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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-28 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission April 28, 2008 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Adam Nyberg, Solveg Peterson and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved approval of the minutes of March 24, 2008, as submitted. Motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Teddy Bear Park and Washington Square summer 2008 events — Mr. Pogge reviewed the list of proposed events included in the agenda packet. Amy Gag, representing the funding agency, New Stillwater Park Foundation, was in attendance. It was noted that, as proposed, special events in Washington Square, have been limited to one event weekly, June 4-Aug. 30. Three or four events per week will be offered at Teddy Bear Park. Ms. Gag said attendance at the special events has been steady and said the Foundation is trying to offer a variety of events. Kathy and David Carroll, 922 W. Abbott, expressed their concern about the programming at Washington Square, in particular their concern about the noise level. Kathy Carroll said they would like to see fewer performances scheduled at Washington Square and asked why programs weren't spread around and offered in other City parks. She also asked that consideration be given to planting trees or other landscaping to perhaps mitigate the ongoing noise issue with Washington Square. David Carroll also suggested "sharing the wealth" and spreading the special event programming throughout the park system. He also asked that consideration be given to providing a sound buffer, whether by planting shrubs or some other means. He said the noise level is intrusive and affects the quality of life of folks living near Washington Square. Mrs. Carroll also asked that the parking area at the park be signed "no overnight parking." Regarding the Carrolls' comments about possibly moving the events to other parks, it was noted that the location has been determined by the funding organization, not the City. Mr. McGarry asked if any consideration had been given to a sound barrier; Mr. Pogge responded that staff could look into landscaping options to potentially mitigate the noise. Ms. Gag noted that only five of the performers, none of whom will be performing at Washington Square, utilize sound systems and programs only last 30-45 minutes. Mr. Nyberg suggested that performers could be requested to keep the noise level down a bit; he also suggested that New Stillwater Park Foundation could be asked to consider offering events in other parks in the future. Ms. Snellman said she did not think the programming as proposed was objectionable or onerous and moved approval of the schedule as proposed for both Teddy Bear Pak and Washington Square. Mr. Brandt seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. It was agreed that staff will look into landscaping options for Washington Square, and Ms. Gag said she would asked performers to tone down the noise level. Mr. Pogge said staff would do the signage of the parking area as requested by Mrs. Carroll. Park and Recreation Board Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 2 of 4 Discussion on street tree plantings - Chad Bahneman, 709 S. First St., described a class project he is doing to promote the planting of boulevard trees in Stillwater's historic neighborhoods. He said he canvassed the neighborhood and about 45 residents on the South Hill are participating this year. He said he arranged for the purchase of a variety of bare -root stock; the participants are paying for their own tree. He suggested this could be a citywide effort in the future and asked for assistance in getting the message out and organizing the effort in future years. Members applauded Mr. Bahneman's efforts. It was suggested that the concept could be promoted on the City's website and in the City newsletter. Ms. Amrein suggested that this might be a good Eagle Scout project in the future. Parking ramp impact on Peace Park - Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the potential impact of the new parking ramp on the existing open space between Rivertown Commons and the proposed ramp: security issues due to obscuring the view of the space from Second Street; limiting exposure of the space to sunlight; the need to change the current access to the space to a tiered stair system with a substantial retaining wall and handicapped access through the first level of the parking ramp. Estimated cost to keep the area open as public space with public access is $175,000-$200,000, Mr. Turnblad stated. Mr. Nyberg asked if that cost included security measures; Mr. Turnblad said if the space is kept open, security cameras and lighting could be installed and the area could be fenced, gated and locked at night. Mr. Brandt asked if any consideration had been given to relocating the ramp to perhaps minimize the impact on the park; Mr. Turnblad responded that would require substantial slope work and involve substantial engineering issues. During discussion, it was noted that residents of Rivertown Commons have requested that the space be kept open. Mr. Turnblad pointed out that the existing space will change if it remains open - there will be limited flat land, limited sunlight and much of the space will be taken up by a landscaped rain garden area for storm water retention purposes. Mr. Turnblad suggested that if the decision is made to close the current green space/park area, a nice space could be provided along Second Street to serve residents of Rivertown Commons and other visitors. Several members expressed their opinion that it would be too costly to keep the existing space open due to its limited space, sunlight and public exposure; Ms. Peterson suggested that perhaps a rooftop garden might work for Rivertown Commons. Mr. Christensen referred to a urban park tour he had taken in Chicago and questioned whether money is the only issue here, suggesting that if this park is used, the Park Board ought to defend keeping it open, if it is not useful as a park area, then that is an issue beyond cost alone. Mr. Nyberg asked about the potential ramifications of changing the current park use. Mr. Turnblad responded that according to City Charter, a referendum might be required. Mr. Turnblad said the park will continue to be kept as a line item in the parking ramp budget in the event that a referendum is required and the majority vote was to keep the park open. Mr. Turnblad reviewed the area between the ramp and Rivertown Commons closer to Second Street which might be developed in exchange for the existing park area. Mr. Brandt asked if the stream could be rerouted to the new area. Mr. Turnblad said the stream will be kept open, but likely can't be rerouted due to engineering issues; however, he said it might be possible to incorporate some type of water amenity. Mr. Nyberg asked if the space would be large enough to incorporate a picnic table. Mr. Park and Recreation Board Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 3 of 4 Turnblad said the space would be large enough for at least one picnic table, several benches and perhaps a gazebo structure of some type. Mr. Turnblad said if the Commission decides in favor of moving the space to Second Street, he would like to see more definitive plans brought back before final approval. Ms. Amrein suggested involving residents of Rivertown Commons in the planning process. Ms. Snellman and Ms. Peterson both said they thought this space would be more usable and accessible to Rivertown Commons residents and other visitors. Mr. McGarry moved to give concept approval to exchanging the current park/open space area with the space abutting Second Street as discussed, with plans to be brought back to the Commission before final approval is given. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Comprehensive Plan park improvement priorities — Mr. Pogge asked for the Commission's input on park improvement priorities for inclusion in the updated Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Nyberg said he thought Lowell Park should be a priority. Mr. McGarry agreed that Lowell Park, as well as the Aiple property, should be priorities. Mr. Pogge noted that work on Lowell Park should begin in 2010-2011, with completion of the stage 3 of the Corps' levee project. Ms. Amrein said Staples Field continues to be a problem and suggested it would be nice to acquire a couple of properties to facilitate development. Ms. Amrein also listed Pioneer Park as a priority, noting that there is a plan for Pioneer Park that has never been completed. Ms. Amrein also listed Legends, Sunrise and Bruggemann parks as priorities, as well as the Long Lake open space and Boutwell Cemetery. Mr. Brandt noted that there is no playground equipment at the Bruggemann park, with nothing for kids to do. Mr. Brandt agreed that Legends Park is in need of improvement, and he listed the Long Lake open space as a priority, noting that owners of new houses under construction in that area ought to be aware that is City parkland. Ms. Amrein suggested improvements to Northland Park might be a priority given Myrtle Street is a gateway to the City. Ms. Snellman agreed that Northland gets lots of use and noted the playground equipment on the upper fields has been removed. Ms. Peterson said she liked the ideal of making Northland Park more visually appealing. Mr. Nyberg suggested that the installation of irrigations system at the parks should be a priority. Mr. Pogge said he would summarize comments and bring this back, along with staff recommendations, for further discussion. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Shoreline improvements along Long Lake - Mr. Pogge provided information on a shoreline restoration project Brown's Creek Watershed District is doing on Long Lake in the Croixwood area. He stated this is the first of a two-phase project. Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan — Mr. Pogge briefly reviewed future trails and future trail upgrades as shown on the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Park and Trail Plan. Other Items — Ms. Amrein noted that the fourth Monday in May, the regular Commission meeting day, is Memorial Day. It was agreed to hold the May meeting on Thursday, May Park and Recreation Board Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 4 of 4 22. Ms. Amrein also brought up the issue the tour for the. June 30 meeting. Ms. Snellman, seconded by Mr. McGarry, unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary of the annual park tour; it was agreed to plan moved to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. Motion passed