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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-24 PRC MINPARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Feb. 24, 1997 Present: David Junker, chairperson Linda Amrein (8:40), Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Al Liehr, Rob McGarry, Del Peterson, Leah Peterson, and Mike Polehna (8:40) Others: Tim Thomsen, Parks Director; City Coordinator Nile Kriesel; City Engineer Klayton Eckles Absent: Ken Meister and Steve Wolff Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Approval of minhites Ms. Amrein asked for a clarification of the identify of Mr. McKnight referred to in the Old Business section of the minutes of Jan. 27. Jim McKnight is the head of the Stillwater Water Department. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved approval of the minutes of Jan. 27, 1997, as amended; all in favor. Discussion of Park Board/Planning assistance Mr. Kriesel and Mr. Eckles were present for the discussion. Mr. Kriesel asked members what type of assistance the Board needs from the City and what is missing in the current arrangement. Mr. Peterson noted that Mr. Thomsen does an excellent job in the day-to- day operation of the department. He suggested what the Park Board is missing is direction and guidance and being kept informed of issues that should be central to the role of the Park Board -- issues such as land dedication vs. fees in new developments, ways to utilize city -owned land around Long Lake, for example. Mr. Liehr said what's missing is the kind of perspective Planner Sue Fitzgerald provided for the Board, which is why the Board has asked that she be in attendance at meetings. Mr. Junker referred to other parks -related issues that will need to be addressed in the not -too -distant future -- the Aiple property, planning for the annexation area. What the Park Board is asking is for help to allow the Board to address the major issues that will be coming up, he said. Mr. Polehna said the City and Park Board should be putting plans together and taking a proactive approach to Tong -term park and recreation issues, like the city of Woodbury has done. Mr. Cummings suggested that the missing ingredient is that of parks planning/administration. He said he could envision Ms. Fitzgerald as being that person. Mr. Eckles noted that if Ms. Fitzgerald is going to be doing more than just attending Park Board meetings, it could impact the Planning Department staff needs. Mr. Peterson said the Board is not asking for another person, but suggested that perhaps working with the Park Board should be included in the planner's job description. Mr. Cummings suggested the position could be structured so that 50 percent of Ms. Fitzgerald's time could be devoted to parks issues. Mr. Eckles said 50 percent would be "pushing it" regarding the need for another planning person. Mr. McGarry said the real need is for more communication and being kept informed and involved in planning issues that impact parks. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Kriesel and Mr. Eckles would talk with Steve Russell, Community Development Director/Planning Department head, about assigning Ms. Fitzgerald to work with the Park Board. Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to direct city staff to make a recommendation to the City Council that Ms. Fitzgerald be assigned to work with the Park Board and that function be included in the position's job description. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Peterson asked that the Park Board be notified of the Council's action on the request. Long Lake hearing discussion Mr. Junker thanked members for their attendance at the hearing. Since the hearing, additional correspondence was received from Jon Engelking and Bob and Janet Meisterling; the Meisterlings spoke in favor of allowing small motors for pontoons, etc. Mr. Junker opened the discussion by saying the intent was not to formalize a position, rather it was to come to some type of consensus as a board before meeting with the Planning Commission. He also noted that there are major concerns regarding water runoff/water quality that are beyond the scope of the Park Board and should not be considered in making a recommendation regarding surface water use. Mr. Cummings noted that the water quality issues would be addressed in the AUAR study. Mr. Junker suggested a starting point of allowing the use of motors of 10 hp or less. A 10 hp motor is sufficient for pontoons, which most members favored allowing. Ms. Peterson noted that according to state statute there is no age restriction for persons operating a motor of 25 hp or Tess; she also noted annexation will put more population pressure on the lake. Mr. Peterson responded that safety is an issue on any lake. Mr. Polehna agreed it would be easier to regulate the size of motors than to enforce speed limits. Mr. Thomsen noted there was a "big commotion" when the city moved to disallow the use of gas -powered motors from Lily Lake, but he said people learned to live with that regulation. Mr. Thomsen suggested the Board might want to consider having regulations consistent on all lakes in the city. Mr. McGarry noted the problem with allowing motors on Lily Lake is the public access at the lake; there is no public launching area on Long Lake. Mr. Junker said allowing 10 hp motors or Tess could ultimately be a recommendation for not allowing motors at all or allowing only electric motors. He said 10 or less is a good starting point for discussions with the Planning Commission. He reiterated that members were not being asked to make a final decision on a recommended use at this time. The consensus was to allow motors of 10 hp or less, citing concerns regarding safety, erosion, noise, etc. Regarding hours of use, the consensus to bring to Planning Commission discussions was sunrise to sunset. There was a discussion about allowing docks. Mr. Liehr said he favored not allowing docks as they affect the aesthetics of the lake. Mr. Cummings said if the desire is to preserve the wooded shoreline, docks shouldn't be allowed as property owners probably would cut trees to the Lakeshore. Ms. Brown said her concern was with the number of docks. Mr. McGarry pointed out the lake property is privately owned. Mr. Junker suggested that if docks are allowed, the length of the structures should be regulated. Ms. Brown suggested that people who already have docks on the lake might sue the city if docks are disallowed. The discussion concluded :with five members -- Mr. Cummings, Mr. Peterson, Ms. Brown, Mr. McGarry and Mr. Junker -- indicating they favored allowing docks. It was the consensus that allowing docks was more an issue of aesthetics. Regarding the use of smowmobiles and four -wheelers, no position was taken as those uses come under existing city ordinances. New development update.: Mr. Cummings had nothing new to report. Update from Tim Thomsen: Mr. Thomsen reported that most of the skating rinks were about done for the season. He also said that preparation of the McKusick area plan is under way, but there was nothing more to report at this time. New business, Ms. Peterson provided some information on a shade tree short course set for March 25-26. She said she would like the city to move toward the Tree City designation and said she would be willing to attend the course and take the tree inspector training. Old business Mr. Liehr noted the membership roster included in the agenda packet indicates he is in his second term on the Board. He said the roster should be corrected as he has served more than two terms. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary