HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 07-11-1996Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
July 11, 1996, 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.
b.
5. Unfinished Business
a. Review ice arena/pool complex
b. West Medicine Lake Park update
c. Open spaces update
d. Playfield/highschool update
e. Senior citizen needs analysis update
f. Continue golf course discussion
g. Request to place log home in Parkers Lake Park update
6. New Business
a.
b.
C.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting - August 8
parks\s[afAenc\prac\agendas\j u ly96.doc
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
June 13, 1996
Page 25
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Johnson, Priebe, Willegalle;
Councilmember Wold; staff Blank, Bisek and Pederson
Absent:: Commissioners Thompson and Wahl
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the June meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Fiemann made a motion, which was seconded by Commissioner
Priebe, to approve the minutes of the May meeting as presented. The motion
carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Association representatives. None were present at the meeting.
b. Staff. Mary stated that summer staff training is mostly done. Some summer
programs began the week of June 10, with the majority of programs
beginning the week of June 17. She stated that there is a problem with
weeds at Parkers Lake, which Park Maintenance is trying to solve. She
explained that we have some challenges this summer with swimming
lessons. West pool opens a week late, June 17, and East doesn't open until
July 8. This is much later than normal.
This year Music in Plymouth will be at the new amphitheater site, just north of
the Public Safety building. As part of the booths and information, there will be
staff from the Community Arts committee, a new committee trying to provide
arts to the community at large. They will have hand outs on the Art Fair,
History Fest, concerts, etc.
Mary announced that there's a conflict with roller bladers using the tennis
courts, especially at Bass Lake. They don't want to give up the courts for
tennis players. Signage does not seem to work, although they are in place,
according to Director Blank. The signs will give the tennis players leverage,
so they can call the police if rollerbladers won't leave. The park patrol will be
addressing this issue, too, but they can't be everywhere all the time.
Commissioner Priebe wondered why they are using the tennis courts when
they have access to lots of trails in the City. Commissioner Johnson
commented that asphalt trails are too rough; there's too much granular
PRAC Minutes/June 1996
Page 26
material in the asphalt. Commissioner Fiemann feels that the ultimate
solution is to provide alternatives for rollerbladers, perhaps another hockey
rink could be paved over in the northeast Plymouth area. Councilmember
Wold asked how the paved rink at Plymouth Creek works in the winter when
it has to be flooded for ice hockey. Director Blank said it works fine both as
an ice hockey rink and a roller hockey rink. Flooding it in the winter is not
harmful to the asphalt.
Mary announced that the northeast neighborhood park was approved by the
Council to go out for bid. Staff is projecting that work will begin there by
August.
It's time to start working on the fall brochure at end of June. Mary asked
commissioners for any program suggestions they might have.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
Director Blank announced that the Council awarded three contracts --walls of the
ice arena, erection of the steel structure, steel girders and beams, etc. Bids
came in under estimate. Fourth bid was for concrete footings, and it came in far
above the construction manager's estimate. It will be rebid and opened June 18.
Director Blank indicated that a soil problem developed, requiring further tests on
clay soils. In order to guarantee that building will be structurally sound, more
sand will have to be brought in some areas. Had a contingency budget set aside
for that item. Footings will begin about July 7. The project is about three weeks
behind schedule right now. Overall, financially in good shape. Council will have
a few more major contracts. Director Blank said that bids were opened on the
rink system. One is direct, which uses 10,000 lbs. of freon. The other system is
indirect and uses only 1,000 pounds of freon, but it's more expensive. Estimate
for whole rink package, including piping, flooring, sand, Plexiglas, etc., was
840,000. Bid came in at $831,000. Have weekly construction meetings every
Wednesday to discuss progress and any problems that arise. If weather holds
for next six months, Director Blank estimated that sometime between December
15 and January 15, we'll have a facility to skate on.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Review ice arena/pool complex. See above.
b. West Medicine Lake Park update. Director Blank indicated crews are
excavating some of the surcharge. They are putting in pilings for new bridge.
The new road should be ready for traffic by November. At a future meeting,
commissioners will be looking at what items to put in the phase 2 priority list.
c. Open spaces update. Director Blank indicated that there has been an
interesting development regarding the middle portion of the southeasterly
open space parcel. Mr. Stewart has been buying it on a contract for deed, but
PRAC Minutes/June 1996
Page 27
he has failed to make several payments. The original owner may be getting it
back. We had offered Mr. Stewart $250,000, but we may end up getting it for
100,000. He was originally asking 1.4 million. Unconfirmed sources tell
Director Blank that Mr. Stewart has filed for bankruptcy.
d. Playfield/high school update. Director Blank said that Mortenson and the
School District opened bids on the high school project and playfield. They
came in $1,000,000 over budget. The playfield portion was $350,000 over
estimate. The School District may be able to award three of the nine bids. Six
will be rejected. Director Blank stated that it's difficult to get masons. Some
categories didn't even receive bids. There was no sidewalk bid at all. Director
Blank explained this is probably due to a glutton of work. Mortenson will be
analyzing the bids to see if anything was over designed and can possibly be
removed. Will be rebidding in August or early September.
e. Senior citizen needs analysis update. Director Blank indicated that the
needs analysis report is done. Subcommittee on sports will reconvene when
Director Blank returns from vacation.
f. Golf course discussion. Hollydale golf course owners were present. Director
Blank introduced the DeZiels and asked what their plans were for the future?
He wanted to know statistics on the course. Bill DeZiel, owner, introduced
himself and his brother, Rich. He explained that they have been in business
for 30 years and also have interest in Shamrock in Corcoran. They have a 18
hole course at Hollydale, which he said is in great shape. Things run
smoothly. They do have problems with drainage, however. They have been
to the Council about it. Some progress is being made with a ditch removing
water. They intend to stay in business as long as possible. Two sons have
gone to school to study turf management, so they have a young group to take
over when they retire. The sons also want it to remain golf course. The
DeZiels have been approached by developers, but have told them they have
no interest in selling. He also indicated that he wants to get on a list to get rid
of geese. He was told that seven sites throughout Plymouth are selected for
removal of geese. He wants to be on that list. He said he would even help
round them up if necessary. Director Blank asked them if they know how
many rounds of golf they do per year? Mr. DeZiel said he doesn't keep track
of rounds, but they have leagues every night, a men's club of 230 and a
women's club of 100. Chair Anderson asked if the DeZiel sons want to
continue with the course, too? Bill DeZiel is confident that they do, since they
went to school to study it. Councilmember Wold then explained that the
Commission doesn't deal with the goose problem, but the Environmental
Quality Committee does. He explained that they don't have a real coherent
solution yet, but are working on it.
PRAC Minutes/June 1996
Page 28
Richared DeZiel commented that the Minnesota Golf Association has gotten
a lot of complaints about real estate taxes. Some courses have seen
increases of 100% to 300%. He believes that golf courses will stay around if
they don't get taxed out of business. He believes that golf is a community
asset and that property values appreciate all around the course. He would
like to see some sort of tax relief, so they can compete with municipal
courses. He stated that when their taxes go up, they have to raise rates, then
people can't afford to play.
Director Blank explained that PRAC will prepare and make a report available
to the Council at the end of the year regarding their recommendations about
the future of golf in Plymouth. The report will include comments about the
taxes, as well as other issues and concerns. Director Blank asked if there are
any other areas besides taxes and water issues that are problems for
Hollydale. Bill DeZiel responded that his biggest fear is taxes becoming too
prohibitive. He also indicated he didn't know how expensive water and sewer
will be for them, or the road upgrade. They don't think the upgrade is
necessary, and they don't want a four lane road on Holly Lane.
g. Request to place loq home in Parkers Lake Park update. Director Blank
stated that Mrs. Creelman went ahead and had someone begin plans on log
cabin, including ordering logs. She is willing to cover the cost to get cabin
built and placed in Parkers Lake Park, in addition to another contribution of
up to $10,000 for site preparation. Director Blank believes the site
preparation will cost somewhere around $25,000. He feels that a City match
of $10,000 is the appropriate thing to do to fund the remaining costs. The
Historical Society supports project and will provide educational materials.
Director Blank explained that the City has always been interested in
preserving the log cabin and has wanted to move it into the park, but after
having it evaluated, it was determined that it was too deteriorated to move.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CHAIR ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PRIEBE RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY ACCEPT
MRS. CREELMAN'S DONATION TO REPLICATE THE LOG CABIN AND
HER ADDITIONAL DONATION OF $10,000 FOR SITE WORK, AND
FURTHER RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY CONTRIBUTE UP TO
10,000 FOR THE REMAINING SITE WORK. THE MOTION CARRIED
WITH ALL AYES.
Director Blank will come back with a site plan at the next PRAC meeting.
Commissioner Willegalle wants to review possible sites with Director Blank
and Park Superintendent Peterson. Director Blank will also come up with the
source of funding for the City's matching contribution of $10,000.
PRAC Minutes/June 1996
Page 29
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Sunset Hill Elementary School request for playground funding. LuAnn
Culhane, chair person of Sunset PTA Playground Committee, was present at
the meeting along with Karla Thompson, Principal; Rodger Schaefbauer,
Health and Safety Specialist for District 284; and Laurie Epstein, PTA
Playground Committee member. Ms. Culhane explained that they are very
excited about plan, and that enthusiasm is shared by the kids, teachers, staff,
and parents. She feels that playground project warrants serious
consideration. She explained that the area around Sunset is multi-purpose.
The baseball fields are utilized by Plymouth -Wayzata Baseball and the City.
Behind school is nature center. Many families use this facility. In the winter,
the City floods an ice rink there.
She then explained the history of the playground project, the proposed plan,
phases of construction, and funding proposal. Last summer she said the
School District corrected a drainage problem, replaced black top surfacing,
and installed ADA equipment. In the process of installing the accessible
equipment, they had to pull out the wooden tire swing. It was supposed to be
replaced, but was deemed unsafe. The PTA had some surplus funds to add
two belt swings and tire swing. They also put in tether ball and drop shot for a
total of $5,000. Their current challenge is to replace the wooden structure.
They've been working together for a year, including sending a survey to the
children to get ideas for what they wanted. Tried to incorporate most of what
the kids wanted in their plan. The playground has a castle motif theme, which
was requested by the kids. The committee wanted the playground to be
something kids could get on and stay on with loops linking everything.
Children really like the tire swings, so they added enough to get a tripod of
swings. She explained that the plan is divided into three phases. First phase
is the main structure, estimated to cost $33,000 with volunteer labor. Phase
two will be periphery equipment, which will cost $12,000 plus volunteer labor.
Phase three would be to replace wooden benches, for a cost of $2,600.
Grand total of project comes to $48,365. She stated that it costs $500 per
day for a supervisor to supervise volunteer labor. She stated that the
committee divided the project into three phases, but really prefer to do it in
one. Building it in three phases jeopardizes the integrity and safety of the
surface. She then reviewed their funding. They currently have $15,000 from
PTA. They are canvassing the local business community and asking for cash
donations. They will maybe get $5,000 from that. They will also have
poinsettia sale, with all funds raised from that earmarked for the playground.
With those additional fund-raisers, they should raise $10,000. Their minimum
goal is to raise $33,000 by 1997. She stated that this playground would
benefit the Plymouth community and is used by the neighborhood
surrounding the school, and because of that warrants serious consideration
by the Park Commission. Director Blank asked if they could add some pre-
school pieces to the project. Ms. Culhane explained that it is already
PRAC Minutes/June 1996
Page 30
incorporated in the plan. Chair Anderson wanted to know if there was a
specific dollar amount in their request. Ms. Culhane responded that they
understood there was a limit of $10,000, but they will accept whatever they
can get. Their total cost will be approximately $50,000. She indicated they
have the means to raise $25,000 total. If the City would contribute another
25,000, then the playground could go in in one phase. This is a highly
utilized area. The girl scouts and boy scouts use it a lot and have projects
involving the nature center. Director Blank explained that the Commission will
start looking at their parks CIP in July or August. He indicated that it's a long
and lengthy process and explained the many channels it has to go through.
He explained that the current playground funding policy is from 1985, and it
needs to be updated. A new policy will be brought forward to the Commission
for their approval. Director Blank thanked the playground committee for
getting their request in early and stated that he would keep them informed of
the status of their request.
b. Review list of names for ice arena. Director Blank commented that the City
has a $6.5 million facility under construction, but it doesn't have a name yet.
He explained that our contract with Life Time says City can name the
recreation facility. He indicated that staff brainstormed and came up with a
list of names for the ice rink portion. It's not necessary to name it right now,
but the Commission should be thinking about it. Commissioner Priebe stated
he doesn't like anything but "Center" or "Arena." Director Blank suggested
that maybe there could be a contest. He asked each commissioner to come
back with their two favorite names at next month's meeting for the City owned
ice facility, not for the whole complex. We'll throw them together and see if
there are any matches. Commissioner Priebe asked if this facility is strictly for
ice skating Director Blank said the second rink is set up to be used as a
multi-purpose facility. It will have a concrete floor under the ice. Can be used
for swap meets, dances, art fairs, etc. Commissioner Willegalle asked if
demand will grow so that eventually both rinks could be used strictly for
hockey and skating? Director Blank said that is a possibility. Commissioner
Priebe asked the reason for naming this separate from the total complex?
Director Blank said it's because they are two different buildings, and the ice
facility will be owned by the City, while Life Time is the private club.
Commissioner Fiemann asked who should be suggesting name for total
complex? Director Blank said the names should go together somehow.
Chair Anderson asked about the problem with rollerblading and should PRAC
look at it now? Director Blank said we probably need to give the kids a
chance to settle down, since they're just out of school. Staff will evaluate use
of Plymouth Creek to determine if we need another roller hockey rink
somewhere else.
PRAC Minutes/June 1996
Page 31
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Commissioner Priebe commented that maybe the City should do a deal with golf
course owners like we're doing with Life Time. Director Blank said that he
explored with Lundgren Bros. the possibility of buying Hollydale several years
ago. Chair Anderson said that if the City wanted to buy a golf course they'd have
to decide which golf course. Director Blank would like to hire a consultant to do
appraisal of all three golf courses and tell us which one has the most to offer.
Commissioner Willegalle announced to the Commission that his son has been
waiting for a kidney for three years and finally got one last week. He is 29 years
old and is planning to marry soon.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
July 2 is Music in Plymouth. Up with People will be a new attraction this year.
From here they're going to the Olympics in Atlanta. These 120 kids need
housing for two nights, so if any Commissioner is interested in helping out in this
area, they should contact Director Blank. The site is almost all sodded, and the
lake is full of water. Trees have been planted and shrubbery is in.
Director Blank will give PRAC a map of the sites he intended to visit on the parks
tour, so members can go on your own time.
9. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
June 17,1996
Eric Blank, Director of Parks & Recreation
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd,
Plymouth, MN 55447
Subject:Dedicated Tennis Time Q Parkers Lake Park -Saturdays 8 to 10 a.m.
Dear Eric Blank & the City of Plymouth Park Board:
It has been suggested that possibly the Senior Tennis Association Club could obtain
playing time at the park's tennis courts. We have been successful in most communities
including nearby Wayzata and Minnetonka,
The Senior Tennis Association Club has about 1500 members in the Twin Cities area
with many from your community. Its goal is to provide healthful recreational social
tennis for those over 50 on a volunteer basis. Also, it provides free tennis instruction for
beginners and children at other tennis courts.
We would like to expand our use of tennis courts in Plymouth as many of our members
live nearby; and in particular, those playing at the Brookview, Golden Valley; have
found that there are too many trying to play on Saturdays. We feel that for our mutual
goal to be realized that we need a dedicated designated time so that senior tennis
players can count on the time, and not be disappointed. As your community develops,
so does the need of nearby seniors in the opportunities offered by our association.
The Parkers Lake tennis courts are beautiful;have fine parking facilities;and the park
has many other amenities. We congratulate you for such a fine park. It is also very
convenient to use. The tennis courts seem to be under utilized, but this is only an
opinion.
Hoping that you will see our point of view, and that we can reach some kind of
arrangement, I am,
Always your friend,
Al Nuhn
Captain Senior Tennis Association Club
388 Margaret Circle
Wayzata 55391
473-4790
SUNSET HILL SCHOOL
zatayPUBL/C SCHOOLS
pendent School District 284
June 20, 1996
13005 SUNSET TRAIL PLYMOUTH, MN 55441-5699 (612) 476.3080 FAX (612) 476-5035
City of Plymouth
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, Mn 55447
Dear Advisory Commission Members:
Thank you for considering our request for assistance with funding the playground
project at Sunset Hill Elementary School/City Park.
As we discussed during our presentation on June 13, 1996, the present equipment is
not in very good condition. We truly appreciate your consideration of matching funds.
We expect to have $25,000 for our playground by spring/summer of 1997.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss
the playground project with you.
Thank you again for your time, your interest and your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karla Thompson LuAnn Culhane Laurie Epstein
Principal, Sunset Hill PTA Playground Chair PTA President
476-3080 544-0334 593-5329