HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-19 PRC MINCity of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Board
Dec. 19, 2005
Present: Linda Amrein, chair
David Brandt, Wally Milbrandt, Cathy Sewilo and Sandy Snellman
Others: Community Development Director Steve Russell
Absent: Paul Donna and Rob McGarry
Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Linda Amrein noted the minutes approved at the Nov. 28 meeting
were those of Oct. 24, as well as a misspelling of Mr. Brandt's name on page 2 of the
Nov. 28 minutes. Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved approval of the Nov.
28, 2005, minutes as corrected.
Liberty West park dedication
Mr. Russell reviewed the site. He noted the site will be considered for a Comprehensive
Plan and Zoning amendment to change the land use to Small Lot Single Family/Cottage
Lot Residential, which is consistent with the Liberty designation to the east and south of
the site; there is townhouse development on the north side. There are large oak trees on
the site, which the developer/consultant has put a lot of effort into preserving. A water
feature and extensive trail system are planned. Mr. Russell noted that trails are not
considered as part of park dedication. There is an area of public open space area. He
said the Planning Commission and staff recommended considering one lot as part of the
open space area, which still doesn't meet the 10 percent park dedication requirement
but is more than proposed. Other options, he said, are fees in lieu of park dedication or
finding that because of the character of the project, the whole development with the
preservation of trees, creates a park environment.
Present representing the developer were: Marc Putnam, landscape architect; Roger
Tomten, architect; and Chris Aamodt, developer. Marc Putman reviewed the plans,
focusing on the tree preservation efforts, including expensive retaining walls, the water
feature for stormwater storage and highway noise reduction, trails and other amenities.
He suggested that in this instance, where trees basically are parks, the focus was on
ways to preserve the trees. In some other communities, he said, there is recognition that
it is not just flat, open space that makes for parks. In this case, he said extensive
park/open space features were designed that may not all be in public ownership but
certainly will be available for use by the public. He highlighted trail connections. He also
spoke of County plans for Manning Avenue and the County bike trail.
Ms. Amrein asked about the staff recommendation to require that the lot east of outlot C
be set aside for parks. Mr. Russell said that is staff's recommendation. He said the
Planning Commission considered that condition but deferred to the Parks Board for a
decision. Mr. Russell noted that the house proposed for the lot in question is located
within the drip line of a large tree. Ms. Amrein said the Parks Board has made it a policy
not to include trails and other open space that is not buildable as part of parks
dedication, noting that the Board just abided by that policy in the park dedication
requirements for the Millbrook development. Mr. Putnam asked the Board to consider
the fact that if trails/paths aren't considered in park dedication, the trails usually aren't
provided. Mr. Russell pointed out that the City has trail dedication requirements in
addition to park dedication. Mr. Milbrandt asked what, if any, of the trails/paths are
private. Mr. Putnam said the intent clearly is that they are available to the public, and
that condition could be written into the covenants. Ms. Snellman spoke in favor of
requiring more open space. Mr. Brandt suggested that with the connection to the Liberty
development, parks in that development will be utilized by these residents as well, and
expressed a concern about an oak tree that could be damaged by construction
equipment. Mr. Milbrandt suggested taking the lot next to C as recommended and
making up the rest of the 10 percent dedication requirement in park dedication fees,
noting that an active park wouldn't be suitable for this area. Chris Aamodt spoke briefly
of the development of the plans to include preservation of the trees and the inclusion of
the water feature. Mr. Putnam asked that in setting a fee in lieu of land, some
consideration be given to the expense of doing the water feature and retaining walls, an
incentive for doing an integral design. Mr. Milbrandt pointed out that the Board could
take four lots from a pure numbers standpoint and destroy the ambience of the
development; he spoke against waiving the fees and setting such a precedent for future
developments.
Mr. Milbrandt moved to accept the recommendation to require the lot adjoining lot C and
pro -rate the park dedication fee according to that land mass. Mr. Milbrandt noted that
would still preserve the amenities and character of the development and preserve the
two large standing oaks. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion. Ms. Amrein suggested that
the area between the oak trees would be very nice for a public space. Mr. Putnam asked
if they would be able to use the required fee to purchase benches or other equipment.
Members suggested that would be another discussion but the Board might be
amendable to that. Motion to request the dedication of the additional lot east of outlot "C"
and pro -rate the park dedication fee passed unanimously.
Other items:
A memo was provided related to a concern about dog -walking on the City's groomed ski
trails. There was a brief discussion about the issue. Mr. Milbrandt suggested staff install
some signs regarding using courtesy in using the trails.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary