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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 01-09-1997Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission January 9, 1997, 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 new park dedication fees b. Approved no purchase of the Johnson Bros. open space c. Approved CIP 1997-2001 d. Accepted $75,000 from Plymouth/Wayzata Hockey Assoc. for ice center e. Approved policy for contributions to school playgrounds f. Approved agreement for $700,000 contribution to Wayzata High School gym 5. Unfinished Business a. West Medicine Lake park presentation by Barton-Aschman Assoc. b. Ice arena/pool complex update c. Open spaces update d. Ehn Creek playfield update e. Continue golf course discussion f. East Medicine Lake regional trail update g. Approve ice center behavior policies h. 6. New Business a. Review draft of 1996 annual report and 1997 work plan b. C. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - February 13 parks\staft\eric\prac\agendas\jan97.doc Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting December 12, 1996 Page 58 Present: Chair Anderson Commissioners Fiemann, Johnson, Priebe, Thompson, Wahl, Willegalle, Councihnember Wold, staff Abel, Bisek, Blank, and Pederson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the December meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Willegalle and seconded by Commissioner Johnson 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. b. Staff. Mary stated that Old Fashioned Christmas went well. The weather was very cooperative. This was our 10th year. This year we had a new Santa, because the former Santa moved. The Armstrong Chamber Singers went to Washington, DC, so they were unable to perform at Old Fashioned Christmas. They've been part of the program the last nine years. Mary estimated that 600 people attended. Warming houses open December 21. We are looking for attendants. Fire and Ice is coming up in February. Karol Greupner is in charge of this event. A sign up sheet for PRAC members to supervise the bonfire and s'mores was distributed. This year Fire and Ice will have theme. Staff is talking about the possibility of a new design for the Fire and Ice sweatshirt. Mary stated that the City is reviewing salary ranges for hiring part-time seasonal employees. The job market is very tight right now. We have what is essentially full employment in the Twin Cities. We may have to raise rates to attract people. Mary asked PRAC to be on the lookout for possible employees for us. Mary announced that staff is working on the next brochure. She had one update from last month. It appears that we will be running recreational soccer for New Hope/Plymouth. They will still do traveling. We accept children in the program at age 5, because we try to follow the age guidelines of national soccer. c. Others. None. PRAC Minutes/December 1996 Page 59 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. The Council approved the basketball court location in Maple Creek Park. b. The Council approved the Armstrong agreement. c. The Council accepted the senior citizen needs analysis report. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Ice arena/pool complex. Most of the metal roof is on, and the southerly wall is up. They expect to have building totally enclosed by December 20. Floor will then be heated. Planking for bleachers is in. After December 20, crew will begin putting in heating systems. It will be at least March before the ice is ready. Life Time is expected to open in May. We started a month behind them, but we will finish ahead of them. In a few more weeks, the facility may be ready to tour. b. West Medicine Lake Park update. The road is open to traffic, but the sidewalk that goes with the road and the parking bay are not ready yet. The project is shaping up into three phases. Second phase will be the new beach dredging, and the bridge. The bridge was designed to be turn of the century but will start with basic bridge and add the canopy portion later, maybe with our crew doing the work. Phase two will begin next week. They first have to reroute 120 feet of water line. Then they will start dredging the beach. The bridge is expected to be completed by late March. Phase three will be everything else, grading, last parking lot, picnic shelter, trails, sand volleyball, and children's playground. Consultants have been told to begin final grading plans. They will be at the January meeting, so PRAC can look at the plans. Director Blank would like to be out for bid in late March or early April on that work. By mid-May the rest of the work on the park could begin. Phase 2 & 3 budget is $600,000. Commissioner Johnson asked about the hard court. Director Blank said it cannot go where it was originally planned, because it's a flood plain. He stated that there may not be enough space to place a tennis court. The court will be a major issue. Ice fishing this winter is being discouraged on the west side. There will be open water in the area where fishermen have gone in the past. There is still auto access from east and north sides of the lake, but we have closed off access on the west side. People can still walk onto lake by parking in new parking lot, which is not paved or maintained at this time. c. Open space update. Director Blank stated that the first three sites were all single owner pieces and have all been acquired, but the fourth site had several owners. Seitzer's portion has been acquired. Stewart (now Gene Lewis is owner) and Johnson Bros. portions are on hold at this time. They are asking $150,000 for 13 acres of wetland. The City Council tabled this last acquisition. A subcommittee formed to review the situation, and the finance department did a fiscal analysis of the three million that was set aside for open space and trails. There is only $115,000 left in the account to purchase the last parcel. Subcommittee was afraid that if we proceeded with acquiring Johnson Bros. parcel on the south end, there would be no way to link sites together because of the site in the middle. Subcommittee has recommended that we not proceed with Johnson Bros. site, because it's not connected to the Stewart property. And it's PRAC Minutes/December 1996 Page 60 too much money to pay for swamp land. They advised staff to continue to negotiate for land from the north to the south and from the east to the west. d. Elm Creek Playfield update. Director Blank announced that the light towers have gone up. The school district is rebidding the installation of fencing in January. The work will commence in the spring. We now have grass on our soccer fields. The road project and bridge will be complete when school opens in September, but it's possible that some parts of the building may not be finished. e. Golf course. The City wrote off all assessments on golf courses until the time that they choose to connect to sewer for development purposes. The City has been working with Hollydale owners on a plat coming in north of the railroad tracks. The alignment of Holly Lane needs to be determined. f. East Medicine Lake Regional Trail update. This project is bogged down in details, housing issues, condemnations, etc. Only 200 feet of trail is at issue out of two miles. Director Blank expects that within 30 days some issues will be resolved. g. Ice arena behavior policies. Under the zero tolerance policy, no smoking or use of tobacco products by anyone under 18 was added. Arena personnel will verbally warn adults but will not ban them from building. A second addition to the zero tolerance policy is any form of weapons will not be tolerated. We want to convey an atmosphere that the building is friendly. Therefore we don't want too many signs telling people what they cannot do. Bill displayed a metal sign that will be in the lobby. This sign was manufactured by the Minnesota lce Arena Managers Association and is in all rinks in the metro area. It contains 12 rules. Bill will attend hockey association meetings to inform them of the rules. Will expect to have rules reproduced and given to the kids. Commissioner Priebe questioned item 2 on the Welcome sign which discusses no tobacco, alcohol or drug products being permitted in the facility. What about a pack of cigarettes in someone's pocket? Bill explained that what they are trying to convey is no use of tobacco, alcohol or drug products in the building. Commissioner Priebe thinks that the sign should be amended to say no use of tobacco products or possession of alcohol or drugs. Commissioners asked if there was a rule against using foul language? Staff said that item is covered under the Disciplinary Action Program. Commissioner Priebe suggested adding abusive language and racial slurs to the rule on foul language and that some key phrases or words should be highlighted on the various signs, such as item 1 about people assuming all inherent risks and responsibilities, etc. Bill said additional signs will be in building in obvious places besides the Welcome sign that lists the rules. All of those other signs will be amended to include the new language. Bill feels that amending the metal Welcome sign would not be very economical, because this is a standard sign which hangs in every arena in the metropolitan area. Commissioner Johnson commented that eventually the Rollerblading folks will want the sign changed to say in-line skating. Commissioners asked about the City's right to search a person entering the building. Staff explained that police officers will be at the PRAC Minutes/December 1996 Page 61 entrance to do that sort of thing if the situation warrants. There will be two police on duty during all high school games. Councilmember Wold wanted to thank the commissioner who brought up the issue of weapons and also stated that he thought Bill did a great job with all the rules and policies. He also commented that he appreciated the work of this Commission. Chair Anderson wondered what is the definition of weapons besides the obvious guns and knives? What about hockey sticks off the ice? They could be used as a weapon. Commissioner Wahl commented that the blades on skates could be used as a weapon. Discussion continued on other things that could be considered weapons, until staff said they needed to keep it simple. Commissioner Priebe suggested that staff should run the language past the City's insurance company to make sure we are covered from liability as much as possible. Commissioner Wahl noticed in the Rules and Regulations that no one under 18 is allowed in penalty box or scoreboard areas. It was suggested that rule be changed to say "except for game participants" for clarity, etc. Staff indicated that the zero tolerance policy was also changed to say "any form of fighting" would not be tolerated. Previously, the rule read any form of off -ice fighting." Staff explained that they feel it is very important to draw clear lines whenever possible when explaining the rules and regulations. The police will be asked to handle any situation where a law is being broken. Staff and the Commission concluded that you cannot define what a weapon is. Commissioner Priebe commented that error of omission is the greatest risk. Director Blank indicated that rules, regulations, and policies would all be amended based on suggestions made and would be available at the January meeting for adoption by PRAC. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Director Blank discussed two individuals who approached him about a joint soccer/tennis facility. He will meet with them again in the near future. A double bubble is what they are looking at that would have four soccer fields that could be broken down into eight tennis courts. He explained to them that we already have plans in the works for a field house at the Elm Creek Playfield. Commissioner Wold asked if they had a time frame. Director Blank said sometime in 1997. The high school site is one possible location, but it might not be big enough for a double bubble. Another location would be 34th Avenue along the high hill. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Director Blank suggested that the Commission formally thank Chuck Lymangood, Dave Anderson and Nick Granath, members of the Council that are leaving office, for their past help and support. COMMISSIONER PRIEBE MADE A MOTION TO THANK RETIRING COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT WITH PROJECTS SUCH AS THE OPEN SPACE PROGRAM, WEST MEDICINE LAKE PARK, THE NEW WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL/ELM CREEK PLAYFIELD PROJECT, THE JOINT AGREEMENT WITH LIFE TIME FITNESS, AND NUMEROUS OTHER PRAC Minutes/December 1996 Page 62 TRAIL AND PARK PROJECTS. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED. THE MOTION CARRIED. Director Blank thanked the Commission for a great year and said he looks forward to working with them next year. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. December 20, 1996 CITY OF PLYMOUTR Joe Michels Johnson Bros. Corporation 23577 MN Hwy. 22, PO Box 1002 Litchfield, MN 55355 Dear Joe: Thank you for stopping by today to discuss your property in Plymouth. I'd like to briefly recap what we discussed during our meeting. You indicated to me that Johnson Bros. is still very interested in working and cooperating with the City of Plymouth to pursue the best use of your property. I indicated to you that it is certainly the City of Plymouth's intent to also continue to work cooperatively with Johnson Bros. to pursue the best long term use and arrangement for this land. As you know, on Wednesday night, December 18, the City Council did accept and approve the subcommittee's report with regard to this property. The subcommittee made their recommendation for not pursuing this deal at this time for three reasons. 1. As it turns out, expenditures on other property and our trail projects have exceeded our expectations, and we currently do not have the funds available within the open space bond allotment to meet this purchase agreement. 2. Because this land is separated from the other property we have purchased to the north, the Council felt that it would be inappropriate to commit to the southerly piece not knowing what was going to happen with the two intervening parcels at this time. 3. There was some feeling amongst the Council that the $150,000 price for the wetland property was more than they felt comfortable expending. The Council has directed that staff continue to negotiate with all three property owners in an attempt to explore any and all avenues for packaging this land. They specifically directed that we work from the north property to the south trying to link parcels as we acquire, and that we continue to pursue property from the east to the west focusing on the wetland portions of each parcel. At this time, I think it is safe to say that Johnson Bros. is certainly free to pursue the sale of your property, the development of your property, or to continue negotiating with the City in a PLYMOUTH ABeau tifu(Pface'ToLive 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 new agreement. I would be happy to meet with you, or your representative at any time to discuss any of those three options. Thank you for your time and patience in this matter. I certainly appreciate the understanding you have demonstrated. Sincerely, Z --x, 54,,,X Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager City Council City Attorney PRAC WAYZATA January 6, 1997 Mr. Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth MN 55447 Dear Eric: YOUTH HOCKEY FkQc, The purpose of this letter is to confirm our discussions concerning donations to the new Plymouth Ice Center. District #284 Wayzata Youth Hockey Association has been approached by two anonymous donors that have committed up to a combined total of 12,000 towards an upgrade of the arena bleacher system to Contour Seats Inc., Model number CS100.... The donors will provide this support with the following stipulations: I, :The donors wishing to remain anonymous will issue checks to District #284 Wayzata Youth Hockey and ask that the Association present a check to the city at the Arena's opening ceremonies. 2. The bleachers must be royal blue in color. Eric, in closing, District #284 Youth Hockey Association has worked diligently in its support of the Plymouth Ice Center. As a committed major user of this facility, we will continue to work to insure it is a first class facility that both the City of Plymouth and District #284 WYHA can be proud of into the future. We look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial relationship on the arena project. Sinc rel y, 7,SAV"--, David Sorensen District 284 Youth Hockey Association • P.O. Box 10, Wayzata, MN. 55391 • December 19, 1996 CA0TV coF PUMOUTR Dave Sorensen Plymouth/Wayzata Hockey Association 17710 30th Avenue N Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Dave and Board Members: On behalf of the City of Plymouth and the Parks and Recreation Department, I would like to thank you for your second generous donation of $75,000 for the Plymouth Ice Arena. This has been an exciting year for all of us, and I'm sure you are as eager as we are for the grand opening of this fabulous new facility. I look forward to seeing you on the ice! Sincerely, Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager Ci Council ark and Recreation Advisory Commission PLYMOUTH ABeau tifulPlaceToLive 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 WELCOME Please observe rules of good sportsmanship and conduct both on and off the ice. 1. Those participating in facility activities assume all inherent risks and responsibilities, whether spectator or participant. 2. No tobacco, alcohol, or drug products are permitted in this facility. 3. During ice rentals, only team members, coaches, and managers are allowed in the players boxes. 4. Users of the facility are responsible for the supervision and conduct of participants and spectators both on and off the ice. 5. Absolutely no one is allowed on the ice during resurfacing times. 6. Consumption of food and beverages is prohibited on the ice and in the players boxes. 7. Acts of vandalism to the building or grounds should be reported immediately. Vandals will be held liable for the full amount of damages caused. 8. Your assistance is requested in maintaining the appearance of this building. Please put trash, litter, and recyclables in designated containers. 9. The facility or its management is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. I O.The use of sticks or pucks, in the off ice areas of this facility is prohibited. 11.Roller blading or skate boarding inside the building is not allowed. 12.Please observe all posted rules and regulations. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR USE OF THE PLYMOUTH ICE CENTER LOCKER ROOMS Available %z hour before or as soon as preceding team is out and as soon as possible after designated ice rental period. A team shall be issued a locker room key. One person shall be designated to be responsible for the key and should then return it at the end of the locker room use. Teams are responsible for any vandalism occurring during their use of the locker room and will be billed for any malicious destruction. ARENA OFFICE OFF LIMITS TO EVERYONE except Arena personnel unless business related. No office equipment such as telephone, storage, stationery, pens, pencils, chalk, etc. is available for public use. HOCKEY RINK NO ONE ON ICE until Zamboni gates are closed and countdown timer is set. Nobody is permitted on ice while zamboni is in operation. Teams, coaches, and groups should not enter rink until management so indicates or the zamboni is off the ice and the gates are closed. Teams, coaches, and groups are expected to have vacated the ice when the rental period is over. Violations of this rule might result in an extra charge for added ice time. ARENA SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT The Arena will supply all materials essential to the operation of the facility. These materials shall include such things as toilet paper, hand towels in bathrooms, blackboards in locker rooms, etc. However, certain materials will not supplied by the Arena. These materials include such items as bath towels, chalk, stationery, pencils, telephone, etc. SCOREBOARD/PENALTY BOX/PLAYERS BOX No one under the age of 18 will be allowed inside the penalty and scoreboard boxes. This includes the operation of the scoreboard and door operators in the penalty box. No one allowed in players boxes without a helmet other than coaches and team managers. STORAGE Except for any predetermined storage rooms, there is no storage space other than the locker rooms which are provided during the rental period only. THIS FACILITY IS TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND DRUG FREE. NO SMOKING OR TOBACCO CHEWING IS ALLOWED IN ANY PART OF THIS FACILITY. Smoking is permitted only outside the building for those age 18 and older. No alcohol or durg use in the building or on the grounds is allowed. NO SPITTING ABSOLUTELY NO SPITTING IS ALLOWED anywhere within this facility except on ice. FOOD AND BEVERAGES No food or beverage can be brought into the facility and absolutely no food or beverage of any kind is allowed in the locker rooms without permission. City ply\voll\PARKS\STAFMBILL\MISC\RULESREG.DOC PLYMOUTH ICE CENTER DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROGRAM The Plymouth Ice Center is adopting a Disciplinary Action Program for person(s) disobeying any of the arena's rules and regulations. Rules and Regulations: 1. No spitting anywhere in building, except on ice. 2. No use of sticks or pucks in off ice areas. 3. No obscene language, abusive language or racial slurs. 4. No wearing skates without skate guards on bleachers or any other areas not protected by rubber flooring. 5. No being on ice during resurfacing or while zamboni gates are open. 6. No smoking or chewing tobacco in building. 7. No being in penalty, player, or press box or any areas not allowed without permission. 8. No having food or beverage on ice or in players boxes. 9. No in-line skating or skateboarding in building. The disciplinary action for anyone found disobeying these rules is as follows: V Offense Warning (name, phone number, parent(s) name and rule broken recorded) 2nd Offense Removal from building for three (3) days. (Name, phone number, rule broken recorded and parent notified). Td Offense Dismissal from building for seven (7) days including all practices and games and parent notified. 4U' Offense Dismissal from building for entire season, not being allowed to play in any hockey programs. CiTyslyWol I \PARKS\STAPP\BILL1NllSC1DISCPLIN.DOC PLYMOUTH ICE CENTER ZERO TOLERANCE PROGRAM The Plymouth Ice Center is adopting a zero tolerance disciplinary action program for person(s) disobeying any in the following list of rules. WE WILL NOT TOLERATE: 1. Any acts of vandalism or damage to the facility 2. Any form of fighting 3. Any theft or stealing 4. Any use of alcohol or drugs 5. Any form of discrimination 6. Any smoking or use of tobacco products by anyone under age 18 7. Any form of weapons These rules are in effect both inside the facility or outside on the grounds) The disciplinary action for anyone found disobeying these rules is as follows: First Offense Dismissal from the building for seven (7) days including all practices and games. Parents and/or police will be notified. Second Offense Dismissal from the building for entire season, including any hockey programs. Parents and/or police notified. Police will be called to investigate any malicious damage and charges will be filed. Also, if any offenses cause damage to the building or equipment, all costs of repairs or replacement will be paid for by the person(s) involved in the incident before access will be allowed into the building. Citysly\von \PARKS\STAFFIBILL\MISC\ZEROTOL.DOC DATE: January 6, 1997 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Annual Report Attached is a draft of the 1996 Annual Report. As requested by the City Council, the Park Commission must include a Work Plan for 1997 in the annual report. Please come to Thursday's meeting with some ideas that we can discuss. EB/np Attachment Reflections of Leisure FOCUS ON QUALITY Plymouth Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 1996 Annual Report City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 January 1996 Honorable Mayor City Council City of Plymouth Residents A successful bond referendum for the preservation of open space was one of the many necessary accomplishments in 1995 for the City of Plymouth regarding the activities of the Parks and Recreation Department. Also, due to the receipt of a grant for an ice arena and a report from a special youth sports facilities task force, the City is exploring the development of some badly needed recreational facilities. The future appears to present some important challenges for the Park Commission. It will need to focus its efforts on many needs of the community, including an analysis of the need for a public golf course. Accomplishments in 1995 included: A youth sports facilities study was completed which determined that a number of new facilities would be required to meet the current and future needs of youth sports. Four open space sites were approved for purchase by the City following the successful passage of a bond referendum. Three of the sites were acquired in 1995. Several program enhancements and playground improvements were undertaken in 1995, including the paving of an outdoor hockey rink at Plymouth Creek Park, installation of sand volleyball courts at Parkers Lake, installation of batting cages at Parkers Lake Playfield, safety fencing at Pilgrim Lane, Zachary Lane and Greenwood Elementary school ballfields, and new playgrounds at Mission Hills, Schmidt Lake and Timber Shores parks. The Commission recommended the purchase of the Ess property in northeast Plymouth, which was later determined to be suitable land for additional softball fields. Construction began on the new Elm Creek Playfield/Wayzata High School complex. — The City was a successful recipient of a Mighty Ducks ice arena grant and began exploring ways to build an ice arena and a swimming pool/fitness complex, as well as a much needed activity center for senior citizens. The Commission is grateful to all who were involved with the above for their fine efforts. Respectfully submitted, Donald D. Anderson Chair 1996 PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT Table of Contents Letterof Transmittal.......................................................................................... I Members of the Commission................................................................................ 3 Commission Attendance Chart .............................................................................. 4 1997 Work Plan................................................................................................ 5 1996 Highlights................................................................................................ 8 Administration............................................................................................... 11 Recreation/Athletic Section................................................................................ 14 VolunteerProgram.......................................................................................... 24 Environmental/Forestry Section.......................................................................... 27 1996 -2- 1996 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. Commission Members Name Phone Number Term Expires Donald Anderson, Chair 545-3608 1/31/98 417 Union Terrace Lane Plymouth, MN 55441 Tim Bildsoe 476-4732 1/31/99 18840 32nd Avenue resigned 1/96) Plymouth, MN 55447 Ron Fiemann 476-4152 1/31/97 17415 32nd Avenue Plymouth, MN 55447 Tom Johnson 557-0822 1/31/97 2345 W Medicine Lake Dr. Plymouth, MN 55441 David Priebe 559-0706 1/31/98 3825 Forestview Lane Plymouth, MN 55441 Kathleen Thompson 553-1174 1/31/99 16010 46th Avenue appointed 1/96) Plymouth, MN 55446 Mark Wahl 553-9563 1/31/99 11640 52nd Avenue Plymouth, MN 55442 Henry Willegalle 473-1069 1/31/97 1525 Juneau Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 1996 -3- Park Commission Attendance Chart X = Absent 1996 -4- Total of Total Term Commissioner Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Mtgs. Absences Expires Notes No Anderson meet 11 0 1/98 No Appt. to Bildsoe meet 1 0 1/99 Planning Comm. after Jan. mtg. No Fiemann meet X 11 1 1/97 No Johnson X meet X 11 2 1/97 No Priebe X X meet X 11 3 1/98 No Appt. Thompson X X meet X 3 1/99 Jan. `96 No Wahl X X X meet 11 3 1/99 No Willegalle meet 11 0 1/97 X = Absent 1996 -4- 1997 WORK PLAN 1996 -5- FR 1Ii1111-9AQW.'"L 1. The Commission plans to review and explore the long term future potential for the loss of one or more of the City's three public golf courses. During the course of the year, contacts should be made with each of the golf course owners to explore in depth their future plans for their land. The Commission may consider bringing in a golf course consultant to analyze the current conditions of one or more of the golf courses for future public golf consideration. The goal is by the end of the year to set a course of action which will protect the long term integrity of one or more of the golf courses. See Highlight no. 8. 2. The Commission has recommended to the City Council that the northeast neighborhood park lying east of Zachary Lane and just south of County Road 10 be developed in 1996. The development with neighborhood involvement of a comprehensive plan for the park and ultimately the physical development of the park should all be accomplished in 1996. See Highlight no. 7. 3. The City should continue the joint project with Greenwood Elementary School for the redevelopment of a new playground and landscaping of the school site. See Highlight no. 11. 4. The successful completion of phase one of West Medicine Lake Park and the implementation of phase two should be started in 1996. The Commission will have to fine tune the master plan for the site dealing with a couple of issues, specifically tennis court location and dredging of the Plymouth Creek channel. The Commission will continue to look at the long term possibility of adding a park building to this location. See Highlight no. 2 5. The Commission will continue to review and update as needed the City's comprehensive trail system plan. The successful completion of the 1995 projects that were started in the fall and the additional 12 sections in 1996 should also be completed by year's end. The City has also been notified that we are the recipient of a 1999 grant for an off-road trail bridge across 494 at County Road 9. Planning for this bridge should proceed in 1996. Ten miles of trail construction work was substantially completed during 1996. Also, trails on both sides of County Road 9 between 494 and Minnesota Lane were under construction. 6. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission and the sub -committee on open space will reconvene to review the operational rules and regulations for the recently acquired open space property. Recommendations on such things as the development of trails, signs, deer management, etc., will be brought forward to the City Council after there has been opportunity for citizen review of the recommended operational procedures. 1996 -6- No activity was completed on this issue, because negotiations are still underway for property in southeast Plymouth. 7. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will work closely with the Planning Commission and staff when planning for northwest Plymouth is undertaken. Major items to be considered are: the golf courses that are predominantly located in the rural area, the location and acquisition of the tenth playfield, location of two or three additional neighborhood parks and a major trail corridor paralleling Elm Creek. Planning for northwest Plymouth was delayed until 1997. 8. The Commission will develop recommendations on a scholarship program for low income individuals to allow them reasonable access to the ice arena and Life Time Fitness swimming pool facilities. In November the Park Commission endorsed, and the City Council approved, a scholarship program for the Life Time Fitness Club. 9. The Park Commission will continue to work with senior citizen representatives in their ongoing work regarding the need for an activity center. The Commission approved the Senior Citizen Report and the Council accepted the report in December. 1996 -7- 1996 HIGHLIGHTS The Park Commission remained extremely active during 1996. Listed below are some of the highlights the Commission accomplished this year: 1. Plymouth Ice Center/Life Time Fitness Club On February 6, the voters of Plymouth approved the funding source to build a Plymouth ice center. This new sports complex is a three-way partnership between the Wayzata School District, Life Time Fitness and the City of Plymouth. The City and School District contributed $3.1 million to Life Time Fitness for the construction and operation of three pools, two indoor and one outdoor. It is believed that this is the first public/private partnership in America of thissiar_r« The unique aspect is that you do not have to be a member of Life Time Fitness to enjoy the facilities, but rather may use the club on a daily admission fee, like other public recreation centers. A ground breaking ceremony was held on Thursday, May 2, to celebrate the beginning of the project. The club and ice arena are scheduled to open in April of 1997. Following a very wide search, the City was very pleased to hire Bill Abel as the first ice center manager in the City's history. Mr. Abel started on August 1, and has been working diligently on assuring the proper construction of the arena project. Bill joins the City of Plymouth after 16 years of runningring the ice facility for the City of Willmar. 2. West Medicine Lake Park Construction continued on West Medicine Lake Park in 1996. The major work was the construction of a bridge over Plymouth Creek and the paving of the new roadway. The last of Phase 1 work was completed making the way for Phase 2 and 3 to be completed in 1997 on this park project 3. Elm Creek Playfield Construction continued on the Ehn Creek Playfield during 1996. By the end of the year, all of the soccer and softball fields had been graded, irrigation installed, seeded and the light towers installed. In 1997, the multi-purpose building and fencing will be completed. This facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 1997 or spring of 1998. 4. Senior Citizen Needs Analysis On November 20, the Senior Citizen Needs Analysis Report was presented to the City Council. The report had previously been reviewed by the Youth Sports Task Force Committee and the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission and endorsed by both. The report suggests the great need and desire to have a facility that would allow our senior citizens to remain active at a central location for many years to come. It is anticipated that the Park Commission and City Council will review this issue further in 1997. 1996 -8- 5. Amphitheater The Park Maintenance Division, under the leadership of Mark Peterson and Dan Heitke, worked miracles in developing a new amphitheater for the 1996 Music in Plymouth program. The new amphitheater, lying between City Hall and the new rec sports complex, was carved out of the woods and includes a man-made lake. A giant platform area, 70 x 70 of concrete, was laid in order to allow for the multi-purpose use of many different stage events. On July 2, over 10,000 people showed up at the new amphitheater to hear the world renowned Up with People Choir along with the Minnesota Orchestra. In 1997, additional lighting and water fountains will be added to this project. 6. Maple Creek Park A new playground was installed at Maple Creek Park in 1996. This necessitated the relocation of the basketball hard court. Selecting a site for the hard court proved to be more difficult than originally anticipated, but in the end a permanent location was identified and approved by the City Council. 7. Cardinal Ridge Park What many think will be the most beautiful neighborhood park in our system began construction in 1996 in northeast Plymouth. What is commonly referred to as Cardinal Ridge Park encompasses a number of island and large wetlands and some open lake areas. The bulk of the construction will be completed in 1997. 8. Golf Course Review In accordance with the Park Commission's work plan, the Commission undertook to study and further bring up to date their knowledge with regard to golf courses. To this end, the Commission invited each of the owners of the three golf courses in Plymouth to attend a Park Commission meeting. The Commission discussed with each of the owners what they would like to see the future of the courses be and what help the City could be to ensure their long term future. Late in the year, the City Council took formal action to delay assessments on two of the golf courses in order to prevent them from being forced to consider development. In December, the City worked with a proposed developer to lay out a new alignment for future Holly Lane, which would allow for the expansion of Hollydale golf course at some time in the future. These actions would appear to be a good start in helping the golf courses remain viable operators for many years. 9. East Medicine Lake Regional Trail The City, in cooperation with Hennepin Parks, worked diligently in planning for the East Medicine Lake Regional Trail during 1996. On March 18, a meeting was held at Armstrong High School to unveil the idea and solicit community input. Over 165 residents attended the meeting and voiced strong support for the further consideration of this project. By year's end, a study showing the best alternatives had been completed and work was being undertaken to overcome the last major hurdles that would prevent this project from moving forward in 1997. 1996 -9- 10. Log Cabin for Parkers Lake Through the gracious donation of Carol Creelman, funding was secured to replicate the old log cabin located on county property at Vicksburg Lane and County Road 6. The log cabin makers in Ely, Minnesota, have undertaken the project of replicating the facility. While this was being done, the Park Maintenance crew developed and prepared a site along the shores of Parkers Lake to receive the future log cabin. We anticipate that in the spring of 1997, the cabin will be delivered and opened for public review. 11. Donations of Funding The City was very pleased to be able to cooperate in providing $55,000 of funding to Greenwood Elementary School for an upgrade of their playground and an additional $27,000 to Armstrong High School for fencing at their new baseball/softball complex. 12. Agreements for Armstrong and Wayzata Gyms In 1995, the Youth Sports Task Force report indicated that the community was currently suffering from a shortage of gym space and would continue for many years unless something was done to correct the situation. In 1996, the City reached an agreement with both the Robbinsdale and Wayzata School Districts for improving this situation. A $700,000 was made to the Wayzata School District for two additional gym spaces at the new Wayzata High School. A $1.3 million agreement was signed with the Robbinsdale School District for a gymnasium expansion onto Armstrong High School. The Wayzata gyms are scheduled to open in the fall of 1997, and it is hoped that the Armstrong gym will also open by the late fall of 1997. 1996 -10- ADMINISTRATION 1996 Park and Recreation Staff EricBlank............................................................................................. Director Bill Abel (hired August 1)............................................................Ice Arena Manager Cindy Anderson..................................................................... Recreation Supervisor Nancy Anderson....................................................... Part -Time Volunteer Coordinator Mary Bisek...................................................................Superintendent of Recreation Rick Busch............................................................................ Recreation Supervisor Karol Greupner...................................................................... Recreation Supervisor Sara Mittelstaedt..................................................... Part -Time Senior Program Advisor Nancy Pederson...................................................................................... Secretary Gerry Rapson.......................................................................Part-Time Clerk Typist DonnaSankey............................................................................Data Control Clerk Mark Peterson...................................................................... Superintendent of Parks PaulBuck.............................................................................................. Forester Daniel Heitke............................................................................... Parks Supervisor 1996 11- FINANCIAL If you are a Plymouth resident, for each $100 in property tax you paid in 1996, on the average: 12.14 went to the City of Plymouth. Of this $12.14, Of that: 2.24 went to Plymouth's Park and Recreation Department. 0.30 was for Administration 1.46 was for Park Maintenance 0.23 was for Recreation Programs 0.25 was for Park Bond Debt Service 2.24 For 1996, the budgeted revenues and expenses of the Park and Recreation Department were summarized as follows: Sources of Revenue State Expenditures Property Tax Fees Grant Surplus Misc. Administration 290,790 290,790 Maintenance 1,419,384 1,419,384 Recreation Programs 793,228 241,972 TOTALS 2,503,402 1,952,146 1996 -12- 900 0 0 4 1995 PARK & RECREATION BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Park Bond Debt Service Administration Recreation 11% 9% Program 11% Park Maintenance 69% 1996 PARK & RECREATION BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Park Bond Debt Service Recreation 11% Program 10% Administration 13% Park Maintenance 66% 1996 -13- 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 RECREATION FEES & EXPENSES 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 91—Recreation Fees Expenses EXPENSES COVERED BY RECREATION FEES Expenses Exceeding Reveni 31% Based on budgeted figures. 1996 -14- creation Fees 69% I81 V L RECREATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS DYouth ®Adult ON Ages pSeniors The above graph includes numbers for summer T -Ball, K -Ball, Softball, Instructional Baseball, Flag Football and Fall Soccer. Other youth sports leagues are run by volunteer athletic associations. Existing programs are evaluated and adapted in response to community input. New programs for 1996 included: Adaptive Gymnastics and Mini Hops; Basketball, Softball, Club West, Karate, On the Town; Diving I & II; The Play's the Thing, How Does Your Garden Grow, Totally Tumbling, Art Exhibits Tour, Over 40 Slowpitch Baseball, Summer Basketball Camps, Gingerbread House Workshop, Junior Baseball Program, Officiated 4 -Man Football League, Adult In -Line Skating Instruction, Plymouth Community Arts Classes, "Picture Plymouth" Contest for Art Fair Artists, Plymouth Community Arts Committee, Plymouth Woodcarvers, Over 55 Softball League, Hearing Tests, River Walk, Minnesota History Sessions, Luncheons with entertainment, Cookbook, Medicare Seminar. 1996 -15- BEACH & WARMING HOUSE VISITORS 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 O-BEACH WARMIN HHOUSE City of Plymouth beaches are: East Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake. Highlights this year: Parkers Lake beach was open from June 1 -August 18 Medicine East Beach was open from June 8 -August 11 Due to cool temperatures and rain, Parkers Lake Beach did not open Memorial Weekend. June was cool and sunny through most of the month. High winds were often reported on site. Temperatures rose into the 90's June 25-30. July started off warm and sunny through the July 4th weekend, but turned cool and windy towards the end of the month. August temperatures varied between 66 and 92 degrees, and it was a dry month, even though there were several threats of rain. In 1997, a national recognized formula to determine accurate beach populations will be used. We will also continue the current visitor count in 1997 for comparison purposes. 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, Bass Lake and Parkers Lake. There were many closed days due to poor weather conditions. 1988 - Parkers Lake warming house opened. 1993 - Bass Lake Warming house opened for a full season. 1996 -16- NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS COACHES ASSOCIATION In 1981, the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) was created to improve non -school youth sports. They are now endorsed and supported by over 200 national organizations and 2,000 recreation agencies nationwide. Through 1996, NYSCA had certified over 1,000,000 coaches. The program is conducted via video tapes by local certified clinicians. The clinics consist of two, two-hour videos. Part I covers the areas of: psychology of coaching children, safety and first aid (including guiding children away from drug, tobacco and alcohol use), maximizing performance, and child abuse in youth sports. Part 11 gives specific information on coaching that particular sport, including: how to organize practices and teach the fundamentals in an efficient, fun manner. When coaches return the 2nd and 3rd year, they move on to more advanced tapes on working with children. Once coaches have completed their third year certification, they become lifetime members for as long as they renew their fees. Cost for certification is $15 per year and includes $500,000 liability coverage for each coach. The City of Plymouth Park and Recreation Department became a NYSCA chapter in 1987. Under the leadership of Chapter Director Rick Busch, and certified clinicians, Cindy Anderson and Greg Finn, Plymouth has certified 1,842 coaches from 11 associations in six sports over the past 10 years. In 1995, Rick Busch was awarded the NYSCA's highest award, that of Outstanding Youth Sports Leader" during ceremonies at their National Headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. The NYSCA certification program has played a major role in emphasizing to coaches the importance of the well being of the children they serve over any win -loss record. Listed below are the NYSCA's National Standards for Youth Sports, and a listing of the Plymouth youth sports programs that have been involved along with the years they participated. National Standards for Youth Sports 1. Proper Sports Environment Parents must consider and carefully choose the proper sports environment for their child, including the appropriate age and development for participation, the type of sport, the rules of the sport, the age range of the participants, and the proper level of physical and emotional stress. 2. Programs Based on the Well Being of Children Parents must select youth sports programs that are developed and organized to enhance the emotional, physical, social and educational well-being of children. 3. Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol -Free Environment Parents must encourage a drug, tobacco and alcohol -free environment for their children. 4. Part of a Child's Life Parents must recognize that youth sports are only a part of a child's life. 1996 -17- 5. Training Parents must insist that coaches are trained and certified. 6. Parent's Active Role Parents must make a serious effort to take an active role in the youth sports experience of their child providing positive support as a spectator, coach, league administrator and/or caring parent. 7. Positive Role Models Parents must provide positive role models, exhibiting sportsmanlike behavior at games, practices, and home, while also giving positive reinforcement to their child and support to their child's coaches. 8. Parental Commitment Parents must demonstrate their commitment to their child's youth sports experience by annually signing the Parents Code of Ethics Pledge. 9. Safe Playing Situations Parents must insist on safe playing facilities, healthful playing situations, and proper first aid applications, should the need arise. 10. Equal Play Opportunity Parents, coaches and league administrators must provide equal sports play opportunity for all youth regardless of race, creed, sex, economic status or ability. 11. Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol -Free Adults Parents must be drug, tobacco and alcohol -free at youth league sporting events. Participating Plymouth Youth Sports Groups Plymouth/Wayzata Baseball Association (1987-1996) Plymouth/Wayzata Softball Association (1987-1995) Plymouth/Wayzata Football Association (1991) Plymouth/Wayzata Hockey Association (1987) Plymouth/Wayzata Basketball Association (1990-1995) Plymouth Soccer Association (1992-1993) New Hope/Plymouth Baseball Association (1994-1996) New Hope/Plymouth Football Association (1994-1996) New Hope/Plymouth Soccer Association (1994-1996) New Hope/Plymouth Basketball Association (1992-1996) Plymouth Parks and Recreation Fall Soccer (1987-1996) 1996 -18- Coaches Certified 495 68 94 12 206 108 96 105 103 136 312 10 YEAR ENROLLMENT IN PLYMOUTH ADULT TEAM SPORTS 1987-96 UNOFFICIATED Fall 3 -Man BKB Winter 3 -Man BKB Spring 3 -Man BKB Summer 5 -Man BKB Winter 5 -Man BKB Fall 5 -Man BKB Fall Volleyball Winter Volleyball Beach Volleyball 4 -Man Football Co-Rec Broomball Softball Warmup 4 -Man Hockey Total Unofficiated OFFICIATED 4 -Man Football Winter 5 -Man BKB Fall Power Volleyball Winter Power Volleyball Summer Softball Fall Softball Total Officiated TOTALTEAMS 350 300 250 200 - 150 100 50 0 1987 1988 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 36 36 40 28 28 32 33 32 24 24 36 41 43 48 36 32 32 32 30 24 36 32 26 32 24 20 30 24 32 30 0 0 0 0 4 5 6 8 11 6 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 11 10 12 0 0 0 16 16 16 16 17 16 16 50 48 44 50 44 42 39 34 32 25 36 40 46 42 46 42 38 36 38 35 6 6 12 22 24 24 22 21 16 8 32 32 32 32 28 23 16 11 16 8 10 22 14 15 14 8 9 8 10 14 26 28 22 24 25 16 16 8 0 12 14 12 13 16 15 12 12 14 12 280 299 291 322 311 283 261 262 257 214 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 18 22 22 20 21 18 18 18 18 12 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 6 5 0 12 12 12 12 9 9 11 9 8 6 186 198 210 185 193 195 191 185 167 145 38 49 56 64 64 79 80 73 71 48 254 281 300 281 287 307 306 291 269 211 534 580 591 603 598 590 567 553 526 425 TEAMS ENROLLED IN PLYMOUTH ADULT TEAM SPORTS 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 O—Total Officiated --[]--Total Unoffciated 1996 -19- 1994 1995 1996 PLYMOUTH PLAYFIELD USAGE 1987-96 - NUMBER OF GAMES PLAYED Softball 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 14 22 30 Oakwood 42 35 48 45 53 73 42 67 81 68 Parkers Lake 74 93 71 76 65 77 59 58 56 30 Plymouth Creek 330 205 188 232 210 266 276 228 173 20 Plymouth Middle School 172 147 130 16 12 8 12 10 15 12 Ridgemount 0 4 8 8 16 0 17 16 8 10 Zachary 1 360 1301 1701 1725 1634 1600 1846 1 608 1648 1486 Totals 1,904 1,692 2,075 2,026 1,925 2,340 2,207 2,001 2,003 1,656 60-75' Baseball 0 0 0 0 0 0 92 260 300 304 Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 28 24 44 LaCompte 90 111 81 120 114 129 136 152 137 164 Oakwood 20 38 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Parkers 0 0 0 0 0 0 70 0 0 0 Plymouth Creek 27 30 59 52 55 86 69 80 80 100 Plymouth Middle School 73 121 141 210 175 180 175 135 180 178 Ridgemount 0 0 26 40 65 66 56 75 82 66 Zachary 0 0 0 0 14 21 65 52 77 129 Totals 210 300 307 422 413 482 487 522 580 681 90' Baseball Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 45 43 63 Oakwood 50 36 67 80 73 50 59 73 81 67 Parkers Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 94 96 148 213 Plymouth Creek 74 93 71 76 65 77 59 67 87 90 Zachary 68 102 110 96 91 95 81 73 82 68 Totals 192 231 248 252 229 222 333 354 441 501 Soccer 30 24 30 29 36 26 20 20 18 16 Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 102 95 Oakwood 268 263 448 220 141 202 243 200 466 320 Parkers Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 92 260 300 304 Plymouth Creek 65 48 38 39 126 100 115 432 445 219 Plymouth Middle School 61 64 57 114 186 168 189 260 205 211 Ridgemount 164 233 253 162 190 168 52 139 185 165 Zachary 180 177 219 180 184 157 193 185 204 183 Totals 738 785 1,015 715 817 795 884 1,530 1,907 1,497 Tackle Football Oakwood 54 60 45 45 0 18 34 46 46 41 Plymouth Middle School 6 20 27 41 32 30 40 40 50 55 Ridgemount 8 3 4 5 3 3 4 4 4 10 Totals 68 83 76 91 35 51 74 90 100 106 Broomball Plymouth Creek 40 56 21 29 25 28 35 28 66 49 Ridgemount 0 21 21 28 24 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 40 77 42 57 49 28 35 28 66 49 4 -Man Hockey Plymouth Creek 0 25 30 29 36 17 20 20 18 16 Plymouth Middle School 0 0 0 0 0 17 20 20 20 16 Zachary 30 24 30 29 36 26 20 20 18 16 Totals 30 49 60 58 72 60 60 60 56 48 Touch Football Plymouth Creek 118 118 118 112 98 0 66 55 80 49 Zachary 0 0 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 0 Totals 118 118 118 112 98 80 66 55 SO 49 1996 -20- PLYMOUTH PLAYFIELD USAGE 1987-96 (continued) Totals Per Playfield 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Bass Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 70 141 191 232 LaCompte 90 111 81 120 114 129 136 152 137 164 Oakwood 432 432 608 390 267 343 378 386 674 496 Parkers Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 256 414 504 547 Plymouth Creek 654 575 525 569 615 574 640 910 949 494 Plymouth Middle School 312 352 355 381 405 403 436 565 470 472 Ridgemount 172 261 312 243 298 250 129 234 279 251 Zachary 1638 1604 2060 2030 1959 2279 2205 1938 2029 1882 Totals 3,298 3,335 3,941 3,733 3,660 3,978 4,250 4,740 5,233 4,538 These totals do not include team practices, school physical education classes, drop-in usage, or any activities scheduled on school district facilities in Plymouth.) Bass Lake Plavfield 1 soccer/football field 1 hockey rink 1 softball field 190' baseball field 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/baseball fields 1996 -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 PlavfSeld 2 soccer/football fields 2 hockey rinks 4 softball/baseball fields 190' baseball field PLYMOUTH ICE CENTER The Plymouth Ice Center has been under construction for most of 1996. By year's end, the facility is expected to be entirely enclosed. Most of the work should move indoors shortly after the new year with possible completion sometime in the spring. The ice center is scheduled to be open for business in April or May of 1997. The operation of the ice center will be responsible in meeting the needs of the City and its residents, to provide a wide range of recreational activities and uses. It is estimated these various uses will attract almost 250,000 people into the facility, most of which will be local residents, but many will be from outside the Plymouth area. Thus, the motels, restaurants, service stations, retail stores, many local businesses, and residents of Plymouth will benefit greatly from this new facility. The actual economic impact on this community will be too vast to measure. Assessing the recreational benefits this facility will have to offer are somewhat easier. The ice center will respond to public needs and uses consistently with a seven day a week operation, 14 to 16 hours per day starting at 6 a.m. and ending around midnight, including weekends and holidays. Skating has, over the years, had no bounds. It has evolved into a very acceptable recreation venture whether in the form of hockey, figure skating, public open skating, or just spectating. The large numbers of individuals along with the extensive hours of operation will acknowledge this facility to serve as a source of recreational opportunities for all residents involving young and old, male and female, for many years to come. Priority usage has been established and approved for the Plymouth Ice Center. The following is a listing of primary usage in order of priority. 1. All City sponsored programs including open to public skating, learn to skate programs, skating schools and clinics 2. Wayzata and Armstrong High School hockey programs 3. Wayzata Youth Hockey Association 4. Other Plymouth youth programs 5. Plymouth adult programs 6. Other outside community youth groups 7. Private rentals These groups will have approximately 120 hours per week of prime time hours available to them. This includes the use of both ice sheets, but does not reflect additional hours available during holidays and non -school days. Nor does it show the endless number of non -prime hours for late evening and early morning rentals. 1996 -22- The Plymouth Ice Center will create and preserve a high quality aesthetically appealing environment, which will compare to and supersede the top rated venues in the state. To do this, it will operate on a preventative maintenance format, which means the facility and its equipment will be checked and maintained as needed on a monthly to yearly basis. Because of constant daily use and the demand of a strict schedule all equipment and structures must be cared for before a breakdown, thus preventing its occurrence. This type of program may have some adverse effects on a yearly operating expense budget, but in the long run will save many thousands of dollars in equipment replacement or building refurbishing. This method of operation will, in fact, be partly responsible for the Plymouth Ice Center's value to increase with time, which will become a positive factor for the City and the Plymouth residents as well. In all, the Plymouth Ice Center, under the jurisdiction of the Park and Recreation Department, is positively oriented toward responding to the recreational needs of all residents throughout the year, each and every day. Thus, the City has made a commitment to the general residents to provide a quality facility, available to all, for a variety of recreational uses. All staff will be dedicated and committed to serve these public needs. 1996 -23- VOLUNTEER PROGRAM The Volunteer Program continued to grow during 1996. The program offers: A valuable aid to staff members. An informal network of goodwill ambassadors throughout the community. An excellent opportunity for citizens to gain job skills, socialize and learn about local government. Special Event Volunteers Volunteers continued to be a big part of several special events, with their presence contributing to the success of these events. All of the special events utilized volunteers who were a variety of ages, and allowed young and old to work side by side. They were also opportunities for PAYS (Plymouth Alternative Youth Sentencing program) youth to serve. A total of 18 volunteers, 14 adults and 4 PAYS youth, worked at the spring special recycling day, and 16 volunteers helped with the fall special recycling day— Engineering. The History Fest used 14 volunteers during the one day celebration in August—Parks and Recreation. The Autumn Art Fair had 14 volunteers greet attendees, work at the information booth, and help with children's crafts booth—Parks and Recreation. The Greening of Plymouth's Entryways III" utilized 120 volunteers in the fall when shrubs and trees were planted at both the northwest and southwest quadrants of Carlson Parkway and Interstate 494. This was a joint project that involved: MN Department of Transportation; the City forester; Country Inn and Suites, which donated the door prize; Country Kitchen, which donated a pancake breakfast; and Italianni's, which donated a lasagna lunch. The volunteers were from the community, a church youth group, a Boy Scout troop, Wayzata Senior High, Armstrong Senior High, Prudential Corporation, Carlson Companies, and Honeywell—Parks and Recreation. Old Fashioned Christmas had 15 volunteers join in the holiday festivities. They included community volunteers, high school youth, and a Girl Scout troop—Parks and Recreation. Over 100 volunteers were lined up for Fire and Ice, but it was canceled due to the cold weather. 1996 -24- Ongoing Volunteers: Many volunteers stayed in the positions they held in 1995. Volunteers continued in the following positions: data analysis of crime statistics, McGruff House Coordinator, and emergency management coordinators - Public Safety A volunteer continued in her multi -faceted role putting together new resident packets and working with election materials - Administration One of the event planners continued in that role for not only volunteer services, but also assisted Public Safety as an event planner - Parks and Recreation and Public Safety Two firearm safety instructors continued and a new volunteer started in that role - Parks and Recreation Some of preschool aides continued and several new volunteers started - Parks and Recreation Many of the junior lifeguards, water safety aides, and summer teen aides volunteered again last summer - Parks and Recreation The Arts Committee members continued to function - Parks and Recreation All of the following volunteers continued to volunteer for the senior coordinator: the job exchange coordinator, the clerical aide, and the editor of the senior newsletter - Parks and Recreation Two engineering volunteers continued to assist the engineering aides - Engineering New Volunteer Positions: Some of the new volunteer positions created during 1996 included: Data input—Public Safety Clerical aide—Finance Special mailings team for sump pump inspections—Finance Data input for inspections—Community Development Data review for inspections—Community Development Housing intern—Community Development Tennis instructor for tennis clinics for seniors—Parks and Recreation Committee member working on at -risk teen project—Parks and Recreation Window designers—Parks and Recreation Newsletter editor—Parks and Recreation Volunteer Recognition: tion: The volunteer recognition event was held the evening of October 15 at the Carlson Towers Rotunda with 200 people in attendance. Volunteers enjoyed camaraderie, appetizers, and door prizes. Diana Pierce, the news anchor from KARE 11 television station, was the guest speaker. 1996 -25- During Volunteer Appreciation Week in April, supervisors of volunteers were invited to give ongoing and time limited volunteers a mug or a tote bag, both of which had the new volunteer logo imprinted on them. The latest edition of the "Volunteers in Plymouth" newsletter was also mailed to volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week. A continental breakfast was held for staff who supervised volunteers to show thanks for their role in working with volunteers. Other Highlights: An article about the Plymouth volunteer program was published in the November issue of Minnesota Cities, a publication of the League of Minnesota Cities. A five minute cable show which featured an engineering volunteer and the volunteer coordinator was broadcast in November on "NW Cities," a cable television show produced by Northwest Community TV. 1996 -26- PARK MAINTENANCE DIVISION Mvt110:11 IN eu199WAOM b MWN Wr W: J M 11 PARK MAINI'E STANCE PEOPLE (1) LEAD PERSON 1) POSITION ADDED IN 1996 Acreaees 1. Maintained....................................341 2. Un-Maintained...............................586 3. Open Space Acquired ......................067 4. Total...........................................994 Un - Maintained Natural 59% Park Breakdown PARK ACREAGE Open Space Acquired 7% 20 SEASONAL POSITIONS Aaintained 34% Plymouth has three types of parks: City parks, community playfields and neighborhood parks. City parks have an extensive trail system, children's playground, nature areas, and special features such as a beach or pavilions. Playfields have softball/baseball fields, soccer, hockey rinks, tennis courts, walking paths, and shelter buildings. Neighborhood parks generally have a children's playground, benches, open areas and small picnic shelters. 1996 -27- Plymouth's trail system consists of asphalt paths separate from the roadway, striped lanes along the roadways, or specially marked trails which share a roadway. 1. (1) Community Parks - Parkers Lake 2. (8) Playfields 3. (20) Neighborhood Parks 4. (75) Trail Miles Types of Duties Building Maintenance Mowing Trimming Refuse Service Rink Maintenance Horticulture Upkeep Aerate Top Dress Overseed Beach Maintenance Irrigation Systems Machinery & Equipment - 85 Pieces Acres Under Irrigation, 140 - 2,000 Heads Within The System Park 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 1996 Park Projects Park Construction New amphitheater site Log cabin site Athletic fields (West Lutheran High School) Air conditioned Bass Lake building Prairie sites (amphitheater and the maintenance facility) Wood sculptures 1996 -28- Trail Inspection Trail Plowing Evening Field Setup Safety Inspection Line Painting ADA/CPSC Improvements Timber Shores floating walkway being rebuilt. New playground Maple Creek. New Trail Construction Maple Creek, around new play area. Greenwood School, around new play area and basketball court. Amphitheater, trails surround site. Trail Overlav Pro¢ram Medina Road ....................................................... Niagara to Vicksburg Maple Creek ........................................................ Park entrance to sculpture Pilgrim............................................................... 37th Place to woods entrance. Northwest Boulevard .............................................. 38`h to County Rd. 9. Lancaster Lane ..................................................... County Rd. 9 to Four Seasons Mall entrance Niagara Lane.......................................................18`h Ave. to County Rd. 6 1996 Tree Trust Projects Timber Shores Walkway Institutional Work Crew Ridgemount......................................................... Rebuilt hockey rinks Amphitheater....................................................... Tree work Heritage Park ....................................................... Buckthorn removal Turtle Lake Park ................................................... Buckthorn removal Cardinal Ridge ..................................................... Tree work Open Space......................................................... Building removal West High School ................................................. Sodding Ballfields Backstop at West Lutheran High School Safety fencing at Plymouth Creek and LaCompte Winter Maintenance Added two miles of trail plowing Capital Improvement Projects Maple Creek New Play Area Timber Shores Walkway Ridgemount Hockey Rinks Community Gardens 60 rental sites 1996 -29- Volunteer Activities Flower Planting Amphitheater Work Eagle Scout Projects Special Events Fire And Ice Music In Plymouth Old Fashioned Christmas Art Fair History Fest City Softball Tournament ce u' FORESTRYPLYMOUTHPROGRAMp Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Wilt, & Hazard Trees This year, we once again had two Minnesota certified tree inspectors marking trees for removal in this category. Of the total 1128 trees marked, 73 % were for DED. The average diameter of these diseased elms was 7.2" . We marked 25 % less trees this year, which we would like to attribute to the past years of diligent marking. It appears that trees infected with Oak Wilt may have subsided this past year after a record number last year. We marked 24 oaks with an average diameter of 9.3", compared to the 88 trees that were marked last year. We re -inspected the three disease centers that were detected in 1995 and found a significant decrease in numbers due to in part to timely removal of the disease material by the surrounding landowners. We will continue to monitor these areas of concern and continue to work closely with the surrounding residents. 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 effectively manage Oak wilt incidences. Marking of hazardous trees increased by 11 % as we did inspect more private resident complaints along with a few storms that produced damaged trees that had to be removed. The average diameter of these trees was 12.7. Parks & trails are continually inspected for dead or structurally weak trees, as are boulevards and right of ways. Removal of potentially hazardous tree situations decreases the potential liability to the public. Tree Removals DED Oak Wilt Hazard Subtotals Forester 13 94 107 Forestry Tech 404 2 158 564 Tree Inspector 409 22 26 457 TOTAL 826 24 278 1128 PERCENTAGE 73% 2%-- 25 % t007v AVG. DIAMETER 5.9 9.3 12.4 Tree ownership city Private 11111111W 47% 53% 1996 -30- Forced Removals of trees ( < 6") removed of trees (> 6") removed Total # of forced removals of properties w/ removals 20 17 37 (Avg. diameter = 7.9") 11 There was a 45% decrease in the number of force cuts, from 20 to 11, and the total number of trees removed decreased by 23 %, from 48 to 37. A stricter adherence to State guidelines and an objective procedure for inspection of hazardous trees may have caused a few irritations, but resulted in more uniform compliance of removals and less trees being removed by the City contractor. The additional step of calling prior to forcing the removals did result in less confrontations and generally made this sticky situation a little more positive. Stump Grinding of stumps 122 Total inches 4595 Avg. stump size 37.7" Trimmine Our contractors trimmed 1,109 trees, an increase of 36% over last year while removing 643 trees, an increase of 38% over last year. This correlates to approximately one section of the City being covered. Street Tree Trimming Highlights Trimmed trees 1,109 Removed trees 643 Total maintained trees 1,752 Avg. # of trees maintained/day (8 hours) 35 Cost per inch to maintain $1.88/in. With the addition of new streets, it will be necessary to increase 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 year our seasonal crews, combined with volunteers from Options North, InVest, Sentence to Serve, re -mulched, trimmed, wrapped, and checked tree guards for the majority of park trees. These trees are in maintained areas of parks which get the most contact from citizens and our mowing crews. 1996 -31- Reforestation Between contractors and volunteers, the City assisted in planting 1,229 trees, 1,493 shrubs, and 1,260 flowers throughout the City. The largest plantings were accomplished in the partnership/volunteer category, which speaks volumes for the public's commitment to enhancing their environment through personal involvement and positive action. The Arbor Day ceremony was truly a celebration this year. The Forestry Division, School District #284, & Tree Trust sponsored an educational planting which focused on wildlife enhancement. The children improved their local environment with their own hands. A strong sense of community pride was experienced that day. The "Greening Plymouth's Entryways 3" is the ongoing partnership created between the City of Plymouth & MnDOT. This year's corporate sponsorship included Country Kitchen, Italianni's and Country Inn Suites and was quite a feast! This project brought together volunteers, ranging from corporate leaders, high school students, elected officials and Plymouth residents, all working together to better their environment. A diverse plant community was established in an area which lacked visual appeal, was constantly being mowed and devoid of many wildlife benefits. The "Beat the Heat" grant program focused on planting trees for energy conservation. The enthusiastic homeowner associations (Bridlewood, Seven Ponds & Heritage Woods 2id) and their residents created windbreaks and strategic plantings to reduce energy costs in their neighborhoods and private residences. Contracted (spring) Trees Shrubs Perennials/Flowers Bass Lake Playfield 26 30 36`s & Vicksburg Ln. (median) 7 Parkers Lake Playfield 22 Queensland Park 2 Zachary Playfield 14 Assorted parks 28 Assorted addresses 4 Contracted (fall) Co. Rd. 9 260 Assorted address 5 19 Prairies Amphitheater 3 acre St. Mary's Park /a acre Public Works 1 acre Partnerships/Volunteers 1996 -32- Arbor Day @ Greenwood Elem. Beat the Heat" - MN ReLEAF grant Wild rice @ Wayzata H.S.-CPGP grant Greening Plymouth's Entryways 3 Fire Station #2 - Tree Trust Fire Station #3 - STS Memorial garden -Parkers Lk. Plyfld. Amphitheater -Boy Scouts & Deloitte Touche TOTALS Tree Preservation 25 40 1000 751 2 acre 37 1100 66 38 61 18 161 48 220 1,229 1,493 1,260 With another banner year for development, tree preservation inspections were constant and heavy. 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. The administration of the old policy demanded a great deal of staff time and effort while attaining sometimes less than desirable results. The new ordinance has resulted in less staff time and effort while resulting in more trees being saved and more consistent application of standards. Tree Preservation Inspections ro m c rom ro m < m m m M m m rn , m w rn rn rn rn rn m LL Q' 0 o vQ (DO Z D Pine Bark Beetle Traps 0 Development Building A neighborhood group near Queensland Park contacted us last fall & requested help with their Red pine stands. The stand was evaluated by Forestry staff, thinning was completed by homeowners in the winter, and the neighborhood group borrowed City traps and trapped this spring. The following results were found: 1996 -33- Pine Bark Beetle Trapping @ Queensland We expect to work closely with this group again in 1997 to further combat the Pine Bark beetle problem and insure the health of the remaining red pine stand. Miscellaneous Items Fertilizing/Aerating Unfortunately this year's early snow impeded our fertilizing program. The following location will be looked at next year: 1. Amphitheater Proper maintenance helps insure that our initial investment will come to fruition in a viable and healthy urban forest. Site Obstructions Approximately 7 site obstruction complaints were received, processed and abated. Burn Permits 36 burn sites were inspected, resulting in 34 permits being issued. The City has begun looking at salvaging some of the wood that is currently being burned in our diseased tree burn site. This would be a logical, as well as a more environmentally sensitive, approach to the wood waste disposal. 1996 -34-