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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-23 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board Aug. 23, 1999 Present: Del Peterson, Acting Chair Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Dawn Flinn, Al Liehr, Mike Polehna and Steve Wolff (7:40) Others Tim Thomsen, Parks Director Absent: Rich Cummings, David Junker, Rob McGarry and Sara Thingvold Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Liehr, seconded by Ms. Brown, moved to approve the minutes of June 28, 1999. Ms. Amrein noted two typographical errors, a "Ms." to "Mr." in the last paragraph under the Park Director's report and a "the" to "that" in the first paragraph under new business. Mr. Liehr and Ms. Brown amended the motion to reflect those changes; motion passed unanimously. Report from Parks Director: Mr. Thomsen reported that the Lily Lake swimming beach would close as of Aug. 27. He said that the fencing along the north and east side of Pioneer Park is nearing completion. Mr. Thomsen said no projects would be done in Pioneer Park next year in order to allow the grounds to recover from construction. Mr. Peterson questioned whether not doing anything in Pioneer Park next season would impact the donation from Jennifer Easton. Mr. Thomsen once again reviewed the status of the donation — almost all of the original money donated for Pioneer Park has been spent, the rest went to Friends of Stillwater Parks. He also noted there are additional plans for the park, such as terracing and constructing a walking path down from the park grounds that can't be done at this time due to a failing wall. Mr. Peterson suggested that the city should try to talk with Ms. Easton in an effort to convince her to allow the remaining money, $100,000, to be spent for future Pioneer Park improvements. Ms. Brown said Friends of Parks would like to see project plans drawn up and let Ms. Easton see what those plans are. Ms. Brown also said there had been conversations with Ms. Easton that she was not at liberty to discuss with the Park Board. There was a suggestion that perhaps the Park Board should invite Ms. Easton to its next meeting. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to have Mr. Peterson talk with Mr. Kriesel and Mr. Cummings to see what approach to take in the matter. Ms. Brown noted that "people are waiting in line" for the memorial brick program in Pioneer Park and showed photos of the Elmhurst grounds where a similar program is in place; she suggested that perhaps Ms. Easton's money could be used to enhance the grounds for the memorial brick program. Mr. Thomsen said the paver program is in place and the money is going to Friends of the Parks for Pioneer Park improvements. Mr. Thomsen reported that the Meadowlark Park improvements are progressing — the basketball court is in and the shelters are being installed. Mr. Liehr asked about the drainage problems Bill Jordan referred to in his presentation to the Board. Mr. Thomsen reported that drainage improvements are working as evidenced by a recent heavy rain that did not result in park flooding as in the past. Mr. Liehr also asked about the park boundaries issue, also raised by Mr. Jordan. Mr. Thomsen responded that is not a big issue. Mr. Thomsen gave a brief informational update about the City's plans for a well and reservoir to be constructed in Settler's Park in the Liberty on Long Lake development. The well will be buried, with a minimum of 12" to top soil placed on top; that area can be landscaped and is usable park space. The Board reviewed Mr. Kriesel's update on land acquisition. Mr. Peterson raised the issue of the ice arena management contract. Mr. Thomsen and Mr. Polehna both said Mr. Anderson's group is doing a good job. Mr. Peterson said he though it was wrong that the City Council approved a renewal of the contract without the contract first coming before the Park Board for review. Mr. Thomsen noted there were no changes to the contract; if there had been, the matter would have been brought to the Park Board. New business: Mr. Liehr stated he had walked the path along Long Lake and asked who would be maintaining the path and removing dirt/sand, etc. Mr. Thomsen said that eventually that would be a parks issue. Mr. Liehr also stated his concern about the lack of canoe access to Long Lake. Mr. Polehna said he has two docks that he would give to the city if it obtains an access. Mr. Polehna said he is a member of a group called Community Fitness Partners; one of the goals of that group is to have a trail along the east side of Long Lake to tie in with the new trail on the west side of the lake. Mr. Wolff noted that Mr. Russell has a plan for trails/park for the 62nd Street planning area. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Ms. Flinn, moved to review the 62" Street plans and look at the possibility of a canoe launch at the next meeting; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Polehna said he would like to see the Park Board review the proposed future park plans/projects and develop a work plan for accomplishing those projects. Mr. Thomsen will bring pertinent information to the September meeting. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary