HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-26 PRC MINPresent:
Others:
Mr. Junker
member.
Park and Recreation Board
Jan. 26, 1998
David Junker, chairperson
Linda Amrein, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, Al Liehr, Rob
McGarry, Leah Peterson, Mike Polehna and Steve Wolff
Nile Kriesel, city coordinator; Tim Thomsen, parks director; Bill Soukup
called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Dawn Flinn was welcomed as a new board
Approval of minutes: Minutes of the Dec. 15, 1997, meeting were approved as presented.
In -line hockey
Bill Soukup presented his ideas for providing a paved surfaced for in -line hockey and
skateboarding at Northland Park. Northland Park has available parking and is used for other
activities, making it conducive for a variety of sports. Liability to the city, supervision and
alternative sites (including possible skateboarding at the Teen Center and a paved surface at the
Sports Complex) were discussed. Estimated cost to pave Northland is $16,000, plus $3,000 for
fencing. Mr. Soukup is willing to initiate fund-raisers for the project. The city budget includes
$8,000 for a skateboard surface.
Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to use the_ $8,000 budgeted for skateboarding for
paving an area at Northland Park for in -line hockey •and -skateboarding if a privately funded
skateboarding surface is constructed at the Teen Center. Motion passed.
Mr. Soukup will proceed with fund-raising and will continue to work with Mr. Thomsen on the
project.
Sports Complex update
• Construction:
Mr. Polehna reported that the Sports Commission is being re-established to direct fund-raising
for additional items and amenities. He discussed an oversight in the bidding and construction
process — the lack of footings and utility lines for future additions along the south side of the ice
arena. Money spent to correct the problem now will save money in the future, he said.
Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to recommend that footings and utility lines be
installed on the south side of the ice arena for future additions. Motion passed.
Mr. Polehna reported that construction is about one month ahead of schedule. MnDOT will
establish a Park -and -Ride lot at the complex.
Mr. Kriesel reported that the bidding process was beginning for a Zamboni. Purchase of an
electric- versus gas -powered machine was discussed.
• Oak Park Heights concerns:
Mr. Kriesel discussed concerns expressed by the city of Oak Park Heights regarding gender
issues and open public skating at the Sports Complex. Oak Park Heights has contributed $50,000
for the Sports Complex and intends to send the remainder of its pledge over a 10-year period, if
Oak Park Heights is included in the decision -making process.
Mr. Wolff, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved that the Park and Recreation Board send a letter to
the Oak Park Heights City Council acknowledging its concerns about the Sports Complex.
Motion passed. Mr. Kriesel will write the letter and bring a draft to the February meeting of the
Park and Rec Board.
• Management:
Mr. Kriesel presented a request for proposals for private management services for the Sports
Complex. There was a discussion of the pros and cons of private management versus city
management.
Mr. Junker, seconded by Mr. Wolff, moved to recommend that the city of Stillwater seek the
services of a private firm to manage the Sports Complex and Lily Lake Arena. Passed, with one
nay vote. A committee from the Park and Recreation Board will be designated at the February
meeting to help screen applications, with a Board recommendation anticipated by mid -April.
Aiple property, levee project updates
Mr. Kriesel reported that the City Council is allowing Aiple to continue to use the south area of
the property for barge building until Dec. 31, 1998. The northern portion of the property will be
available for city use by July 1, 1998. Mr. Russell, community development director, is working
on plans and will be seeking proposals.
Stage 2 of the levee project, from the gazebo to Mulberry Point, will begin in the summer of
1998. Some cottonwood trees will have to be removed.
Parks Director update
Mr. Thomsen reported on recent changes at Ramsey Grove Park and the Lily Lake area.
New business
Mr. Polehna proved a handout on the Youth Initiative Bill to be considered by the 1998
Minnesota Legislature. If passed, the bill might be a source of funding for the city's youth
recreational opportunities.
Old business
• Memorial pavers
Ms. Brown explained more details about a memorial paver project which can be a source of
continuing fund-raising.
Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Polehna, moved to proceed with the concept of memorial pavers.
Motion passed. Mr. Kriesel will direct city staff to work with Ms. Brown on initiating such a
program.
• Tree City USA
Ms. Peterson distributed handouts regarding the designation of Stillwater as a Tree City USA.
Pros and cons were discussed. It was agreed to invite a forestry expert to a Park and Recreation
Board meeting to better understand the benefits of such a designation. Mr. Kriesel, Mr. Junker
and Ms. Peterson will collaborate on this.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Submitted by,
Linda Amrein
Acting recording secretary