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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-26 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board Oct. 26, 1998 Present: Chairperson David Dunker (arrived 7:15 p.m.) Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, Rob McGarry, Del Peterson, Leah Peterson, Mike Polehna, and Steve Wolff Others: City Coordinator Nile Kriesel Absent: Al Liehr Vice -chair Del Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved approval of the minutes of Sept. 28, 1998 all in favor. New business Councilman Gene Bealka appeared on behalf of residents of the Ann Bodlovick Apartments with a request to waive the fee for morning walking at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center. Mr. Cummings noted there is a cost involved; he suggested charging seniors the same as the youth fee. Mr. Polehna noted that in many instances, seniors have more money than families and suggested a fee of $1. Mr. Kriesel pointed out that if a senior bought a punch card, the $1 would be reduced to 50 cents, the same as the youth fee. Mr. Bealka asked the Board to give seniors the best cost break possible. Ms. Amrein said she felt it would be appropriate to charge seniors the same rate as youths as many other organizations do; she suggested that there be a definition of the ages of seniors and youth. Mr. Bealka suggested setting the qualifying age at 62, when a person becomes eligible for Social Security. Mr. Kriesel said youth could be defined as age 18; Mr. Wolff added the young person must still be in high school to qualify for that rate. A:4. Au/diA, Ms. Peterson moved to set the open walking fee at 50 cents per time for all users. Mr. Kriesel and Mr. Polehna noted that the facility needs to generate revenue to pay off the bonds/debt service. The motion died for lack of a second. Ms. Brown moved to charge persons age 62 and older the same rate as the youth rate; Mr. Cummings second the motion. Motion passed 7-2, with Mr. Polehna and Mr. Wolff voting no. Following this discussion, Mr. Junker took over as chairperson. Update on Pioneer Park improvements Mr. Kriesel referred to the memo in the agenda packet and the Council's resolution accepting the bids and awarding the contract for the rest room remodeling project to Bailey Construction at a cost of $80,000. Mr. Cummings explained that the Council concurred remodeling the facilities is the most cost-effective approach; tearing the structure down and building a new facility likely would be much more costly , he said. Mr. Kriesel said the project was scheduled to begin in October; he said he was sure of the timetable for completion. 'un Update on sorts complex Mr. Kriesel said the dome/field house is operational; the reader board is up; and construction completion is still anticipated for around the first of December. A grand opening of the facility is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 13; a draft of planned activities was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Cummings expressed a concern that Mr. Kriesel was having to assume all of the planning/work for the grand opening; Mr. Kriesel did not see that as a problem. Mr. Cummings asked if there would be another function to recognize donors; Mr. Kriesel said Dick Olsen is taking care of a luncheon for major donors which will be held at the dome on the Saturday prior to the grand opening. Mr. Cummings said there should be some recognition of the major donors at the grand opening as well. Ms. Amrein suggested handing out some type of brochure at the grand opening, which could include a list of the donors and other pertinent information. Ms. Brown volunteered to help, and Ms. Amrein inquired as to whether Board members should assist at the grand opening. Mr. Kriesel said he would have more information for the November meeting. 1999 budget update Mr. Junker noted the Board had previously raised the issue of funding for Meadowlark Park improvements and requested that a minimum of $65,000 be budgeted for that project; Mr. Kriesel said that is included in the revised budget. There was some discussion as to the dollars budgeted for new acquisition of park land and whether those dollars can be carried over from year to year. Mr. Kriesel responded that technically the Council would have to rebudget any carry-over funds; Mr. Cummings suggested that there should be some acquisition dollars from 1998 that should carry over. There was a brief discussion regarding the acquisition of the Amundson property. Mr. Kriesel said Ms. Amundson ryas to be sure the acquisition will not impact the development of the other lots she owns; negotiations/discussions are continuing. Ms. Peterson raised the issue of picnic shelters (three were included in the '99 budget request). She said she never sees the shelters being used, and suggested that the shelters need to be "more esthetically pleasing." Mr. McGarry disagreed with Ms. Peterson's comments, stating he sees the shelters being used a great deal. It was agreed to put the issue on the November agenda to allow Mr. Thomsen to respond to the comments. Park Director's report Members reviewed Mr. Thomsen's report which was included in the agenda packet. Regarding Item No. 4, Ms. Brown reported the Friends of Stillwater Parks is hosting the volunteer appreciation get-together. Regarding Item No. 6, Mr. Wolff suggested looking at the hospital land near Benson Park for the possible location of a larger skating rink. Mr. Peterson requested consideration be giving to flooding a rink at both Lily Lake and McKusick Lake. Old business Mr. Dunker asked if any members had taken up the invitation to visit the Gates] home regarding the issue of the skateboard facility at Northland Park. Ms. Peterson said she drives by Northland Park all the time; she said while there is some noise, she is pleased with the use the facility is receiving. Mr. Kriesel said he had gone by the facility and was "amazed" at how quiet the users were. Mr. Junker reminded members that this issue should be at the "forefront" so that next spring facilities for both in -line skaters and skateboarders are in place. Mr. Kriesel reported the Council has approved the master plans for the Aiple property and Kolliner park; a synopsis of the plans was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Peterson asked if any agreement had been reached regarding the railroad property. Mr. Cummings reported that negotiation are under way to purchase the railroad right-of-way; the property line issue has been cleared up, he stated. Ms. Amrein asked about funding for the improvements included in the master plans. Mr. Kriesel and Mr. Cummings said possible funding sources include state and federal grants, TIF, sales tax, and possibly borrowing/bonding. Mr. Kriesel also reported that staff would be meeting with Corps of Engineers people regarding phase 2 of the levee project. The sand pile using to compact the soil for the levee extension will be removed, he said; some trees will have to be removed the project. Ms. Amrein asked about membership. Mr. Junker said members must reapply if they wish to continue to serve on the Board. Mr. Polehna, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary