries and benefits paid to Brooklyn Center had planned to dispatchers, which will no join the move to Hennepin longer be employed by the city. County's system oucbutcouncil members reversed but themselves DISPATCH: To System begins Jan. 1 Several new dispatcher's jobs have been added by the County and others are planned. Under the county's plan, radio frequenciee now used solely by each city would be turned over to the county's use. - - Asingle "main" radio channel would be used to dispatch police squads in Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale, and possibly a fourth city to be named lata. A second Channel would be used for car -to -car communications. Fire and rescue milts from the three cities also would be dispat. ched using a single "main" channel. A second channel would be reserved for truck -to - truck use, and a "backup" ground control channel also would be designated. But Sipe argued that the cur- rent system, that permits Rob. bmsdale to dispatch its own fire units, should be maintained He asserted that response times Could belengthened by the change. He also worried that the frequencies could become clut- tered by units from three cities using the same channels. Yes, I am selfish for my peo- pie of Robbirlsdale," he told council members. "I will help out people of other communities if I can, but my main Concern is serving the people of Robbinsdale." Sipe also said he doubted the savings would be as great as projections indicate. "Only time will tell," he warned. But Council Member Bill Blonigan said he had confidenlre in the figures presented by the county and Spetch. I trust the county system. The figures look real gdod," he said "I feel comfortable having my house protected by this system." -: County Commissioner Mike Opat. Robbinsdale, also attend- ed the meeting and said he sup- ported the move. He said County officials would work to resolve any problems the communities encounter after the switch is made. I have a house here," he reminded Council members. I'm going to depend on that system and I'm confident that system will meet any needs you have." The council was also urged to make the switch in a letter from Crystal Mayor Pete Meintsma. The county offers a "state of the art communications system that is one of the best in ft country," Meintsma wrote. He also cited cost savings. The system) will greatly improve the long-range com- munication outlook for our com- munities when considering the technological changes omar- } ing, " he wrote Mayor Joy Robb was skeptical. I wish we could take a while to see how this works with Crystal and New Hope," she said. "But the fact is, we can't wait." Robb cast the sole dissenting vote on the motion to change systema. The cities are expected to begin making the switch sometime after the fust of the Year. It may be several months before all join the county's system. New Hope is likely to be the first city to make the change. It now shares police and fire dispatch services with Golden Valley. Golden Valley had also looked into moving to the County's system, but ultimately elected to join Si Louis Park's. / N 9 U11'.a SEPVICE aLOOMINGI'ON SUN URREN I' IIC"Ppl l CO. Illi( il W'I.I city and to study future park needs proposed development fee By Mark Johnston The Bloomington City Council is considering establishing a ask force to analyze the city's park needs for the next 10 years and how future park develop- ment will be funded. Expected to be included in the discussion is a proposed or- dinance that would require com- mercial and industrial property developers to dedicate land for park development. The dedica- tion would be equal to 5 percent of the land being developed or redeveloped or an equivalent cash payment. The city has historically re- quired such a dedication from subdividers of residential pro- perly, equal to 10 percent of the property or equivalent cash payment. However, until recently — specifically in negotiations over the Wal-Mart, Homart and Can- tina Del Rio developments—the city has generally not required park dedication as a condition of nonresidential subdivisions. Wal-Mart, for example, agreed to donate $116,000 to the city's park fund. The proposal is being opposed by some sources, including the Bloomington Chamber of Com- merce. The chamber stated in a letter to the city that white it supports a task form to consider the issue — and a good park system — the financial burden of park improvements should FEE: To page 1 PARK DEDICATION FEE SURVEY MRMCIPALITY PERCENT OF RES. VALVE PERCENT OF CAVALUE PERCENT OF RES. AREA PERCENT OF CAAREA Brooklyn Park 10 4 10 5 Edina 8 8 N/A N/A Hopkins 10-13 5 10-13 5 Maple Grovel 10 7.5 N/A N/A Plymouth 10 10 10 10 Shakopee 10 10 10 10 SOURCE: CITY OF BLOOMINGTPN RES. - RESIDENTIAL Cil - COMMERCIALANDUSTRIAL Fee: May be extended to commercial and industrial property From page IA fall on the entire community. To single out a limited amount of future development is nut an equitable way to ap- proach possible future park needs," the letter stated. "This approach could also affect our competitiveness with other communities." But Bloomington Planning Director Rick Geshwiler said in a memo to the City Council that because Bloomington is nearly fully developed residentially, a primary source of park revenue has dwindled. Geshwiler estimated there is only a 4 per- cent supply of vacant land left in Bloomington. Geshwiler said the city's 1993-97 Capital Improvement Program identifies more than 11 million needed for park ac- quisition and development. Pro- p,clinns show that mlmher rnald increase to about $35 million by 2010. By comparison, if Bloom- ington continues to rely solely on residential park dedication, staff estimates that about $2.2 million in revenue is the max- imum amount that could occur over the next 17 years to 2010;" Geshwiler said. If a policy is established ex- tending the requirement for park dedication to commercial and industrial projects, an addi- tional $11.3 million of revenue is passible before 2010." Geshwiler said measuring by acreage, Bloomington has an abundance of park land, due primarily to Hyland Park Reserve, the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge and numerous wetlands. But when park land is viewed as "active use" land, Geshwiler said Bloomington needs more of it The city's comprehensive plan identifies the peed for 15 ad- ditional acres of playlots and neighborhood playgrounds, and 5 acres of urban parkland bet- ween 1990 and 2000 to maintain the park system at standard ratios. Even with these additions to the park system, Bloomington will experience a decrease in park land acreage per resident to the year 2009," Geshwiler said. Park usage is an equally im- portant part of the issue. For ex. ample, Geshwiler said between 1984 and 198% when Bloom- ington's population rose only slightly, non-resident participa- tion in adult softball programs increased from 24 percent to 39 percent of all participants. Geshwiler said 08 percent of the adult softball teams in the current year's program are n..nn:nlnd m:16 Rlnnr. F.-1- businesses. Of the 608 teams in the program, 37 are sponsored by businesses outside of Bloomington. In addition, parks near large business developments — such as Normandale, fake Park — are frequently used by employees of those businesses. Park dedication fees are com- mon. Brooklyn Park, Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Plymouth and Shakopee all have fees for both residential and commercial -industrial developments. The difference is that many communities assessing such fees are still developing, said local real estate broker Dale Simonson. Simonson said to im- plement a fee in Bloomington at this late stage in the city's development discriminates against the few remaining parcels that are left. because most of the remaining. development will actually be' redevelopment projects — most of which use a public subsidy to begin with - We associated park fees will he paid by tax- payers in the form of an addi- tional subsidy. If parks are determined to be a high priority, the money should be raised through a broader-based tax or cuts need to be made elsewhere," he said. The City Council is expected to determine the charge and the makeup of the [ask force at a future meeting. City Manager Mark Bernhardson said he an- ticipates the group will be made up of representatives from the community, the business sector and appropriate city advisory commissions. Both the city Planning and Parks and Recreation Advisory committees have endorsed the - LINA LLIPPINn SERVICE t SIIU IrW:N I111ll,l.ti r11( ll'1lusN Murzyn takes no action on complaint against chief Il-\ JERRY CAMIDY Cntumbia heights Mayor Don Mulzyn slid last wed; he'd lake no action on a fornml complaint against Police Chirt David Mawhoner. The internal complaint alleges thal Mawhorler accused Police Sgl. Dick Schmidt of threatening ol'li- cers who work with the depart- ment's newly inslitlM community policing program. Schmidt claims the statements were false and violated police depmnmentpolicies. I be complaint. Filed by Sclunidl, is another fn a long line of beefs officers in the department hart: had Willi Mawhorter since he look over in March 1992. Members of TcanmsnLrs, local 320, Which tepre- sents the Heights police pmol offi- cers, earlier this year gave he chief a vote of "no confidence." The union has also endorsed Mnrzvn's opponent in this fall's eencral election, loseoh Slunfevant. citing ineffective over- sight of the department as reason to throw ils support to the chailmnger. In Columbia Heights, the mayor oversees the management of the police dL'PaMne11L In his response to the internal complaint, Murzyn chided Schmidt and Mawlamter for their behavior at a June 16 supervisor's meeting, from which the complaint was filed. Following an investigation into the issue by City Attorney Greg Woods, Mw.yn said he would hike no action against the chief. While I Coad these types of out- bursts unhealthy, unproductive and degenerative; in the context of a management meeting, they do not violate department policy," Mlazyn wont. Murzyn said he has directed the chief to ensure more productive meetings. The chiefs comments may have been "tacky," Munyn said. "But we've all had those kind of meet- ings and we try to eliminate that kind of behavior " 1t was not an accusation made about an individual at a public meeting;' Murzyn Said. In the event the situation improves, no further acdoniwill be required;" Murzyn said in his for- mal reslxmse to the complaint. Should more outbursts occur, the mayor said. "I'll have to take steps of my own." He declined to elabo- rate on what those steps might be. For his part, Schmidt said he would like to see the full report made public, not just the mayor's response. I dont know what these people have to hide?" Schmidt said. Schmidt said he believes he has a right to view the entire report, reganlless of whether it's made public. ]lie mayor, be said in fad- ing fault with the chief should have taken some action. le said it happened and noth- ing's going to be done about it," Schmidt said.. "It's outrageous." MNA CLIPPINO SERVICE L VVEsr sT. PAUL SUN1'URRENT DAM. ('n. Council passes law requiring) trash cans to be concealed By Pal Brellingen In West St. Paul, garbage cans most now be out of sight. Garbage containers must be hidden from view from any public street or alley, according to an ordinance passed by the City Council at its Sept. 27 meeting. However, the ordinance won't fake effect for one year. If rubbish containers in residential districts are not housed in an accessory budding or garage, they most be screen- ed from view from public streets and alleys. Fencing or evergreen plantings are to be used to conceal the containers, according to the ordinance. Homeowners are responsible to provide screening, if needed Trash containers may be left out no longer than is hours for collection. An employee of Gopher Disposal spoke at the meeting about the appearance of alleys. The alleys look bad," he said. "Some of those cans are pretty nasty." Councilmember Pat McCar- thy asked at the meeting if "at- tractive" rubbish containers should have to be screened from view. Said Councilmember James Kennedy: "To take a nice - looking can like Ifhat and fence it in, it doesn't make sense." A nice-lookdng trash con- lainer is in the eye of the beholder," mid Councilmember Dick Vitelli. However, the council decided that all trash containers must be hidden from view. The ordinance is another step in trying to make West St. Paid a more "presentable, liveable community," said McCarthy in an interview. I think it's a good or- dinance," he said. "It will beautify the alleys. And all it does its just spruce up the area" In other City Council business: the council is considering an ordinance dealing with wild and exotic animals. It was referred to the Public Safely Committee, which will review the ordinance and make a recommendation Lo the council.