HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 01-11-20181 Approved Minutes
January 11, 2018
Approved Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, January 11, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Merrilee Riley, Commissioners: Marilyn Sunseri, Tricia DeBleeckere, Vita Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dick Burkhardt, Michael Swanson, Aaron Vanderwall
STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Diane Evans, Deputy Director Barb Northway, Project Coordinator
Sonya Rippe, Office Support Specialist Sarah Josephs
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Planning Commissioner Donovan Saba
GUESTS:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Riley called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Sunseri, recommending approval of
the December 14, 2017 Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes as written with
changes as mentioned. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
3. OPEN FORUM:
4. PRESENTATIONS (NON-ACTION ITEMS):
5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS):
5a. 2018 PRAC Work Plan (Action)
The City Code directs each commission to complete an annual Work Plan and present to City
Council. The Work Plan breaks down work tasks by quarters. Some upcoming tasks to complete are
approving the Strategic Goals and Annual Report.
Motion by Commissioner DeBleeckere, seconded by Commissioner Sunseri, recommending the
approval of the 2018 PRAC Work Plan.
5b. 2018 Department Strategic Plan (Action)
PRAC is updated on the Strategic Plan twice a year as per the CAPRA accreditation guidelines. At
both the mid-year and end-of-year meetings an update is provided on large projects and initiatives
scheduled for the year.
Large upcoming projects include developing the Meadows Park, replacing the playgrounds at East
Medicine Lake and Green Oak Parks, as well as land acquisition for future parks and Northwest
Greenway development.
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City Council did approve the bid award for the East Medicine Lake Park project at their most recent
meeting. Construction will start in Spring of 2018. The site will be closed for the entire summer
season and ready for a fall opening. Parking lot lights will also be added to the park.
Sue McLean & Associates (SMA) will be hosting another outdoor ticketed concert at the Hilde
Performance Center this summer. They will be announcing the musical act in early February.
This is the 25th anniversary of the City’s Volunteer Services program. Events will be planned
throughout the year marking this achievement. The City also just received notice that the
Volunteer Services program received an award of recognition from Representative Erik Paulsen.
The Plymouth Ice Center (PIC) will be hosting a National High School hockey tournament in March
of this year. Forty two teams from around the nation will be competing. This is the second large
national tournament to be hosted at the PIC in less than a year.
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Sunseri, recommending the approval
of the 2018 Strategic Plan. With no objection, the motion passed.
5c. 2018 Trail Gap Projects (Action)
Project Coordinator Sonya Rippe was present to share an update on the trail gap projects for 2018.
In August of 2017 City Council selected trail gap #43 (Medina Road) and trail gap #112 (Revere Ln).
The Medina Road gap will be completed on the south side of the road, from Greenwood
Elementary to the City of Medina border. This gap is just under ¾ of a mile and will be completed
with a 10’ wide trail. An Open House was held for this trail in November of 2017 and staff received
very positive feedback on the plans. The gap will cost just over $366,000.
The Revere Lane trail gap is a small, but very important trail gap that needs to be completed for
those wishing to cross over Hwy 55. The trail will be put on the east side of the road and will run
336’. The gap will cost $66,000. Commissioners asked if the cost includes acquisition and
development of the land, or just the cost of the trail. Coordinator Rippe shared that the City
already owns the property, so we will just be paying for the development of the trail.
Motion by Commissioner DeBleeckere, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, recommending the
approval of the 2018 Trail Gap Projects. With no objection, the motion passed.
5d. Meadows Park Master Plan (Action)
An Open House was held just prior to the PRAC meeting on January 11. Invitations were sent to 137
households living near the park. Visitors had the option to vote for either a sail or steel gable
roofed structure, as well as for the 2-5 year old play components of either artificial turn or poured
in place surface. Twenty three people attended the Open House. Residents voted in favor for the
steel gable roof shelter and the artificial grass structure at the playground.
Comments from residents include adding built-in grills, additional picnic seating areas, and planting
as many trees as possible around the park. Generally staff do plant as many trees as able to once
the development is complete. The City receives money from the land developers to plant trees.
Other comments from residents included; adding an infant swing, benches, toddler play area,
fitness equipment and skateboarding options.
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Due to the proximity to the elementary school playground , the community playground will include
amenities for younger children.
Commissioners are asked to recommend which playground component and shelter structure to
recommend with the Meadows Park plan.
Motion by Commissioner DeBleeckere, seconded by Commissioner Sunseri, recommending the
approval of the Meadows Park Master Plan. With no objection, the motion passed.
5e. Northwest Greenway Phase 4 (Action)
Director Evans shared an overview of the Northwest Greenway (NWG) and where it is currently
developed. The new Meadows park will be in the northwest portion of the greenway. The NWG
currently has a portion of land that runs from Lake Camelot to Lake Pomerleau. Tuesday evening a
purchase agreement for the last piece of land to acquire was passed. There will now be a full
connection of land between Peony Lane and Cheshire Parkway.
Phase 4 will create a boardwalk along the south side of the wetland. There is quite a bit of
vegetation in the wetland to work around, so the boardwalk will have a curve to it. There will be a
20’ x 40’ educational platform along the boardwalk. This is provide a space for interpretive signage,
birdwatching classes or other environmental classes without interrupting the flow of walkers on
the trail.
There are still several phases to go, with at least 2-3 more boardwalks to build. Eventually Fairway
Greens Park will connect to Lake Pomerleau, in turn connecting it to the Lake Camelot area .
6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE
The City just acquired the last piece of land needed to complete the connections on the
Northwest Greenway.
City Council approved the East Medicine Lake Park plan. It will take most of the summer to
complete the project. The project includes renovating the building, replacing the playground
and adding parking lot lights. Residents were initially informed on the project at an Open
House. Updates and project timing will be posted on the City’s Parks in Progress webpage. The
neighborhood was notified that the original bids were rejected and that the project was going
to be rebid.
The Northwest Greenway sign is now up on the pedestrian bridge over Vicksburg Lane. Mixed
feedback has come in regarding the sign; some neighbors love it while others are displeased.
The sign identifies and points out where the Northwest Greenway is. Council wanted it to be
easily identified.
On February 13 staff will meet with City Council at a study session to discuss an expansion to
the Plymouth Creek Center. Staff met with the City Manager to discuss funding ideas. There
are a wide range of options that could be included with the expansion. Some plans include
gymnasiums while others don’t. Should the City Council wish to move forward, staff would
begin planning open houses and communication platforms to share the options for a possible
expansion.
After Hours at the Creek will be held on Friday, January 19. This is the first time hosting an
adult-only event. Staff are excited and hoping for a nice turnout. Tickets are available in
advance or at the door.
Fire & Ice is on Saturday, February 3 from 3-7pm at Parkers Lake Park. The ice is over 16” deep
now so it is safe for vehicles to get on the ice to begin preparations. A challenge this year has
been to secure enough volunteers to assist at the event. Many volunteers are assisting with
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Super Bowl related events and activities. Staff have added a sledding hill, cardboard racecar
contest and a story teller in the cabin.
Remodeling has begun on the first floor of City Hall. Parks & Recreation staff will be split
between the Plymouth Creek Center and the Parks & Forestry office. Director Evans is
managing the project. Commissioners will be given a tour once the project is complete.
An Open House for Green Oaks Park will be held prior to the February PRAC meeting.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner DeBleeckere, recommending
adjournment of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection, Chair
Riley adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m.