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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-23 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks & Recreation Commission October 23, 2000 Present: Steve Wolff, Linda Amrein, Delwin Peterson (Chair), Michael Polehna (Vice Chair), David G. Junker, Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt, Dawn Flinn and Richard Cummings (City Council representative) Absent: Sara Thingvold Others Present: Steve Russell, Community Development Director Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Diane Martinek was introduced as the new recording secretary beginning November 1, 2000. Approval of minutes: Wally Milbrandt, seconded by Linda Amrein, moved approval of the September 25, 2000 minutes as presented; motion passed unanimously. Comprehensive Trait PIan: Del Peterson explained that at the Planning/Parks Joint Board meeting on the Comprehensive Trail Plan on October16, the Parks Commission did not have a quorum present to take action on the plan so it was being brought before the Parks Board tonight for comments and decisions. The Planning Commission approved a plan map at the Oct. 16th meeting and approved text, with additional language regarding a system of multi -use trails in the city. Staff recommends that the Parks Board look at the trail map and indicate approval and list high -priority trails that should initially be considered for implementation/improvement. The plan draft was included in the September 25th packet. Mike Polehna was asked to help with some of the issues of definitions — to broaden the plan language. The plan, to a great extent, talked mainly about bicycle and non -bicycle uses and the Parks Board wants to encourage more of a multi -use facet. Mike Polehna recently attended a conference on trails and parks in Scottsdale, AZ and explained that he had gathered a lot of information that can be utilized here. Definitions regarding true multi -use trails, signage for those trails and how to plan ahead of time (before development) for the trails were discussed. He stated that he did not have any information yet on an "Adopt a Trail" program but could adapt some from similar "Adopt a Park" programs. The meaning of multi -use was discussed. Walking, cycling,jogging, roller-blading, roller -skiing, roller-skating. Non -motorized (except for motorized wheel chairs) traffic only. The trails would meet the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Del Peterson pointed out that the Parks Board was being asked for "approval in concept" of the plan. Commission member Steve Wolff moved for approval of the Comprehensive Trail Plan Map; Dawn Flinn seconded, motion passed unanimously. Prioritizing the'trais was set aside to accommodate some members of the audience who came to discuss the McKusick Ravine even though these issues were not on the agenda. Mr. Russell advised that this issue be deferred to a later date because Klayton Eckles, City Engineer was not in attendance but Del Peterson decided that the Board would entertain a very few comments from John Vaughn in the audience. Mr. Vaughn brought in and passed out some information on McKusick Ravine that he said he submitted to the city manager back on May 5th and still had no response. Citizens to Protect the Ravine is the name of the group that Mr. Vaughn was representing. This group is requesting that the city will forgo its plans to pave a road in the ravine, (Rich Cummings strongly stated that the city never intended to install a paved road in the ravine but access for the Public Works Department) that more pro -active measures will be taken to preserve the wildlife, flora and fauna in the ravine, and that the city would enter into a stewardship agreement with the neighbors of the ravine to maintain it as in inner-city wilderness area. He presented a petition with over four hundred signatures of residents who were dissatisfied with the City's plans. Mr. Vaughn also requested that a citizen advisory group be appointed to participate in the planning of the McKusick Ravine plans. Mr. Peterson explained that the Trail plan being discussed does not apply to the more local issue and details of McKusick Ravine. The Comprehensive Trail plan is concept plan and as each segment of the trail is worked on, then the details will be worked out. Mr. Cummings stated that Engineering plans were developed and planned to be implemented in the spring. He said that now is an appropriate time to check with city council on the progress of the plans and to contact the city engineer for comments and to put it on an upcoming agenda. Del Peterson directed the commission members to return to the job of prioritizing the trails in terms of importance. Steve Russell reviewed the trail plan as he did at the joint Planning/Parks meeting on October 16. He pointed out that some trails are much more than neighborhood trails — the importance is being placed on the community -wide needs. His personal feeling is that the Stillwater Junior High School/Holcombe Street section of the plan is of utmost importance. This is a major access for busses, cars and walking students and we are all lucky that no serious problems have arisen so far. Note was made that sidewalks are trails, too. Another area of discussion was Curve Crest Blvd. from Cub/Target back to the Charter Oaks sidewalk and Greeley Street. Another area discussed was Eagle Ridge Trail that has no sidewalks but has "destinations" at either end as does the Oak Glen/Amundson Drive area of town. Steve pointed out that some of the trails will be easier than others to accomplish, depending on whether the plans can be specified before development or if the development has already occurred. After some discussion, the Parks Commission prioritized the "top five" trails in the following order: #1 Curve Crest Boulevard #2 Eagle Ridge Trail #3 Holcombe Street/SJHS #4 Manning Ave Trail ( Hwy 36 to Cty Rd 12) #5 Cty 5 (Olive to Brick to Myrtle St) Dave Junker moved that the Parks Commission will give priority to seeking Eliding for and implementation of the above list of trails, in the order listed. Seconded by Wal'1'y Milbrandt. All members voted in favor of this motion. Staples Basketball Court Update: A petition from residents in the Staples Park neighborhood was presented by Burt Dversdahl and Tim Benson. This petition had been presented on Wednesday, October 18 at a meeting attended by Mayor Kimble, Klayton Eckles, Tim Thomsen, Nile Kriesel, Steve Russell, Police Chief Dauffenbach, Del Peterson and resident, Burt Dversdahl. The issue is the basketball court and its use. The petition is in favor of closing the courts because of the noise, disruption and disorderly conduct going on there. Del commented that there are also many people who are in favor of keeping the courts open. The city intends to conduct a survey of all residents in the area to determine how they feel about closing/not closing the basketball courts. The survey would also determine what kind of use, if any, that the neighborhood would want to have at this sight. It was agreed that this would be discussed at this meeting and that Del Peterson, as chair of this commission, would ask for a motion from the Parks Commission to direct staff to conduct such a survey. The survey would take about 2 months and that a decision would be made in 3-4 months. After that process, the Parks Commission would forward its recommendation to City Council for a final decision. Resident Dversdahl commented that the courts are right up against the neighbors' back yards. The courts have become a destination for troublemakers from outside the neighborhood, even outside the city. Public urination, drinking, fighting and foul language are some of the complaints. Some residents consider this a public nuisance that prevents them from enjoying their own backyards. Del Peterson moved to direct staff to prepare a survey. Motion seconded by David Junker, all in favor. Lowell Park Use Policy: Steve Russell discussed the use of Lowell Park and "how much is enough". The problem is that there is no real use policy, just some general guidelines. Del Peterson mentioned that the main problems resulted in competition from two Chambers of Commerce in Stillwater. He put this on the agenda for tonight's meeting so that this does not become an issue again next summer. Linda Amrein discussed Tim Thomsen's comments from earlier in the year regarding the frequency of use and its effect on Lowell Park. Commission member Milbrandt moved to approve directing staff to develop a Lowell Park Use Policy. Commission member Amrein seconded the motion. All in favor. Old Athletic Field Play Equipment Update: Steve Russell stated that City Council approved recommendation for play equipment at the Old Athletic Field and recommended coordinating the placement of the equipment and use of the site with the school district. There was also an earlier motion made directing staff to pursue city ownership of this property. This was discussed at the council meeting and, according to Rich Cummings, "went down in flames". Basically the comment was "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The Council felt that it was not necessary that the city own this property. The school district was maintaining it as a park and it is available for all residents to use. Dave Junker asked about the other issue, the rink. Rich stated that Nile Kriesel purchased an old set of hockey boards but that no one can seem to find them. The subject was dropped. Other items: Del mentioned that now was a good time to decide where other ice rinks would be put up this year. Rich Cummings mentioned that all should go check out the new second ice sheet at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center that opened on Sunday, October 22, 2000. Also that everyone should see how great the locker rooms and shower facilities are. Del Peterson called for a motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Motion made by Steve Wolff, seconded by David Junker, all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Rogness Recording Secretary