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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-25 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission Aug. 25, 2008 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson, and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Adam Nyberg Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval ❑f minutes: Ms. Amrein pointed out a correction on page four in the discussion of the Comprehensive Plan park priorities: Mr. Pogge responded there are two separate parks in Millbrook, the large community park and a smaller "neighborhood" park. Ms. Snellman noted a reference to water "detention" in the discussion about the parking ramp should be water "retention." Mr. Brandt moved approval of the minutes of July 28, 2008, as corrected. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. OPEN HOUSE Staples Field basketball court — Mr. Pogge briefly reviewed the history of the park and the basketball court and four possible options for the existing basketball court area of the park. Ms. Amrein invited comments from those in attendance. Burt Dvergsdal, 1001 N. Everett St., spoke of problems when the basketball court was open, problems such as drug deals, public urination and offensive language. He suggested consideration be given to converting the site to a toddler activity area, or, he suggested, the site could be used as a place for a garden for handicapped persons. Tim Benson, Fifth and Aspen, said he could hear the swearing and yelling from the basketball courts. He noted that Stonebridge has eight courts in close proximity to the neighborhood. He suggested using the area for skating/hockey and said he would be willing to help with the ice rink. Ann Thomspon, 401 Wilkin, noted her home is 11' away from the basketball court area. She spoke of the previous problems and stated calling the police did not help. She said she would favor any reuse but basketball. Todd Sharkey, 1003 Fifth St. N., said the basketball courts created a hardship for the people in the area and said he would be against basketball because of the past problems. He said he favored using the site for hockey and would even help with putting up and taking down the boards. He spoke briefly about the two uncontrolled intersections in the area of the park and expressed a concern for the safety of little children. Later in the discussion, Mr. Sharkey said he thought the best use for the space might be for a gazebo. Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 2 of 4 Herb Roettger, 318 W. Wilkin, stated he had three children who enjoyed the park when they were youngsters and said the neighborhood existed harmoniously with the field for 50 years. Basketball changed all that, he said. He called the location "abominable," located directly abutting private property. He said he was not against recreational facilities for kids, but said people have a right to peace and tranquility in their own homes. Ted Beery, 921 Martha, said the whole issue is an enforcement problem. He said he would be all in favor of doing something else with the basketball court area. He stated basketball is not an appropriate use 11' from someone's private property. He stated he has also heard bad language coming from the tennis courts. Later in the conversation, he noted there is no picnic pavilion and perhaps this would be the ideal place for it. Mark Olson, 921 Fifth St. N., said he would be in favor of reusing the property for green space, patio or hockey. Bill Elliott, 310 W. Wilkin, said he would like the area used for green space so folks can enjoy peace and quiet and listen to kids laughing instead of older men cussing. Scott Severin, 324 W. Wilkin, said he was definitely against basketball, but would be OK with hockey. Mark Walker, 333 W. Aspen, said he would not be in favor of basketball or hockey due to the banging of the boards and lights. He suggested a fenced -in ball field, and suggested that something should be done soon. Mr. Dvergsdal asked about the process and how neighbors can keep track of options. Mr. Pogge responded that there likely will be another neighborhood meeting before the Park Board makes any recommendation to the City Council, and he said notices would be sent prior to that meeting. Mr. Dvergsdal also asked how the need for a basketball court was determined. Mr. Pogge stated in addition to national standards on the types of facilities per population, the City conducted a survey and basketball ranked high- on preferred uses with respondents. Ms. Amrein pointed out that the Park Board is trying to get input from neighbors to determine what is to be put in place of the basketball court should the decision be made to remove the court. She stated the Board wants to keep the neighborhood involved. Mr. Brandt asked those who expressed a preference for hockey what use they would like to see in the summer. Ms. Snellman noted she lives in close proximity to Northland Park and pointed out that pucks banging off hockey boards can be heard 100 yards away. Mr. Pogge proposed that he compile a list of possible re -uses for the Board to consider in September, then survey residents on the options, hold another open house at the end of October to discuss the survey results and obtain more input before making a recommendation to the Council in November. Mr. Pogge noted that if the recommendation involves major improvements it will likely be 2010 before any improvements are made. Mr. Dvergsdal asked if residents could help, such as by obtaining donations. Mr. Pogge said assistance would be appreciated, but if it involves any physical changes to the park, it would have to go to the Council for approval. Mr. Walker asked that "children playing" signs be installed near the park. Mr. Pogge said he would talk with Public Works regarding that request. Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 3 of 4 ACTION ITEMS Select Senior Living Center preliminary plat and discussion on park dedication fees for senior living centers — Mr. Pogge briefly reviewed plans for a 101-unit senior living facility on County Road 12 near Rutherford School and the issue of the appropriate level of park and trail dedication fees for such facilities. Mr. Pogge reviewed staff's recommendation regarding possible fees — a park dedication fee of $26,250 based on the assumption that folks in the memory loss and assisted living units will have little or no impact on the park system and those in the independent living units will have an impact of 50 percent of what an apartment unit would have; and a trail dedication fee of $23,375 based on no impact for memory loss units, 25 percent impact for assisted living units and 100 percent for independent living units. As recommended, the trail fee would be reduced by the cost to the developer of constructing a public trail along Minar Avenue. Tim Freeman of Folz, Freeman, Erickson was present representing the developer. Mr. Freeman suggested that the recommended fees are staff's "best guess" and a place to start, noting that the fees have to show impact. Mr. Freeman agreed that the memory loss and assisted living folks would have no impact on the park system, but argued that a more reasonable impact level for independent living units would be 25 percent of that of a standard apartment unit, noting that the average age of those residents is just shy of 90 years of age. Regarding the recommended trail fee, he argued more reasonable levels would be 10 percent, rather than the staff's recommended 25 percent, for assisted living units, and 50 percent, rather than the recommended 100 percent, for independent living units. Mr. Freeman noted the developer will be providing for a loop trail inside the facility campus grounds, as well as the public trail along Minar, and he suggested residents will be using the walks/trails on the grounds more than they will any City trails. Mr. Freeman also pointed out that most of the property is zoned Lakeshore Residential, which would allow for the construction of eight single-family homes, homes that would contribute less in fees that the senior facility but have more of an impact on parks and trails. During discussion, Ms. Amrein noted that folks in the independent living units might want to walk to the Liberty village. Ms. Snellman pointed out that residents will have families, grandchildren and other visitors who may be using the parks and trails. Mr. McGarry noted in this case, the park fees are in lieu of land dedication and will be used for improvements throughout the City's park system, and he said as a Park Board, it's difficult not to ask for more money. Mr. Brandt said he was comfortable with most of the recommendation, but felt the trail fee for the independent living units should be less than the 100 percent as recommended. Ms. Peterson pointed out that if the developer were to pay the standard fees of a multi -unit building, the park fee would be $202,000, a huge difference from what is being recommended. Ms. Snellman moved to set the fees as presented by staff, saying she thought the fees were reasonable. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Brown's Creek Park overlook by Stillwater Noon Rotary Club — Mr. Pogge stated the Noon Rotary Club would like to donate $13,000 for construction of an overlook in Brown's Creek Park. He said staff is working with the Brown's Creek Watershed District to find an appropriate location for the overlook. Mr. Brandt asked if ' fer the `�i1` overloo have a roof; Mr. Pogge said they would like a roof, but the final design hasn't been decided on and would come back to the Board. Mr. McGarry noted an overlook was part of the original plan for the park. Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 4 of 4 Ms. Snellman moved to approve the concept of the overlook, pending additional details, and to continue working with the Rotary Club. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Settlers Glen 5`h Addition gazebo — Mr. Pogge explained that the developer of Settlers Glen 5th Addition is requesting to install a gazebo on park property. He said the developer is planning to bring a nature trail up to the gazebo and will need an easement over one lot. Since the materials for the proposed gazebo don't meet City standards, he said the Settlers Glen Homeowners Association will be required to maintain the structure. Mr. Pogge said the proposed location is a good site for such a use, and long- term, the City may need to put a gazebo in the park when this structure is no longer usable. Mr. Brandt moved to accept the installation of the gazebo on park property as conditioned. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. OTHER ITEMS • Mr. Pogge stated the new play equipment at Sunrise Park has been installed. • Mr. Pogge said Lennar is asking to place "future park site" signs in Millbrook. It was consensus the requested signage was acceptable and should help inform future homeowners who choose to purchase property near the park sites. • Mr. Pogge stated the fencing of the Lily Lake tennis courts and ball field is being replaced. • Mr. Pogge stated the Liberty Homeowners Association is asking the City to replace some playground equipment. • Mr. Pogge asked that the September meeting be scheduled for Sept. 29 as both he and Mr. Turnblad will be out of the office on Sept. 22, the normal meeting date. • Mr. Christensen asked who is responsible for the planting and weeding of the garden at Washington Square. Mr. Pogge said he would check into that. Meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Snellman. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary