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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-25 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board Oct. 25, 1999 Present: David Junker, chairperson Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, Del Peterson, Mike Polehna, Sara Thingvold, and Steve Wolff Others: Parks Director Tim Thomsen; Community Development Director Steve Russell Absent: Al Liehr and Rob McGarry Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein, seconded by Ms. Thingvold, moved approval of the minutes of Sept. 27, 1999; all in favor. Report from Parks Director Mr. Thomsen updated the Board on projects at Meadowlark, Lily Lake and Northland parks. He said he had met with Kathy Drinkwine and Judy Gulden regarding plans for the possible reuse of the former Washington School playground. He said the Parks Department had assisted in removing the old play equipment and asphalt and was bringing in top soil taken from the City's work on 62nd Street. Mr. Peterson suggested that Mr. Thomsen keep track of the costs/labor hours expended on the Washington School project. Mr. Peterson stated he had attended the last Friends of Stillwater Parks meeting to discuss the remaining funds in Jennifer Easton's contribution to the City for Pioneer Park. To qualify for the remaining funds, the City will have to expend $43,000+ in matching funds. He suggested that before the City spends any money, it have a clear plan that Friends of the Parks buys into. Mr. Thomsen said possible expenditures include a tin roof for the bathrooms and a hiking trail. Ms. Amrein referred to Mr. Kriesel's memo and asked whether the intent is to follow through on the master plan regarding the band shell or if there is a new plan for the structure. Mr. Thomsen pointed out the band shell improvements/removal is in Phase 2 of the master plan implementation. Mr. Thomsen also noted that the City may have expended more in in- kind/matching funds that has been credited; he said he will be going back over cost projections. Mr. Thomsen stated the paver program for Pioneer Park is in place and a kiosk has been added at the park. Friends of Parks is handing the paver program funds in a separate account for future improvements to Pioneer Park. Mr. Cummings pointed out the new sidewalk in Pioneer Park has had graffiti inscribed in it and asked whether the graffiti was going to be removed; Mr. Thomsen responded that will be done. Ms. Brown stated that something has to be done regarding the continuing vandalism in the parks. Mr. Polehna said Washington County has a reserve unit that assists in park policing and said he would bring information about that program to the next meeting. Mr. Cummings also suggested having Police Chief Larry Dauffenbach attend the next meeting to discuss the issue of policing/vandalism. Settler's Park and water reservoir plan Community Development Director Russell and Marc Putnam and Homer Tomkins were present to review plans for Settler's Park in the Liberty on the Lake development where the new underground water reservoir will be located. Mr. Russell noted that drilling for the new well has begun. Mr. Putnam reviewed park plans which include a softball field/soccer practice field, tennis courts on top of the reservoir, pathways, a small shelter and memorial elements. Mr. Russell pointed out there will be no lighting for the courts/fields; parking also was reviewed. Mr. Peterson asked whether the usability of the park was minimized due to the elevation/grade requirements for placement of the reservoir. Mr. Putnam said he thought the plan was a good compromise of functions and said he didn't think the placement of the reservoir compromised the use of the park land. Ms. Thingvold asked if there would be any play equipment at the park; Mr. Putnam stated there are no plans for play equipment at this location. Mr. Polehna asked if there would be any winter uses at the park; Mr. Putnam noted there is a ponding area nearby at Liberty Square, as well as the basketkaltsjotprts at Ruthegord School which could be used for skating. Ms. Amrein asked if this was ag' park or aineig`hborhood park; Mr. Russell responded it is Iike other city parks serving neighborhoods. Members pointed out the need for restroom facilities; Mr. Tomkins said he agreed that an enclosed porta-potty facility would be a good idea. Mr. Peterson asked if the Water Department was paying anything toward the park improvements for the right to bury the water tank. The developers responded that the Water Department would be contributing grading and paving of the tennis courts and installation of sleeves. Mr. Cummings noted that the Water Department's original site for a new water tower located on Eagle Ridge has been deeded back to the City for park use; Mr. Russell stated money from the sale of that site went to the General Fund and used for trails in the McKusick Lake project area. Mr. Cummings stated he though the Park Board might have some leverage with the Water Board to pay for additional amenities, such as landscaping/plantings due to the elevation required for placement of the reservoir. Mr. Putnam noted that the design of the pump house was an issue with the developers, stating the pump house should be in keeping with other design elements of Rutherford School and the Liberty on the Lake development. Mr. Russell suggested inviting Jim McKnight, Water Department manager, and a representative of the project engineering firm, TKDA, to the next Park Board meeting to discuss funding issues. Ms. Thingvold, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved concept approval of the plans for Settler's Park. Mr. Polehna requested amending the motion to indicate that the restroom facility, recommended for inclusion by the Park Board, not be portable toilets. Ms. Thingvold and Mr. Peterson accepted the amendment; amended motion passed unanimously. Mr. Russell informed the Board a state grant application for a park area at Mulberry Point has tentatively been recommended for funding in the amount of $250,000. Mr. Russell also stated the School District has inquired as to whether the City might be interested in owning/controlling the Jaycee ballfields. Mr. Polehna said he had received a call from Mr. Melville of the St. Croix Valley Athletic Partnership indicating that group is interested in taking over the Jaycee fields. Mr. Peterson suggested using the Jaycee fields as a negotiating item with the School District to possibly obtain the Old Athletic Field. Mr. Cummings noted the City has made an offer on the Rivard property for location of a public works facility and community sized park; the Athletic Partnership group also has expressed an interest in working with the City in developing that property. Second sheet of ice for St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Mr. Cummings stated bids for construction of the foundation for the second ice sheet have been approved. Mr. Polehna asked about the use of the hockey boards the City had purchased for an outdoor ice sheet adjacent to the arena. Mr. Thomsen said when Ryder Transportation vacates the old prison site, that location would be a good place for an outdoor rink where the boards could be used. Park fee structure Mr. Thomsen opened the discussion by pointing out that the park fees go to the City's general fund, not the park fund. Consensus in the discussion was that the fees ought to be increased and that the fees for residents and non-residents be the same. Members also were in agreement that the fees ought to be returned to the park fund rather than the general fund; Mr. Cummings said he would like to look at the possibility of dedicating the park fees to the park dedication fund. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Cummings, moved to increase the fees for reservation of the picnic shelter at Pioneer Park to $150 for weekends and holidays, $100 for weekdays, for both residents and non-residents, with a damage deposit of $75. Fee for reservation of other park shelters, as moved, would be $35 for weekends and holidays, $25 for weekdays, with a $50 fee for rental of the gazebo in Lowell Park. Mr. Wolff and Mr. Cummings agreed to table the motion for action at the November meeting; motion to table passed unanimously. New business Mr. Polehna asked members who have any suggestions for walking paths/trails that might be appropriate for inclusion in a map being prepared by the Community Fitness Project to forward suggestions to him by Oct. 16. Ms. Amrein brought up the issue of providing sidewalks on Curve Crest Boulevard and elsewhere in the industrial park, an issue brought to the City Council by the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Junker noted this was an issue for the Council, not the Parks Board. Ms. Brown asked if signs had been placed on the trail along Long Lake prohibiting bicycles. Mr. Junker said he would check with Mr. Kriesel and bring information to the November meeting. Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Polehna moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary