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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-23 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board Feb. 23, 1998 Present: David Junker, chairperson Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, Al Liehr, Rob McGarry, Del Peterson, Leah Peterson, Mike Polehna and Steve Wolff Others: Nile Kriesel, city administrator; Larry Westerburg, DNR Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein questioned whether skateboarding should be removed from the Board's action approving $8,000 for in -line hockey. Mr. Kriesel said it is possible a facility could be used for both in -line hockey and skateboarding; however, it agreed it was the Board's intent to use the money for an in -line hockey facility. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Polehna, moved approval of the minutes of Jan. 26, 1998, as amended; all in favor. Tree Programs: Ms. Flinn introduced Larry Westerburg of the DNR's metro forestry division. Mr. Westerburg talked about the Tree City designation and explained the differences between a tree inspector and a forester. When questioned, he said he thought it would be desirable for Stillwater to have a city forester. However, he noted the City could share the services of a forester with another city or could contract for service. Mr. Kriesel said the city of Oak Park Heights currently is advertising for an arborist, and he said he will be talking with the new Oak Park Heights Administrator, Tom Melena, regarding the possibility of sharing the services of an arborist. Ms. Amrein asked Mr. Westerburg if he thought it was worth the city of Stillwater pursuing the Tree City designation. Mr. Westerburg said the designation is a recognition of a commitment to taking care of trees in a city, with a plan for maintenance, pruning and replacement of tree resources. Ms. Amrein asked about the $2 per capita funding required by the Tree City program; Mr. Westerburg noted in -kind service by the City or volunteers counts toward the funding requirement; he also noted some grant money is available. Mr. Westerburg provided numerous handouts regarding the Tree City program, samples of tree ordinances and other resource materials. Mr. Junker thanked Mr. Westerburg for his attendance. Members discussed funding for the Tree City program. Ms. Amrein expressed a concern that hiring an arborist/forester for a Tree City program could impact the Park Board's priority of hiring a "park director." Mr. Cummings said he recalled the Park Board's priorities as being developing a comprehensive plan for parks and implementing that plan. Mr. Polehna said the county's parks foreman attends school on an annual basis to be a state -licensed tree inspector, and suggested Mr. Thomsen should do the same. It was the consensus to continue the matter pending Mr. Kriesel's discussions with the city of Oak Park Heights and pending input from Mr. Thomsen. Skateboarding, in -line skating facility update Mr. Kriesel reported that he and Mr. Thomsen had met with Tom Schwietz, director of the Graffiti Teen Center. He said it appears UFE will allow the use of its parking lot for skateboarding. He noted that if an in -line skating facility is put in at Northland Park, that facility could also be used for skateboarding. He also pointed out that the Teen Center may be asking for some money if it develops a skateboarding program. Mr. Kriesel said the Park Board needs to decide whether to continue to pursue another skateboarding site. Other possible sites include the Lily Lake parking lot, the Old Athletic Field, Stillwater Junior High parking lot, Northland Park and the new sports complex. Mr. Junker noted the south end of the Lily Lake parking lot was one of the first sites considered; several of the other sites would require an agreement with School District 834. Mr. Cummings said locating a site at the new sports complex would create problems due to the proximity to the Ann Bodlovick senior apartments. Mr. Junker said he would like to see if Graffiti can offer a skateboarding facility before pursuing developing a site at Lily Lake. Mr. Peterson agreed that an arrangement with Graffiti Teen Center seems like a good solution, even if the Teen Center requests some funding. Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to direct staff to work with the Graffiti Teen Center regarding a skateboarding facility. Park Director's report Mr. Cummings asked for an update on the Aiple property. Mr. Kriesel said the Aiples have requested being allowed to use the south 1,200 feet of the property until Dec. 31 of this year; the City Council approved that request. The city will assume control of the remainder of the property as of Aug. 1. Mr. Cummings noted RFPs have been sent out for preparation of a plan for the Aiple site and said he though the RFPs should be brought to the Park Board for review and recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Peterson asked about the status of the Pioneer Park plan. Mr. Cummings suggested having Ms. Fitzgerald provide the Board with an update. Mr. Peterson brought up the issue of a skating rink on Lily Lake and asked why there was no rink again this year. Weather was suggested as the likely reason there was no rink this year. New business Ms. Peterson reported she has been approached by a group regarding sponsoring a grant request for an art show depicting the effects of development on the environment, plant diversity, etc. Ms. Brown suggested that the Friends of Stillwater Parks might be a more appropriate sponsoring agency. Old business Ms. Brown said there was nothing new to report on the paver program. Ms. Amrein 'asked about the letter Mr. Kriesel was to draft regarding Oak Park Heights' concerns/comments on the sports complex. Mr. Kriesel said he is still working on the letter to Oak Park Heights. Ms. Amrein also brought up the issue of the Park Board helping screen applicants for management of the sports complex. Mr. Cummings noted March 9 is the cutoff date for RFPs for management of the complex. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to adjourn at 9 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary