HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-29 PRC MINCity of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Commission
Sept. 29, 2008
Present: Chair Linda Amrein
David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Adam Nyberg,
Solveg Peterson and Sandy Snellman
Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge
Chair Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m
Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted a spelling error, Wilkins Street, not Wilkin Street,
in the open house portion of the meeting. Mr. Brandt said he did not ask whether it was
necessary for the overlook at Brown's Creek to have a roof, but whether the overlook
would have a roof. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved approval of the
minutes of Aug. 25, 2008, with the above corrections; motion passed unanimously.
Action Items
Staples Field basketball court — Mr. Pogge reviewed proposed language for a survey of
the Staples Field neighborhood. He reviewed a proposed timeline for mailing the survey,
holding another neighborhood open house and getting the survey results back to the
Commission. There were several suggestions regarding grammatical changes to the
proposed survey. Mr. McGarry asked about the area to be surveyed and suggested that
the survey area should be expanded to cover more than the three -block radius from the
park as proposed. There was discussion of the wording of the options related to hockey
use; Mr. Pogge said he would re -word those options. Mr. Christensen said he thought
any re -use would have to be an active use and wondered whether use as open space
would qualify as active use. Mr. Pogge said the Commission can argue that position as
long as the space is open to the public, and he said he believes that satisfies any deed
restriction on the property. Mr. Brandt asked about the cost of removing the court
surface; Mr. Pogge said that likely would be relativelyinexpensive. Mr. Brandt, seconded
by Ms. Amrein, moved to approve the survey with the suggested language changes;
motion passed unanimously.
Brown's Creek Park overlook — Mr. Pogge reviewed the schematics and location of the
proposed overlook at Brown's Creek Park. Ms. Snellman, seconded by Ms. Peterson,
moved to recommend that the Council accept the gift of the Brown's Creek Park
overlook from the Stillwater Noon Rotary Club; motion passed unanimously.
Public Works ball field irrigation — Mr. Pogge noted there is still about $70,000 available
in 2008 budget, and noted that the first priority for irrigation of the parks system was the
Public Works ball field. He reviewed the two quotes received for the work. Mr. McGarry,
seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to recommend that the Council proceed with the
installation of the irrigation system for the Public Works ball field; motion passed
unanimously.
Informational Items
• Possible basketball court location — Mr. Pogge said, as directed by the
Commission, staff has identified two possible locations for a basketball court —
the community park at the Millbrook development and at the southwest corner of
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
September 29, 2008
Page 2 of 2
North Center and Linden streets. He noted that funding for the Millbrook park
development is set aside in the CIP beginning in 2009 when $60,000 will be
available; he said that amount of funding should be sufficient to do both the
parking lot and basketball court. He pointed out that substantial playground
equipment has been installed by the Lennar townhome association, which may
be enough to serve as a gap should the Commission decide to develop the
parking lot and basketball court and playing fields before installing playground
equipment. He also said the City is working on an agreement with Lennar
whereby Lennar would install irrigation systems in both the community and
neighborhood park in the development, in exchange for the City doing the turf. In
discussion regarding the possible site at North Center and Linden streets, Mr.
Nyberg said his first reaction was that he would not want to create another
problem with a basketball court in close proximity to existing houses; it was
consensus of the Commission that the Millbrook location is the preferred location
for an additional basketball court. It was also consensus to proceed with
constructing/installing thehasketlzall _court and parking lot at the Millbrook
community park in 2009.
• Manning Avenue trail — Mr. Pogge stated the Manning Avenue trail will be
completed shortly and wondered whether the Commission wants the trail plowed
in the winter. Mr. Nyberg wondered how much use the section of trail would
receive. Mr. Christensen brought up the issue of plowing the Myrtle Street trail;
Mr. Pogge noted that is a county trail. Mr. Christensen asked if the City could talk
with the county about plowing Myrtle Street to Manning Avenue, noting the trail is
heavily used by walkers; he also pointed out the City recently approved a senior
living facility in close proximity to the trail, with facility trails connecting to Myrtle
Street. Mr. McGarry pointed out there is an issue with the local snowmobile club
involved in the plowing policy. Mr. Nyberg brought up the issue of staff time and
cost should the City plow both Myrtle and Manning trails. Mr. Pogge pointed out
the Manning trail would be a low priority and would be plowed, if the Commission
so directs, two or three days after a snow event. After discussion, it was
consensus that the Board was OK with the plowing of the Manning Avenue
segment of trail; Mr. Pogge will check with the County about the possibility of
plowing Myrtle Street.
• There was a brief discussion regarding the Zephyr trail and related issues.
• Ms. Amrein stated she and Ms. Snellman both would be unable to attend the
regularly scheduled October meeting and pointed out that a quorum requires four
members to be in attendance.
• There was discussion of the proposed park/trail dedication fees for senior living
facilities.
• Members whose terms expire at the end of the year were reminded to reapply for
appointment if they so choose. It was noted that all applicants will be interviewed
prior to appointment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary