HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 07-19-2001Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
July 19, 2001, 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. Award playground bid for Parkers Lake
b. Approved location of playground for Environmental Park
5. Unfinished Business
a. Millennium Garden update
b. Hilde Performance Center update
c. Greenwood youth sports update
d. Discuss Teen Center tour and letters from Youth Council and Senior groups
6. New Business
a. Review update to CIP through 2006
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting — August 9, 2001
n\parks\staff\eri c\prac\agendas\i uly01.doc
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
June 14, 2001
Page 35
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Meyer, and Musliner; staff Bisek, Blank,
and Pederson; Councilmember Hewitt; City Manager Johnson
Absent: Commissioners Singer and Thompson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the June meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Prior
to 7:20, there was no quorum.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Meyer and seconded by Commissioner Fiemann to
approve the minutes of the May meeting as presented. Musliner made a correction on pg. 31.
She stated that her reason for supporting the skate park being at the Ice Center was the
supervision available there with staff trained in first aid. She stated that she did not mention
anything about the proximity to the Police station. Motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations.
b. Staff. Mary mentioned that the Minnesota Monthly Magazine picked the 10 best sites for
picnics in the metropolitan area. Parkers Lake was the number one site. Rec-Connect has
received two awards of excellence. The MN League of Cities and the MRPA each gave
us one. We also received awards of excellence for the Plymouth Creek Center and for the
Chocolate Sampler. Someone from MRPA will be coming out to make a presentation at a
future Council meeting regarding these awards. Regina Callies is starting full time as a
recreation coordinator August 1st. The is the first full time position we've had in 11 years
in the recreation division. The Council approved a reclassification for Dan Lauer. He is
now a recreation supervisor. MRAC has approved a matching grant for the City of
4,500. We will be receiving that next year. It's a process grant to help arts communities
in the suburban area grow. Staff is now working on 2002 budgets. The recreation
brochure deadline for fall is August 15. Summer staff training was last night at the
Plymouth Creek Center. Musliner asked about the formation of the art committee, the
group that is to help make decisions about the type of art that may be displayed in
Plymouth's public areas, such as parks, etc. Mary said that committee is still meeting and
will be making a formal presentation to PRAC at some point. They may get tied into this
arts grant, but Mary wasn't sure in what capacity. Meyer asked about Regina's position.
Mary said it's a new position and that she will be taking over some of Mary's programs,
along with teen programming and young adult classes. Councilmember Hewitt asked
about the fall soccer early deadline and wondered if we would have a second round of
registrations after that date. Mary confirmed that the date of June 30th is the deadline,
because the entire month of July is needed to form the teams and get the schedules out.
We may accept additional registrations after that date but only to fill out teams.
PRAC Minutes/June 2001
Page 36
Dwight Johnson, City Manager, discussed the Youth Advisory Council's proposal to
have a teen center/coffeehouse. One of the sites they are interested in is the lower level of
the Plymouth Creek Center. Dwight stated that the City also owns some houses along
County Road 101 that might be possible for such a facility. Another option is a building
at West Medicine Lake Park, if one gets built there. Dwight believes the Youth Advisory
Council just wants to get the concept presented at this point. Fiemann asked if any of the
houses on 101 are isolated from other neighbors. Dwight said that is an issue that needs
to be addressed. Dwight said there is a house right next to the watertower that might be
appropriate. It is near another house, however. Fiemann asked if there will be older adults
there supervising. Dwight said that something probably could be arranged. Meyer is in
favor of this idea. She thinks it sounds like they prefer the Plymouth Creek Center as
their first choice. Dwight said it's up in the air. The teens said they'd prefer to have a
place of their own. Maybe the Plymouth Creek Center would work if they could have
their own entrance. Anderson asked about a timeframe. Dwight said there really isn't one.
Dwight thinks there may be grant money for this project from the Communities in
Collaboration Council. They are favorable about this proposal. Director Blank said staff
will start working on this, and it will likely be the number one item on the July agenda. If
we tie it into the budgeting cycle, we need to narrow it down to one or two directions to
go. Musliner suggested finding out more about the Maple Grove Teen Center and The
Depot.
c. Others. There were no other presentations.
4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Approved skate park. Director Blank stated that the skate park has been moved to the
public works site, following a spirited debate at the Council meeting. Bids on the asphalt
surface are due June 15. If it stops raining, it should be operational by mid—July. We will
try to get the kids involved in naming it. Dwight stated that this afternoon the
Communities in Collaboration met about a grant. They debated today if their grant could
be extended to the new location. They voted not to, because it was originally set to be
given if the skate park was going to be at the Ice Center. It was a split vote, with quite a
debate. The criteria for their grants is connecting youth to the community. They feel that
by moving the skate park to another location that critiera will not be met. Meyer asked
about the additional cost to move it. Director Blank said it will be about $30,000 more. It
will be just east of the water treatment plant. This has a separate entrance. This area will
be fenced off and will include a small parking lot for about 10 cars. We budgeted $50,000
for the skate park and that covers the initial cost. Musliner asked if we have established
some criteria for grading the success of the skate park. Director Blank said there are
advantages to locating the skate park at the Public Works facility. This site is expandable,
the hours can be longer as well as the months it will be open, and we are working on
ways to judge the park's success.
b. Award of bid — Greenwood. The Council awarded the contract for the Greenwood fields.
The performance bonds are in. A pre -construction meeting has been held. We delayed
starting the project until school was out, and now the weather has delayed us. Work
should begin on Monday, June 18, if the rain stops. This site will open for use next
spring. The entire site will be sodded. Fall soccer probably will not be played there this
year. We did not construct a parking lot or a drinking fountain.
PRAC Minutes/June 2001
Page 37
c. Approved the wildflower garden. The Council approved the installation of the wildflower
garden on 38th Avenue across from the Plymouth Creek Park.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Millennium Garden update. Work began today — a survey crew showed up to install the
silt fence. The next thing is the mass grading. That is a completely donated item. We will
wait until they can work us into their schedule. People continue to buy bricks. Our
dedication/grand opening ceremony may be around July 20th, 2002.
b. Hilde Performance Center. This project is moving along slowly. Mr. Hilde convened
some meetings with the architect and staff. They think the project can come in at the
million dollar limit set by Mr. Hilde. The basement may have to come out of the project
at this time. Mr. Hilde would like to announce it at the July 5 Music in Plymouth. There
is concern about the ground water on this site in terms of putting in a basement. We are
waiting for the architects to give us another set of drawings. The basement cost is
estimated at $100,000. Councilmember Hewitt said it will cost considerably more to add
a basement later. We are trying to stay within Mr. Hilde's limit and still maximize the
project. The Council did approve the EAW at their last meeting. The community is
embracing the project and is very supportive.
d. Playground replacements. Swan Lake is very close to being done. Parkers Lake
playground is going to be a catalog playground. We will probably get $60,000 worth of
free" product. Director Blank explained what he meant by a catalog playground. The
playground manufacturer publishes a catalog and plans to feature this playground in their
next issue. Councilmember Hewitt asked about the playground program at Parkers Lake
and whether or not it will be cancelled due to the playground replacement. Director Blank
asked Mary to look into this.
Because the Council agendas have been so full, the environmental park is scheduled for
their July 10th meeting. That project may begin by late summer.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discuss park tour — select date. Director Blank said that PRAC visited non -Plymouth
parks last summer. Historically the park tour has been scheduled prior to beginning
discussions on the CIP. Sometimes we use the July meeting to do that. We could do it
later in July or early August. It was suggested that PRAC tour the teen centers. It was
decided there wouldn't be enough time to visit teen centers prior to the meeting on July
12th, so Director Blank suggested visiting the centers on July 16 and then hold the
regular July meeting on the 19th. We will plan to cancel the August meeting, unless
pressing business requires a meeting. The Youth Advisory Council has toured the teen
center in Maple Grove. A suggestion was made to invite them to attend the tour as well as
the Council.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Musliner asked if the Rotary Club ducks would be available at the Music in Plymouth event.
Director Blank said the duck race will be held during the parade event on October 6. The
Rotary Club has gathered $30,000 from their corporate sponsors. The goal is to sell 10,000
PRAC Minutes/June 2001
Page 38
ducks, which would raise $100,000. Director Blank will let PRAC know as soon as the ducks
are available for purchase.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
The Ice Center has had a couple of projects completed recently. The B rink floor was
repainted and the dehumidification system has been installed. Music in Plymouth is on July
5. The Fun Run is June 23rd. Lunds is funding the fireworks this year. The 30th anniversary
of Music in Plymouth is 2002. The recent rains have been brutal on our programs. The
Wayzata Soccer Tournament directors met and decided to cancel 2/3 of their weekend
tournament due to the water—logged fields. Rumors spread on these things like wildfire. We
did not cancel the tournament — they did. Some ages will still be allowed to play. Director
Blank said staff met with all the turf groups over the winter months and with everyone's
cooperation, a set of guidelines to save the fields was agreed upon. Everyone has bought into
the idea of preserving the fields. The Wayzata Club should be commended for their decision
to cancel their tournament. This will hurt them financially. Director Blank said we can't help
them out this year, but maybe next year we can do something for them.
Fiemann asked about the ice center sign. Mary said she called the company and they just
visited the site yesterday. They said everything is ready but the electric box isn't hot. It's
very close to being operational. The two trees that are blocking it will be moved as soon as
the ground dries up a little. They will be moved back a few feet. Fiemann asked about the
parking issue at LifeTime. Director Blank said this issue is still being researched. Fieman
asked if the plans for a parking solution include the possibility of a third sheet of ice. Director
Blank said yes. Director Blank said we're focusing on a parking study more so than a third
sheet of ice. In order to effectively study parking, however, we have to know where a third
sheet could go, but nothing has been adopted in the CIP. Director Blank cautioned everyone
to not give the impression that we are going to add a third sheet of ice. Fiemann mentioned
the difficulties encountered when trying to enter the soccer field at the Central Middle
School. There has to be a solution. Director Blank said the entrance is designed this way to
keep bikes off the field or things that could tear up the turf. Director Blank said the school
district is not likely to change their minds about opening any other gates. Fiemann suggested
that PSA should find someone to operate the gates, so they could be open only during the
soccer games. He also commented that parking at this school is challenging. The lot is full
and cars are parked on every surrounding side street. Mary commented that numerous
activities are taking place at this school besides soccer, and this is contributing to the parking
situation.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
June 26, 2001
Bill Hunt
14220 44th Place
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mr. Hunt:
0
ITV OF
PUMOUTR
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
9 . ,
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(P(ace 7a Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
onmw www.d.plymouth.mn.us
ra
June 26, 2001 PITF
PLYMOUTR
Alan Litts
14180 47th Avenue
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mr. Litts:
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH ABeautifuLPlaceToLive
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mmus
June 26, 2001
Katherine Hagen
6345 Main Street
Maple Plain, MN 55340
Dear Ms. Hagen:
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
F'", 6
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH A BeautifulPCace 7a Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
June 26, 2001
Beverly Romfo
14215 44th Place
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mrs. Romfo:
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(P(ace To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
June 26, 2001
Sarah Seltz
4800 Cheshire Lane
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mrs. Seltz:
r0
CITY OF
PLYMOUTR
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
91:- 6- y`ltPc—
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place 7o Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
4 u www.d.plymouth.mn.us
June 26, 2001
Peg Matuseski
14175 47th Avenue
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mrs. Matuseski:
r0
CITY CO
PLYMOUTR
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
YV0
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH ABeaatifuC'Place ToLive
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
mow www.d.plymouth.mn.us
ra
June 26, 2001 CITY OF
PUMOUTR
Shirley Galvin
14000 44th Place
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mrs. Galvin:
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
5-1v &
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH ABeautifulPCaceToLive
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
Teen Centers
7/5/01
Apple Valley: Separate 2500 sq. ft. building. Part used for warming house in winter.
Bond referendum in 1997. Opened February 1999.
Contact: Bill Bird, 952-953-2300.
Free drop in 7 days/week: M-TH,1-8 p.m.
6-12 grades FS, 1-10 p.m.
Sun, 1-6 p.m.
Activities: big screen TV, video games, foosball, air hockey, ping pong, electronic
darts, pin ball, sports equipment (located in park), roller hockey. A skate park just
opened next to the building.
Slow start. Attendance is up 51% since they opened.
Problems: one broken window, a minor skirmish with parents called, a stolen video
game, and a stolen skateboard.
Teen Council — the council was inconsistent and was dropped, starting again.
Brooklyn Park: Neighborhood Teen Center in an old park building. It is going to be tom down.
An addition is going to be added to the local elementary school near the Junior High
School. It is not a drop in center.
Burnsville: The Garage, 952-895-4664
Contact: Eric Billiet, 952-895-4500
Open for almost 2 years
Administered by the City of Burnsville
Funding from: Family Service Grant
Public Health Grant
Drug and Violence Prevention Grant
Size: 6,000 sq. ft. in an the old City Maintenance Garage
Use: The school drops off about 20 kids per day. They provide transportation home.
In the evening, there are health-related meetings, i.e. N & AAA.
Jr. High until 5:30 p.m.
High School 6-8 p.m.
Weekends open until 11:30 p.m. Attendance 100-200 per night.
2 stages — one live bands, another DJ.
Bands volunteer to provide live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Cost $3-4. If they are a member of the MN Teen Music Association free.
Non-profit run by teens.
Monday is meeting night.
www.eccentrix.com/music/thegarage
Champlin: Coffee house with a restaurant — privately run.
Eden Prairie: Teen programs only. Adventure teen trips going well.
Edina: Teen centers come and go. Right now no teen center. Working on a for fee skate park
with Bloomington and Richfield built on parkland to be run by the YMCA.
Hopkins: The Depot, 9451 Excelsior Blvd., 952-938-2204
Contact: Anthony Hall, Teen Center Coordinator 952-582-8254
Teen Board of Directors grades 9-12
Student nm.
Drop In M -Th 6:30 a.m. — 9 p.m.
F 6:30 a.m. — 11 p.m.
Sat 8 a.m. —10 p.m.
Sun 9 a.m. — 8 p.m.
Rent Building from the railroad for $1 per year. Opened in 1998.
Originally raised over $300,000 from private donations, materials and labor.
1998 $96,000 two year grant from Department of Children, Youth and Family Learning
Also $25,000 grant from Park Nicollet and $10,000 from McKnight
Weekends high school bands play — no cover charge
Kids from the Skatepark hang out
Programs offered are based on the needs of the kids that come in
Two -FT adult staff. Always an adult present. Weekends adult volunteer chaperones.
No posted rules — no problems. A little graffiti and minor issues with board games.
Some broken furniture because of large numbers on weekends.
Chemically free. Smoke free.
New Hope: Mosaic Youth Center, Near NW YMCA
Contact: Melissa Bachman, 612-749-9561
Currently doing a capital campaign. Hoping to break ground in the spring of 2002.
Social services and drop in.
Maple Grove: Maple Grove Community Center Teen Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd.
Contact: Sean Williamson, FT Recreation Youth Outreach, 763-494-6500
Coin operated pool table, TV/VCR, vending, video games, arcade games.
Hours: M-TH until 9 p.m.
F/Sat until 10 p.m.
Sun until 7 p.m.
St. Louis Park:The Underground, Hwy. 7 between Penn and Quebec in old warehouse - donated
Contact: Todd Looney, 952-938-1121, YES Kids, run by a church
Board of Directors — adults and teens. Open for 6 years
Summer hours — Thursday from 7 — 9 p.m. for different age groups
Facilities: game room, multi-purpose room, coffee shop setting with teen live music
Rules: no smoking or drinking, common courtesy - 1 fight in 5 years
Plymouth Youth Advisory Council
Proposal for A Teen Center/Coffee House
Permission to create one and for a location)
Introduction: Why the city should have a Teen Center/Coffee House
1. Uses for a Teen Center/Coffee House
a. Teen Hangout
b. Homework
c. Recreation
d. Dances
e. Performances
f. Intergenerational Gatherings
2. Logistics
a. Where the Teen Center/Coffee House could be located.
b. Who could use it and when.
c. What needs to be done to make this a reality.
3. Included Venues for a Teen Center/Coffee House
2
Introduction
At the past two youth town forums, participants expressed a need and a desire for
a place for teens to go. Many teens specifically identified a desire for a coffeehouse or a
teen center located closer to their homes. They had frequented "The Depot" and other
city's coffeehouses or teen centers and want the Plymouth to have one of its own. We
believe that the City of Plymouth could build a Teen Center/Coffee House to give teens a
place to go. As we envision a teen center/coffee house, it would be a facility with many
uses: with space for games, an Internet cafd, and a place for gathering. A Teen
Center/Coffee House would benefit the City in numerous ways. It would aid in `Building
a Quality Community" and in creating programs and venues for Plymouth's citizens.
Uses for a Teen Center/Coffee House
A city teen center/coffee house would provide a safe chemical free supervised
teen hangout where teens could interact, mentor, and develop leadership and managerial
skills. We envision a place where teens can go to hangout, do their homework, access the
Internet, and have fun.
A Teen Center/Coffee House would provide a place to hold dances for teens.
Maple Grove's Teen Center sponsors many dances for middle school kids in their city.
Along with holding dances, a teen center would allow for performances of sorts to go on
each week. Many high school kids are required to go to poetry readings, or have bands
and would like to perform for their peers. A teen center/coffee house would allow us to
accomplish all of these desires.
3
With a teen center/coffee house, senior citizens would be able to access the
Internet or take classes teaching them to use computers or the Internet.
After school kids could come in and use the teen center/coffee house to do
research for projects, listen to a band, buy coffee or other drinks and gather with their
friends.
Logistics
The Plymouth Creek Center currently has unfinished space under the ballroom
that could serve as a teen center/coffee house. It has outside access in the room so teens
wouldn't be going through the Creek Center to get to it. Also with the space in there, the
teen center/coffee house would be open to others using it during the day for games or
Internet access.
As an alternative location, the City currently owns or will shortly own several
houses on Highway 101. One of these houses could be used as a Teen Center/Coffee
house. If this location were to be used, things such as utilities would have to be paid for,
but it would attract more teens to it because it wouldn't be as intimidating as a City
building. The Depot, Minnetonka's Coffeehouse, and the Underground, St. Louis Park's
Coffeehouse, are operated in houses that have been remodeled.
Other building location possibilities are also being discussed and explored.
We would have the teen Center/Coffee house open to teen use during the hours of
Monday -Thursday: 4-8, Friday -Saturday: 4-11, and Sunday: 12-6. The hours would not
E
exceed curfew and during the week, the "Center" would act as a drop—in center (i.e. teens
drop in whenever they want, any age). The ages we believe that this would service during
theses hours would be 13-19. There would be a cutoff time, kids age 13-14 would be
expected to leave before 8 p.m. since high school kids would otherwise not like to show
up because they do not wish to associate with middle school kids. Kids younger than that
would not be allowed in because at that point it almost acts as a baby-sitting center,
which it would not be outfitted to handle.
Included Venues
To create a teen center we believe that the following could be included:
1. Video System to show movies and for other miscellaneous uses.
2. Pool tables (Could run pool tournaments.)
3. Dance area
4. Ping-Pong Tables
5. Couches
6. Arcade games (Requested Basketball free-throw game)
7. Board Games
8. Internet Cafe (To teach citizens how to access the Internet, LAN games, homework,
research, and other miscellaneous uses.)
9. Stage (multi—purpose)
10. Sound System (Bands, videos, poetry readings, performances, and other
miscellaneous reasons.)
11. Tables/Chairs
12. Food Service: Concession Type
5
y,-12.1
Youth Town Forum 2001 Discussion Responses
indicates number of times comment was made
1) What do you like about Plymouth?
Clean air
Cold
Friendly people
Frisbee golf
Good school district
4) It's safe
Like the diversity
need more basketball courts
need more duck ponds
No diversity
Not a bad place
Scenery
Shopping
There are a lot of lots
2) How does Plymouth differ from other communities?
Coffee houses
Diversity is not here
Higher crime area
Higher on a social scale
Ice cream here for soccer players
It's newer
It's richer
Less crime
Plymouth is less commercial, but becoming more commercial
School system "kicks ass"
Seems similar to other places
Stricter curfew
There are more facilities than other places
We have "Link 4"
3) What topics would you like to discuss at a HRC student workshop?
How people with disabilities should be treated
2) Racial profiling
Racism/prejudice
T, ,\ Page 2of5
4) How do you feel about the new developments in Plymouth? What would you like to
see (new developments) in Plymouth?
Allocate a place just for wildlife
Dance hall would be good, something like "Gators"
Department stores, outlet malls
Diversity of development
Don't want to see more banks
2) Doii't wart tv See more grocery stores
Expanding too fast
Fancy restaurants, more classy
Good competition
Hate cutting trees
Improve watersheds
Kentucky Fried Chicken near Tom Thumb
Making roads congested
More nice basketball courts
Need developments that get people out to do something, like $2.00 movies
Need youth places not affiliated with City, like bowling, pool hall; no youth center
New mini -restaurants are good
Pretty good
2) too many houses/townhomes/apartments
Wildlife
Would like to see a pool hall
Would like to see a Target near high school
Would like to see more conservation
5) Is there enough safety in the neighborhoods?
Could be safer around Armstrong H.S.
Good, safe neighborhoods
Too many police
6) What areas of improvement do you see Plymouth needing?
Already improving so much
Extend ages for soccer and softball programs
3) Fix neighborhood roads
Green arrows; should be a yield thing
3) Less development
Limited ice time — add a rink
Listening to youth
More Frisbee golf
Not as many stop lights, flashing stop lights by the school
Not enough stores
Rugby teams
1, ' d - I Page 3 of 5
Skate Parks
Stricter laws for littering
Too many cookie cutter houses
Would like to see more street lights
7) What don't you want to see happening in Plymouth?
Don't want to see more shopping malls
Lund's is dumb, pointless
Lund's provides jobs so it is kind of good
No billboards
No more people
No more tennis courts
8) What would you like to see Plymouth improve upon?
Closing times of businesses
Coffee house/teen center
Cross country skiing/downhill skiing
Drive-in movies
Have Youth Jam at the High School, and invite other schools
Lower the drinking age
Make the City paper more noticeable
More "ride alongs"
More basketball courts
More original eating places
More pools, arcades, clubs (Uptown atmosphere)
More sidewalks
More social services
3) Need more involvement in team sports
No more grocery stores
Park and Rec. activities: whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, plane trips, rugby,
soccer for older ages, free night at LifeTime, go-carts, concerts, art, sky diving
Plant trees
Snow -tubing park
Try to get a Northwest Athletic Club
2) Would like to see improved roads
Would like to see improved snow plowing of roads and sidewalks
9) Where do you see Plymouth in 10 years?
2) Highly populated
Like Maple Grove in 10 years, better school
More animal rights; people are going to be mad
Not a lot of trees
5) Overly developed, major city
3) Top community
10) What activities would you like to see Plymouth sponsoring?
Academic area (computers)
2) Basketball courts
Bowling
Coffeehouse activities: local
karaoke, summer weekdays
Dance club
Hockey
No activities
Ping pong
Pool tables
Rollerblade paths
Rugby
2) Skate park
Sponsored plenty already
Tennis courts
without geese
Youth Center
Page 4 of 5
bands, comfy chairs, space, open mike night,
11) Are there any ways (or new ideas) to improve on existing concerts/programs?
Music in Plymouth"
4) Audition bands for people our age
Battles of the bands
Ben Harper
Comedy clubs
Dance clubs
Mini golf places
More advertising for "Fire and Ice"
More advertising for "Plymouth on Parade"
More advertising for "Youth Jam"
2) More concerts, more publicity for them
More entertainment
More for youth
12) Have you heard of the HRC?
If you know what the HRC is do you notice any violations?
Heard of it
Kids who got suspended by teachers who were too strict
We treat each other pretty well, but religion is pretty strict
Why hasn't City been complained to about Christmas lights?
13) Do you feel the HRC is worthwhile?
14) Where did you hear about the HRC?
Page 5 of 5
15) What kind of volunteer opportunities have you heard of in Plymouth?
Do a Mentor Connection type of thing
History Fest
Interfaith Outreach
Library
Plymouth volunteers
3) Summer Park and Rec stuff: coach for games; puppet wagon/mobile
IT— t d v
2001 Youth Town Forum Evaluation Comments
Indicates number of occurances
Liked:
4) Being able to give our opinion on what we want happening in Plymouth.
Finding out about more things in Plymouth.
16) Discussing in the small groups - we got to hear input from our peers
4) Discussions with the Mayor. Dinner. Group discussions.
Everything
4) Expressing my views; being able to talk a lot and input of my opinion.
31) Food
2) Getting extra credit
5) The attempt to bring youth into the community
5) How things were very organized. It was a lot better than I imagined. The small groups were
great & you felt like you were really a part of something important.
My group. Very good group leader (Ifna). The small group thing was the best.
Talking with kids around my own age who also attend Wayzata High School
3) Telling the City our opinions.
That they were asking us our ideas about the youth center and also the idea of the youth
center.
The different ideas people had. That the Mayor was there to speak to us. That they were
asking for ideas from the kids.
The fact that the committees are open to new suggestions.
The Mayor interacting with us. They :vent into great detail on things. Looked very interested
in things we were saying.
The pool hall idea. The youth center. The atmosphere. Pizza/food.
5) The question and answer session with the Mayor. The small group discussions. The food.
Chance for extra credit.
Volunteers (Brianna) were nice.
The youth center or entertainment place for teens to congregate.
I didn't like:
2) All the questions about the HRC.
Being in groups with people we know because we didn't meet anyone new.
Didn't understand everything.
9) How long it was.
21) How the Mayor & other reps were only here for 5 minutes. If they really wanted to hear our
opinions & questions I don't think they really had any interest in what we thought. They
needed to be here for more than 5 minutes.
2) More open mike time
I didn't like the fact that people left after the food. 1 didn't like that once our questions were
over; there was nothing to do.
3) 1 didn't like the pizza.
2) Loose structure (although it probably is necessary)
Not being able to have a sky -diving option.
4) Speakers didn't seem very prepared.
That they didn't explain why sidewalks were not a good idea & what the sides are for and
against them. Make sure each small group has a team leader, because we didn't have one.
That we didn't get very much information about the commercial buildings that are coming to
Plymouth.
That we didn't have sheets that explained stuff.
5) The small groups. Nobody in my group talked & the questions were too open - not specific
enough.
There wasn't a lot not to like.
1 1,-
2001 Youth Town Forum
Evaluation comments
Page 2 of 2
I learned:
16) A lot about Plymouth I didn't know before.
A lot about the Youth City Council. It was nice to hear what they are doing and that they are
trying to do more for teens.
7) A lot about what's planned in our city.
12) A ton of stuff about the Human Rights Commission and what they do.
6) About Council's general outlook on development
About more activities Plymouth offers & what they are planning to do.
3) About the bridge idea & the water supply.
about the development of a new "Carvers" [Culver's] Restaurant
About the different groups & organizations. About the youth center.
About what people had in mind about the community. How much it costs to build a bridge
and how we are not a spendy community.
2) How I can get more involved in my community.
2) More about different groups that youth can get involved in. Issues that the cities are working
on as well as projects.
More about human resource council & development in Plymouth.
More about issues and how to work well in a group.
2) Nothing. 1 already know everything.
Peer pressure can be forceful. Programs that Plymouth has.
3) Problems with our city and how we're dealing with them. How the city's dealing with youth.
That it's important.
That there should be a pool hall.
That there was a Plymouth Creek Center. Also that they are planning on putting in a youth
center.
That this program has only been going on for 2 years
The 8 million dollar watershed plan. Expansion of LifeTime parking lots.
The problems of the town I didn't learn many solutions though. That the Mayor and Council
aren't cool.
What the Mayor looks like.
Who the Mayor was. Feature developments & improvements. About the secret bridge theory
project.
Next Time:
Allow more time to ask questions (the Council).
Better speakers.
Don't know.
Explain and expand on what programs are.
Additional Comments:
2) Food was good
Have it outside.
2) have it semi-annually instead of just once a year.
1 liked it. I plan to come back next year.
I wanna be in the Youth Council or a subcommittee.
nice building
2) No Papa John's.
Sweet
2) Thank you
2) This is a great idea - getting kids involved will help the community.
CAMPBELL KNUTSON
Professional Association
317 Eagandale Office Center
1380 Corporate Center Curve
Eagan, Minnesota 55121
We are pleased to announce that
Andrea McDowell Poehler
and
Matthew K. Brokl
have become Shareholders with the firm
Soren M. Mattick
has joined the firm as an Associate
CAMPBELL KNUTSON
Professional Association
Attorneys at Law
July 2, 2001
Eric Blank proposed that we prepare a list of reasons why expansion of the lower level is
needed.
In order to expand senior programs, we are recommending to finish the lower level of
Plymouth Creek Center. Seniors would be willing to share this space with teenagers. Right
now, Wednesday Bridge and 500 Card Clubs are at their limit, which is symptomatic of
growth for other programs.
By adding another 8,000 square feet, this will open up space to expand other programs. The
room could be less formal than the Fireside Room as long as it is comfortable.
Sara N ittelsteadt has inquiries for other programs, but no space is available. Hopefully
establishment of additional space would free up expansion for chess, checkers, mah-jong,
women's club, a mentoring program between young people and seniors, ping-pong, pool
table, shuffleboard, etc.
Cribbage would like to meet every week, but because of other activities using the Fireside
Room, they now can only meet twice a month.
The space for computers in the expanded area would be utilized by seniors as well as
teenagers.
In summary, we feel that it is necessary that we have this additional space and hope that the
city will agree with us.
Signed by:
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Visits to Plymouth Senior Program Groups
The following is a short account of the visits that I made to the Plymouth Senior Groups. For the
most part the groups are very happy with the building and enjoy coming here. There are some
cases where they need more storage space and would like it in the room where they meet. We
will be looking for ways to accommodate them. Each group thought that they would grow some
in the next five years, but most didn't think they would outgrow their present space. I can see
that in order to offer classes and events that happen on a:sporadic occasion that this could
become harder to do as we book special interest groups into the spaces.
June 2- Over 55 Club
The Over 551club moved here from ST. Mary's of the Lake Church. They had met there
for 20 years. Their numbers had been dropping there over the past 5 years. It seems to be
holding it's own at around 25 members. They really enjoy meeting and playing card afterward.
They do not see a big growth in their group but think it may grow some. They had no real
concerns about the space.
June 4 — Walking Club
Has not grown much during the last year. They lost a few people when they switched to
walking at Plymouth Creek Park, but gained a few to make up for it. They emphasized that their
group is a support group and that they have become very close-knit. They say a lot more people
are walking because of the dome, but they don't join their club. The group likes to walk at
Ridgedale in the winter. In 5 years they see their group becoming larger and more diverse as
they encourage people that come for the ESL circles to join them.
June 5 — Story Time Players
This group has added a lot of new members. They had 15 people in the group one year
ago and now have 22. They are doing a lot more performances, including book fairs in the
evening, libraries, preschools and of course the schools. In 5 years they don't see their group
growing by leaps and bounds but think they will expand to 5grade performances too.
One of their concerns is that their music stands are not in the room where they rehearse.
Maintenance has started bringing their stands in for them now, which helps. They would also
appreciate a couple of liteweight tables for their meeting before rehearsal. Otherwise they are
very happy.
June 6 — Book Club
This group was started after we moved into the building ... a newly formed group. Their
numbers grew quickly, but have remained pretty constant. If they did grow too big, they thought
they should have 2 book discussion groups, because too many people discourages discussion.
They would like an extra stack of chairs brought into the room .Some days they
outnumber the chairs in the conference room.
June 7- Needle Arts Group
This is a newly formed group that started when we moved into the building. It is a small
group but continues to grow. They have had 5 or 6 loyal members from the start and have
recently added 5 new members. They love the space and the opprtunity to meet and work
together. In five years they thought they would grow some
June 13 — Bridge Club
This group has really grown since we moved here. The bridge group had been meeting a
St. Mary's for many years and had around 4-5 tables. Now they have 11 tables. They are close
to capacity. They were not sure how much the group would grow. Subsequent to this meeting,
we have set limits qn their registrations , so that we don't have more people show up than we can
handle. Next year, we are planning to give Plymouth residents priority on registrations. About
20% of the people registered last year were non-residents.
June 8 — Gardening Club
This is a newly formed group that started when we moved into the building. It continues
to be a small group but has grown from 3 to around 10. They will probably not grow too big
they didn't think but maybe around 20. They thought that they might need a bigger room
someday. They like to have speakers and then need more space than the conference room.
June 12 — Cribbage Group
This group is new to the program. They didn't exist before. They have about 3 tables of
players and think that they may grow to 5-6 tables over the next 5 years. They think the space is
very comfortable and that this is a welcoming place.
They would like to have nametags for every group which would help people get to know
each other.
June 13 — Plymouth Writer's Group
This group was meeting at Plymouth Covenant Church before meeting here. They have
remained about the same size which fluctuates between 4 and 8. They consider themselves a
support group that writes to help work through issues. They are happy as clams with the space,
even though we sometimes move them around to accommodate other groups or meetings.
June 14 — Plymouth Carvers
This group started with 20 several years ago and now have 47 on the roster. Most weeks
they have 20-25 carvers present and that has remained the same. They think they may add 5-6
each year but some also drop out. They are happy with their space and are very productive.
Socializing is a really big part of their work.
June 14 — Plymouth Handycrafters
In 1990 they started with 8 people. They came in with about 25 people and now have 34.
20-25 meet regularly. They think they might increase in number some in the next five years.
They think it is a very comfortable room and are happy here.
They could use more storage space and would like to have more storage in the room
where they meet. This would reduce the amount of hauling that Marty needs to do.
There are a couple more cabinets in the room that they will inherit this summer.
June 26 — Men's Clpb
The men's club is a new addition to our senior program. They started with 6 members
and have now grown to about 30 members. They have expanded to include field trips including
2 fishing trips a golf outing and a trip to the federal reserve building. They really have fun and
love the space here. They think their group will grow but don't think it will outgrow the Fireside
room.
June 27 - Computer User's Group
This group is newly formed and started when we opened the building. They have about
30 people on their roster and vary from 10-15 people who attend. They use the LCD projector to
help with computer questions that the group submits to the leader ahead of time. They are quite
happy with their space. Occasionally we need to move them to a meeting room and then they
don't have the LCD.
Plymouth Rockers
I was not able to meet with the Plymouth Rockers who are on hiatus, but I did talk with several
of their members and they are all very happy with their space. They are much more comfortable
here and have more room. They feel their group will grow slowly with a few additions each
year. They have 67 members this year.
Plymouth Senior Club
This club met at West Medicine Lake Community Club for 25 years and are happy to be in the
new building. Around 100 people were coming to meetings before the move and now around
115-120 regularly come. They would appreciate more storage in the room where they meet and
we did provide a cabinet which can hold some of their things.
Plymouth Pedalers Biking Club
I had planned to meet with them but it didn't work out that day. They are growing quickly now.
They had 15 on each ride last year and now it is consistenly 30. It is all due to a very organized
leader. They only use the building 1 or 2 times per year for meetings otherwise they meet at the
trail.
500 Card Club
I have talked with their leader Laddie Miller about the growth of this group which is in the same
situation as the Bridge Club. They started with 4-5 tables and now consistently have 10-11
tables. There is only room for 12 tables in the room. About 20-25% of the group does not live in
Plymouth and Plymouth first may be a way to help this situation for the time being.
Over 50 Tennis League
I have not been able to contact them. They at last notice were using 4 courts with 4/court on 3
days /week. They would like to have a port a potty closer to their courts. It is a hike for them.
Exercise Classes
The exercise classed which meet here really like the Plymouth Room with the hardwood floor for
their.classes. It can be a conflict with other events in the Plymouth room.
Art Classes
They love the rooms and are very happy with our building.
Plynouth LLandey Cra ern.
The craft group a#anted in /988 ui-tA 7 aeniona (Betty Leach, MabLe SwanaoA, darty
SuntS, DeLoree. Cngman, Chine macron, Lonnai.ne kinney and CanoLine Llanf). They
met at MaAZ'y Surd t3!a home. When attendance incrieaaed they met at Went medicine
Lake Community Club. We ane now membeAA with mane aeni.ona expreaai.ng an intea-
e,t in wining.
At fiA.t the group had no fundi io each member biwugA;6 thea own craft iupplie&
ur&L the aupplle& were gone.. Originally they made cAa to for Amba„ador Cane
Cement craft nate. #owevet it uaa decided that the group uvaid make favona tot
Lgmouth Seni.on. Ci;U. ena Club', monthly meeting, and al4o make caafia to aeJL duo-
ing. %Lynou;Wa A# Yeaiiva . in Septem6ea which they have been doing tot 8 geaA .
Am the pnoceeda of the aaLe,., we now buy out cAaft aupp .Zes but mane in"Atantly
we make m=enoua. confiu.6uti,ona. Sot exampLe, thi,. put yeah. we have cont4i.6uted
I/,000 fon the centet a Millennium Sinden. We have puachaaed a atainle„-,reel .
cant, bingo chary bingo ball,., /j card tables fvt the aeni.ona to uae and we have
contiubu;W ,f300 to the %Lynou;th Senior %togaam And - al,o contat6uted to home
3nee, Wear //Medicine Lake Commuuty Club, 4m6aa4adon. Cane Center. B St, maty of the
Lobe. Catholic Church We ati,LL have ampLe. fund, in teaerve for At&Ae contn.i.buti,ona
whenever the craft group feeler i,. needed
Oua #1 pro6Lem a atonage. apace. We appreciate the centen.'a effort in auppLyeng
come atonage. in ,meeting Room / pLua the 3 ate&t cabinefa doune.taita. LLiiaever all
out completed cAaft4 that ane being held for the September gale &.iili. needs to be
atoned at Manty"a home thin plan. more craft iuppLier. When Marty a" hen home,
the gnaup wi.LL not know where to atone what ,he- ha& & perhaps will need to atop
making cnafta to ieLL and thereby wLU be unable io make AduAa contnibutiona.
ALao, it would be Lean e ffort on the group i4 evevvliv could be on one level - '
our meeting,. pLua aupplies. Now we need io go dounat / to 3 times a meeting for
auppLiea as well as 6ti.ngi.np and tefwuzi ng &uppLies each time that /Mlanty has mt
home.
Any corv»io"ii.on tot mote atonage would be gnxat appneccated Aa an added note,
every item made by the cnafteA& ane not for ihemaelvea. They bury completed cna#A
a& evenyone. eLse.
T
a
All,
na tena
Man y` 41- y ChaZ+.penaon
DATE: July 19, 2001
TO: PRAC
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Update of Capital Improvements Budget
The City Manager has asked that we do an updated capital improvements budget starting with
mid -year 2001 and going through the year 2006. As you will recall, we adopted a capital
improvements budget for the year 2001-2005. The City Manager would like to share the draft
CIP with the City Council at a study session at the end of August. Therefore, we want to just
present some ideas to you at your July meeting and will provide you with further details at your
August 9 meeting.
Listed below are some of the items that we are considering for inclusion in the revised CIP.
2002
Add a trail on Rockford Road between Goldenrod Lane and Zachary Lane. This has been
requested by a number of the residents for safety reasons.
Repair building at East Medicine Lake Beach.
Consider the large West Medicine Lake Pavilion building.
Landscaping and some additional outside electrical outlets at the amphitheater.
Partial finishing of the lower level of the Plymouth Creek Center for senior and/or youth
programs.
Possible improvements and expansion of parking at the Plymouth Ice Center/LifeTime
Fitness.
2003
Move the trail proposed for Lancaster Lane from 36th to Pilgrim Lane back one year from
2002 to 2003.
2006
New trails
Art in the Park
Transfer to Park Replacement
Playground replacement
Parking lot repair and replacement
EB/np
04A