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HomeMy WebLinkAbout121195 * PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA MONDAY. DECEMBER 11, 1995 7:00 P.M. THE NEW FIRE STATION 1. Call to order. 2. Minutes from meeting of 11/13/95 3. Staff Reports. None at this time 4. Parks Advisory Committee Open Forum. 5. Old Business. 6. New Business. I. Lakefront Park Master Plan - New Consulting Firm Brauer and Associates - Jeff Schoenbauer (Brainstorming session - project schedule) 2. Review Bylaws 3. Comments on Parks and Trail Comprehensive Plan 7. Set next meeting date. A. The next meeting will be scheduled for Monday, January 8, 1996, 7:00-9:00 p.m. 8. Adjourn the meeting. 16200IfiigW>&eek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 1995 The Parks Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman, Ron Ceminsky at 7:10 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 1995. Members present were Ron Ceminsky, Pat Heaney, Tom Reddinger, Bob Rykken, and Kathy Smith. Staff members present were Paul Hokeness, Director of Parks and Recreation, Bret Woodson, Recreation Supervisor, and Nancy McGill, Parks and Recreation Secretary. The following people were present that represented Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (P.L.A.Y): Pam Reddinger, Rhonda Olynyk, Jeff Besser, Cindy Geis, Tom Doble, Lee Shimek, Jean Foskett, Harry Klenke, and Randy Geister. Barry Stock represented Prior Lake Soccer. Chairman, Ron Ceminsky called the meeting to order., welcomed the guests, and asked them to introduce themselves. Ron Ceminsky indicated that the Parks Advisory Committee is looking for input from the youth organizations as to whether we should implement a park bond referendum. He asked the representatives about the growth in youth athletics and what the future growth will be in comparison to space availability. Randy Geister, representative ofP.L.A.Y. baseball presented the group with a printout of youth baseball needs. Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6 are primarily played at the Prior Lake schools or the Savage fields. He indicated that field availability is limited for Grades 5 and above due to the required base lengths, and definitely has a need for more fields. He feels there will be additional growth in this age group, and is concerned as to where these kids will play. Randy also pointed out the field conditions at the various fields. He noted that the fields are rough and that the grass in the outfield is not cut as often as it should be. Infields are usually cared for; but some of these fields are not ready for play at the beginning the season, and would appreciate if this could be taken care of in a more timely fashion. For our information, he made note that the school fields were not in very good condition. He indicated that he felt that the Ponds fields were in good shape; however, a few improvements are needed. These fields are shared with softball; slow pitch, and fast pitch and are very heavily used. There are about four pitching rubbers at each of these fields which poses a problem and that it is embarrassing at times because sometimes its hard to find the correct pitching rubber. Also needed are higher/safer backstops. Injuries have happened due to foul balls. The Lakefront baseball field has improved but dangerous hops have been reported. The players benches are exposed and backstop could be moved up. The outfield is rough, and fencing would be appreciated. He feels that Memorial is the only gem baseball field in Prior Lake. The problem is that this past year, he had 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 I Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER seven teams in the 14-16 year old group and they only played seven games on this field. He understands that certain groups have priority on this field and that his teams are low on the priority list. It is discouraging to the kids, the parents, and the coaches that more games can't be played there. Most games are played Monday through Thursday. The Metropolitan area doesn't allow games to be played on Friday, Saturday, or Sundays as traveling teams are expected to play in tournaments on the weekends. Unfortunately, other Prior Lake teams have the Memorial Park field during the week.. Storage facilities are in need of improvement. Would like to see metal storage bins installed at Lakefront Park where equipment, including umpire equipment could be kept. Randy finalized his report with the following Youth Baseball Wish List. These include: I. Fields for 3rd grade through 16 year olds. 2-3 fields for each age level are requested over the next five years. 2. Improve the safety (benches, backstops). 3. Irrigation system. 4. Lights for new and existing fields. 5. Storage areas for equipment. Due to the lack of fields, games will need to be played Monday through Saturdays for the 3-6 grade levels in 1996. At this time, Tom Doble, P.L.A.Y. softball director, indicated that they had a total of 470 participants last year. Tee Ball and 1st and 2nd grade levels played at Willows, Boudins, and Green Oaks Neighborhood parks; and indicated that these fields are not always cared for on a regular basis. Parking is also a serious problem. 3rd and 4th grade use Five Hawks, Raspberry Ridge and Sand Point Park where parking is also a serious problem. They are booked solid with no space available to play. As in baseball, they try to limit play to Monday through Thursday. There were 85 participants on the competitive teams playing at the high school fields and the Ponds. The Ponds are very adequate except for the safety problem with foul balls. Tom indicated that they would like to hold tournaments at The Ponds. Money is needed to run the program properly and this would be a source without increasing the participant fees. Another issue is that they would like full usage of the concession stand on the tournament weekends. He realizes that the city has an obligation to their employees but if something could be worked out where both could benefit, it would be appreciated. Tournaments are costly to hold; and if we could make some money on concessions as well as charging an admissions fee, this would help cover the costs. Ron Ceminsky asked the group what they felt the tone of the parents are in regards to their support of more parks within our city, and how we can educate the public as to the needs of more field availability based on the growth of the city. Randy Geister said that he poled approximately 25 people regarding a referendum and only three people were okay with it. Randy felt that it would be difficult to get a referendum to pass. Barry Stock agreed with Geister; however he really didn't have a solution to the problem. PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13,1995 2 Cindy Geis indicated that the softball/baseball fees run between $140.00-$180.00 and parents now complain about the fees being too high, and the condition of the fields, etc.. Football charges $75.00 Basketball can hold tournaments which helps offset their expenses, but fields are not available for the softballlbaseball program to conduct tournaments. Cindy didn't feel that a referendum would be successful at this time. Ron Ceminsky felt that we should at least let the public decide through a referendum. He felt that we cannot expect this growth to continue without allocating some other funding. Barry Stock, Prior Lake Soccer representative, indicated that he feels that the city has gone with more of a neighborhood park philosophy . Would like to see the city spend more time on maintenance instead of building things such as shelters, etc.. He felt that not all neighborhood parks should be developed, and re-prioritize where money should be spent. He would like us to generate a feeling that we have pride in what we currently have. Ron Ceminsky said that its been difficult to keep up with the maintenance needs because of the limited staff and resources. Stock also indicated that he felt we should have a better coordination of field usage with the school system. He feels that the Parks & Recreation Department, along with the youth groups should work with the schools regarding this. Lee Shimek feels that the majority of the parents don't have an understanding of the needs for more fields. She suggested looking at the neighboring townships and working with them in attaining land for field usage such as Casey's Addn. and Fish Lake. There are 800-900 households in Prior Lake that are using these fields. She also wondered if seasonal employees (college students) were used during the summer to help with the maintenance. Paul indicated that we do employ summer seasonal help and that the majority of them are college students. He also added that we have put money in the 1996 budget to hire additional summer staff. One of the problems that we have is the availability of workers in the spring and early summer and that is when we get behind on field maintenance. Kathy Smith asked if there was a community survey would the P .L.A. y. groups support more fields. Cindy Geis indicated that, as coaches, yes, you would get the support; however, this is a small group compared to the many parents who don't understand the needs of the program. We need to educate the parents. Jeff Besser, P.L.A.Y. Football Director, shared that there were 300 participants in 1994, 350 participants in 1995 and that they expect same growth next year. We are at full capacity for field availability. Participants will have to be limited, and perhaps this will start parents thinking about this situation. PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13, 1995 3 ^-"^._._--.,--_.....~..._~~~-,-........._._.__. Randy Geister informed the group that P.L.A.Y. has been in existence for 25 years and only five fields have been added in this time period. Lee Shimek suggested that educational information be available at time of softball/registration regarding the needs, etc. Barry Stock said that he thought the survey is a good idea and indicated that Decision Resources have a good track record for conducting this. Barry Stock reported that there was a total of 457 participants in the spring soccer program and 389 in the fall program. Jean Foskett, Vice President of P.L.A.Y., stated that she feels there has been a real struggle getting fields, especially at the Ponds. She feels that the adults have been given preference. We need to play competitive softball at the Ponds and the girls softball traveling team doubled in size last summer. She felt that if lights could be installed, that this would be very beneficial; whereas, kids could play earlier in the evening followed by the adult leagues. She also stated that when they had the state tournament this fall, people were impressed with the Ponds facility, except for the problem with foul balls. Randy Geister questioned the prioritization of the usage of Memorial Park. regarding the Jays, Mudcats, Over 30, etc. Paul indicated that this has been an unwritten rule but plans to prioritize all field usage and put it in a policy format so it is clearer to all concerned. However, this does not mean that adults would be placed lower on the priority list. Barry Stock stated that the city of Shakopee has prioritized the usage of their fields by giving first priority to the youth, then to the adults. Tom Rykken asked Jean Foskett who she felt had the greater need for field usage, the youth group or the adult leagues. Question was raised regarding usage of the fields by Prior Lake residents only. Adults also need to feel the pressure for space availability and feel the need for a referendum. At this time, Paul Hokeness, Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced himself and assured those present that by next spring/summer that the fields will be in better condition then they were this past season. Paul informed the group that he is presently working on a comprehensive parks/trails plan whereby problem areas are being addressed regarding multi-use fields and facilities. Neighborhood parks are not designed for scheduled activities but for casual use and pick- up games. Unfortunately, money is not available, and our park dedication does not allow us to build 20-30 acre parks with athletic fields. Currently 50% of our parkland is in the natural resource state and we don't have any acreage available for field development, except for the area in the back of The Ponds which may also be difficult to develop due to the wetlands. When discussing future park dedication we will focus on good, stable upland parkland and will negotiate better parkland dedication with developers. PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13, 1995 4 ~._--~~--~.------.. .--... .--,.--.-...----..---r----.~~..--...--.-.--.-----.....-..-...----..--..-..-~~...-.. .---- Paul indicated that in order to have a successful bond referendum, we must educate the people. You must let the people know what you are planning, where the needs are in the community, and you must give something to everyone in the community. He then reviewed a list of future park improvements and amenities that would potentially be included in a park's bond referendum. The first item was the land acquisition for a community park at Pike Lake. He felt that being next to the lake, it would be a nice, natural, passive area. The west portion of the park by the lake would include a picnic area with canoeing, boating and fishing. The back (east portion) of the park would include the active park portion where the athletic fields would be built. Paul suggested that this would be a wonderful area to build a four field adult softball complex with lights, and then turn the Ponds over to the youth. It has been discussed to include 3-4 combination footbalVsoccer fields here with one or two having lights and also include one premier baseball field. He feels that when adult softball tournaments are held, a lot of money is brought into the community. Paul informed the group that much of this area is zoned commercial and will eventually be developed with shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. Also, this area is outside the MUSA line which means it is not serviced with water and sewer and housing development is not practical at this time. This also keeps the land cost lower at this time. The second breakdown would be money needed to develop the Pike Lake Community park/picnic/trails and softball/athletic complex with lights. The Kop Farm acquisition was listed next. This could possibly be developed into a historical/educational farm which would include recreational programming. This land would also be crucial in the final design plans for Lakefront park. Lakefront Park development was listed next per the Lakefront Park Master Plan. The PAC is currently reviewing the proposals for this park and hope to have this ready in the next couple of weeks. The Ponds irrigation was listed next which would also include four new soccer fIelds in the expansion area. The lighting issue was raised again for the Ponds. Paul indicated that lights should have been installed when the Ponds were built as it may be difficult to get lights installed now because of the surrounding neighbors. There is a good lighting system on the market that only lights up the fields with very little splash- over. It would probably cost approximately $40,000-$45,000 to light two fields. Accessible playgrounds (handicap/wheelchair) at Ponds, Memorial, Lakefront and Pike Lake at $35,000 each. This will be very important to people with disabilities and the old playgrounds are in need of replacement. The Community Bandshell was listed next PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13, 1995 5 ---_. --.--..- '-> ---....-...,- The Dance Studio could be built in conjunction with the future library expansion and improvements. Two Double Tennis Courts, lighted at Lakefront and Pike Lake. We would expect to get some feed back from the community survey on this. Paul indicated he and the City Manager have discussed the possibility of doing a city survey this next year which will include the park elements. A 4 field soccer complex was listed next which would be an expansion of the Ponds with parking lot and additional access road. There is an easement that goes out the backside of the Ponds and goes to Mushtown Road. This would give another much needed access in and out of the Ponds. Natural Resources was listed last which includes interpretive trails, and prame restorations at Lakefront, the Ponds, and Westbury which will appeal to another group of people. The PAC committee has prioritized this list to: I. Land Acquisition. 2. Development of Land. 3. Balance of items prioritized. The total proposal is $4,335,000.00; however should probably try for a $5.0 Mil referendum to cover the extra costs involved such as bonding costs and engineering. The average home value in Prior Lake is $105,000. With a $5.0 Mil bond, the average home would pay a monthly tax impact fee of $7.24. Other home values and amounts were also listed for comparison. Paul Hokeness stated that he felt this could meet the needs of the City for the next 20 years. There was some discussion. Everyone was in agreement that public education and timing is crucial to pass a referendum. Paul asked the group to figure out how many fields they feel are needed in the next 10 years. After 10 years you may see a decline in the different youth sports programs but may see an incline in the senior citizens who will want to use the trail system, etc., and perhaps an increase in adult softball usage. At this time, Ron Ceminsky thanked the guests and invited them to stay for the rest of the meeting if they would like. The minutes from the October 9, 1995 meeting were reviewed. PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13, 1995 6 KATHY SMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 9, 1995 MEETING. PAT HEANEY SECONDED MOTION. MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSL Y. At this time, the PAC discussed the general feelings from the guests. Ron Ceminsky felt that we need to try for a referendum by presenting all the facts and figures - the worst thing to do would not to do it.. Bob Rykken felt that the P .L.A. Y. group is a little more negative than the general public would be. Tom Reddinger stated that the P.L.A.Y. directors have to scramble to get 25-50 volunteers out of 500 to coach these kids, which can make you negative; always needing volunteers, fields, and money is a constant battle. Pat Heaney was hearing that we should take better care of the parks that we have and quit spending so much money on them, but also make them better - a catch 22 position. Paul indicated that we have 464 acres of parkland and of that 255 acres is woods, wetlands, and natural resources. Over half of our parkland is not useable for active recreation. Paul felt that when an area is developed, if the dedicated land is not acceptable that we should take the cash in lieu of the land and use these funds to upgrade our existing system. Paul felt the PAC should meet again and strategize. Feels we need someone to assist the the PAC with public relations, education, and develop a strategy. Tom Reddinger suggested that Bryce Huemoeller would be a good person to contact and get some direction, and that he would talk to him. Bob Rykken stated that Cameron Potts, Prior Lake American Sports Editor, is a good friend and would be willing to write something to help educate the public as to the needs of the youth. General discussion continued. The next item of business was to tabulate the figures for the Lakefront Park Master Plan. The following figures were recorded. PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13, 1995 7 BRW WESTWOOD SRF BARTON BRAUER & ASCHMAN ASSOCATES TOM 16 12 14 12 14 PAT 12 15 12 14.5 13 RON 14 12 15 15 11 BOB 15 16 16 17 15 KATHY 19 15 II 17 15 PAUL 17 11 15 15 18 TOTAL: 93 81 83 90.5 86 Discussion followed. Tom Reddinger indicated that he liked BRW because he felt they spent a lot of time on preparation. Bob Rykken felt that a problem with BRW is that they are a national firm and most of their experience is in other states, and they don't have the experience in this area which he felt was important. Tom Reddinger did not feel that this would be a problem. Paul Hokeness informed the committee that he feels that Brauer & Associates is one of the finest park and design planning people in the Midwest. They have done work for the city and have a good working relationship with staff. BRW is also a good consulting firm and have also established a good working relationship in Prior Lake.. They did the work for the maintenance center, and the Memorial Park building. Paul felt that even though Westwood was the lowest bidder, they didn't do a very good job on their proposal. Paul felt any of the other four companies would do a good job. Paul asked the group to narrow it to three consulting firms that would be interviewed. Kathy Smith, Bob Rykken and Ron Ceminsky expressed an interest in sitting in on the interviews. KATHY SMITH MADE A MOTION THAT BRW, BARTON ASCHMAN AND BRAUER & ASSOCIATES SHOULD BE INTERVIEWED, AND THOSE PAC MEMBERS THAT ARE INTERESTED SHOULD ATTEND THE INTERVIEWS. TOM REDDINGER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSL Y. The interview date will be set up for the week November 27th in order to get this on the Council Agenda for December 4, 1995. PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13, 1995 8 ---...---..-------...-.-------r- It was asked if there would be additional fees. Paul indicated that there may be some minor fees but he would make it clear that the city would not accept any surprises regarding additional fees and would hold the selected firm to their proposed fee. After the selection has been made, that firm will need to present three plan options, including funding information, etc.. When the plan is completed it is ours to do as we want. At this point, it should be pretty well finalized. At the time of completion, it was suggested that the architectural firm could be hired to see the project through, which would cost about 15% of the total project amount. This of course is all contingent on future funding. TOM REDDINGER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. BOB RYKKEN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. The next meeting date is scheduled for Monday, December II, 1995 at the Fire Station. The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m. Paul Hokeness Director of Parks and Recreation Nancy McGill Parks & Recreation Secretary PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES-NOVEMBER 13, 1995 9 ._----.._';'----_....._._~~'_.....-..--........~_... -- MEMORANDUM Date: November 15, 1995 To: Jody Stroh, Lani Leichty, Dick Kuykendall, Don Rye, Ron Ceminsky, Paul Hokeness, Jeannie Robbins, Blair Tremere From: Frank Boyles Subject: Annual Board and Commission Activities ..,..,~,~,._-_., -~~_.,. '."."'V'-"" With the end of the year rapidly approaching there are a number of steps which your Board or Commission should be taking to prepare for 1996. Those steps include: 1. Review your Bylaws and recommend to the Council any revisions which you believe are appropriate. 2. Review 1995 Goals and Objectives for your committee and update as a recommendation to the City Council for 1996. 3. Arrange for a date and time to provide the City Council with your Annual Year End Report for the progress your committee has made. I would appreciate it if you would have your committee consider items 1 & 2 before December 22 in order that the Council can discuss these matters at their first meeting in January, as provided by their bylaws. With respect to the Annual Committee Reports, please arrange with Jane or Dee to provide the Council with your Annual Committee Report at one of the Council's meetings in January or February. If you have any questions please let me know. ANNACTIV,DOC