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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-26 PRC MINtt liwater The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 26, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Brandt, Commissioners Johnson, MacSwain, Souter, Council Representative Polehna Absent: Commissioners Christensen, Nelson and Weidner Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of June 28, 2021 meeting Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Chairman Brandt, to approve the June 28, 2021 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Shepherd in the Park Event Application Parks Superintendent Grode stated that Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church is proposing a Shepherd in the Park event in North Lowell Park on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 7-8 p.m., with set-up at noon and cleanup ending by 9:30 p.m. Church and community members would bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. They would use the amphitheater stage and electrical boxes to power their own PA sound system. Staff recommends approval. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to recommend that the City Council approve the Shepherd in the Park event in North Lowell Park, August 25, 2021. All in favor. 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan (2022-2026) Mr. Grode asked for input on the proposed CIP for 2022-2026. He said the 2021 budget process will continue throughout the year with a budget hearing at the City Council meeting in August. Staff will come back to the Parks and Recreation Commission with updates and opportunities for comments and input from the Commission. He explained the park reservation software will allow the public to reserve a park through the City web site, saving administrative time. Transactions could also be done through the web site. The software does not include event applications which would still go through current process. Councilmember Polehna asked why the IT department isn't paying for it instead of parks. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 26, 2021 Mr. Grode said there may be some overlap. Parks staff will work with IT on equipment and support. It is not a top priority compared to some of the other requested equipment. Councilmember Polehna commented that the DNR is looking at putting a boat launch under the bridge, so the City may not need to install a boat launch. There are federal funds available. Commissioner MacSwain asked if the drop-off in funding in 2024, 2025, and 2026 is because additions will be made in those three years, or because projects haven't been identified yet. Mr. Grode replied the budget is heavy in the next couple years because some projects have been carried over from previous years. Some will get prioritized and pushed back. Councilmember Polehna said Lumberjack Landing should be included in the CIP because legislative funding is being sought for its development. Commissioner Johnson recalled a representative from Stillwater Garden Club spoke about the sunken garden project. She would like to include that project in the CIP. Chairman Brandt noted the $45,000 for trail improvements includes the sidewalk by Cub Foods by Dunn Brothers Coffee that was going to be converted to asphalt. Commissioner MacSwain commented there are always opportunities throughout the City for trail connections. He feels trail connections should be on the list every year. Councilmember Polehna stated at the last City Council meeting, he asked if the City could have a trail improvement fund to maintain the trails. i.e. the trail along Manning which is horrible. Chairman Brandt asked if the cash dedication fees could be used for trail maintenance. Councilmember Polehna answered the trail dedication fees may only be used for new trails, not maintenance of existing trails. Commissioner Souter asked if there is still a need for funding for bike parking, as it is not reflected in the current projects. Councilmember Polehna replied the City is building four parking spots downtown for bikes. Commissioner MacSwain stated, thinking about the broader infrastructure, Sunrise Park next to Kindercare doesn't look like a park. Commissioner Souter pointed out a play structure is planned there in 2025. Chairman Brandt commented throughout the Croixwood development, open space was set aside but if someone doesn't live there, they don't know it's public space. He would like to discuss this at another meeting. He also would like to see a line item for trail connections. Referring to Anez Park, Commissioner Johnson asked if the City ever retires a park due to lack of use. Mr. Grode answered the City could do a neighborhood survey on use of the park. Councilmember Polehna noted the City also needs to relocate its skateboard park somewhere in the Lily Lake area. This should be included in the CIP, in addition to asking parents to help raise funds. He also would like to consider improvements for street crossings where trails cross streets, for instance at Neal and McKusick. He also brought up closing Sam Bloomer way to vehicular traffic, which has been discussed before. Commissioner MacSwain suggested looking at improving the road that goes between the fishing pier and the tennis courts at Lily Lake, and maybe looking at the former beach. Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 26, 2021 UNFINISHED.BUSINESS Review of Event Application Procedures and 2021 Events List Mr. Grode reviewed the Event Application Procedures and Updated 2021 Events List. Any changes would need to be approved by the City Council. With the new software, he would be able to put approved events on the same calendar as park reservations, although the review process for events would be longer and could not be done entirely online. Chairman Brandt noted the reason this topic was brought up was that event organizers were waiting till 30 days before an event to submit a request. He suggested incorporating something like "no later than" when explaining the deadline for an event application. Mr. Grode explained that an event application may be submitted 1 year in advance. The Governor's COVID order impacted timelines last year. If there is not enough time for Commissions to review an event and get it to the Council, it may not get through the process. Commissioner MacSwain asked about the reference to the City doing a walk-through of the event site before and after the event. Mr. Grode replied depending on the size of the event and whether it is new, a walk-through benefits both the City and the event, protects the amenity of the park and documents any damage caused by the event. COMMISSION ITEMS Discussion of Locations for Park Tour in August: a. Northland Park (New Playground. Pickleball Courts) and b. Anez Ridge or Meadowlark? The Commission agreed they will tour Anez, Lily Lake and Northland for the August park tour. Lift and Loop Celebration Councilmember Polehna explained plans for the event. It is on the City web site. Chestnut Plaza Chair Brandt said skateboarders keep moving the picnic table to the center of the circle. Councilmember Polehna said that is being addressed. Next Meeting Mr. Grode reminded the Commission that the next meeting will start at 6 p.m. August 23 followed by the park tour, during which no official business will be conducted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner MacSwain, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. ATTEST: Grode, Pajks Superintendent David Brandt, Chair Page 3 of 3