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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 02/03/2014 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 7:00 P.M. — CITY CENTER Council Chambers, 8080 Mitchell Road PRNR COMMISSIONMEMBERS PRESENT:Hutch Coburn, Chair; Larry Link, Vice Chair, Debra McBride, Leonard Pesheck PRNR MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Belean and Matthew Kraft STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Jennifer Powell, Vy Nguyen and Brian Gilje STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES ABSENT: Riley Tilitt CITY STAFF PRESENT: Jay Lotthammer, Parks & Recreation Director; Stu Fox, Parks & Natural Resources Manager; Wendy Sevenich, Community Center Manager; Beth Witt, Aquatics & Fitness Supervisor; Amy Hulet, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS Chair Coburn called the meeting to order. Lotthammer welcomed the new student representatives to the Commission. Brian Gilje, Vy Nguyen and Jennifer Powell introduced themselves. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Link moved, seconded by McBride, to approve the agenda as presented. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES OF DECEMBER 2, 2013 Motion: McBride moved, seconded by Link, to approve the December 2, 2013 meeting minutes as presented. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION A. Miracle League Field Fundraising Lotthammer reported on fundraising for the Miracle League Field. The City Council had authorized to proceed with fundraising activities. Donations would be recognized using pavers and the major source of funds would come from naming rights. PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES February 3, 2014 Page 2 B. Aquatics Expansion Construction Management Agreement Lotthammer noted the City had entered into an agreement with RJM as the construction management firm for the Aquatic Center expansion. The firm would assist the City in the design and estimating phase of the project. The City hired RJM for the Community Center expansion in 2008 and felt it was a good value. C. Mayor's Health & Wellness Committee Update Lotthammer noted the Mayor's Health and Wellness Committee had met for the fourth time. The group consisted of a variety of residents that work in the health and wellness field, as well as those that work in the schools. They focused on three ideas: modifying menus at local restaurants; a food truck concept; and investigating other sources of funding. D. Lions Club Donation The Lions Club donated funds towards a macro scope for the Outdoor Center. E. State Farm Donation State Farm made a donation to the Senior Center for the Volunteer Recognition Lunch based on senior Gordon William's volunteer hours. F. Lioness Club Donation to Safety Camp The annual donation to safety camp from the Lioness Club to help keep the costs down. G. Lioness Club Donation to Senior Center The Lioness' also donated audio-visual/sound equipment to the Senior Center. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Fox reported there had been one Planning Commission meeting on January 27 to discuss rezoning some of the parcels of land owned by MAC (Metropolitan Airport Commission). Several years ago, MAC purchased a number of parcels of land within the City, some of which the City now leases from MAC. Fox provided a color-coded map of the proposed areas to be rezoned and discussed the sites with the Commission. MAC reported they had no current plans for development of any of the parcels but had brought it forth to the Planning Commission as a first step in the rezoning process. If plans do come forward, there would be site development and engineering, then onto the Planning Commission and then to City Council for final approval. Lotthammer added they would also be discussing the updates on Cedar Hills Park, which was one of the parcels owned by MAC and leased by the City. VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES February 3, 2014 Page 3 VII. OLD BUSINESS VIII. NEW BUSINESS IX. REPORTS OF STAFF A. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Cedar Hills Park Concept Plan Fox reported some years ago, MAC was allowed to expand/upgrade their runways and therefore a"Memorandum of Understanding" was drafted allowing permanent use of a parcel of land for a neighborhood park. The City searched the southwest corner for a suitable parcel and they agreed upon the proposed Cedar Hills Park area. The original agreement was drafted and signed in 2002/2003. The City has waited to construct the park until further development of the area. At this time, the City had received plans to develop Reeder Ridge (a 104-unit housing development), Cedar Hills Golf Course (a 48-unit housing development) and Hobby Farms (5- acre parcels which would be part of proposed subdivisions). In order to proceed with the park, the City will need to secure a permanent use agreement. The concept plan for the park includes a play structure, basketball courts, non-competitive turf field, park shelter, and nature trails. Coburn inquired as to the time frame for this project. Fox responded that planning would continue through this fall with plans to break ground in the spring of 2015. 2. Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan Process Fox reported the City had received a planning grant from Hennepin County to work on a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. The planning process began in November of 2013 and included two consulting firms and Robert Ellis, the City's Public Works Director. The goal of the team was to produce a master plan by September 2014. The master plan would be a refinement to the Park/Open Space Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan regarding trails and sidewalks. The first phase of the project included meeting and planning, as well as researching and assessing. The next phase would be engaging and learning, which would focus on community engagement and feedback. An open house has been scheduled for April 7 at City Hall. The team is interested to hear from earmarked user groups, such as seniors, the school district and running groups. The information and comments gathered from the community would be incorporated into the master plan. Fox noted the trails and sidewalks had the potential to be utilized as part of the commuting process and could be linked to the LRT. The substations could be designed with bike stands and lockers for storage. PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES February 3, 2014 Page 4 Link inquired as to who implement the master plan, as well as who would fund the projects. Fox responded the City would have to implement the master plan. However, many of the projects were part of the City's Comprehensive Plan and have already been put in the CIP. Any projects or improvements along a county road would be funded by the County and the City would maintain. 3. Franlo Court Concept Review Fox stated over 400 notices were sent to residents around Franlo Park. The City has not received any calls regarding the project, nor was anyone present at tonight's meeting. He noted the project included a total rebuild of the tennis and basketball courts at Franlo Park. The City has been replacing older courts when they have degraded beyond the point of surface repair or retreatment. The total cost of the program was estimated between $120,000 and $150,000. The current courts would be reconfigured to a single tennis court, four pickleball courts and a basketball court. The City would utilize the same footprint and install fencing around the pickleball court. Fox asked for a motion to recommend the proposed renovations. Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by McBride, to recommend the proposed reconfiguration of the Franlo Park tennis/basketball/pickleball courts. B. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER FYI: Spring-Summer Brochures Mailed—February 25 FYI: Twelve Angry Jurors —Eden Prairie Players FYI: Senior Center Valentine's Breakfast FYI: Senior Center State of the City Address C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER 1. Community Center Use— Geographically Sevenich presented information regarding the use of the Community Center. In 2013, Sevenich reported there were over 725,000 visitors to the Community Center and members accounted for over 232,000 of those visits. Staff reviewed the information from their members and generated a color- coded map based on the addresses of the Community Center members. The map allowed staff to view penetration areas where the highest density of members are located. Sevenich noted the information provided allowed staff to determine there are areas surrounding the Community Center had the highest density; however, it also allowed staff to determine they drew members from all over the City. Coburn inquired if staff had any additional plans with the data they received. PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES February 3, 2014 Page 5 Sevenich responded they do not do any direct mailing,but staff would continue to track information in order to improve programs and to reach out to more residents. 2. Group Fitness Witt provided the Commission with information regarding group fitness at the Community Center in 2013. She noted the Community Center had quite a successful year with regard to the fitness classes. In 2013, there were approximately 720,000 participants, of which nearly 105,000 attended fitness classes. Continual membership growth was discussed, as well as growth in the number of fitness classes and special events. Active older adult programs had also increased in numbers and classes. In 2003, the City had 9 participants in the Silver Sneaker program and in 2013 there were 1,027 participants. Witt provided information on specialized fitness programs, youth programs and special events. She discussed new programs for 2014. Coburn noted his parents belong to the Silver Sneaker program and they absolutely love it. Link inquired about the membership numbers. Witt clarified the numbers as 2600 units (which include individual, family and seniors). The actual number of members was over 7,000. Coburn noted according to those numbers, over 10% of the City's population were members at the Community Center. Link added it was impressive considering there were two other major fitness facilities within the City. D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Green Team Concept/Update Lotthammer inquired as to how the City could reward its residents who participate in green programs, as well as encourage others to join. He presented one idea of a passport with a list of green activities and programs throughout the City. If a resident attends a certain number activities/programs, then they would receive a prize (i.e. t-shirt? mug? hat?). The amount of effort before earning the reward would need to be determined. He asked the Commission for suggestions or comments. Pesheck noted one activity could be volunteering for buckthorn removal. Lotthammer noted three events could warrant a reward. There were many opportunities for individuals, families or groups to help out. As of right now, the City schedules these types of events on a one-by-one basis; this type of program could be a catalyst in creating a larger scale program schedule. In PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES February 3, 2014 Page 6 addition, it would lessen the burden of the participant, if they could not make one event, there would be several others to choose from. Link suggested a 30-Day Challenge type of program, which team (individual, family or group) could put the most volunteer hours in a month. Similar to the weight loss challenge, the idea of competition might be more of a challenge. Pesheck liked the idea of a t-shirt as a reward and suggested those who win would get their picture in the community newspaper. McBride also liked the idea of a t-shirt, it would be good advertising. Also suggested a punch card idea, similar to a passport. She also suggested an "Adopt-a-Park" program,just like the"Adopt-a-Roadway" program. Coburn suggested a coupon for a free class based on the amount of hours earned. Pesheck suggested asking local businesses to either donate or sponsor prizes. Lotthammer thanked the Commission for all their ideas, if they think of any additional items he asked that they email him. They were still in the brainstorming phase. 2. 2014 PRNR Work Plan Lotthammer noted the dwindling membership to the PRNR. He noted Matthew Kraft might be moving out of the area and so he encouraged the current six members to assist in recruiting new members. The deadline for Commission applications were due February 12. The Commission is allowed up to nine members, of which they had been working with seven to nine members for the past couple of years. FYI: Twisted Winter Wonderfest by Noon Rotary Lotthammer provided information for this event, which was coming up Saturday, February 8 at Round Lake. Everyone was encouraged to attend. X. NEXT MEETING Next PRNR Meeting—Monday, March 3, 2014 —7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, City Center. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by McBride, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:22 p.m.