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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 10/02/2017 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2017 7:00 P.M. SENIOR CENTER 8950 Eden Prairie Road PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Debra McBride, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Patrice Erickson, Donald Jacobson, Leonard Pesheck, John Rahman, Kirk Spresser STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: William Hemler, John Lindholm, Govind Makaram, Janvi Shah, James Yoo CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Lori Brink, Recreation Services Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Sue Bohnsack, Senior Center Recreation Supervisor RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske I. INTRODUCTIONS Spresser called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Roll call was taken. Commission Member McBride was absent. Commission Chair Link arrived at 7:05 p.m. Lotthammer reported Commission member Pellowski needed to resign due to personal reasons. The open position will be filled in April during the scheduled recruitment period. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Cervantes moved, seconded by Jacobson, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: Rahman moved, seconded by Jacobson, to approve the September 11, 2017 minutes as presented. Motion carried 7-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION A. DONATIONS Lotthammer reported Council accepted a donation in the amount of$10,222.34 from the Sampson Family toward the purchase of a gas kiln, the remodel of a PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 2 workspace for art instructors, and new chairs for the classrooms at the Art Center. Council also accepted a donation of$250 from the Brandi Warmbier State Farm Insurance Agency toward Spooky Saturday. The agency will be recognized as a Silver sponsor for this event. Spresser inquired and Brink responded the Communications Department is developing a recognition plaque for sponsors. Plaque is expected to be completed and used as part of annual recruitment of sponsors in December. B. RICE MARSH LAKE PARK PARKING LOT AND TRAIL REHABILITATION This update was covered in the September 11, 2017, minutes. C. RILEY LAKE PARK CONTRACT AMENDMENT This update was covered in the September 11, 2017, minutes. D. SHADE TREE ORDINANCE This update was covered in the September 11, 2017, minutes. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. HANDOUTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS Brink presented handouts of upcoming events. 1. Fall Harvest Celebration This free event including art projects and live music will take place on Saturday, October 7, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Riley-Jacques Barn. Concessions will be available for purchase. 2. Apple Celebration This new event will be held at the Outdoor Center on Sunday, October 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will learn about the history of apples and how Minnesota is a leader in creating new varieties. Activities include apple cider demonstrations, apple stories, concessions, and Baggo apple toss game. 3. Floating Pumpkin Patch PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 3 The second annual event will be held at the Community Center recreation pool on Friday, October 13, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants will pick a pumpkin from the pool to decorate. The pool is open for recreation swim throughout the event. 4. Fall into Fitness The Community Center is offering an open house on Saturday, October 14, from 8 a.m. to noon. Sampler classes of new group fitness offerings will be held and participants are welcome to tour the facility and meet instructors. 5. Spooky Saturday Participants can enjoy trick or treating in a controlled indoor environment at this event taking place on Saturday, October 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Center. Other activities include art projects, music, animals, games, and climbing in the Prairie Play Zone. 6. Not-So-Scary Nature Trail This event will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Outdoor Center. During the educational event, participants can walk the lantern-lit trail and learn about animals while collecting Halloween treats. 7. Halloween on the Mall Five thousand participants are expected at this event at Eden Prairie Center on Tuesday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Participants can enjoy trick or treating at mall merchants, live entertainment in center court, and meeting Eden Prairie police officers and fire fighters. Brink noted a new focus will be the Teal Pumpkin project which encourages gluten- and nut- free treats. 8. Veteran's Breakfast This annual event will be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A portion of the event is sponsored by Brookdale Senior Living and Home Instead Senior Care. All are welcome to celebrate and honor veterans by enjoying a breakfast and guest speaker. 9. Eden Prairie Indoor Triathlon Participants ages 14 and older are welcome to participate in this event on Sunday, November 5, at the Community Center. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 4 B. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Commission members shared recent experiences at Parks facilities and events. Spresser commented on Riley Lake Park progress and how the traffic circulation will be much smoother due to the new parking lot layout. Bourne stated paving of trails near beach area and parking lot second layer and line painting will be completed in the next week. Project timeline is on schedule as planned. Lotthammer stated feedback from boaters has been overwhelmingly positive. Rahman stated when taking his son to football practice at Franlo Park several nights each week, he noticed the tennis and pickleball courts are heavily used. During a recent visit to Cedar Hills Park, Erickson noticed kids on play structure and bikers and dog walkers enjoying the park even though project is not yet completed. Spresser stated Rice Marsh Lake Park looks great, especially with new play equipment and parking lot. He inquired and Bourne responded tennis courts are slated for repair in approximately three years. Student Representative Makaram stated he recently biked to Miller Park and enjoyed time on the dock. He noted field and park appeared well maintained. Jacobson stated he frequently notices several vehicles at Miller Park playground area and inquired if park is being overused. Lotthammer responded equipment is wearing well and Bourne added it is definitely one of City's most used parks. Lotthammer tried to play tennis last Wednesday night and found both Central Middle School and Miller Park tennis courts full. His group was able to play on Rice Marsh Lake tennis courts. He stated it was good to see so many people out enjoying the park facilities on a beautiful fall week night. Audience member Dennis Gallaher (18160 Clear Spring Lane) stated he called in a broken cord on a court at Franlo Park recently. Within 20 minutes Staff was onsite and within one and a half hours the repair was completed. VII. NEW BUSINESS VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL UPDATE Lotthammer stated Council had requested Staff and Commission research additional pickleball courts and report back with costs and funding options. His presentation included recent history of pickleball courts in the City; concept plan at PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 5 Staring Lake Park created by Hansen Thorp Pellinen Olson, Inc. (HTPO); cost estimates; changing use patterns;benefits/considerations of 4-, 8-, and 12-court facilities; potential future pickleball/platform tennis courts; funding/fundraising; and potential timeline. He will make a similar presentation to Council on October 3, 2017, and invited feedback from the Commission. The concept plan from HTPO included fencing, benches, sunbrellas, high-top tables with umbrellas, drinking fountains, gate access, and lighting. Rahman inquired and Lotthammer responded there are currently one tennis court, one basketball/game court, and one sand volleyball court at Staring Lake Park. Lotthammer provided examples of what would happen to the other sport courts depending on how many pickleball courts would be installed. Cost estimates provided by HTPO include all design, construction observation, and construction costs, including relocating the other sport courts if necessary. Cost estimates are all-in and include plans, designs, grading, lighting, fencing, and site amenities. Spresser inquired about the resurfacing status of the existing courts at Staring Lake Park. Lotthammer responded $100,000 is budgeted in 2019 to resurface and reconstruct the tennis and basketball courts. The building and picnic pavilion are slated for replacement and $900,000 is budgeted in 2018, which includes parking lot replacement. Lotthammer stated in speaking with Southwest Metro Pickleball Club (SWMPC) representatives in the past week, no real fundraising dollars have been raised at this point. If approval is received from Council to proceed, regardless of number of courts, completion is anticipated for July/August 2018. Lotthammer concluded his presentation with a request for Commission to make a recommendation or motion for him to present to Council the next evening. Link inquired and discussion followed about parking spaces available at Staring Lake Park and the burden the additional courts could cause, especially during special events. Spresser inquired and Lotthammer responded about fundraising dollars received from outside groups in the past when building the aquatics center, Miracle Field, third sheet of ice at the Community Center, Veterans Memorial, and Round Lake Stadium. Spresser inquired and Dennis Gallaher(18160 Clear Spring Lane), a representative from SWMPC, responded regarding fundraising efforts by the club. Gallaher stated the club has nine prospects but finds it difficult to raise funds for what is perceived as a senior citizen activity. In addition, the club feels it may have better luck if there is an actual project rather than a concept. He stated the club has allocated $10,000 from its fund for this project. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 6 Rahman stated concern about making Staring Lake Park the main pickleball area in the City since the park is the most centrally located. Discussion followed about other parks that have been considered and discounted due to cost,parking concerns, other sports, etc. Since it has already been determined Staring Lake Park is the best location, Rahman stated he is in favor of only four or six courts. Spresser initiated discussion if City is interested in becoming a regional center for pickleball. Jerry Maas (10578 Spyglass Drive), a representative for SWMPC, stated the need for 12 courts has been established by the club. He also feels fundraising for anything less than 12 courts will be extremely difficult as most sponsors have indicated a desire for a large facility. Gallaher stated a smaller facility will only cause congestion to play as the club is experiencing at Franlo Park because pickleball is a large group sport and social activity. Curt Goke (17280 West 66t" Street Circle), a representative of SWMPC, added pickleball is no longer being played only by senior citizens and younger people are showing interest. Rae Hanson (138 Willoughby Way, Minnetonka), a representative from SWMPC, inquired and Lotthammer responded cost estimates are available without lighting. Currently Riley Lake Park has the only lighted pickleball courts in the City. Gallaher added the SWMPC would rather have more courts than any courts with lighting. Spresser summarized it has been determined Staring Lake Park is the best location for additional pickleball courts and SWMPC prefers more courts than fewer. Lotthammer added Commission should also consider needs of pickleball players who are not part of a large club and prefer to play in smaller groups or with only their family. Link raised topic and discussion followed regarding incremental cost of building four courts versus six or eight courts. Spresser indicated concern for stress put on other aspects of the park if these courts are built; i.e.,parking, noise, effects on other sport courts, etc. With intention of moving toward a motion, Spresser indicated Commission should discuss how many courts to recommend to Council and what portion should be fundraised versus what portion should be City's obligation. Cervantes inquired and Lotthammer stated $100,000 is budgeted, not necessarily available, toward the renovation of tennis and basketball courts at Staring Lake Park. Erickson inquired about the length of time the building and picnic pavilion could be delayed if the Commission considered reallocating funds for that project to the pickleball courts. Lotthammer responded building has been repaired many times and needs to be rebuilt in terms of appearance, quality of materials, and PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 7 accessibility. He added rental interest has increased since the new playstructure and other improvements have been completed. Brink added it is the busiest winter building. Rahman presented the question and discussion followed about building four courts with approval for six courts if a certain amount of fundraising occurred for the incremental cost. Gallaher stated fundraising for four or six courts is difficult but eight or more would be easier. Rahman added his concerns are less about money and more about logistics of the park. The incremental approach allows impact to the park to be observed prior to increasing to more courts. Spresser stated concern for building more than eight courts. Cervantes shared concern about building more than six courts initially due to the strain on other park amenities. Spresser inquired if any Commission members were in support of ten or twelve courts and none were in support. Link shared he is concerned with the building and pavilion being delayed too far into the future. Discussion followed about benefits, drawbacks, and costs of building between four and eight courts and the percentage of fundraising that should be required by SWMPC. Speaking from experience with previous issues being presented to Council, Lotthammer suggested the Commission recommend a not-to-exceed amount or incremental scale and a suggestion to whether or not fundraising should be required. He reiterated 70 percent of fundraising dollars are usually realized at the beginning of fundraising efforts and remaining fundraising trickles in as the project progresses. Motion: Spresser moved, and Rahman seconded, to recommend to Council to build four courts at City's expense. If the SWMPC fundraises $90,000, Commission recommends building six courts. Regardless of fundraising amount, Commission does not recommend building more than eight courts initially. Discussion followed. Gallaher stated SWMPC would be thankful for six courts but eight courts would solve their congestion problems and make fundraising easier. Rahman raised question if fundraising doesn't materialize, perhaps Commission should recommend not building any courts. Lotthammer recommended against not building any courts. He stated four courts would still be beneficial and six courts would be better and provide a similar experience to Franlo Park. Gallaher reiterated the club needs a larger facility than six courts. Motion carried 4-3. Link, Erickson and Pesheck abstained. Motion: Link moved, seconded by Erickson, to recommend to Council to build six courts with no lights with 100 percent of the cost funded by the City. Further recommend building eight courts with no lights if SWMPC fundraises $90,000. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 8 Discussion followed. Rahman inquired how City will ensure families and smaller groups are able to use courts and courts are not dominated by club play. Lotthammer responded having numerous pickleball courts at different locations and building smaller facilities throughout the City at neighborhood parks would alleviate that problem. Motion not carried 3-4. Cervantes, Jacobson, Rahman, and Spresser abstained. Rahman suggested recommending a minimum of four courts with a maximum of eight courts be built to avoid taxing the park. He further suggested the Commission recommend fundraising be obtained prior to building more than four courts. Discussion followed. Lotthammer stated improvements are planned for the pickleball courts at Pioneer Park. Motion: Rahman moved, seconded by Pesheck, to recommend to Council to build a minimum of four courts and a maximum of eight courts to avoid taxing Staring Lake Park. Commission recommends fundraising be obtained by outside sources to support increments above four courts. Fundraising amount or percentage to be determined by Council. Motion carried 7-0. This motion supersedes motion carried earlier and will be taken to Council for consideration. Erickson suggested Lotthammer add a slide to his presentation to Council indicating number of courts at neighboring cities. Link suggested adding a slide about improvements planned to building and picnic pavilion at Staring Lake Park. IX. REPORTS OF STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER 1. Senior Center Programs Lotthammer introduced Sue Bohnsack, Senior Center Recreation Supervisor, who started working for the City almost ten years ago. He referred to her enthusiasm in improving the Senior Center facility, as well as expanding programming in and outside of the Center. He commended her ability to maximize the use of the facility. Brink also commended Bohnsack and assured Commission she is considered a leader across the State and will be making a presentation to her colleagues at the State convention next week. Bohnsack introduced herself and stated she receives assistance from Doug Tucker, Senior Specialist, who has worked with her for five years. She began her PowerPoint presentation by stating the Senior Center's mission statement which is to provide for the social, recreational, educational, and physical needs of older adults; to enhance the visibility of older adults; and PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 9 to promote older adult participation in all aspects of community life. She explained aspects of the City's "Live Well" theme at the Senior Center. Physical activities include biking, fitness classes, pickleball, and indoor and outdoor walking clubs. Social/psychological needs are met through at least eleven special events, discussion groups, and an onsite social worker. Educational opportunities include classes on wellness and drivers safety, as well as other classes to enhance lifelong learning. Recreational needs are met through card-playing, crafts, trips, shopping, games, and social events. Bohnsack reported the number of quarterly newsletters mailed has increased from 480 in 2015 to 800 in 2017 and the number emailed has increased from 930 to 1,426. Participant numbers have increased from 10,800 in 2010 to 34,500 in 2016. She explained several types of marketing tools used to inform residents of services and activities. The City provides transportation to seniors to the Senior Center daily, Monday shopping trips, day trips, and special events. She explained the Senior Center image is a direct result of the programming offered and displays active independent participants, active adventurous trips, high level of physical and intellectual involvement, worry-free travel and trips, a wide range of activity for all participation levels and needs, as well as a warm, welcoming and safe environment. The nine-member elected Senior Advisory Council advises and recommends future programming. The members are active participants in programs, volunteers at special events, and positive advocates in the community. Several community partnerships help the Senior Center stay connected to the community. Bohnsack explained the Senior Center offers room rentals and is currently maintaining a high volume of ongoing and one-time rentals. Revenue of $44,700 was produced in 2016 through 385 bookings. Recent facility improvements included new flooring on lower level, parking lot refurbishment, lounge renovation, kitchen remodel, and garden improvements. Participation at the community woodshop housed at the Senior Center has increased from 800 visits in 2012 to 1,400 visits in 2016. New equipment includes a lathe, belt sander, and surface planer. Woodshop volunteer projects include Cub Scout pinewood derby cars, Girl Scout Little Free Library, annual cutting board refurbishing, and Police K-9 training equipment refurbishing. Bohnsack concluded her presentation by noting trends and future senior programming expected at the Center. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 10 Audience member Curt Goke (17280 West 66th Street Circle) stated he visits the Senior Center several times a week and commended Bohnsack for her efforts and foresight. He stated seniors have noticed when she is presented with a suggestion, she acts upon it with Doug's assistance. 2. Senior Center Tour Brink stated in interest of time, tour would be moved to end of the meeting. She invited any Commission members who could not stay to visit the Senior Center at any time. Bohnsack later provided a tour of the Center after adjournment of the official meeting. B. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Natural and Biological Control in Parks Due to length of tonight's meeting, this update will be provided at the November 6, 2017, meeting. C. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. LRT Update Lotthammer stated Council will be provided an update from the office of the Light Rail Transit(LRT) project tomorrow evening and he will deliver results to Commission next month. 2. 2017 PRNR Work Plan Lotthammer presented an updated work plan indicating the November meeting will be a joint meeting with the Heritage Preservation Commission held at the Art Center. Agenda is expected to include an overview of the Art Center by Lindsey Danhauser, Senior Program Supervisor—Arts and Events, as well as updates on the Aspire 2040 transportation initiative and astronomy. X. NEXT MEETING A Fruit Tree Ceremonial Planting will take place on Tuesday, October 3 at 4 p.m. at Pioneer Park. Eden Prairie Mayor, Council members, and Hennepin County representatives are expected to attend. Lotthammer invited all Commission members to attend as well. The next PRNR Meeting will be held on Monday, November 6, at 7 p.m. at the Art Center at 7650 Equitable Drive. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES October 2, 2017 Page 11 XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.