Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 12-14-2000Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission December 14, 2000, 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. Awarded bid for Ice Center dehumidification system b. Authorized final plans and specs for Millennium Garden c. Approved trail snowplowing routes for 2000-01 d. Approved contract cleaning services for Ice Center and Plymouth Creek Center e. Approved Ferndale North open space management recommendations f. Approved free walking in the dome g. Approved grant application for skate park h. Approved the acceptance of a grant for the improvements at Greenwood Elementary School i. Approved the license agreements for Oakwood Elementary, Greenwood Elementary, and East Middle School Playfields j. North American Properties park dedication fee 5. Unfinished Business a. Plymouth Creek Center update b. Millennium Garden update c. Comprehensive plan update d. Hilde Performance Center update e. 2001-2005 CIP 6. New Business a. b. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting — January 11, 2001 nlparUstaffleric1praclagendas\dec.doc Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 19, 2000 Page 39 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Musliner, Singer, Thompson; Planning Commissioner Neset, staff Blank and Pederson Absent: Commissioners Wahl and Meyer 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the October meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Singer and seconded by Commissioner Fiemann to approve the minutes of the meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. Commissioner Musliner asked if the Chocolate Sampler becomes an annual event, would it continue to be for the purpose of raising funds for the Millennium Garden? Director Blank said it could be for that project, but other projects could benefit as well. Staff evaluations of the Chocolate Sampler haven't been completed yet. Commissioner Musliner said she thought it was a very fun event. Commissioner Singer said if surveys are sent out asking for the participants' opinions, we should also call the restaurants to see what they thought of the event, and if they would want to be involved again. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting. b. Staff. There were no staff presentations. c. Others. See item 6a. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION There was no report on this item. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Plymouth Creek Center update. The Plymouth Creek Center project continues to move along. The golf net is being sewed in place. Sections of the dome are being prepared for putting it back up on Saturday. If it's windy that day, they will inflate it early Sunday morning. Lights will be installed next week. Commissioner Singer asked if any signage has been installed about dogs staying off the artificial turf and warning people that no smoking is allowed. Director Blank said this hasn't been done. He said once the dome is up, this will not be a problem, but before next summer when the dome is down, we will get these signs installed. PRAC Minutes/October 2000 Page 40 b. Millennium Garden update. The Chocolate Sampler was one of the better programs we have ever run said Director Blank. We raised about $3,500 after expenses. We are now over the $50,000 level in our fundraising efforts. We have received good feedback from Toro about MTI providing the irrigation system for the Millennium Garden and from a concrete company about doing some in-kind services as well. We are now trying to find someone to do the earth grading. Director Blank then discussed the Christmas Box Angel program. The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center came to us asking about the Angel's placement in the garden. He said the Angel might be an issue for some. No one has said anything negative about it yet. The Fine Arts Council is reviewing the proposal as well. We have also asked the Human Rights Commission for their opinion. Commissioner Musliner does not feel that the garden is the right place for this. She thinks it would bring sadness to the garden. She feels the garden should convey a feeling of happiness and joy for people visiting it. She believes the City cemetery would be a more appropriate place. Commissioner Fiemann asked about the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center and what they do. Director Blank said they are an agency that counsels people through their grief over the loss of a child. Chair Anderson asked for the original intent of the Millennium Garden. What is it supposed to represent? Director Blank said there is no exact definition for it. Director Blank says it's a way to link the past with the future and to have a beautiful garden, and it's a way to blend art with the natural beauty of the area. The garden will become an extension of the building. Director Blank sees it serving a broad purpose. Commissioner Fiemaun asked about the wording of the plaque. Director Blank said "Christmas Box Angel" is what they would put on the plaque. Commissioner Singer has very mixed feelings about the statue, too. She wants to table the discussion for now, if possible, and wait to see what the Human Rights Commission has to say. Commissioner Fiemann also has mixed feelings about its placement in the garden. Director Blank suggested having someone from the Infant Loss Center come to a future meeting. c. Comprehensive Plan update. Director Blank stated that in preparation for purchasing more park land, he is going to walk the Begin farm with Judy Begin on Monday morning. d. Hilde Performance Center update. This project is moving forward. Agreements have been accepted by both sides. The Civic League attorney has a couple of questions, however. The formal agreement will be signed and delivered on the Council's agenda. Two firms have been selected as finalists for the architects of the structure. We're waiting for a report on weather statistics from the day the sound study was done. A company from Plymouth will be the construction manager. All of the EAW data needs to be collected. The project is still on time for a July 10 groundbreaking. The Hilde's said they would agree to give, at a minimum, $500,000. They were going to cap the limit at 1,000,000, but have now decided there will be no cap on the maximum they would contribute. We have to provide sewer and water and pay for the building permit costs. The main accent color will probably be forest green, which is the color on the roof at Plymouth Creek Center. e. 2001-05 CIP. Director Blank said he may not have revenues to match everything proposed in the CIP. The moratorium on development slowed the growth of the budget. PRAC Minutes/October 2000 Page 41 Director Blank reviewed the CIP year by year. He explained that he had to split the costs on the Old Rockford Road trail between 2001 and 2002. The 36th Avenue trail will be started by the Lunds development and we will continue it. The fourth payment of five on the stage will be made in 2001. He is anticipating $300,000 in cash and in-kind services on the Millennium Garden. He explained the funding for the Greenwood sports upgrade. Some things will have to be cut from the project if it actually comes in as high as the estimate. Open space money has been set aside by the Council. We will be acquiring land for a neighborhood park, but the location has not been identified yet. We continue to carry through funds for Art in the Park. The park replacement money is matched by the general fund, so there's always a cash infusion going into that fund. The West Medicine Park building is up in the air. Bathroom costs will be a determining factor. Engineers will be looking at repairing the parking lot at Parkers Lake. The asphalt surface is deteriorating in many places. This money will come out of park replacement. The Parkers Lake playground will be replaced in 2001. The structure will be featured in a playground magazine, and we could get a $200,000 playground out of the deal. We have staff members that attend playground safety workshops every year. Playgrounds are inspected regularly. Every playground has a cycle for inspection, said Director Blank. The Environmental park is on the west side of 494, south of Schmidt Lake Road, north of County Road 9. We've saved most of the trees along here through park acquisition. The neighborhood here is very long and linear. The sand volleyball court is a carry over item from a previous year. Three scoreboards at Elm Creek Playfield will be installed in 2001. Trail overlay is coming out of park replacement. Director Blank said he wants to keep our trails in tiptop shape. He stated that $165,000 was moved into the Community Improvement Fund from interest earned from the Activity Center. This money may be used for the Hilde Performance Center. $50,000 is the estimate for the skate park, which will be behind the ice center. It will have a temporary fence around it. Kimberly Lane Elementary School wants money for playground improvements. In 2002, the second half of the Rockford Road trail will go in. The Lancaster Lane trail is necessary, because this is a dangerous stretch of road, with very heavy traffic. This will be an off road trail. The last payment on the portable stage will be made. The tennis courts at Oakwood need updating. The posts that support the wind screens aren't strong enough to withstand any more stress. Mud Lake has been in the works for 10 years now. We closed on the house that stands there, and the homeowner is moving into a nursing home this weekend. Director Blank has offered the house to HRA, if they feel its moveable. This property is on the northwest shore of Mud Lake. Director Blank believes this park will be of the same caliber as Three Ponds Park. The views are quite beautiful. Youth baseball requested an upgrade of the Zachary Playfield building. The baseball association will have to help with this. We have locations to build picnic shelters at Zachary and Plymouth Creek Playfields. In 2003, money begins to show up for the 10th playfield. The bridge on 36th Avenue is a joint project with New Hope. There will be more parking lot repairs, especially at Plymouth Creek and Zachary Playfrelds. Chair Anderson asked about the floating bridge at Medicine Lake. Director Blank said pylons have to be driven into the ground in order to build the bridge. The ground needs to freeze in order for equipment to come in to drive the pylons. Golden Valley is going to pick up the trail and continue it into that city. Eventually, this trail will link up with the Theodore PRAC Minutes/October 2000 Page 42 Wirth trail. In 2004, we start paying back the CIF fund for loans made in 2003. We continue with general projects such as trails, Art in the Park, transfer to park replacement, land acquisition for the 10th playfreld and playground replacement. In 2005, money is being proposed for new tennis courts at Plymouth Creek Center and a spray playground at Plymouth Creek Park, in addition to the general projects. Commissioner Thompson is concerned about the number of park playgrounds that need to be replaced. Should we be planning to do more than one per year? Director Blank says he needs to examine the budget more closely. We can take more funds from the park replacement fund if needed. The City Manager would like this year's Council to approve the CIP, rather than handing it off to the new Council. He may want a December decision on the CIP. The Armstrong Baseball coach met with Director Blank about the possibility of the City helping with the cost of lighting the Armstrong baseball field. Director Blank explained that we spent $1.3 million upgrading their gym, and also gave them $35,000 for the upgrade of this baseball field. He stated that we use the field very minimally, and there is little benefit to the public for lighting it. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Consider request to reduce Director Blank explained dedication fee for development at 36th & North American Properties is developing Plymouth Marketplace, which is located at the corner of Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55, on 25 acres of property. The developer has requested that the City reduce the park dedication fee in recognition of the fact they set aside a conservation easement consisting of 2.73 acres of woods. They paid a park dedication fee of $96,252. Their reduction would be 14,196 based on the square footage of the easement. Jay Scott, representing North American Properties displayed a graphic showing the area set aside as easement. The easement consists of 3.41 acres, of which .68 acres are wetland, which is excluded from park dedication fees. They would like the remaining 2.73 acres exempted from park dedication fees, also. The easement states that no development shall ever take place on this property. The developer feels that they have provided the City with a park or natural open space area by establishing this conservation easement. Director Blank pointed out that no where in the Comprehensive Plan has any portion of this development been identified as open space. Director Blank also explained that the park dedication policy states that a 17% reduction in park dedication fees may be granted if the developer agrees to provide certain on-site amenities to the residents, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, volleyball courts, etc. Commissioner Fiemann asked why the treed area was set aside on the north side of the property. Mr. Scott said the reasons were multipurpose. It will provide a buffer against lighting, noise pollution, traffic, etc. They tried to be accommodating to the Sugar Hills neighborhood. This did not benefit their project, however. Commissioner Fiemann asked how this area will be maintained? Mr. Scott said it will be kept natural. Trash would be collected, downed trees would be removed. Commissioner Singer asked if this easement is for public use? Mr. Scott said they would own the property, but it would be available for the public to enter. However, it would not have any specific marked entrances. Commissioner Fiemann asked if there had been other easements like this? Director Blank said not that he's aware of. Commissioner Singer asked why the city had partnered up with this easement? Director Blank stated that the developer proposed the tree easement in order to provide a buffer between the PRAC Minutes/October 2000 Page 43 development and the homes north of 36th Avenue. The City agreed to this. Commissioner Musliner asked if this is in any way similar to the Ferndale North issue. Director Blank said the decision to declare Ferndale North as open space was a Council resolution. This easement is protected by a legally binding contract. Commissioner Fiemann said that he understood the City had an ordinance stating that trees in excess of 8 inches in diameter were to be saved with any development. Mr. Scott said they preserved in excess of what they were required to. He stated that portions of the development may open in April, 2001. Lunds would open June 1st. CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMEMNDATION TO NOT REDUCE THE PARK DEDICATION FEES FOR NORTH AMERICAN PROPERTIES. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. b. Review proposal from Rick Busch for free walking in the dome for everyone. Without any discussion, Commissioner Singer moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a motion recommending that walking in the dome be free for everyone. It has been the general consensus of the Commission since the dome was first erected that free walking is a good will gesture and will help to bring the community together. The motion carried with all ayes. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Commissioner Singer will not be at the November meeting. Planning Commissioner Neset will be unable to attend that meeting as well. He stated that the Planning Commission approved the PUD for the east end of northwest Plymouth known as The Reserve. It includes a mini park. The development consists of 991 units on 125 acres. Director Blank said this will result in about $1.7 million in park dedication. This is the biggest project ever to come through the City. The next PRAC meeting is November 9. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION None. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. DATE: December 11, 2000 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Millennium Garden — Christmas Box Angel BACKGROUND: The Park Commission last discussed this at your October meeting. At that time, you tabled any action on the item to allow for input from the Fine Arts Council and the Human Rights Commission. The Commission asked what the vision was for the Millennium Garden. In an effort to answer that question, I asked Mary Bisek and Karol Greupner from our staff to attempt to put together a vision statement for the garden. With the help of the Internet, they were able to secure vision statements and goals for gardens throughout the country. Attached for your review is the proposed Plymouth Millennium Garden Vision Statement. I think they have done an outstanding job in capturing the essence of what we think at a staff level the garden can and should mean for the community of Plymouth. I submit this to you for your review, and suggest that we discuss it, amend as necessary, and eventually adopt a vision statement for the garden. I have also attached for your information the original Millennium Garden outline, which I prepared for the garden design consultants. The consultants used this in formulating their original concept designs for the garden. Karol Greupner has enclosed a review of the comments from the Plymouth Fine Arts Council, and I have enclosed a personal letter from Danielle Geisler, of the Fine Arts Council, on this issue for your review. The Human Rights Commission discussed the Christmas Box Angel at their November 9 Commission meeting. A copy of those minutes is attached for your review. At that meeting, the Commission asked staff to secure answers for some questions from the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center of Wayzata. Attached is a memo dated November 27, from Sandy Paulson, City Clerk, to the Human Rights Commission, with answers to the questions. The Human Rights Commission then took this item up at their December 7 meeting. Attached is a brief summary of the minutes pertaining to their discussion. Although the Commission did not want ply_nt\ntdiskl\Parks\STAFF\Eric\MEMOS\PRAC\Christmas Box Angel.doc to take a formal vote on the overall concept of the Christmas Box Angel, they did take votes on three separate issues. Item A. The Commission voted overwhelmingly in favor of the concept of a memorial for lost children. Item B. The Commission voted no to the idea of this format for that memorial. Item C. The Commission voted no to having the word "Christmas" associated with the memorial. Another piece of information which has come to light that the statue is being donated by a Plymouth woman who wishes to remain anonymous. Also, we have been informed that the Maple Grove City Council has approved the placement of the angel in their City arboretum, which is across the street from their current City Hall. Finally, the donor has requested an answer as soon as possible, so that arrangements can be made for a ceremonial event sometime in May of next year that would include Richard Paul Evans, the author of the story. STAFF ANALYSIS: During the last two months, staff has had a lot of discussion on the merits of this proposed donation. I have had the opportunity to get input from the Fine Arts Council and the Human Rights Commission. There are reasons you could build a case for this project and reasons against this project. Listed below are some of the pros and cons. Pro: 14 er 1. Plymouth woman making sizable contribution to the garden 2. Good art form 3. Provides place for self -reflection and renewal 4. Brings people to garden 1. May be considered to have religious overtones 2. May not be perceived as being inclusive 3. May be perceived as being a sad or depressing statue Staff thinks the idea of a place where people could come and reflect upon the loss of a child could be a very positive and uplifting aspect to the garden. At the same time, introducing art work that has the chance of offending any segment of our community based on religious or racial issues is an important consideration. In balancing the scales of this discussion, staff would lean slightly toward the positive outweighing the negative when reviewing the entire issue. The Commission should consider whether, in your opinion, you feel that the positives outweigh the negatives and more importantly, do they outweigh them significantly enough to warrant a positive recommendation from the Commission to the City Council. EB/np ply_nt\ntdiskt\Parks\STAFF\Eric\MEMOS\PRAC\Christmas Box Angel.doc Plymouth Millennium Garden Vision Statement: The Plymouth Millennium Garden - creating natural connections. The goals of the garden are to create natural connections by: Promoting social cohesiveness and community identity Providing an atmosphere for inspiration, self -reflection and renewal Facilitating a spirit of creativity through the arts Presenting opportunities for environmental education and stewardship The garden's goals will be fulfilled by the following objectives: Promoting social cohesiveness and community identity Physically recognizable and accessible Inviting to every age and ability Adaptable for a variety of uses; events and activities that are public and private Providing an atmosphere for inspiration, self -reflection and renewal Appreciating the surrounding natural beauty Interactive features Appealing to all of the senses Facilitating a spirit of creativity through artistic features Permanent and traveling art sculpture Children's art features Art events Presenting opportunities for environmental education and stewardship Natural plantings — sustainability Water quality Volunteer support rp) Plymouth Parks and Recreation "Adding Quality to Life" Millennium Garden Concept Outline The garden should provide appropriate space to hold formal occasions such as weddings, lawn parties, etc. The ability to use chairs, tents, and serve food are key elements. The design should include at least one focal point that would be key to ceremonies such as weddings. We would encourage the use water in the form of reflecting pools, fountains, waterfalls, water sprays, etc. The garden should have the ability to display applicable art throughout the garden. The ability to add and relocate art on a seasonable basis, and/or over time would be a plus. The garden should have adequate lighting in order to have people stroll through it in the evening and to have people view it from inside the Plymouth Creek Center Ballroom. The garden should have interesting features throughout the winter season, including appropriate seasonal lighting. The garden design should take into account seasonal changes and provide color in each of the seasons. 4 x 8 pavers are being sold to raise money for the garden. The design should provide for an attractive manner to showcase the special engraved bricks. Note, however, bricks need not be used on all of the paths throughout the garden. The garden should be compatible with its surrounding areas which include both formal and informal elements. The design should provide for the appropriate display of listings of corporate donations which are not included in the "Buy a Brick" program. The garden should attempt to provide a kids place which may include educational and interactive experiences. The total budget hard cost should not exceed $250,000 for the main garden area. Other funding will be made available for the peripheral areas such as the wetland buffer zone. Seating should be strategically placed to take advantage of best views of the garden. Garden areas should be accessible and meet all ADA standards including handicap accessible drinking fountains. The garden should have an identifiable main entrance which is inviting, intriguing, exciting, and informative. ply_nt\ntdiskl\Parks\PROJECTS\Millennium Garden\Millennium Garden Project Outline.doc The garden should be designed keeping in mind both the views from the Plymouth Creek Center Ballroom and the views within the garden itself. If possible, the garden should be attractive to butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Consider designs to help minimize deer and geese damage to garden. Provide for music and sound systems throughout the garden. Design with an eye toward reasonable maintenance and upkeep of the garden, including water conservation and other environmentally friendly features. Design enhancements to the wetland buffer areas which include native plant materials. Concept Design Should Include: Each design team should provide one concept drawing no more than 36 x 36 inches mounted on foam core. Each design team may provide two additional 24 x 24 inch foam core m6unted drawings depicting garden images. Concepts need to be submitted by Friday, March 24, 2000. Each designer should submit a preliminary budget and construction timeline. ply_nt\ntdiskl\Parks\PROJECTSWillennium GardenWillennium Garden Project Outline.doc Plymouth Fine Arts Council Christmas Box Angel Statue Report: A survey was taken of the six current board members of the Plymouth Fine Arts Council (Board member, Karol Greupner, city liaison to the Council, declined comment) regarding the possible gift of the Christmas Box Angel to the city. All of the members voted in favor of accepting this gift and placing the Angel Statue in the Millennium Garden as a permanent art feature. One council member had objections regarding The Christmas Box Angel" title of the statue and felt it more appropriate to name it "Angel of Hope", "Angel of Peace" or "Angel of Healing". All felt that the statue displayed artistic integrity and was of the quality that would be appropriate for permanent display in the garden. October 14, 2000 Mr. Eric Blank Park and Recreation Director City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mr. Blank, As a Plymouth resident of 20 years I'd like to tell you that I've found one more reason to be proud to live here. The proposed Christmas Box Angel Statue excited four of us residents in Steeplechase enough that I'm writing this quick letter to you. As reflective journals are now a part of the school curriculum for students, I think a field trip to this statue could evoke many thoughtful writing projects. An angel statue is a sculpture for which Plymouth residents could be very proud to call their own. The trend toward a mindful, thoughtful society is nicely reflected in a statue of this quality and I personally feel this is beautiful art, the way art has a potential to be. Sincerely, Danielle Geisler Plymouth Human Rights Commission November 9, 2000 Minutes Commissioners Present Absent Harold Lederman V Claudelle Carruthers VO Jackie Fraedrich v Mitzi Heath v Lisa Hunter VO Patricia Izek Joan Jensen Nwamaka Ejebe VO Patty Ple-Plakon Ruth Ruffin v Becky Wheeler Michael Gale VO Vikas Chhabra YO Victoria Pylvainen Ginny Clark Vacant -school district 270 Also present: Councilmember Brad Brown, Assistant City Manager Laurie Ahrens, Recreation Supervisor Karol Greupner, and City Clerk Sandy Paulson. A meeting of the Human Rights Commission was held beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on November 9, 2000. Student Workshop It was reported that plans are underway for the 2001 Student Workshop which will be held sometime between April 23 and May 11 at the Plymouth Creek Center. The topic will be response to the NAACP lawsuit and desegregation within schools in Plymouth. Representatives from each of the four districts will be meeting with the Human Rights Commission in future meetings. Christmas Box AnLyel Statue in Millennium Garden Karol Greupner reported on the proposal from the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center in Wayzata to install a statue titled "The Christmas Box Angel" in the Millennium Garden. A letter has been sent to the Plymouth Fine Arts Council for their comments. In addition, staff is in the process of receiving comments from the City's boards and commissions on this request. She explained this statue is a spinoff of the story, The Christmas Box written by Richard Paul Evans. She stated the cost of the statue and installation would be totally funded by the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center. She stated every year on Human Rights Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 Page 2 of 3 December 6, there is a candlelight ceremony for a time of remembering children who have been lost. She indicated that the statue is a non-denomenational, and it could provide a spiritual environment for individuals to mourn and heal. Listed below are the concerns and/or comments by the commission: 1. The appropriateness of the statue being located in the City park. 2. What type of ceremony is held on December 6? Is it a religious ceremony where non-Christians would feel uncomfortable or excluded. 3. The potential for establishing a precedence for other groups within the community to construct similar memorials. 4. The need for the City to establish criteria for these types of requests. 5. Consider changing the name to "Our Little Angel" in order to not limit the observance. 6. Utilizing public space for what could be considered a religious purpose. 7. Any other parks that have this type of statue other than cemetaries. The commission requested that staff contact Donna Roehl of the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center to discuss dimensions of the statue, background on the December 6 ceremony, and changing the name of the statue. Ms. Roehl could also be invited to a future meeting. Hate and Bias Incident Harold Lederman reported on the incident that recently occurred at the Wayzata Central Middle School where Gideons where distributing bibles to students. After contacting the schools, the Gideons relocated to a public sidewalk rather than being adjacent to the school door. He offered to write a letter on behalf of the commission to the Superintendent and he provided a draft of the letter to the commission. The commissioners recommended a few changes to the letter. Motion was made by Joan Jensen, and seconded by Michael Gale, to approve the letter with the suggested modifications. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Sample Letter to Acknowledge Complaints Harold Lederman updated the commission on a sample letter he has drafted to address complaints received by the commission. Human Rights Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 Page 3 of 3 2001 Work Plan Laurie Ahrens reminded the commission of the need to develop a work plan for 2001. This will be included on the December meeting agenda. Announcements and Articles Laurie Ahrens mentioned the articles which she included in the packet for their information. She extended an invitation to the commission to attend the Metropolitan Council's public meeting on November 30 from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to discuss the regional fair housing planning project. She informed the Council that Ginny Clark has completed her task in locating all contacts in the Wayzata School District. Copies were distributed. Pat Izek informed the commission that since she is unable to attend December's meeting, this would be her last meeting due to her resignation. She thanked everyone. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. DATE: November 27, 2000 TO: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager FROM: Sandy Paulson, City Clerk SUBJECT: Christmas Box Angel Statue Today I contacted Donna Roehl, Executive Director of the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center in Wayzata, to discuss concerns that were raised by the Human Rights Commission regarding the Christmas Box Angel Statue. Listed below are the concerns and/or questions that were conveyed to Ms. Roehl and her response. What Type of Ceremony is conducted on December 6? The ceremony on December 6 is non -denominational and non -religious. It is a memorial type ceremony for families who have lost a child of any age. Volunteers from the community as well as the staff from the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center plan the service. The ceremony is intended to meet the needs of the majority of the people. Since there are different volunteers planning the event each year, the ceremony may vary somewhat from year to year. Some examples of what ceremonies have consisted in other communities include a candlelight ceremony, children singing, and making quilt blocks to remember children who have passed away. The December 6 date is directly related to the book. The holiday season is also a time when people are remembering their loved ones, and December 6 is "National Children's Day." The ceremony is intended to be a time to remember, reflect, and provide support to individuals who are mourning. Consider Changing the Name of the Statue to "Our Little Angel" It would not be possible to change the name of the statue due to the request of the author of the book entitled, The Christmas Box. However, there may be the possibility to insert a title and quote on the base of the statue. The statue must contain the title "Christmas Box Angel" and the notation of the ceremony on December 6 of each year. Any additional language on the statue must be approved by the Christmas Box Foundation in Utah. Statue Locations Currently there are 12 sites where the Christmas Box statue is located in the United States with 15 additional sites being considered. The current sites include City parks in St. Charles, Missouri, Evansdale, Indiana, Bellview, Illinois, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Elko, Nevada. The remainder of the sites include cemeteries, the national memorial site for the Oklahoma City bombing, and a hospital property in Bedford, Texas. Dimensions of the Statue The statue is 4' 3" tall with a wing span of 5'2". The circumference is 22". The statue is a cast -mold type with 1/2" thick bronze from the feet up. The base is hollow and is attached to a granite base. She stated that a monument company would be donating the base and resident of the community would be donating the statue. Ms. Roehl has contacted some of the cities to question whether the public raised any religious concerns. In her conversations with these cities, they indicated that religion has not been a concern since the statue is non -religious and non -denominational. She stated the statue is a warm memorial that is not specific to any one religion or belief but is entirely based on The Christmas Box story. In conclusion, if the placement of this statue were approved for the Millennium Garden, Richard Paul Evans, the author of the book, The Christmas Box, would like to personally dedicate the statue to the City. eri Plymouth Human Rights Commission December 7, 2000 Minutes Commissioners Present Absent Harold Lederman V Claudelle Carruthers V Jackie Fraedrich r Mitzi Heath V Lisa Hunter Vacant Joan Jensen Vikas Chhabra VO Victoria Pylvainen V Ruth Ruffin r Becky Wheeler VO Nwamaka Ejebe Michael Gale v Patty Ple-Plakon Ginny Clark YO Vacant -school district 270 Also present: Assistant City Manager Laurie Ahrens, Recreation Supervisor Karol Greupner, and Office Support Representative Heidi Sanderson. A meeting of the Human Rights Commission was held beginning at 7:05 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on December 7, 2000. Vice Chairperson Carruthers noted that a quorum was present so official business could be conducted. Christmas Box Angel in Millennium Garden Karol Greupner stated that Park and Recreation Director Eric Blank requested that she receive some kind of consensus from the commission on their thoughts about installing the "Christmas Box Angel" in the Millennium Garden. She would like to have the consensus tonight due to the tight time frame given by the donor and the fact that it was also to go before other city groups. She asked the commissioners to note the memo that was sent out in their packet from City Clerk Sandy Paulson on their concerns from the last meeting that were answered by Donna Roehl, who is the contact person from the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center. Ms. Greupner also noted that the donor was a Plymouth resident. She began by sharing the vision statement about the Millennium Garden by the Park & Recreation department and also gave an explanation and a virtual tour of the garden through a schematic drawing. She also shared where the architects thought would be an appropriate place for the statue to be placed in the garden. Along with the statue being in the garden, there would be an annual ceremony remembering lost children held every year on December 6, which is also National Children's Day. The commission began discussion. There were several issues voiced. They included the following: 1.) space in the garden considering this will be the only statue of its kind in the Twin Cities area. 2.) the pictures in the Millennium Garden brochure are not diverse 3.) the angel is represented as a female 4.) the angel is represented as whitel 5.) the religious representation of the angel and the "Christmas" portion of the name Commissioner Ruffin stated her idea of the statue was that it represented a symbol and that it is not about color, sex, or religion, but rather a symbol for everyone to use to help with losing a child. She sees nothing wrong with the statue or the name. Commissioner Clark added that art is not always a representative of everyone. Commissioner Hunter responded that too often symbols influence and misrepresent people. Commissioner Pylvainen left the meeting at this time. Everyone in the commission agreed that the intention and the concept of a memorial are good. They were concerned the image and the title do not represent the diversity of people in Plymouth. Some commissioners indicated that they personally do not have any concerns about the statue; however, if someone else has a concern, they should support that as a role of Human Rights Commission. After some discussion on how to proceed with a motion and a vote, the commission decided that the best way would be to vote on three different parts. They would vote on the concept of the idea, the actual image of the statue, and then on the appropriateness of the title of the statue. The results are as follows: Yes No Abstain Concept 11— Lederman, 0 0 Carruthers, Heath, Hunter, Jensen, Chhabra, Ruffm, Wheeler, Ejebe, Ple- Plakon, Clark Image 1 - Ruffin 10 — Lederman, 0 Carruthers, Heath, Hunter, Jensen, Chhabra, Wheeler, Ejebe, Ple-Plakon, Clark Title 3 — Hunter, Ruffin, 6 — Lederman, 2 — Wheeler, Carruthers Heath, Jensen, Chhabra Ejebe, Ple-Plakon, Clark Criteria for Naming of Public Parks and Facilities August 20, 1999 I have compiled guidelines that are commonly used throughout the United States for the naming of public parks and facilities. My research samples include small, medium, and large cities, from across the United States. I offer a special thanks to those agencies that shared their policies and guidelines for this report. Germantown, TN Spokane, Wa Craig, CO Fort Worth, TX Longmont, CO Tucson, AZ Salisbury, NC Dunedin City, FL LaGrange, IL Miami -Dade County, FL Overland Park, KS City/Borough of Juneau, AK Springfield, OH Greenfield, WI Savage, MN Jacksonville, AR Fenton, MO Akron, OH Allegan, MI Kentwood, MI Quincy, IL Unalaska, AK Lawrence, KS Manhattan, KS West Monroe, LA Overall Consensus: I found that the general mechanism for naming parks and facilities is that an advisory board receives requests for naming parks and facilities, reviews them, and makes recommendations to their respective governing body for official approval. Seems logical and simple enough. The difficulty is the initial establishment of the criteria acceptable for each particular municipality. I hope this will help anyone seeking to establish or refine a naming policy for your organization. In this report, I broke down the various city policies into categories. Some of the categories were similar so they are inclusive. Listed below are each category consensus and bulleted excerpts from the various policies. I. Authority for Naming Parks & Facilities: Consensus — Most municipalities have some type of advisory board, which collects, analyzes, and recommends names for parks and facilities to their governing body for official approval. Park Board shall have power to ... and may designate them by name. Parks and Community Services Advisory Board submits name recommendation to the City Council The Board recommends names to the City Commission. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee submits it's recommendations to the City and Borough Assembly. A name must receive a majority vote of the City Commission. The name is submitted by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Public Relations Advisory Committee submits recommendations to the City Commission. The Citizens' Advisory Council on Parks & Recreation submits through the Community Development Committee to the City Council for approval. Parks and Community Services Advisory Board submits recommendations to the City Council for approval. The Parks and Recreation Board submits recommendations to the Common Council. Our Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is instructed by City Code to name parks. II. The following are general classifications used by almost all the various cities that responded: Places and features - streets, schools, natural features Historic sites Descriptive names Living people Organizations Deceased people III. Living people or organization: Consensus: Though most municipalities name parks andfacilities after people and the mechanisms for qualifying varied, all required that the person or organization have made a major contribution to the community in either deed or monetary contribution. When 50 percent or more of the value of the property is donated by the person or organization. A significant monetary contribution toward acquisition or development of a public facility. When 50 percent or more of the cost of development is donated by the person or organization. Specific and major involvement in the acquisition or development of a public facility. When a major contribution has been made by the person or organization to the enhancement of the quality of life in the community and/or was instrumental in acquiring or developing property or city owned facilities. Outstanding accomplishments by an individual for the good of the community. Quality of the contribution should be considered along with the length of service by the individual - this to be fully substantiated by person making recommendation. The nominee must have accomplished major contributions to the betterment of the community. We don't often name after people, but have on occasion recognized family names if a large donation was involved as part of the project. No park shall be named to memorialize a living person. Due to a problem our City had, I don't believe we will ever name another facility/park after a person (at least not living). IV. Deceased People: Consensus — Several municipalities were very adamant about insisting that to name a park or facility after a person, that the person must be deceased Some of the others it did not matter, as long as the contribution was significant. Note the last bullet in this category. Though not her/his official policy, the director really had a horrific experience by naming parks after a living person. Guidelines of living people or organization shall apply. Naming a city owned facility in memory of a deceased person cannot be considered until at least 12 months after the date of the death of that person. Generally, a facility will not be named after a person until after their death. We try not to name parks after people, however we do have one named after a deceased citizen instrumental in starting the first police and fire departments. We name pavilions after deceased mayors and citizens. The recommended name must be received posthumously. We have an unwritten policy that a park will not be named after any person unless that person made the monetary contribution to develop or donate the property. This takes it out of politics. Possibly after a noteworthy local person (deceased). Recommended name must be received posthumously to be considered. A park and/or facility may be named to honor a deceased person, but only to recognize a most extraordinary service/gift. No more than 15% of the total parks may be named for individuals. Because of bad experiences, we now have an unwritten policy to name parks and facilities after locations or features of the locations. Example: Johnson Lake Park. Due to a problem our City had, I don't believe we will ever name another facility/park after a person (at least not living). V. Renaming of a Park or Facility: Consensus - The majority of the municipalities strongly discouraged renaming ofparks andfacilities. The primary reason was to not diminish the original justification for the name or discount the value of the prior contributors. In order to respect the historical tradition and community values, which previous generations bestowed on these resources, no officially named park or facility shall be renamed. The renaming of parks and facilities is strongly discouraged. Only those parks and facilities named for geographic location, outstanding feature or subdivision can be considered for renaming. Parks named by deed restriction cannot be considered for renaming. Long-established names of landmarks will not be changed, though portions of them may be named in honor of groups or citizens if the recommendations meet prior criteria. Existing parks and facilities could be renamed. The intent of naming is for permanent recognition. It is recommended that efforts to change a name be subject to the most critical examination so as to not diminish the original justification for the name or discount the value of the prior contributors. A park named for an individual should never be changed unless it is found that the individual's personal character is or was such that the continued use of their name for a park would not be in the best interest of the community. Parks named for subjects, other than individuals, may be changed in name only if the current name is ineffectual or inappropriate. VI. Plaques, Markers, Memorials: Consensus — Not much was mentioned about plaques, markers, and memorials. Through attending numerous conferences and workshops over the years as well as from what I found in these policies, I've found that this topic is usually a headache for the park departments, but there is a lack of sound policy to manage it. Designed to blend with and compliment the existing Parks and Recreation Department Sign policy, and Plaques, Markers, and Memorials Policy, and must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation. A written maintenance agreement for each plaque/marker/memorial shall be developed and signed by the Director of Parks and Recreation and donor individual/organization. All named areas and important park features shall be identified by the installation of appropriate plaques, signs, or markers, as determined by the Board. VII. Procedures for naming public parks and facilities: Consensus — Though there were variations of small degree, the majority have a general application process which is submitted to an advisory board, which reviews and makes recommendations to the governing body. The Director of Parks & Recreation with budgetary responsibility for a park and/or facility shall forward naming recommendations to the chairperson of the Parks and/or Facility Naming Review Committee. Individuals, group and/or organization must request the naming of the park or facility on an application provided by the city. The City will assign the request to the appropriate Board or Advisory Committee for a recommendation on the request. The Board or Advisory Committee will conduct a public meeting on the request and allow 30 days following the public meeting for public comment. The Board or Advisory Committee will recommend to the City Council action on the request following the 30 days for public comment. A majority vote by the Board or Advisory Committee is required for recommendation. City of Merriam Public Park and Facility Naming Policy Effective Parks and Recreation Department I. Purpose To establish a formal policy and process for naming public parklands and facilities in the City of Merriam. A sound policy can add meaning and significance that embody the value and heritage of this community. H. Authorization The Merriam Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall be responsible for recommending to the City Council the naming of all -public parks and facilities in the City of Merriam subject to the approval of the City Council. III. Objectives A. Provide name identification for individual parks. B. Provide name identification wherever appropriate or public buildings, structures, facilities, and specified areas. C. Provide for citizen input into the process of naming parks and facilities as enumerated above. D. Insure control for the naming of parks and facilities by the City Council through the recommendations of the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. IV. Qualifying Names Names should provide some form of individual identity related to: A. The geographic location of the facility B. An outstanding feature of the facility C. The adjoining subdivision D. Commonly recognized historical event, group or individual E. An individual or group who contributed significantly to the acquisition or development of the individual facility. F. An individual who provided an exceptional service in the interest of the park system as a whole. V. Naming Process A. At the time parkland or facility is acquired but before development occurs the Director of Parks and Recreation will assign a nondescript temporary working name for the area or facility. B. Once the development is initiated the Director of Parks and Recreation will receive naming applications for review by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. C. After a name is decided upon by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, public notice of the recommended Qualifying Name will occur twice during a sixty (60) day period in the City's official newspaper. Citizen comments and recommendations must be in writing to the Director of Parks and Recreation and be postmarked within the sixty (60) day public -notice period. D. For an individual (excluding historically significant individuals) to be considered, that person must have contributed significantly to the acquisition or development of the park or facility or to the park system overall. The recommended name must be accompanied by a biographical sketch which shall provide evidence of contributions to the park, facility, or park system overall. E. After the sixty (60) day public notice period, the Director of Parks and Recreation, with the approval of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, will submit the recommended name to the appropriate City Council Committee, then on to the City Council for final approval. 2 VI. Renaming A. The renaming of parks and facilities is strongly discouraged. It is recommended that efforts to change a name be subject to the most critical examination so as not to diminish the original justification for the name or discount the value of the prior contributors. B. Only those parks and facilities named for geographic location, outstanding feature or subdivision should be considered for renaming. Parks named by deed restriction cannot be considered for renaming. C. Parks and facilities named after individuals should never be changed unless it is found that the individual's personal character is or was such that the continued use of their name for a park or facility would not be in the best interest of the community. D. In order for a park or facility to be considered for renaming the following must occur: The recommended name must qualify according to Section V of this policy, and; Be accompanied by a petition from the particular park or facility users. VII. Other naming Alternatives A. Parks and facilities that are donated to the City can be named by deed restriction by the donor. The naming and acceptance of land is subject to approval by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City Council. B. Facilities within parks, i.e. playgrounds, picnic shelters, etc. can be named separately from the parks and facilities they are in, subject to the general approving policies in Section V of this policy. VIII. Plaques, markers, memorials A. All plaques, markers, and memorials are subject to the same naming criteria in Section V of this policy. B. Because of their proneness to vandalism and maintenance, plaques, markers, and memorials should be used sparingly. C. New memorial applicants are highly encouraged to utilize the Merriam Memorial Tree located at the Merriam Community Center, rather than placing plaques, markers, and memorials in the park areas. D. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, subject to approval by the City Council, establishes the style, size, and placement of all plaques, markers, and memorials. 11 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: December 7, 2000 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: 2001-2005 CH' Budget Attached is the final version of the 2001-2005 capital improvement budget for parks and trails. Only a couple of changes have been made since you reviewed this at your October meeting. At that meeting, you discussed the idea of trying to speed up the replacement of old playgrounds. To that end, I have been able to add one additional replacement in the amount of $90,000 in 2001 for Swan Lake neighborhood park. If our revenue projections are accurate, next year when we revise the CIP, we should be able to add additional playgrounds at that time. Next, I was able to increase the amount for youth sports at Greenwood from $110,000 to 130,000, and finally, we have plugged in a number of $200,000 for West Medicine Lake Park. We currently have an architect preparing some preliminary cost estimates on the construction of restroom facilities at West Med. Based on the results of that study, it may be more economical not to build independent bathrooms at this time, but rather strive to build the entire lake pavilion. I will share that information as soon as it is available with you and the City Council. The final revenue projections also allowed us to move up the construction of a large open-air picnic shelter at Zachary Playfield in 2001. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission pass a motion accepting and approving the 2001-2005 capital improvement budget for parks and trails. EB/np 2001-2005 CIP City of Plymouth 2001-2005 Capital Improvements Program Park Projects Draft 2001 Park Park Park Project Park CIP Planning Capital Dedication Dedication Replacement Community Other Number Project Year and Improvement Playfields Neighborhood MSA Improvement Funding Total Other Funding Sources Notes Design Fund Trails Parks Funding Fund (CIF) Sources Trails Old Rockford/Dunkirk to Holly Ln 65,000 36th Ave 15,000 Half paved by developer. Revere Lane south of 10th Ave. 12,000 92,000 Portable Stage Payment #3 20,000 20,000 Millennium Garden 500,000 500,000 100,000 Activity Center Interest) ($300,000 Donations) 130,000 100,000 Park Dedication) Youth Sports Greenwood 320,000 450,000 100,000 Grant) ($10,000 P.S.A.) ($20,000 Baseball) ($190,000 Park Dedication Replace Playground - Swan Lake 90,000 90,000 Open Space/Land Acquisition 475,000 475,000 NB Park Land Acquisition 75,000 75,000 Art In The Park 15,000 5,000 20,000 Transfer to Park Replacement 40,000 18,000 58,000 West Medicine Park Building 200,000 200,000 140,000ReplacePlayground - Parkers Lk 140,000 Environmental Park New Playground and Trail 185,000 185,000 Basketball and Sand Volleyball RidgemountPlayfield 12,000 12,000 3 Scoreboard at Elm Creek PF 35,000 35,000 Trail/Puking Lot Repair/Overlay 70,000 70,000 Hilde Performance Center 150,000 150,000 Transfer from Activity Center interest Skate Park 50,000 50,000 20,000 grant applied for) Donation to Kimberly Lane Elem School Playground 15,000 15,000 Large Picnic Shelter/Zachary Playfield 30,000 30,000 Total 625,000 624,000 298,000 300,000 0 0 820,000 2,667,000 City of Plymouth Page 1 12/7/2000 2001-2005 CIP City of Plymouth 2001-2005 Capital Improvements Program Park Projects Draft 2002 Park Park Park Project Park CIP Planning Capital Dedication Dedication Replacement Community Other Number Project Year and improvement Playfields Neighborhood MSA Improvement Funding Total Other Funding Sources Notes Design Fund Trails Parks Funding Fund (CIF) * Sources Trails Old Rockford/ Holly Ln to Peony 75,000 Lancaster Ln/ 36th Av to Pilgrim 75,000 150,000 Trail/Parking Lot Repair 70,000 70,000 Portable Stage Final Payment 19,000 19,000 Art In Park 15,000 5,000 20,000 Playground Replacement 100,000 100,000 - Tennis Court Replacement Oakwood Playfield 140,000 140,000 Transfer to Park Replacement 46,000 19,000 65,000 Mud Lake NB Park Development 300,000 300,000 Zachary Playfield Building 75,000 75,000 150,000 ($75,000 from Youth Baseball) Picnic Shelters - Plymouth Creek 30,000 30,000 Trail & Parking Lot Lights - West Med 100,000 100,000 Total 435,000 324,000 310,000 0 0 75,000 1,144,000 City of Plymouth Page 1 12/7/2000 2001-2005 CIP City of Plymouth 2001-2005 Capital Improvements Program Park Projects Draft 2003 Park Park Park Project Park CIP Planning Capital Dedication Dedication Replacement Community Other Number Project YearF and Improvement Playfields Neighborhood MSA Improvement Funding Total Other Funding Sources Notes Design Fund Trails Parks Funding Fund (CIF) x Sources New Trails 75,000 75,000 Art In Park 15,000 5,000 20,000 Transfer to Park Replacement 50,000 22,000 72,000 Playground Replacement 100,000 100,000 Land Acquisition 10th Playfield 400,000 200,000 600,000 Loan from CIF to be repaid from Park Dedication 36th Ave Bridge 45,000 45,000 Open Space Acquisition 275,000 275,000 Parking Lot Repair 75,000 75,000 Trail Repair/ y 25,000 25,000 --- Total 275,000 585,000 27,000 200,000 0 200,000 0 1,287,000 City of Plymouth Page 1 12/7/2000 2001-2005 CIP City ofPlymouth 2001-2005 Capital Improvements Program Park Projects Draft 2004 Park Park Park Project Park CIP Planning Capital Dedication Dedication Replacement Community Other Number Project Year and Improvement Playfields Neighborhood MSA Improvement Funding Total Other Funding Sources Notes Design Fund Trails Parks Funding Fund (CIF) Sources New Trails 75,000 75,000 Art In Park 15,000 5,000 20,000 Transfer to Park Replacement 57,000 24,000 81,000 Land Acquisition Loan from CIF to be repaid from Park Dedication10thPlayfield250,000 250,000 500,000 Repayment of Loan to CIF 40,000 40,000 Trail Repair/ Overlay 50,000 50,000 Playground Replacement 110,000 110,000 Total 437,000 29,000 160,000 0 250,000 0 876,000 I City of Plymouth Page 1 12/7/2000 2001-2005 CIP City of Plymouth 2001-2005 Capital Improvements Program Park Projects Draft 2005 Park Park Park Project Park CIP Planning Capital Dedication Dedication Replacement Community Other Number Project Year and Improvement Playfields Neighborhood MSA Improvement Funding Total Other Funding Sources Notes Design Fund Trails Parks Funding Fund (CIF) * Sources New Trails 75,000 75,000 Artin Park 15,000 5,000 20,000 Transfer to Park Replacement 64,000 27,000 91,000 Repayment of Loan to CIF 50,000 50,000 Playground Replacement 110,000 110,000 New Tennis Courts at Plymouth Creek Center 150,000 150,000 Spray Playground - Plymouth Creek Park 100,000 100,000 Parking Lot Repair 1 100,000 100,000 Total 454,000 32,0001 210,000 0 0 0 696,000 City of Plymouth Page 1 12/7/2000