HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-22 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board
March 22, 199$' l
Present: David Junker, chairperson
Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Al Liehr, Rob McGarry,
Del Peterson, and Sara Thingvold
Others: Parks Director Tim Thomsen and City Coordinator Nile Kriesel
Absent: Nancy Brown, Dawn Flinn, Mike Polehna and Steve Wolff
Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Ms. Thingvold noted the minutes incorrectly indicated she was present at
the February meeting; Ms. Amrein made the correction to Ms. Thingvold's name at that meeting.
Mr. Liehr, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved approval of the minutes of Feb. 22 as corrected; all
in favor.
Pemton/Ryland park plan
Ed Hasek of Westwood Professional Services, representing Pemton Land Development and
Ryland Homes, appeared with an update on the ark lans for the townhome development being
planned on aportion of the Bergmann se gmann property-�e-vf 62na Street and east of County Road 15.
Mr. Hasek said the only major difference from the plans presented earlier was the orientation of
the soccer/baseball fields; the change was necessitated due to the topography and grading that
would be required. He noted bus stops had been added at two corners of the park. A sidewalk
goes around the entire perimeter of the park, and a trail system goes along the west and south
side of the park. He said the thought is to have the Homeowners Association determine the
facilities in the park, based on the needs of the residents. He also talked briefly of the County's
change to the access to the development from County Road 15. He further noted that one of the
Bergmann relatives has asked that consideration be given to naming the park after the family.
The primary point of discussion centered on parking to serve the park. Mr. Hasek said the
Planning Commissions wants 25 parking spaces provided for park users and suggested
eliminating proposed parking bays and instead allow parking on one side of the street. Mr. Liehr
expressed a concern about safety if on -street parking is allowed; there also was discussion about
the width of the roads in the development. There was discussion about the use of the park — a
neighborhood facility versus a facility for community -wide uses. Mr. Peterson expressed his
concern about the city not acquiring property large enough to accommodate community -wide
needs.
After discussion, Mr. Liehr, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved to approve the changes to the
concept plan as o' tlined by Mr. Hasek; all in favor. There was continued discussion regarding
parking, on -street vs. bays, and the possibility of widening the street to accommodate on -street
parking; Ms. Thingvold said that widening the street could result in increased speeds. Mr.
Junker, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved that the Park Board express a concern that the issues of
safety and adequate parking be addressed by staff/developers; motion passed unanimously.
Trophy case for Recreation Center
Dawn Ahlers, representing the St. Croix Valley Hockey Moms, appeared regarding a request to
install trophy cases in the ice arena at the Recreation Center. She showed photos of cases similar
to the ones the Hockey Moms would like to install. The Hockey Moms are raising funds to
purchase the cases, and would be responsible for installing them. Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms.
Thingvold, moved to give concept approval to the request/proposal; all in favor. Ms. Ahlers and
Mr. Kriesel said there are plans in the future to install plaques in the lobby area thanking
community members for their efforts at constructing the Recreation Center.
Parks Director's report
Mr. Thomsen reviewed his written report which was included in the agenda packet. Regarding
the City of Stillwater Chamber's request that the City water the planters in the downtown area,
Mr. Kriesel said there is a possibility that the City will be working with MnDOT to hire a bridge
tender and perhaps that person might be able to water plants and perform other park duties, as
allowed by the bridge schedule.
Mr. Cummings raised the issue of vandalism in the parks. He suggested setting up a reward fund
as a way of raising public awareness and stopping the problem.
Request for funding for skateboard facility
Tom Schwietz, director of Graffiti Teen Center, was present with a request for funding for the
skateboard facility which has been opened at the G.W. Olsen warehouse building. The facility
will eventually include an indoor and outdoor skating area and will be open 12 months a year.
Mr. Schwietz asked that the City contribute $13,000 to the project. The budget for the skateboard
park is about $38,500; Graffiti will be raising the remaining $25,000 through other grants and
donations.
Mr. Junker asked if there would be an annual request for funding; Mr. Schwietz said they likely
would be seeking assistance with the annual operating budget. Mr. Kriesel noted the in -line
skaters had said they would be contributing money for that facility but hadn't done so; he
suggested charging for the use of the in -line skate facility at Northland and use those fees for the
skateboard park.
Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to provide the requested funding using park
dedication money; motion passed. There was some question as to whether park dedication funds
could be used for that purpose.
Old business
Mr. Cummings raised the issue of the new trail on the west side of Long Lake. He said
homeowners would like the trail to be more natural, rather than a paved surface trail. Mr. Kriesel
pointed out the trail needs to be paved because it goes over the sewer line, and he said a paved
surface has already been approved. Mr. Kriesel said he had called the developers and notified
them the trail will be paved.
Ms. Amrein raised the issue of the proposed conflict of interest ordinance. Mr. Kriesel said City
Attorney David Magnuson is clarifying from of the language; the ordinance was expected to
come before the City Council in April. There was a general discussion regarding the ordinance.
Mr. Peterson said the ordinance shouldn't be so restrictive that it prohibits people from serving
on the City's advisory boards/commissions.
Mr. Cummings informed members that the City has applied for major grants for Lowell Park and
for parks/open space in the annexation area. Mr. Kriesel said the City Council has approved
going ahead with the Lowell Park plan. Mr. Kriesel said the City has submitted a whole list of
mitigation measures should the new St. Croix River crossing go through the Aiple Park property.
Mr. Kriesel said the City is continuing to meet with the city of Mahtomedi regarding a second
sheet of ice for the Recreation Center.
Mr. Peterson reiterated his concern about the need for a major athletic complex. It was pointed
out that a community -size park is included in the City's Comprehensive Plan. It also was
suggested that a major athletic complex should be a school district -wide undertaking.
Mr. Cummings moved to adjourn at 9 p.m.; motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary