HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-27 PRC MINStiliwater
The 6irlhplace of Minnesota
216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-8800
www.ci.stillwater.mn.us
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
September 27, 2021
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Present: Chairman Brandt, Commissioners Johnson, MacSwain, Nelson (arrived at 7:20 p.m.)
Council Representative Polehna
Absent: Commissioners Christensen, Souter, Weidner
Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of August 23, 2021 meeting
There was no quorum, so no vote was taken.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Skate Park Ramp Donation
Parks Superintendent Grode stated that John Tasch is offering to donate a skateboard ramp for
the Skate Park. Staff recommends installing the ramp on the north side of the Skate Park. The
Commission is asked to recommend that the City Council approve both the donation and the
recommended location.
John Tasch explained he is a teacher and lifelong skateboarder. He received the ramp as a gift
but has no place to install it so he would like to donate it.
Councilmember Polehna said the City is considering moving the Skate Park to Lily Lake. He
supports accepting the ramp. He asked if the ramp is approved or certified.
Mr. Tasch replied the ramp is better quality than anything that is at the current Skate Park. He
explained that as a young man in his hometown in Wisconsin, when skateboarding was banned
from the downtown area, he approached City Hall and was put on a Commission. The result
was a City -funded skate park, which is a current trend. He is aware the current Skate Park is
getting old and is not used much. He feels if there was a better quality park, more
skateboarders would use it. He would be happy to get involved in the issue.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to recommend approval of
the donation of the skateboard ramp. All in favor.
Jorg Hills Estate Subdivision, 13187 Dellwood Road North
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting September 27, 2021
Mr. Grode stated that Todd Ganz intends to purchase the 3.8-acre property at 13187 Dellwood
Road and split it into two parcels. This lot was developed with one single family residence
prior to being annexed into the City from Stillwater Township. The Comprehensive Plan does
not identify this property as an area for future park development. It is not within a 1/4 Mile
Park Service Area. While land dedication of 1/4-acre would be preferable in this location, the
site has access constraints. Staff recommends a cash dedication of $2,500 for the subdivision's
park and trail obligations. These fees would be due prior to release of the plat for filing with
Washington County.
Commissioner MacSwain voiced concerned about about whether a future trail will be right up
next to the 55 mph road. He would like to somehow ensure the trail will be offset from the
roadway.
Councilmember Polehna shared that MnDOT will not allow the City to put a trail on Hwy. 96.
Superintendent Grode said he will check on whether or not a trail is possible in this area.
Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to recommend that the City
Council accept the payment in lieu of park and trail obligations of 13187 Dellwood Road North. All
in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
COMMISSION ITEMS
Commissioner Nelson said he heard complaints from two families this week about
skateboarders almost running over people on the trails. He also has had to swerve to avoid
skateboarders.
Chairman Brandt said he has been on the receiving end of people shouting verbal insults or
cutting him off.
Commissioner MacSwain said he too has been cut off by skateboarders. At the restroom there
was a rail set up across the steps that he almost tripped on.
Councilmember Polehna said the issue has been going on for years. He requested some action
from the Commission to get the issue in front of the City Council.
Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner MacSwain, to request that the rules
regarding skateboards be applied downtown with particular attention to trails. All in favor.
Councilmember Polehna updated the Commission on the following: The City received a $1
million donation toward rehabilitating the former Aiple house for park uses. He is trying to
leverage State money to improve both that park and Bridgeview Park. He is setting up a
meeting to try to install a public dock downtown near the Shoddy Mill and possibly across the
river at Kolliner Park. The riverbank stabilization project should start October 1. He
commended City staff on the pickleball court.
Superintendent Grode said the trail at Northland Park should be completed in the next couple
weeks. The Rivertown Fall Art Festival and Harvest Fest are coming up in Lowell Park.
Councilmember Polehna added that the World Snow Sculpting Contest will be here in January
and fundraising is occurring for the event's expenses. The pedestrian plaza will be decorated
again and the Twinkle Parade will take place this holiday season. The City has a three year
contract with MnDOT to put holiday lights on the bridge.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting September 27, 2021
Commissioner MacSwain thanked City staff for all the improvements at Northland Park. He
shared that last weekend, Sustainable Stillwater looked at visioning for improvements that
may be appropriate in the Croixwood open space area.
Chairman Brandt noted that the League of American Bicyclists is doing a survey as part of the
City's application for Bike Friendly Community.
Councilmember Polehna added that a grant from Washington County paid for installation of
bike racks downtown.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adjourn. All in favor. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
ATTEST:
ode, Parks superintendent
Stephanie Souter, Vice Chair
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