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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-28 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 February 28, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Brandt, Commissioners Christensen (arrived at 7:53 p.m.), Johnson, Macswain, Nelson, Souter, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioner Weidner Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of January 24. 2022 meeting Chairman Brandt noted that Louise Watson was the woman who spoke during the open forum. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2022 meeting as amended. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Margaret Boettcher, 658 Nightingale Blvd, reiterated concerns she brought to the last meeting about encroachment of City property near the Nightingale Parkland, Long Lake and Brewer's Pond. She reviewed the history of remedial action the City Council took in 2010 and provided documents and photos showing private use of the island. There are brush and leaves piled on one of the lake accesses which is a fire hazard. She requested a letter be sent from the City Attorney to residents on Nightingale Blvd to remove all debris. She also would like signs installed on the lake side of the parkland as promised by the Mayor in 2010 but never done. Parks Superintendent Grode responded further info. will be provided and the issue will be discussed at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS Opera on the River 2022 Event Application Parks Superintendent Grode reviewed the application from St. Croix Valley Opera to host Opera on the River 2022 on Saturday, July 30, 2022, in Lowell Park. In case of rain or severe weather, the event will be moved indoors to Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater. If there is flooding in Lowell Park, event organizers have also requested the use of parking lots 5 and 9. Obed Floan, St. Croix Valley Opera, said the event will be very similar to last year. He asked if the City's new fee structure will be effective by July, as they may want to add a liquor tent. Mr. Grode said staff met with key event organizers last week to discuss possible fee schedule changes. This may go to the City Council in the next month. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 28, 2022 Motion by Chair Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Macswain, to recommend approval of the 2022 Opera on the River Event Application. All in favor. St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon 2022 Event Application Mr. Grode stated that Run Stillwater, Inc. has submitted a special event application for the St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon on Saturday, July 30, 2022. The event uses most of the Loop Trail starting in western Wisconsin and crossing the river. Runners then go north to downtown Stillwater along the upper bike bath. The proposed finish line would be at the Loop Trail between parking lots 2 and 3. It will not use the land north of Chestnut where Opera on the River will occur the same day. Stacy Einck, Run Stillwater, said this is the second time for this event. Most of the runners exit the park by 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Macswain asked if the general public will be able to use the Loop Trail during the race. Ms. Einck replied in the past they put signage along the upper part of the Loop Trail so users know an event is happening. Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to recommend approval of the St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon 2022 event. All in favor. Stillwater Half Marathon 2022 Event Application Mr. Grode stated that Run Stillwater, Inc. has submitted a special event application to host the 2022 Stillwater Half Marathon on Saturday, May 28, 2022. The event features a Half Marathon, 10K and 5K certified races. The races will have three different starting points and finish at Pioneer Park, where post -race activities will occur. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Macswain, to recommend approval of the Stillwater Half Marathon 2022 Event Application. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Meadowlark Playground Structure Replacement and Public Feedback Mr. Grode stated the City has budgeted $120,000 in 2022 for replacement of playground structures at Meadowlark Park and Anez Ridge Park. The existing playground structure at Meadowlark Park is in very poor shape and has exceeded its useful life, typically around 15 years. Seven emails were received from residents who use this park. In response to one resident's feedback, staff looked at adding a structure for age 2-5 years which would cost around $900 more (Option 3). Commissioner Nelson asked if the platforms on the monkey bar structure could include an additional step to accommodate smaller kids. Commissioner Souter asked if the park access will be paved. Mr. Grode said there will be a hard surface trail leading to the playground. Commissioner Nelson remarked there are many homes on the south side and as far as they know they don't have any way to get to this park. A resident (no name given) said she has a 2, 4, and 3 year old and she would like to have a play structure for little kids and easier access for elderly grandparents. The current path is not Page 2 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 28, 2022 paved and doesn't work for strollers or bikes. She feels the sensory activities are not used so maybe they could be eliminated to divert money toward a 2-5 year old play structure. Commissioner Macswain asked if drainage will be incorporated into the plans because the park has flooded in the past. Mr. Grode replied there will be drain tile to build it up. The volleyball court will be made smaller and having a paved trail will help with access to the playground area. Maureen Bell, Crestwood Terrace (via Zoom) said she uses the park with her grandchildren. She thanked the Commission for taking this on because equipment is in need of replacement. Motion by Commissioner Macswain, seconded by Chair Brandt, to approve the purchase and construction of the Meadowlark playground with the following additions: changing the climbing bar area to a 2-5 year old playground that does not resemble Option 3, and expands the footprint of the playground to allow for a future climbing structure. All in favor. Anez Ridge Playground Structure Replacement and Public Feedback Mr. Grode stated the City has budgeted $120,000 for replacement of playground structures at Meadowlark Park and Anez Ridge Park. The existing play structure at Anez Ridge Park is in poor shape and has exceeded its useful life. Pam Grady, 727 Victoria Ct, said she would like to have play structures for the small kids and for the older kids. Mr. Grode replied staff tried to find activities that were comparable to existing equipment but there is space to expand. Staff can look at other options within the budget. Barb Brenny, 731 Victoria Ct, said the park is used mostly by grandparents with little kids. Commissioner Souter asked if there other options to tailor the play structure for 2-5 year old users without having two separate structures. Commissioner Macswain suggested lowering the front steps to make them more accessible and removing the back slide in favor of a 2-5 year old slide. Chairman Brandt pointed out according to the packet, it would cost roughly $7-8,000 to put in a separate 2-5 year old structure. Councilmember Polehna suggested leaving space and then adding a 2-5 year old structure into next year's budget. Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Souter to approve the Anez Ridge proposal for replacement equipment, expanding the footprint to allow for future installation of a 2-5 year old play structure when it can be budgeted. All in favor. COMMISSION ITEMS Mr. Grode updated the Commission on the following. Open space encroachment: for the March 28 meeting he will bring a map of City owned open space to continue the discussion about potentially doing inspections and sending letters as necessary to people who are encroaching on City property. Commissioner Christensen questioned whether open space is under the purview of the Parks Commission. New Heights Playground: the people who are coordinating the project will bring an update to the March 28 meeting. Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 28, 2022 Events: staff has been meeting with event organizers on how to simplify the process of event applications and combine some of the costs. Councilmember Polehna added that the City Council will vote tomorrow on ordering a feasibility study for the design of the curling addition to St. Croix Valley Rec Center; the Curling Club will split the $28,000 cost for the feasibility study with the City. He has been working on getting a boat launch under the new bridge (in Oak Park Heights). The City of Stillwater requested $6 million in the bonding bill for improvements at Lumberjack Landing, Chestnut Plaza, and Bridgeview Park. The Council is trying to figure out where to put a skate park. Dredging is occurring at Lake McKusick. Another dinner on the lift bridge is planned for August with proceeds to go toward trail improvements. Chestnut Plaza has contaminated soils requiring removal of two feet of soil for the project. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 28, 2022. ATTEST: ode, Par Superintendent Davi &Brandt, Chair harlte ok-l•ersi Vice Chaff r Page 4 of 4