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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 04-13-1995Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission April 13, 1995, 7 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff c. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Approved park enhancements (sand volleyball courts, paved hockey rink, batting cages) b. Awarded bids for playground structures (Mission, Schmidt Lake, Timber Shores) 5. Unfinished Business a. Private swimming pool update b. West Medicine Lake Park update c. Unique open spaces --update on May 23 bond referendum d. Playfield/highschool update e. Study of youth sports facilities update f. 6. New Business a. Set date for annual park tour b. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - May 11, 1995 Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting March 16, 1995 Page 11 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Bildsoe, Fiemann, Johnson, Priebe, Wahl and Willegalle; staff Blank, Mittelstaedt, and Pederson; and visitors Kent Severson, Mr. and Mrs. Zettel 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Conference Room. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Wahl and seconded by Commissioner Willegalle to approve the minutes of the February meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. Kent Severson, from Plymouth -Wayzata Youth Baseball. See item 5f. b. Staff. Sara Mittlestaedt, Plymouth Seniors Coordinator, made a presentation on the Plymouth Senior Citizen program sponsored by the City of Plymouth and Senior Community Services (SCS). She explained that she is an employee of Senior Community Services and that the City of Plymouth contracts with SCS for her services, 20 hours per week. Sara explained that her background is in teaching and that for many years she taught art. She had never worked with seniors prior to being hired by SCS. She stated that SCS is funded by the United Way and in order for that funding to continue, she has to fulfill certain goals and objectives. Senior Community Services offers a variety of programs to the seniors living in the western suburbs including nutritional education, health education, fitness classes, recreational opportunities, trips once a month, 55 Alive Defensive Driving classes, which upon completion by persons over 55, gives them a 10 % reduction in their auto insurance premiums. Sara explained that these classes are extremely popular in Plymouth, are offered once a month throughout the year, and always fill to capacity. Sara stated that there are two active senior clubs in Plymouth; one with 150 members and one with about 40 members. They meet at the West Medicine Lake Community Club and St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. These clubs are very socially oriented and have many different sub- groups, such as the Plymouth Rockers, a senior choir, which has performed at numerous events like Music in Plymouth, the Fire and Ice Festival, the Minnesota State Fair, etc. There is also a very active craft group, which makes a variety of crafts and sells them at the Autumn Art Festival, sponsored by the City. Sara stated that the Plymouth seniors are also very active in the community, volunteering their time at special events and helping other seniors. Last year, the Plymouth seniors volunteered a total of 14,000 hours. Sara concluded her presentation by inviting the Park Commission to attend a special concert on Sunday, April 9. The concert will feature PRAC Minutes/March 1995 Page 12 the Minneapolis Community College Gospel Choir, and is being presented by the Plymouth Seniors and Senior Community Services. Sponsors of the concert are the Minnesota Humanities Commission, the City of Plymouth and Wayzata Community Education. c. Others. Mr. and Mrs. Zettel, residents of the Seven Ponds development, attended the Park Commission meeting, because they had a concern about the wood chip trail that crosses over a marsh. During the initial design process of the park, a floating wooden bridge was proposed to be constructed over the marsh. The purpose of the bridge was to get people over the marsh to the park. The DNR approved a wood chip path rather than the proposed bridge. The Zettel's property runs along this part of the trail and they have had some problems with people trespassing on their lawn. Director Blank commented that this park isn't finished yet, and if it's necessary put up a split rail fence along the trail to keep people out of the marsh, we will do it. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION Council accepted the PRAC annual report for 1994. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Private swimming pool update. Classic Lake Aquatics indicated in a letter to PRAC that they expect to have a feasibility report from St. Thomas, with regard to a pool, by May 1st and would like to present the findings to PRAC at their June meeting. b. West Medicine Lake Park update. Director Blank stated that bids are being opened on March 20 for the removal of trees and brush in the area of the new road. He also commented that the numerous permits that are required from the different agencies may delay the construction of the road by a few months. c. Unique open spaces - review funding options. Director Blank stated that the Council approved the recommendations of PRAC and the Open Space Committee to proceed with the acquisition of four properties and directed staff to research possible funding methods. Director Blank explained that the Council held a special work study session on March 13 to review various funding methods, including a bond referendum. After studying the capital improvements program budget, staff presented a few options for the Council to consider as a way to fund the acquisition of the open space as well as funding additional trail improvements. It was determined that the open space properties could be acquired for about $2 million and the trails could be done for $1 million. Director Blank then explained the options and how each would affect the average Plymouth taxpayer with a $150,000 home. He further commented that all options will require an election, which the majority of the Council prefers to hold in May. Option 1 is to issue general obligation bonds for $3 million. This will increase the taxes of the average Plymouth homeowner by about $8 per year. This method also saves all existing community improvement funds for future purposes, such as purchasing a golf course, building a swimming pool, an ice arena, a senior center, etc. Option 2 spends $3 million from the Community Improvement Fund, which would have no tax increase, but leaves a much lower balance in the CIF for long-term future PRAC Minutes/March 1995 Page 13 projects. Option 3 combines the issuance of $2 million in bonds with spending $1 million from the CIF. This would have a minimal tax increase on the average homeowner and only a slight impact on the Community Improvement Fund. Director Blank stated that the Council favors option 3. He stated that the Open Space Committee met on March 14 and recommended option 1, with all $3 mil ion coming from the general obligation bonds and no CIF funds being spent. Commissioner Priebe asked how much money was in the Community Improvement Fund at this time and how it is replenished. Director Blank said that the balance at this time is approximately 10 million, and it is replenished as bond sinking funds expire. Commissioner Bildsoe expressed his concern over holding a bond referendum for all $3 million, explaining that school referendums in other cities have been failing lately. He doesn't think the taxpayers will be very favorable about any tax increase, so he prefers option 3. He also stated that if a bond referendum is held, it should be done in the spring rather than in the fall, because the rates are good now, but they have the potential to go up substantially in the coming months. Commissioner Fiemann asked Director Blank which trails were to be included in the referendum. Director Blank displayed a map of the City and pointed out the trails that could be constructed, which equal approximately 11 miles. To complete the entire trail system as proposed would cost approximately 3.5 million, according to Director Blank. Commissioner Priebe asked Director Blank if a motion from PRAC, recommending that Council proceed with the acquisition of open space, would be helpful. Director Blank indicated that it was not necessary, but said the Commission was welcome to make such a motion. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PRIEBE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAHL RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL PROCEED WITH THE ACQUISITION OF FOUR OPEN SPACE SITES AND THE TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS AND TO FUND THESE PROJECTS BY THE METHOD THEY DEEM APPROPRIATE. Commissioner Johnson stated that he disagreed with the Open Space Committee's recommendation to fund the entire $3 million with general obligation bonds. He prefers Option 3, where a portion of the money would come from Community Improvement Funds. He doesn't think it's right to increase the taxes of the current residents of Plymouth to pay for something that will be beneficial to future residents as well. After further discussion, the majority of the Commission came to the conclusion that option 3 was their preferred method of funding. They then questioned if they should make a motion endorsing option 3 and amend their first motion. After a short discussion, it was decided that it wasn't necessary to do that. A vote was then taken on the orginal motion which passed with all ayes. Commissioner Priebe asked if PRAC should attend the meeting on March 21. Director Blank invited any commissioners who were available to attend the meeting to show their support. PRAC Minutes/March 1995 Page 14 d. P)ayfield/highschool update. Director Blank stated that the bids for grading the site would be accepted in May and that he is attending numerous meetings on this project now as it progresses. e. Study of youth sports facilities update. The first meeting of the youth sports task force is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22. The task force consists of representatives from Wayzata Community Education, Robbinsdale Community Education, the City Council, City staff and PRAC. f. Adopt proposals for paving hockey rink, two volleyball courts at Parkers Lake and batting cage proposal from Plymouth -Wayzata Youth Baseball. Director Blank briefly reviewed this item and went over the costs associated with paving the hockey rink and installing the volleyball courts. The paving of the rink at Plymouth Creek Park is estimated to cost $17,500 and the sand volleyball courts at Parkers Lake should run about $3,500. He then introduced Kent Severson, a representative of the Plymouth - Wayzata Youth Baseball Association. Mr. Severson explained that batting cages would be an important and very beneficial addition to their youth baseball program. They allow three to four batters to practice at once, which is an efficient use of time, teams can take batting and/or pitching practice without tying up a field, and if built on pavement overlaid with carpet, they can be used shortly after a rain. This allows teams to practice without tearing up the fields. He predicts that they would be used five to six times a week by the baseball association, and when not being used by that organization could be scheduled for use by Park and Recreation programs or by the general public. The first phase of the project includes two batting cage nets, a paved area, outdoor carpeting, security fence, and electrical wiring and is estimated to cost 16,500. Mr. Severson has requested that the City contribute half of this amount, with the youth baseball association contributing the other half. The second phase of the project, to come at a later date, would include an equipment building and lighting. Director Blank stated that he supports this project and agrees that it would be an efficient use of the space at Parkers Lake Playfield. He recommended that the City's contribution be limited to $6,500, because of the unknown costs at this time associated with the ninth playfield project. He also recommended that the City and youth baseball association draw up an agreement whereby the cages become the property of the City, so that the miaintenance and liability would be our responsibility. The City would then also be responsible for scheduling its use, giving the youth baseball association first priority. Mr. Severson was asked if the youth baseball association had ever done any fund raising. He stated that they hadn't in the past, but that he has been working on two fundraisers; selling caps and cookies. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FIEMANN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PRIEBE TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION FOR PAVING A HOCKEY RINK AT PLYMOUTH CREEK PARK, INSTALLING SAND VOLLEYBALL COURTS AT PARKERS LAKE PARK, AND THE ADDITION OF TWO BATTING CAGES AT PARKERS LAKE PLAYFIELD. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. PRAC Minutes/March 1995 Page 15 6. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION There was no Commission presentation. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION There was no staff communication. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Maple and Basswood Forest (Site 1): This site is part of the original 'Big Woods" in Plymouth and is located west of Peony, south of 54th Ave. and north of the Soo Line Railroad tracks. The 29 -acre site consists of undis- turbed high quality maple/bass- woods forest. Elm Creek runs through the site. French Regional Park (Site 2): This diverse 26 -acre site is located just west of Goldenrod Ln. on the north side of Medicine Lake. It includes for- est tracks, cattail marsh and open field. The area also features a great variety of wildlife. If voters approve the bond issue, this site would be incorporated into French Regional Park. Tamarack/Complex Wetland Communities (Site 3): The largest of the four sites, this 47 - acre site is in the southeast corner of Plymouth. It is east of Co. Rd. 73, north of Ridgemount Ave., and south of Co. Rd. 15 and Sunset Trail. This site contains tamarack, cattail and emergent marshes as well as a major wetland. Old White Oak Forest (Site 4): Located in the southwest corner of Plymouth near Hadley Lake, this 23 acre site has a very old white oak for- est along with green ash and sugar maple. e r;boy PLYMOUTFF Plymouth's 68 -mile trail system links residential areas with parks, neighborhood commercial centers and schools. Respondents in a 1993 park survey conducted by the University of Minnesota for the City identified trails as their most desired new park facility. If approved, the $1 million for trails would pay for 19 trail segments in all parts of Plymouth (see map). The additional 11 miles of trails would con- nect many existing trails. Some trail segments may require feasibility stud- ies to determine their final location and alignment. The proposed projects would accelerate trail construction by about five years. Trails are generally funded at about $200,000 a year. The following are the proposed trails, subject to feasibility studies to determine their final cost, location and alignment. Trail Lenght Xenium Ln. from Minnetonka to Luce Line 1 Vicksburg Ln. from Old Rockford Rd to Schmidt Lake Rd. 1.6 19th Ave. from Holly Ln, to Co. Rd. 101 3 Co. Rd. 61 from Plymouth Creek 15 to Co. Rd. 9 (west side) 1 Fernbrook Ln. from Co. Rd. 9 25 to 34th Ave. (east side) 5 Vinewood Ln. from Co. Rd. 9 to 7 Northwest Blvd. 5 Schmidt Lake Rd. from Fernbrook to Vicksburg 1.1 Xenium Ln. from 32nd Ave. to Co. Rd. 9 75 Turtle Lake Trail to Old Co. Rd. 9 .4 Dunkirk Ln. from 24th Ave. to 33rd Ave. .75 West Medicine railroad track to Hwy 55 .3 34th Ave. to Lanewood Ln. (south side) .3 Co. Rd. 47 from Annapolis to Northwest Blvd. .6 East/West off-road trail from Vicksburg to Fernbrook 5 Northwest Blvd. from 42nd to 43rd Ave. 15 Northwest Blvd. from 54th to 56th Ave. 37 St. Mary's Park to Wayzata East Jr. High 25 Hemlock Ln. from Co. Rd. 10 to 62nd Ave. 37 Medina Rd. from Co. Rd. 24 to Co. Rd. 101 7 WARD BOUNDARIES PRECINCT BOUNDARIES By voting yes, on the ballot question, you will be authorizing the City to issue the bonds. By voting no, you will be voting against the bond issue. The following are polling places in Plymouth. Precinct Location 1 Kimberly Lane Elementary 17405 Old Rockford Road 2 Greenwood Elementary 3695 County Road 101 3 Messiah Methodist Church 17805 County Road 6 4 St. Phillips Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 5 Oakwood Elementary 17340 County Road 6 6 Fire Station 3 3300 Dunkirk Lane 7 Birchview Elementary 425 Ranchview Lane 8 Parkers Lake Baptist Church 14720 County Road 6 9 Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Blvd. 10 Plymouth Creek Elementary 16005 41st Avenue North Precinct Location 11 Christ Memorial Church 13501 Sunset Trail 12 Vision of Glory Lutheran Church 13200 Highway 55 13 Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church 12235 Old Rockford Road 14 Fire Station 2 12000 Old Rockford Road 15 Pilgrim United Methodist Church 4325 Zachary Lane No. 16 Bass Lake Playfield Building 5450 Northwest Blvd. 17 Apostolic Lutheran Church 11015 County Road 15 18 Armstrong High School 10635 36th Avenue No. 19 Pilgrim Lane Elementary 3725 Pilgrim Lane 20 Zachary Lane Elementary 4350 Zachary Lane Site Selection The City Council unan- imously approved the special bond election after receiving a report from a 10 -member Open Space Task Force and a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Open Space Committee was made up of four Park and Recreation Commissioners, one citizen from each of Plymouth's four wards, one Planning Commissioner and one City Councilmember. The task force spent over a year evaluating the sites and developing a detailed ranking system. It inventoried all wetlands and wooded areas remaining in Plymouth. After identifying 107 parcels of land, totaling 1,538 acres, it narrowed the list to 30 priority sites. Next, an environmental biologist team analyzed the sites and identified the top 15. Each site received a grade based on environmental factors. Based on the above criteria, the Task Force selected the final four sites. Planting Opportunities Spend some time improving your community! Arbor Day '95 Date: Wednesday, May 17 Time: 9:30 - 1:30 Place: Plymouth Creek Elementary school Student inspired stewardship project of planting trees, shrubs, & flowers for nature classroom. Emphasis on native plant communities, wildlife habitat, & windbreaks. Lunch will be provided. One hundred plus volunteers needed. Greening Plymouth's Entryways II Date: Saturday, May 6 Time: 8:00 - 12:00 Place: Carlson Parkway & Highway 494 Beautification project of planting trees, shrubs, & flowers on highway ROW. Emphasis on native plant communities, wildlife habitat, roadside beautification, and decreased maintenance. Light breakfast will be provided. Sixty plus volunteers needed. In cooperation with: Mn Dept. of Transportation . Log House Foods City of Plymouth • Kate Lo, Inc. Zero Max • Cub Foods Perennial Pursuit of Fabulous Flowers Date: Saturday, May 13 Time: 9:00 - 1:00 Place: Parkers Lake Park Planting of demonstration perennial shade garden in conjunction with other environmentally -conscious efforts. Lunch will be provided. Twenty volunteers needed. Please contact Paul Buck (550-7462) or Lara Gens (550-7465) for more information and to sign up for any and all events. April 1995 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat PARKERS PAVILION1-3 PM 1 B -DAY PARTY K. KELLY 541-7752 2 3 4 5 6 9151,4. PD 7 8 9:30-12:30 SC 9:30-10:15 SS:K K., 10:30-11:15 FFT 1:30-3:30 PM a 6:30-8:45 6:30-8:45 B DAY PARTY'{° a 's'S 12-3 PM BCW/YOGA 6:30-9:30 PM BCW/YOGA N. MONTECTAVO EASTER EGG HUNT ART CLASS 478-2364 544-4719 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1-6 PM J. RASKA 9:30-12:30 SC 9:30-10:15 SS 9:15-12:15 PD 473-2194 10:30-11:15 FFT 6:30-8:30 R. Doyle 6:30-8:45 6:30-8:45 4733695 BCWNOGA 7-8:30 PM BCWNCIGA EPLIA 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 9:30-12:30 SC 9:30-10:15 SS 9:15-12:15 PD 10:30-11:15 FFT 6:30-8:45 6:30-8:45 BCW/YOGA 7-8:30 PM BCWNCIGA EPLIA 23 24 25 9 AM WED 26 27 28 29 9:3012:30 SC 9:3010:15 SS WALKERS MTG. 9:15-12:15 PD 10:30-11:15 FFT 9:30-3 PM 6:30-8:45 6:30-8:45 PAINTING CLASS BCWNCIGA BCWNOGA 30,; APRIL SHO AY FLOWERS