HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-25 PRC MIN1tbei
Parks and Recreation Board
Sept. 25, 2000
Present: Del Peterson, chairperson
Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt,
Mike Polehna, and Steve Wolff
Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald and two Stillwater Area High School government students
Absent: David Junker and Sara Thingvold
Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted the minutes did not reflect Mr. McGarry was absent;
Mr. Polehna noted his name was misspelled. Mr. Polehna, seconded by Mr. Milbrandt, moved
approval of the Aug. 28, 2000, minutes as corrected; motion passed unanimously.
Review of draft Comprehensive Tr it Plan
Ms. Fitzgerald said several trails — in the Creekside area, Long Lake and South Twin Lake —
were added since the last review. Mr. Cummings noted the Curve Crest Boulevard sidewalk is
part of the plan; the city just has to determine how to pay for it. City Council Member Terry
Zoller, in the audience on another matter, pointed out the city does not own the right-of-way on
Curve Crest, so the city will either have to purchase the right-of-way or go to condemnation;
there has been talk of businesses allowing an easement or contributing the land. Joseph Simonet
of Simonet Furniture and Carpet, said he, as a private citizen, favors the sidewalk. Peggy Perry,
chair of the Human Rights Commission, spoke in favor of the sidewalk and suggested that
businesses should consider the public relations value of providing for the sidewalks.
Mr. Zoller also said there had been previous discussion about including walks through the
historic districts in town in the plan. Mr. Wolff suggested that might result in a problem with
skateboarders/rollerbladers if the sidewalks are designated as a public trail. Ms. Amrein said the
plan isn't real clear about who decides about designating the use of the trails. Mr. Zoller noted
the plan is a concept indicating where trails may be at some point in the future; once
development occurs, the city will meet with neighbors to determine the exact location and decide
on issues such as surface, use, etc. Ms. Amrein questioned the goals on page 17 and asked
whether that meant the city was going to retrofit the streets to accommodate bikers; Mr. McGarry
pointed out that is a goal that may or may not be achievable in all cases.
Mr. Peterson encouraged members to read the draft document and visit trails in their
neighborhoods prior to the public hearing. The public hearing was set for Oct. 16.
Eern;est for play equipment at the Olcl Athletic Field
Mr. Zoller, along with Joe Peltier, Tom Corman and Lee Bjerk and families, all of whom reside
near the Old Athletic Field, were present to request the Board's support for pursuing the
purchase and installation of play equipment in a portion of the Old Athletic Field. Mr. Zoller
noted the absence of parks in the older neighborhoods in town — the North and South Hills. Mr.
Zoller stated he had talked with both city and school district officials and both were receptive to
the concept. There was some discussion of cost and responsibility for maintenance. Mr. Zoller
said the school district probably would not be willing to maintain the area; he noted costs won't
be known until there are discussions with neighbors to determine what kind of equipment they
would like to see. Mr. Wolff expressed a concern about locating the play equipment in a
secluded area; Mr. McGarry noted the area will be opened up if the existing fence is redone and
vines removed.
Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. Cummings, moved to support the concept and authorize Mr.
Zoller to work with neighbors and come back to the Board with more firm cost figures and
possible sources of funding. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Zoller also stated the neighbors would like to have the skating rink brought back into use.
Mr. Polehna said the Park Department said the slope is not right to flood a rink; Mr. Peltier said
boards are needed to retain the water. Mr. Cummings pointed out the city does have a set of
boards available. Mr. Peltier volunteered to put the boards in.
There was discussion of the city buying the Old Athletic Field property, for a nominal fee, from
School District 834. Mr. Cummings said if the city is talking about putting play equipment and a
skating rink on that property, it behooves the city to own the property. Mr. Cummings, seconded
by Ms. Amrein, moved to direct city staff to formally approach School District 834 with a
request that the Old Athletic Field property to returned to city ownership for a nominal
consideration. Mr. Zoller stated he did talk with District Business Manager Dan Parker about that
possibility. By state law, school districts must assess all their properties every three years, and
Mr. Zoller pointed out the city might not be able to afford to purchase the property. Motion
directing, staff to pursue city ownership of the property passed unanimously.
Updates
Mr. Peterson reviewed the updates in the agenda packet. Regarding Kolliner Park use, Mr.
McGarry noted there are issues regarding liability and issues of policing/enforcement due to its
location in St. Croix County. Mr. Peterson pointed out a use policy will be developed and
brought back to the Park Board.
Other items
• Ms. Fitzgerald stated she would be meeting with neighbors in the Creekside Crossing area to
discuss plans — landscaping and perhaps a fountain -- for the circle area in the development.
Mr. Polehna asked if the disc golf course was being maintained. Mr. Cummings responded
in the negative; he said Mr. Russell wants the area used this winter for cross-country skiing.
There also has been talk of doing a controlled burn in that area next spring. Ms. Fitzgerald
will check on plans for this year and next year and report at the next meeting.
• Ms. Fitzgerald said the play equipment will be installed in Legends Park within the month.
• Mr. Polehna showed members a draft of the map prepared by the St. Croix Valley Fitness
Partners to promote walking. He said the coalition is hoping to print 10,000-12,000 copies of
the map. Mr. Wolff suggested asking the local division of the American Heart Association
for a contribution toward printing costs.
• Mr. McGarry brought up the issue of Staples Field. After discussion, it was decided to ask
Police Chief Larry Dauffenbach to attend the next meeting to obtain his input into the
problems experienced in the past.
Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. Wolff, moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.; all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary