HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 03-19-1998Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
March 19, 1998, 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 mobile stage
b. Approved skateboard park
c. Approved minor capital expenditures
d. Approved contract with DNR for fishing pier at West Medicine Lake Park
e. Accepted 1997 Annual Report
5. Unfinished Business
a. West Medicine Lake Park update
b. Elm Creel-, Playfield update
c. East Medicine Lal -,e regional trail update
d. Activity center/fieldhouse update
6. New Business
a. Amend comprehensive plan - extend trail on Northwest Blvd. from 44th Ave. to
Schmidt Lake Rd.
b. Develop rental policy for mobile stage
C.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting - April 9
n\parks\staft\eric\prac\agendas\mar98. doc
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
February 12, 1998
Page 6
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Musliner, Priebe, Thompson, Wahl,
Willegalle; staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Introduce new commissioner, Melissa Musliner. Commissioners were introduced to Melissa
Musliner and each spent a few minutes describing their backgrounds and number of years on
the Commission, followed by Ms. Musliner explaining her background.
Chair Anderson then called the February meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
Appoint Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Priebe moved and Commissioner Fiemann
seconded a motion to reappoint Don Anderson as Chair and Mark Wahl as Vice Chair. The
motion carried with all ayes.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the minutes of the January meeting as presented. The motion
carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None.
b. Staff. Mary Bisek thanked members for their help at Fire and Ice. S'mores sold out once
again. The issue of dogs at special events came up at the Fire and Iee evaluation meeting.
Mary stated that the City of Crystal has made a decision that dogs are not welcome in
their parks during special events. She suggested that PRAC might want to discuss this at
a future meeting and make some kind of motion. Commissioner Thompson suggested
that Mary come to a future meeting with some appropriate wording for such a motion.
Mary mentioned the gentleman that attended Fire and Ice who referred to himself as the
Snowman" He took pictures of people attending the event and offered to share those
pictures with Park and Recreation staff. A discussion then took place about whether or
not this individual should be included in next year's event and should a background
check be done on him. Feelings were divided on this topic and it was suggested that
individuals who show up at special events and present themselves as "entertainers"
should at least check in with a staff person. Mary stated that the Touch Tone Registration
system has been going very well. Between February 3 and February 12, 348 registrations
came in on the TTR system, which is 34% of the total registrations during that time
period. The next special event coming up is Primavera, the fine art show. Work has
begun on the summer brochure. Staff is trying to come up with user policies for the new
PRAC Minutes/February 1998
Page 7
gymnasiums. Mary explained to Commissioner Musliner that the City contributed
money toward the development of these new gyms.
c. Others. Outgoing Commissioner Johnson stopped by to say goodbye to the
commissioners and stated how much he had enjoyed his time serving on PRAC. He also
gave high praise to this group for how well they work together and all that they
accomplish.
4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
More change orders dealing with the ice center were approved by Council.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. West Medicine Lake Park update. Crews wrapped up work on the picnic shelters. Stone
work on the shelters has to be stained to match the stone on the footbridge. Final
arrangements are being made to build lifeguard towers, etc. We received official
notification from the DNR that we will be getting a fishing pier. It should be delivered
around June 1.
b. Elm Creek Playfield update. No new action has taken place on this item. Four more
bleachers have been ordered, which will be assembled by our crews. Staff is hoping that
girls fastpitch softball will be played there this summer. The soccer fields won't be
operational until fall.
c. East Medicine Lake Regional Trail update. Work is being done on the retaining walls,
etc. Paving of the trail will be done in late May/early June. The mile gap on the south
side of the lake from West Medicine Lake Drive to 13th Avenue will be very expensive
to construct and may be contingent on some kind of bonding bill being passed.
Commissioner Willegalle asked about the stretch of the Luce Line east of 494 and if we
would be selling it or continuing to maintain it. Director Blank said it looks like we will
continue the maintenance. There has been a lot of discussion on whether or not the Luce
Line should be paved. The DNR is holding public meetings to hear opinions on this.
d. Armstrong High School gym update. The dedication ceremony was Wednesday,
February 11. The facility is being used extensively. We will be sponsoring some open
gyms there this spring.
e. Activity Center update. A subcommittee meeting was held Monday evening. Five
council members were in attendance and some citizens. We are getting better pricing
from the architects. Those council members in attendance favor holding a bond election
in May. The target date to open is the end of the year, 1999, to coincide with the
Millennium. Director Blank said he isn't getting a lot of feedback at this time on the
desire for a field house from the various athletic associations. Council will have to
approve wording of the special bond election by March 18 in order to hold the election in
May.
PRAC Minutes/February 1998
Page 8
f Aggressive Skate Park update. The temporary skate park will be behind the ice center.
Commissioner Musliner asked about the apparent conflict between using the parking lot
for the skate park and the need for the parking lot to handle all the cars visiting the ice
arena and Life Time. Director Blank explained that the attendance at the fitness center is
supposed to peak this month and then start dropping off and hopefully will not be an
issue after that.
g. Name for northeast neighborhood park. Director Blank explained that it was necessary to
finally name this park officially, so that signs can be made and it can be included in this
year's park map that is inserted in the summer brochure. A list of suggested names was
included in the PRAC packet. Chair Anderson moved to name the park Three Ponds
Neighborhood Park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Priebe. The motion
carried with all ayes.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Approve 1997 Annual Report. Commissioner Wahl moved and Commissioner
Thompson seconded a motion to accept the annual report as presented. The motion
carried with all ayes. Staff thanked the Commission for their hard work over the past
year.
b. Capital improvements budget. Director Blank had to change a few numbers in the
budget. He had to lower the amounts for the Zachary upgrade phases 1 and 2 and the
skate park was also lowered. This allows the park dedication fund cash to flow properly.
Commissioner Fiemann asked about the youth sports fields upgrade in 1999. Director
Blank explained that it's for Greenwood Elementary and Central Middle Schools.
c. Extended stay hotel/Little Peninsula . Director Blank stated that the City Council
unanimously voted that they would not approve this project if submitted by the
developer. It would have filled a wetland and a road would have had to be vacated. The
location for the extended stay hotel was perfect, but the land is a swamp. The council is
very interested, however, in the Little Peninsula. The property has been referred to the
Open Space Committee. It's an ideal location for wetland mitigation. Director Blank
feels that it will likely be purchased by some developer in the future and may eventually
be donated to the City.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank needs to change the March meeting to the 19th.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
DATE: March 19, 1998
TO: PRAC
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Amendment to Comprehensive Trail Plan
Last year, you received a petition from the neighborhood lying between Northwest Boulevard
and 494 for an extension of trail. Specifically, they requested that the trail on the west side of
Northwest Boulevard be extended northerly from 44th Avenue to Schmidt Lake Road. On the
attached graphic, I have outlined in red the existing trails. The piece that's being requested is
highlighted in yellow. Staff has reviewed this and thinks that it does meet the requirement for
an off-road trail. First and foremost the traffic volume and speed on Northwest Boulevard
dictates the necessity for off-road trail. Next, we now have destination points at both the north
and south end of this piece of trail. At the south end, you have the retail shopping center of
Target, Rainbow Foods and other shops. At the north end the new church is being built at the
corner of Northwest Boulevard and Schmidt Lake Road. We also have the major east/west
trail corridor along Schmidt Lake Road for people who wish to go northbound to pick up that _
section of trail.
I have also highlighted in green two other segments that are currently being studied by the city.
I anticipate that these two segments will be brought back to the commission for your review
and consideration in the near future.
Recommendation: Staff is recommending the comprehensive trail plan be amended to extend
the trail on the west side of Northwest Boulevard from 44th Avenue to Schmidt Lake Road.
Staff is also recommending that this project be presented to the City Council for consideration
for construction during 1998.
EB/np
July 14, 1997
To: Eric Plank
Fr: Rick Bloom
Re: Sidewalk - Northwest Blvd., West Side of Street, Between 44th & 48th
Dear Eric,
As per our conversation of today and mine with Dan Faulkner as well, at a recent Curtis
Lake Homeowners Association Board Meeting, the topic of safety to our 122 children
under the age of 15 became a hot topic. Many homeowners are upset that a sidewalk does
not exist on the West side of Northwest Blvd., between 44th & 48th. Children not only
from our development, but other pedestrians from surrounding areas have to cross the
street because of a lack of proper sidewalks. They then cross back over putting
themselves in harms way twice.
Might I suggest you try and cross this busy street during rush hour. It is incredibly
difficult under normal circumstances but add the heavy traffic and the very aggressive
speeds that these motorists are moving at and you are asking for a fatality.
Surely, you can easily evaluate the tremendous vulnerability of children in this safety issue.
Let's not get caught up with a bunch of red tape on a very straightforward problem with
an easy fix.
Besides, the amount of traffic on the one sidewalk with bicycles, roller blades,
skateboards, dog walking, jogging, etc ... is simply too much. I know fiom personal
experience.
We kindly request a response to this urgent matter prior to our neat association meeting of
Thursday, August 14, 1997.
Thank You,
August 15, 1997
Plymouth City Hall - Park Board
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
To: Erik Plank
Thank you for your consideration of Curtis Lake Homeowner's request for a sidewalk to
be installed in front of our development.
Please find enclosed the signed petition by most of our homeowners. Unfortunately, we
were not able to contact all of the homeowners; however, there is an overwhebning
majority who support this request. The Curtis Lake development has over 120 children
who currently do not have convenient, safe access to the existing trail system The
proposed sidewalk would greatly enhance the safety for all residents.
Thank you again for your consideration on this matter and we will look forward to your
favorable response after your December proposal to the city council.
Sincerely,
Richard Bloom, Treasurer
Curtis Lake Homeowners Association
encl.
There are over 120 Children in the Curtis Lake Development that
have no safe access to the Park and Trail System. We, the 64 residents
of Curtis Lake, are requesting that the City of Plymouth install a
sidewalk along Northwest Blvd. (consistent with the existing sidewalk
south of 44th Ave) from 44th Ave. North to Schmidt Lake Road.
Name ISinature Address
1. 'J; L V-1
T2. h"-,r/ ,
3. 3e. e c G.e w vc. y os U u 4).
4. &1244X& " d Z.V, A
6.
7.
8.(
9.
10,
11•
12.
13.
17.
18. Cherie Ta.-1cr
19. ii r.1/niS d
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27..
28.
29.
LV \
u vim._ .r-. .. i ..•,
N
r
IM
ITS
P/.%111''' , ,1 /, '
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
iU
STREET MAP
DATE: March 17. 1998
TO: PRAC
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Portable Stage Use and Rental Policy
When the City Council approved the purchase of the portable stage, they also directed that the
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission develop a rental policy for the stage. Attached for
your review is a sample rental policy from the City of Robbinsdale. This is meant for
information purposes only. I'd appreciate getting your thoughts on the philosophy of renting
this primarily to Plymouth organizations such as schools, churches, and non-profit
organizations. Based on our discussion, I will try to draft a policy for your formal review at
our April meeting.
EB/np
SHOWMOBILE USE AND RENTAL POLICY
PURPOSE: To provide a portable stage facility to enhance recrea-
tion programming in the Robbinsdale Community.
All requests for use of the showmobile shall be made on the
Showmobile Application Form.
Hours are based on portal to portal. Use beyond the hours stated
on the application will result in additional charges. The unit
will be transported, operated and set-up by qualified Robbinsdale
Parks and Recreation employees, and/or experienced personnel from
other organizations and jurisdictions.
PRIORITIES:
NO FEE
1. Robbinsdale Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department spon-
sored events.
2. City of Robbinsdale sponsored programs and events.
3. Neighboring Communities with reciprocal equipment use poli-
cies.
MAINTENANCE FEE (Maintenance personnel)
25.00 per person, pes,hour
MINIMUM RENTAL FEE =
r T
J_
1. Neighboring communities in the Northwest Hennepin County area
200.0'0'• per day, plus .maintenances fee -
2. Robbinsdale non-profit organizations and churches.
200.00 per day, plus maintenance fee
RENTAL'FEE } _
1. All other organizations and groups not listed above.
700.00 per day, plus maintenance fee
The Robbinsdale Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department re-
serves the right to refuse rental of the Showmobile for any eventthatisdeemedtobeapotentialhazardtotheShowmobileorits
operators, or any event deemed not in the best interest of the
City of Robbinsdale or the general public. In the best interest
of the Parks and Recreation program, the Director of Parks,
Recreation and Forestry may make exceptionstothe policy based
on extenuating circumstances.
Renters are required to carry comprehensive liability insuranceintheminimumamountof $200,000 for each injury and $600,000
total for each accident and property damage insurance in the
amount of $100,000 for each accident, or $600,.000 CSL. The City
1
Showmobile Use and Rental Policy
of Robbinsdale, its agents, officials, employees and volunteers
must be named as additional insured. A copy of certificate of
insurance showing the policy is in full force throughout the term
of the rental must be filed with the Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment at least two weeks prior to the scheduled event.
A 25% non-refundable down payment, based on number of hours
requested at the time of application. Final payment is due prior
to the rental date.
ROBBINSDALE PARKS RECREATION & DEPARTMENT
SHOWMOBILE APPLICATION
TITLE OF EVENT
NAME OF ORGANIZATION
DATE & TIME OF EVENT
LOCATION & ACCESS
Maps and/or directions, i necessary.)
CONTACT PERSON & PHONE NUMBER
CONTACTS DAY OF EVENT & PHONE NUMBER
LOCATION OF STAGE AND/OR SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY
SOUND NEEDS
STAGE SET-UP BY SOUND CHECK TIME
time)
STAGE TAKE DOWN TIME
BILLING NAME & ADDRESS
For Robbinsdale Parks & Recreation Office Use Only
Staff Assigned
Total Costs: $
Deposit Date:
Final Payment Date
Deposit: $
Receipt Number
Final Payment: $
Receipt Number
Certificate of Insurance Received Date
Number in Attendance:
Total Hours of Use: (Includes travel)
Staff Starting Time Quitting Time
Comments:
February 18, 1998
Judy Lokken
3615 Saratoga Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Ms. Lokken,
Thank you for the petition from you and Ms. Reak regarding the request for a paved
walkway along 36`r Avenue. I have asked Public Works Director Fred Moore and Park
Director Eric Blank to respond to your letter. You can expect a response from them by
March 6, 1998.
Thanks again for your thoughtful letter. Please give Assistant City Manager Kathy
Lueckert a call on 509-5052 if you have not received a response by March 6.
Sincerely,
Joy Tierney
Mayor
cc: Fred Moore, Public Works Director
Eric Blank, Park and Recreation Director
C/R. file (98-11)
PLYMOUTH A. Deautifu(PfaceTo Lire
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
ce www.dplymouth.mn-us
To: All City ofPlymouth Council Members,
January 15, 1998
Dear Jvdy Jonson
As per odr telephone conversation in December of 1997this is a follow up letter to confirm ourrequestforstartedwalker$ path to be put on the North side of 3(i f Ave. From Pilgrim Lane to Zachary
Lane. This would be at the expense of the pity of Plymouth, and to maintain by the city of Plymouth. This wouldfacilitatetheneedofchildrenwalkingtotheschoolandkeepthemfromhavingtowalkonthemainstreet
or pavement of 36th Ave No. As I understand the entrance frpm 36" into Armstrong High School will be renovated in thesummerof1998. We would again request and addition mechanical device. That can be utilized during
peak of sPle le find attached
atraffir
time rlist
oftsignatuwoulae8ehelp
in cars or students being able to cross 3e more safely.
of the Area residents and parents highly c ncerned about
this matter.
Yours Truly, <
Teri Rear and Judy Lokken
IAme-
U-ufe
AU" w JLk.12t_fj 19000
L-, 3-v ------ 1 , L.(,AO M/- g '_OGT
3
3
Leo
ill ti
V r,
706364/V J
J
1/10
9", e" e -LCL
q!5 _ 1•',L '{ iGc'l .__ _ iG /v .' .ry_G K _._ -!/ I j l-6,f.L L.i J
koJfC'E L N l JlZct;
J& (41LX>7 //I -Y`i / . .-
n_1
f
I `2Mt t/— _ i i - ----
Q`/% /
Zy ' l4
2z r' 3735 L(niv," ra Lam,
It
7,7 7
vi
Ck,(o
Tomas M. Renick
15160 38th venue North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55446
7AU aewtdx,-,,O,
a
4ual
C 2y'GGCpL LG.L C.E''2L /
Gnu aA-O-t V-0WU
Go G e G'e:ttL000C D4S a— ` .r„s0 C 7l/1,11 cu.
r v Yec gnu a,z 66
G Gt d vet `iC 46C%o2
e AdLlz a &4-ge
v a__
Ate& K
crh a4.4c/
211"
Q coltCGem
3
ci:
Ile
t
tl
oma
V-0 n 0i
Ttwmas "i. ?sr.
15160 39111,:vp. N.
j/ Pblmouth, MN