HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-27 PRC MINPark and Recreation Board
July 27, 1998
Present: David Junker, chairperson
Rich Cummings, Al Liehr, Rob McGarry, Del Peterson, Leah Peterson,
and Steve Wolff
Other: Community Development Director Steve Russell; Jim Peterson,
Trail Head Development; City Coordinator Nile Kriesel (8 p.m.)
Absent: Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Dawn Flinn and Mike Polehna
Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Wolff, moved approval of the minutes of June
8, 1998; all in favor.
Neal Meadows subdivision:
Mr. Russell handed out a memo regarding required and proposed park dedication for the Neal
Meadows, Summerfield Subdivision. His memo indicated a required dedication of 1.3 acres,
with .53 proposed. Jim Peterson noted a slight discrepancy in Mr. Russell's figures regarding
wetland/outlot deductions, stating the amount should be 12.52 rather than 11.29 as indicated in
the memo.
Mr. Russell noted the developer would be required to pay about $7,500 if the Park
Board/Council accepted a fee in lieu of the required amount of land dedication. Mr. Russell
spoke of a trail corridor along the western portion of the property; the trail corridor is part of the
City's overall park/trail plan for the annexation area. He spoke of the importance of obtaining the
corridors as they become available.
Jim Peterson explained his proposal for the neighborhood park. The city is requiring sidewalks in
front of all lots; the sidewalk, he said, would serve as the trail for biking/rollerblading, etc., and
would provide access to the park. He said Trail Head would do improvements to the park as part
of the fee in lieu of land dedication, and he said the developer would share in the cost of
improvements over $7,500. He expressed a concern about requiring a trail along the backs of the
lots, meaning property owners would have trails in both the front and rear of their lots. Mr.
Peterson said the developers would be willing to provide a natural trail easement of about 3 1/2 to
4 acres. He also noted the property in question is an in -fill piece, with one portion of the property
affected by AUAR setback requirements and the other with sewer easements, making it more
difficult to come up with the required land dedication.
Del Peterson said he favored the 10 percent park land dedication, noting it was land that won't be
available in the future. He also noted the Park Board had been criticized for its dealings with the
Long Lake developers. Mr. Junker noted the proposed dedication of .52 is far short of the
requirement.
Del Peterson moved to deny the proposal as not meeting park dedication requirements for land.
Ms. Peterson seconded the motion; all in favor.
Review of greenway. parks and trail plan
Mr. Russell gave a brief overview of the plan which provides parks/open space/natural areas and
connecting trails throughout the annexation area. He said more detailed maps will be provided at
a later date. Ms. Peterson commented that the walking trails need to be wide enough to allow for
at least two people walking side by side. There was a brief discussion regarding making sure
developers are aware of City police regarding trails/parks.
Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to give concept approval to the greenway, parks and
trail plan; all in favor.
Sports complex update
Mr. Russell said due to a difficulty with Spancrete the second side bleachers won't be installed
until Sept. 30; 12 weeks are required to make ice, so targeted completion date is now the first
week in December. Everything else is on schedule, he said.
Mr. Junker asked about naming the complex. Mr. Kriesel said alternatives include Stillwater vs.
St. Croix Valley; Sports Center vs. Recreation Center. Mr. Kriesel noted that in all previous
communications, the facility as been referred to as St. Croix Valley. Mr. Cummings said the
concept was to get as much community support for the project as possible, and he suggested the
name should not risk alienating those supporters outside Stillwater. Mr. Russell also noted that
the term recreation center has the connotation of many activities going on there, versus just
sports.
Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Cummings, voted to recommend the name St. Croix Valley
Recreation Center. Motion passed 6-1, with Mr. Junker voting no stating he just wasn't
convinced regarding recreation center vs. sports center.
Mr. Liehr asked how the dome was going to be protected. Mr. Russell said there is a fence
around the structure. Mr. Cummings suggested having the next Park Board meeting at the
facility.
Update on Staples Field
Mr. Kriesel said Mayor Jay Kimble and Councilman Eric Thole had not had an opportunity to
meet with concerned residents to date. Mr. Liehr said he had been contacted by concerned
neighbors.
Mr. Junker said he thought the basketball hoops should back up and if problems continue,
address the problems through enforcement. Mr. Junker, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to direct
staff to install the basketball hoops and have Mr. Kimble and Mr. Thole, or Mr. Kriesel, talk with
the neighbors. Mr. Wolff suggested amending the motion to include installing the sound barriers
at the same time the hoops are put up; Mr. Junker and Mr. Liehr accepted that amendment.
Amended motion passed unanimously.
New business
• There was a brief discussion regarding water quality issues. Mr. Liehr suggested looking at
an aeration system as a way of improving water quality. Mr. Cummings said a plan is needed
for all the City's lakes. Ms. Peterson said the City needs an ordinance regarding fertilizer
contents. Mr. Kriesel said Klayton Eckles, city engineer, has some ideas regarding improving
water quality and knows that is an issue. Mr. Kriesel also noted that there is a need for a
more formal plan to address the issue, and such a plan likely will cost millions of dollars to
implement.
• Mr. Kriesel passed out copies of the capital outlay budget request submitted by Mr.
Thomsen. Mr. Junker asked members to review the budget request and get any
comments/suggestions to Mr. Thomsen.
• Ms. Peterson said she had been contacted regarding the need for a "duck crossing" sign on
Highway 5 and Croixwood Boulevard.
• Mr. Kriesel noted that a meeting regarding development of a tree ordinance had been held;
the committee, including Park Board members Ms. Peterson and Ms. Flinn and Laurie
Maher, is working on assessing needs and setting goals.
Old business
Mr. Peterson asked about the status of the Aiple property plan. Mr. Cummings noted the
consultants would be calling a joint meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, Planning
Commission and City Council.
Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to adjourn at 9 p.m.; all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary