HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 11-13-1997Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
November 13, 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
S. Unfinished Business
a. West Medicine Lake park update
b. Elm Creek playfield update
c. East Medicine Lake regional trail update
d. Armstrong High School gym update
e. Activity center update
f. Name for northeast neighborhood park (no action necessary)
g. Aggressive skate park update
6. New Business
a. Park Commission will
see attached memo)
b.
7. Commission Presentation
S. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
parks\staff\eric\prac\agendas\nov97.doe
be interviewed by northwest Plymouth planning consultant
Next regular meeting - Dec. 11
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
October 13, 1997
Page 31
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Johnson, Priebe, Thompson, Wahl,
Willegalle; staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Ice Arena Center Ice
Meeting Room.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Wahl and seconded by Commissioner Priebe to
approve the minutes of the September meeting as presented. The motion carried with
all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. Mary talked about the volunteer recognition event at the Carlson Rotunda.
She reminded commissioners to attend if they RSVP'd. The event begins at 7:15.
She mentioned the grand opening for the Plymouth Life Time Recreation Center
beginning at 6 p.m., Friday, October 17. She stated that we are looking for
volunteers to test our phone-in registration system. Ron Fiemann volunteered, as
well as other commissioners. The system can be custom designed. She wants
commissioners to evaluate system once they've called in. Mary said she would send
something out in the next week or so explaining how to use the system. The winter
brochure is almost ready to go to the printer. It includes information on the Fire and
Ice Festival, which is the first Saturday in February. Old Fashioned Christmas is
coming up the first Sunday in December. Mary indicated that some park and
recreation facility use policies need to be reviewed by the Commission at a future
meeting, including the new performance platform at Parkers Lake. This facility has
had two uses so far by teenage bands. Commissioner Willegalle wanted to know if
you could just use it without reserving it. Mary said there's no way to prevent people
from doing that. Director Blank said that two weeks ago, during Wayzata
Homecoming weekend, police were called in to remove 200-250 kids from Parkers
Lake stage, where they were having a pancake breakfast and band concert at 5:30
in the morning. We later received a call from a parent who was unhappy about his
child being told to leave the park. He wondered what authority the police used to
get kids out of the park? Director Blank explained that police have general authority
at any time to shut down a group gathering if they feel it is not appropriate. Director
Blank and police have had a few discussions now about this situation and how to
PRAC Minutes/October 1997
Page 33
stage lease payment and upgrade of youth sports fields. Commissioners asked about
the location of the proposed 10th playfield. Director Blank stated that it's planned
for Vicksburg & Co. Rd. 47. He also explained that Fire Station 4 might be proposed
for the same location as the 10th playfield. Commissioner Johnson asked about the
portable stage and what we're buying for $75,000? He wanted to know if there was
enough money to buy a permanent stage. Director Blank said no and explained why
we need a portable one. It's more flexible, it can be moved to different parks, etc.
He said that we have been renting Richfield's, but they won't loan it out any more,
because it's too old. This is a large piece of equipment. It has to be big enough to
hold the Minnesota Orchestra. Director Blank stated that the Parks Department has
been trying to buy one for 15 years now. We spend about $80,000 on a playground
and this will give us twice as many years use. We may even be able to rent it out a
couple of times a year.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE 1998-2002 PARKS CIP AS
PRESENTED. SECONDED BY THOMPSON. MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
b. West Medicine Lake Park update. Crews poured concrete slabs there today for
picnic shelters. Commissioner Johnson asked about the basketball courts there. He
said they appear to be built with hoops side by side, so kids can't play full court
games. Director Blank said intention is to put two different heights up, so different
age groups can play there. Director Blank said. if it becomes an issue, we can
change it to be full court. The playground structure is a week away from being
installed. The swimming area was redone. Director Blank is not 100% happy with
it. He explained that it's deep enough in most places, but it's a little uneven and
there are a couple of shallow areas.
c. Ice arena update. Director Blank said that things are now down to a punch list with
the contractors. Furniture has been ordered for the large meeting room, including 30
tables and more chairs. There is a small problem with the roof that needs to be
fixed. There are little brown circles that keep coming up through the ice surface and
no one is sure what is causing this. This hasn't interfered with ice performance, just
the looks. There are different shades of white on the hockey boards. Director Blank
is not pleased with that. Working out a plan with that contractor so they can replace
boards with all matching ones. The ice arena is now opening three days a week at 6
a.m. and running until midnight four nights a week. Director Blank thinks that
within five years, we may have to discuss adding another rink. We currently have
about 500 kids enrolled in learn to skate programs and have seven skating
instructors. This is a very popular program.
d. Elm Creek Playfield update. Two of the four softball fields were recently sodded.
The temporary building is up and operational. The lighting and sprinkling systems
are working. These fields should be ready for adult softball league use next spring.
PRAC Minutes/October 1997
Page 35
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
The November meeting is scheduled for the 13th, back at City Hall.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
FILE NO
JLTANTS
RESEARCH
Plymouth Elected and Appointed Officials and Staff
David Licht /Alan Brixius
24 October 1997
Plymouth Comprehensive Plan Update -"Tactics" Meetings
and Interviews
225.12A
In initiating work on the Plymouth Comprehensive Plan Update which includes special
emphasis on the northwest area, we believe it critical to have an understanding of the
issues and objectives as perceived by City officials and staff. As a consequence of this
situation, individual and group meetings are being scheduled for a discussion of such
matters.
In organizing for these sessions, there is no set agenda on our part. We do not wish to
influence or direct the issues or topics which are raised. Given this format, it is extremely
critical that prior to the Tactics session in which you are to participate, that you take some
time to organize your thoughts and identify those City planning and development matters
which are of primary importance to you and that you want the Comprehensive Plan to
address. Should there yet be questions or further clarification required, please contact us
at your convenience.
We look forward to our meetings and pending work on the Comprehensive Plan Update.
It is our sincere pleasure to again be able to work with Plymouth officials and staff and to
be of service to the community.
PC: Anne Hurlburt
5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 55416
PHONE 6 1 2-595-9636 FAX 61 2-595-9837