HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 10-13-1997Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
October 13, 1997, 7 p.m., at the Plymouth Ice Arena, 3650 Plymouth Blvd.
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
5. Unfinished Business
a. 1998-2002 CIP - continue discussion of projects - motion to approve
five year plan
b. West Medicine Lake park update
c. Ice arena update
d. Elm Creek playfield update
e. East Medicine Lake regional trail update
L Armstrong High School gym update
g. Activity center update
h. Report from Aggressive Skateboard Park Committee members
6. New Business
a. Name for northeast neighborhood park
b.
C.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting - Nov. 13
parks\stafi\eric\prac\agendas\oct97.doe
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
September 15, 1997
Page 26
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Johnson, Priebe, Thompson, Wahl, Willegalle;
staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson
Absent: Commissioner Fiemann
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the September 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 Anderson
to approve the minutes of the August meeting as presented. The motion carried with all
ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. Mary Bisek talked about the annual art fair held Saturday. Many of the bands
that performed were rescheduled from summer Tuesday night concerts that had been
rained out. Fall registrations for the most part are completed. Many programs filled
immediately and some that filled last year by this time have not yet filled this fall. Some
of this might be caused by the opening of Life Time. This is the first time the city is
doing the school year swimming program. We had very high registrations for that, but
are short of staff. Next Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Arts Council is sponsoring another new
event. Joe Dowling from the Guthrie is coming to the Radisson to do a presentation.
We are having loaded into our computer system a new software package, which in-
cludes touch tone telephone registration. We are a beta site for this, so we are testing
the software. Recreation staff is starting to plan winter programs. Dates have been se-
lected for the grand opening of the ice arena and Life Time Fitness, October 17-19.
Commissioner Wahl asked if we have Internet registration. Mary said no. The concern
with people who have done Internet registration is security of credit card numbers.
c. Others. There were no others present.
4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
Council selected the architect for the activity center - Delano Erickson.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. 1998-2002 CIP. Ruth Solom and Barb Deede, from the Pilgrim Lane PTO, expressed
appreciation for the $15,000 the City has already allocated for their playground upgrade
PRAC Minutes/September 1997
Page 27
and then explained that they were in attendance at the meeting to request an additional
20,000423,000 for the purpose of adding a pre-school structure, which wasn't part of
the original plan. The Pilgrim Lane school encompasses a large geographic area and
serves as the neighborhood park. The current proposed structure is designed for kids in
K -5th grade. The PTO feels strongly that the addition of the pre-school structure will
make this a more complete park and will meet the needs of many more families; how-
ever, the PTO does not have the ability to raise all the funds needed to complete this
project in its entirety. They expect to raise a total of $65,000 which includes school
fund-raisers conducted during the 97-98 school year, donations from corporations and
neighborhood businesses, grants, donations from civic organizations and residents,
plus monies already raised, as well as the contribution from the city. Another speaker,
Colleen Kennedy, has pre-school children and is participating on the fund raising com-
mittee. She will target those families with pre-school children. She explained that it is a
daily ritual for her and her children to visit the park. She's very interested in a pre-
school structure and is doing everything she can to help raise funds, along with other
moms of preschoolers. Commissioner Willegalle asked about the total amount they are
requesting. Ms. Solom said that the $15,000 already allocated would be for the regular
playground structure, and that the additional $20,000-$23,000 is for the preschool
structure. Mark Peterson worked with them and came up with the amount necessary to
build the entire structure. Commissioner Johnson asked some questions about the site
itself. Ms. Solom explained that it's a relatively large park and can easily accommodate
the additional structure. Chair Anderson then brought up policy concerns that the
Commission needed to discuss. He reminded them that a year ago the Commission
voted to increase the contribution they give to park/school playground improvements
from $10,000 to $15,000, if they had received funding previously, and $25,000 if they
were first time requests. Director Blank then explained the five year capital improve-
ment plan. He said no action was necessary tonight, but would be required in October.
The budget will go to the Planning commission in late October and then on to the City
Council in December for final adoption. He explained the different funding sources;
park replacement fund, park dedication fund, and the community improvement fund.
He then went through the items allocated for 1998; a lease payment on a portable stage
for the amphitheater, the activity center and field house, trails, the neighborhood park
at Vicksburg and Schmidt Lake Road, the upgrade at Zachary Playfield, which involves
new lighting and would be phased in over two years, bleachers and painting of graphics
at the ice arena, art in the parks, amphitheater garden, aggressive skate park, Pilgrim
Lane playground upgrade and playground replacement at East Beach, because they have
nothing at the present time. All of the playgrounds are inspected weekly and park
maintenance gives them a ranking in terms of which ones need to be upgraded and
when. In 1999, projects include a trail over the 494 bridge along County Road 9, an-
other lease payment on the portable stage, an upgrade of youth sports facilities at East
Middle School and/or Greenwood Elementary, the second phase of Zachary field
lighting, a neighborhood park, art in the park, and Oakwood School playground up-
grade. In 2000, projects proposed are trail development, a neighborhood park, lease
payment on the portable stage, and land acquisition for the 10th playfield. The 410 ac-
count, which is neighborhood parks, shows shortages beginning in 1999. We have to
PRAC Minutes/September 1997
Page 28
make up for that somehow. Director Blank then discussed requests from the Curtis
Lake Homeowners Association for extension of trail along Northwest Boulevard north
of 44th to Schmidt Lake Road. There is money built into CIP for trails. If this trail is
considered, we need to amend the comprehensive trail plan. Director Blank reminded
PRAC about guidelines adopted for funding school playgrounds. Commissioner Wahl
asked about pre-school equipment at other school playgrounds. Director Blank said it is
fairly typical to include preschool structures. The guidelines say the city could go as
high as $25,000. The estimate for the Pilgrim Lane project is $65,000 for the K -5th
grade structure without the pre-school structure. Director Blank explained the bounda-
ries of the walking neighborhood for Pilgrim Lane. Commissioner Wahl asked what
procedure PRAC would follow if they were to approve more than $25,000 as stated in
the guidelines. Director Blank said PRAC would just make a recommendation and it
would be up to the Council to approve or disprove. Chair Anderson stated his concern
with the long range budget and how the money just isn't there. He is also concerned
with setting a precedent. Commissioner Priebe asked about the policy on placing pre-
school equipment in neighborhood parks. Director Blank said it is typical to put pre-
school structures in neighborhood parks. Commissioner Thompson said there are two
issues; money and setting a precedent. Chair Anderson said the Council may not look
favorably on changing the school/park playground policy less than a year later. In De-
cember of 1996, it was raised from $10,000 to $25,000 on parks that have not been
funded before. Director Blank stated that Pilgrim Lane was the first school to request
help with upgrading their playground back in 1984. Commissioner Johnson asked what
an additional $20,000 would buy them. Director Blank said that would be difficult
without seeing a plan. He said we now budget $75,000 to $80,000 when we put in a
new playground at other neighborhood parks. Director Blank asked Ms. Solom if the
school district is putting in any money. Ms. Solom explained that the school district is
covering the cost of removing and disposing of the old structure, but will not put in any
actual cash. Director Blank explained that 50% of today's increased playground cost is
for surfaces that meet ADA guidelines. The Wayzata School District is now helping out
their PTO's by contributing funds for those new surfaces. The Robbinsdale District
isn't doing that for its PTO's. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED AND CHAIR
ANDERSON SECONDED A MOTION TO RAISE TO $25,000 THE TOTAL FOR
THE PILGRIM LANE REQUEST FOR FUNDING, DUE TO THE INCREASED
SIZE AND SCOPE OF THEIR PLAYGROUND. MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL
AYES.
Commissioner Priebe suggested that in the future, school playground replacements
should include a preschool structure in their plan. Director Blank agreed. Director
Blank then discussed the 410 account and how to make that balance. He said that the
neighborhood parks in 2000, 2001, and 2002 may have to be deleted. Almost all of the
property in Plymouth is now developed up to the MUSA line, unless they extend the
MUSA. There was a major meeting with all the land owners in northwest Plymouth;
52 % don't want it developed, while 48 % do. Director Blank will work on the CIP and
will bring it back balanced at the October meeting. The Zachary upgrade will run about
210,000 for new lighting and new fencing, backstops, etc. He explained that we may
PRAC Minutes/September 1997
Page 29
be able to buy the bleachers for the ice arena out of the arena construction budget. Art
in the parks would be for some type of sculpture in front of the ice center and at West
Medicine Lake Park. The Council feels very strongly that the bridge at 494 & 9 is very
dangerous and that we need a trail here. The youth sports upgrade at Greenwood Ele-
mentary and Central Middle Schools is for new fields, both in 1999 and 2000. Director
Blank has been working with the City Manager and is assured that the city will find the
resources to complete the West Medicine Lake Park. Everything is in place to complete
the project. There is a verbal commitment from the DNR for a fishing pier. The only
item that is an unknown at this time is lighting in the park. We can go two ways here -
rent the lights from NSP, or buy the lights. The playground structure has been ordered,
sand is there for the sand volleyball courts, bids are being opened for four picnic shel-
ters tomorrow, and the budget has allowed for lifeguards in 1998, so park should be
fully operational next summer. Director Blank said there is nothing in the CIP for buy-
ing a golf course. Commissioner Johnson said the 70/30 park dedication formula maybe
needs to be looked at. The park dedication policy goes back to 1974 explained Director
Blank. The 30% has, in the past, been enough to build neighborhood parks. We have a
legal commitment to put money back into neighborhoods, when we collect park dedica-
tion money. Commissioner Johnson questioned the trail on the County Road 9 bridge
over 494. Has anyone thought of asking Target or Rainbow to assist with this? By
building this trail, we are helping people gain access to this major retail area. Perhaps
someone from the city should contact these major retail stores and ask for a contribu-
tion toward this trail. Director Blank said he would discuss this issue with the City
Manager. Commissioner Thompson pointed out that traffic on Vicksburg has doubled
over the last year, and she thinks residents will ask for a safe way to cross Vicksburg to
get to the new park on Schmidt Lake Road and Vicksburg. Director Blank mentioned
the memo from Councilmember Spigner. She is asking PRAC to keep in mind Sunrise
Park when considering locations for skateboard parks. The skateboard park focus group
will get together at least once before the next PRAC meeting.
b. Ice arena update. Director Blank said that we have reached an agreement with Life
Time for a grand opening ceremony on October 17-19. There will be a ribbon cutting
ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday. Life Time will have a party for their members and
guests. The remainder of the weekend the center would be open to the public for tour-
ing, etc.
c. Elm Creek Playfield. Director Blank stated that we need to sod that complex in order
for it to open next spring. It's been seeded twice now, and it's not taking.
d. East Medicine Lake Regional trail update. It's under construction, and the road is
closed. Director Blank anticipates substantial completion by early November.
e. Armstrong High School gym update. Director Blank is hoping that this will be done in
time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Recreation programmers have been meet-
ing to come up with ways to use that new space.
PRAC Minutes/September 1997
Page 30
I. Activity center update. A car count was conducted in early September, and now there
are meters at the entrances counting the cars coming in. The complex is being used ex-
tensively. The girls play high school hockey games on Tuesday nights and draw crowds
of 100 or so. The boys play on Thursday and Saturday nights, and they draw 400 to
500 typically. The Life Time Club reaches its peak on Monday, and from there it goes
down. Parking could be a problem on Thursday nights if there was a hockey tourna-
ment going on. We may have to look at locating the activity center north of 34th Ave-
nue, where the tennis center was proposed, rather than attaching it to the south end of
Life Time, because of the parking issue.
a. There was no new business.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
The next PRAC meeting will be Monday, October 13, at the Iee Arena.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
3Dpkrvpd
City of Plymouth Page 1 10/8/97
City of Plymouth
1998 - 2002 Capital Improvements rogamm---
Park Dedication Fund—Community Playfields and Trails (Fund 409)
Pmje&dEndBeginningEstimatedProjectedTransferto Interest Earnings Projected
Year i lv—enues
422,5881997970,033 525,000 (1,085,000) MM004 39,08
1998 422,588 400,000 478,725) 315,863 18,4 1 33,324
20011 241,148 350,000 318,725) 31,000) 241,423 12,064 253,487
2002 253,487 350,000 318,725) 32,000) 252,762 12,656 265,418
City of Plymouth Page 1 10/8/97
98pkrvnp
City of Plymouth
1998-2002 Capital Improvements Program
Park Dedication Fund -Neighborhood Parks (Fund 410)
Beginning Estimated Projected to Protected End Interest Earnings Projected
Year Balance Revenues Expenditures
Transfer
Park Repl. Fund Balance 5% on avg balance Final Balance
1997 335,901 200,000 410,000) 11,371) 114,530 115261 1255791
1998 125,791- 200,000 285,000) (14,000) _ _ -- 26,T9 '3,815
95,000), (14,000) 71,605 2,555
90,000)- (15,000)'. 119,161 4,833
175,000) (16,000)_ 82,994 5,175
80,000) - (16,000) -- 142,168 - 5,758
30,605
74,161
123,994
88,168
147,927
1999 30,605
74,16]
88,168
150,000
150,000200
2001i____123,994 150,000
150,0002002—
City of Plymouth Page 1 10/6/97
96CIPPRK
City of Plymouth
Page 1 -
10/8/97
City ofPlymouth
1998 - 2002 Capital Improvements Program
Park Projects
Park Park ParkProjectPark
Number Plro'ectJ
Year Planning Park Dedication Dedication ReplacementP Community Other
and
Design
Construction Playfl ,,d, Neighborhood MSA Improvemen Funding Total Other Funding Sources NatesTrailsParksFundingFund (CM * Sources
1 Portable Stage 98
2 Activity Center 98
18,725
Lease purchase
3 Field House 98 Bonds and CIF
4 Trail 98
5 Park --Vicksburg & Schmidt Lake Rd 98
75,000
6 Zachary Park Upgrade, Phase I 98
90,000
7 Ice Rink--Bleachers/Graphics 98
160,000 50,000
8 Art in the Parks(?) 98
25,000
9 Amphitheater Garden 9898
20,000
10 Aggressive Skate Park
15,000
I1 Nbrhd Parks --East Beach, one other 98
90,000
12 \dress Medicine Lake Park--miscL 98
70,000
13 Playfield bleachers, hash containers 98
50,000
14 Pilgrim Larne Playground 98
25,000
Subtotal
25,000
478,725 285,000 50,000 0 0 0 0
15 Trails -494 & CR 9 Bridge 99
1 Portable Stage 99
185,000
16 youth sports fields upgrades 99
18,725
Leasepurchase
6 Zachary Puk--Phase 11 upgrade 99
100,000
Greenwood Elementaryand Central Middle school
11 Neighborhood Park replacement 99
5,000
8 AR int Ohe ark 99
so,000 80,000
17 Oakwood Scheel--parkplaylp mid 99
10,000
Subtotal 15,000
428,725 95,000 80,000 0 p p 0
19 TrailDevelopment 00
11 Neighborhood Park 00
100,000
1 Portable stage 00
16 Upgradeyouth sportsfields 00
18,725
Lease purchase
18 Playground replacement pp
00,000
8 Art in the Park 0o
90,000 90,000
20 Land Acquisition (1 Ott Playfield) 00
15,000
Subtotal
200,000
433,725 90,000 90,000 0 00 0
19 Trail Development of
1 Portable stage 01
100,000
20 Land Acquisition 01
18,725
Lease purchase
11 Neighborhood Park 01
200,000
Subtotal 175,000
318,725 175,000 p p 0 p p
City of Plymouth
Page 1 -
10/8/97
96CIPPRK
City of Plymouth
1998 - 2002 Capital Improvements Program
Park Projects
Park Park Park
Project Park Year Planning Park Dedication Dedication Replacement Community I Other
Number Project and Construction Playfields Neighborhood MSA Improvement Funding Total Other Funding Sources Notes
Design Trails Parks Funding Fund (CM, a Sources
19 Tmil Development 02 100,000
I Portable stage 02 18,725 Lease purchase
20 Land Acquisitimr(10th Playfreld) 02
II_ Neighbodmod Park 02 200,000 80,000
Subtotal 318,725 80,0000 0 01 0
TOTAL 1,978,625 725,000 220,000 01 0 01 0
City of Plymouth Page 2 10/8/97