HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-27 PRC MINCity of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Commission
Oct. 27, 2008
Present: Vice Chair Rob McGarry
David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Adam Nyberg, and Solveg Peterson
Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge
Absent: Linda Amrein and Sandy Snellman
Vice Chair McGarry called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Brandt moved approval of the minutes of Sept.29, 2008. Mr.
Nyberg seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
ACTION ITEMS
2009-2013 Capital Improvements Program — Mr. Pogge reviewed the proposed Capital
Improvements Program (CIP). He noted that most of the items are funded, with the
exception of the Lowell Park improvements slated for 2012. He noted that work on the
levee wall project, scheduled to begin in 2009-10, provides an opportunity to start
working on the Lowell Park improvements. He said staff proposes to begin looking at
design next spring, probably beginning the work in-house, and consider moving the
Lowell Park improvements from unfunded to funded in 2012-13. Mr. Brandt asked if
there are historical issues involved with the park improvements. Mr. Pogge said the City
has been working with the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) on those issues;
he said the primary concern with historical issues is with the southern portion of the park
and the approach concourse. He also noted there are historical photos available to
assist in design.
Mr. Pogge said that the CIP represents a requested $15,000 increase in funding for park
improvements and about a 12 percent increase in funding for trail improvements for
each of the five years in the CIP. Mr. Christensen pointed out a mathematical error in the
calculated increase for funding for park improvements in the figure for 2011 and moving
forward; Mr. Pogge said that error will be corrected.
Mr. Nyberg questioned the funding for the Millbrook Park improvements, suggesting that
it might not be wise to spend a great deal of money there if the development doesn't
build out as quickly as anticipated. Mr. Pogge suggested that issue can be revisited next
year and funds possibl reallocated if development continues to be slow. Mr. McGarry
pointed out that Millbrook is the only park of a community size for the City to develop.
Mr. Pogge also touched on the Community Development Department's requested CIP,
noting that with the exception of the pedestrian plaza and downtown trails, the items in
that CIP are all unfunded at this time.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Staples Field — Mr. Pogge updated the Commission on the recent open house and
survey regarding Staples Field. He stated four groups were represented at the open
house, one favoring hockey. He said about 60 surveys had been returned at the time of
the meeting, with the responses generally in favor of getting rid of the basketball court
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
October 27, 2008
Page 2 of 2
and replacing that use with open space and gazebo. He noted that hockey did not rank
high in the survey responses. He stated the final results will be presented at the
November meeting. Mr. McGarry asked about the area surveyed; Mr. Pogge responded
that the survey was mailed to residents in about a 2 and one-half block radius of the
park.
Brown's Creek ski trail signs — Mr. Pogge stated the signage had not been completed as
anticipated but it is expected the signs will be installed in the next several weeks. He
noted the policy, as adopted by the Commission, prohibits walkers north of the railroad
tracks when the ground is snow covered. He stated the area will not be actively patrolled
by the City.
Other items:
• Mr. Pogge distributed the Parks and Trails chapter of the Comprehensive Plan
Update and invited members to review the document and submit comments if
desired. Mr. Brandt asked about public input in developing the document. Mr.
Pogge briefly described the discussion process and solicitation of public
comments that has occurred.
■ Mr. Pogge stated he had contacted Washington County regarding the possibility
of plowing the pedestrian walkway along County Road 12/Myrtle Street as
requested at the previous meeting. He said there is an agreement with a
snowmobile group but the County will check into whether it might be possible to
relocate the snowmobile use to the north side of the road.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Brandt, second by Mr. Nyberg.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary