HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-27 PRC MIN•
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Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board
November 27. 7 p.m. at City Hall in Council Chambers. Conference Room 213, 216 N. l`h Sc.
CALL TO ORDER: Member Mike Polehna called The Meeting to order at 7:05.
Present: Members;
Mike Polehna, Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, Steve Wolff and
Sara Thingtv:old_
otm : Wally Milbrandr
Community Planner Steve Russell '�.eue 14 { '
Absent: Chairperson Del Peterson, Members; Rob McGarry and David Junker.
AGENTDA:
Item #1 Approval of October 23, 2000 Minutes.
DISCUSSION: The question of clarity regarding page two g5 which reads "Cty. 5
(Olive to Brick to Myrtle St.)" was discussed. The intersection on Pine and Myrtle was
thought to be Oak Ridge, which would add clarity.
A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Meeting of October 23,2000 by Mr.
Milbrandt and seconded by Sara Thingvold. Mr. Polehna asked if there was any futher
discussion. Hearing no additional comment, the vote was unanimously all in favor.
Item 42 Lake Links Update.
DISCUSSION: Jeff Schoenbauer, Vice President of Brauer & Associates, Ltd.
Addressed the Parks and Recreation Board with a slide presentation to explain the "Lake
Links Trail Network Master Plan (Draft) and Action Requested". The Board was
presented with a 42-page packet of information related to the Master Plan Draft. The
packet explained the key points that emerged from the planning process as they relate to
Stillwater. Currently, the implementation section of the plan, which includes overall cost
estimates and a strategy for implementing the plan, will be forwarded to the local
community upon its completion.
Mr. Schoenbauer was requesting that a resolution be granted to show support for the
overall plan to enable that the plan be sent to the Washington and Ramsey County Boards
for final adoption of the master plan. Mr. Schoenbauer explained that some of the details
would require subsequent public input to determine which option(s) best serve the
interest of Stillwater while still achieving the objectives of the master plan.
The master plan includes a trail loop around White Bear Lake, a trail loop around
Silver Lake, an extension of the Bruce Vento Trail from Maplewood to the Hugo trail
system and trail links between each of the above and to the Gateway Trail and to the
Stillwater trail system.
As it relates to Stillwater, two possible solutions were presented; The possible
purchase, in the event the owner wishes to sell, the Zephyr Line right-of-way and
Highway 96 corridor. It was mentioned that the Zephyr Line right-of-way is privately
owned and that there has been to date no interest in selling the right-of-way. The Hwy. 96
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Corridor was discussed at length. Also discussed was County Rd. 64/McKusick Rd.
alignment with the proposed links.
The Hwy. 96 Trail Corridor would be a Regional trail corridor that follows the Hwv.
96/Zephyr Line right-of-ways from Ramsey Beach all the way to Stillwater. This trail
possibly stopping at the old prison or parking lot. The question of bike traffic within the
City of Stillwater was questioned in regard to safety issues. It was thought that through
the park and river property that the bike riders could be deterred from using the ciry
streets.
The question of using other connected trails through residential properties was also
mentioned. It was thought that although that option of using those trails is ever present,
only the main corridor would be advertised.
The question of safety along the downhill section approaching Stillwater on Hwy. 96
were discussed. It was thought that the 10-foot trail would have a curb with a two -foot
shoulder. The question of McKusick trail becoming a "high speed" trail was discussed
and Mr. Schoenbauer said that the city could discourage that possibility.
The importance of a tie to the City of Stillwater was mentioned as important in regard
to Stillwater being a destination,,, t1-1
The implementation oft "master plan will hopefully be timed with the tumbaek of
State to County corridors as Hwy. 96. Perhaps in 10 to 15 years, when the runback of
Hwy. 96 from State to County could happen. Also discussed was private property
encroachment/acquisition Issues which would be considered minimal along the Hwy. 96
corridor.
Mr. Schoenbauer requested a motion because of the timetable that hopefully would
allow adoption by the end of January for the Master Plan. That would allow local review
of option, county and city agreements for maintenance/management grants applications
and implementation.
Mr. Cummings motioned that there be a Resolution to recommend the Lake Links
Trail Network Master Plan (Draft) understanding that the City of Stillwater will take it
beyond the stopping points of the recommendations of Brauer & Associates, Ltd. Ms.
Amrein seconded the motion. Mr. Polehna asked if there was any additional discussion.
Hearing no additional comment the motion was called to.a vote All agreed to accept the
draft of the Master Plan.
Item #3 Update McKusick Lake Ravine
The following memorandum from Klayton Eckles, City Engineer, sent to Steve
Russell, Community Development Director (Stillwater Parks Board) was addressed.
The following information was shared "This project is currently scheduled for
construction next year. Very little design work has taken place as of yet. It is anticipated
that the design will take place late this winter and next spring with the midsummer start
up." The reasons explained for the project included meeting project objectives for
controlling McKusick level, constructing the project in such a wag that it stays on public
land, minimizing the impact and disturbance of the ravine area, providing emergency and
maintenance vehicle access, developing trail options based on preliminary design and
developing restoration options. It was so written that after the preliminary design has
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been completed and options for trailway and restoration have been developed, the project
can be made available for public comment.
DISCUSSION: The following residents were in attendance for the meeting:
Dave Vesall ( 709 Wilinden), LeRoy and Norma Swanson (235 No. Owens), Gary N.
Gehl man (512 Park Place), Allan LaVafier (707 Maple St.), Angela Anderson (1121 N
4`h), Ann Martin (1112 N. 3`d St.), Bonnie Roemhildt (15112 N. 62°`t St.), Diane Scheel
(502 W. Maple St.), and Mary Scheel (414 W. Mulberry St.).
Mr. Gehrman expressed concern that, in the past, it was his experience that when a
city goes to make a "green space", it tears down everything (trees) and rebuilds it.
There is a cottonwood with a 20-foot diameter that would have to be removed. Others
.qz s s expressed concern for the bird and wildlife refuge that lives there now.
Areas of concern of those in attendance included the surface of the trail. It was
expressed that there are ample natural trails there now and that no blacktop should go into
the Ravine. If blacktop was to be used, it was a concern that the water would run faster.
Some residents expressed concern that it would impact private property that sides the
Ravine. Some of those in attendance expressed frustration that their concerns "Are not
being heard".
Mr. Cummings explained that the Ravine was only part of a much larger area of
concern and that drainage was at issue. Mr. Polehna expressed that, at this time, there was
no design to review. The Board took no action.
Item #4 Staples Field Survey
At the October 23, 2000 meeting it was proposed that a survey would be used to
determine what kind of use, if any, that the neighborhood would want to have at the
Staples Park because of a petition from residents that there has been disorderly conduct
going on in the Basketball court. The petition was in favor of closing the courts.
The "Staples Field Park Survey and Questionnaire" was presented to the Parks and
Recreation Board for consideration.
DISCUSSION: The Board discussed the survey and questionnaire as it was presented.
The question came up regarding how effective the survey was as it relates to the issue. It
was establisheda " .j ball .
that the park has two tennis courts and Ua;,riC`l�uic court.
The following questions were addressed: If a lower basketball hoop was added for the
younger children and designated as for younger children, would that solve the problem?
If there is a problem, does the neighborhood feel safe or unsafe? What do the police
reports show? What is the possibility of closing some of the streets? Would keeping the
lights on at night on the court help? Would it help to extend the parks?
There had been a telephone call from a local resident who was willing to sell his house
to the city to expand the park. However, the cost was quoted as S265,000 and it ',vas
believed this was too expensive.
The Board was in favor of drafting a cover letter to go with the survey and it was in
agreement that Mr. Polehna and i'vlr. Milbrandt would meet with Sue Fitzgerald to draft a
new survey that would address the concerns of the neighbors. It was also agreed that the
area to be surveyed would be expanded one block bigger than now to include Second
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'} Street and up to Sycamore Street and Sycamore to Owens. It was noted that this is the
only park on the North Hill.
Item #5 Winter Skating Rinks
A memorandum from Tim Thomsen, Park & Public Works Superintendent was
presented to the Park & Recreation Board. The Hockey Rinks were identified as four in
number. The Pleasure Rinks were identified and were nine in number. It was noted that
the city would not provide a rink on any lake or pond for the reasons presented to the
Board. It was noted that the City will not be responsible nor have liability; for any rinks
on lakes or ponds done by residents.
DISCUSSION: Ms. Thingvold expressed concern over the size and surface of one of the
smaller skating rinks. The need for an ice skating rink at Ledger Park was discussed. The
Board took no action at this time.
Item#6 Winter Trail Plowing
The Board addressed the Memorandum from Klayton Eckles, City Engineer to the
Parks Board. The city currently has trails that generally fall into three categories, trails
along city streets, trails along county roads, and trails in parks or nature areas. In the past,
the City has not had anv set policy on how to maintain these trails in the winter. It is
believed that unmanaged trails provide very little benefit for any users including cross-
country skiers.
DISCUSSION: It was noted that McKusick is being plowed. Sometimes it can get ice on
it, but it is plowed within two days of a winter storm. A private contractor is responsible
for clearing the trail. It was agreed that there should be a policy in place by next year for
all trails but"l2. The motion was made by Mr. Milbrandt that there should be a plan in
place for McKusick, first, County Road 5 second and Long, Lake, third. Mr. Cummings
seconded the motion. All were in favor of proposing a plan.
Item#7 Trail Plan Update
-� The Comprehensive Trail Plan for the City of Stillwater to be presented before the
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council for approval was discussed as the plan relates to establishing goals and trail plan
policies and priorities. It was discussed there would be no horses allowed. The concept
of developing a continuous comprehensive "Walkable community" system, including
both on and off-street routes that make bicycle and pedestrian travel a continuous ease of
movement9included in the reasons for the plans establishment.
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Item 13 Parks Board Membership
The clarity of a memorandum from the City Administrator to the Park and Recreation
Board was discussed as to the number of -members and the current numbers.
DISCUSSION: It was suggested that the City Clerk send a letter to the members of the
Park and Recreation Board to ask their intentions of interest in service to the Board. This
letter would be extended to all the members of the Board regardless of their expiration
date. It was discussed and agreed that the position of Council Representative was one of
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the seven positions the Board has available. It was also noted that the number seven may
not be reached this year but in time as there is more than seven members at this time.
Mr. Cummings said that he would not seek another term. I .
. The recorder will contact Diane Ward
regarding the wish for a letter of intent to be sent to all current members of the Board.
Item T9 Other items z
It was decided that the December Meeting will be held on the '`d Monday of
December to be held at the Parks Maintenance Facility on December k8'. It is requested
that some holiday potluck be made available. I I
FY1 Browns Creek Trail Map
The Board was presented with a current Map. Mr. Russell discussed the possibility
and means of grooming. the trail.
Mr. Polehna adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Diane Martinek
Recorder