Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-23 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board Nov. 23, 1998 Present: Del Peterson, vice chair Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, Al Liehr, Rob McGarry, Leah Peterson and Steve Wolff Others: Parks Director Tim Thomsen; City Coordinator Nile Kriesel Absent: Chairperson David Junker and Mike Polehna Vice Chair Del Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and welcomed the students from Stillwater Area High School government classes who were in attendance. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted that the definition of youths and seniors needed to be clarified in the discussion regarding fees for the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center; it was agreed youths are considered as those age 18 and younger, and seniors as those age 62 and older. Ms. Amrein also noted a typo on page 2, the word "sure" in the Pioneer Park discussion should be "unsure." Mr. Liehr, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved approval of the Oct. 26, 1998, minutes as corrected; all in favor. Mulberry Park project Virginia Wilhelmson, 1109 W. Willard St., gave a brief presentation regarding the Mulberry Park project which involves improvements to the playground behind the former Washington Elementary School, now being leased by New Heights Charter School. She said the committee is seeking support from the City, perhaps in the form of matching grant money, and asked that the Park Board consider providing a letter of support for the project. She distributed a Mulberry Park brochure and a sketch of a possible park layout prepared by Mr. Thomsen. Mr. Thomsen told members he had been approached by Kathy Drinkwine, project chair, and drew up two park plans. He said the site does have the potential to be a real nice playground. He said it was his understanding that the request is for the City to assist with construction, rather than on -going maintenance. He said the plans are very preliminary at this time, with no cost estimates. The site is owned by School District 834, and Mr. McGarry suggested that it would be important to determine the District's role in the project early on and to work in partnership with the School District. Mr. Kriesel noted that due to budget constraints, the City would be unable to fund any improvements before the year 2000. However, he suggested that one role the City might play would be to write letters of support to the School District and Margaret Rivers Fund. He said the best hope would be that the School District would maintain the "park." Mr. Wolff referred to the lack of parks on the North Hill and suggested that the City should at least designate the site as park, or the School District might dispose of the property as it did the Nelson School building. Mr. Cummings pointed out that if the City succeeds in acquiring the Amundson property, the School District might be interested in obtaining that property for an elementary environmental learning center in exchange for the Old Athletic Field and this property. Ms. Amrein asked if neighbors had been consulted regarding the plans. Ms. Brown agreed that should be done so neighbors don't object to uses, such as basketball, after the fact. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Ms. Brown, moved to support the project in concept and to direct staff to meet with School District representatives to determine the District's commitment. Mr. Kriesel said he, along with Tim Thomsen. and Planner Sue Fitzgerald, would try to arrange a meeting with Superintendent Macy and Business Manager Dan Parker before the December Park Board meeting and report on the meeting for further discussion. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Wolff and Mr. Kriesel volunteered to help with one of the committee's upcoming functions — a Washington Elementary all -school reunion. Update on Recreation Center grand. opening Mr. Kriesel reviewed a list of scheduled activities, noting that all activities had not yet been finalized. He said there would be tables in the lobby area where Friends of Stillwater Parks and Mulberry Park Project committee could display materials. Mr. Cummings noted that the Park Board was not included in the master list of volunteers to be recognized at the event; Mr. Cummings asked that Dick Olsen be notified to include the Park Board for recognition. Mr. Kriesel reported the Mr. Polehna had found a full set of hockey boards at Park Rapids which could be used for an outdoor sheet of ice at the new facility. Mr. Kriesel had visited Park Rapids to look at the boards, and stated the boards were in very good condition. Park Rapids is asking $15,000; he said if the City could purchase the boards for $12,000-$13,000, delivered, it would be well worth the expenditure. He said there is some funding for Recreation Center furniture/equipment that might be available to cover the cost. Members were in agreement the boards would be a good purchase. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Ms. Flinn, moved to pursue purchase of the boards; motion passed unanimously. There was some discussion of allowing Friends of Stillwater Parks or groups such as the Mulberry Park committee to sell coffee or cookies as a fund-raiser. It was agreed to defer those questions to Mr. Kriesel. Discussion of nature park at the Brown residence on Owens Street Nancy Brown gave a presentation of her vision for a nature/art center, Nature and Art at Lake McKusick, at her current residence/property on Owens Street. She briefed the Board on contacts and research she had done on the potential for such a center and spoke of possible uses ranging from environmental town hall meetings to poetry readings. She said the intent would be to sell the property to a foundation or to the City, noting that many nature centers and arts centers are owned by cities/park boards. She said the feedback she has received from groups she has spoken with has been extremely positive, and she asked for the Park Board's support. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved to support the concept of Nature and Art at Lake McKusick in whatever way the Park Board is able to do; motion passed unanimously. Outdoor skating rinks Mr. Thomsen reported on plans for outdoor rinks for the coming season. Locations include Staples Field, Northland Park, Benson Park, Schulenberg Park, Meadowlark Park, Triangle Park, the Oak Athletic Field, and New Heights school. He said the City of Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has requested a rink in the gravel lot east of Maple Island which will be done weather permitting; the Chamber has indicated it would maintain the rink. Mr. Thomsen also said there will not be a rink at Ramsey Park as flooding would damage the asphalt. However, he said there is a potential for a rink directly north of Ramsey Park on a pond at the dead-end of Sunny Slope; he will check with neighbors to make sure there are no objections, should weather allow flooding of the pond. There was discussion of rinks at McKusick and Lily lakes. Mr. Thomsen explained the difficulty in flooding and maintaining lake rinks. However, he said if weather permits, a skating area will be cleared by the beach area at Lily Lake. Report from Parks Director Mr. Thomsen handed out a brochure that has been prepared listing fees, regulations, park locations and other information. Ms. Brown stated Friends of Parks is concerned that the donor for Pioneer Park improvements has not been keep abreast of project. Mr. Kriesel reported that he will be putting together a report of what has been done and a timetable for completion and will be talking with the donor in the very near future. New business Judy Gulden of Friends of Stillwater Parks reported that organization is sponsoring a community sing -along and bon fire on Dec. 19 at the Maple Island building. She said a nature walk around McKusick Lake also is planned. She noted it might be useful for members to attend the Minnesota Green Conference on Feb. 27, and she thanked Mr. Thomsen for providing volunteer appreciation pins. Mr. Cummings suggested that it might be useful to prepare maps of skating rinks for inclusion in local papers. Ll It was agreed to hold the December meeting on Dec. X; Ms. Brown will host a Christmas party following the regular meeting. Old business Mr. Kriesel asked members to be available for the Dec. 13 Recreation Center grand opening if their assistance is needed. Mr. Kriesel or City Clerk Morli Weldon will contact those members whose terms are expiring and who will need to reapply if they wish to continue to serve. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary