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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-28 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 March 28, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Vice Chair Souter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Vice Chair Souter, Commissioners Christensen, Johnson, Macswain Absent: Chairman Brandt, Commissioners Nelson, Weidner, Councilmember Polehna Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of February 28, 2022 meeting Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to approve the minutes of the February 28, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS 516 Myrtle Street West Park and Trail Dedication Requirements Parks Superintendent Grode stated that Steve and Lynn Thron are requesting to split the property at 516 Myrtle Street West into two individual lots. An existing structure on the north half of the lot will remain; a new lot would be created on the south which may contain a single- family residence in the future. All residential subdivisions are required to provide land for future public park and trail uses. The property is not located within 1/4 mile of a park but is within 1/4 mile of a school with playground equipment and open field areas. City staff recommends the Park and Recreation Commission recommend the Council accept a cash dedication of $2,500 for the 516 Myrtle Street West subdivision park and trail obligations. These fees would be due prior to the City's release of plats for filing with Washington County. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to recommend the Council accept a cash dedication of $2,500 for the 516 Myrtle Street West subdivision park and trail obligations. All in favor. Discuss Potential Changes to Event Policies and Fee Schedule Mr. Grode reviewed potential amendments to event policies, especially for special events hosted in downtown Stillwater. The goal is to simplify the process and the fees. City staff costs (mostly Public Safety) would be a service provided as a basic level of service. This allows Public Safety and Public Works staff to focus on the true needs of the event and avoid negotiations on the number of officers or Public Works staff. After review by the Commissions, staff will present the recommendations to the City Council at a future Council workshop. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 28, 2022 Commissioner Christensen questioned the liquor license jump from $25/day to $1,000/day. Mr. Grode replied that in the past the City would bill an event separately for police presence when there is a liquor license. Now that cost is being rolled into the cost of the liquor license. Vice Chair Souter asked if the goal is that returning events won't have to go before the Parks Commission. Mr. Grode replied that discussion included streamlining the application process for "legacy" events that have returned for more than one year, and having staff approve some of those events. Currently, Commissions and staff are not allowed to waive fees - only the Council may do that. But some of those events may be able to move through an application quicker. Vice Chair Souter said if events don't require Commission review and approval, it would be helpful if events were presented as part of staff reports. Commissioner Christensen questioned whether there is room for new events downtown. The Parks Commission has denied some new events over the years that didn't seem appropriate or when downtown seemed overbooked. If the Parks Commission is to continue to be the watchdog for how much is too much, events would still need to pass through the Commission. Mr. Grode replied at this time, the staff recommendation is that all events still come to the Commissions for review, even the legacy events. Before applications come to the Commissions, staff reviews them and Public Safety decides whether they can handle the event. There is definitely increased interest in new and bigger events. As to whether there is room for new events, there are open weekends, but back to back events can have negative effects on the park and present challenges for Public Safety and Public Works. Commissioner Christensen asked, is the City's objective to promote business downtown, or are residents saying there's already too much? How can the Parks Commission find out if the City is at the saturation point right now? He would be hesitant to approve any new events without firm data. As a track coach, he sees running races being promoted months before the race organizers ever come and apply with the City - they assume the City will approve it. He would like to know if the Council thinks there are already enough events. Commissioner Macswain said there are mixed messages. What he sees on Council agendas is "we need to do more." But there is deferred maintenance and things needing attention downtown. He feels events are at capacity downtown. He found it helpful to learn that the City has spent $650,000 on events this year. He would like to carve this out in future years by event. Commissioner Macswain asked how much of Mr. Grode's time is spent on events. Mr. Grode responded 30-50%. The City may get an event coordinator in the future but currently, events fall under his responsibility. Parks Sign Inventory and Discussion Mr. Grode stated that the Parks Commission and staff have received suggestions for better signage at parks, open spaces and trails. Many City parks have no signage at all, or signage is inadequate and lacks consistent branding. Staff is seeking feedback and direction. Commissioner Johnson agreed signs need updating. A map or diagram format would be helpful, especially for trails. Page 2 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 28, 2022 Vice Chair Souter noted signs would probably have to be budgeted. She knows of some cities that have gotten funding to make signage more consistent. Mr. Grode said that if signs are made in-house with a City logo or branding, it would be easier to replace signs when needed. He would like input on styles of signs. Vice Chair Souter suggested seeing if the City's trail plan has recommendations for signage. Commissioner Macswain suggested there are probably three levels of signs - open space/natural area with map, neighborhood or community park, and "headliner" parks. UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Park and Open Space Issues Discussion Mr. Grode led discussion of complaints about litter and personal use of City property and residents mowing natural areas that are not intended to be maintained, as brought up by Margaret Boettcher at the February 28 Parks Commission Meeting. The Parks Commission is responsible for parks, trails and open spaces according to City Code. The Zoning Administrator resigned and the City is working to fill that position. Community Development Director Gladhill said that position will eventually partner with the Parks Department to address these types of issues. Staff is looking for feedback on moving forward with the actions requested. Commissioner Johnson remarked that rules should be put in place so a citizen doesn't have to come forward every ten years to address these issues. Open spaces could be inspected biannually or annually. Often, property owners abutting open space areas mistakenly assume that they own the property. Commissioner Christensen added there are no signs delineating City property. If there were adequately spaced signs indicating it is City land, most people would comply. Mr. Grode responded that signs could be placed so as not to impede the view. Vice Chair Souter said she would defer to staff judgement. It would be good to send a letter to property owners and if there is staff time, to remove the old docks and other items. Commissioner Macswain noted that at Nightingale Park, it appears that the City mows toward the houses. A trail going to Brewer's Pond doesn't look like it is City maintained. Making it a maintained trail could help reduce the problem behavior in the future. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff Updates Mr. Grode showed the playground equipment for Anez Ridge and Meadowlark Park that will be installed this year based on feedback from residents. He reported that the pickleball courts will be opened April 1 depending on the weather. Commission Member Updates Commissioner Macswain asked if there is an update on a new location for the skateboard park. Mr. Grode said staff is looking for a location close to downtown but not in downtown. Commissioner Christensen asked how long will the trail south of the Dock Cafe be closed? There is now a barricade half knocked down, which is confusing for visitors. A detour route should be figured out with signs to direct bicyclists from the Dock Cafe to the Oasis. Mr. Grode said work will be done there this spring. He has no definite date for completion. Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 28, 2022 Other Business There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Macswain, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 25, 2022. ATTEST: de, Parks S►.Serintendent Step = nie .•ra • rice-C air Page 4 of 4